I realize I’m over a month late on this post…better late than never, I guess. Reuben got to enjoy his first “Red, White, and Kaboom” 4th of July celebration at Liberty Church this year. It was a VERY hot day so we spent the first 1/2 of the evening staying cool in the gym. Once we went outside, we were prepared with a battery-operated fan with water mister, bug spray, and ear plugs. Reuben did beautifully until he got hungry right before the fireworks started. We went inside and found a quiet place for Reuben to eat and then came back outside to catch the last 5 minutes of the fireworks. He was completely unamused with the fireworks. The loud booms didn’t scare him and the bright lights didn’t interest him. Oh well…I’m sure he’ll be much more excited next year!
Staying cool with Auntie Shan
Just chillin with Cammie
Relaxin in the lawn chair
Takin a little nap before the fireworks start
Lookin like Shrek with his adult sized earplugs
“Watching” fireworks with Daddy
His burp cloth is apparently more interesting than the huge fireworks display above his head
Reuben is very blessed to have his older “cousin,” Troyer Keane, to blaze the trail of life and show him the ropes. Troyer and Reuben are destined to be the best of buds, either naturally or just because their parents don’t really give them a choice Troyer and Reuben have already taken quite a liking to one another. I think Reuben has gained himself a personal bodyguard; although, at the rate Reuben is growing, the roles might be eventually reversed!
Troyer’s just hangin out in the window of the hospital room wondering where Reuben is
Troyer is getting his first glimpse of Reuben Mac
Troyer: Hey you! Wanna share my toys?
Reuben: Uh…I’m kinda sleeping right now.
Troyer: Hey! My name is on your shirt!
Remember this?
Troyer is not too sure how he feels about Reuben being in his mommy’s lap.
I like how Uncle Iman is protecting Reuben’s head and Aunt Karen has ahold of Troyer’s hand
Troyer gets to hold Reuben for the first time.
Cheese!!!
Troyer: Okay…I’m finished guys!
Troyer likes to check on Reuben while he’s in his car seat…Troyer pounds Reuben’s fist and tickles his toes.
Troyer: I dominate this exersaucer!
Reuben: Umm…I’m a little overwhelmed.
The three amigos: Troyer, Reuben, and Diego
Reuben gets kisses from Troyer while Diego patiently waits for his turn.
In the last month or so, Reuben has really started to speak up! His form of communication consists of coos and screams and it sure is CUTE! Reuben loves to lay on the bed and talk to Mommy and Daddy late at night. Here’s a little glimpse…
The last 3 years have been the most adventurous, fun, encouraging, exciting, and spontaneous years of my life. Nick is the perfect compliment to me. He challenges me, supports me, balances me out, loves me unconditionally, cracks me up, listens to me and genuinely cares what I’m saying. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love Nick more, our little boy was born. Nick has completely blown me away as a daddy. He is very hands on and supportive. He goes above and beyond to help out and be present with Reuben. Just watching Nick interact with Reuben and the smile that comes across both of their faces when Nick comes home from work or church is enough to melt my heart. So, today, on our 3 year anniversary, I feel like the most blessed wife and mother around. I can never truly express the gratitude in my heart that I’m fortunate enough to call Nick my husband and the father of my son.
I love you, Nick! I’m so excited for many, many more years and adventures to come!
Over the 4th of July weekend, several members of the Agimudie family traveled to Tulsa from all over the U.S. and Trinidad for a family reunion and a chance to meet Reuben Mac. The weekend provided lots of time to catch up with out-of-town relatives but Reuben seemed to be the center of attention On Friday night, August 3rd, we had a family dedication service for Reuben. Nick’s Uncle Ulric performed the dedication ceremony. This was special because Uncle Ulric also performed part of our wedding ceremony. The dedication service was such a neat time to be reminded that our ultimate purpose as parents is to raise Reuben according to Biblical principles so that he might ultimately be a life that brings glory to God.
Family hanging out before the service begins
More family and friends
Opening prayer for Reuben’s dedication service
Family singing an old hymn
Auntie Grace, Sydney, and Uncle Ulric singing, “Thank you, Lord, for Your Blessings On Me”
Uncle Ulric saying a prayer of dedication for Reuben Mac
Today was a big day for Mr. Reuben! He had his 4 month check up and did SO well with his shots! He demonstrated a lot more courage than his mommy! I was right about his weight…14 lbs 3 oz! He’s a growing boy! After his appointment, we took him for some pampering at Studio 2 with Miss Liz. I thought he might sleep through the whole haircut but I was wrong. He was wide awake and ready to charm anyone and everyone that would pay attention. I collected as many hairs as I could to save in a little baggie for his baby book. I’ll let the pictures tell you the rest of the story.
Daddy was very nervous!
Sittin nice and still for Miss Liz.
Hi guys. I’m just gettin a haircut.
Snip! Snip! Snip!
I want to eat the cape.
Miss Liz is telling Daddy that everything is going to be okay.
My sweet little boy is 4 months old today! I’ll probably say this every month, but I really can’t believe how fast he is growing! It feels like just yesterday we were adjusting to life with a newborn and now we’re watching everyday with amazement as Reuben continues to do new things. Reuben likes to sit up and watch everything going on around him. He doesn’t like to be cradled unless he’s tired. He’s staying awake for longer periods of time and LOVES to talk to his Mommy and Daddy. Reuben is a very EASY baby. He only fusses when he’s hungry or tired and is very content the rest of the time. We go to the doctor tomorrow for his 4 month check up and I’m guessing he’ll probably weigh around 14 lbs. He has left his premature days in the past!
The birthday boy wearing his “Small, Dark, and Handsome” onesie
Just chillin in his Bumbo seat.
Yep. I’m cute. I know it.
Reuben likes to sleep on his tummy with one foot out from under the blanket…just like his Mommy!
Just hanging around in the church nursery.
Reuben loves his play mat…especially the ball by his feet that he kicks and kicks and kicks!
All wrapped up after his bath
Checkin his e-mail with Daddy.
Takin a short rest with Daddy.
Getting his diaper changed by Uncle Chris for the first time. This was quite the sight!
Swinging with Unlce Ulric and Auntie Sharon.
Hanging out with Daddy, Auntie Grace, Shera, and Stevie.
Well, Reuben will be 4 months old on Monday and I just finished hanging everything in his nursery. I was on a roll with decorating and getting things organized and had most of the nursery done but then I got put on bed rest for 3 weeks. The combination of a Type A (slightly obsessive compulsive) personality and the nesting that comes with being pregnant drove me crazy. Poor Nick…I know he had to demonstrate a lot of patience with me during that time. I’m sure it was very difficult for him to understand why I couldn’t just take advantage of the time off and relax. ANYWAY…1st the bed rest, THEN Reuben came along, THEN the 10 days in the NICU, THEN surviving with a newborn, THEN finishing my Masters, THEN, THEN, THEN… Those are all of my excuses for whatever they’re worth; however, I finally finished the last few details and I’m finally getting the chance to post some pictures. I always love seeing pictures of nurseries so I’m excited to share Reuben’s with you!
This is the adorable “BABY” sign that Rachel made me for Christmas. (Don’t worry. The letters are hanging straight I just took the picture crooked )
I made these letters using wooden letters, scrapbook paper, Modge Podge, and ribbon.
I ordered this verse from Uppercase Living and spray painted the framing black. Hanging this was a MAJOR labor of love from my Mom and Rachel. I felt helpless as I sat and watched. Rachel said that she’s going to order a huge verse for her future nursery and declare herself on bedrest so I can hang one for her
The view as you walk in the door.
This is something else that I ordered from Uppercase Living. It says, “Let him sleep. For when he wakes he will move mountains.” (If you’d like to order Uppercase Living, you can contact Becca Van Valkenburg. She’s wonderful!)
I love reading with Reuben. Throughout my Bachelors, Masters, and 5 years of teaching, I have learned about and observed the tremendous impact of literacy in the home. I know that reading with Reuben has many benefits, but mostly I just love this quality time with my little man. On this particular day, Reuben was thoroughly enjoying story time. He screamed and kicked throughout the whole book
Reuben was born with a head full of hair and it just keeps getting longer! Nick and I are in agreement that we’re not quite ready for the first REAL haircut but Reuben had some serious wispies above his ear that desperately needed to be trimmed. So…we swung by Studio 2 today to visit Miss Liz and Miss Heather! Liz gave Reuben a little trim while Heather entertained him and took pictures. He did such a great job sitting still and staying in a good mood. I think he might have even been flirting a little with the pretty ladies Here are some pics:
Before pic with MAJOR wild hair action above either ear:
Sitting patiently on Mommy’s lap while Miss Liz trims his hair
Troyer and Reuben have already taken quite a liking to one another. I think Reuben has gained himself a personal bodyguard; although, at the rate Reuben is growing, the roles might be eventually reversed!
Remember this? 
