9 Months Old and Love to Boston!

I seem to be getting backed up with my blogs again.  I have a blog pending for Easter; I just need to get pictures from Drew's phone to complete it so I am going to go a little out of order here.  We also went to visit my parents this past weekend, but I will save that for another blog too ;).

Today Tristan is 9 months old.  The memories of his birth are starting to fade from my mind now that we are getting closer to the 1 year mark (so happy I keep a blog for this very reason!).  I am officially back to my pre-pregnancy weight (although my body is not the same), and we seem to be in a great routine which makes for a happy baby boy!

9 Month's Old 4/16/2013

Weight: I am guessing 24-25lbs (I really need to weigh him since he seems to be slimming down a bit now that we are mobile)

Height: Maybe 30" (we have a doctor's appointment soon so we will get exact measurements)

Moving and Grooving:  Tristan is busy and active.  I absolutely love this stage, although I am constantly exhausted ;).  Tristan crawls everywhere, but would much rather be walking.  He pulls himself up on everything and will guide himself around.  Tristan has started to try to stand on his own, and will stand for up to 10 secs before falling.  He is also taking a few steps before he tumbles.  We have had a few bumps and bruises but I think this bothers me more then it bothers Tristan.  The walker is still his favorite toy unless he wants to be held.

Yummy in my Tummy:  Tristan loves fruit and loves his puffs.  The puffs are great.  You can find them in the baby section of Walmart and they come in tons of flavors.  Tristan prefers Banana or Strawberry-Apple.  We pour a few out on his tray and he feeds himself.  They dissolve in his mouth so I don't have to worry about choking!  Tristan tolerates vegetables, and meat (he does not say no to food, although sometimes he complains about the taste).  He still has formula and takes this in a bottle.  We have incorporated juice this month which he absolutely loves.  Tristan was supposed to be using a Sippy cup by now, but he gets an "F" in Sippy cup.  If any mom's have suggestions on what brand they use that would be great.  He definitely prefers his "Baba" right now. 

Milestones:  Tristan is saying his first words.  It started with "Momma" Easter weekend then two weeks later he started saying "Dadda" (Drew just glows).  Drew and I noticed when Tristan sees a dog he always makes the same sound "whhhhe" we are wondering if he is mimicking the sound the dogs make?  He makes a ton of sounds like "hhhhh, bbbbb, and ppppp."  If he doesn't know how to say something he just blows raspberries and then laughs.  He loves to screech and yell especially when people are singing.

Tristan is changing so much from month to month and he no longer looks like my little baby :(.  He is going through this phase where he wants to be held as soon as I get home which I love, but he is heavy!  It also makes it hard to cook dinner.  Tristan is also starting to become shy with people; he seems to warm up pretty quickly, but if you pick him up off the bat he will cry.  I can't believe he is 9 months old!  I can't remember what Drew and I used to do without him; I assume I am much better at managing my time now.

 I love my walker!

 I now say "Dadda"

Headed to the beach!

I am going to completely change topics and talk about the Boston Marathon.  I, like so many people, was completely disturbed and upset by the bombing.  My Father-in-law's family is from the Boston area and we go there almost every summer.  Drew's dad had looked into actually going to the marathon to cheer on the runners.  I am so thankful that did not work out.  Drew's uncles and family members have had the privilege of running in the marathon and so this horrible act of violence hit close to home.  The Vital family has such a passion for running that any one of them could have been there.  Manny told us yesterday how over the years (since a very young age) he watched the runners from all over the world cross the finish line and how proud that made him feel to be a part of such a wonderful tradition.  I think that is personally why I love Boston, it is full of such American tradition and history from the Boston Tea Party to the Boston Red Sox and the Curse of the Great Bambino.  Can you imagine being a fan like Manny growing up and never seeing your beloved baseball team win a World Series until 2004?  I am sure that in 2004 the Vitals were crying even if they may not admit it :).  

The Boston Marathon will continue to be an American pass time and a part of our history and heritage as we pray for those in pain that will not get to run like they did before, the ones that lost their lives, and for the anxiety this will cause so many people.  My feelings bring me back to 9-11 and also to Hurricane Katrina.  I remember being terrified of flying for years after 9-11, and am slowly learning to let go of that fear.  Losing so much in Hurricane Katrina and seeing how it affected my family, friends, and hometown caused me great anxiety.  I went from being an invincible young adult to human in a matter of seconds and thinking "yes anything can happen to you."  My faith in God is so strong now that I no longer suffer from anxiety, and can cope with these situations so much better now.  I believe I know what I will tell Tristan to try to help him understand when things like this out of our control occur "Live each day to its fullest and do not live in fear move forward and make memories :), and know that I will always, always love you."       

  

8 Months Old, Spring, and Babies!

Starting with the theme of every blog post; the Vitals are staying busy.  I think personally I like to be busy, and to have plans made.  I feel it keeps my over-thinking, active mind occupied.

This past month Drew, Tristan and I headed up to Cumming, GA to visit my sister Lauren, my brother-in-law Rin, and Baby Jeremiah!  We have not seen them since November, and I was really getting anxious to see the cousins interact with each other.  The weather was gorgeous, it was the perfect begining of Spring, with highs in the 70's we were able to have dinner outside each night.  Tristan and Jeremiah sat in the playpen together, bonked heads together, and cried together.  They are so adorable.  The amazing thing is they have the same exact hair-color!  I really was expecting Jeremiah to have Lauren's beautiful dark locks, but God has his surprises, and both Tristan and Jeremiah are sporting almost red hair ;).

I do have a fairly funny gross story to share.  Tristan is now 8 months old and moving and grooving.  You can imagine how hard diaper changes are.  When we arrived at Lauren and Rin's on Saturday I decided to change Tristan's very peed diaper in the seat of the car (that is not the gross part).  I made the decision not put his jeans back on him, and to just let him play in a diaper and a t-shirt (I now know the importance of onsies for the shear fact they keep diapers in place!).  Tristan and I were playing in the backyard, and then it happened.  I looked down at my legs, and I had two large streaks of poop across both legs and a turd stuck to my left leg.  Aaaahhh!  Groosssss!!!  Tristan's diaper had completely shifted around him, and was no longer serving a purpose.  I am yelling for help from Drew, as both he and Rin are laughing.  Rin snaps a picture of me..  I don't think I ever want to see the picture or have it shared with anyone.  I give Tristan to Drew as he holds him away from him fearful of the same fate.  Drew repeatedly starts asking "So whats your plan of action here, Teen" (my nickname from Drew).   Plan of action? I do not have a plan of action except to get clean.  Tristan and I opted for a bath and our clothes went in the wash.  I am very thankful this occured not in a public place.  When I change a diaper I now give it a tug test, and I no longer slap those things on.  Will it stay on no matter what?  I sure hope so.

                                         

                                                                 Me and the Babies

                                                             Look Mom we can stand!

Early Easter present from Jeremiah!

  

Lauren and the boys!

   

Family

8 Months Old!

Tristan is eating baby food, gerber cookies, and still having formula. 

We tried pear juice for the first time and he loves it.

Tristan is a pro at crawling now, he pulls himself up on everything (we make sure it is secure),

He loves his walker this is his favorite way of getting around.

New Milestone he is trying to stand on his own!  Is walking around the corner?

His favorite toy is a dog toy Drew brought home.  It is an octopus we call "Dred-Loctopus."

Tristan loves his pets.  He is figuring out how to open Rudy's crate to let him out.

He loves chasing the dogs and cats in his walker.  I am trying to teach him how to pet gently.

I feel like he is all over the place it clothes.  I guess it depends upon the brand?  a few 9 months,

mainly 12 months, and some 18 months.

I have no idea about height I am guessing 28-30" (we are in a stage two carseat).

weight 23-24lbs Drew weighed him the other day

                                                     Tristan and Dred-Loctpus's Tentacle

We are excited to announce the birth of Baby Emily (Tristan's future partner in crime)! 

 Congrats Anna and David!

Kavanaugh Family!

Me and Miss Emily!

Happy Easter- Love Tina

Tuesday Favorites- Nicole Paloma

Currently I work along 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.  This is a vacation spot for a lot of people that I went to college and high school with since it is only a few hours from Mississippi.  I do feel blessed that I am able to live and work in Florida, even more so now that family has moved over here, and that Drew and I are meeting and making more friends in our area :).

I constantly have people come into the shop I work at, Design On the Gulf, and ask where are cute clothing shops, where is a good restaurant, what is there to do besides going to the beach?  30A is nestled along the water and is hidden along 98 (you seriously would not know anything was there unless you decided to turn down 283, 395, or 30A).  It is directly in between Destin and Panama City Beach.  I actually had never heard of it until I started looking for an internship in college.  I ended up landing a job in Rosemary Beach, FL.  I fell in love with this perfect, aesthetically pleasing, urban-beach community.  Being naive I was ready to sign a lease to live in a 400 sq/ft studio apartment until I started looking at the price...  Drew and I ended up in a wonderful community in Freeport that we absolutely love, but that is for another blog. 

One of the greatest things about this area is all of the locally owned small shops, (my dream one day!).  I find that people really do not advertise in the area you find everything by word of mouth.  There is something extremely exciting  about stumbling upon a great boutique, consignment shop, restaurant, you name it.  The folks are extremely nice and I always end up feeling like a found a secret treasure.  This same thing happened yesterday, and instead of keeping it a secret I want to let y'all know where to go when you come into town ;). 

One of my BF's Kati, who just opened a great boutique in Ocean Springs; is a search engine genius.  She always finds the greatest stuff and seriously everyone should follow her on Pinterest.  She has gorgeous taste and seems to know where to go (a great travel buddy).  She came into town yesterday for business and a little shopping.  She really wanted to go to this place to look at clothes in The Shops of Grayton Beach, and am I happy we went.  The name of the shop is Nicole Paloma maybe you have already heard of her and this is old news, but as soon as we walked in the door I was in love.  I wanted one of everything.  One of the greatest things about this little treasure is that Nicole is at the store making the clothes right there.  How amazing is that!?!  Everything is Handmade (not to mention American made) reasonably priced and beautiful.  Since I can't buy one of everything I opted for a beautiful cotton wrap (The Flora).  Check out the picture below.

 

I can honestly say this is one of my favorite pieces of clothing in my closet right now, and I have already gotten so many compliments on it.  A little bird told my that Abode Design in Ocean Springs is going to start carrying her clothes so if some of my old high school friends live in Ocean Springs please follow Abode on FB here, Kati will update you when they come in.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

Tristan and I will definitely be back over there soon; since he loves flirting with the girls in the store.  BTW- Nicole Paloma does make little girls clothes, too. 

They are absolutely adorable! 

I also bought this little taupe mini (found on the sale rack and love it).

I am obsessed with porch swings right now.  You can imagine how excited I was when I went to Nicole's website and this beauty popped up.  The pillows are in the colors I am using on my porch.  More inspiration and motivation coming my way ;).



7 Month's Old!

Tristan turned 7 month's old on February 16th, and guess what!?!  His first bottom tooth came in!  We were all so excited thinking that it would offer him some relief, but instead he is still hurting.  I still haven't actually seen the tooth, because every time he opens his mouth he sticks his tongue out (thanks to Drew). I have felt it and it is a nice, strong, sharp tooth!  Both Drew and I have enormous teeth so Tristan will probably be one of those kids that smiles and all you see is big teeth.  Oh well we all have our awkward moments, but unfortunately for Tristan, Mommy keeps a blog to document all of it.

Another milestone Tristan has accomplished this month is moving to the sitting position all by himself!  He is so proud and gets the biggest grin on his face.  He is also holding himself up on furniture, the pack and play, and his crib.  This will last about 10 minutes before he plops on his butt.  I can not say Tristan is officially crawling yet, but he is somewhat crawling.  He gets on all fours, moves his legs forward, kind of moves his arms forward, and then I think he is going, and we are crawling, until he moves to "downward facing dog position," which leads to face planting on the ground...  He gets from point A to point B, so I am extremely proud of him.

Vocally Tristan is amazing.  That child has some strong lungs.  He squawks, hums, sings, and screams.  He loves it when you copy him which causes him to get louder and louder.  You should see us at the grocery store (I get some crazy looks), but we are just communicating.  He loves his chats with Mommy.  His newest thing is to fake cough.  The first time he did it I wasn't sure if he was really coughing or not.  There is not a term like "God bless you," so I pretended to cough back which lead to him coughing twice and waiting for me to copy him.  When I didn't copy him he looked at me and coughed again.  This turned into a game which he loves and causes him to burst into laughter.

Speaking of laughter, Tristan gets the uncontrollable giggles.  It is hilarious.  Last night, for instance, Drew and I made up a funny dance that we were doing to entertain him (these dances will never be performed for anyone but Tristan's viewing pleasure) and he was laughing so hard which caused me to laugh to tears.  I love nights with my family like that :).

Moving on to February updates our friend Kati came into town last weekend, and took some family pictures for us.  Check out some of my favorites below.

 

Our friends Mindi and Joey took baby Everett to have an MRI done on his birth mark and they were given wonderful news that he was 100% healthy, what a wonderful answer to prayers!  God is so good. 

This month Drew and I also had a patio built in our backyard!  We absolutely love it and have had some new friends over to enjoy it with us :).  I am currently working on turning our screen-porch into my "Florida Dream Haven" so I will not post pics until I am done, but take a peek at my inspiration board.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Tina V

6 Month Check up!

Oh my goodness!  I can not believe it has been over three months since I last posted!  I have been extremely busy between, being a mom, wife, and working!  I am so thankful for the help I have and have had from my Mom, and Marcia my mother-in-law.  I really would be struggling without y'all!

Since my last blog a lot has happened!  Tristan our sweet mister was Baptized November 11, 2012.  My Nana and Papap were in town for the Baptism.  I loved that they were able to come visit us, see Tristan, and meet our zoo!  We had a very full house of animals, because Sadie and Davie (my mom's dog and cat) were staying with us as well.  Lauren, Rin, and Jeremiah came down from Atlanta, and Tara and Kati came over from Mississippi.  It was such a blessing to have our close friends and family in town for such a special occasion!

One of my favorite pictures from Tristan's Baptism!  I love my family :).

The Holiday's were a blast and went way to fast, but I am ready for warmer weather and longer days!  January went quickly between being busy busy at work and trying to plan and prepare for some upcoming trips!  Drew, Tristan and I went to Jackson, Mississippi to visit with our good friends Mindi, Joey and their baby Everett.  Everett is 4 months old and absolutely adorable, check out his story here.  Stephanie, Michael, and their 10 month old, Madison, drove over from Philadelphia.  Madison is the same size as Tristan and is 4 months older (I have a big baby)!  Tara and Craig came up from Daphne, Alabama; it was so much fun getting together.  We had a great weekend just hanging out and playing with the little ones.  I kept on thinking how our get-togethers have changed.  A few years ago we would probably be getting ready to go out for a night on the town, but we were all perfectly content staying in and playing with the babies.

Everett and Tristan seeing each other for the first time!

 Tristan and Madison!  I think Tristan was starting to get tired by this point.

 Baby Boy trying to crawl!  Thank you Tara for the great photo's!



Currently Tristan will be 7 months on February 16, but we just had our 6 month check up yesterday.  Here is the low down on Baby T.

Weight: 21lb 10.7oz

 We are in the 90th% big growing boy with chunky baby legs. 

Height: 26in

Only the 25%. He may end up being short like Mommy and Daddy.

Head Circumference: 17 3/4in

He has a perfectly round Charlie Brown head.  I absolutely love it!

Milestones:  We are rolling back and forth.

Sitting up by ourselves for almost 5mins.

Holding our own bottle and pulling it in and out of our mouth.

Reaching for anything and everything to put in our mouth.

Almost Crawling (We get so frustrated because we haven't quite figured it out.)

We love the sounds that come out of our mouth and sometimes shriek just to hear our own voice.

Yummy in my Tummy: We have 2-3 8 ounce bottles a day.

We love fruit and oatmeal.  We tolerate vegetables, although green beans are good.

New Milestones Doctor approved:  We were told yesterday that Tristan can move to having meat, and get this...  Also eat regular people food!  Tristan can also start using a Sippy cup.  My baby boy is becoming a big boy!

At the beach at 6 months old!

Loving Life!

We finished up our Doctor's appointment with his 6-month shots.  I tell you those shots do not get any easier.  My mother-in-law came with me this time; so I was trying to be strong, but it is still heart wrenching to hear your baby cry like that.

I am going to try to be a good blogger and go back to blogging at least twice a month; it has been far too long!  Have a great day!

Tina V

Prayers

With the election behind us.  I felt that I should share these prayers for protection.  Please pray for the President that our country has elected, pray for our children,  the protection of our people, country, and wisdom for all.  May God continue to bless us and most of all protect us.

Prayers for God's Protection

As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the Word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lay down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. 

 ThA Prayer for Children

God, Our Father, we pray that through Your intercession of St. Nicholas You will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy in Your sight. Give them strength to keep their Faith in You; and to keep alive their joy in Your creation. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

SPIRITUAL ARMOR PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we ask You today for Your truth as a belt tight around our loins. We put on the zeal to announce your good news of peace as shoes for our feet. We put on Your righteousness, O Christ, as our breastplate, And the hope of salvation as a helmet for our head. Father, we take up faith as a shield which is able to put out all the fiery darts of the enemy, And the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word, O Lord. Father, may the love with which you have loved Jesus be in us, and may Jesus be in us. We ask You for the grace of a servant heart. Amen.

Prayer to Vanquish Satan and his Agents

All you great number of enemies of the Holy Death of my Master Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary, the prince of darkness and iniquity, the father of all liars, I stand on the death of my Master Jesus Christ and offer His pains, Wounds, and the Precious Blood from His left Hand to the Eternal Father for your downfall, your destruction and your scourging. Amen.

Precious Blood of my Master Jesus Christ - reign in me and in the lives of all men. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for the Protection and Unity of the Flock

Eternal Father, I offer You all the Wounds, pains, and the Precious Blood from the Sacred Feet of Your Son, Our Lord and Master, for all Your children who are wandering like sheep without a shepherd in this terrifying forest. Protect them against wild predators and give them peace that they might be one, and united in the same way as the nail held fast the Feet of my Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Precious Blood of Jesus Christ - reign forever. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for Refuge in the Sacred Side of Jesus Christ

O Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Who protected the Israelites of old in His Holy Wings in the dryness of the cold and hot desert; I offer You the Holy death of my Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the protection of Your people who are scattered all over the world. May the Blood and Water wash and strengthen, save and cleanse us that we might find home in the Sacred Side of Your Son which opens for all men. Amen.

Sacred Side of Jesus Christ - be our home for safety. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for Sustenance of the Faith

Omnipotent and Omniscient God, God of Elijah and the prophets, look at the Sacred Head of Your only-begotten Son and have mercy. Arise and save Your people. I offer You all the shame, the pains, the Wounds and the Precious Blood from the Sacred Head of Your Son for all Your children who are living in these perilous times. Strengthen our faith through the mockery of Your Son Jesus Christ and save us through the Precious Blood from His Sacred Head. May we, through the sufferings of Your Son Jesus Christ, learn to suffer in You and die in You. Amen.

Holy tortures of Jesus Christ - increase our faith. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

THE CHAPLET OF PROTECTION
(pray on regular rosary beads)

On the Crucifix - The Apostles' Creed
On the large bead - 1 Our Father
On the group of 3 small beads near the Crucifix:
On the first - 1 Hail Mary, in praise of God the Father
On the Second - 1 Hail Mary, in petition
On the third - 1 Hail Mary, in thanksgiving,
with confidence that your petition will be granted.
On the next large bead- "Holy God, Holy Omnipotent One, save us who dwell in this land."

Every Decade, on each of the 10 small beads -
"Jesus Savior, merciful Savior, spare your people."

On each large bead- "Holy God, Holy Omnipotent One, save us who dwell in this land."

At the end of the 5th decade -
"Son of God, Eternal Son, thank you for the things You have done." (3 times)

Oh St. Agatha, who withstood the unwelcome advances from unwanted suitors, and suffered pain and torture for your devotion to Our Lord, we celebrate your faith, dignity, and martyrdom.Protect us against rape and other violations, guard us against breast cancer and other afflictions of women, and inspire us to overcome adversity. Oh St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, mercifully grant that we who venerate your sacrifice, may receive your intercession. Amen. St. Agatha, pray for us.

Prayer For Guidance And Protection To Those I Love

O heavenly Father, our Protector and Guide, You are the greatest Friend and Joy we have! To be able to come to You in prayer like this is the most beautiful part of our lives!

It is not for myself that I want to pray today, dear Father, but for those who are near and dear to me and about whom I am worrying. You know what they are facing, dear Father. And You know most of all the deepest reasons why these things have come upon them!

And You know how I want to help. Truly I think it would be easier if I could only face what they are facing. But You know how helpless we are to help another even though we know what is just and right.

Only You are left, dear Father. Do be with them in all things at all times. Protect them from enemies and evil, my Father. Forgive them their sins and put love of others in their hearts.

Do make them happy in their lives at home, dear Father, and help them live as You would have them live. Above all, put love in their hearts for You.

And thank You, my Father, for Your goodness to them and to me. Thank You for Your love and guidance and protection! May we honor you all the days of our lives. And be happy and uplifted even as I feel right now! Amen.

Prayer for Protection
~~ from the Church's night prayer

Visit this house, we beg you, Lord,
and banish from it the deadly power of the evil one.
May your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace,
and may your blessing be always upon us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Endurance through the Coming Chastisement

Merciful and Loving Father, Your wish is that all men should be saved. Kindly look on Your rejected and condemned Son Who suffered many tortures and will suffer many tortures through the sins of Your people. Look and see what sin has done to Your only-begotten Son. I offer all people who are living in these ungodly and wicked days, all the tortures, pains, rejections, and shame of Your son Jesus Christ to You, for faith to withstand trials and patience to withstand long tortures. May they, through the sufferings of Your only Son, fight to the end. Amen.

Our Lord's torture - increase our faith. Precious Blood of Jesus - save us. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Prayer for the Reign of Glory on Earth

O Loving and Merciful Father, all knowing and all powerful, the Alpha and the Omega, the Eternal Father Who created all things, that You should forsake Your children, Your nature forbids. Look kindly on Your begotten Son Jesus Christ Who came to save men and bring Your Kingdom down on earth. We offer You all the agonies, tortures, pains, and the Precious Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ for the defeat of all the enemies of the Holy Cross of Salvation, the Antichrist and the Red Dragon who are fighting against the truth now and in the end of the age. May they, through the Precious Blood of our Redeemer and His last breath on earth, disappear like foam exposed under the sun, so that Your Kingdom may quickly come on earth. Amen.

Precious Blood of Jesus Christ - Thy Kingdom come. Amen.

~~ from Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greatest Devotion of Our Time

Eventful Weekend

This past weekend Tristan and I traveled over to Mississippi to support Kati in the opening of her store during the Peter Anderson Festival!  Abode Design is beautiful, and I know she will be very successful.

I love going to the Peter Anderson Festival every year, the food is delish, and I love seeing all of the artist and vendors.  Unfortunately, when Tristan and I arrived in Ocean Springs it was starting to storm we took refuge in Kati's shop where several of our friends had the same idea and were already there.  Poor Tristan was fussing because mommy was trying to get to O.S. so quickly, and that left him starving (poor baby, I know terrible mother...)  We relaxed, had a bottle, diaper change, and then the rain let up enough for us to explore.  I knocked out two Christmas gifts and ran into several friends that I had not seen in a while and was able to show off my handsome son.

Yesterday Tristan and I went back to Abode for Kati's advertisement photos, visited my Dad and toured the school he is teaching at, and then headed to Spanish Fort to shop for his upcoming Baptism!  We had another fun weekend!

Today, when I arrived at work I found out that one of my prior co-workers, Josh Bruner, was killed in an automobile accident on last Thursday.  I called Kati and we reminisced over the fun we had with him and what an incredible person and artist he was.  We are both still going through the initial shock of the news.  It leaves me with the feeling of nothing less then how precious our lives are.  Even though I only knew Josh for a short time he holds a special place in my heart.  Rest in peace friend, and I know when I see the sunset tonight you will have added your artistic touch to it. 

Give your loved ones a hug,

Tina