Bowman...He's 10 months old!!

Look at how big you've gotten! You have so many tricks...and continue to make us smile every day. Let's see, where to begin?? Eating has gotten better; you actually have taken more solids without gagging. We haven't moved past Gerber pick up foods and Stage 3, but I can finally see the possibility in our future. You seem to have such a hyper-active gag reflex, so it's been difficult getting you to eat anything other than strained foods. But, Daddy and I have been diligent...maybe this month we'll finally get some actual bananas in you! You've also become very messy -- and REFUSE to wear a bib (as seen below!) Anytime I put one on, you pull and pull until you either rip it off or I finally give in and release you...I'm such a softie! You've gotten better with your cup, but by no means are we ready to drop a bottle. Again, maybe this will be the month??
You still remain such a happy boy....but have also shown us your serious side. You watch others with complete concentration. It's as though you are soaking in everything anyone says or does. You get caught up in these intense stares, but all we have to do is call your name and you send us one of those incredible smiles...seriously, is there anything cuter???

You've become quite the fan of standing; in fact, sitting around has become a thing of the past. Daddy and I often find you in the most bizarre places, but your favorite continues to be under the kitchen table! I often wonder if you will walk before your brother; Porter was taking his first steps at 11 months. You really aren't cruising too much yet, but need very little support to hold yourself up. Sometimes, you even shake your groove thing...it's so cute to see you bounce up and down to music. Maybe you got your rhythm from your Grampa Bud??

You've also become quite the little clapper. Anygtime we start to clap or even call out "YAY!" you bring your hands together and start clapping. I could watch that all day long (and I must admit, I egg you on constantly!!)

Bowman, we couldn't be happier to call you our little man...and honestly, cannot imagine our lives without you!

Are You Ready for Some Football???

Ahh yes...football season is right around the corner! Yes, I know; the NFL has already begun their preseason games, but I'm talking about college football. I love it! When I started at Carolina in 1995 (ack! that makes me feel so unbelievably old!) I really didn't care too much about the sport. But, after joining my sorority and attending the almost weekly tailgates, I started to understand the absolute dedication of SEC fans...there is truly nothing like it! For home games, people would drive their RVs in days before the game, fans would tailgate HOURS before the games, and garnet and black flags would be flying everywhere you looked. Being introduced to this phenomenom also provided me the opportunity to finally understand the game of football...don't get me wrong though. While I can see major penalties like delay of game, pass interference, etc., I'm still rather blind to most holding offenses...I leave those calls to my husband. My parents have become rather avid Gamecock fans as well; in fact, for the last few years, we've gone in with them on scholarship seats and finally found ourselves in the shady seats last year -- woo hoo!!! We've already introduced our sons to the Garnet and Black as well; Porter can pick out a gamecock immediately and loves nothing more than seeing Cocky in person! So, with the first game exactly one week away, I'm starting to get geared up. Sadly, that game will be away; I'll actually have to wait a few more weeks to hear "2001." But, I'll be excited (and optimistic) nonetheless. Perhaps this year will be the year our boys finally go all the way??? Probably not, but it won't affect Carolina's fans from showing up week after week to cheer these young men on...GO COCKS!!!!!

Palmetto Falls Fun

Today, my friend Sarah and I took our kids to Palmetto Falls, the waterpark at Fort Jackson. I've always wanted to go, and with Labor Day weekend quickly approaching, I wanted to get some water fun in before the park closed for the year. The boy and I met Sarah, Amanda, and William soon after the doors opened...and the kids had fun from the first minute! The park has a pool dedicated to little ones; Porter and Amanda were free to run, jump, and slide as much as they wanted. We put Bowman and William in rafts; they floated around the pool and couldn't have been happier. We even took all the kids down the lazy river a few times. Porter and Amanda braved the bigger slides; I actually managed to make it down myself. Sarah and I are very comfortable with each others kids and they all play so well together. It actually made for a very enjoyable (and surprisingly relaxing!) afternoon. Can't wait to do it again!!
Porter and Amanda checking out the pool!

William

Porter floatin' in his crab

Amanda, the master swimmer

William in his turtle

Bumper Boats

Having fun in the spray zone

The frog slide

As the day went on, Amanda and Porter got very good at catching one another as they came down the slide. Guess they learned that from their mommies!!!

Look What I Can DO!!!

Bowman has definitely mastered this skill...and even takes a side-step or 2...I guess it's time to move everything up higher!!! Check out ALL those teeth...#7 & 8 are coming in now!!