Playing

I though it would be fun to take a ton of pictures of Charlie yesterday and attempt to be artistic. A variety of slideshows was the best I could come up with. There are a few pics that I really like, but only a few turned out worth keeping. However, I just could not bring myself to delete ones if they were not blury. A very good mother I know once told me that when she was having to elimate some pics of her children, she felt like a piece of her soul was being elimated as well. Our children are pieces of us. Very good pieces. Hope you will find delight in viewing "pieces" of my Charlie.

Hands

Feet

Happy 7 Months Charlie!

Charlie is already 7 months! Time is going by too fast. I love this stage of his life. He has the cutest personality! I just love the way he holds his head waaay up when he is on his tummy. He is able to look all around. Sometimes, he rolls over because he is looking around just a little too far. He is our little "roly poly!" We really have to watch him now because as soon as we lay him down, he is rolling all over! He is great at babbling and screaming. He has a few new noises this month, but his newest is a gurgling sound that Daddy calls his Chewbacca noise. Daddy is great at getting him to giggle. Mommy can do it sometimes. He loves nibbling on his toes and sucking his fingers and fists. He is drooling a lot more. He loves meal times. Baby foods he has eaten are corn, peas, pears, apples, bananas, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots. He likes them all, but really favors sweet potatoes. He continues to sleep well during the night. He has a unique way of "falling" to sleep. He rolls around so rough, as if he is trying to bury himself in the mattress, until he is worn out and no longer has the energy to do so. Sometimes, he falls asleep in mid motion! He is consistant about sleeping for an hour during the mornings and evenings. His afternoon nap varies. Sometimes he sleeps for two hours and other times just for an hour. He cries mostly when he is tired. He is getting better and better at standing. He LOVES bath time. He and Daddy have been practicing swimming. We can't wait until the summer when we can all go to the pool and try it out! He is fascinated by Concho. I am excited about their budding friendship. Charlie loves to watch tv. Cartoons are his favorite. He also loves to drink water out of a big cup. We help him with his sippy cup, but a Mommy and Daddy size cup is his favorite! I will continue to encourage him to drink water. His hair is beginning to be very noticable. It sticks up on the back and is oh so cute! He has a cowlick just like Daddy's! I am pretty sure we are going to have a red headed little boy. At times it looks light brown, but when the light hits it, it's red. I think it might be curly too! Won't that be precious? We thank God for him everyday and pray that He will continue to nourish him along. We say to ourselves so often, "We had no idea having a child would be so fun!"

Charlie Nibbling His Toes!

I was able to capture Charlie in the act! What a joy it was to watch him take delight in his efforts! I am proud of you, my little sweet thing!

My Own Column?

I received an exciting request a couple of weeks ago. Quincy, our newspaper editor, called and asked if I would be interested in writing a column for the Vega Enterprise. Being a huge fan of Vega, I was honored. The paper came out yesterday with my first column in it. Not long after I was home, I received a phone call from a sweet friend of mine, complimenting me on the column. I will probably say this throughout the rest of my life: I just love this place! Where I once had no home, I now call home. Where I once had no roots, I now have a firm foundation. Thank you Lord for your steady guidance and leadership.

My First Newspaper Column!

Alabama Accent

From Montgomery, AL to Mrs. Montgomery

It's Me, Katy

I held my phone to my ear waiting for him to answer. “Hello.” “Is this Alan McCloy?” I asked. “What's left of him!” He replied. “Hey Alan. It's me, Katy.” That was the beginning of the end of my life in AL.

We hadn't been on the road for 30 minutes when my phone rang. “It just hit me.” My mom said sobbing. “I can't believe you're not going to be here anymore.” Her tears echoed in our conversation. I was finally leaving Montgomery, AL. I quit my job, put my house on the market and left. I hauled my horses in one pickup and trailer and my mom and aunt hauled my worldly possessions in another. My small convoy and I were moving out west! We arrived in Morse, TX at the home of Alan and Janice McCloy. “Mom, Aunt Melissa, I will be fine.” My words didn't bring the reassurance I was hoping for. “We wouldn't feel so bad about leaving you if you weren't out in the middle of nowhere!” They said crying again. Poor things, they didn't quit crying until they made it to Borger.

I had an interview at Boy's Ranch and decided to detour through Vega. As I traveled along 385, I was in awe of its beauty. I found it easy to reflect on my decision to move. I couldn't help to feel saddened about all the uncertainty that lay ahead of me. I had no roots now, no place to call my home. Rodeo season was over and I was unemployed. I had no idea where I would go next. Then, I saw the water tower! My stomach swelled with butterflies. I couldn't believe that I was finally in its midst. My mind drifted back to watching Popularity Contest. I remembered giving stipulations on a date, “You have to have me home by 8:00 so I can watch my program.” I didn't miss an episode and then I would watch the all day marathons as well! I desperately wanted to live in a place like Vega, TX. I drove up and down each street looking for familiar homes and landmarks from the show. I called my dad and told of my adventure that day. “Did you see Clay?” He asked. “No.” I told of all the landmarks I saw, but they held no excitement for him. Being a working cowboy himself, he was a fan of Clay.

God was good to me. He provided a place for me, my dog and my horses to live until I found a job in Amarillo, 6 months later. I had no plan B and, at times, thought I was crazy for leaving all the security I had. Each time my pickup headed west on I 40, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I new Vega was where I needed to be. With the Lord's guidance, I made it my home in May, eleven months after I left AL. Two years later, I would change my last name and have a son. Yes, God was good to me!

Denim Overalls!

It has been unseasonably warm here, with highs in the upper 80's. I had to take pics of Charlie in these cute overalls. For the life of me, he would not smile! Nonetheless, he remains so precious.

Charlie's Accomplishment!

After weeks and weeks of trying, Charlie was able to get both of his feet in his mouth! Of course, I did not have my camera with me when I saw him. It happens most often when I am changing his diaper, so my hands are busy. I find myself laughing trying to wrestle his legs, wipe him and put a clean diaper on him. He just smiles away at me and I can't help but to stop and count my blessings. Before his big accomplishment, he would strain and find resolution when he was able to slide the toe of his sock off enough to reach into his mouth. I wanted so bad to help him, but knew this was his task. Congratulations Charlie!! I will always be your #1 cheerleader!

Charlie's Growing Hair!

I tried to get a good shot of the "fuzz" on Charlie's head. His hair has really grown over the past couple of weeks. It sticks up on the back of his head and is SOO cute!

Bug's Blessing!

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
I pray that God will put Christian friends and leaders in your path so that you may "sharpen" one another to become more skillful in knowing God and living out His word. I thank Him for the people He will send for you!
God wanted to brighten up the world so He made you!

The Best Part of Waking Up!

I heard Charlie waking up from his nap and I went into get him. I opened the door and saw these precious eyes looking at me! He's getting really good at holding his head waaaay up! I just had to capture my little sweet thing again.

Puppy Love!

Something With a Ring to it!