Wednesday, March 4, 2009

28 years...and 11 months!

Today is Trav's 28th birthday. Unfortunately, he's just starting his 8-straight days of work, and so it won't be much of a celebration until next week.

Trav's mom, and sisters do a tribute post to the people in our family on their birthdays. Katie was saying that it would be harder to post about Trav on his, and was thinking weeks ago about what she was going to say. I sort of feel the same way. I know that sounds funny because Trav is my husband, and it should be easy to come up with something wonderful to say about him on his birthday..but really, the trouble I'm having is trying to narrow down all of the wonderful-ness into one post that isn't too sappy for others to read.


Travis is fun! He always makes me laugh, no matter the situation, and even in times when laughing is not appropriate (ie. church). I have been told so many times that I have two kids to raise because Travis is just a grown up little boy. It's true. Travis loves to play, and have fun. He teases people all of the time, sometimes way beyond the limit, but really just wants people to laugh, and have fun. Although there have been times when I would prefer the 'grown up' version of Travis, we really do have lots of fun together, and he keeps me from becoming too serious about life.
Travis is a hard worker. Trav worked his way through nursing school (with a little assistance from his editor in chief - that's me). School has never come easily to Travis, and I was so proud when I learned he passed his NCLEX exam with flying colors. He studied for months, and dedicated himself to the cause so intently, that the X-Box sat untouched, covered with dust - a true miracle! Even now that he's done with school, the hard work continues. He supports our family, and does it well. He never complains about having to work so hard for us - he just does it. He's good at his job, and is constantly receiving positive patient comment cards about his service, and friendly smile. I'm grateful he works so hard, and sacrifices so much to provide for us!

Travis is a really good daddy! Travis scoops Addison up in his arms right when he wakes up, and holds her right up until he has to go to work. When he isn't holding her, they are playing together. I love to see them together. Addison loves her daddy, and will only fall asleep in his arms. Travis is good at feeding Addison her dinner, and will change her into her jammies, if I'm lucky, he'll even change a few diapers - but mostly he just loves to have her in his arms!
I'm really glad that Travis is my husband. Although sometimes things are rough with crazy schedules and petty disagreements - the majority of our time together is wonderful! I love him, and I am happy he chose me!
Happy Birthday, Travis!



Addison is 11 months old today. I can't believe that it's almost been a year since our sweet baby girl was born. She has changed so much, so quickly over the months. It has been fun watching her grow.

Addison is in the process of cutting 5 teeth at once. Four on the top, and one on the bottom. Unfortunately for her, and for us, this hasn't been a very pleasant experience. She's a a little cranky bum, but I can't say that I blame her!

Addison is more and more like her dad everyday. She is so stubborn. Lately, if she doesn't get what she wants, she screams loudly. She's really testing my patience, and keeping me busy.

Addi's into EVERYTHING. She's an explorer, and is always looking for new, exciting things to play with. She's on her feet more and more everyday. She mastered scooting down the stairs on her belly, and is up and down them more times that I can count.

Addison still loves to eat. I am anxious to see how much she loves her very own birthday cake next month. She is still nursing morning, and night, but is losing interest quickly. She doesn't really like juice, but has learned to sip her daddy's soda out of a straw. Her new favorite treat are the Gerber cheese puffs. They are little Cheetos for babies, and she gobbles them up!

Addison is my favorite little gal! She' so fun, and makes me so happy! I'm happy to spend my days with her, and I'm looking forward to the next year of her life!

9 comments:

Iris said...

I love the post and pictures...happy celebrating!

Jolene said...

Addison is wonderful and Trav really is an amazing guy. Thanks for the fun thoughts and pictures.

Tara said...

I love the look on Addison's face on the second to last picture (profile type one). It is absolutely priceless! I haven't had the privelege of meeting your Travis, but he sounds like a keeper!

Katie Jo said...

Happy birthday travis! You have a way with words natalie! Very nice post about both of your kids!!! :)

Scott and Nicole albertson said...

She is so darn cute!! She is getting so big too. Way cute pictures. Tell Travis happy birthday for us! Hope you guys have a good week :)

Jer said...

HAPPY DAY TRAVIS! I am glad you are a part of our family. There are days I want you pound you, but usually I just want to laugh and try to sneak in a hug! Love that little girl! She will love her cake...especially if you decorate it with Gerber cheese puffs! Grandma Jer loves you!

Meghan said...

happy to you travie. love the gines family post-a-thon on b-days.

and so sorry about the teething. sucks... jane is cutting 3 molars. she is a champ.
but most importantly, i LOVE the 2nd to last pic. maybe its because she looks so gines-y, but it is totally precious.

Chelsea said...

What a fun post... man that's a lot of teeth- at least you get them over with at the same time!! Wow one more month for our babes- I too am excited about giving Blake his own little cake. I can't believe I already have to think about it!!!
Happy B-day travis... man I know that eight shifts in a row would literally kill me- what a HARD worker!!

Suz said...

I wanna know if Travis has read the 'ode's in his behalf?

Love the photos. You can see sass in those beautiful eyes! Good for her!