"Peep-eye" from the top of the steps is a new game for Hope. Who needs to go to the gym? I just need to get stairs at my house. It is obvious that we went up and down, up and down.

Hope's Swimming Pool

Hope went swimming today in her new pool that Aunt Sandy gave her. As you can see, she loves it. She is going to be a water baby. In the second picture she was shouting "Ha bah bah bah" which is Hallelujah in Hope-speak.

My "Model" Baby

We were able to have Hope's pictures taken at Hugh McRae Park in Wilmington by photographer, Katie Mathews. She has posted some of the shots on her blog and has allowed us to share a few on ours. Please check her blog at http://katiemathewsphotography.blogspot.com/ to see more pics of Baby Hope. It is going to be hard to choose from them!! I LOVE the second one.

I can't have too much on tables of shelves anymore because Hope likes to take it all off. Well, today she decided she wanted to be on the shelf. I love this kid!

Baby likes jewelry

I have been putting necklaces and bracelets on Hope. She is like her Mama and loves it. She also likes to dance. We have fun.

MEREDITH

Ok, Mer. Since you found my camera your pictures are going on the blog!

Hope loves Sunday School

Hope loves her Life Group class and her teacher Mrs. Gwen. They have music time, which is one of Hope's favorite things to do. Here she is playing the sticks and marching around the room. Her buddy Piper is enjoying the music, too.

Aren't we cute?

I have tried most of our married life to get Scott to match me, but he would go change his shirt just so we didn't match. I picked out Hope's dress for church on Sunday and Scott picked out his orange shirt so they could match! Of course I had to get my orange shirt as well, and here we are. I love it!

Hope loves Bubba!

Hope's Kitchen

Our friend, Kathy gave Hope a kitchen. Hope loves playing in it. Thank you Kathy!

Daddy's birthday

Scott's birthday was May 18th and here are a few pictures of him opening his present.

We just learned today of the accidental death of 5 yr old Maria Chapman who is the adopted daughter of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. It has been hard to imagine what their family is going through. I have been taking time to give extra hugs and kisses to Hope this afternoon because I can't imagine life without her. Although we do not personally know the Chapmans, we understand the journey they went through to bring Maria into their home. I am thankful that Maria knew what it is to have a loving family and to hear about Jesus. Please remember the Chapman family in prayer. They are believers, but this has got to be a huge sorrow for them and they will need to uplifted in prayer for strength and comfort.

Pretend hair

When I was a kid I used to pretend that I had long hair by pulling my shirt over my head and leaving it hanging over the back. When I was undressing Hope the other day, her shirt ended up like that and it struck me as hilarious. Here she is.

Blueberry Farm

We went to the blueberry farm for lunch and some fun with a group from church. Hope had fun with her friends riding in her wagon and also riding in the train. Carly was a good friend to help Hope in the train. Hope and Piper enjoyed riding in the wagon around the lake. The last picture is at the end of the afternoon and the girls were catching a ride back to the vehicles.

Snuggles after nap

Hope likes to be carried and snuggled after her naps and Daddy is happy to do that.

First Mother's Day

Today was a sweet day. I have been waiting for many years to celebrate this day as a Mom. I was so proud when I could stand up today when the mothers were recognized. It was also baby dedication and that was special. Scott and I have committed to raise Hope in a Christian home and teach her about God's love for her. As we learned from the sermon today, it was a symbolic and sacrificial commitment as we gave her back to God to use as He chooses. My mother had told me a long time ago that she did that with me and today I felt the significance of her offering to God. I praise the Lord for my family.

Yesterday Hope said Daddy, even though it sounds like ah-e. I was able to video it and Scott loved it. We have been working on that for a while.