Closer to Home

Now that we are living in Wisconsin, it’s so much easier to spend the holidays with our family. And since having Micah, it’s become even more important and special to be able to do so. I know this is a little outdated already, but for the first time in years, we were able to spend Thanksgiving with family!! Poor Micah wasn’t feeling too well, and wasn’t his normal happy self. But my parents did enjoy the rare treat of being able to cuddle with him…very rare since he’s become mobile. Also, my parents just got a Wii, so we logged many hours taking turns trying it out. Even though the time was way too short, we really enjoyed our time with my parents, Jeremy, Sierra and Ethan. Here are a few pictures of our trip.

The Big 1

Happy birthday, Micah!! On November 11^th, our little guy turned the big...1. It’s so hard to believe that he’s a year old already! We helped him extend his birthday celebration as long as we could. For instance, he opened presents with my parents about two weeks before. Then he opened presents on his actual birthday. And then we had cake the day after when Tim’s parents, aunt, sister and nephew came to our house.

The Lord certainly has blessed us by giving us Micah. He has brought so much laughter to our home. It’s been so fun to watch him learn and become more aware of his surroundings during this first year. He loves slamming his toys against the hard surfaces, especially the kitchen floor (the noisier the better)! He also loves it when Daddy chases him and lifts him through the air. He absolutely loves bananas! He can eat a whole one in one sitting… along with the rest of his meal, of course. His bottle is now a thing of the past… even that nighttime one. He’s officially graduated to a big boy sippee cup, and he’s even eating what we eat…and boy does he eat!!

Happy birthday, Micah! Your mommy and daddy love you so much and can’t imagine our lives without you!!

Happy Birthday!

Back North, Eh!

Wow! It has been a busy month! Where to start? Well, first, we moved! We are now living in Wisconsin and are getting settled in. We’re so thankful for the many friends who came to help us load up in Virginia, for Mom and Dad Ahtila who helped us move, for the safety on the roads, and for the friends who came to welcome us and help us unload here in Wisconsin. Micah did really well during the LOOOONG car ride, and somehow adjusted to the 2 hour time change (Daylight savings ending in there) much better than his parents did!! We also enjoyed a day layover at the Ahtila’s house. Mom and Dad Hill and my brother, Jeremy and our nephew, Ethan, were all able to visit as well! We had a great time visiting, resting and breaking the news that we were expecting Baby #2 at the end of May.

Tim is diving right into serving here at Timberland Bible Chapel. We’re enjoying getting to know the people of the church better. Tim is definitely keeping busy, but loving it!

Also, Micah turned one year old on November 11^th. He had his 1 year doctor’s appointment, where we were told he’s on the “skinny side”, which made me chuckle! I think that’s the first time anyone has called him skinny! We’re thankful for a happy, healthy boy (not so much a baby anymore!!), who’s developing well.

Happy birthday, Tim!!

I’m a little late in getting this post completed, I know. But I did want to say happy birthday to my sweet, amazing husband! His birthday (the BIG 3-0!!!) was on Friday, and we celebrated by going to Red Lobster for the all-you-can-eat shrimp special, which is Tim’s favorite! Then we enjoyed a movie later that evening. It was so nice having Tim off of work for a few days, too!! Saturday night, we had a few friends over for cake and ice cream to help us celebrate. We had a great time of fellowship with them! Happy birthday, Tim!! I thank my God every day for you! You are such a wonderful Dad and husband. And I’m so thankful that I got another year to celebrate with you!

A Micah Story

So Micah is an extremely inquisitive little guy! As he was finishing his bottle yesterday, he decided to start chewing on his fingers. No big deal. Well, this time, he stuck them so far back in his mouth that it made him gag! As he sat there, realizing what just happened, you could see the little wheels in his head turning. He stared at his fingers for a moment and then put them back into his mouth, gagging himself once more. So I pulled his hand out and told him no. I tried stopping him, but he succeeded in gagging himself about 3 more times. The last time, however, when he shoved those little fingers into his mouth, he threw up all over himself! I was cracking up, while Micah sat there with a look on his face that said “What just happened?” Hopefully Micah won’t try that again anytime soon!

On the Move

It’s official…Micah is on the move! Not just crawling, but walking that is! He’s learned to pull himself up on the couch or against a door, and then…look out! He’s off to scampering. Yesterday he was squealing with delight as he was walking all over the house. He makes us laugh! He’s just so happy when he’s walking around.

Micah at 9 Months

Can you believe Micah is already 9 months?! I can hardly believe in a few short months he’ll already be 1 year old! We just took Micah to his 9 month appointment, where he weighed in at 23lbs., 2 oz. and is 28 ¾ inches long (he might be a little longer, since he was not cooperating with the nurse! J) It’s so fun to see Micah learn new things! He’s at such a fun age! Oh, and thankfully, he finally got 2 teeth a couple weeks ago!!

Here are some things Micah loves:

- Crawling ALL over the place, especially to the bathroom to play with the scale

- Standing up and walk, by hanging onto our hands

- Eating (big surprise!) He especially loves his puffs, peaches and smoothies!

- Playing with his brown bear

- Throwing the ball to Daddy

- Going for a stroller ride outside

- Playing peek-a-boo

Here's an action shot of Micah crawling:

Looks like he found the mirror!

Cuddle time with Daddy before bed: