Good-Byes, Great Messes & Good Pudding

We had some sweet, sweet friends that lived right down the street from us. They went to our church and every once in a while we would get together to have dinner and play board games. Anyway, these friends, Blake and Autumn, were going to chiropractic school here in Missouri. Well, they just graduated and have now moved to Tenessee to open up their own practice. I know God has great things in store for them, but I still didn't want to say good-bye.

Blake and Autumn - the day before they moved. We miss you all already!!

On a happier subject, Chloe has started eating baby cereal from a spoon now. We get to start fruits and vegetables on Monday. The first cereal feeding was absolutely hilarious. She wanted nothing to do with that cereal. She's learning how to eat better now, but still makes a glorious mess.

I also made some delicious banana pudding the other day. I hadn't made banana pudding in a long time, but I really wanted some. So I looked up a recipe and went for it. It was so easy! I think I might start making it a lot more often.

Here's the recipe if banana pudding tickles your fancy!

Banana Pudding(http://www.kraftrecipes.com/)
3 cups Cold Milk

2 pkgs. Vanilla-flavored Instant Pudding Mix

30 Vanilla Wafers

3 Bananas, sliced

1 tub (8oz.) Whipped Topping

Pour milk into a large bowl and then add the dry pudding mixes. Beat with a wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well-blended. Let stand for 5 minutes. Put a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom and up the sides of a large trifle bowl. Follow with a layer of banana slices and a third of the pudding. Repeat layers twice. Top with whipped topping and refridgerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Bon Apetit!

Chloe's New Hat

It's the time of year to play outside. So what does that mean for baby Chloe?? A nice summery play hat. At first, she didn't think it was so nice. But after a minute or two, she was just enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

It's a little big, but she will grow into it.

I promised in my last blog some pictures from our Florida trip. This was taken while we were still in St. Louis in the chilly temperatures. But soon enough we would be enjoying some warm weather.

This is what Chloe did for most of the plane ride. She did get a little fussy as the airplane was descending, but who can blame her.

These are some dear friends of ours, the McCraws. Jeremiah was just born in January.

This picture was taken right outside of our hotel. Isn't it beautiful? Doesn't it make you want to hop on a plane and visit Florida, even if just for a day?

Chloe definitely enjoyed being in Florida. It was the first time that she was really able to spend any time outside. Jeremy and I had a great time as well. It was nice to just get away for a few days and spend some time with friends in the ministry. Now we are busy in our household getting ready for Easter. I've already got Chloe's outfit picked out and can't wait to put her in it. She may not be as excited as I am. I'm also very occupied planning a retreat for our middle school girls that is coming up April 16th. We are talking to girls about guarding their hearts. It's going to be a great time; now if I can just finish putting all of the details together instead of blogging.....

Chloe Smiles

I absolutely love it when Chloe smiles. You can't help but smile right back at her. If this picture doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will. I really think she looks a lot like Jeremy in this picture as well.

This picture was taken right before we left for church. She's getting better and better about going to church (and sleeping through the preaching).

Chloe has actually had an eventful week so far. She rolled over and she picked up a toy. She is really starting to make progress. She's able to hold her head up very well now and is starting to push her body up with her arms. It won't be long before she'll be crawling all over the place, I'm sure. Next week she gets to take her first airplane ride to Orlando, FL. Jeremy is attending a youth conference there and we are going along for the ride (and the warm weather). Hopefully my next post will have pictures of palm trees in it!

The View From Where I Sit

The view from where I sit just keeps getting better and better. Here are few recent pictures of our dear daughter.

Chloe and Daddy taking a nap.

Cute pose! She looks like the thinker.

The first playdate didn't go so well. Oh well, the parents had a good time together.

Somehow she always manages to get at least one arm free from her swaddle.

We put her to work to earn her keep.

Chloe had just had a bath. I love the way she smells after her bath. She still doesn't like getting baths, but one day she will.

Chloe is doing so much better these days. She's sleeping a lot more and isn't nearly as fussy as before. I appreciate all the advice and the prayers. I still need both. Chloe is bringing so much joy to our lives. We are so thankful for our family and friends.

Chloe Lynn Shirley

Our little girl is finally here! Chloe Lynn Shirley was born on December 10, 2009 at 5:33pm. She weighed 4lbs 11oz and was 18.5 inches long.

This picture was taken right after she was born via C-section.

Jeremy holding our new daughter.

Chloe finally got to come home from the hospital on Christmas day!

Her sweet little feet!

Close-up!

This picture was taken on her one month birthday. She's growing fast and now weighs in at 7lbs 5oz. I honestly can't believe that she is already a month old. God has truly blessed us with a special little girl who has already won our hearts.