The County Fair

Well, we just took Ross to his very first 4-H County Fair. The Union County Fair was held here in Anna and we were able to stroll Ross around and see everything in about an hour. Quite the opposite of the Elkhart County Fair to say the least, but still a fun experience. Plus we shared the best elephant ear I've ever eaten (or maybe I was just tasting the sweet memories of childhood). Either way, it was a good time!

Another Anniversary!

Jonathan and I celebrated 9 years of marriage on the 25th! In a way we can't believe it's been that long, yet at the same time it's as if we've always been married. It was fun sharing the celebration with Ross this year... pretty sure I've kissed Ross more in his 5 months of life than I've kissed his daddy in 9 years of marriage! :) We both agreed we are glad to be where we are now and not where we were 9 years ago (two 22-year-olds fresh out of college moving to Washington, D.C., trying to figure out how to be "The Whitleys" and not just Jonathan and Tara). We went to My Daddy's Cheese-cake in Cape and split a Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Cupcake. (The same flavor as the top layer of our wedding cake 9 years ago). Another fun August 25th!

5 Months!

Ross is 5 months old today! We got him a jumperoo for the occasion. Time is flying by per usual. Here is the list of new things we now experience with Ross:

1. Rolling over both directions all the way! It's so frequent now that often I turn my back just for a second and he's on the other side.

2. Ross helps us turn the pages of his board books when we read to him.

3. Mommy and Daddy's little helper likes to assist us in carrying whatever is in the hand opposite the one carrying him. When preparing meals, we take several trips to the refrigerator carrying one thing at a time with Ross' help. He even likes to help us open the refrigerator door.

4. Ross gave his first tithe to the church. We put 10% of some money he received in an envelope and gave him the envelope to put into the offering plate as it was passed. He did, however, require some encouragement in dropping the envelope into the plate. :)

5. Grabbing his feet with both hands. We're surprised how long Ross occupies himself investigating those feet and toes....

6. Teething! Ross has two little teeth starting to poke through his gums! He puts everything he can reach into his mouth lately.

7. He is more blonde than brunette.

Ross' First Swim

We took Ross out for his first swim yesterday and it was so much fun! He wasn't sure about the water at first, but before we knew it he was one-arm paddling around the pool. (He did use both arms but not at the same time)! He was so funny and cute in the water! Jonathan and I had an absolute blast with him and we can't wait to go again!

The first video is his introduction to the water and the second one shows the paddling. Enjoy!

Ross got baptized!

Ross was baptized by his daddy on Sunday! Welcome to the Covenant Family, little one! He sported a little white suit that Jonathan wore when he was a baby. We were so happy that Jonathan was able to do the baptism--Ross got a big kiss from Daddy before being handed back to Mommy. What an important event in our son's life! We sent out invitations to our out-of-town family members. Below is our statement of belief Jonathan wrote up for the back.

We believe that baptism is for those who profess faith in Jesus Christ and for their children. Acts 2:38-39 states, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." When God instituted the Covenant of Promise with Abraham (Gen 15) He also instituted a sign and seal for that Covenant, namely circumcision. All men, 8 days old and older were physically circumcised as a sign of cleansing and inauguration into the Covenant of Promise. By the shedding of Christ's blood, the ultimate circumcision, all the Old Testament Covenants find complete fulfillment--thus the New Covenant is instituted. Baptism signifies inauguration into this New Covenant and is a seal of "our ingrafting into Christ", our "partaking of the benefits of grace", and our "engagement to be the Lord's" (WSC 94). Just as the Israelite children were circumcised as a sign of being God's people, so today children of Christians are to be baptized as a public statement that they are dedicated and set apart unto the Lord. While we do not believe that the act of baptism grants salvation to Ross, or anyone for that matter, we do believe that God has called us to place the Sacramental sign and seal of baptism on Ross as he is part of our family, which is a Christian family, and to show our commitment to raise Ross in the "way in which he should go" (Proverbs 22:6).