Happy Birthday Jack!

Yee Haw! Oh what fun, Jack Henry turned ONE! We had a rockin' cowboy style time celebrating sweet Jack's first birthday. We saddled our horses and rode on over to the Cibula ranch for party fun on Saturday afternoon. What a cute cowboy theme Jack's mommy picked out for his party! Jack is such a good buddy to Miller.These boys are only a few weeks apart. Over the past year they have been Gymboree, swimming and playdate friends. And now..a tribute to all of the fun they've had together this past first year of life!

June 2007

Chilling in our carriers..unaware of eachother

August 2007
Bumbo Buddies

Well fed and tan..it doesn't get much better than this

September 2007
Playing at the park

November 2007

Staring at eachother while Meg talks on her phone

December 2007

Lunch fun at Mellow Mushroom

February 2008

Valentine's Day playdate at Jacks

March 2008

Miller's 1st Birthday

April 2008

Jack's 1st Birthday Party

Happy Happy Birthday good buddy. We hope you enjoy your day!

Beach Baby

We're baaack! Our family and my parents enjoyed a little R&R in Perdido Key, Florida this past week. It was a special first long vacation for Miller and his first excursion to the beach. Landon and I loaded up the car and headed to the beach last Saturday. Miller was excited because it was his first time to ride in the car seat facing forward. The world through the front windshield now greets him. He can see the action coming and not going. It was much easier to entertain and feed him with this new seat position. The only challenge on the trip was keeping Miller occupied and fed. He did beautifully for the most part, but let out an occasional high pitched scream that startled his driving daddy.
We arrived just in time to walk down to the surf and show Miller the ocean for the first time. On the way down to the ocean, Miller was taking it all in...the salty air smell, the wind on his face and the sound of the waves crashing. It's all so much to absorb. He stared at the waves for about 15 seconds before crying at his new crashing discovery. Miller was consoled by a hug and adjusted well to all of it.
The next morning, we got to dip Miller's tiny toes in the cold gulf water. He would only let us do this one foot at a time. The sand was a new texture on his feet! Miller happily played with his new beach toys on his towel while we all relaxed on the shore. Notice that the sand sifter really isn't for sand afterall. It's a mask!


Every morning Landon and my dad enjoyed a coffee break at the Waffle House. They joked that their girl friends expected them each day:) After breakfast while Miller napped, Grandmama, Landon and I enjoyed a morning stroll along the shore each day. We had our routine down. It was so nice of my parents to watch Miller during his afternoon nap while Landon and I enjoyed the pool.
Perdido Key is right on the border of Gulf Shores, so we enjoyed dining at some of the familiar restaurants we enjoyed way back when we spent several Spring Breaks in Gulf Shores. Sea N' Suds was a favorite of our family so we were happy to dine on their famous crab claws one night. We introduced Landon and Miller to Scoops, an old fashioned ice cream parlor. Miller enjoyed sampling chocolate ice cream for the first time. His face was priceless discovering this cold treat. With every new bite, he forgot that it was cold each time. We also enjoyed discovering The Warf...a new development to Gulf Shores with shopping,condos and restaurants.

Of course we ventured out at 5 p.m. every night with our little guy to avoid the crowds and eat before his bed time. To our surprise, we didn't have the wait time or crowds we've grown accustomed to in Destin because it wasn't as crowded this time of year. We kept Miller entertained each night at dinner feeding him rolled up wheat "bread balls". Poppy and Landon enjoyed playing the game of hide the bread balls to engage Miller in a little hide n' seek.

One of Poppy's favorite games to play with Miller is to "steam roll" him across the bed before he settles in for the night and play peek a boo with the blankets. Miller screeches and giggles the whole time in anticipation for the next roll bouncing up and down on his knees as if to say "More rolls Poppy!"

Miller showed us two new one year old accomplishments this week. He took his first steps on Tuesday! The condo had a coffee table in the middle of the room that Miller walked around and around. My mom kept encouraging him to come see her toy car. With such a tempting lure, Miller let go and took two steps and then a dive towards the couch. It was amazing to watch! He kept growing in his confidence each day. I always resisted having a coffee table so we could have more playing space but now I see the value in it. We still are quite a ways from independent walking, but it's a "step" in the right direction.
The other exciting milestone was his first word "car". That's pretty manly right? Miller has grown attached to a red rolling car lately. All of us kept repeating, "Miller, do you want your CAR?" Well, he picked up the sound of it and keeps saying "cah" after we ask him the famous question. He sounds like he is from Boston saying car without the "r" sound. It's precious. Miller is also carrying on little mini sentence conversations throughout the day that sound like "oi ga oh ah mm ay I da" etc. We act like he is asking for something and continue the conversation with him.
Today we're settling back into our normal day to day..unpacking, laundry and resting up for the weekend ahead. We loved our beach getaway!

For more beach pictures click on the Perdido Key album.

Teddy Bear Photos

Here is the complete set of teddy bear photos that we took on the 25th of every month. It's neat for me to view them all together because Miller's little personality shows more and more each month. It's amazing to see the growth from newborn to one years old. They grow SO much in the first year. Months ten and eleven were very difficult to capture because Miller did not want to sit in the chair. I took a lot of action shots that are not included in the slideshow. Thank goodness for a fast shutter speed to snap this moving baby. There are many outtakes that we just laugh at. Enjoy the slideshow.

The Big ONE

We had a ONEderful weekend celebrating little Miller's one year of life. It's still hard for us to wrap our minds around the fact that our baby is one. We kicked off the weekend hosting a BBQ at our house for our family. Landon's sister Lisa and her four children, Nicole, Morgan, Annalisa and Ryan drove all the way down from Indiana to celebrate with us. Aunt Laurel and Uncle Chad, Omi and Grandpa, and Grandmama joined us as well. Landon and I have been waiting to meet Miller's newest cousin Annalisa for several months so we were thrilled when we found out that they were making the trip. Omi and Grandpa couldn't get over the fact that they had all 5 grand kids together under one roof. WOW....did Miller love being around so many cousins!

After a delicious Saturday breakfast of Chiliquitas ,compliments of Chef Landon, it was off to the park to decorate for Miller's party. We chose a baseball theme for our little rookie. Grandmama and I had so much fun planning the party together and seeing our decorations come together. All of our friends and Miller's little friends arrived at noon ready to eat and party. We felt so loved and blessed to have all the people around that have meant so much throughout the years and especially through Miller's first year of life. Amidst some sprinkles, we felt nice and cozy under the pavilion. The babies played and interacted together in a playpen while the adults chatted and dined on hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks.

Then it was SMASH cake time, a right of passage into one year oldum . When we sang "Happy Birthday" to Miller, he just stared intently wondering why everyone was looking at him. After song, Miller dug his fingers into the baseball shaped smash cake right away. It was so much fun to see him plow into this sweet treat and make such a big mess all over the place. Red and white frosting covered his cheeks and mouth, found its way up his sleeves and even into his hair. Miller was a sticky mess, but that's all part of the fun of it right? He didn't hold back. His induction into the first birthday frosting face Hall of Fame is official. I was surprised he was so patient with me as I adjusted his birthday hat over and over to keep it from covering his eyes. He could only put up with it on his head for so long. A thorough cleaning of hands, face and hair was in order. Then Miller was ready for more fun. After cake time, it was off to the playground to play. The little ones enjoyed all that the play scape had to offer.

Miller returned home to an action packed house, but it was time for this one year old to nap. He snoozed the afternoon away until 4:30. Upon waking, all of his goodies from the party were ready for him to open. He had the most fun climbing and discovering all the bags, boxes, ribbons and tissue paper so we just let him explore away for a little bit. It was almost like Christmas morning...you want to savor the moment, so we took our time. He was able to open some of the bags and we helped him with a few boxes before he became distracted with the new toys. That's about all he could take before he was "partied out"!

Thanks for making Miller's Big ONE so special. We loved celebrating with family and friends like you!!

Click on Miller's "The Big ONE" album for more pictures from his birthday

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Enjoying his first cupcake! He tried to throw it off of his tray but we held onto it for him. Once he discovered the sweet frosting, he devoured it. Cake was everywhere, even in his hair. Miller had a dress rehearsal for Saturday! It was good practice.
Reaching for the smoke, after the candle was blown out.

Birthday Letter

A Reflection upon March 25, 2007 and our first days together as a family.
Dearest Miller,
Today is your first birthday...Guess who's one? YOU are! This day one year ago, we welcomed you into our family with great anticipation and hopes for your life. This picture was taken on this very day, March 25, 2007, last year. Your birthday is such an important day in our life as it will be in yours because it signifies the beginning of something amazing...YOU!! We thought it would be neat on such a special day to share about your first day on earth just 12 short months ago.



Mommy and daddy waited to see you for nine long months. We spent our days preparing for your arrival by reading books, taking a childbirth class, going to showers especially for you and decorating your nursery. Did you know we even painted your room twice to get just the right color for you? It had to be perfect. Daddy constructed the moldings and chair rail (with some expert help). That was a process, but he had you in mind each time he would get frustrated!

Finally, the big day arrived. You couldn't wait to meet the world. We loaded up the car and headed to the hospital. Daddy was in a big rush but I kept telling him not to race and get in an accident! After putting mommy through a long labor, you decided to greet us. The first time we saw you, I remember getting emotional especially when I heard your first cry. What a set of lungs you had! Daddy got to see you first! He brought you to me all swaddled in the hospital blanket. You had dark brown hair and big blue eyes. Ten fingers and ten toes...we were so thankful you were healthy. What a precious gift you are to us!

Daddy and I have many special memories of our first days together as a family at the hospital.We were running on adrenaline and excitement..it was the only thing that kept us awake from lack of sleep. We just loved to stare at the miracle that was right in front of us and discuss exactly who you looked like. We are still trying to figure that one out! You slept in our room at the hospital in your own bassinet in between mommy and daddy. We checked on you all throughout the night to make sure you were still breathing

Many friends and both sets of grandparents came to visit and welcome you in the hospital. We felt so loved and daddy was so proud to show off his "heir to the throne" as he refers to you. In due time you will learn that there are not many males in the Fokens family to carry on the name so you are very special:) We spent four long days in the hospital. Thankfully, all the nurses that cared for you were so helpful. Mommy was like a sponge, learning and taking in so much information about how to take care of you when we got home.

We were discharged from the hospital on March 28th. It was a beautiful sunny springlike day. Can you believe that no one gave us a take home manual for how to care for you? After guidance and one on one help from the wonderful nurses and staff, it was our turn alone to care for you. What an awesome privilege and honor that God entrusted us with. Grandmama met us at the hospital to help us pack everything up and follow us home. I remember watching daddy put you in your big car seat for the first time and riding home with you in the backseat from the hospital. I wouldn't let you out of my sight. When we drove home as a family of three a big blue balloon and bow greeted us on the mailbox from friends in the neighborhood. Jackson was waiting at the door to meet his new brother. We were so excited to show you your nursery.

We placed you in your big boy crib in the nursery the very first night home. You were a noisy sleeper, grunting and whistling through your nose. The video baby monitor gave us some assurance that you were o.k. while you were one whole room away. Daddy joked that we were guarding you crib like a bank with a surveillance camera. Our days and nights, and nights and days ran together those first few weeks. We took each day one day at a time. It was all so overwhelming. I remember rocking you and feeding you in the wee hours of the morning thinking, Is anyone else out there awake at this time?" Those were our very special moments together, just you and me. You would give us a 2-3 hour stretch of sleep each night for the first eight weeks. At nine weeks, you decided it was time to give mommy and daddy a five hour stretch each night. Mommy felt like a new woman! You continued to be an excellent sleeper throughout the months.

We still marvel at how fresh these memories are to us and can't believe that one whole year has passed. This first year was all too short. Each "first moment" was celebrated and photographed to help us remember our first days together when the memories aren't so fresh. We cherish the joys of watching you grow and love looking back at the wonderful days of welcoming our sweet boy into our family. You have taught us so much this year. We marvel at God's goodness to our family through you. You have changed our lives in so many remarkable ways and we feel so fortunate and proud to be called your parents. Happy, Happy First Birthday Miller!

Happy Easter!

He is Risen! Today we celebrated Easter with my parents at Johnson Ferry. Miller was reunited with all his nursery buddies he plays with on Tuesday mornings. We dressed him in his cute little sear sucker shortall, knee socks and his new Easter shoes. These are very special shoes because these are the first shoes that he's been officially measured for. Landon and I chuckled this morning because they look so big on his feet, but we're trusting that they got his measurements right. If anything, he has room to grow into them over the next several months. Grandmama and Poppy called them "ski's" that will help him balance to stand and walk:)

It was so much fun to watch all the children at church in their Sunday best, girls in their pretty Easter bonnets and older boys in their sear sucker suits and bow ties. Celebrating Easter was so much more than being wow'ed by everyone's Sunday best. It was a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. We have loved celebrating the season with egg hunts & even a visit with the Easter bunny, but we can't wait to tell Miller the real story behind Easter!

Our family enjoyed an early Easter dinner over at Grandmama and Poppy's house. Miller so loves his Poppy. Everyday, my dad rushes home to greet and play with Miller. This is what they have been working on over the last few weeks. Poppy has taught Miller how to twirl the Frisbee on the floor. They performed this new feat this afternoon. We think it's adorable. Check it out.

I know I have been "video happy" over the last few days. I feel like I am making up for lost time. It also gives us an opportunity to share Miller with Omi and Grandpa in Knoxville.

Here is a flashback picture of Miller last April. Of course, Easter was later last year so Miller was already born. He was two weeks old last Easter, so today he is actually celebrating his second Easter. We placed newborn Miller right on the table as part of the centerpiece last year...and he didn't move!! Martha Stewart commented on Friday's show that we will not have an Easter this early in March for another 200 years. I prefer Easter in April. Something about children wearing winter coats over their Easter best doesn't seem right!

Another Mommy and me picture...

Miller enjoyed his day in spite of his 101 fever. My guess is that he is teething AGAIN. He just cuddled and snuggled with me after church. Miller took an extra long nap and the Tylenol also helped him to act like his normal self. We are praying that whatever is ailing him will work itself out before his birthday. We hope you had a wonderful Easter with family and friends. Ours was Eggs cellent!