An Andy P. Addendum!

I meant to share this video in my last post. It seemed appropriate to the theme :)

A Year Ago — Beholding the Lamb

I'm NOT pregnant.

But a year ago today, I found out that I was. I'm not sure how late I was, but Kam and I decided that if the way of women [Gen. 18:11; 31:35—you're welcome for that!] was still not with me by the end of the day, we'd take a pregnancy test. It was a Tuesday night, and my friend Lindsay and I were headed to Montgomery to see Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God concert [Haddon told you in his last post that I'd be writing about this]. Our husbands were not with us because they had a deacon's meeting, so Kam had to miss the traditional Christmas event.

We love Andrew Peterson's music. When I say he's my favorite singer/songwriter, that's saying a lot. Not because I'm some amazing music critic, but because "favorite" questions make me nervous. Just ask my husband! The definitive tone of them is overwhelming to me... Anyway, he's ridiculously talented and his music is often a means of worship for me. So, Andy P's music has a special place in the KamPugh hearts and home.

After December 13, 2011, it became even more near and dear to us [and by us, I mean me and Haddon].

The whole time I sat there in the dark listening to this wonderful music, I was wondering if there was a little life growing inside of me. Though I often tear up listening to Andy P [sorry, that's his nickname in the Pugh home, or maybe I just say it, I don't know...] this night I was a bit more emotional. As we drove back from Montgomery, my heart was full, overwhelmed with a love for Jesus because of what I'd just heard and also wondering if the next turn of events would change our lives forever.

Kameron was with me when I took the test. We were going to look at the results together, but honestly, I'm pretty sure I saw it change right away... but I set the timer and walked away. 3 minutes later, we looked at a simple little stick that ushered in a new season of life. We would never be the same again.

Last Sunday night, we took our little boy to his second Behold the Lamb concert. Though I questioned our sanity for driving him to Birmingham to do this, it was a sweet thing for the KamPughs. A Christmas tradition that I hope we'll be able to keep for years to come. A beautiful story [that's true!!!] of redemption that I pray will take root in Haddon Pugh's little heart and change his life forever. 

Another wonderful thing about this concert is that it begins with a reading from the Jesus Storybook Bible. [Another thing you should know about if you don't!] I'll close with that...

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No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne — everything — to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

You see, the best thing about this Story is — it's true.

There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. And at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every Story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece of a puzzle — the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.

And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend. This is the Child who would one day — but wait. Our Story starts where all good stories start. Right at the very beginning...

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This Christmas, [and every day] may we truly behold the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins.

Four Months!

Whoa everyone... can you believe we're here already? Hello 4 months! Things seem to be going by faster and faster everyday. Sometimes I wonder if Mom can keep up. I'm sure she'll get the hang of it.

Well, I guess I should start filling you in on what I'm doing these days. I still really like chewing and sucking on my fists/hands/fingers. This used to take away from all my cooing, but I've gotten better at being a talker. Mom and Dad really enjoy it, so I try to humor them.



I also laughed for the first time this month. I laughed and Mom cried... that crazy lady. Dad makes me laugh the most. He's pretty awesome. I've also been squealing as well. It's really fun to hear myself. I think it's entertaining for the parentals as well— especially when I'm riding in the back seat by myself.

A new game I enjoy now is something you folks call "peek-a-boo." It never ceases to amaze me when they pull the blanket away from my face. It's a good distraction when I start to get whiney. 


In other fun milestones, I'm practically rolling over. Mom's not sure whether or not to count my progress because I may or may not have had a head start in momentum, so I don't know what's been my own effort or not. BUT, I have rolled from back to belly then returned to my back. AND I've gone from belly to back as well.

Sheer determination...

I'm also enjoying a new place to sit— the Bumbo seat! I feel [and look] very grown up when I'm in it. And I get to sit with Mom and Dad a lot more often now that there's a convenient place to have me around and in on the action.

This looks like I'm posing for Olan Mills!

I'm also growing into a new clothes size. I'm in 3-6 months now and can even wear some 6 months stuff. I don't know if you read my stats from Mom's last post, but I'm long and strong my friends!

My first 3-6 months outfit.

In other news, I got to celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time. We got to spend time with Big Daddy and T and Nana and Papa. It was a fun-filled week, but boy was I worn out after that. I also didn't understand why Mom and Dad couldn't hold me all the time once we got home from our Thanksgiving travels. It sure doesn't seem to bother the grandparents much...

They even let me help with some of the cooking!

We got to meet 4 of T's international friends. They were really nice and even got me socks!

This month my Aunt Valerie found out that she is having a BOY!!!!! I can't wait for my buddy, Cohen Michael, to get here in April. Together we'll for sure create a force to be reckoned with...

This was the picture Aunt V sent us to tell us it's a "HE"

I also went to my first concert this month! I won't say much because Mom plans on posting about it soon, so I won't steal her thunder. Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God has a special place in my family's heart, so I'll let her share those things with you. But it was awesome and I behaved pretty well for being drug to and from Birmingham in a night. The only time I really let loose was at the end Labor of Love which was probably the most appropriate time in the show for a baby to cry.

Another fun thing you should get a glimpse of from my 4th month is the photo shoot with Aunt Lynn. She's pretty great and always wants to take pictures of me—I guess that means I'm kind of a big deal, right? She receives all the glory for the next few shots.

"How many National Championship rings does your grandfather have?"

Lastly, I got an early Christmas present from my Dad. I feel honored to be the namesake of this handsome fella. Can you see a resemblance?

I thought I'd put on my serious theological face for these shots...

I'll close on a serious note [out of character, I know]. There's actually a Spurgeon quote that Mom and Dad have framed in my room. It was a gift from the Douthits [WHO I GOT TO MEET AND HANG OUT WITH MULTIPLE TIMES THIS MONTH!!!!!!! But Mom never took our picture. We must remedy that...] Can you pray that this would be true of me?

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You may speak but a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian Church in years to come. —Charles Haddon Spurgeon
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Love, 

Haddon

P.S. As usual, Mom posted scads of pictures on Facebook from our monthly photoshoot. This one has a bit of holiday flair to it. We're also on location at Nana and Papa's this week. Enjoy!

Not sure what this whole snowman thing is about, but Nana seems to like them.

Our Growing Boy

On Monday we had our 4 month check up. We went in early because we'll be out of town next week when he actually turns 4 months and the Pediatric Clinic is closed the week before Christmas. Now that you know way more than you need to know about the logistics of that, I'll tell you how it went :)

Our sweet little guy is coming right along and is proving to be a healthy young man! More vaccines were given, and I gave Haddon permission to kick the nurse if he got the chance. He was a gentlemen and refrained.

Here's a recap for you:
[8.10.12]
> 6 lbs. 11oz.
> 20 inches long
> Last growth post, I declared his head size would forever be a mystery, because "7.5" is written on his charts. BUT, I asked this past visit and it was 13.75" — case closed.

[9.12.12]
> 8 lbs. 11 oz. [15th percentile]
> 20.25 inches long [5th percentile]
> Head circumference of 14.75" [50th percentile]

[10.22.12]
> 10 lbs. 15 oz. [15th percentile]
> 22.75 inches long [20th percentile]
> Head circumference of 15.75" [50th-75th percentile]

New stats:
[12.3.12]
> 13 lbs. 7 oz. [15th percentile]
> 24.25 inches long [15th percentile]
> Head circumference of 16.25" [50th percentile]

We praise the Lord for a healthy boy. Here are some pictures that show how big he's gotten. Yes, the cliche is true— "They grow up so fast!"

And here's our superstar lifting his head. He's so strong :)

Thankful

Wow... I apologize for the lack of posts here lately. I know you have been scouring this page daily, just waiting for an update to pop up, so I am sorry for the constant disappointment that has given you. [please detect my sarcasm, I promise I'm not that full of myself!] To be honest, the decline in posting has been because of Haddon. He's scared I'll steal material from his four month update, so I feel the need to be selective about what I post in between those times. Oh children :)

I thought I'd give you some pictures from our Thanksgiving tour. We were able to spend time with both sides of the family throughout the week, which is always a blessing. Here are some shots from our time with the Klein clan in Decatur.

Clearly he was a better sport about the bib than the hood :) Thanks for the festive gear, Aunt E.

We took a ride to some trails by the river to walk off our Thanksgiving feast. Haddon snoozed the whole time!

Thankful for our little Pugh family!

Thankful for a playful husband.

Thankful for a momma that has faithfully loved me in a way that I can't even put into words.

Thankful for parents that love the Lord and love each other.

Thankful for Papa hugs and grandparents that love our little boy SO much.

Three Months!

Greetings to my fans out there! It's time for another update from your favorite blogger. First, I feel the need to clear the air in light of my mom's previous post. I'm not perfect, but I am pretty close. Also, I'm here for her sanctification, right? Yeah, I said it. SANCTIFICATION. And I do not know where she gets these pictures of me crying. That never happens...

It's been a full month for me and my family and word on the street is that it will just get busier. We started the month with some crazy road tripping. Seriously, we drove a lot. In a span of 7 days, Friday to Friday, we [at least Mom and I] were in the car for at least a day. Here's some calculations I did—

Friday:          Auburn to Decatur =    3.5 hours
Saturday:      Decatur to Auburn =    3.5 hours
Tuesday:       Auburn to Decatur =    3.5 hours
Wednesday:  Decatur to Nashville = 2 hours
                     Nashville to Decatur = 2 hours
Thursday:     Decatur to Florence =  1 hour
                     Florence to Decatur =  1 hour
Friday:         Decatur to Nashville = 2 hours
                    Nashville to Decatur = 2 hours
                    Decatur to Auburn =    3.5 hours

The first trip to Decatur was so I could meet some more of my family. Boy was it a reunion!

My Aunt Erin and Uncle Adam came down all the way from Indianapolis. They have two children, Madelyn and Harrison. This was the first time I got to meet all of them.

Emma and Aunt Valerie came as well. They're living in Florence now, so it's only an hour drive for them. Unfortunately Uncle Brandon had to work. He missed out...

Aren't they beautiful? I have a good lookin' family.

The Memphis Moders came to show some love as well. Can you believe they drove 6 hours in one day just to get some time with us? That's love right there...

Great Aunt Anna and Great Uncle Jeff. They have 3 children— Ben, Amelia, and Sam.

Then there were the Madison Moders. They didn't have to drive that far, but I still was feeling the love from them as well. I sure do have a great family...

Great Aunt Debra and Great Uncle Bobby. A lot of these pictures are from his camera - thanks!

Finally, the patriarch of this all... Papa Bob! He was a trooper and I even got to sit with him for a little bit. We're all very thankful for him.

4 generations!

It was a whirlwind of a trip, but I got a whole lot of attention, so that made up for all the travel time. I'm definitely looking forward to growing up with these folks.

Emma and Maddie hanging out with me while I swing.

Papa Bob with his grands and great-grands: (L-R) Ben, Amelia, Sam, Valerie, Emma, Madelyn, Erin, Harrison, Mom, me!

Yeah yeah... so funny.

All these people and pictures wore me out. I love napping on my parents' chests.

They sure do love each other.

The next trip came about because Dad had class in Nashville [well Franklin, actually]. We weren't sure who would be free to house a married couple and their newborn, so Mom and I spent our nights in Decatur with Nana and Papa. That Wednesday, Mom and I drove Dad up to class. Then we got to spend the afternoon with Meghan and Evie. I know what you're all wondering and no, I did not punch her this time...

We also got to have dinner with Mom's friend, Lauren. She's so cool.

 

Thursday- Mom, Nana, and I went to Florence to have lunch with Aunt V and Uncle Brandon. It was good to see him again! It had been a while. Then Friday- Mom and I went to pick up Dad from class in Franklin. We had lunch with Meghan, Drew, and Evie [I finally got to meet Drew!]. We took some pictures and then hit the road.

We made a pit stop in Decatur for dinner and then had to head to Auburn that night so Dad could be back for something the next morning. Thus ends our around the world adventure. Well, I'm not very good with geography right now, but it felt that way to me!

In other news, I'm balding. Yes, balding. I've heard that it happens with old age, and I am getting older, so I guess it was inevitable. I actually blame it on Mom. I had a nasty patch of cradle cap, so she took it upon herself to rid me of this menace. She did accomplish her purpose, but probably took most of the hair on the top of my head with her. That woman...

Another note concerning my head is that it is apparently kind of big. Since it's gotten cold out, mom tried to put on about 10 different hats we had and they all just popped right off! Thus we've had to result to more creative ways to keep me warm in these cold months...

Lastly in the Haddon head news is that, in spite of its large demeanor, I can move it around pretty well! My neck is growing stronger every day and hopefully soon I'll be a pro at keeping it lifted. 

I also got a nice little war wound this month. This is when Mom gets the hint that my nails need to be trimmed. Just call me ScarFace.

This probably happened while attempting to shove my fist in my mouth. I do this all the time. At first Mom thought it was a new way of telling her I was hungry, but no, I just like to do it. Just trying to keep myself entertained, ya'll.

Another milestone was my first day of errands with my Mom in the stroller. I did really well, but we went to so many places that I just decided to fall asleep. If you've seen one store, you've seen them all...

I'm also enjoying play time more and more. We have a couple of mats with dangling toys that I like to whack. One of them lights up and plays music, but it decided to freak out on us about a week ago. The music skips like crazy now and Mom can't handle it, so we don't use that feature any more. It's still fun to wiggle around on though.

I'm also continuing to smile and coo like a pro. It's so funny to see people's reactions. They LOVE it. You can check out that cuteness here and here [if you haven't seen it already]. 

I'm still enjoying baths these days and have even moved up to just sitting in the tub without that sling thing. Aren't you impressed?

I guess it wouldn't be an update if I didn't tell you how I was sleeping. If you had asked that question yesterday, I was sleeping through the night. 10 to 7 to be exact. I know, I'm awesome. BUT I decided to mix it up on Mom again last night. 10 to 3:30. Then 6:30. Then 9. Just keeping her on her toes. I don't want to get too predictable.