How our garden's grown

It's so much fun to see how big everything is getting. We've gotten onions, spinach, lettuce, and herbs from it already.

Terrible 1s

It's true...Ansley has them. She had her very first time out today after trying to beat up her friend Peter while they were playing in the pool. I held her on my lap and had to basically restrain her for a few minutes. I had NO IDEA that discipline would have to come so early with this child. You can see what I mean in the video. Anyway, we're working on it and I keep promising my friends that she will not be a bully when she gets bigger. I've found it to sometimes be discouraging and frustrating for me when she repeats the behavior, but I remind myself that she is only one and will eventually learn. I just pray for God to grant me the patience and wisdom I'll need.

Thanks for the pool, Aunt Sister!

Ansley's First Year

Aggie Ring Day

Yesterday was a very special day for my brother and dad because both received their Aggie rings. Here's the story...

When Mom and Dad were first married, Dad was a student at A&M and earned his Aggie ring. But, when the economy collapsed in the 80s, their new family of three children had to make the heart wrenching decision to sell dear possessions just to make ends meet. His ring was one of those. They had no idea that they would later send their three children to A&M and they would all receive their own rings.

So, for years we've been planning on replacing Dad's ring and were waiting for the perfect time to do it. We decided it would be when Kyle got his ring. So last night we had dinner and headed out. There were tons of students there waiting to get their rings and their families with them. When we finally got to the table, a man handed Dad Kyle's ring to present to him. Then, the man said there was a ring for Steve Countryman and Dad still had no idea what was happening. Kyle opened the ring box and handed it to him and he finally figured it out. It was one of the most precious times. My sister, brother, and I were honored to be able to do that for our father after he and Mom have made so many sacrifices for us.

A new dress and some vegetables!

Like mother, like daughter

I saw this photo of me and was reminded of the one I posted a few days ago of Ansley. I know she looks JUST LIKE her daddy, but at least she has my laugh. HA!

Photo catch up

Birthday tea party with Mommy and Grandma at Martha's Bloomers Tea Room.



I'm having a really difficult time these days getting Ansley to look at the camera and smile since she's so busy all the time.


In other news, my garden is growing nicely. There are tons of blooms on the tomato plants and there are several little squash growing too. I'm so excited to see it all growing and can't wait to eat those tomatoes!

12 months...a little late

**This post is a little late since Ansley's birthday was April 1. But, we've been so busy and laying in bed last night I finally realized I hadn't posted about her big day.

Ansley Grace,

Happy birthday sweet baby girl! This past year has been the best of my life so far. You are such an incredible blessing to your daddy and me and we have loved every minute of being your parents. You are such a delight to be around and are growing and changing quicker than I can update about you. Here's what you're up to now:
-You only walk now. No crawling at all. It's been that way for probably four weeks now and you're hardly falling anymore. But, the crashed you have are good ones and you've already had your first skinned knee. I had to go buy your first box of bandaids.
-You have six teeth: four on top and two on bottom.
-You still have very little hair. What you do have is so blonde it's almost white.
-You weigh 21 lbs and are in the 50th percentile. We didn't get an accurate measurement of your height because you were screaming and wouldn't stretch out. The number they recorded was the same for your nine month appointment, but we know that you have grown some.
-You have been sleeping through the night for a little over a week. I'm so happy about that!
-You have been completely weaned for two weeks. The first couple of days were rough because you didn't want your cereal, but you got used to it. You're also drinking whole milk and loving it.
-For the past couple of days you have been refusing to eat anything out of the spoon. I don't think you want to be fed anymore, which means that I have to be a lot more creative.
-You wear 12 to 18 month clothing and size 4 shoes.

I love you, Ansley Grace!