A Kinder, Gentler Bathtime

William's first bath experiences (click to remember) were less than relaxing for all involved! It is now one of his favorite parts of the daily routine. Quiet coos and smiles have replaced his deafening cries -- if you listen carefully, you can even hear the clanking of daddy eating cereal in the next room.

A Taste of Maine to Come

Acquiring a refined palate for rich Maine Lobster.

Happy Father's Day!

Aunt Jill bought William's dapper cap as soon as she found out we had a boy. She saved it for a special, first Father's Day. Lots of excitement ensued when we opened up the unexpected package last week. Thank you, Aunt Jill!

Daddy and William go together like khaki and blue.

As a Father's Day treat, William chose today to roll over onto his belly for the first time. We were getting ready for church and William was on his jungle play mat. Instead of the usual crying episode that goes with being on his tummy, he enjoyed his new vantage point and stuffed the elephant's ear into his mouth, crunching away. Pretty soon he will be crawling all over the place . . .

A special thanks to Maureen Mantel for her top notch camera work.

Fun with Uncle Nate

Bonnie Prince William

We had a memorable Memorial Day Picnic hosted by Nana Holm and Prince William at the Holm Estate. Among the honored guests were William's parents: Micah and Eileen; Uncle Nate and Aunt Kim; Lord Sutberry and the Lady Marsha; Lord Scantlin and the Lady Nan; and the ever elegant Dutchess Eileen Scantlin.

A special thanks to Lord and Lady Scantlin for providing chauffeur service for Prince William!

In Front of the Dogwood

Nana's dogwood tree lasted for a third week -- just for this Mother's Day portrait.

So Big!

Happy Mother's Day!

For Mother's Day, Micah and William took Eileen to Tyler State Park for an afternoon of outdoor adventure. Micah donned his gear - William strapped to his front and a backpack on his back - Eileen grabbed the camera - and off we went. William loved being outside. William eyes were big with wonder as we walked along Neshaminy Creek - but the fresh air eventually lulled him to sleep. We had a wonderful time and hope to become regular visitors to the park

Note that Micah is wearing a T-shirt and sweating while Eileen is cozy in her winter coat, polar fleece, and long underwear!

We weren't the only family out today!

Who Do I Most Look Like?

Click on the picture for a closer look.

Don't forget to register your vote on the right!

God's Faithfulness to All Generations

William was baptized
at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church
on April 20, 2008

1. Do you acknowledge your child’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?

2. Do you claim God’s covenant promises in his behalf, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation, as you do for your own?

3. Do you now unreservedly dedicate your child to God, and promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before him a godly example, that you will pray with and for him, that you will teach him the doctrines of our holy religion, and that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

BY GOD'S GRACE, WE DO!

William Likes to Play

William has discovered the joy of playing! He likes to kick and wave his arms and smile. Of all the pictures we took in this series -- only this one was clear. William was moving so fast that all the other pictures are very blurred. What this picture does not capture is the sound of his little chimes as he kicks furiously. Playtime has now become a regular part of William's day.

In the Shade of Nana's Garden

William and a Visit from Nana

Nana bought this cozy outfit for William to wear home from The Birth Center -- but it was too big. He wore it for his first visitors. Now it has been packed away because it is too small. We had to unsnap the bottom so that he could wear it for one last picture. O, how fast he has grown!

William Meets Grandma and Grandpa Bell

The Bells are dear friends and William's adopted Great Grandparents. It was a special treat to for William to meet the Bells.

Nana introduces William to Grandma Bell

Grandpa Bell and William become fast friends.

Back to Blogging

Once again the Bickfords have slacked off in their blogging. We have a myriad of excuses -- but you don't want to read about that -- so on to the important information.

We spent Christmas in Maine and had a wonderful, relaxing vacation. We indulged in clam chowder, went snowshoeing, enjoyed Christmas with Micah's parents, did lots of napping, and generally relaxed. It was just what the mom-to-be needed. We don't expect to experience rest like this again for a very long time.

Eileen is certainly getting rounder in the front all the time as the baby is growing bigger. She is ever mindful of her weight gain (there is a funny story here, but you will have to ask Eileen about it).

We are now making visits to The Birth Center every two weeks. We have also started weekly birthing classes. All the driving takes quite a bit of time, but it is making everything a little more real.

We are currently sitting on our couch watching the baby stretch, poke, push, and punch. It is amazing to see the Eileen's belly contort and protrude with the movements of the little arms and legs inside. All this movement is highly entertaining during the day -- but poor Eileen doesn't get much sleep at night. At least this movement is silent -- soon there will be sound effects too!

This picture is with our friend, Dani, on New Year's Eve. Hopefully there will be more pictures to come as we purchased a new camera for Christmas.

All-in-all, everything is very well. We are a bit overwhelmed with the housework we need to get done before the baby comes, but we really can't complain since both mommy and baby (and daddy too) are healthy. Eileen is pretty certain that we will be having a boy. Micah says, "we could have known for sure . . . " But whoever God gives us -- we are excitedly anticipating meeting the newest member of our family in less then two months!