My favorite picture.

So far, this is my favorite picture of my little guy.  It was shot on an I Phone, so not the best quality, but there is just something special about it.  I think it is his eyes--so wide and alert!

I have been playing around with a new program on my Mac (courtesy of Nicole and Katie) that allows me to add custom developments.  Let me know which one you like the best.

I love my aunt!

Nicole stayed with us from Friday until Tuesday morning, so Liam got to spend quality time with her.  Nicole is always such a big help and so selfless with her time.  She did not disappoint this weekend.

Nicole, thank you for:
- Helping me set up for the dedication "after party" until midnight on Friday
- Changing countless diapers
- Doing laundry while I slept
- Letting me take my first nap since week one (and dealing with a fussy Liam)
- Making Liam laugh
- Changing more diapers
- Organizing all of Liam's clothes
- Washing lots of dishes
- Keeping Liam company on the drive to Reno
- Lugging Liam, the Bob and many bags around to the mall, Michael's, Peets, Whole Foods and Sam's Club--we were quite the shoppers!!

Liam loves cuddling and playing with his aunt Nicole.

Tummy time with Nicole

Nicole took Liam "to the zoo"

Getting sleepy...very sleepy

Morning Hugs!

Hot August Nights

Liam's first ride in his G-daddy's Z.  Cruising the strip, picking up chicks:)

This past weekend was packed!  In addition to the dedication (as you can see below), it was also Liam's first road trip to Reno.  He was so excited to join both sets of grandparents, his great-uncle Paul and great-aunt Penne and his Uncle Joel and Aunt Nicole for a day of muscle cars and his first night away from home.

He was WAY off his schedule, but still did very well.  It's pretty easy to have a good day when you have twelve people loving, kissing, squeezing and entertaining you all day :)

The engine rumble put him into a deep sleep.

The story of how my dad has owned the same car three times--its a good one.  

My sister Katie designed and wrote the poster.

Meeting his great-uncle Paul.  Liam's shirt has a Z-28 on it and say's "Bring the Noise"

Any guess who bought him that???

Nicole, Joel and Ericka cruising with my dad.

The boys

Grammie and Daddy love to watch him sleep.

I love my Uncle Joel!

Racing cars with Dad at Round Table Pizza.

Dedication Craft

As a keepsake for all who attended William's dedication, I put together these prayer cards for them to keep in their Bibles.  It gives specific verses and things to pray over William's life--from his choice to follow Christ to his choice in a future spouse.  I pray that those who came to his dedication will uphold their promise to pray for, support and set examples for William growing up.    

For a closer look at what the cards have written on them, see below.

The After Party

We had family and friends over for dinner following the dedication ceremony.  Here are some shots from the "after party."

Mommy loves you!

Lindsay and Jared

William loves his great-grandma Lois!

and his Papa Allen

Uncle Joel and Ericka make Liam happy everytime (he thinks she's cute).

Worn out from a long day!

Opening a card from Mimi and G-daddy, who got him a "special box" like I had growing up.

Ericka embroidered (yes, she did it herself) his name on a super-soft Monkey blanket.

William's Dedication

Sunday was a very special day for our family and emotional for me.  On William's one-month birthday, he was dedicated to the Lord at our church.  And just as Hannah presented Samuel to the Lord in the book of Samuel, I presented William to God.  I know that he is not mine.  He has been entrusted to us, but he belongs to God.

As we stood on stage with the pastor and other families who were dedicating their children, I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude, for all the Lord has blessed me with.  And also overwhelmed with the understanding that Matt and I have a huge responsibility to raise a man out of this little child.  So far, so good: William was the most well behaved child there--he slept the entire time :)

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 is clear that parents are responsible for the teaching of God, but it is also clear that teaching is more than words, it is an example set.  As I think about that--REALLY think about it--it makes me want to be a better person. (I know--it sounds trite, but it is true).  After all, his little eyes will be watching me, his little ears will be listening to me and his little heart will know whether my deeds are genuine.  His future, his security, his passions, his memories, his faith are somewhat dependent on our influence in his life.  I hope I can live up to the challenge!

Thank you to our family and friends that came (or watched streaming online--Katie!), and for them promising to support, pray for and be spiritual examples to William as he grows.  It takes a village community :)

Thanks to all our family and friends who came out to promise 

their support and prayers over William's life.

William's get-up was a Christening gown made in the 1800's by my great, great, great grandmother; worn by countless infants in my family including my siblings, cousins, uncles, mother and grandmother.  Below are pictures of my mother and I in the gown.  We were honored that my grandmother shared the gown with us, and pray that William will grow strong in the Lord as many of those who have also worn the gown have.

My mother wearing the gown at her christening, with my Nana and Papa

My christening, with my parents and uncle Chris

William in the gown at his dedication

How can someone say there is no God?

I thought I would share an email I received congratulating me on mommyhood.  So, so, so true.

Congrats!!!!

Liam…that’s very cool.

Now that you are a mommy I can say it….;-)

I think it’s the biggest “soul” (life) changer. You will never look at the world or your parents the same. 

Liam started out as an egg and a cell with a tail. 

How can someone say there is no GOD.

If you have ever been in a delivery room, you can’t. Liam is a miracle. Think of the billions of things that must go right to create a little person.    

Look at him. He is a little person. His body is performing a billion activities every second – his liver, his lungs, his heart, his brain, his digestive system, his immune system………

Nothing cooler than 1^st baby!  Now you know and have experienced the true depth and meaning of LOVE.

Gives me baby fever!!

Congrats! He is wonderful.

He is wonderful, he was so sweet and precious from the moment he was born.  It already seems as though he has grown too fast.  Here is a look at my baby on his BIRTHday.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

7.11.2010 William's BIRTHday :)