I'm Going to be a Big Brother

Yes, it's official...John Parker is going to be a "Big Brother" in March. He's not quite sure what to make of it at this point. Pointing at my belly and talking about his little brother or sister is quite strange to him, I'm sure it will really register once our little baby arrives. We feel blessed beyond measure to welcome another little Ritsema into the fold, Lord willing. It's been a priviledge to have our little one for nearly 16 months now. We know that our joy and love will double with the next one.

They will be 21 months apart. For many that seems a bit crazy, but we are pretty excited that they'll be close in age. We know it's going to be hard those first few years as we navigate the baby and toddler years. However, we have heard that it's great as they get older because they have a lot in common and can be best buds. I'll be 18 weeks tomorrow and my belly has really started to pop. This time much earlier that the last. Ahh, the joys of an already stretched out stomach. I'd love any advice on how to prepare John Parker as well as any tips on raising 2 under 2! :) We are so thankful that God has given us this opportunity to expand our family.

These pictures were taken in late July when we shared our good news with our families! I was just 8 weeks at the time. :)

One Year Pictures

Here are pictures from John Parker's one year photo session, we decided to wait to take these until early August since he's slowly but surely becoming more confident on his feet. He loves walking with support and cruises like crazy, but he's still trying to find his sweet spot with regards to walking.

Carrie Tabb did an amazing job capturing some of our favorite faces of our little guy. Here are a few of the pictures that she took that day.

Plumtastic

I believe I just made up that word, but I found it especially fitting for this post. As you can see from my silly boy's face, he loves plums. He devoured the plum skin and all. I had to pull the pit out of his mouth. I've made a mental note to cover him with a trash bag next time he eats a red plum! :) It makes for the cutest pictures, but does a number on his clothes and the highchair. Ahh, the joys of motherhood.

Splish, Splash

Going for swims in the pool has definitely been one of the highlights of our summer. John Parker has become quite the little fish. This past Friday, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's pool with Jaillene and James. JP couldn't get enough of it. He kept trying to drop out of my arms and submerge himself with water. I had to take a deep breathe and remind myself that he was just having fun not trying to drown himself. Toddlers are so adventurous and willing to do and try anything. I'm glad that I can be his voice of reason. I loved how he would splash and try to roll over on his back. I'm telling you it was a sight to see; it made me smile. I think this boy is ready for swimming lessons.

(Disclaimer--all of these photos were taken before the real fun began! :))

Nothing but swimmers







Are you seriously going to drink that?

Our Florida Getaway

Last week, we headed down to Sarasota to spend some time with the Garrisons and Ritsemas. I was quite apprehensive about the trip since we'd never taken JP on such a long road trip (8+ hours). He did incredibly well; I was shocked. He hasn't been the biggest fan of his rear facing seat lately. We turned him around so that he was forward facing for the 1st time. He loved being a big boy and being able to see all the action. I think he takes after his mom in that he loves to stare out the window on long road trips. We had so much fun singing songs about rain as we passed through many Florida showers:)

We really enjoyed our time with the Garrisons and Ritsemas. We were able to head to Siesta Beach for an afternoon and visit the Mote Aquarium near St. Arman's Circle. I was flooded with memories of college spring break trips in that very same area. I love how life can come full circle. John Parker loves his cousins; he couldn't get enough of Stephen. His face would light up whenever he entered the room. He only wished he was old enough to challenge him in Wii soccer. I welcomed the many hands that were there to love on JP while I took an afternoon snooze or just had some quiet space. We feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to head to the beach with both families this summer.







Exploring the fish at Mote Aquarium







My buddy Stephen



Playing on the Beach







Enjoying an afternoon treat on Long Boat Key





"Yeah, I'm a big boy now!"

Those Eyes

There is something about JP's eyes that get me every time. He has so many looks nowadays. This morning, he was particularly interested in reaching out for the camera and wanting to help mommy take pictures. I love that at this age, he wants to do everything that we do. Lately, he has gotten a kick out of coughing when we cough, drinking out of a big people glass, and trying to imitate what we say. I love my little sponge; he's learning and growing more interesting with each day.

July in Pictures

In an attempt to capture the fun that we've had this month, I thought I'd post a bunch of pictures. We had a great fourth with the Ritsemas. We walked around the Marietta Square and enjoyed chilled lemonades and crafts, played by Grandma and Grandpa's pool, cooked out and experienced our first Sparklers. What fourth would be complete without sparklers? I absolutely loved watching JP's eyes light up when he saw it spark for the first time. He just couldn't get enough of them. Right now, he is obsessed with lights. He points at lights whenever we enter or leave the room. It's so fun to watch him be captivated by things that we are so unaware of each day.

Our little buddy Noah also turned one this month. We had a big time at his party. We got to play like the big kids in an inflattable castle. I was surprised at how much JP enjoyed it; he loved bouncing up and down and army crawling around the bumps. He also loved cruising in Noah's car. Boys and their cars...

Taking in the Fourth at the Square



The Birthday Boy and his mommy



Family Photo Op--so few of these!



Love that face--not sure whether to laugh or cry



Fun with Grandpa and Grandma



I love sparklers!!!



Swinging with Daddy



Pool time with Grandma



What, this is the last one?



His Innocent Look



His Poker Face

More Beach Pictures

While at the beach, I thought it would be special if we took family pictures to commemorate this special year for my parents. Needless to say, the guys thought that this was just about the dumbest idea ever. I'm pleased to say that John changed his mind after all was said and done and said that was a "pretty cool idea". Here's to being that cheesy firstborn....