Milestones

It's been awhile since I last blogged, (Austin says I blog quarterly-that seems to be pretty true these days!) and over the last three months we have seen several milestones in the Henderson home. Here we are on the 4th of July. Caleb is 4 and 4 months and Annelise is almost 13 months- I can't believe it!

I'll start with Caleb's milestones. #1- reading books - About a year ago, Caleb started reading for the 1st time. Over the year he improved more and more as we practiced. I didn't have a curriculum. I just wrote words on blank paper, and we practiced sounding out. However, a few months ago, Karen, told me about these little readers called Bob Books that you could get at Barns & Noble. I had readers with my Kindergartners but had to leave those behind when I left teaching. I didn't know I could buy them at the bookstore! So, we purchased them, and Caleb has absolutely blown us away with the ease of his reading!!! We are SOOOO VERY proud of him!! Yea, Caleb!!!!!

Milestone #2- swimming. Austin and I are thrilled that Caleb has started swimming! He had a rough start, but sweet Kimberly has helped teach him. He is doing great! We will continue lessons for the next several years I'm sure.

Milestone #3- swinging. Caleb is swinging by himself- pumping like a mad man! He loves to swing as much as I do- reaching to the sky!!

Milestone #4- buckling himself into the car seat!! Whaoooo!!! It's about time!! We told him we'd go out for ice cream once he mastered it- he finally did- I am thrilled to only buckle in Annelise every time we go anywhere!!!! Thank you, Caleb!!!!

He is growing up for sure. He is really into superheroes right now- pretending to be Superman, Batman or Green Lantern; he loves to talk, as you know- he's a social bug! And, he has truly become a sponge when it comes to his Bible knowledge- we are amazed- he is memorizing much larger chunks of scripture- and our favorite book is the Jesus Story Book Bible- absolutely excellent!! It has made me cry a few times already!

And lastly- he passed his eye exam with flying colors- thank you, Father! And thank you for your prayers over the years! We are in the process with two other doctors in Alabama to get a 2nd opinion. We have an appointment in November; however, we are hoping that he will only have to review his file and not have to see him personally. We will see.

At the end of May Emma, Noah, and Caeden came to stay with us for a few days while their parents went on a trip. Caleb loved every moment!- and we did too! They are precious to us- we had so much fun!

I laughed at this picture of Caleb and Emily!! She came and stayed a night when her mother had baby number #3- Stella Grace. Caleb has been loving the sleepovers this summer!!

This picture, I think, will be a favorite of mine for years to come and will probably make me cry. Caleb wrote his whole name from memory for the 1st time (not just his 1st name). He was soooooo proud of himself!!! It is so rewarding to teach Caleb to read and write!

This was a tough fit- 4 wiggle worms in Annelise's small pool- where's Annelise?? I love Timothy's big grin and how he calls me "Cole." I could eat him up!

Annelise has had some milestones as well over the past few months. Milestone #1-turning one! I can't believe she's a year! She has changed so much and it's gone by so fast- she is the biggest snuggle-bug with not only her stuffed animals but also with Mommy and Daddy. We eat it up! She is definitely different than Caleb- she has a little more spunk-little more of an opinion- she absolutely loves the water and is not afraid- and she is what Ma calls a bumblebee (very busy and curious)-but she is so fun and such a sweetheart! We are loving her dearly. She also loves food as much as Caleb- if that's possible!!!

Here she is eating her first cake! We had her party out in the blazing sun- what were we thinking??!! To see more of her birthday click here.

Milestone #2 - walking. Annelise is walking everywhere these days- it's been so fun to see her up on her feet! And look at that tan! She has her Mimi's skin.

Milestone #3- talking. Annelise is saying a few words! Dada, hot (without the "t" sound), Mama sometimes, and "Tuh" for Tuck- the neighborhood cat. Caleb can't wait to hear her say his name!

And Milestone #4- no longer a baby. This one is a milestone for both Annelise and myself. I just can't believe it. Austin and I want more children; however, we don't feel called to having any more of our own. We want to adopt. More than likely we won't be bringing home a baby. This is a big deal for me. I am done with pregnancy, with nursing, and with holding my own newborn infants- it's sad, but it feels right too. I have cherished these times with my two- thank you Lord for these precious gifts you have given us. It has been a tremendous joy.

Here she is splashing in the pool. In the bathtub, she sticks her face and head in the faucet and then laughs as the water gushes over her head!!

Here she is eating Ma's famous pinto beans for the 1st time- she couldn't get enough of them and got them everywhere!!

I love this picture of her and Daddy at the farm. He can always make her laugh.

And, lastly Austin and I have just reached a milestone- July 1st we celebrated our 10th Anniversary!!!!!! I just can't believe it!! It has been a wonderful 10 years. Yes, we were married at 21 and both still in school- but the Lord has been gracious- I wouldn't change it for anything! He is my knight in shining armor. Thank you again to everyone who made our wedding possible- especially our parents, our wedding party, and countless family friends who pulled it all together! We are leaving in two weeks for a cruise- just the two of us to continue our celebration!

And because it's been so long since I blogged last...back at the end of April we went to Merry Acres Farm with our best friends for the 3rd year in a row- these friends are rare- we do life together- not perfectly but authentically- they are gifts from above. We love you guys!!

Here are our 11 kids- next year they will out number us!!!!!!!! We have tons more cute pictures- click here to see more!

Well, if are still reading this blog entry, I applaud you- it's a long one! The only other thing I'll add is that in the midst of the craziness of our lives with plenty of everyday obstacles alongside of some really tough things this year- like losing one of my dearest friends and spending the last 9 months in daily pain in my head and neck, I feel like God is meeting me here. He has reminded me that "Rejoicing in the Lord is my strength. " Neh. 8:10 and has given me this song this week...I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever.....

He is truly good. Grace and peace to you...Nicole

Spring is Here!!

The last several months have been a sweet time to watch the friendship between Caleb and Annelise grow. Annelise is at a stage where she is able to interact and play better with Caleb, and she is loving it! Annelise is 10 months now; she is crawling, waving bye bye, signing "more" and "all done" and loving Caleb's toys! She wants to do whatever Caleb does and be wherever he is!! Caleb has been very gracious and protective of her- he is a GREAT big brother. We pray they will always be close.

I love to see them loving on each other!

This is Annelise's and Caleb's 1st bath together- they had a blast splashing water everywhere!

This is a silly pic of Emily and Caleb doing back rolls off the couch!

At the end of February our good friend Virginia and her precious son, Jack, drove down from Louiville for a few days. It was a fun visit. Jack was an absolute doll!! He's 4 months older than Annelise and was very very gentle with her. I just wanted to eat him up!! At the end of March, Karen and I took a road trip up to see her without the kids!! Yea!! It was a nice break, and we enjoyed the girl time with Virginia.

Look how cute he is!!!!

Here we are having tacos with Virginia and Benji and Rebekah- celebrating their return to the boro!! Yea!! We are thrilled to have them back along with Caroline and their latest addition, Anna Laura!! (Derek and Karen and Randi Lea helped us celebrate too!)

Here Karen and I are in Louisville with Virginia at the most lovely tea room. We had a beautiful day to eat lunch, stroll around, shop a little, and eat some more!!Thanks for having us up, Virginia- it was a treat!

Here we are at the Murfreesboro rodeo!!- Caleb and Annelise's 1st! Caleb loved it! We got to see the horse riding and the funny clown routines; however we had to leave before the bull riding...bummer!

Caleb had a blast playing with his friends, Austin, John Mark, and Vada- this is my favorite picture!!! Vada didn't have a gun- that didn't stop her!! She made one with her fingers!!!

Annelise's favorite thing is the bath these days. From the second she gets in until you pull her out, she uses both hands to splash the water as hard as she can- over and over and over!! Forget about the toys- no need for any!! It's a hoot and a very big mess too!! She LOVES it!!

Bath time is full of smiles!

look at those teeth- two on bottom, two on top and two more on top coming in- total of 6 soon!

Caleb turns 4!! We can't believe it! We celebrated at Bounce U this year. It was truly a lot of fun for the kids and the adults! Annelise even went down a slide too. 

We feel so blessed to have Caleb for 4 years with absolutely no change in his tumor. His eye sight couldn't be better. Thank you for your prayers. Speaking of prayers...we are in the process of seeking a second opinion and would love your prayers right now for wisdom. We will keep you updated.

Mimi and Annelise! --It sure has been fun dressing Annelise in pink and putting matching bows in her hair!

Uncle Dewey, Aunt Janie, KG, and Jim joined us along with other family as well- we are blessed to have everyone so close.

Easter is here!! We celebrated with Austin's family on Saturday. Annelise had fun playing with Chase.

Caleb had to hunt hard for the eggs that KG and Jim hid- it was a good challenge! We decided that next year Annelise would give him some competition for sure!

Caleb and Emily showing off their outfits for Easter. I love Emily's haircut!

Here we are before church. Annelise is dressed in my Easter dress that my mother made for me 30 years ago! It was really special to have have her wear it. 

Our Easter was a wonderful, memorable day especially in light of the Revelation study I've been doing with CBS this year. I have been overwhelmed that Christ came to this earth, gave his life, paid for my sins, and conquered death for me- that He loves me and you that much- it is truly humbling.

Mom did a beautiful job on the neddle work!

Look at Annelise with her daddy- she will not remember this day, but I will cherish it for a lifetime. She is only in our arms for a brief time, and I want to take hold of these days and make them each special- for they are fleeting.

Here we are at Ma's house for lunch and egg hunting. It was nice to be with the whole family- and fun to watch my brothers and Leslie love on my babies. It means a lot, and I look forward to loving on theirs one day too!

Four generations is hard to come by these days. This is a special picture.