Homecoming!

After a month on the road, Joe finally arrived home this morning. Oh my goodness... Wyatt's laughter and squeals of delight have been absolutely priceless. Wyatt continues to make sure he's the center of Joe's attention at all times today. Joe certainly did not lose any favor in Wy's eyes over this past month. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder!!! I would spend a month apart all over again just to replay my boys' reunion. Luckily, I captured some of the memories on video! This has definitely been one of my all-time favorite days! : )

Waiting for Dad... How much longer, Mom?

8/20/08 Departure...

Does he look any different? (Wyatt, that is!) Joe must have packed light because he came home in the same outfit he left in! 9/15/08 Arrival... My boys played hard until Wyatt finally tuckered out in Daddy's arms!

My Half Birthday!

Wyatt entered the world 6 months ago today and changed my heart forever! It amazes me each and every day just how much JOY my chunky monkey brings to life. I still get teary eyed when I look at his sweet face just after he falls asleep in the evenings... HE IS THE GIFT THAT JUST KEEPS ON GIVING!!! : ) I'm humbled by the Lord's incredible grace and so proud to be known as "Wyatt's Mommy"! I love you to the moon and back, my son!

Can you believe I'm 6-months-old already?

Mr. Independent has learned to feed himself!

My new favorite game is to remove my LEFT sock!

To Mommy's surprise, I uncharacteristically decided to wake up at 3:30am to start celebrating my half birthday! : / Since I was bright-eyed and busy tailed, Mommy and I decided to get out of bed and watch the rain come pouring down! It took us 45-minutes trying to get home from church because all of the roads were flooded... The aftermath of hurricane Ike has sure taken NW Indiana by storm. Mommy nervously trudged through the water while I was sawing logs in the backseat!!! After the nice long nap, I was raring to go when we got home! Whew... Mommy's tired!!! It's a good thing DADDY IS COMING HOME TOMORROW... Mommy needs a break and Wy needs his daddy! :)

Can't wait to give you a great big squeeze, Dad!

GIDDYUP!

Howdy Pops! My mimi and poppy left yesterday : ( But before they departed home to KS, they gave me my first cowboy ensemble, complete with a vest and boots! So I'm having fun being Lil Earp these days. : ) Mommy says you can teach me to shoot when I'm a little bit bigger, ok Dad?!!! I'm counting down the hours til you get home... 24 days down and only 2 1/2 days to go!!!! With love, The Lil Earp

3 Down, 1 to Go!

We're in the final stretch now... Joe has been on the campaign trail for 3 weeks and should be home early next week. Hopefully he'll be around for a couple of weeks before heading out again for the month of October. We're counting down the days til Nov 4... Election Day!!!!

Getting bundled up for an early morning run!

I might sprout a tooth before you get home, Dad!

An adoring gaze!

I love to play tunes on my new piano!

Gobbling up my green beans--Very Tasty!

Having fun in my new tub!

Dear Daddy, Mommy thinks I've changed more in this past month than ever before! I am sitting so big all the time and I'm even able to stand up by myself while holding onto the ottoman. I am becoming very interactive, so playful, and I have an opinion about everything. I have had so much fun with Mimi and Poppy this week... I've definitely got them wrapped around my finger! I am always showing off and waiting for a response! : ) Your Little Rascal, Wyatt

A New Do!

Wyatt sporting his new do--The Spike! Daddy thought Wy was in need of some hair gel, so these pics are for you, Jojo!

Day 19...Only 8 more days til Daddy comes home!

Grandparents Day!

My parents drove all the way from KS to spend the week with Wyatt and me while Joe is still away. Wyatt was very surprised to wake up to his Mimi and Poppy this morning! He had a very FUN day with them...He had their full attention all day which is what he loves most--to be the center of attention!!!

Poppy, Wyatt, and Mimi after church

Wyatt listening intently to Mimi

Halfway Home!

Two weeks down, and two to go! Your halfway home, Dad!

I'm almost too big for my bumbo chair : ) The tray smashes my thighs!!!

Entertaining myself with my own 2 feet!

Yummy--My toes are so cute and they taste good!

Tired of being without you, Dad!

Dear Daddy,

My new discovery this week has been my feet and toes...I can almost get my whole foot in my mouth and I love to suck on my big toe like it's a lollipop! I went to visit my pediatrician this week and found out that I still have an ear infection. Bummer! Although, I really like the new medicine she gave me--it is quite sweet! A spoonful of sugar really does help the medicine go down! I've been giving Mommy a little bit of fuss (just for some extra attention), but for the most part, I'm still all smiles and laughter. Your still in my heart and on my mind. I miss you, Dad!

Love, Lil Jojo