I can't believe...

Our baby is 1 today. A year ago today I was in the Acibadem hospital here in Turkey, hopefully resting, but probably anxiously waiting to take my precious bundle home. The labor/delivery went so well and we were so blessed to welcome our little man right around 7 o'clock. My mom was able to be here for the delivery, we still talk about how it was such a precious time to be together. I am pretty sure she fell head over heels in love with Istanbul.

These past 12 months have been such an amazing learning experience for the both of us. Way too many precious moments to count and lots of laughter in between. Levi is above and beyond what we could have ever asked for in a son. He is sweet, kind, very adaptable, and loves people. He also has a great sense of humor. I know that some people probably would say you can't see that in a 1 yr old, but we sure can. We are so excited about all the new things he is learning, he is now cruising/pulling up on things, playing catch, and throwing anything and everything. I have known since I was a little girl that I have wanted to be a mommy but Levi has made that role mean so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. We praise the Lord for a safe and healthy 12 months with him, and pray that he continues to grow and mature into Godly man.

We love you Levi and we are so glad the Lord gave you to us on October 20th, 2008!

Here are some memories of our first year with him, they definitely aren't in great order especially since our computer crashed :( And, is it terrible I am too tired its hard for me to really tell exactly which month is which?

I know we are biased but we sure think he's wonderful!











The picture above is from his birthday party, it was a little late, thus the no smile and binki-in-mouth. I will give more details on that soon!

Love all of you and thank you so much for all of your love and support for Levi and for us this past year!

Are you ready for some football?

We are starting up another football season for the Stallions, and before our opening game we were blessed to have a group of coaches from Virginia come over here and work with the team for a camp. Everyday they practiced and practiced, taking a break for lunch at our house. Levi loved hangin' with all his favorite buddies.


Tim was super pleased with how the camp turned and we were so excited to see the team learn so much from these coaches.

We also got a visit from Southeastern, who brought their basketball team to play some of the local colleges/clubs here.


Levi and I had a great time watching our favorite player.


And, Uncle Nate came to stay since he was also playing for the team. Needless to say Levi loved hanging out with his uncle and followed him all around the house.


Both groups were a lot of fun and I think the football team loved having them here. We are so grateful they traveled all this way.

We finally had the first game last week. It was scheduled for one week and got changed at least 4x! Really frustrating for a coach, and therefore a coach's wife : )

But we finally had it.

Observations:

1. It was hot, beautiful, not a cloud in the sky kind of day, but a little warm

2. I kept telling the coach to put this tough guy in, I don't think he heard me.


3. Football jerseys smell yucky while washing them a week before a game.

4. The coach looked super cute, and very professional.


5. We were so proud of all the players. They played so well and have improved a lot.

6. Referees can be unfair.

7. Do not place large bottles of water around angry coaches.

8. Had SO much fun with all my buddies on the sidelines. Including the Waters girls, Rindy, and Nilgun.

9. We'll get em' next time ; )

Our next game is this weekend, Sunday we think so far....

We will keep you posted!

Maybe we'll have Levi give you a call.