And now you are 5....

Our sweet baby boy turned 5. I have been dreading this day... Something about five seems different. Older, more big kid, less little kid.

I relished your days as my baby, enjoyed every moment of having a toddler, felt uneasy when I had you call you a preschooler and now feel like having a panic attack as you turn five and leave that label behind.

Where have five years gone? It seems like such a milestone. One that makes me look back and wonder if I've done the best job I can. You've grown into such a sweet little boy with a warm heart and loving spirit.

In five years we've:
Lived in three houses in two cities
You learned to talk, walk, run and play
You've had two minor surgeries (ear tubes and recircumcision)
You had your first love and break up (with your pacifier)
You had a new sister and welcomed her into our family with open arms
You went to the beach for the first time, to your first UT football game and to Disney World!
You started and finished preschool with flying colors. Your teachers all rave about how smart you are, how gentle and caring and kind you are to the other children. And how you are polite and a joy to teach.
But most of all, in five years, you've taught me more than I can ever teach you. I'm so lucky God gave you to me. Thank you for teaching me about pure love, happiness, forgiveness and for getting to view the world again through your precious, innocent eyes.

I'm thankful that I've been home with you almost everyday of the last five years. I think the thought of you being five might be unbearable if I had not experienced, firsthand, each and every second that has flown by.
As we prepare our family for another new sister I'm so glad to know she will have you to look up to and you to be her helper, her role model and her friend. You're the perfect boy to have two little sisters.
It's my hope that the next five years slow down just a bit more. That I remember more of the fun times and worry less about the laundry or dishes. That I'm more focused on you and your view of the world and less distracted by work or texts or outside influences. I know Ill turn around and you will be 10. But tonight as I write this I'm going to make a huge effort to try really hard...To be present each day ahead. Because I don't want to miss any of it.

So happy birthday my sweet, strong, special boy! You're the greatest gift of all. You made me a mommy! Here's to FIVE and all the exciting things we will accomplish together this year!

Kenny and Eric

My sweet husband has done it again! Surprised me with such a thoughtful gift.

Months ago, Kenny Chesney announced he'd be touring with Eric Church this summer. It's an all outdoor stadium tour, which is really cool, unless you're going to be 30+ weeks pregnant at every show date near us. Brad knew these were my two favorite performers together and he found a show in Dallas that fit the bill. I wouldn't be too pregnant to enjoy the trip and we'd get to have a fun getaway to Dallas before the baby came. So he bought concert tickets, booked a hotel and booked flights and gave it all to me for Valentines Day. I was shocked!

We had such a fun time. Went to great restaurants, went shopping at places you can't go to in Jackson and went to the George W. Bush Presidential Library. The library was so awesome. I didn't know what to expect from a presidential library. Whether it'd be boring and stuffy and all papers. It was great. Very moving. The photo below of the twisted steel beam is out of the World Trade Center tower and the Oval Office is the only Oval Office replica in all of the presidential libraries that you can sit behind the desk and get your picture made. I highly recommend going to the library if you're in Dallas anytime soon.

What an amazingly thoughtful Hub I have. Thank you honey for loving me so well.

Mother's Day blessings

Brad and I were in Dallas on Mother's Day and I didn't get to see my sweet little people. I missed them so much and kept wishing I had them there to hug and cuddle.

Things I love about my two babes:
1. They greet me like I've been gone for days even when I've just run to the store for an hour. They sing songs and dance and hop when I'm home. What a glorious reception each time I walk thru the door.
2. They need me. I mean really really need me. Not just to clean up messes or get things they can't reach, they need me in a way you only need your mommy. Boo boos can't be healed until I proclaim it better with a kiss! Celebrations can't be complete without a jumping up and down followed by a big hug and an, "I'm so proud of you!!" Cereals made better by the perfect spoon. Errands are made more fun by less than necessary trips to the car wash to see the colorful foam. And movie night is made special by popcorn and snuggling on the couch. These little people need me to help them find their way in this life but also to try and make it a special little life for them as well. We really have a blessed life and these two great blessings make me a better person than I thought I could ever be. I can't wait to meet perry baby #3 and add her into our lives. The kids are so excited about her joining the family. :)

2013 Tee Ball- team RJ Young

This was Barnes' second year to play tee ball. Our team members from last year were all kids that were older than bbp so they moved up to coach pitch and we stayed in tee ball. It was at first a hard transition for Barnes because he wasn't going to know anyone and begged to play with his old team.

But in true Barnes Perry style by the time the first half of practice was over he knew everyone and was giving high fives telling people great job! He is such a social child, it is probably his greatest gift. That he never meets a stranger and genuinely want to know about other people.
We enjoyed our season with RJYoung and learned a lot. Like how to slide(into every base) how to hit the ball straight and far, how to anticipate the ball coming to you and how to not run and tackle the ball and the player who's also going after the same ball. He was given the Game Ball on 5/13 for always hustling and running when on the field. Coach Luke says we have a future ball player on our hands. Whether he ever plays much past childhood or not, I have to say, I've just been impressed with his enthusiasm. He really does everything 110% whether its sports, loving his baby sister, caring for his mommy or watching every move his daddy makes trying to replicate it. He's got heart and zest for life and I hope it continues all the days of his life. Half of success is the desire to succeed and do a good job and I have no doubt he has this trait in spades.