What we have been up to

Here is what the Dean family has been up to lately.

Jonathan enjoying some nachos at Daddy's 5th reunion at Washington and Lee. Maybe one day we will be back to watch Jon-Boy play there as well! (but if he wants to dance or paint we will still be proud of him)

Jonathan helping Daddy with his Fellowship applications. We should know where we are moving next spring. Any prayers throughout this process would be so appreciated!

Jonathan lounging after bath time. We truly fall more in love with this smile everyday!

Jonathan decided he wanted to get up close and personal with Gibbs feeding. Gibbs really didn't know how to handle this situation.

Jonathan's younger sibling who will be making an appearance next May! I am feeling a little better each day but was pretty shocked to see how different this pregnancy is compared to last time. Jonathan is becoming more aware of babies lately and it truly brings tears to my eyes to think of how close these two little ones will be. God is so good to us!

Jonathan's First Hike

As you can see we tried out our new baby backpack this past weekend. We went up to the Shenandoah National Park and hiked Turk Mountain. Jonathan did great. He talked to us during most of the hike and loved being able to play with Mommy and Daddy's hair. Gibbs came with us and was beyond excited to lead the way! Most exciting moment of the trip happened on our way up to the Park. I was telling Peter how I would not handle seeing a bear very well when, no later than 30 seconds later, a small black bear ran out in front of our car. I screamed, Peter searched for the camera, Gibbs attempted to jump out window to play, and Jonathan sucked on his pacie. The view at the top was pretty amazing and we really could not have asked for better weather.

At the top! We are constantly amazed by God's Beauty that surrounds us. This picture looks a LOT more dangerous than it actually is. I was there to be the safety patrol. ha!

Another view from the top.

We just got back from a wonderful 2 week vacation! We spent time with my family at the bay and then more time with Peter's family at the beach! We are so thankful to have family who take us on vacations! Jonathan had a great time. He fell asleep on many of boat rides at the bay and loved hanging out in the pool at the beach. He turned 9 months old at the beach! We can't believe how fast time has gone by! He is eating all sorts of baby food, (although still not a huge fan of veggies), showing some signs of crawling (very small signs :), making more new noises and most importantly saying his first word "BALL!".

We were unpacking from the trip while John-Boy (my nickname for him) was playing on our bed with a ball he just yelled out "Ball!". Peter and I both turned to look at him and once again celebrated like he had just graduated from Yale! He continued to say his new word throughout the evenings. Like the love-sick new parents that we are, we grabbed the video camera and got it on tape! Needless to say, Dad is beside himself with his son's first word choice! It was Peter's first word as well!

Peter and Boy (my brother) on the Hobie Cat.

Us at The Red Roost (a yummy restaurant near the bay)

Part of my family at the bay. Gibbs thought now was a great time for a scratch!

Dean Family on the Bethany Boardwalk

Playing with Grandpa Dean's head was so much fun!

Jonathan is teaching Uncle Richie how to change a diaper! He was a pro!
I still can't believe how truly blessed I am to have this child as my son!