Half way thru

...Our first year.

Yep, that means our baby boy is 6 months old!!

At 6 months, Marky is a blast. Yesterday we had such a special moment together. We were laughing back and forth with kisses and hugs. My heart is full. I am so thankful. I am SO happy. Motherhood is the sweetest experience of my life. I may be completely consumed in this little guy (minus bunco, occasion date nights out and a few other trips to the store) but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I look forward to waking up each morning to spend another day with the most delicious baby boy ever! :)

The Colonel is REAL?

Before getting started, you need to know two things:

1. My husband has never been one for eating any meat on the bone. He has come around to buffalo wings and ribs but that's about it.
2. My husband HATES Food Network. He would rather listen to fingernails on a chalkboard than watch Food Network (which I love).

This weekend, I left the TV on Food Network while trying to get my grumpy baby situated. Mark came in the room and was quickly mesmerized by the show "Titans of Taste." They were talking about Colonel Sanders and KFC's history. My husband then says to me "The Colonel is a real person??" He proceeded to talk about his new best friend, The Colonel, as we drove out to my aunt's house to deliver her car. He waved to him on all the signs, laughing and saying "look at that cute old guy with his 11 herbs and spices."

Seriously, he was so excited about Col. Sanders being real he wanted to take the plunge and bring home a bucket of chicken with his "cute old" face on it. Off he went to KFC, he brought home a bucket, some sides, some biscuits and of course a chocolate chip cake. After figuring out how much he now enjoys fried chicken, (bone and all) he said "I think I'll put the Colonel in my rotation."

I tried explaining that Popeye's is way better because it's spicy. But evidently, there's no cute old guy on the bucket with a great story...so he will keep grabbing his hot sauce. I guess one thing at a time. I'm just excited my husband tried something new and enjoyed it.

My husband also doesn't like cake...but who couldn't love the KFC cake? He liked it. I'm so proud of him! He came a long way this weekend.

Don't be surprised if you see my husband in a white suit and a black string tie...I love that man!

MI oh my

We took a quick trip to Michigan. Marky did GREAT traveling by car and plane. Best compliment-- "I didn't even know there was a baby on this flight."

We planned for cold weather and really didn't need as much as we thought.

Mr. Patient as we were picking up our $20 a day premium rental car (thank you Priceline)

Mark's Grandma Gentle is his little lady. He's the oldest grandson. He is her heart. This is her first great-grandchild. She refers to Marky as the "littlest angel."

This is the view out into Grandma's backyard from the bathroom.

A bridal shower was the reason we chose to go up the first weekend in March. I was so excited to actually do something with Mark's family. His cousin Brian is getting married to one of the sweetest girls in the world, Jenny. Her shower was awesome.

Here is Mark's Aunt Anne and cousin Hannah. This was Hannah's first time holding a baby.

Again, Aunt Anne with Marky

Logan (aka Lacey) playing with Marky. First time with a baby...are you seeing a pattern?

Aunt Anne's oldest Nolan was also holding a baby for the first time.

Hannah and Marky were really enjoying their time together.

I went to the store and ended up visiting with Mark's mom's family. This is Mark's favorite uncle on that side of the family. Vernon was so excited to meet Little Mark. Actually, they all were. Who wouldn't be though?

Last pictures as we were getting ready to leave early the next morning.

G-ma and her boys

Mark, Marky, the banana and Mark's brother (from another mother) Tony

Here we are with Aunt Amanda (Mark's only sibling)

We couldn't get G-ma to look at the camera. That's ok, she was soaking in all the little man she could.

And who can resist the crazy face picture opp?

We had a great time! It was so wonderful being with our family and letting the little dude see where the "Sam Eagle" started.

Note: G-ma kept it nice and tropical in her house while we were there. My baby was not under dressed one bit. In fact, you may notice his red cheeks from being warm. :)

FYI

If you are one of the people at Wal*Mart, Target or Publix (the 3 stores I shop) that enter the exit or exit the entrance- I Hate you! I'm looking at you like you're a fool because you are. Just letting you know. When I look at you dirty, it's for one reason. You. Are. Dirty.

Can you tell I've been in some mood lately?