Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband and Daddy! Matt welcomed in the big 27 today and Oliver was very excited this morning to celebrate it with his Daddy. It is the cutest thing in the world to see Oliver love up on his Daddy and to watch their relationship grow with each passing day. Matt is definitely an AMAZING father! Oliver gets so excited when he sees his Daddy and he loves to play tackle with him already. I knew before I married Matt that he would be a good dad someday but I truly never expected for him to be so involved with Oliver and to be so excited to be a dad. I know that as the years come and go Oliver will have one of the greatest role models in the world to learn from.

Oliver and Daddy fishing at the pond!

I can still remember the first time I ever laid eyes on Matt(many years ago) and how I seriously went weak in the knee's when he looked at me with those beautiful eyes and said hey. I melted on the inside and my heart literally skipped a beat or two. I feel so blessed to be married to my best friend and to be loved by him each and every day. He is so understanding, compassionate, genuine, loving, caring and trustworthy. I love waking up to him each morning and kissing him goodnight! His smile brightens my day and his laugh is so pure that you can't help but to join in on his giddiness. I wish that I could fully describe how AWESOME and AMAZING he is but there truly do not seem to be enough right words. To put it simply he is my love! I cannot wait to celebrate many more birthday's with him, to grow old with him, to raise our kids with him and to share all the challenges, rewards and love that life brings us. I love you babe....always and forever!!!!

Matt and I heading to our wedding reception!

God Speed Little Man!

Our sweet Bayler, Bay as we call him, got his very own angel wings last week when our faithful Savior took his hand and guided him into heaven.We received the news a couple of weeks ago that the doctor's and medicine could no longer do anything for our sweet Bay. We knew all along that this was a possibility but it still did not make it any easier to hear. We immediately started praying for God's mercy on Bay as we knew the extreme pain that others had gone through in their last days with this beast growing inside them. Rob, Risha, Bridges and the rest of the family and friends had watched Bay suffer through two years of an intense fight and we all just wanted him to be able to enjoy his last days here. Our God answered our prayers in a mighty way and Bay enjoyed so many things right up until the end. We are experiencing emotions and feelings that we cannot even describe at this time but we know that in the end GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME because our Bay is pain free in heaven riding horses and is cancer free. Blessed be your name LORD for you give us life and you take it away!!!

Bay fought his battle with cancer for 2 years and he was, and still is, the most brave little boy that I have ever known. Just to give you a little insight of how sweet Bay was here are a few things that we have noticed over the past few years of his life......

*When he would go through chemo he would not let it get him down. Even when he got sick from it he would go to the bathroom, get sick and come out singing hymns. It's truly AMAZING the GOD centered joy that he had inside his heart!

*He was a wonderful and supportive big cousin. He was so great with David, Jon and Oliver. Bay loved to play with them and they laughed so hard at him. Oliver would literally sit in his lap for at least an hour and just be completely content.

*He loved his brother Bridges to pieces! They had such an unbelievable relationship and I know in my heart that will stay with Bridges in the years to come.

*He was such a comedian and the hospital staff were blessed the past couple of years to partake in his jokes and pranks.

*He was such a giver. When he would receive gifts from people he was always willing to share them or give them to other kids so that they would have something.

*It wasn't too long ago that Bay comforted his own parents, and all of us, by telling us that Jesus had come to him and told him that he was going to be just fine. WOW!!!

Bayler had always been a huge GAMECOCK fan and the athletic teams at USC have always been huge fans of him. In March Bay threw out the first pitch at a USC baseball game and it truly thrilled him beyond words. The baseball team loved Bay and visited him as often as they could when he was in the hospital. I am sure that most people have heard, unless you completely ignored the CWS, but the GAMECOCKS won the National Championship and they dedicated their play to Bay. He knew before he passed away that they were playing for him and he was so proud to tell everyone. We know that he was there at the CWS helping the GAMECOCKS win and he had the best seat in the house. GO GAMECOCKS!!!

The Wednesday before Bay passed away my mom called and said that Bay had requested to see Oliver. Well, I left work immediately and picked up Oliver so we could head to Bishopville and spend some time with Bay. When we got to Bay's house he was asleep but he woke up as soon as he heard someone say Oliver's name. Bay and Oliver had a special bond! Oliver and Bay played together for a couple of hours as we snapped pictures and got most of their time together on the video camera. Bay even took us on a golf cart ride and Oliver had a blast. My heart breaks, but is filled with JOY, when I think back to that day as I sat and talked to Bay and he twirled my hair. I have no doubt in my heart, or mind, that Bay knew that he was going to be with Jesus the next day because he gave me very specific instructions on some things that I had to teach Oliver in the future. As we were getting ready to leave he looked at me with those beautiful, pure eyes and said "I love you Aunt B." My heart sank to my stomach because he said it in such a way as if he knew it was the last time that he would tell me face to face. As I choked back tears I kissed him goodbye and said "I love you too Bay!" Thank you God for that moment!!! Looking back on it now I am so grateful that my boss was compassionate enough to let me go and I am so glad that we went to see Bay. Rob told me the next day at the hospital that Oliver helped make Bay's last day so special and that he loved Oliver so much. As I held Bay's hand and prayed over him I knew that God's will was beening done in his life and life would never be same from that day forward.

Bay touched so many peoples lives in the short 7.5 years that he had here on earth and his legacy will forever live on. We are determined to honor him as we continue to live our lives because he would have wanted us to keep on going and loving others. We will miss him each and everyday but he is in our hearts forever. The greatest joy that we have to carry with us is that we know that one day we will get to be with our beautiful blonde hair, blue eyed Bay in heaven
some day. Until that day comes....GOD SPEED LITTLE MAN!!!

Oliver's 1st Word!!!

This morning I was walking around in our room trying to get ready for work while Oliver was playing in his little Jeep walker. I could tell that he was starting to get restless and wanted to get out but I could not find a free second to get him out. Matt had just left for work, or so I thought, and I had finally gotten dressed and organized enough to get him out of the walker. When I walked over to him he looked up at me with those beautiful blue eyes and clear as day said "MA" as he lifted his hands towards me so I could pick him up. I froze in disbelief and so did Matt(I didn't know that he was still in the kitchen). I looked up and Matt just laughed as he walked past our bedroom. I was so excited that he had said "MA" as his first word and I was super excited that Matt was still there for the moment. Now, of course, Matt said that it didn't count unless he said it again but we are counting it as his first word. My wonderful husband tried to make it seem like he was saying "Matt" but he knew that Oliver had said "MA". I mean come on, he looks just like his Daddy and he acts just like him so I am thrilled to have this moment of him saying "MA" first. We cannot believe that Oliver is getting so big so quick and he is literally doing new things each and everyday. He is such a blessing from God and we are so thankful that we have him in our lives.

Here are some things that Oliver is doing now on a daily basis:

*he is holding his own bottle while sitting in his car seat when we go on trips in the car(praise the lord we do not have to schedule travel times around his eating anymore)

*he loves to put his face straight into the water when we take him swimming(this freaked his babysitter out at first...haha)

*he is wearing size 5 diapers(yes we know....he is a big boy)

*he is almost crawling so he does the worm a lot and he loves to do baby yoga exercises

*he will hold his hand up and move his fingers when you say bye-bye to him

*he loves to pull himself up to a standing position when you let him hold your fingers

*he is eating level 2 baby food, yogurt and he loves to suck on different fruits

*he loves to suck on his toes when you are changing his diaper

*he loves to smile and laugh........especially when you smile and laugh with him(too cute!!!)

Happy Birthday Mommy!

It's funny how as the years come and go, and so do birthday's, that your perspective changes and it is truly about the little things in life that bring you joy and love. This past weekend we celebrated my birthday(yes! I am proud to say that I am 29 yrs old) by staying at the lake, riding on the boat, hanging out with friends, shopping, fishing and just being together as a family. It was awesome!!!

Oliver & Mommy taking a nap together!

Friday afternoon started out a little rocky because Oliver got his 6 month shots and he decided to be very DRAMATIC about it. Poor little fella was not happy at all about the shots but I am very happy to report that he is very HEALTHY. He weighs 21lbs, he is 27 inches long, he is in the 90% for everything at his age and Dr. Tripp was very, very impressed with his developmental skills for his age. YIPPIE!!!

That's my sweet baby boy:)

After Oliver's appointment we headed to Tastee Freez to meet up with Daddy. YUMMM!!! Then we headed home to pack up the house(all of Oliver's "must have" stuff) so we could head out to Grandpa and Grammy's lake house for a couple of nights. Saturday morning Oliver woke up nice and early, 5:30am, and he and Daddy gave me the cutest and sweetest birthday card that I have ever received. I love hand-made cards from my two men!!! They also had a Happy Birthday Mommy cookie cake for me so I was super excited. After some cookie cake and a family nap our friends Chris and Catherine came out to ride on the boat and just chill out for a while. Oliver had so much fun flirting with Catherine and we all had such a great and relaxing time. What more could I ask for!?!....an AMAZING husband, a wonderful son, great friends, singing nephews over the phone, cookie cake, time out on the water and soaking up some sun. It was a truly amazing birthday!!!

Oliver and Daddy driving the boat!

On Sunday morning we went for a boat ride over to Black's Fish Camp for some breakfast and then drove around for a while and just soaked up some sun. It was so great to have some family time on the boat and Oliver loved watching the water race by as Daddy drove the boat.

He hates to wear his life jacket but he loves to take naps on the boat!

On Sunday afternoon we headed home because Dee Dee and Daddy T came into town. They took us to dinner at Outback Sunday night and Oliver was definitely in his element. Between pulling our drinks over, eating crackers and licking on lemons he was a handful to say the least but we survived with a lot of laughs and mischief memories of our little man. I can truly say that I have two of the BEST PARENTS in the world. They have always been my biggest fans in life and they have always encouraged me to follow what God has purposed in my heart. They also love and respect "my family" which means more to me than they will ever know. I love you both very much and I am forever grateful for the times that we have shared, and will share, together. Dee Dee was even sweet enough to get up with Oliver at 4:30am to feed him so Mommy could get some extra sleep. Thanks Mom....you are the BEST!!! Monday morning Daddy, Grandpa and Daddy T went fishing while Dee Dee, Mommy and Oliver went shopping at the Tanger Outlet's. Dee Dee had too much fun with all the sales going on and she bought Oliver all sorts of new outfits. He was in heaven while we shopped because he flirted with everyone, Dee Dee spent money on him and he got to explore/study a new place. We later met up with Daddy and Daddy T for some lunch and then it was time for Oliver to take a nap. Sadly, Dee Dee and Daddy T had to head back home so the Sona clan snoozed the afternoon away.

Oliver in his pool!

After Oliver's nap we went in the backyard and got in his little pool. He LOVES it!!! I think that he would stay in there for hours if he could and getting him out is not a fun task. He is definitely a water loving kid which truly excites us!!!

He would stay in his pool for hours if we would let him!

In Oliver's Eye's!

We have often wondered what this world seems like through our little mans eye's. He is always looking around when we go to new places, jumping with excitement when someone talks to him or giving the most adorable, loving and sincere smile you have ever seen when you give him a hug or kiss. It literally takes our breath away at times when we watch him as he sleeps, do something new and to hear his sweet voice as he talks up a storm. Matt and I have often found ourselves teary eyed when we look at him because we are in awe of God's miracle that he gave to us. We know that we are here as parents to love him, guide him and encourage him through life. But, we also know that as he grows we must give him independence so he can be the man that our Creator purposed in his heart since the very beginning. How awesome and trustworthy is our God!?! We know that it is only by HIS grace, love and strength that we will be a source of God's light in Oliver's life and we are eternally grateful that he has blessed us with the opportunity to be that light.

Here are a few things that we imagine is how Oliver sees the world through his innocent little eye's!

* Showers/Bath Time - Dancing in the rain with an endless amount of bubbles and LOVING the game of get Mommy wet by SPLASHING her:)

*Bottle - An endless flow of pleasure, comfort and delight(YES! Oliver does hold his own bottle now)

* Car Rides - A roller coaster adventure through rain forests, giants, animals and the night sky

* Kisses - A feather that gently tickles his cheeks and neck that results in such a joyful laughter that can light up the room

* Tummy Time - A personal workout of the abs, neck, legs and arms

* Hugs - A reminder of what God's love feels like

* Play time in his crib - Watching a popcorn sky with airplanes flying around(he has a model airplane hanging from his ceiling)

* Mat time - Time to practice on his skills of separating his noise toys to one side of him and his other toys to the other side of him(too funny to watch but he really does it)

Grandpa's Little Captain!

Oliver has a new nickname....Grandpa's Little Captain! Oliver absolutely adores his Grandpa and he lights up as soon as he hears his voice or sees his face. It is priceless!!! They are best bud's, as Grandpa would say, that love to drive the boat together and just feel the wind in their face. Oliver thinks it is the coolest thing in the world to play with the steering wheel and controls on the dashboard.....it entertains him for quite some time which Mommy and Daddy love:). He also loves the fact that Grandpa will let him steal a few sips of his Diet Mt. Dew when Mommy is not looking(yes....Grandpa got "the look" , as Matt would call it, when she saw him doing this). But, no matter what "bad" things Grandpa might teach, or allow, Oliver to do it is truly a gift from God to watch the bond between the two of them. He loves his Grandpa so much!!!

Oliver sitting in Grandpa's lap just enjoying those fingers:)

We had so much fun last weekend out at Grandpa and Grammy's lake house. Uncle PCann(Phillip), Aunt Sherry, Jessica, Kenzie and Lauren came down from Conway to hang out for the day. Oliver loves to go riding on Grandpa's pontoon boat because he loves to sit in Grandpa's lap and drive. It is too cute!!! Of course, Grandpa's little captain really just loves to mess with the controls and drool all over the place but he smiles the entire time. Oliver has already found his sea legs and he loves the lake. We had so much fun hanging out with the family, eating boiled peanuts, swimming in the lake and riding on the boat.

Mommy and Daddy with Oliver in the lake...HE LOVED IT!!!

Kenzie and Jessica with Oliver

Matt caught a fish and it freaked the girls out...lol;)

Oliver sitting in Grandpa's lap!!!

Lauren is a little FISH....she loves to swim:)

Aunt Sherry feeding Oliver his bottle!

"I will sleep..............

Asleep in the bathroom.....Daddy was too scared to move him:)

anywhere you put me if I am tired enough Mom and Dad." Oliver can sleep just about anywhere if he is tired enough. He fights sleep like a champ but once he is out all you hear is him snoring. Daddy picks Oliver up from his babysitter everyday and when they get home Daddy usually needs a shower because he is dirty from work that day. So, the usual routine is to put Oliver in his vibrating bouncy seat in the bathroom with him so he is right there if the little man needs something. Well, Oliver loved the sound of the shower so much the other day that he passed out right there in his bouncy seat. When I got home from work that day I noticed that Oliver wasn't in the den with Matt. Where could the little man be? That's right.....he was still in the bathroom passed out in his bouncy seat and just snoring away. It was the funniest thing to see him in there and to know that Daddy didn't dare try to move him in fear that he would wake up. I never know what I am going to find when I get home from work each day. But, no matter what I find it always fills my heart with joy and love to see my wonderful husband and son. I truly feel like the the most blessed wife and mother in the world.

Just precious!

Riding on the golf cart!

His most favorite place to sleep is in his crib. Praise the lord!

In his walker!

At a baseball game!

In his car seat!

In his bouncy seat while Mommy dries her hair!

In the bed with Daddy on EARLY weekend mornings!