Our Little Shark!

This morning, Daddy and Maggie made the "shark face" in the mirror!
Your teeth feel funny, Daddy!
My teeth feel funny, too.

Maggie has eight teeth and I think she is getting 1-3 more! I think that her grin is so cute and contagious! Maggie thinks it looks pretty cool, too. She shows her teeth every time she looks in the mirror. It is kind of funny, because she is obviously not smiling, but simply showing her teeth. And, she makes this kind of whistle sound through her teeth when she shows them. I'm glad that she likes the way they look because I know she doesn't love the way her gums feel. We love that sweet, tooth-filled smile!

PS. Any tips on the teething process? I think we know most of them, but if you have something creative, please share!

Wounded and Crushed for Us!

As you can see from the picture (or you may have to get out your magnifying glass), Maggie has two boo boos on her head. She took a little spill again today. But, as you can also see in the picture, she is not phased by it. I am. How do you get past that sinking feeling when your child falls and cries? Do you? Any moms out there have a time line for that? Does it get better?

Every time Maggie gets a little tiny bump or bruise, I am so upset for her! After the fall today, however, my mind and heart wandered past the feeling of pain for Maggie and into a place of thanksgiving. Not that I am glad that my sweet little girl is hurt ( I think you know how I feel about that). But, every time I look at Maggie, I thank our wonderful Lord for doing the unthinkable for me, for all of us. I would never allow Maggie to be hurt for anyone! Thank you, Lord, for allowing your precious son to suffer wounds and die for me!!! I know that's deep, but it's what I have been feeling and thinking today. It's amazing how having children helps you understand a small tiny bit more the love of Christ! Very heavy, but very wonderful! What a deep and unfathomable love our Lord has for us!

Praise God for the Sacrifice of His Son!

Bashes, Boo Boos, and Beautiful Babies

We had a bash at our house Friday night. One of our small group friends, Val, is moving away. So, of course, we had to party to let her know how special she is to us and to show her how missed she will be. It was a great time in the company of good friends! We will miss you, Val!





So far, Maggie has pulled up all the way twice. Other than that, she is satisfied to pull up to her knees and check everything out. Today was no different. She had pulled herself up on her knees and was checking out the DVD's in the TV stand. She lost her balance and hit her head on the stand. She, of course, let out a scream and cried, but she was fine in a few minutes. I, however, was a bit concerned about the tiny bruise on her head. Can you spot it in the picture below? I know....it is horrific!



Anyway, Maggie enjoyed the rest of the afternoon despite the crash. She played, giggled, and had fun hanging out with her mommy and daddy. She was even back to trying to pull up on everything. I was following right behind her so she wouldn't hurt herself again. This evening, she loved her bath just as much as she usually does. I was relieved that she wasn't in any kind of pain from her spill. Despite Matt telling me that she was absolutely positively fine, I had to get Dr. Oliver (otherwise known as my dad) to come and check out her tiny bruise. He agreed with Matt's diagnosis. Some would say that I am a bit of a worrier. Such is the life of a mother! =)

Bathtime fun makes me forget about my boo boo!
She is one cutie pie!
I'll give that cute baby some kisses!

Another Hard Day's Work!

What a Weekend!

This Weekend...

Matt and I went with the third and fourth graders from our church to Lookup Lodge. We had a great time, and the campers completely wore us out. We taught/learned about how to study God's word, had a few water fights, had a bonfire with smores, road the zipline and swing, and much much more. It was a very fun and rewarding trip that I am glad we went on! Needless to say, I am also glad we are back home in our own beds with Maggie right down the hall!

Camp is so wild!
The campers got to eat icecream right off the table...it doesn't get much better than that!
"Awesome Matt" (as the campers appropriately named him) documenting the events
Joey and Denny helping make the icecream even more delicious
"Surfer Dude" video taping those who rode the zipline

While We Were Away...

Maggie stayed with her Mimi and Papa. She had a great time and got to experience some new things. Some of which will take some time to get used to.

Maggie loves her toys at Mimi and Papa's.
I am not loving the grits and eggs!
Get them out of my mouth!
Maggie made a new friend at Mimi and Papa's church.
Excuse me!

After Our Weekend Adventures....

We got together with my family at my parents' house to celebrate Father's Day and Taylor's birthday. Mom cooked a wonderful dinner (ribs, beans, corn....a real manly meal)! Then, we had chocolate cake for dessert in honor of Taylor. We are so thankful for her, and our wonderful fathers! What a celebration!

Mommy and Maggie
The Family Reunited!
Maggie helped Daddy open his gift
Bradley and Taylor
Maggie loves her Papa!
Papa knows how to give Maggie her bath just right!

Maggie is such a daddy's girl! This is one of the qualities she gets from me! I am so blessed to have such a tender, loving, and fun dad. Maggie is also one blessed little girl to have Matt as a daddy and my dad for a Papa. What a wonderful thing that we have earthly fathers to reflect the love of our Heavenly Father! Thank you, Lord for my dad and my sweet husband! My cup runneth over!

First Hair Cut!

Maggie's has grown fairly long, and I loved that! However, I didn't love how crooked it was. So, in honor of the upcoming wedding of Aunt Kimberly and Uncle Mark, we had our first haircut! Maggie was great during her haircut. She didn't fuss at all, and she loved the balloon she got at the end. The cut looks really cute, and it will be so pretty growing out in a somewhat straight style. Here are some pics of the event:

Chop, Chop!
Mommy beaming from how well Maggy did!
Mimi celebrated with us too!
Certificate of Achievement AND a balloon

We had lunch with Campbell and Lauren and Mrs. Heath after the haircut. It was fun visiting with Campbell, her Mommy, and her Mimi (whom Campbell calls Ems).

Maggie and Campbell both look pretty much out of it, but cute, none the less!

Another Fun Filled Sunday!

We had another great morning at church. Matt and I went to the first service, and Maggie was wonderful in the nursery. She got a little bit weepy at the end of the service. So, I took her up to the children's floor so that we could keep her happy while we practiced for the skit (Matt and I are characters in the Camp Grace skits during the second service). I think that Matt did a really great job of entertaining Mags. I took her back to the nursery during the skit. She was an angel!

You can count on Matt to get creative while trying to make his baby smile!
Maggie was amazed at her dad's accordion skills!
Nicky got in on the fun and did a little number for Maggie.
With Maggie happily playing in the nursery, Matt is ready to perform!


Tonight, we had dinner with our small group at Moe's. It was so fun getting to hang out and eat good food. We really do have the greatest small group friends!

Marianne and Maggie having a heart to heart
Caleb's ready to eat!
A couple of the guys enjoying some Moe's
Mags takin' it all in
Noah and Maggie really had a good time together

The boys enjoyed smashing the highchairs into one another...wonder what the Moe's employees thought.
Maggie really appreciated Anne's great taste in jewelry....that's my girl!

Not My Maggie!

Maggie starting to show a little bit of "spunk" these days. We have started to say no firmly when she starts for the cords. This has been pretty much constant the past few days. She knows what "no" means, and so instead of obeying, she fusses and starts crawling (army style) faster! Then, she gets upset when I pull her away from the cord. I guess she is starting to show us her rebellious side. I was so hoping that would never happen. Don't worry. I purchased some ties to get the cords out of view. Hopefully that will help with the temptation.
You didn't REALLY mean no, did you?
But look at these awesome cords?
You didn't have to hurt my feelings!
What about these cords?

Question for the Pros....

Maggie has seven teeth! She only had two a few weeks ago. So, she is really pulling at her ears, and she has had a bit of "the runs" the last couple of days. Through it all, she has not been fussy or been waking up during the night. Are these really symptoms of getting more teeth? I thought I would call the doctor if she isn't better in the morning, but I was curious if any of you had any personal experiences you might want to share on the matter?

Myrtle Beach or Bust!

We went to Myrtle Beach this past week and had a fabulous time! The first part of the week, the Weavers came and stayed with us. Lila and Maggie thoroughly enjoyed their time together. I think that they will only have more and more fun as they get older. Right now, Mags is a little slow for Lila who has discovered the wonderful world of walking and talking. Way to go, Lila!
Maggie loved the water! From the moment we put her in the water, she knew what to do. She was so cute kicking away and loving every minute of it. At one point, we had a crowd of onlookers who were very impressed with her skills. One lady even asked if she had taken swimming lessons! That's right...she is an Olympian in the making! Be sure to take a look at the video clip. This wasn't her best moment of swimming, but it was the best that we documented.
Then, Aunt Kerri came down and we had some more fun with everyone there. Matt and I even got to go out on a date! That was so sweet of Kerri to give up her night so that we could go out...thanks, Kerri!
Then, it was time for Maggie to go home with her Daddy. Matt braved the drive all by himself (well, he was the only adult.) Maggie did really well, and Matt said she was perfect. Kerri and I enjoyed a couple of days with just us girls. It was wonderful to have a little bit of time to just relax. Although, as much fun as it was, I was ready to get back to see my Magpie!