Generally, Aubrey and I are doing very well. A few months ago, we decided to take a huge leap and have Aubrey stop getting paid to work and stay home to do the hardest work of all. It was scary at first, but it's been an enormous blessing for all of us!
I'm in the middle of my third year of my PhD program, with at least two (but probably three) years to go. It's been a very interesting experience and I'm learning a lot about what it takes to be a research scientist. I currently work at the VA Hospital in Houston coordinating research efforts for a PT, PhD researcher who works with people with Parkinson's disease. We are currently performing two projects, so when we are busy, my days are full! I recently had to start working full time, so I have even less time to do school work than normal, but somehow it all gets done. I find ways to be with Jax and Aubrey as often as possible, which is the only reason I'm semi-sane!
But you really aren't that interested in reading about our daily lives. Number One Son and the many strides he has made in learning to use his new body and experiencing everything this life has to offer are much more interesting! Because everything is new to him, he had more "firsts" this year than we could ever name. He's done everything from rolling over, to walking, to running, to singing in church (as soon as that organ starts, he starts to holler). Below are some of the highlights of his year.
First, this boy loves the water (look at how fat he was)! Bath time is his favorite time of day, even when he used to go swimming most days. He's been aching to get back to going to the pool with his mom and always wants to go every time we walk by the pool to get the mail.
Then, he got addicted to "real food" and easily weaned off of milk. Just look at that mouth open... he's ready for more!
More firsts for Jax included crawling and furniture-walking by the end of February (8 months old), most of which was driven by his deep, abiding desire to get his kitty's tail!
Of course he quickly progressed to walking and running, even though those legs don't take him nearly fast enough! By his first birthday, he was already running around and causing all sorts of mischief. He really liked his cake though!
In October, we went to the Dewberry Farm, where Jax got to see lots of animals and even got to feed a goat! Because he had such a great time here, Aubrey and her friend started taking their kids to the zoo more often. He loves those animals, just like his mom!
This December he had his first experience with the snow.
He actually did much better in the snow than we thought he would. As the next video shows, he really doesn't like to get his hands dirty. . . just like his Uncle Wayne!
Those are the major talking points of our boy's life. Of course there are many more, but there is only so much time in the day. His favorite things are playing with his cars, loving on his stuff animal toys, going to the zoo and the park with is best buddy Tayson, getting chased by his dad, and reading his books with his mom (especially when he gets to sing along with the music).
Here's hoping your year has been as much fun as ours. We'll make 2014 just as great! Keep in touch and know that we love you all! We love it when people come to visit, so if you feel like taking a trip, Houston's nice in the Fall, Winter, and Spring! May the Lord bless and prosper you as he has us during this past year.
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