Walking on the Wild Side!

Chapman has learned to walk and it is so darn funny watching him. He went from standing up for a few seconds at a time to taking 16 steps before falling. My mom called it the "Frankenstien Walk" at first because he walked with locked knees and arms straight out in front of him for balance. But now he's got it and loves going wherever he pleases! Not so good for mom and dad but hey, that's part of it. We hear little pitter, patter all over now. Here are a few action shots of him from today.

My mom's sister, Barb, got him this blow-up Snoopy for his birthday. We blow it up during the day and Chapman loves to go over and see it.

Mitch's Deer

So, I would be a *bad* wife if I didn't give some love to the 11 point buck Mitch shot on Christopher Bean's land on Saturday. He was sure happy & I was told that I'll have a new centerpiece for my mantle. (Yeah, right!) Anyway, here is a picture. (Oh, and that's Doc ((Christopher & Cindy's dog)) drooling at the sight of the deer!)

Good Friends

We have been so blessed with many wonderful friends since moving to Jackson. Here are a few pictures of some of them.
These pictures were taken at our house this weekend. We watched the Alabama/Florida game.

Jon and Ella, Mitch and Chapman

My sweet girlfriends

(L-R) Gracie Gaspard, Amy Norris (http://www.browniegoose.com/) Tori Hayes (http://www.signingwithtots.com/) and Roxanne Neuhaus

Chapman's Buddies - (L-R) Reagan Neuhaus, Louisa Norris, Ella Hayes

Chapman and Brannon Spencer

This picture is from our Small Group Christmas Party. We are in a Small Group with 4 other couples from our church (Pinelake). The Kennedy's were delightful hostesses last night. We had a blast. We are very blessed to have such a great small group! It's hard to see everyone but here's who they are: Ashley & Bill Kennedy, Lindsay & Casey Westbrook, Sara Beth & Allan Maples, Emilia & Chris Blake

The Big Bash

Well, Chapman is officially one!! And man did we bring it in with style! He had a wonderful party on Saturday in Cape Girardeau, Missouri with extended family and friends totalling over 30 people. Here he is having a big time.

He's getting his cake. Everyone is sitting in front of him watching!

We had such a wonderful time at home for the week and the vacation was topped off by a great birthday party. We thank each and every one of you who came to celebrate the special day with us. We love you and thank God for you. We are truly blessed!!!!!

Check it Out!!! For all your holiday needs!

Hey Everyone! Check out my creative outlet - www.myhappychappy.blogspot.com for cute, customized gifts. Happy Thanksgiving!

Early Birthday Gifts!!

Chapman has already begun to cash in on what we know we be a great 1st birthday (November 13th)! Gigi and Pops gave him a few gifts early and he sure has been enjoying them. Here he is pushing around his train. He seems to be really close to walking.

Here he is sitting at his new table!! He loves it! He needs some friends to join him.

Trick or Treat!!

We took Chapman Trick-or-Treating last night. He had not had a nap yesterday afternoon which meant a grumpy & tired giraffe for sure! After he got finished chowing down on some Papa John's pizza (I had no idea he loved this so much!) we went out for a little candy gathering. I'm pretty certain we didn't get as much good candy because Mitch was strolling him up to the door saying, "Trick or treat - our giraffe is tired." I just know the thought going through the person's head, "This dad is going to go home and eat every bit of this candy because there is no way a child who can't even talk can eat any of this!!!!" Well, Mitch had no shame and as a result we have some candy to munch on. We - meaning Mitch & I. Chapman won't be enjoying any of it! : )

Chapman and Reagan posing in front of a Halloween display.

First Haircut!

In preparation for the 1 year photo session, little Chapman needed a haircut. We took him and he was too cute! He did not understand what was going on but was such a good sport. Mitch held him in place. Now we are ready for pictures!

Little Giraffe!

On Tuesday night we went to the Alliances' Halloween party. Chapman was a giraffe. He had a blast playing with the kids and eating more cookies than real food (thanks dad!). I think this costume is just so darn cute. I'm sure he'll agree one day!

Chapman iced some cookies and ate them all! Notice the orange icing on his fingertips!

We had such a fun time!

Cape Girardeau Trip

Chapman and I went to Cape Girardeau for the week and had so much fun. Here are some pictures from our time there.

Amy & cousin Caden were in town and we got to play one night!

Grandpa Jerry got out this drum set that Mitch & Ricky played with. Needless to say, Chapman loved it!!! We're glad that's staying at their house!

A little "behind the back" drum playing!

And of course we had to get out the harmonica. Chapman couldn't quite figure it out.

We went to Bethany's house in Red Bud, IL one night to visit Gigi's family. Bethany was feeding Chapman a cupcake when I took this picture. He's not enjoying it at all, right??

Our fun week was topped off by going to Pop's scrimmage games on Friday & Saturday. Mitch came and met us on Friday night. We had a great week!

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch today and picked a pumpkin and enjoyed a hay ride and seeing lots of animals. Chapman had such a good time.

This is the tractor we rode on.

Aunt Christie is holding Chapman up so he can see all of the animals.

Chapman's friend Louisa is looking with him.

Chapman saw a donkey.

The Mississippi State Fair

We took Chapman to the Mississippi State Fair. He didn't get to ride any rides but he sure had fun! He tried funnel cake for the first time and loved it. We went with our small group from church and their children had a great time riding the rides. We just went along for the fun of it. Here are some pictures of us.

Chapman touched a baby alligator!!! He was fascinated by it.

Good Night Moon....Good Night Chapman

Chapman loves to read books. He wouldn't sit still for more than 30 seconds prior to a few days ago but all of the sudden he loves reading books (and turning the pages). Every night we read to him before he goes to sleep. Mitch & I really enjoy this time with him.

Favorite Drawer

Now that Chapman can crawl and get into everything he loves opening drawers. His favorite drawer is in the kitchen. He opens it, pulls himself up and then proceeds to take everything out. He thinks it's so fun. Here are some pictures of him from last night.

He takes every sippy cup out and "tests" it just in case it has something in it. It is too funny!

Gulf Shores Vacation

We went to Gulf Shores last week for a very fun and much needed vacation. Chapman wasn't so sure about the water and sand at first but by the end he loved it. We went with some of our best friends, Katie & Adam Bertrand and Joy & Louis Stankeemp.

Chapman is not very happy!

We went out to eat some delicious seafood & to celebrate Mitch's 28th birthday!

This is a little more like it! He is actually smiling.

We took some family pictures while we were there.

We love our sweet little boy so much! We had such a good time at the beach!

The Kiddies

As some of you know, 2 of my best friends from Missouri had babies very close to the time that I had Chapman. Kendall was born in August of 2007, Chapman in November of 2007 and Mia in February of 2008. It is so fun to get the kids together to play and it gives the mom's good catching up time. We had pictures of all 3 of us pregnant and now pictures of our children at different ages together. If we ever live in Cape again (when we live in Cape again) our children will all be in the same grade which will be so much fun. The kids are so funny because they used to have to be held in the pictures and now as you'll see, Kendall is trying to walk away, Chapman crawl away and Mia is sitting up on her own just taking it all in. Pictures are becoming more difficult because we just can't get them to sit still anymore! I love catching up with them when I'm home. Here are some pictures of the kids over the last 7 months.

This picture was taken in February, right after Mia was born.

May, 2008

September, 2008

Heber Springs

For the Labor Day holiday, we went to Heber Springs, AR with our good friends Nick, Kristi and Nicholas Pesce. Chapman and Nicholas had so much fun playing. Mitch was able to do some Fly Fishing and we all got to just hang out and relax! Here are some pictures from our fun trip!

Chapman & Nicholas eating breakfast

I love this picture of my 2 favorite boys!!!!
Mitch doing some Fly Fishing right off of Nick & Kristi's backyard. Isn't this beautiful?!

Our trip was so fun! We can't wait to go back!