"It Wasn't Me"

Hi! This is Micah talking. I have been a busy little guy lately and up to no good.  I have learned how to open the cabinets, how to flush the toilet, climb through our gate, climb 4 flights of stairs (but I can't get down them yet), throw the ball really really far, etc. I'm keeping Mommy and Daddy very busy. We have so much fun-at least I think so. :) I also love making loud noises with things and banging my toys on the ground. And I'm really good at getting into mischief...but, shhhhh don't tell my parents because they think it wasn't me!

Somehow my toy box keeps getting turned over and toys are everywhere!! Mommy has been trying to teach me a song about clean-up time so that I can help too. But I really don't know how the toys get all over the place. It wasn't me... 

 Mommy left the room to start cooking and when she came back into the living room there were wipes everywhere! I don't know how that happened. It wasn't me...

The other day I heard Mommy laugh and tell Daddy what she had found when she looked in the toilet. I love playing ball, and somehow they ended up floating in the toilet. It wasn't me...

This is my new hiding place. Recently Mommy and Daddy found a few of my toys stashed behind our couch. I don't know how they got there. It wasn't me...

My neighborhood friend seems to have the same motto that I do...

And I will WALK 500 miles...

...okay, so maybe only about 15 ft, but Micah sure is moving these days. He started taking small steps a few weeks ago, but in the past week he has really gotten the hang of it. Here are a few pictures of the little one at work.

Taking Daddy around the house over and over again. Something he has LOVED to do lately.

On the run...and probably about to fall down HARD! He is still working on the whole balance thing. We have had many face plants lately-which has lead to one poor little bruised face.

Here is Micah's fan section! All these girls came over to watch Micah on the move. It was quite humorous to hear them cheer him on.

Jumping Castle

This past weekend we threw a little neighborhood birthday party for Micah. All week, the neighborhood kids were counting down the day till his party. And let me just tell you, the word spreads fast around here! 

On Friday, we had a knock on the door and there were three girls standing there when I opened the door. I had seen their faces several times, but did not know their names. One of the girls asked, "Is tomorrow Micah's birthday party?" So of course I answered "Yes." Then she goes on and asked, "Will you order a jumping castle for us?" 

Let me first just show you what a "jumping castle" exactly is...

I'm sure you all have seen these and probably even jumped on them before. 

Well, I politely told them, "No, sorry we won't be ordering that this year." Once I closed the door, Paul and I just started dying laughing! Our 1 year old can hardly stand-much less jump! Who asks that? I mean, seriously!?! But people here are obsessed with these things-they are constantly being set up all over our neighborhood for different parties. 

Despite not having the "jumping castle" for the day, we had a great party and a lot of fun with the kids around here. It was one cra-zy afternoon for sure and left our house a complete mess! Paul was my hero though and swept and even mopped after everyone left! He is wonderful :) 

The food minus the cupcakes.

 

A few of the kids waiting outside our door ready come in...

Getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday"

The Birthday Boy with his party hat that lasted all about 30 seconds!

Twelve...

...short months ago our lives changed forever when this precious little boy entered our world. These past 365 days have been filled with some of the most joyful, challenging, fun, and exciting times and I would not trade them for anything! Micah is such an incredible blessing and I thank the Lord for him daily. Looking back at pictures, I have had a lot of fun reminiscing over the past year of his life. It has been amazing to see what God has taught us, where He has brought us, and what all He has done in our lives. Hope you enjoy these month by month pictures of our "little man" as much as we do!

Born April 14, 2008

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICAH! We love you :)

Happy Easter

It is hard to believe Easter has come and gone. We had a great Easter here in Kenya but of course we missed our churches and families back home. The day brought back many memories of our traditions with our families and it was fun to think back to the old days. I will say, I definitely enjoyed the quietness of this crazy city and it truly enabled me to reflect on Christ's death and resurrection. The city here pretty much shuts down from Good Friday-Monday. Although it was annoying when we were trying to run errands, we actually really appreciated that they take this holiday seriously. People go back to their villages to spend Easter with their families, so the traffic was wonderful! I wish it could be like this all year!! 

A couple of weeks ago we received an Easter package from a Kindergarten Sunday School class back home that have been praying for us while we are overseas. They have been so faithful in sending us cards for Christmas, Valentines, Easter, and just because. These cards are always adorably decorated by five year olds and always have scripture attached to them. I display them throughout the house as they are so encouraging to me. Here are just a few of the cards...

On Friday, we were home and looked out our window to see this...

Yes, the Easter Bunny! But it may be the creepiest Easter Bunny EVER...however, I just had to get a picture of Micah with him. I don't blame Micah for being scared-I was too!

Here are a few Easter pics after church while at lunch. 

HAPPY EASTER!!

Friends and Fans

Have you ever met someone and just felt like you have known them for years? Well, that is exactly how I felt when I met my friend Leslie. Last year we met in an evangelism class as Southeastern and immediately clicked. She is so sweet and is one of the most creative and artsy girls I know. I wish we could have spent more time together before I moved overseas, but we met right before Micah was born and then my world was turned upside down as we moved several times before finally landing in Africa. 

However, God is good and actually placed us in the same city as her in-laws, so this past weekend I had the opportunity to hang out with her as she was here helping with a VBS. I had been looking forward to seeing her for a long time and was oh so thankful that she snuck in some free time to see me. She was full of surprises for me as well as she brought cake mix and icing for my birthday, a package full of goodies from my sister, and another gift from a mutual friend. What fun :)

We had a wonderful time together and were excited when we found out we would be getting to see each other again. Since her in-laws are from North Carolina, they were sad to hear that my poor husband had to wake up at 3am to listen (NOT watch) the Final Four game of UNC vs. Villanova. Since they have satellite TV, they had pity on him and invited us to spend the night for the championship game so that Paul could actually watch his first game the season. That sure made us both happy as I got to see my friend again and Paul got to see his team play, dominate, and WIN the NCAA.  Needless to say, we had a great time and are so thankful for good friends!

Taking a lunch break on our way out to visit our friends.

I love you Leslie!! It was great to see you. Come back soon :)

And after waking up at 4am for the game, my sweet boy totally crashed that afternoon. But he would tell you it was worth it for sure!

Stand By Me

In the past two weeks or so Micah has really started to stand alone-with no extra assistance from the couches, chairs, or our legs :)  Still no walking yet-I can tell he is close, but is so afraid to take that first step. When he wants to move, he decides to plunge on down and crawl. He is a fast little sucker! 

He is so proud of himself for standing alone that he decided to clap for himself!

Still working on the whole balance thing :)

The CATS are BACK!!!

YAY for a new basketball coach for Kentucky! It is about time!! I have grown up a huge UK fan especially because my whole family went to college there (except me! ha!) and my grandpa and uncle played basketball there. Honestly, growing up in Kentucky makes it hard to not be a fan-especially if you love sports. 

When I was younger I couldn't wait to go to the games or even watch them on TV. My family was always either at the games or hosting some sort of party to cheer them on. Some of my favorite memories are sitting with my sisters and cousins at the top of Rupp Arena (because our parents and brothers got the good seats) and cheering on my favorite players-Derek Anderson and Ron Mercer. The players seemed so old back then...and now they seem so young! 

The past few years of UK basketball have been rather depressing, so a change was definitely needed. I was definitely glad to be in Africa for this particular season. NIT!?! I mean, really? Never thought I would have seen that day. Well, in honor of our new coach, John Calipari, I celebrated by putting Micah into his UK outfit. 

I'm all geared up and ready to play!

C-A-T-S...CATS CATS CATS!!!
Micah's first word besides "mama" and "dada" was ball, and he loves to play ball-especially with his Daddy. We are in high hopes that he will be a baller one day for either UK or UNC (for his Dad)...either way we are good! :) I almost called Coach Gillispie and asked if he needed a sub!

He is the cutest fan ever and I'm thankful that he can now sport this outfit proudly. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Kentucky. I can't wait to take Micah to a game one day with Nani and Poppi! Paul even said that it makes moving back to Louisville a little more tempting...ha! 

This season still isn't over for Daddy's team. So for now, we are cheering the UNC Tarheels all the way...and of course anticipating what next year may bring for both teams!