Let's Play Catch Up, Shall We?

We have a thumb-sucker!

Its been an eventful couple of weeks, which has unfortunately not allowed me to sit down at my computer long enough to compose even one sentence. So this is all about CATCHING UP!

I'll start with some sad news and a tender moment.

On July 16th, my brother-in-law Brent's mother passed away from azheimer's disease. The night before Edith died, Brent's family asked my sister and I to sing at her bedside along with my mom on the guitar. Alan was working late so I took little Trew along with me, knowing that Brent's family would be delighted to see him. As we walked in the room where Edith was lying, Trew began to look around quite intently. When Brent's family members greeted us, Trew decided that he was going to be "Mr. Smiley" for them. This was the first time I had seen him smile for strangers. And he loved every second of it! I know that those baby eyes of his see MUCH more than we can see, and this was proof of it. The room was filled with angels watching over Edith as she took her last breaths and I believe that Trew was able to witness the angels of comfort and those who had passed on before that were in the room.


Grammy holding Trew at the funeral

Now to some happy events!

Last Friday Trew got to meet a whole bunch of my cousins, and second cousins, at a Petty family BBQ. We sat around watching home videos of family reunions from when I was only 6 years old. HIL-AR-I-OUS! But the best part about it was realizing that we are now at the stage of life that my parents were when the reunions started. Its our turn to create opportunities for Trew to build strong friendships with his extended family. I can't wait for the good times ahead!


Just chillin' with Uncle Craig

It recently dawned on us that Trew hadn't met his Great Grandma "Nut". Well her last name isn't really Nut, its Ahlman. So we call her Grandma Nut. She'd agree she's kind of nutty too! Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann) Nelson Ahlman is my mom's mom - and she's the OTHER reason we gave Trew his middle name.

Grandma Nut has had her share of trials in life. My Grandpa Ahlman died 33 years ago, leaving my grandma a widow. About 3 years ago she lost her eye to an infection. She has had multiple strokes with which the last one took her ability to speak. But she is and has always been the best example of looking at life on the bright side. If she could talk, she wouldn't waste any energy on complaining. Instead, she would be making jokes, taking out her dentures to make us laugh or cooking up some yummy bread in the kitchen.



I know if Grandma Nut could talk she would say how happy she is that you chose to give your baby to our family to care for and raise here on earth. She would look you in the eyes and with humbleness tell you how proud she is of her family and honored to have Trew NELSON Bingham bear her family name. "Its a good name," she'd say. A good name for a great boy!

A New Quilt & A Wacky Wednesday

I wanted to show you this amazing quilt that was made for Trew by my Aunt Sharon (my mom's sister). She lives in Huntington Beach, CA and came to Utah for the 4th of July reunion.


She is beyond talented and we are so lucky to have a piece of her in Trew's room. She told me that she designed the circle patchwork especially for him. It has such beautiful symbolism. Now if I could just finish putting the pictures on the wall, the nursery might just look complete!

I just took an updated photo of Trew and "The Bear" to show how much he's changed. Its not the best picture (I'm having camera issues) but it will do for now. What the picture doesn't show are his fluffy thighs and chunky chin - those you'll have to see to believe.



For the summer, we're doing "Wacky Wednesday" with the cousins (Paige, Max & Alex) where each Wednesday we plan an activity. This week it was the Hogle Zoo! Trew was such a good sport - especially since earlier that morning he had his immunization shot. He slept for most of the time, but was awake enough to grab a few pics and to show him the monkeys and elephants!













For about the last week, Trew has starting recognizing our faces and responding with a little smile. Last night as I was rocking him to sleep, I decided to cradle him in my right arm so he could face the picture of Christ that is hanging on the wall. As I sang "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus" to him, his eyes fixed on the picture and a smile came to his face. Some might say it was coincidence, but I knew in that moment that he recognized His face. It was a beautiful moment. A moment that made all the missed hours of sleep and spit-up covered clothes that day worth it.

Brand New to the Red White & Blue

Does this look like "Where's Waldo"? How about "Where's Trew" instead?

Trew was the newest member to attend this year's Ahlman Family Reunion (my mom's side of the fam). We camped at Spruces up Big Cottonwood canyon from July 1st to July 4th and the weekend was filled with hikes,



horseshoes,



and hats!



Grammy was so excited to have ALL her grandkids together (Caleb, Colton, Paige, Max, Alex & Trew). So much love!



But who couldn't love a SUPER BABY!



During our hike to Donut Falls, Trew had his daily poop and I got to bust out all the diaper equipment on the trail. But if you zoom in to his face you'll see that I wasn't completely prepared! Yep - he peed on himself! It must have been the fresh mountain air. Funny thing is that Trew didn't seem to be bothered by the sudden splatter. He just went about being cute while I snapped a quick pic.



Of course, a camping trip wouldn't be the same without some good old smore's. But Alan had something else in mind! Mmmmm - looks good!!



Minus a few late night feedings, Trew adjusted great to the mountain lifestyle. I think his favorite time was during our campfire sing-a-longs. The music calmed him almost instantly. Unlike the fireworks last night. He's not a fan . . . at least not yet!