AJ Turns 2!!

We decided to have AJ’s theme for his birthday as a Tool Time theme from the 90’s TV show Home Improvement.  He loves this show, will pick up the remote, and ask for the show.   He loves Tim and Al.  He will be one of them for Halloween this year.  We were so excited to hear that our friends from Daphne wanted to come and spend the weekend with us to help celebrate AJ’s birthday.  

We spent Friday at the Zoo and caught up with our friends, Scotty, Lindsey, Mavrick, and Gretchen.  AJ loved having his friends to play with.   

On Saturday, we had AJ’s party at a local park and it was a gorgeous day.  We couldn’t have prayed for more perfect weather.  

We went out to eat with my family afterwards and AJ got more cake. 

We had a great time celebrating AJ with all our friends and family.  We got AJ a John Deere tractor. He loves it and would ride it all day every day if we would let him. 

My prayer for you over these next few years is that AJ keeps his loving, kind spirit, helps others, and grows closer to God.  He’s been an amazing adventure, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for him in the future.  We all love you very much AJ. Happy Birthday! 

P.S.  The play set in the backyard is the one from our home in Hernando.  We purchased it for the boys I kept in the hopes that we would one day share it with our own child(ren).  I see so much promise in that play set and wonderful memories made with my babies, Tobias, Silas, Oliver, and John Abram.  Those boys helped me so much during some of the darkest times.   I’m so thankful AJ is my rainbow baby.  (October is Infant Loss/Miscarriage Month).  Yes, I’m 1 in 4 that have struggled with this.  Keep praying for ladies who are struggling with miscarriages/infant loss.  It does still hurt after all these years.  Looking back, our oldest would be 5 in December, our second would have been 4 this past July, and our last would have been 3 in May.  For anyone reading this who is struggling, you are not alone.  Don’t let your babies go unknown.  There is healing in talking about our babies.  

AJ's First Roll Tide Game

I have so much I need to blog about but want to share this before I forget!


Andrew and I had been talking for months about wanting to go to an Alabama game this year.  AJ gets to excited each time he hears or says, "Roll Tide!"  He has grown up so much in these last couple of months and I'm enjoying spending all of my days with him.   Andrew and I decided that the Southern Miss would be a good game that we should go to.  An Alabama/Southern Miss game was Andrew's first game when he was 3.  This game would be perfect.  Both dad and son will have gone to the first game as a toddler to the same opponent.  I was way older and can't remember my the team Alabama played for my first game.  AJ got so excited that he kept saying for the week and half before, "Roll Tide Game?"  He was so excited and could not wait.  He was so excited that he could hardly go to sleep the night before.  He woke up early, walked into the kitchen, and was overjoyed when we told him, "Yes, it is time to go to the game!"

The  whole ride over to Tuscaloosa he would talk to the big trucks as we drove past, saying "Roll Tide," and played with his toys.  He could not wait to get there.  Once parked and out of the car, he noticed the buses and said Ride! He loved the bus ride. 

We decided to take the shuttle to the Quad to not have to walk as far with a toddler.  He was so excited.

Once we got off the bus, we walked over to the Walk of Champions to see the team come in for the game.  Andrew and I have never gotten to a game early enough to see this.  We were just as excited to to see this too.  AJ won over a cheerleader while we waited for the team to arrive.  He was smitten by her.  I hate I didn’t her name.  

After the Walk of Champions, we walked over to the Quad to hear the Million Dollar band for the Elephant Stomp.  I think AJ enjoyed this the most.  We also got to meet Big Al, which AJ wasn’t to sure of.  

Once in the stadium, AJ was amazed by all the sounds, the marching band, and atmosphere of the stadium.  

AJ made to the beginning of the 4th quarter before he fell asleep.  He loved it and wants to go to another game.  I would love to take him back soon.  

It was a wonderful day but still really hot! It was a great way to celebrate early AJ’s and my birthday. Until the next game!