Man Stuff

Here's a picture of Astronaut John "Danny" Olivas conducting a space walk in orbit at the International Space Station. I ripped this picture from http://www.nationalgeographic.com/. Sorry to all of you who were hoping for a new picture of Anna!

I've noticed that since Anna has been born, this blog is no longer a place that I (Nathan) exclusively own. It has been lovingly commandeered by my wife! So here's a man picture of people doing man stuff. More baby pictures to come...I just had to interject something to let you know that I am still here and haven't faded into the background of the baby limelight!

Seriously, though - being a dad has totally changed my life. My thoughts on what is truly manly has changed dramatically. I now know that it means cleaning up poop, pee, spit-up, and slobber all day. It means warming up milk and feeding Anna, and talking in a silly voice to get that ultimate payoff - the coveted smile!

It also means that my life is no longer my own. It is not all about me. I didn't think that I was that selfish until I saw the mirror of my daughter. She has revealed that I have a long way to go until I reach maturity. I am still a selfish individual who needs reminding all day, every day (which Anna happily provides!) that I am still a work in progress. Thank you to those of you who are following this blog, and we are looking forward to helping you watch her "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3.18)

Also, keep looking to the skies for His great glory! His creation is a huge testimony to His presence, existence, and active role in our lives every day! I am reading The Creator and the Cosmos by Dr. Hugh Ross now. I should have read it in my Natural Science class in college...I am just now getting around to reading it...5 years later! It is a great proof for God's creative power in the beginning of it all.

I will post some pictures that let you know that there is still a man around here, and that this blog hasn't just gone to the ladies! But keep expecting plenty of pics of our sweet daughter too. Something for everyone!

Sweet Anna ready for a nap after church. This cute outfit was a gift from my co-worker, Felicia.
Thanks Felicia!

Anna has found her thumb... and loves it!!! She prefers her arms to be unwrapped during napptime so that she can get to her thumb easier.

Anna's first playdate. My college roommate was in town for a family wedding and spent the night with us. This is her son, Judah Chase. Anna and Judah were so cute together. Judah kept trying to hold Anna's hand!

Finally smiling during Tummy Time!
She's getting so strong and lifting her head really well.

What a sweet girl!

Such a good little napper!

And she looks so good doing it!

Celebrating my birthday! This was one of my favorite birthdays by far. Nathan made me a huge breakfast after sleeping in until 10. Anna woke up around 7:30 or 8 for her breakfast, and then let me go back to sleep. Then we went shopping - had to stay indoors b/c July 2 in Texas is not fun when you're outdoors! Then we went to the Back Porch Tavern compliments of Matt and Ashley. Thanks guys! Then we came home, opened birthday presents, fed Anna, had cake and watched a movie. Very laid back, but I had so much fun having our baby girl tag along and getting to spend the whole day with my husband.

I love those big blue eyes!

Anna at 3 months with the bear my parents gave her at the hospital. I think the bear is a magic, shrinking bear!

Our Vacation to Lake Tahoe

Overlooking Emerald Bay.

Hiking up to Eagle Lake.

While we were driving around Lake Tahoe we found a blue grass band playing music by the lake. It was so relaxing. There were some people hula hooping to the music!

Anna getting ready to go!

Our sixth anniversary was the same day as Father's Day. What a great first Father's Day for Nathan!

Everyone was exhausted after a day of travel and fun!

Beautiful Anna at Lake Tahoe

Anna ready for the drive around Lake Tahoe. It took us about 6 - 7 hours to drive around the whole Lake. We took lots of stops though!

Hiking around Fallen Leaf Lake. On the way back we saw a brown bear! Thankfully the bear was not interested in us! It was about 70 feet away from us and just kept walking through the woods.

Taking a little lunch break at the lake. What a beautiful place!

Of course it started raining as soon as we paid the parking fee! We were really glad we chanced it though. There were three beautiful lakes all next to each other. One of the lakes was surrounded by tall cliffs and you could rent little canoes. Too bad Anna can't swim, it would have been fun to go out on the lake!

Just hanging out and being content. This little gal is a great vacationer!

Family Time

We got to spend a few days with my family on our way home from Lake Tahoe.

Here is my mom helping Anna have a smooth ride in the car.

My dad with Anna.

My brother, Matt, with his daughter, Allikaye, and our Anna.


Triple A: Ashley, Allikaye and Anna. Ashley is my brother's wife and Allikaye is their adorable daughter. Our first niece!
My sister, Katie, also spent some time with us while we were visiting. I can't believe we didn't even get a picture of Anna and Katie together. We're so sorry Katie! We'll get tons when you come to visit.

First of the Tahoe Pictures

Erin at Lake Tahoe

Anna holding my hand at Tahoe

Anna's very first time to In-N-Out...we're starting her out right! We stopped here in Sacramento as we were heading out of town and east to Lake Tahoe...more photos of our vacation to come!

Our Smiling Girl

This girl sure knows how to make our day!

Anna's Proud Parents

Nathan was scheduled to be gone for 5 days. Yay for the big storms that delayed one of his last flights of the day and he got to spend the night in Dallas! This is after we got home from picking him up at the airport.

Baby Shower in Clinton

The wonderful people in Clinton, OK, where Nathan grew up, gave us a baby shower for Anna. It was a great weekend with our family and friends in Clinton.

Hanging out at home

Anna's First Car Ride

Here is Anna's first car ride in the metroplex...SCARY!

She's Here!

Erin and Anna

Anna laid back

Anna with "His Little Lamb" hat

First time in the car seat

Anna's sweet face

Our friend Angela Porter took the photos above as a baby shower gift. Anna arrived last week. She weighed in at 6 lbs, 12 oz and was 20 inches long. We are so blessed to have our sweet daughter here breathing air with us!

Anna either happy or gassy with Papa and Mama (we think she's happy!)