Well the newest addition to our home is… Patio Furniture! On Saturday afternoon we had to make a stop at Lowes for some necessary home improvement items and found that all their patio furniture was part of the “End on Season Clearance”. So, we called Nana and Elvis (my parents) who graciously came over with a truck to help us get it all home. Hank was exhausted after a long day, but we found a swing and he was as happy as a clam while everything got loaded up.

Since Jason recently got a “Man Grill”, we have been grilling out almost every night. And the table and chairs are a welcome addition to our patio. Nathan came over for dinner tonight to help us break it in.

Sorry it’s taken so long for me to update, but it has been a little crazy around here! Moving, unpacking, new job, new school, and on and on…anyway, I will update about the new house as soon as it’s clean enough to take pictures.

On Saturday, we decided to escape our mess for a few hours. We started at the Grand Opening of “The Dog” on Belcourt off of 21st Ave. We had so much fun, eating hots dogs on the patio, and Hank was popular with all the ladies, as usual!

After a GREAT lunch we strolled over to the Dragon Park. I remember going to the very same park as a little girl, though it has been upgraded a bit! It was such a fun place for Hank to play! They have areas designated for little ones and other bigger kid areas so no one gets run over in the midst of playground excitement. Also they have the rubbery track surfaces under all they play equipment, instead of gravel or wood chips, and Hank was so proud that he could walk around without tripping all over everything!

As much as Hank loved toddling around, climbing, and sliding, the swings were, by far, his favorite part!

After mom decided we had all had enough sun exposure, Hank and Daddy chilled out in the shade.

The Dragon Park was a hit and we can’t wait to go back!

It is official…The Bynum’s are taking over Bellevue! Our life is toatlly in shambles at the moment and we have stuff everywhere and Hank is bruised from head-to-toe from banging into the stuff that’s everywhere, but it is done! We had so many great friends help us move this weekend and we can’t thank you guys enough for all your hard work! I am currently writing this at work (SHHH, don’t tell!) because our internet wont be set up for a few more days, but I will post pictures of the new house and Hank as soon as it gets up and working…so stay tuned for the good stuff!

For Hank’s first birthday we are planning a pirate themed birthday party and Grammy decided that Hank needed a “Pre-birthday” gift! Or maybe it is a “Starting a new school” gift, either way, Grammy keeps Hank in style! Look at what a Big Boy my baby is…

Not sure what this crabby face is about, but he still looks so cute!

Aunt Alison, Uncle Brad, and Norah got Hank the matching Lunch Box too!

And, on Saturday Evening, we celebrated Aunt Alex’s 21st birthday about a week late. Her actual birthday was last weekend and we were so happy we got to spend this fun time with her. As per Alex birthday tradition, we went to Goten for some delicious Japanese food.

The Birthday Girl with the Newlyweds

Hank did great, but once out chef got to chopping and setting fires, Hank’s eyes were glued on him! He was a little frightened but was such a big boy and stayed calm. His eyes never left the chef but I think he had fun.

Happy Birthday Aunt Alex!

I have gotten several text messages, voice mails, and Facebook comments from friends and family feeling “out of the loop” on our rapidly changing craziness life. If you are one of these people please accept my sincerest apologies… with Grammy’s surgery, traveling, the loss of a dear family friend, job interviews, wedding extravaganza, and Hank starting school, it has been a hectic few weeks. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family, and would never want to hurt anyone feelings by keeping them in the dark. So, here’s the deal:

1. Hank started school at Blakemore Children’s Center on West End. They have had a preschool program for several years and is well known in the community as a great preschool for 2-5 year olds. They recently opened up an infant/toddler program and Hank got chosen to be one of the program pioneers. He is in a class with a total of 12 boys and girls from 6 weeks to 2 years. He has a primary teacher who is in charge of 3 children in the age group 6mon to 1 year. We have been very pleased so far and Hank seems to be adjusting well…well, he did on the first day but is currently teething and not a happy boy at home. At school, however, they have had nothing but good things to say and his teachers are so wonderful!

2. Jason got a monster raise at work. He has worked so hard for the past year leaning a new trade and has excelled at it(to say the least). He was sad when his buddy (at work and in life) Chris left to pursue a new career and some great opportunities for his family. He is still so sad that he doesn’t get to hang out with Chris everyday, though they do web work together on the side. When he left, Jason’s company needed to make sure that Jason felt appreciated (mainly because he marched into the boss’ office and said “You need me…make it worth my while to stay”, He is such a man!). We are very pleased with the way they decided to show him their love…with a big fat raise! Love on, Centerstone!

3. As of August 1st, we are moving to Nashville! We have been thinking about buying a home for several years, but can’t commit to a location and have been struggling to save money. Recently we have been looking in different areas and the places we could afford are somewhat depressing. We can get a great house in the ghetto, or a tiny, not so great house, next to the ghetto (Sigh). In talking and praying about what to do, Jason decided, and I reluctantly agreed, that he would not have peace about moving our family into a rough neighborhood (we are talking Dickerson Road here…the house is awesome and would be great for a couple or single person, if anyone is interested!) My parent generously offered to let us take over the condo in Bellevue, since they have recently moved, as well. It is so much bigger than our current apartment and in such a great location! We couldn’t be more excited or more thankful that they are willing to take a big price cut to accommodate us. It will be 10 mins from Jason’s work, 10 mins for Hank’s school and 10 mins from my work…for two people who have spent the last 3 years driving 45-90 mins everyday to get anywhere…That is AWESOME!!!

4. At this point you may be saying, “But Shai, you work in Tullahoma and Shelbyville. How can you possibly be only 10 mins away living in Nashville?” The answer to that very insightful question is…I quit my job this week! I have been praying for God’s provision in allowing me to spend more time with my family and provide for our family financially with my very large school loan that is hanging over us. As, usual, He has made Himself known and it is now going to be possible for me to work part-time! God is so Good to us! I recently was offered a job working 3 day per week at Belmont University in their Student Clinic. The director is amazing and she is taking a huge chance hiring someone with little experience and who is trained in pediatrics. But she is willing so I am hoping to be able. My schedule, as of late August, will be Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9am-3pm…again this is AWESOME! I am continually blown away but our Gracious Heavenly Father who never ceases to amaze me!

On Monday Hank had his first day at Blakemore Childrens Center. I think Momma was more nervous than Hank was!

(We look so tired because it was 6am and it has been several months since we have had to be up and ready at that hour!)

I am happy to report that Hank did Fabulous! Jason and I both took him in the morning and he was jumping out of our arms to get down and play. He explored everything while Mom and Dad gave instructions to his teachers. When I went to leave, I picked up Hank to give him a Goodbye kiss and he was pulling away and wiggling to get down and play with his new friends…didn’t even notice momma left! And when I called at lunch time (of course I called at lunch) his teacher said “He never missed a beat” and “He didn’t nap”. So we got at least one thing right He was crabby and tired when he got home from all the fun and all the lack of nap, but had a GREAT first day! Hope day two is as good…

On Saturday July 12th my little sister, Kelley, got married. In my mind Kelley is still the dorky 3rd grader who wore her pants in-side-out to school all day long, so Saturday was a bit surreal for me. She and the wedding were both so BEAUTIFUL and I was such a proud big sister! And, I kinda like Johnnie too! To see some amazing pictures of the wedding, visit Alison’s Photography Blog.

After the rehearsal, Johnnie’s Dad hosted a cookout of yummy ribs and chicken (all home-made) at their home in Smyrna.

Hank and Nana, full from dinner!

Hank and his Great-Honey

The Flower Girls, Anyna and Katie Beth, did a great job practicing for their walk down the isle.

3 Beautiful Girls!

The Bride and Maid of Honor

Sisters by Chance, Friends by Choice!

Hank found the stairs in Uncle Johnnies house, and decided it was imperative that he master this new challenge!

Then Kelley and all Brides Maids went for some pampering before her big day.

JV, Kenya, and Gangsta Alex

Doing our super cool Sisters Hand Sign (way cooler than that stupid ADPi hand sign!)

The Matron and Maid

Kells getting her hair done…So pretty! Thanks for making us beautiful, Carrie!

Johnnie opening his wedding day gift from Kelley…

A PedEgg (aka, clean up your gross feet)

After all the wedding festivities were over and cleaned up, the happy couple were off for their honeymoon in The Dominican Republic. Those of us left behind got a little time to visit with family. Hank and Aunt Janine had some great fun in the pool!

The whole Pool Crew

It was a wonderful and exhausting day…we all slept great!

I know all mother’s think their child is exceptional, and I am certainly no different. For the past two weeks or so, Hank has been able to choose certain toys on command. I have been hesitant to post about it because I kind of thought it still might be coincidental or I was in some way giving him clues and signals. But, it is official, he knows how to find a monkey, a frog, Kermit the Frog, a lion, and a ball. We are working on Rocky the Rock Lobster and a bison.

Here is a picture of the various toys laying around. It is of note that you can ask him to find any of these toys and will actually dig through his toy bucket to find them, but in these pictures they are scattered on the floor.

“Hank, where is the monkey?”

“Hank, where is Kermit, the Frog?” (Yes, he can differentiate this from the regular non-Kermit frog.)

“Hank, where is the ball?”

Granted, Hank expects mach clapping and excitment when he picks up the animal. Does anyone else think this might be the smartest kid ever? It is possible that I might be another doting mother who lives in my own world of “What a special kid I have!”, but lets be real here, it’s the truth!

On Saturday, Hank and Jason took me out for my birthday, which was actually on Tuesday. As you get older, birthdays become a little less joyous and a little easier to forget. These days we are so busy, we actually didn’t have the time or energy to do much and I really was hoping it would kind of pass by with little fuss. So, when my loving husband was trying to decide what to get me, he very insightfully decided that what I wanted most this year was some fun, relaxing time spent as a family! He also knows that I LOVE the zoo and have been very excited (for some years) about taking our children there. On Saturday, our sweet family and some great friends, finally made our first trip to the Nashville Zoo.

Hank was almost as excited about the zoo as Momma!

We had such a fun time with Tower, Amber and their beautiful, little Ava!

Jason and Tower (Jonathan) were college roommates and sometimes, when they get together, it’s hard to distinguish the college kids from the adults!

The Nashville Zoo has so many wonderful exhibits and habitats. Hank and I had to pause and get a picture next to the Meerkat Habitat because it was given by our dear family friends, The Ragsdale’s. Thank you guys for your generosity, thoughts of you added a special piece to our day!

As we were enjoying the sites, Jason found a sign for the website he has worked so hard to create! It was so exciting for us to see his work advertised on a rather large sign (It just shows what an excellent job he is doing)!

Hank and I, along with Amber and Ava, took a ride on the carousel (in reality it was more like Hank riding and Momma clutching onto him for dear life!).

And, finally, we came to the one thing I had been waiting for all day…The elephants!

The Bynum Family

The Newell Family

Jason and his twin.

WE LOVE THE ZOO (and Hank had fun too)!

HANK AT 9 MONTHS

Weight:
24 lbs 4 oz

Height:
30 1/2 inches

Favorite Activities:
Crawling (very efficiently!)
Pulling up
Climbing everything
Standing alone (with only a little support!)
Playing guitar with Daddy
Opening cabinets

Favorite Words: Da-Da
Ma-Ma
Bla-Bla