Rrrrrevvin' up for a Happy New Year! So far, I've seen 2006, 2007, and I just can't wait for 2008! I'm going to try to stay up to watch the ball drop and ring in the new year, but sometimes my eyelids don't listen to me! Mom says that I'll have to eat some greens and black-eyed peas, but I'm not so sure about that, either. Anyway, I'll get to visit with family and friends, so New Year's Day will be lots of fun.

Did you have a Merry Christmas? I sure did! Santa left gifts for me at my house, Grammy & Granddeddy's, Granny & Gramps', Gee-Gee's, and Mimaw's! I wonder how fast he flies to get to so many places? Before we unwrapped presents at my house, Daddy read the Christmas story and I was a very good listener. Did you know that Baby Jesus was born and slept in a stable with animals? I'll bet Meli would've liked to have been there -- she really likes to snuggle with me when I'm sleeping. I loved hearing about the angels, shepherds, wise men, and the star. I think I'll get Dad to read it again soon! (If you want to come and visit me, I'll show you all of my new toys and we can play together!)

This morning during worship, we had a praise service in celebration of all the ways God has blessed us and our church this past year. It was very special, and I sang out my "hallelujahs" a few times. The Lord has been so good to Dad, Mom & me . . . how has He blessed you this past year?


With love,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Got my very first golf club

Ho, Ho, Ho . . . Merry Christmas! I am so excited about celebrating Jesus' birthday that I just want to jump up and down! Instead of a delicious birthday cake and toys, Mom said that Jesus got some good-smelling oils and gold to celebrate His birth. That sounds pretty neat, too!

Last week, we went to Papa John's Tree Farm and Dad picked out a nice, fat Frasier Fir. We set up my VeggieTales nativity scene (Mom showed me how Baby Jesus laid in the manger, and she made sure to mention that He was a real baby instead of a little carrot) and then I watched Mom decorate the tree. I wanted to help, too, so I pulled one ornament off and put it back on again. I really love looking at the lights and seeing my reflection in the glass balls.

When I went for my one-year doctor's appointment this past week, I had to get a bunch of shots that really hurt! Even the nurse said she was sorry before she stuck me. But I was a big boy and she gave me two stickers when it was over. I tipped the scales at almost 24 pounds, and the silly old ear-ache that I had is gone. Since I was feeling better, Mom let me go with the kids at church to the roller skating rink. Dad was so cool out on the rink . . . I hope I can skate like him one day.

Tonight we went to a church Christmas party, and we have another one tomorrow. I hope you have fun at all of your holiday get-togethers, and until next time, Merry Christmas!


Season's Greetings,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Cruising around (while holding onto furniture) and saying "yes"

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me! How old am I? One year old! Could any kid have more fun at his first birthday party than I did? I don't think so! There were VeggieTales everywhere, and so many of my family members and friends came. We ate hot dogs, chili, chips, and veggies, and after that I got to dig into my very own cake! Mom made a Bob & Larry cake for everyone else, but I really enjoyed having my own icing. Mmmmm . . . it was tasty. Mom & Granny decorated the White House with all kinds of VeggieTales stuff, we listened to VeggieTales music, and all the kids collected candy from my big red Bob pinata. Then, I tore open more presents than I could count! Everyone was so nice to bring me something, and now I have all sorts of new toys, clothes, books, and other goodies. Mom said that we'll watch the video from the party when I get older so I can remember how much fun I had!

My party was on a Saturday, but my real birthday was the day before Thanksgiving. We went to Grammy & Granddeddy's house, and then Gramps, Granny, Gee-Gee, and Uncle Brendan came to join us on Thanksgiving. We visited with lots of family on Thanksgiving, and we had a gobble-good time! We talked, played, and ate lots of yummy food, but most important of all we gave thanks to the Lord for His many blessings. Last year Mom & I were still in the hospital, so she was excited about spending the holiday with me and eating some fried turkey!

Dad, Mom, & I stayed in Columbia for some extra time after Thanksgiving because my Great-Grandma Opal went to be with Jesus. Dad preached at our church on Sunday, the visitation was on Monday, and then Dad preached for the funeral on Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Columbia. It was sad for us, but we know that she is in Heaven so we are happy for her. She loved the Lord very much, and one day I'll be big enough to learn some of the Bible verses that she taught to Daddy!


Love,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Pulling up on anything and everything in sight

Grrrr! Go, Tigers, Go! Beware all of you Gamecocks out there . . . here comes the fearsome, fighting Clemson Tiger! Really, I guess I was more furry and cuddly, but I had a ferocious growl! Mom rubbed Clemson tattoos on my face, and I carried a Clemson pacifier that Mimaw gave me. Dad was proud that I wanted to support his old alma mater. We had a lot of fun at the Fall Festival, and I helped Mom at her face painting station. About 70 people came, so there were costumes and candy everywhere! We played games, won prizes, and went on a hayride through the woods. I can't wait until we have the Festival again next year!

I was almost starting to look like a real tiger with the long tufts of hair sticking out around my ears, so Dad said it was time for a haircut. I tried to sit still while Mom trimmed me up, but it was hard. I think she did an okay job for her first try . . . you can tell me what you think next weekend at my birthday party! Can you come? Bob, Larry, and all the VeggieTales will be there. I hope you will be, too!


I love you,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Started drinking real 2% milk -- no more baby formula

Swing your partner
'round and
'round . . . It makes me dizzy being upside-down! Daddy surprised Mom with a special campfire dinner for her birthday, and she was so excited that she grabbed me for a dance & a dip! We all ate outside under the stars, and I even had some grilled pineapple. Yummy!

Mom wasn't the only one who had a birthday -- Shamrock Baptist Church did, too. We had a fun time at Homecoming, with lots of folks & lots of food! All of my grandparents were there, and Meli wanted to come but I told her she had to stay at home. During the Children's Lesson, we talked about how faithful God has been to the people of our church. We read, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" from
1 Corinthians 1:9. I haven't memorized any Bible verses yet, but I'm working on it!

Now that I have more than 10 posts, the old ones will be archived. If you want to see any of the posts from the beginning, you can click in the little "Blog Archive" list at the bottom of the screen!


Love always,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Learned how to growl for my Fall Festival costume

Playtime in the Pumpkin Patch! Last year during the Fall Festival, I hadn't come out to meet everyone yet so I missed all the pumpkins! This year Mom said that we could carve one, and maybe I'll get to squish my fingers in the seeds. I helped her decide which costume I would wear, but it's a secret so everyone will be surprised! I've heard that there will be a whole bunch of candy . . . maybe Mom will let me have one piece. My friend, Jessie, gave me my first lollipop at church this week and I got so sticky I had to have a bath!

Last weekend, we went to Kernersville for Brendan & Donnay's engagement party. Her family is so nice, and we had a really fun time. Donnay's little cousin, Laura, is the same age as me and we took lots of pictures together! I hope that we can play again sometime soon.

Next weekend, Shamrock Baptist Church will turn 100 years old! We are all excited about the Homecoming celebration, and Daddy has worked hard to make sure that everything will be just right for all of our guests. Also, we've been building and fixing some things around the church, so now there will be a "Mommy & Baby" window in the back. That way, all of the babies like me who love to talk during the service can sit in a special room and still see what's going on! Isn't that neat?


Love,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Didn't even have to wait for Christmas to get my two front teeth

Pat-A-Cake, Pat-A-Cake, Baker's Man . . . instead of a cake, could I have a grilled cheese sandwich? They are so delicious! Grammy fixed some grilled cheese sandwiches for me when I went to visit her, Granddeddy & Tia this week. I also got to play with Uncle Trey, Aunt Kelli, Kayden & Trapp! Mom had to go to a teachers' workshop in Columbia, so I hung out at Grammy's house while she was working. I know she missed me so much, because I got lots of extra kisses when she got home each day!

Mom took me to the doctor's office when I turned ten months old so the nurse could weigh and measure me. I weighed 21 pounds, 6.5 ounces and I was 31 inches long. I know I weigh more than that now, though, because I ate lots of yummy food at Grammy's house! I have also been scooting all over the place in my little baby-walker, and I especially like opening and closing the kitchen cabinets.

I'm trying to help Mom decide what costumes we will wear for our church Fall Festival in October. I can't wait to go on my first hayride and watch daddy carve a pumpkin! There will be some roasted hot dogs and marshmallows with my name on them. Do you have an idea for my Fall Festival costume?


With love,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: No more bottles for this big boy -- only sippy cups

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the handsomest of them all? Mom says it's me! I can sit up by myself now, and I love looking at the mirror in my room. Mom's trying to help me practice standing up, because before long I'll be walking down the aisle at Uncle Brendan and Donnay's wedding! Well, it's not until next summer, but I want to get some early practice in.

The Sunday before last we had "Pancakes with the Pastor" before Sunday School, and I got to eat breakfast with Daddy and some of the other kids at church. It was delicious! I even had a few bites of a pancake and a blueberry muffin. Last weekend, we had a church pool party and it was so much fun! I splashed all around in the pool, sat in a baby float all by myself (holding Mom's hand), and had my first taste of pizza. Mom forgot the camera, but it was probably a good thing because I splashed so much water out of the pool that it might have gotten wet!


I love you,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Another tooth popped up -- right next door to the first

Babies, Babies, Babies . . .
It's Dedication Day at Shamrock! Last Sunday, the church dedicated me and four other babies to the Lord during the morning service. All of my grandparents came to watch, and we had more people at church than we've ever had! It was a really special time, and I got my own little blue dedication Bible. Also, Mom did our foot and hand prints during Sunday School, and then put them into frames with a scripture verse for us to take home. I got to wear a new light blue sailor suit with a nifty hat (well, I didn't really like the hat, but I wore it for Mom). Afterwards, we all went out to eat and I got to have real macaroni & cheese, turkey dressing, and sweet potatoes off of Mom's plate. I'm starting to get a real big-boy appetite!

Since my last post, I have had a lot of "firsts". . . I can finally sit up by myself; I've learned how to use a sippy cup; I fed myself with a spoon for the first time; Mom bought me a "Johnny Jump-Up" for the doorway that I'm learning how to bounce in; Granny & Gramps brought Mom's old high chair over so I've been sitting in it to eat; and I chomped down a big Outback steak for my birthday -- no wait, that was Daddy. He turns 31 years old this Wednesday! But my birthday is coming up, too, and I hope you will be able to come to my party!


Love always,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Too many to count! See above . . .

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home . . . and all the rest of us piggies went to Severn Baptist Church in North Carolina! Pastor Tim invited Daddy to come and preach for the revival at his church this year, and we had such a great time visiting with all the people. We left for Severn last Saturday, and the revival lasted from Sunday morning until Wednesday night. I tried really hard to be a big boy during the services, so I got to stay in every single one (I only talked just a little bit). My favorite verse from the sermons Daddy preached was Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." We sang a pretty song to go with that verse, too.

Our family stayed over at Tim & Teresa's house, where I got to bang on the piano and play with their two doggies. I even went with Mom over to an older member's house for a game of Scrabble! I tried to practice my spelling while we were there. It's fun being the preacher's kid!

My tooth is popping up more and more, and so is my hair. I guess those are two things I'll have to learn how to brush!


Love,

Levi
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Milestone of the week: Went to my first fish-fry

I'm just crazy about my Daddy! He really missed me this past weekend when I visited with Granny, Gramps, Mimaw, & Gee-Gee in Winston. I also got to spend time with other family & friends from College Park Baptist. . .that's where Mom went to church when she was growing up. I stayed in the nursery and helped take care of all the other babies. Brendan & his fiancée, Donnay, ate dinner with us and later I got to meet her family. They all went to visit Mickey & Minnie at Disney World this past week. Hopefully I'll be big enough to go next time!

When I went to the doctor for my 8 month check-up, they measured me at 28.5 inches long and I weighed in at 18 pounds, 11 ounces. Mom said that I probably would have weighed a little more, but I had a sick tummy a few days before my appointment. I haven't been sick before -- I didn't like it! It only lasted for one day, though.

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Granddeddy will turn 60 years old next week, and we had a birthday party for him tonight. It was a lot of fun! I can't count to 60 yet, but that's a lot of years. I'm not even 1 year old!

With love,

Levi

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Milestone of the week: Cut my first tooth

On our farm we have some squash . . .
E-I-E-I-O! Here I am with two of Daddy’s prize-winning yellow squash! We also have cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, corn, and bell peppers. He has worked really hard in our garden, and the veggies are delicious! We know Granny is proud of how much I like my vegetables. Mom has been canning, because that is what people who live in Bethune do. Also, in this photo I am hanging out on our new deck! They built it for us at our back door, and it’ll be perfect for grilling out and other fun stuff.

Since my last post, I have been to a friend’s wedding, an ice cream social, to Grammy & Granddeddy’s house, and tomorrow I’ll celebrate with Trapp at his 3rd birthday party. We also had some of our friends come on Sunday to speak to us about the church they are planting in Charleston. I learned that planting a church is different from planting a vegetable seed, but hopefully God will make it grow like one!

Mom & Daddy’s anniversary is tomorrow, and I’ll also be eight months old! Can you believe what a big boy I am?

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I love you,

Levi

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Milestone of the week: Had my first bite of Great-Granddeddy's famous recipe meatloaf

Splish-Splash! I took my very first trip to the pool this past weekend! My friend, Sterling, had her first birthday party, and Daddy took me in the water with all of his clothes on. We had such a fun time swimming; I felt like a little fishy! I also went to Elliott's birthday party. . .he's a big boy because he turned 2 years old. He had a "Bob the Builder" party and I had to wear a hard hat so I would be safe in the construction zone!

I also celebrated my first 4th of July with a church barbeque and fireworks. They were so loud that Mom had to cover my ears, but they were bright and shiny! I really enjoyed spending time with our church folks. They all like to spend time with me, too, so Mom didn't hold me much that night.

Daddy's vegetables are growing fast in the garden, and Mom made some squash baby food for me. Granny & Gramps are here with us now, and we picked some vegetables earlier this evening. I can't wait until I get some teeth!

Love always,

Levi

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Milestone of the week: For all of Daddy's side of the family, I have created my first pillow "head spot". . .the oily legacy lives on

Hip Hip Hooray for VBS Game Day! We just finished our sports-themed Vacation Bible School last week, and it was really great. Here I am in my baseball uniform ready to hit a home run! The scripture verse we learned for the week was from Hebrews 12:1-2, "Run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith." We studied lots of Bible stories, played fun games, and made cool crafts -- Mom did that class. She even helped us make sports ball pinatas, filled with candy and everything! Well, not me, but I got to watch the big kids. I can't wait until we get to have VBS again next year!

Dad preached a good sermon last Sunday, and then he got to hang out with me for his first Father's Day. We went over to Grammy & Granddeddy's house for lunch and I played with my cousins, Kayden & Trapp. Before too much longer, I'll be big enough to run around with them!


Love,

Levi


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Milestone of the week: Ate my first bite of big people food . . . a teeny-tiny piece of bread from Grammy

Hey, everybody! Mom created this webpage for me so that I can share my thoughts and pictures with you. I'm getting bigger everyday, and I don't want any of you to miss it! At my last doctor's appointment I weighed 17 pounds, 3 ounces and I was 27.5 inches long. That was two weeks ago, though, so I'm probably even bigger now.

I just took my first trip to the beach and we had lots of fun! We stayed with our friends, Tim & Teresa, and then with Granny & Gramps for a couple of days. I played in the water and got lots of sand in my diaper! Mom put spf50 sunscreen on me since she says I have Daddy's skin. I'm still just as white as when we left.


I love you,

Levi


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Milestone of the week: Clapping my hands