Playing with Peyton

Today I got all "teacher" and had a play-date with my baby girl. I rummaged through her toy box and selected a few toys that I thought she would be interested in and put them in a basket downstairs. After her nap (and a bottle of course) I got out the basket and began the first of many actual playtimes. I mean I have played with her before, but this was specified and purposeful. I turned the XM radio on our TV to the classical music station, which seemed to really mellow her out. She was so adorable grabbing (and throwing/dropping) the toys that I gave her. I snapped a few pictures to show you...

I began with her rattle...she shook it and it sort of scared her at first but she got the hang of it eventually.


I then gave her a toy horse that had a rattle in it. I think it tickled her lips because she would put it in her mouth and pull it away and laugh like crazy.


Next, were the keys. I told her the colors of each and we counted them, I think she totally understood, however it is much more fun just to shake them around in the air!


The, the funniest toy in the world was the dragon fly guy. When you pull on either of his wings he giggles and makes music. Each time he would giggle Peyton would burst out in a huge smile and giggle herself. I am so glad I was able to capture her pure amazement and delight in this picture!


And what is a good play-date without a book? I am a strong believer in reading to children at a young age. So Peyton and I explored a wonderful book all about colors. I couldn't tell which color was her favorite but I am sure in time she'll let me know!


It is truely amazing to watch my baby explore the world around her. How simple life must seem through the eyes of a baby. No worries, no anxieties, just pure delight and amazement with all of life's little surprises. I can't wait to see her learn and grow, life has flown by these past eight weeks and I can not imagine my life with out her in it. I thank the lord each day for this gift he has given me and I strive to never take one day for granted.

Fall Is In Full Swing

Kaya and Peyton are ready for Fall!!!

We kicked-off Fall this past weekend with two first-time trips. On Saturday we went to Niven's Apple Farm with cousin Kaya and Elijah to pick a pumpkin! We saw all kinds of farm animals including baby goats and donkeys (which are the cutest baby animal ever...not to mention the stinkiest). We did not ride the hayride or take part in the corn maze, however because of the outrageous prices...the economy's apparently really bad...even on the farm! Peyton slept through the walk through the pumpkin patch, but was wide awake for several photo ops!

Here she is in a pile of pumpkins...

And here she is on a pile of hay with Kaya all bundled up!

On Sunday afternoon we ventured out once again to partake in a wild and crazy thing called BOO in the ZOO! I have never been to Greenville Zoo during Halloween and I tell you, it is CROWDED! We had a lot of fun though! We dressed all the kids up (Kaya, Peyton, and Elijah) and walked around the Zoo with all the other children in Greenville County! :) Elijah and Kaya were adorable giraffes and Peyton was a BEEutiful bumble bee! Elijah got a lot of candy, while Peyton slept through most of it! Hint for all you moms out there...if you go next year go at 7:00...it's a lot less crowded and would probably be more fun not having to fight people everywhere you turn!

A smile from the most BEEutiful Bumble Bee in town!

Peyton and I with Frankie!

I am having so much fun sharing little life experiences with Peyton, what makes it even better is spending this time with Kaya and Elijah and knowing that we are developing life long friendships with our children. I can't wait to see what life has in store for all of them and to watch them grow together!