Blanket Time

Leighton has been learning to sit still on a blanket and play with quiet toys. He is getting better at it as time goes on. We started at 5 minutes and are up to 10, some days he will only get off of it once or twice, other days, he is off to the races and really mad to be put back onto it. This was probably his best day thus far ... I think it was because he was given a hanger to play with, he LOVES hangers!

Outside at Ashlyn's

The cutest men in the whole world ...

Curious George Party

We were so blessed to have our friends throw Leighton a birthday party too. The Lord provided so much to us through this celebration including wonderful gifts, a reminder of the great fellowship we have with our friends, and a new found appreciation for Curious George.

The balloons were a hit for Leighton ...

...and though he did not get to eat his cake, the cake was a hit for the guests! Have you ever seen a cake like this?

Thank you so much ladies of the 32nd street house for planning, decorating and preparing this celebration for us. We are so thankful to have so many people rejoice with us over Leighton's life. I am constantly humbled to be among such servants for Christ, such faithful men and women who seek to honor others above themselves, and such great companions in reaching this city of Des Moines. And Luke and I aren't just thankful for the stuff, the laughter, and for this party, but we are additionally and constantly thankful because these men and women are so involved in our lives, are committed to us and to the great commission, and who daily set such a example in their generosity, compassion, love, service, attitude, and character.

Many praises to our good Lord in heaven as well, for his provision of so many blessings, friendships, and gifts through these amazing people. The Lord was faithful and good in giving us more than we deserve.

We really can't express our gratitude towards our friends and family, and our adoration for our Savior.

Outside Time

Leighton's 1st Birthday

We had a wonderful birthday at grandma and grandpa Hukee's house. Leighton loved playing with the Balloons and he loved all of his gifts.




He also loved eating his cake and those amazing pictures are to come!

Sign Language

On the car ride back from MN with grandma and grandpa Ludemann, I started to teach himsign language for MORE. By the end of the trip, and lot's of puffs snacks later, he had already learned it. What a smart boy!

Pre Birthday Celebration in MN

Leighton had a pre-birthday celebration with great great grandma and great aunt Colette.

First Word

Leighton says HI! On occassion Leighton has started to say Hi, but he just wispers it for some reason.

And while we were in MN Leighton learned how to say UP! He totally takes advantage of this one and demands to be picked up a lot. We want him to know that he is saying it correctly and to positively reinforce the use of words, but that means we are constantly picking him up!

He also has mastered Uh-Oh! He loves to intentionally drop things, especially behind th couch and then say Uh-Oh, holding the Oooooooooh for a while with his lips in an O position.

Of course he already says mamma and dadda, but we are not convinced that he knows who is who! He also tries to say a lot of words like dog, down, and ball, but only really gets the first sound out.

Fun In Minnesota

Luke spent a week in Texas with some men from the DTC on a mission trip. Leighton I spent the week in Minnesota with grandma and grandpa Ludemann. Leighton had a good time playing with new things.

Laundry basket rides! Peek-a-Boo!

Finally Nice Enough to go Outside

We are all looking forward to spring and summer. Leighton loves being outside and discovering all that the great outdoors has to offer.

Walking For Real

Leighton is now confidently walking around everywhere.