Week 33

Sorry for the delay in this week's pic......Lily is sporting an outfit given to her by Chris, Sonia and Caleb, who are expecting their new addition in the next few weeks!

Lily loves books, especially when she gets to turn the pages....or take a quick nibble....whichever perks her fancy.

Week 32: Pass The Kleenex Please...

This week was our week to catch the bug.....Dave kicked us off in the beginning of the week.... passed it on to the baby.....and then to me.
Lily was such a little trooper though, she really wasn't too fussy, just a little needy, wanting to be held alot. Luckily, I was on Radiology last week, so my schedule afforded me the time to stay home to give her extra TLC.

To mark her first battle with the bug I thought I'd add the indispensable tissues to the week picture.... the succession of pictures accurately depicts what it's like trying to take a 7 month-old's picture with anything that can be picked up, torn apart, or put in her mouth.....notice in the last picture, the look of satisfaction from confiscating the 'W'.

Ouch Lily, That Really Hurt!

Squint and you can see Miss Lily's two new teeth, they broke through, rather uneventfully about two weeks ago....uneventful that is, until she bites you......and in that spirit, please visit this priceless YouTube clip..... Charlie

Week 31: Enough Love To Go Around

As we approach Happy Heart's Day this week, Lily decided to display her devotion equally for the week picture...much appreciated by the recipients, I might add. Though I'm usually not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day, due to the standard objection of the over commercialization and therefore contrived nature of the whole thing....I have to say this little miracle that has entered our lives has me thinking differently about recognizing those we are lucky enough to love. Now in the spirit of my grandfather, I will preface with the fact that life is certainly too short and uncertain to wait for one day out of the year when we are told to acknowledge someone to do it.....we should be moved to show affection and consideration when it strikes us, no matter what day it might be.....I agree.....but I have to admit this Valentine's day, for me, will be different than any I've had in the past.....this Valentine's Day I know what it means to have my heart swell with love, beyond that which I thought it capable. It's cliche, I suppose because it's true, there's nothing quite like the love you feel for your child. Have a Happy Valentine's Day, enjoy those you are lucky to love and be loved by.

(a quick thanks to Nana for the cute Valentine's clothes!)

Two Can Play That Game

Week 30: A Tale of Two Baptisms

It was the best of baptisms, it was the worst of baptisms....our post begins with a small family gathering in Knoxville. Nana and Papa Campbell came down for the weekend to celebrate Lily's baptism at the Church of the Ascension. The Ascension is a special place for us because that is where Emily was baptised, where Emily and I were married, and also where Tom rests. Of course, the Campbell Pack in its entirity, as well as Donna and Jonathan, were in attendance as well. Saturday morning we had a meeting with Father Hess, who presided over the service, to lay out the order of the Sacrement and clear up any last minute details. At this point we met the other individuals who were particpating that day, which included a family with the mother, 6 year old daughter, and two sons (4 and 2 years old respectively) being baptised. I am pleased to say that our concern over the potential for chaos was completely unfounded. The service at the Ascension was beautiful, especially when the children of the congregation were invited to gather around the baptismal font while Father Hess performed the baptisms.

Now, as the title of the post suggests, there were actually two baptisms over the weekend. The second was not planned, and certainly more interesting (not in a good way). It was after dinner on Saturday night when we had settled down in the family room to watch the Tennessee basketball game. The boys were in the backyard for a bathroom break when Jonathan and I detected a faint, but recognizable odor. I immediately went to the porch and called for the boys, Gator came while all I could hear of Thatcher was him rubbing his head in the leaves under a tree. At that point I knew what had happened. Not to be outdone by his baby sister, Thatcher had tried to make friends with a skunk, and consequently gotten himself "baptised" too. Unfortunately for Thatcher, we believe the skunk hit him right between the eyes. The next hours were spent applying both homemade and storebought concoctions to Thatcher's head in an attempt to neutralize the smell. All things considered, we were fairly successful...though it would be a stretch to suggest that the odor is not currently recongizable on him.

It was a fun and very meaningful weekend that left us to reflect on how fortunate we are to have two families that are so eager to be a part of Lily's life....and are also willing to put up the boys and their antics!

A quick addendum to Dave's post....here's the 'official' week picture. The banner behind Lily was made for her by the church and hung from the choir loft during the service.

Also, I wanted to send a huge thank you to my mom (Gran) for her beautiful handywork creating Lily's christening dress. It was perfect and such a special addition to the day. Thank you Mom!