October, almost gone already?

I can't believe that October is already almost over! As of this coming Monday, we will celebrate Easton's first Halloween and then his 1st birthday the first week of November. This is crazy! Just one year ago Justin and I were preparing to have this little boy, not knowing what he would be like or even what we would be like when he would arrive and now we are counting down to the celebration of little Easton's life as he turns one in just a few weeks. It's amazing the transformation this little guy has gone through in just one year as well as the change in both Justin and myself-both as a married couple as we continue to learn how to be a parent team as well as the transformation we have each undergone in fulfilling the roles of "Dadada" and "Mam-ma" to little E.  

I took these snap shots of Easton at a Fall wedding that our family attended in Cookville, TN a couple of weeks ago.  It was such a neat atmosphere as the venue was decorated with fall attributes of pumpkins, mums, a bonfire & s'mores for roasting, and even hay bales with quilts for keeping warm under the giant white tents. We had such a fun time and enjoyed the Fall feel of the reception.

Knoxville Zoo or Bust!

Yesterday, we loaded up and headed to the Knoxville Zoo with two of my best gal pals from high school and our kids. We had a fun day venturing around the zoo, picnicking by the Prairie Dogs, and ended our tour with some fun at the Kids Zone near the Zoo's exit. So much fun to get with girlfriends and feel like we're 17 again... with the addition of a few children, of course. 

 (L to R) Easton (11 months), Brooke, Alicia, Liam (6 months), 

Jessica "Trentham", Joseph (2.5 years old)

Easton at the end of the day just before leaving the zoo

Fun Fall Days- Dollywood with the Fam

After Justin returned home from his hunt, we took a family day and headed up to Dollywood with Mammaw, Pappaw, Mom, Dad, and the Chesters 3. Easton had a great time as he was able to ride several rides, including the Merry-go-around, for the first time. What a blast!

 Momma and Easton 

 Easton on his own horse

 Who knew the flying elephants would be so fun? 

Easton is on my right and behind me, Mumsey is screaming that her purse got thrown out when the ride began. LOL!

 Justin and Mumsey

 Diddy Pop and Easton

 Easton and I in the Flying Bumble Bee 

(Don't ask me how I squeezed into that ride)

 Me: "Easton look at Momma!" 

(Easton thinking: "But Dad's down here")

 Easton thinking:"I don't know about all this"

Easton thinking: "I told you Daddy was down here!"

11 Months Old - The Countdown has Begun

As of Oct 7, Easton is officially 11 months old and yes, my wheels are already turning planing this precious little boy's FIRST BIRTHDAY. 

At 11 months of age this little boy is such a ham! Easton loves life. He laughs when tickled (guaranteed tickle spots are 1) under his chin, right on the collar bone and 2) every time  you squeeze his chubby little legs). He loves hearing his Mumsey sing and will listen intently to singing and/or instrumental music. He also loves watching CMT/GAC music videos and loves dancing with his Momma to country music. Easton's favorite word remains  to be "DaDaDa!" but he is so cute as he practices the "Se", "Ta", and "ZZZ" sound repeatedly throughout the day. Easton still has yet to take his first step but he will stand on his own, that is until he realizes that he's standing on his own and then he proceeds to sit down really fast to crawl to the next venue. We continue to work on our baby sign language at meal times & Easton can now show us "All Done" when he has reached his limit. Easton has received his first haircut & I can admit that he's looking more and more like his Daddy.

 Easton on his rocking horse

 Size 4 crocs

Snacktime!

11 Month Old Bloopers: 

Both Easton, Justin, and I have gone through growing pains with his mobility within the past few weeks-a burnt thumb (from grabbing the much-too-hot water from the spout in the bathtub) to falling (or should I say flipping) off the couch while sitting beside Daddy to being thrown out and then ran over by his Little Tykes car while his Mother was trying to be the "fun" mom and go really fast then come to a much-to-quick stop to go in reverse (those cars really should have a seat belt or strap!). Needless to say, we are all still learning in this first year and look forward to more bumps, bruises and fun times along the way.  Parents are supposed to learn on the first child, right?