Galloping Goats

Right now, Drake continues to eat something new almost everyday. While he still eats purees, we are exploring more self-feeding options as well. I am trying to teach Drake to use a spoon at dinner, which some days he is interested in and others, not so much. In the last week he has had goldfish, graham crackers, green peppers, and I am sure a lot of other news things that I am forgetting.

We thought we would try some goat yogurt with Drake, so Saturday we went to the local goat farm to pick some up and some cheese for David. While we were there, we were able to see a number of animals: goats, chickens, dogs, horses, and a donkey. It is a pretty neat little farm that makes award winning products. David likes the cheese and I think Drake likes the yogurt, although I tried it and was not a fan. I am not sure it is worth paying double the price for half the amount of the organic yogurt that we typically purchase but it is nice to support local farms. We also bought some local natural beef (not at the goat farm) and it was one of the most tender NY Strips that I have ever had.

We also went to a couple basketball games this weekend and Drake enjoyed hanging out with his buddies and trying to climb the stairs.  

At the Men's game, the two basketball players that graduated in December received their diplomas, in a very nice ceremony. The team was in Hawaii during the graduation, so the guys had to miss it, so I contacted the President to see if he would be winning to present the guys their diplomas before a game. I am so glad that we were able to make this work because it meant a lot to the guys, their parents, and to the President.

Bobblehead Drake

Amanda and Jeff Came to Town!

Two weekends ago, Amanda and Jeff came to Clemson for a long weekend visit. We had a great time with them and were so glad they were able to come play with Drake for a few days.

Saturday we went to Greenville to do a little shopping. While we were there, David and I looked for gluten free restaurant options for Amanda. After a bit of online research, we decided to go to Smoke on the Water. I have always enjoyed my food there and the online reviews said it was one of the best gluten free options in Greenville. If it was one of the best options, Greenville has a long way to go in the gluten free market. Amanda asked the waitress for a gluten free menu, which we learned that they did not have but she gave Amanda an example of what she could eat (pulled pork). When it was time to order, we learned that pulled pork is actually the only option. While this is most likely what Amanda would have ordered, it would have been nice for her to have more than one option. I would say that Smoke on the Water is a gluten free fail.

Saturday night we hung out at the house, playing Taboo and Sunday evening was the Clemson vs. Duke basketball game. Clemson played very well against Duke and lost in a close contest. After the game, we went home to spaghetti and meatballs (I made Amanda special gluten free meatballs and pasta).

We are looking forward to seeing the whole family again in a couple of weeks for Drake's birthday party!

Fading Memories

I wish I was more eloquent with my words and had the ability to write beautiful and meaningful poems for my son. I have never been a creative writer (or creative at anything for that matter) but rather a writer of the facts. The reason I bring this up is because last night as I lay in bed, I started to think about Drake and the little things that I am already having trouble remembering.

I remember when he was born and he would make an "O" with his mouth, but I do not remember how long the hair on his head was. I know it was very short...was it like peach fuzz? I guess this is why we have pictures and I am documenting as much as I can on this blog; to help me remember.

I had no idea that life would move so fast and that I would not be able to remember these simple little details. Everyone always says to enjoy these moments and days because they go so quickly. I treasure all the minutes I am able to spend with Drake. Some memories may fade but what I do know is that Drake lights up when he sees me or David enter the room and so while I may forget some little details, I know that we are showing Drake the love that he needs and deserves.

High Fives for Daddy

David is such a great father to Drake and I am so lucky to have a husband that loves to spend time with his son and supports me in my profession. In talking to other people, I have learned that not all fathers are as involved in their children's lives. This may be because of job circumstances or a number of other reasons, but David just loves to spend time with Drake and Drake loves spending time with his daddy.

I was talking to one mother a couple months ago and she asked me what I did with Drake with I was traveling. When I told her that Drake was in excellent hands with his dad, she said that her husband would not know what to do with their children overnight. She really did not think he would be able to handle it. How lucky I am...

The other night when I was out of town, Drake woke up around 3:30am. David got him from his crib and put him in our bed, so they both could go right back to sleep. Drake laid down for a few minutes and then started to move around. Drake moved David's arm into a position where David's hand was in the air and then gave him two high fives. Drake then just smirked, laid down, and went to sleep. High fives to David for everything that you do for me and for Drake. We both love you very much.

Eleven Months

Today you are turning eleven months old; how has it already been eleven months? Only one month away from being a whole year old!

- You are now starting to stand on your own without holding on to anything, although you do not do this too often. You are have started to "stand" on your hands and feet like a chimp.

- You have four teeth and still love food. This month you have tried a lot of new things: watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, papaya, pancakes, banana bread, beignets, and other things that I cannot think of right now. You still love yogurt, bananas, and blueberries.

- You went on your first flight...all the way to Hawaii. You were so good on the flights and really are a superstar traveler. You have now spent significant time in 7 states and the District of Columbia (South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, and Hawaii) and have briefly been in, or driven through, 4 more states (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and California).

- You love to give people smiles. Whenever we go someplace, I think you make the day of everyone you see because you smiles at them and giggle.

- You make a lot of babbling sounds and noises; unless you are tired or around a lot of new people, you "talk" all the time. One of your favorite sounds to make is an "Indian noise".

- Dancing is still an activity that you enjoy. The TV can be on and you will not be paying any attention to it, but if music starts to play, you look for the source. We have started playing more music around the house for you to dance to. One of your newest moves is to raise your hand up and point your finger to the beat.

- You have now started to wave! You will not always wave on command and sometimes you use both arms to wave, especially when you get excited. You are also learning how to clap. Right now, it is more of the palm of your hand hitting the top of your hand, but it works.

- You have found the cabinets and really enjoy opening them and playing with the contents. We really need to rearrange the kitchen so you can't hurt yourself on anything.

The Big Easy

We spent last week in New Orleans, visiting with my side of the family. Due to our trip to Hawaii and getting back to start work, we only had a few days in town, but enjoyed every minute of the time that we did have. We went to Brocato's for a cannoli, visited with my family, Granny, Grandmother, many of my cousins, Gigi and Steve, and Aunt Susan, celebrated Christmas, had an oyster po-boy, ate king cake (and king cake ice cream), and Drake tried his first taste of beignet. I realize that much of what we did revolved around eating, as it typically does when we go to New Orleans. 

Drake with Granny

Drake with Grandmother

In front of Jackson Square

Frist taste of a beignet

Because of work and travel obligations, I do not think we will be able to make it back to New Orleans for a while...hopefully we will be back Easter. Hopefully on the next trip we will have a chance to see more family.

Welcome 2012

Happy New Year!

Christmas #2

After our trip to Hawaii, we arrived in Atlanta at 7:00pm, got in the car, and drive to New Orleans to have a delayed Christmas with my parents, sisters, and brother-in-law. We made it to my parents house around 12:30am on the 27th, so Christmas waited until later that morning when everyone was awake.

Drake first opened his stocking and loved the sippy cup! The sippy cup top seemed to be the best gift that he received, although he was interested in some of the toys as well. He had a lot of presents to open and really was not too in to the opening of the gifts. Everyone was so generous and Drake now has a lot of new toys to play with and clothes to grow into.



Truck from Nana and Papa and a cell phone from Aunt Ginny!

My Aunt, Gigi, had also delivered a large box for Drake on Christmas Eve and asked to be present when Drake opened it. I was wondering what she thought he was going to do and was worried that she would be disappointed with his reaction. Gigi and Steve came over one evening while we were in New Orleans for the big reveal. As it turned it, Drake really got in to (and into) his gift. While there was a birdhouse in the box, the gift for Drake was the large wrapped paper box with tissue paper inside. He played with the paper, he climbed into the box, and he played inside the box.

Thanks to all of the Morelands and Pierces for making Drake's first Christmas so special. We still have Christmas #3, the Bishop Christmas, at some point soon as well!