Summer of 2012 has been so much fun to experience with Miss Payton. She is at SUCH a fun age right now! It's funny because I think I say that about every stage that she is in, but she is learning so many new things so quickly and gets so much enjoyment out of the simplest things! I always think about how many times children are referenced in scripture, and how as adults, we should be more like children in a lot of ways. Living with a toddler definitely gives me a glimpse of what is met by this. Payton gets SO much joy out of everyday life. She has more fun playing outside, running in the grass, pointing to the birds, listening to dogs barking, playing in the bathtub....the list goes on and on...., than she would playing with some big expensive toy. She's also the happiest when Ryan and I both take time out of our days to play with her together. It's definitely obvious that she values our time, love, and attention more than anything else. Oh the lessons about life we can learn through our kiddos!!
Payton is now 18 months old, running around like crazy, and saying more and more words everyday. Her favorite thing to do right now is read books with me in the mornings, and I am absolutely LOVING this! I really think many of the words she says are from what she has learned in some of her favorite books. Her favorite thing to do with daddy is to blow him a kiss as he is leaving for work in the mornings and then run to the front window and wave real big at him as he drives by. It is so cute!
This growing and learning phase of Miss Payton's has also brought on some changes in behavior. Yep, you guessed it...the terrible twos are approaching! I really don't like calling them the "terrible twos" because overall, there is definitely nothing "terrible" about this stage. However, like any normal toddler, as Payton's personality is continuing to develop and as she is figuring out how the world "works" around her, she is quickly learning that she can't always have what she wants, that she must share her toys, that she must take a nap even if it's not exactly what she wants to be doing, that she cannot throw her food off her highchair onto the floor, etc. This has made parenting a bit more challenging! Haha! Ryan always laughs at me, because I tell him that I always pray that Payton will display the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control) throughout her life. Well, Miss Payton is currently working on patience, and self-control! But gosh, aren't we all???
When reflecting on the events this summer, it took me a minute to re-cap all that has happened...just like everyone, we have been super busy!! Between Ryan's new Engineering position and our photo booth business, which takes up most weekends, we haven't had much free time!! However, we did take the time to enjoy several weekend trips on the boat with grandma and grandpa. This last boat trip, Payton actually got in the water some, so that was fun! We took a weekend trip with Payton's Uncle Brent and Aunt Ashli to St. Louis as well. While there, we visited the zoo, which Payton loved! She is so blessed to have so many people in her life that care so much about her and love experiencing things with her! The three of us, Ryan, Payton, and I, also took a weekend trip to French Lick, Indiana where Payton got to play at Big Splash Adventure. (An indoor water park) In addition to these little weekend get-aways, back in August, we took a trip to Destin, Florida with my cousin Cara, her husband Jim, and their 1 year old daughter Harper. This was so much fun!! The little ones had a blast playing together, and us adults enjoyed each other's company as well. It was nice because we were able to schedule in some date nights for each couple while the other couple stayed in with the little ones. The car ride was quite the experience! We actually rented a Suburban so that we could all ride together thinking we would have PLENTY of space. Yeah right! I always forget until I start packing how much is required for a week's time with a 1 year old. Well, we not only had one, but two 1 year olds! Let's just say we were packed to the ceiling! However, we made pretty good time and made it there and back safely, so over all it was a very successful drive!
Now that fall is approaching, I get so excited thinking about all the holidays coming up that Payton is going to have SO much fun celebrating! This time of year always makes me extra thankful for the all the simple things in life that I so often take for granted! We have so many exciting times coming up. We have close friends and family members that are expecting new babies soon, and I cannot wait for Payton to get a new playmate and a new cousin! I am so anxious for our friends/family to experience what they already know is going to be the absolute BIGGEST blessing of their entire life.
It's so funny, because every experienced parent will always try to tell soon-to-be new parents how much having children is going to change their life. AND, no matter how much as a soon-to-be parent you think you know what to expect, becoming a parent is just one of those blessings that just has to be experienced to be understood. There are no words to describe all of the love, challenges, excitement, growing experiences, joy, happiness, and fulfillment that God blesses us with through our children!
I have attached some pictures below of the highlights of our summer. Although I was somewhat sad to see the summer come and go, the cooler weather has been much nicer for playing outside! Now, if I could just slow down the growing on little Miss Payton, I'd be one REALLY happy mama! ;)
Payton Elaine - 18 Months!
Exploring the ocean with daddy!
Hanging out with cousin Harper in Florida
We love the boat!
Petting Zoo
Zoo Trip!
Big Splash Adventure
Miss Payton- September 2012
Another picture from Florida!
