Tristan's conversation with Daddy

So Tristan has begun cooing and making noises trying to mimic us talking to him. I'm sorry this video is so dark, but just keep listening. I love my little munchkin. He's changing and growing so fast, we're trying to cherish every moment. He melts my heart. ;)

-Love, Mommy

Thumb sucker?

I know, I have a lot of blogging to do to catch you up to date...but this is what I found this morning. :) Brodie was a paci baby, however Tristan, is not as attached. He will take it sometimes and then usually spit it out when he sleeps and is fine without it, but wants it here and there sometimes. He's only done this like twice, but we may have a thumb sucker on our hands! He's Momma's sweet boy...ok and Daddy's too :)

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Brodie is sooo excited about Christmas this year. It started when we began talking about some of the ornaments we bought for him last year, to go on the Christmas tree. We've started a tradition that we try to get ornaments for the Christmas tree for him, for whatever he is into that year (ex: spider man, super man, batman, handy manny, little einsteins). So, even before Thanksgiving Brodie began asking to put up the Christmas tree. We finally convinced Daddy to get it out of the loft in the garage, so we could do it. Well...little did I know that to Brodie, putting up the Christmas tree meant that it was "Christmas time!". Let me explain...after the tree was up and decorated...Brodie says "So is it Christmas time...can I open my presents now?" lol. So yes...he asks this just about every day now. He began "finding" his presents around the house so I quickly had to wrap them and put them under the tree...not to mention they were taking over my house. We also got out the little people nativity scene I bought last year and we've talked about the Christmas story with him. We talk with him about the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it. That is is Jesus' birthday and that this time of year is to celebrate Him. We have also decided to adopt a little 2 year old girl named "Dearia", to help her have a Christmas that she may not otherwise have. I'm excited to do this with Brodie, as we shop for her and teach Brodie that it is not about us, and that God blesses us so that we can help bless other people who need it more than we do. We may not can do much, but I'm excited that God may be able to use us in even a small way to minister to this family and little girl. We have been watching Christmas movies as a family, such as "Elf" and "The Grinch who Stole Christmas". Brodie has been excited to learn "Christmas songs", so far "Santa Claus is coming to town" is his favorite. Listen below...

Are we willing?

This morning I told Brodie that Mommy was going to have some "quiet time" and he says "I'm gona have some LOUD time". haha. Anyway, I did get to have some quiet time with my Lord and it spoke right to my soul.

Psalms 123 talked about looking to God for mercy as well as God's leading. God is committed to us. He's committed to care and provide for us. I pray that we will trust him completely in this area, as we make this move to Vegas.

Lately our life has seemed full of trials and hardships, but as I read this I am reminded that we must continue to persevere and finish the race as God has called us, as the prize awaits us. (2 Tim 4:7, Heb 12:1)

Here is an excerpt I read from "Streams in the Desert".

"They overcame him by the blood of the lamb...;they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11

When James and John came to Christ with their mother, asking Him to give them the best place in His kingdom, He did not refuse their request. He told them that the place would be given to them if they could do His work, drink His cup, and be baptized with His baptism. (Mark 10:38)

Are we willing to compete for God's best, with the knowledge that the best things are always achieved by the most difficult paths? We must endure steep mountains, dense forests, and the Enemy's chariots of iron, since hardship is the price of the victor's coronation. Arches of triumph are made not of rose blossoms and strands of silk but of hard blows and bloody scars. The very hardships you are enduring in your life today have been given you by the Master, for the express purpose of enabling you to win your crown.

Therefore do not always look ahead to your tomorrows for some ideal situation, exotic difficulty, or faraway emergency in which to shine. Rise today to face the circumstances in which the providence of God has placed on you. Your crown of glory is hidden in the heart of these things--the hardships and trials pressing in on you this very hour, week, and month of your life. Yet the most difficult things are not those seen and known by the world but those deep within your soul, unseen, unknown by anyone except Jesus. It is in this secret place that you experience a little trial that you would never dare to mention to anyone else and that is more difficult for you to bear than martyrdom.

Beloved, your crown lies there. May God help you to overcome and to wear it.

It matters not how the battle goes,

The day how long;

Faint not! Fight on!

Tomorrow comes the song.

(Streams in the Desert-L.B.Cowman)

Some days....

Some days are good and some days are tough. I have to admit, today is a tough one. We've had a lot going on lately and don't have much time for idle thinking. Which, is probably a good thing. Today I'm a bit emotional. The reality of having Tristan home, yesterday being the anniversary of the loss of our baby, and now, the reality of Vegas getting very close.

When I went to the doctor for my 2-week check up, actually, 3 week, she asked "Do you have days where you cry all day and want to drive off the James River Bridge?" I laughed and said "no, most days are good!". Well...today is one of those days. I can't say I want to drive off a bridge...I have too many blessings here for that...but I am a bit emotional...ok...a lot emotional.

When we lost the baby a year ago, I had nooo idea that God would decide for us to have Tristan less than a year later. Now, I can't imagine not having him and feel so blessed that God has given us him as our son. However...nothing takes the pain away. I'm thankful that God carries us when we need it...because some days I feel crippled.

I also have the reality that in 2 months we will be moving our family across the country to Las Vegas. To be honest, I'm scared to death. But..I'm also ready and excited to move on to the next part of this journey God has for us. Most days, I live in today and try not to get overwhelmed by the future. I know that God has called us to Vegas and that we have an incredible opportunity for Tommy to intern under Vince, and that our hearts are broken for the people there....God just may have to carry me some days.

Welcome Baby Tristan!!

Our new baby boy, Tristan Thomas Altman was born on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 8:30am, 8lbs.1oz 20 1/2 inches.

Brodie's "Real" Birthday

As you know, we had Brodie's "Mickey Mouse Birthday Party" 2 weeks early this year since we were due with Tristan the day after Brodie's real birthday. I was actually surprised how well Brodie understood this...he kept saying "I'm not 3 yet...". He knew he wouldn't turn 3 until his "real birthday". He also knew that his little brother would be here around his birthday so he was also excited about that! So...when we got up that morning I told him it was his birthday, he was so excited...he said "Yay! I'm 3!!" (as he jumped up and down). We asked what he wanted for breakfast and he picked cinnamon rolls :). We went to Red Robin for lunch to celebrate with family and a couple friends.

The Birthday Boy :)

Our Family :)

Mommy made cupcakes and Red Robin brought a sundae...lucky boy :)

Brodie,

I can't believe our little boy is 3 today. My heart is full as I think of the joy you bring to our lives daily. It seems like yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital and now you have become our little boy who is full of life and laughter yet still with a sensitive heart, that melts mine. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and love you so much. We pray that you continue to grow and love Jesus with all our heart. You are so passionate, what a blessing it will be to see you as a big brother. :)

Love,

Mommy

Peanut Fest

This was 2 days before Mommy's due date so luckily Aunt Dana was glad to ride the rides with Brodie. :)

Brodie was concentrating on driving...I think Aunt Dana was having the most fun. haha

Jesse and Hunter

Brodie playing the fishing game,,,he got 2 fish!

Brodie and Hunter playing with the swords they "won".

Boys being boys....

My knights in shining armor....:)

I had a couple boxes and I jokingly wrapped one around Brodie and said "this can be your armor". Welll....Daddy got out the scissors and markers and you can see the rest...:)

Tristan's Nursery #2...

The "rock n roll" paintings Daddy did for Tristan's nursery...

Tristan's Nursery

I know you've been waiting....

Yes, we picked a name...Tristan Thomas Altman

Yes, the nursery is complete except for 2 pictures Daddy has painted that are going in there. (They are drying in the garage and will hopefully be ready to put in there tomorrow).

Here's a sneak peak≈

Mommy and Tristan in the nursery (39 weeks)

The "rock n roll" bedding...

Brodie's 1st trip to the Dentist

Today was a busy day of appointments. We had our 39 week doctors visit this morning for the baby. All was good, just waiting on little man to decide he's ready to meet the world. :) We then took Brodie to get a haircut. Finally, we had Brodie's 1st dentist appointment!

We took him to a pediatric dentist, at place called "Children's Dental World". It was very kid friendly, the dentist was very nice and Brodie did soo good. Today was just another reminder of how 'big' my little boy has gotten. Brodie immediately loved all of the "Incredibles" posters and picked out an orange toothbrush. They had headphones on the dentist chair and tv's on the ceiling so Brodie kicked back and watched some. He did great while she cleaned/brushed his teeth, then the dentist came in and gave a good report and answered any questions we had. Here's a few pic from today...

Brodie's 3rd Birthday Party :)

Brodie will turn 3 in two weeks, on October 11th, but our due date for lil man is October 12th...so we decided to have Brodie's birthday party early.

We asked Brodie what kind of birthday he wanted to have and we for sure thought he would want a "Cars" birthday, since he is really into that right now...but he told us he wanted a "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Cake!!" He loves to watch Mickey Mouse and it's so cute to hear him sing the songs and say the "magic words" with Mickey.."Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse!". So after several conversations of what he wanted...we planned his "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" birthday party.

Starting with Brodie's 1st birthday we started a tradition of making his birthday cakes. Brodie loves this and it's always a big deal. (Grandma was here to help with the first 2 and we missed her this year). We got online and looked at pictures and he picked a cake that he liked and wanted us to make. So...Mommy, Daddy and Nana made him this Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake. Brodie absolutely looved it and of course that makes it all worth it! :)

We are thankful for so many great family and friends that came out to celebrate with us. We had about 40 kids and adults at the party. Brodie had a blast and we hope everyone else did too! Here are a few pics from the party...

Brodie loved everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to him. He was so cute to watch as he was all smiles and couldn't wait to blow out his candle!

The birthday boy, taking the first swing at the Mickey Pinata.

Jumping in the bounce house with Caden and Samuel.

Opening some presents. We thought he wouldn't last long with this but he did until he opened every single one! My big boy...can't believe how big he looks here...

Daniel's 30th Birthday

Happy Birthday Daniel!! My brother, Daniel, turned 30 this week so we celebrated with family and friends this weekend. Here are a few pics...

Got to love the shirt Mom had made for him....haha :)

The cake Mom and I made.

The 4 of us...
The volleyball game, of course!
The kiddos. Brodie, Caden and Samuel.

Baby Shower

Tommy and I were given a baby shower by my mom and sister. We were grateful for all the friends and family and joined us in celebrating the expected arrival of our new little one.