I'm Eight Months Old!

Time sure does fly when you are officially mobile!  I may still just be army crawling, but I can army crawl with the best of them.  I've wiggled my way into the kitchen and almost all the way to the living room.  I immediately head straight for the blinds and the outlets so it looks like it is time for my folks to baby proof this place.

This past month, I've added green beans, peaches, yellow squash, and apples to my diet.  I went to the doctor for my first virus (a mild case of hand, foot, and mouth disease) and weighed 20 lbs. 3 oz. at that visit.  I went to my first Aggie Muster and rode through my first car wash (I was in the car of course).

I'm still toothless, but I gnaw on anything and everything I can get my hands on.  Mom is thinking that teeth are coming soon, but she has thought that for the past six weeks.  I'm always chewing on my tongue or moving my tongue around in my mouth.  It's like I've got restless tongue syndrome.  :)  I've started screaming saying loudly lalalala and dadada and have perfected a fake cough.  I think it is really funny!

I had my first "Guys Night In" this past Saturday as my mommy went to the Shreve with a ton of her best buddies.  Happy Birthday Auntie Amy! 

Dad and I had a blast, and I hardly even missed my mommy.  We took two walks, played the drums on the side of the couch, and had special visits from Pepper and Papaw.  Aren't I lucky to have such an awesome daddy??

We are headed to Lubbock this weekend, and I get to spend some time with Lovey, Pop, and all my Lubbock family.  Plus, Lindsey (mommy's law school friend) and Addison (born 4 days before me) are coming to hang out so our mommies can go to another law school friend's wedding shower.  Addi is a mover and a shaker so I'm looking forward to watching her in action.

Mommy had an engagement photo session with Nana and Papaw, and you know that she can't not take some pics of me.  Check out my crazy tongue!  Aunt Momo was with us so she was able to get some pics of my awesome family!

Xoxo,
T

Happy 8 Month Birthday!

 

Looking back...

Travis,

I am so blessed and proud to be called your Great-Grandaddy. You are very special to me as you are my first Great Grandson. I thank God for allowing me to be here to witness your birth, and I only wish your Great Grandmother, Mary, could have been here to witness your birth with me to share my joy, but as you will learn she has already gone to Heaven to be with Jesus where she will be waiting to see us someday. I know she would be as proud as I am and loved you as much as I do, but as you will learn, God has a purpose for all of us. We sometimes don't understand, but that is what faith is all about.

I knew from the first time I saw you that you were a very special boy and that God already had a purpose for you even before you were born. You are so blessed to be born to such loving parents as they are very special too. You are so loved by all of your family, more than I have ever witnessed in all of my 77 + years.  I just pray that God allows me many more years to watch you grow up, because I know you will become someone great. I feel confident your daddy and mother will guide and lead you you to place faith in Jesus Christ and live your life according to His plan. There will never be a problem you won't be able to overcome with Jesus.

You get more beautiful each time I see you and only pray I will get to be with you often for many years to come. I know you won't understand the things I have told you in this letter until you are older. You are loved so much by so many people and I know that you will grow up to love as much as you are loved.

Always be strong with your love for God because He loves you too. I love you very much with all my heart and I will continue to pray for you every day.

Great Grandaddy Jack

Aggie Muster

 

On Wednesday night (April 21st), Travis got to celebrate his first Aggie Muster.  Muster is one of A&M's most sacred traditions and one that makes me proudest to be an Aggie.  This particular Muster was extra special as Brandon was the speaker for the Cross Timbers A&M Club in Bridgeport, Texas. 

Grandpa, Travis, and I loaded up to head to Bridgeport where we met up with Papaw, Nana, and Pepper.  I've seen Brandon speak at the groundbreaking ceremony of Reliant Stadium, Law School graduation, and many other occasions, but I had never been prouder of the job he did Wednesday night.  I'd post the whole speech so that everybody could watch, but he'd probably kill me, so I'll settle with posting this one part about Col. Stratton - a true Aggie hero!

I wasn't quite sure how Travis would do since the whole festivities were taking place after his normal bedtime, but he was great.  He was so good during the dinner part and even had his first "to-go" meal.  Once the speaking started, Grandpa took him outside just so we didn't have any squeals during Brandon's speech.  I'm so glad that we shared this special experience with Brandon, and super glad that we had Grandpa to help so that I didn't have to miss the speech.

In many lands and climes this April day, proud sons of Texas A&M unite.

Our loyalty to country, school, we pray, and seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill

Fond memory brings a sigh — but nothing more; now we are men and life’s a greater thrill,

Before we part and go upon our way, we pause to honor those we knew so well;

The old familiar faces we miss so much today left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,

Let comrade answer, “Here!”

Their spirits hover ‘round us

As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts,

We’ll meet some other day.

There is no death, but life eterne

For our old friends such as they.

Xoxo,
Gara

Best Photographer's Assistant

I had a maternity photo shoot last Thursday at a park nearby.  Thankfully, Aunt Momo was done with school so she was able to stroll Travis around while I shot this beautiful mama-to-be.

T-man is getting to be quite the photographer's assistant as I drag him along on almost all of my shoots.  I'll be glad when he gets old enough to hold a reflector.  :)

What a blessing this little guy is to so many! 

Brandon and Papaw went to a reception for Rick Perry that night (also featuring Bobby Labonte) so they stopped by the park to get in some hugs and kisses before the event.

 

 

We've got a busy week planned.  Leadership Arlington, girls game night, Aggie Muster (Brandon is speaking) in Bridgeport, play group at our house, and my first overnight trip away to celebrate my bestie's 30th birthday!  Prayers for momma are appreciated - I know my boys will be fine without me!!

Xoxo,

Gara

Army Crawl

T started army crawling on April 12th.  I can use the house phone, my iPhone, or the television remote as incentive so far.  :)

I'm guessing it won't be long now.

Xoxo,

Gara

Texas Bluebonnets

Nothing says spring in Texas like the blooming of the bluebonnets.  And nothing says cRaZy like a mama who will risk bug bites, snakes, stickers, and I-30 traffic all for the sake of the Bluebonnet photo op!  Thanks to our sweet and talented friend Anna for taking these pics so that I could act a fool getting some sweet smiles!

God Bless Texas!

Xoxo,

Gara

Charlotte's First Birthday!

Our good friends' sweet baby girl turned one on Monday so we stopped by for her bday party on Saturday afternoon.  Her party was at 5:30 so we just popped in so that we wouldn't mess up Travis's bedtime routine too bad.  Plus, they were having Babe's fried chicken and it was just too unbearable to smell.  :)  I'm totally putting that on my "MUST EAT" list once I get off my diet.  Here are some pics from the festivities.  Travis totally loved Major even if he is a Longhorn pooch.

Here is our good buddy, Wyatt.

T & the BIRTHDAY GIRL!

All the kiddos!

Nothing says Wilson like a bucket of beer & his baby girl. 

Happy Birthday, Charlotte!  Looking forward to being a part of your life as you grow up.  Xoxo

Photo Friday

Yesterday was filled with PHOTOS!!  We met a couple of play date and Church friends at the arboretum for some super quick photos. 

And, then we were off to a fancy estate in Highland Park to photograph a lovely senior (B's cousin Kathryn - who is headed to A&M next year - we are super proud and excited for her!).

Of course, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to at least get a few of my most favorite subject.  Lovey is in town babysitting me as Daddy is out of town this weekend facilitating and helping out with the Texas Student Leadership Forum on Faith & Values in Austin.  I know he is really missing this little guy so these pics are for you.

Xoxo,
Gara