Impromptu ZOO day!

It seemed like a perfect day to make a trip to the zoo, but not so much to visit all the animals, moreso for birthday party planning. Everett will be 2 and celebrating his special day at the zoo with family next month.

Everett & Mama take the Yellow Rose Express to Texas Wild, while Emory and I take a stroll by foot.

Everett "WOOO-HOOO-ing" (not choo-choo-ing) :) on the ride.

Having lunch at the Texas Wild Cafe.

Emory and Mama wait while Ev and Mommy head off to ride the carosel.

Everett didn't care much for his Bjorn carrier as an infant, but Emory LOVED it. He slept just about the entire time, while in tote.

Although today's zoo visit wasn't so much about visiting the animals , a visit to "Parrot Paradise" was a must.

Everett with bird seed sticks, waiting patiently for takers. Searching for birds is serious business.

He searched high...

and low....

Determined to find a parrot bird friend.

We passed the lions at just the right time...

we received quite a show. Everett applauded afterwards. :)

Deona and Emory visit MOLA for the first time.

Cool fern tiles on the ceiling in the MOLA.

So much to see and do at the zoo and Everett prefers playing with crushed granite. :)

A super fun and exhausting day at the zoo. Three of us came home and went straight to bed while Deona visited Aunt Jackie in the hospital. Aunt Jackie had a set back after yesterday's outpatient surgery. Please join us in sending prayers for aunt Jackie's fast and complete recovery. Could you please consider including a prayer that Ev and Emory sleep through the night, as well?. Thanks much. :)

Bullstrode, Thomas & Letters = Bath time FUN!

Thanks to Gramma, Katie and Josh for Ev's new bath toys, he LOVES them!!

We've Switched to Cordless!

Emory lost his belly button cord stump during the night. Hooray!! Now he has a cutie pie little belly button. Next stop - taking an actual bath in his duck bathtub. Stay tuned!

2 week update

Emory is 2 weeks old!

Appetite
Emory has an extremely healthy appetite and because of this, poops all the time. He feeds every 1 ½ - 2 hours and eats anywhere between 2 and 3 oz at a time. We are currently supplement feeding while we sleep at night and breast milk the rest of the time.
He has no problem vocalizing when he’s not happy with something. Overall, he is happy and content.

Development
He’s very much the newborn. Only changes since birth: both eyes are often open and attempts to lift/ hold his head up.

How’s Everett coping you ask?
Everett is adjusting very well. He has not treated Deona or myself any differently. Initially, he would attempt to (gently) shove Emory out of our arms so we could hold him, but has accepted brother is here to stay. Everett is most definitely a sympathetic crier. As soon as Emory starts to cry, Everett joins in, only these cries are a sad, “make him stop” cry. On a happier note, tonight in their car seats, Deona noticed Everett reach over to hold Emory’s tiny hand.

Jordan feeds Emory

Big cousin Jordan was super excited about washing his hands, so he could feed his baby cousin Emory today. He was so sweet and careful and did a great job. Way To Go Jordan!!

Then & Now

We brought out Everett's bouncey chair in hopes that Emory might like it just as much as Everett did does. :o)

(click photo to enlarge)

Our Everett grew up too fast. :(

Bluebonnets, dandelions & discrimination

A very important lesson today. Never, EVER leave home without your camera. Today, we had a mini-session appointment with a local, photographer, "Erin Noll". Her bluebonnet mini-session seemed ideal for our family; especially with a newborn.

When we arrived, we sensed she was uncomfortable with our family, especially after I introduced Deona as my partner. She proceeded to shoot several shots, yet with little direction, instruction and offered no information unless prompted by us.

After our session, I felt the need to grab my camera and at least get a couple of shots of Everett playing in the field, before we left.

When we got home this evening, I received an email from Erin:
"I am very sorry but the memory card on my camera failed this evening. I am vey sorry. Here is a list of photographers in the area that could help you retake pictures:http://www.decidio.com/local-businesses/photographers-arlington-texas-s53.html, Erin Noll Photography"

I felt the need to reply...

"Dear Erin, I'm sorry to hear the news. We gathered something like this might happen, since we sensed your discomfort immediately and also because you are referring our business elsewhere. Luckily i had my Canon with me and was able to get a few shots in for ourselves.
No need to give us a list of photographers, we have a couple we use frequently, just thought your bluebonnet mini session opportunity sounded ideal, especially with a newborn.
We tend to forget there are some people who turn away great business because of their fear to grow beyond what they are familiar with and/or comfortable with.
Just something to ponder....word of mouth is your strongest marketing tool....please reconsider how you conduct your business.
My best,
-Monica "

I'm angry, yet saddened that she's probably deleted so many photos of my beautiful family. Even so, i must remind myself that loving one another is the core of our Christian walk, even when my family has been discriminated against.

I'm so glad I had my camera, I had fun shooting Everett in the bluebonnets.

Note to Ori: We just need to hire you. You up for hire? :o)