Oh Happy Day!

My first Mother's Day was just perfect!  Barrett and Champs woke me up with Champs holding 2 cards for me.  We had bagels from Brueggar's before going to church, then takeout lunch from Gourmet Shoppe and then the highlight - our first trip to Riverbanks Zoo!  Oh and I got some new sunglasses which I desperately needed!!

I'm so so thankful for my little family and had the best day spending time together.  Thanks to my 2 boys for a great day where I felt so special!!

Before church

Before church

Can you spot the lion?

Getting the lay of the land.

Baboons!

Showing Champs the zebra like he has in his room.

I love the zebras!

And the giraffes!

Checking out the giraffes

Flamingos

They were feisty!

Champs took a little power nap in his stroller so we decided we needed an ice cream break.

Overlooking the river

This guy was not very friendly!

Kinda scared.

Too scared to touch him.

Good nap right there.

Back up in time for monkeys!

What did I miss, guys?

Mooooo

Had to take Champs back to see the goats!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mamas out there.  There is truly no better gift on this earth than being a Mama.  I have loved the past 8 1/2 months more than I can ever describe.  Though they have probably been some of the hardest and certainly the most exhausting months of my life, I have never felt so needed and filled with love.  Champs is my heart, my love and my little monkey and fills my heart so full each and every day.  I look forward to seeing what this great big world has in store for him.  For now, I'm just so very thankful to be his Mama and to spend the day with Barrett and him tomorrow!!! 

The moment I became a mommy!

I can't believe he's mine!!

Little love bug is 2 weeks old.

Baptism day

Merry Christmas!

One of his first times at the park.

First trip to Pawleys in March.

Love him!!

First Easter!

The Tiny Tiger!

We took Champs to his first official Clemson event on Monday!  I'm sure it will be the first of MANY.  It was the Prowl & Growl event put on by the Columbia Clemson Club where Coach Dabo Swinney and Brad Brownell are there to answer questions and pose for pics and sign autographs.  We went to this event last year with Champs in my belly so it was wonderful to have him here with us this year!

It was held on the back patio of Edventure and boy was it hot!  Barrett and I took turns waiting in line while the other was inside with Champs.  He did great and we got some cute pics.  As you will see  he was much more interested in the "orange" foam balls they gave away than he was in the Tiger or Dabo!

Champs - Class of 2035 - His first pictures with the Tiger and Head Coach Swinney!

It was a great first Clemson experience for Champs and we can't wait to take him to his first football game this Fall!

Take me home....country roads!

Last Friday afternoon, Champs and I headed to Bishopville for Elizabeth's wedding.  Barrett was with some guys from work on an off-shore fishing trip out of Georgetown.  I think Champs can sense the relaxation I feel when I go home to my parents house.  By the end of the weekend, he was laid back in the swing on the front porch and looked like he didn't have a care in the world!

It was great to be home and see friends and family!  Champs got to spend time with my parents in Bishopville and also with Barrett's parents in Florence!

Here are some pics from the weekend.  Some I was present for and some his grandparents texted to me, which just makes my day!

Visiting Poppy at work.  Old Shell gas tank!

Checking out Poppy's chair at his desk.

Happy Hour with the Bell's!

Visiting Great Grandmama and Grandaddy!

Now in Florence and riding in the same car his Daddy rode in almost 30 years ago! 

Stroller rides with his guard dog, Lucy!

Golf cart riding with RB

Ready for bed!

Playtime with Ashley & Will

This video made me laugh.  I think I need a glowworm at our house!

One last morning in Bishopville before Peachy brought him back to Columbia on Monday afternoon!

Like I said.....RELAXED!!

It was a great weekend!  Elizabeth's wedding was absolutely beautiful and she was stunning!!!  The ceremony was under a pecan tree in the back of the McDaniel's house.  The wheat field was behind them and it was the perfect height, blowing with the breeze.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect!  At one point during the reception, the band played John Denver's "Country Roads" and I had a happy feeling of how nice it is to come home sometimes and be with those who've known me longest!  Glad Champs enjoys coming to our homes too! 

Barrett had a great day on the ocean too!!