Three Milestones, One Week

On Sunday Ansel rolled for the first time from back to tummy just after waking up from his nap. Travis and I were so excited! We congratulated him and he turned his head toward our voices, subsequently bumping his head on the side of his crib. I don't know if we are ready for the toddler stage that seems far off at the moment but is rapidly approaching. We hear he will be bumping into almost every surface.

Ansel is rolling...today Ansel rolled from his back to his tummy to his back again. This baby boy is surely going to be crawling in no time!

Today Ansel sat up on his own for the first time! He had his hands free and sat up unassisted for about 15 or maybe even 20 seconds. Amazing!

A day at home with Ansel

Ansel is changing quickly. His hair is getting thicker. He continues to make new sounds and puts different syllables together. He plays independently and babbles. Ansel enjoys scratching different fabrics and surfaces. He seems to like the noises it makes. His hands mesmerize him. Frequently, he will stare at them and seems fascinated with their movement. Ansel is truly a joy to watch.

Travis is in beautiful Redondo Beach, CA this week. Please pray for safe travels as he is away.

Ansel and Keys

Ansel is more than 16 pounds these days. He is laughing more each day. We are having a blast getting him to chuckle and crack smiles for us. We are truly blessed that God has entrusted Ansel to us.

Travis & Ansel

Do you see a resemblance?

Big Smile

Ansel likes sitting in the dining room with us!

Tummy Time

Ansel is liking tummy time a bit more these days. He even rolled over 3 times yesterday! First to the left, then to the right, then to the left again! We couldn't be more thrilled with our son. Ansel, you are precious!!!

Goodbye, Swaddle. Hello, Sleep Sack!

Ansel, what else?

Hi everybody!

My latest discovery: Fingers Taste Great!

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I just love those sweet little toes!!! Ansel's feet have grown more than I can believe in the past 12 weeks. Travis shot this photo and I enjoy it very much!

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reflections of Ansel

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ode to a belly button

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room with a view

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Ansel relaxing in the hotel room on Monday morning before my surgery. He is a tough little dude, put up with a lot this week. Praise God for an easy-going son!

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signage for a son

Seen while travelling Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in the University Circle area of Cleveland.

Back from Cleveland Clinic

Travis' kidney was successfully removed.

The trip went smoothly and we were blessed by the way our heavenly Father provided. The youth pastor from our church and our friend, Eric Napoli; his mom, Rosie Napoli; and the wife of another pastor at our church, Laura Gillette; came and waited with Michelle and Ansel while Travis underwent surgery. A couple from our church that we hardly knew came and supported us with prayer and their willingness to serve us for the next two days while Travis was hospitalized. They took care of Ansel so that Michelle could be attentive to Travis at his bedside.

We are truly blessed. Travis was able to come home last night, so he didn't have to spend his entire birthday in the hospital :) He will be at home recovering for the next 4-6 weeks.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us.

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Thank you for letting us share in this beautiful wedding, Jamie & Jon!

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Ever seen a redneck ride a running engine before? I can always count on a visit to the Stauffers' to bring me back to my roots. If Andrew's pantleg is any indication, it is running a little rich!