Dearest Luke,
You are 22 months old! Holy guacamole! Do you know what that means?? It means you're going to be TWO years old in TWO short months!! It's going by way too quickly and I'm not sure if you ever get the memo about slowing down.
You have gotten so dang tall! I swear all the jeans we have bought are too short for you. They need to make them with extenders. Every time we see Kristin on a Monday, she always comments on how much you've grown over the weekend.
You have been able to have a few play dates with your cousins and have enjoyed every last minute of it. You adore Grant and Jude and it's so sweet to see you interact with them, and vice versa. We took you to a Christmas parade downtown last weekend, and M brought Grant and Jude. It was so fun to see you do as they were doing and sit down on the curb just like them. They even shared their suckers with you. Now that's love, Luke :)
You have become a picky eater. I honestly don't know how this happened, but all of a sudden, there's no point in trying to talk you into eating something, because once you decide you don't want to eat it, you aren't changing your mind. Sometimes you refuse to eat your chicken unless you have daddy's fork. And on top of that, you won't let dad put the chicken on the fork, and you don't want to get the chicken on the fork, but you yell at me until I put the chicken on the fork. Determination. You has it.
You've gotten to where you love to hop. You hop when you're excited all over the place, no matter where we are. It's kind of a sideways hop and it's possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen. Kristin says you even hop to Otto when you see him. You've also found your voice. You talk all the time and it can get quite loud. I've warned Pa not to wear his hearing aids around you and Uncle Robert had to mute his. It's so great to hear you talk and have all these facial expressions that show me you're really carrying on a conversation, no matter if we understand or not.
Your vocabulary has grown, and some new words include: bath, orange, giraffe, please, no, yes, this, two. You come up with new ones all the time! We just love seeing you explore and learning to name new things.
We love you so very much! Even if you are our little terrorist :)
Mama and Dada
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear Luke,
I'm really late in writing this letter, but better late than never, right? You are officially 21 months old and growing more and more independent with each passing day. You're also becoming quite attached to my hip.
In the evenings, when I get home from work, you rarely leave my side. You insist that I hold you if I'm in the kitchen talking to dad, you sit in my lap while we play with toys, and you refuse to let your dad hold you. It's awfully sweet that you love me so much, and I love you, too.
You still love playing outdoors. Last night we went over to Uncle Jon and Aunt Kricia's house, and you played in a big pile of leaves with your cousins. You even jumped on the trampoline with them! We are really trying our hardest to teach you about the danger of going out in the road unless one of us (mom and dad) are with you, but that hasn't stopped you from pushing the boundaries. You treat the neighbors yards as if they were your own, running through them while we chase after you. And one of your favorite things to do is to run up and down the curb through the leaves.
You're learning new words all the time. We've been trying to teach you 'grandma' and 'grandpa'. These come out as 'gaga' and 'vroom vroom' though. You say 'raff' for 'giraffe', 'tractor', 'yay', 'beep beep', 'choo choo', 'istin' for 'kristin' and 'yes'. And maybe your most favorite word right now is 'elmo'. These are just a few! I love to hear what new words you learn each day!
You love watching cartoons morning, evening, and night. If we try to turn on the news or a football game, or anything for that matter, you take the remote and yell at us until we turn it to Disney or Sprout to watch cartoons. And if you don't like what's on one of those channels, you yell at us to turn the channel until we find something suitable for what you do actually like. And the times when we refuse to turn the channel, you run and fling yourself against the wall/couch/floor and pitch a fit.
Oh! and you're finally getting quite the head of hair! It's not anywhere close to needing a haircut, but you've been so bald for so long, we just are so excited! And you love love love your bath. Daddy is in charge of baths and I am in charge of putting you to sleep. And if that routine changes, you get upset, so we leave it that way.
We love you so much and are so blessed to have you as our son. You teach us more than I think we teach you, especially the principle of patience (which your mother really needs). I hope that you grow into a confident, caring, loving young mister...you're off to a great start :)
We adore you.
Mom and Dad
I'm really late in writing this letter, but better late than never, right? You are officially 21 months old and growing more and more independent with each passing day. You're also becoming quite attached to my hip.
In the evenings, when I get home from work, you rarely leave my side. You insist that I hold you if I'm in the kitchen talking to dad, you sit in my lap while we play with toys, and you refuse to let your dad hold you. It's awfully sweet that you love me so much, and I love you, too.
You still love playing outdoors. Last night we went over to Uncle Jon and Aunt Kricia's house, and you played in a big pile of leaves with your cousins. You even jumped on the trampoline with them! We are really trying our hardest to teach you about the danger of going out in the road unless one of us (mom and dad) are with you, but that hasn't stopped you from pushing the boundaries. You treat the neighbors yards as if they were your own, running through them while we chase after you. And one of your favorite things to do is to run up and down the curb through the leaves.
You're learning new words all the time. We've been trying to teach you 'grandma' and 'grandpa'. These come out as 'gaga' and 'vroom vroom' though. You say 'raff' for 'giraffe', 'tractor', 'yay', 'beep beep', 'choo choo', 'istin' for 'kristin' and 'yes'. And maybe your most favorite word right now is 'elmo'. These are just a few! I love to hear what new words you learn each day!
You love watching cartoons morning, evening, and night. If we try to turn on the news or a football game, or anything for that matter, you take the remote and yell at us until we turn it to Disney or Sprout to watch cartoons. And if you don't like what's on one of those channels, you yell at us to turn the channel until we find something suitable for what you do actually like. And the times when we refuse to turn the channel, you run and fling yourself against the wall/couch/floor and pitch a fit.
Oh! and you're finally getting quite the head of hair! It's not anywhere close to needing a haircut, but you've been so bald for so long, we just are so excited! And you love love love your bath. Daddy is in charge of baths and I am in charge of putting you to sleep. And if that routine changes, you get upset, so we leave it that way.
We love you so much and are so blessed to have you as our son. You teach us more than I think we teach you, especially the principle of patience (which your mother really needs). I hope that you grow into a confident, caring, loving young mister...you're off to a great start :)
We adore you.
Mom and Dad
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Luke was a lumberjack for Halloween this year! He wasn't thrilled about wearing suspenders, but we bribed him with some candy so he gave in. He loved running up and down the street to house to house, but when he got tired of that, he had a good view of the neighborhood from his dad's shoulders. It's so fun to see him interact with our friends' kiddos as well. Hope you had a spooktacular Halloween!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
bad tuesday
The fit Luke threw this morning as we were getting ready to leave the house this morning should have been the first indicator that this day was going to suck. The second clue should've been the dead deer in the middle of Cantrell.
I dropped my car off at the Hyundai dealership here in H.S. for an oil change this morning. When they asked if I had an appointment, I told them no, it just needed an oil change and wasn't aware I needed a appointment for that. They were snotty about it, but I told them I just needed it done by about 3 this afternoon, so they took my keys and my dad came to pick me up. He brought me over to the office and dropped me off so he could go to the grocery store and when I set my stuff down to call Chris about my car, I realized I had lost my phone. Thankfully, my dad found it in his truck and all was right with the world again.
Then I had a patient that decided she was done with the hearing eval and wanted to know 'what us girls were doing out here'. Ummm...I'm supervising a student and I.WAS.TEACHING. And BTW, we're not done until I come and get you.
And so all morning I've been stewing about my dang car so I decided to call the dealership to see if and when it would be ready. They still haven't worked on it because they have only 1 technician in today. Lemme ask you, if you have a day full of appointments, why do you only have 1 technician?? They also said it would be late this afternoon until they could get to it, if at all. So I told them I'd just come pick it up and wouldn't bring it back.
And that's where we stand. I've gotten my car back that still needs an oil change, a headache that makes me want to scrape at the side of my skull with a spoon and 2 more patients on the books. And then I'm outta here.
Surely this day cannot get worse.
I dropped my car off at the Hyundai dealership here in H.S. for an oil change this morning. When they asked if I had an appointment, I told them no, it just needed an oil change and wasn't aware I needed a appointment for that. They were snotty about it, but I told them I just needed it done by about 3 this afternoon, so they took my keys and my dad came to pick me up. He brought me over to the office and dropped me off so he could go to the grocery store and when I set my stuff down to call Chris about my car, I realized I had lost my phone. Thankfully, my dad found it in his truck and all was right with the world again.
Then I had a patient that decided she was done with the hearing eval and wanted to know 'what us girls were doing out here'. Ummm...I'm supervising a student and I.WAS.TEACHING. And BTW, we're not done until I come and get you.
And so all morning I've been stewing about my dang car so I decided to call the dealership to see if and when it would be ready. They still haven't worked on it because they have only 1 technician in today. Lemme ask you, if you have a day full of appointments, why do you only have 1 technician?? They also said it would be late this afternoon until they could get to it, if at all. So I told them I'd just come pick it up and wouldn't bring it back.
And that's where we stand. I've gotten my car back that still needs an oil change, a headache that makes me want to scrape at the side of my skull with a spoon and 2 more patients on the books. And then I'm outta here.
Surely this day cannot get worse.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear Mister,
Seriously, you're 20 months old. I told you last month to slow down! But, in true Luke fashion, it seemed to go by even faster than usual.
You are getting so independent- you've been trying so hard to put your shoes and socks on all by yourself. You sit on the couch so patiently and try with all your might. You are a little dare devil - stepping right off the couch, relying on the pillow to soften the blow when you land on the floor. You enjoy testing the boundaries we set and laugh while doing it. We've incorporated 'time out' into our vocabulary and you do not like it, but you know that you have to sit and calm down before you are set free to terrorize once again.
Last night, before dinner, you were sitting on the kitchen counter watching daddy cook and you found a mini Hershey chocolate bar and begged to have it. So, against all instinct, I gave it to you. You loved it, giggled when you took the first bite, and then you ate it all up as fast as you could and asked for more. Unfortunately for you, I figured the one candy bar was plenty and so you pitched a fit. But after dinner, that chocolate kicked in and you were wired. We're going to have to keep a really close eye on your Halloween candy.
You and Baxter have become pretty great friends - unless you're throwing something at him or trying to pick him up. Mostly Baxter likes you best when you're eating. You like to feed Baxter and he never turns down food. You run around together - he takes your toy, you chase him down. You take his toy, he chases you. It wears you both out, and it's entertaining for your mom and dad, so we allow it :)
We went to your cousins birthday party a few weeks ago and you thought you were just one of the big kids. You'd stand next to the trampoline and jump, just waiting to get up there. You'd throw balls with the other kids and laugh when they'd finally indulge you and throw it back. It's so sweet to see you make friends!
Can't wait for the next month, baby Luke.
We adore you and love you so very much!
Mom and Dad
Seriously, you're 20 months old. I told you last month to slow down! But, in true Luke fashion, it seemed to go by even faster than usual.
You are getting so independent- you've been trying so hard to put your shoes and socks on all by yourself. You sit on the couch so patiently and try with all your might. You are a little dare devil - stepping right off the couch, relying on the pillow to soften the blow when you land on the floor. You enjoy testing the boundaries we set and laugh while doing it. We've incorporated 'time out' into our vocabulary and you do not like it, but you know that you have to sit and calm down before you are set free to terrorize once again.
Last night, before dinner, you were sitting on the kitchen counter watching daddy cook and you found a mini Hershey chocolate bar and begged to have it. So, against all instinct, I gave it to you. You loved it, giggled when you took the first bite, and then you ate it all up as fast as you could and asked for more. Unfortunately for you, I figured the one candy bar was plenty and so you pitched a fit. But after dinner, that chocolate kicked in and you were wired. We're going to have to keep a really close eye on your Halloween candy.
You and Baxter have become pretty great friends - unless you're throwing something at him or trying to pick him up. Mostly Baxter likes you best when you're eating. You like to feed Baxter and he never turns down food. You run around together - he takes your toy, you chase him down. You take his toy, he chases you. It wears you both out, and it's entertaining for your mom and dad, so we allow it :)
We went to your cousins birthday party a few weeks ago and you thought you were just one of the big kids. You'd stand next to the trampoline and jump, just waiting to get up there. You'd throw balls with the other kids and laugh when they'd finally indulge you and throw it back. It's so sweet to see you make friends!
Can't wait for the next month, baby Luke.
We adore you and love you so very much!
Mom and Dad
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear Luke,
19 months old. More than a year and a half, not quite 2, but getting closer with every passing moment. Once again, the past month has completely gone way too fast. Hmmph.
We are so amazed at all you can do! You can hold your finger up when you are asked how old you are. You love to run, run, run! You can show your muscles and you jump! You can get on and off the couch all by yourself. You follow directions (your receptive vocabulary is amazing!) and you are a complete master of getting us to follow your directions as well. And, as of this morning, we learned you can walk down the front steps of the house without any assistance! Whoa, baby! Slow down!
You have finally really learned to say 'dada'. It's been there for a while, but now you use it appropriately and we can understand that that's really what you are saying. In the morning, when I get you up, you say 'Mama?' I reply, 'Yes, buddy' and you say 'Uh, dada?' 'Dada's at work' in which that gives you a cue to start the whole conversation over again. You can make the sound of a car or truck and a dog, too, say 'bye' and wave, say 'otto' (mrs. kristin's hubby) and 'm' and 'pa'. We're working on grandma and grandpa, but those two syllable words are a little tougher. And you blow kisses! It's the sweetest thing! You also know how to raise your hands when we call the hogs! Smart boy :)
And Luke, it is a fight every.single.time we need to change your diaper. You run away from us until we get you cornered. And once we finally get hold of you, you kick, squirm, cry, hit and make changing your diaper much longer than needed. We've joked about getting you a changing table complete with a baby straight jacket. Also, you used to run to the bathroom every time you heard the bath water, but now you cry and run away and we have to pry you off of us to get you in the dang tub! What's up with that little man?
You love being outside and running up and down the driveway, stepping up and down off the curb and pushing your big Tonka truck up and down the street. And you love love love the swing in the backyard. A day or two ago, your dad was pushing you in it and you almost fell asleep in it. It's a fight to get you out of it - but it's worth that fight to see you enjoy swinging so much.
You are using a fork and spoon more and more, but you absolutely refuse to put your food on the fork. No matter how hard we try, you refuse to eat unless we put your food on the fork and hand it to you so you can feed yourself. It's getting out of control. But like I said, you're a master at getting us to follow your directions. And sometimes, we just have to pick our battles. You still won't eat hot dogs anymore and if we try to give you a vegetable, you refuse. We used to be able to hide it amongst a chicken nugget or fish stick and sneak it in. Now, if on rare occsasion we do actually get a veggie on your fork and get it in your mouth, you spit it out. But that doesn't keep us from trying. You'll learn to eat your veggies if it's the last thing I do!
We love each and every day we have with you, dear son. We love seeing you learn and explore. Can't wait to see what the next month brings. Who knows? Maybe you'll start behaving when it's time to change your diaper.
Love, always.
Mom and Dad
19 months old. More than a year and a half, not quite 2, but getting closer with every passing moment. Once again, the past month has completely gone way too fast. Hmmph.
We are so amazed at all you can do! You can hold your finger up when you are asked how old you are. You love to run, run, run! You can show your muscles and you jump! You can get on and off the couch all by yourself. You follow directions (your receptive vocabulary is amazing!) and you are a complete master of getting us to follow your directions as well. And, as of this morning, we learned you can walk down the front steps of the house without any assistance! Whoa, baby! Slow down!
You have finally really learned to say 'dada'. It's been there for a while, but now you use it appropriately and we can understand that that's really what you are saying. In the morning, when I get you up, you say 'Mama?' I reply, 'Yes, buddy' and you say 'Uh, dada?' 'Dada's at work' in which that gives you a cue to start the whole conversation over again. You can make the sound of a car or truck and a dog, too, say 'bye' and wave, say 'otto' (mrs. kristin's hubby) and 'm' and 'pa'. We're working on grandma and grandpa, but those two syllable words are a little tougher. And you blow kisses! It's the sweetest thing! You also know how to raise your hands when we call the hogs! Smart boy :)
And Luke, it is a fight every.single.time we need to change your diaper. You run away from us until we get you cornered. And once we finally get hold of you, you kick, squirm, cry, hit and make changing your diaper much longer than needed. We've joked about getting you a changing table complete with a baby straight jacket. Also, you used to run to the bathroom every time you heard the bath water, but now you cry and run away and we have to pry you off of us to get you in the dang tub! What's up with that little man?
You love being outside and running up and down the driveway, stepping up and down off the curb and pushing your big Tonka truck up and down the street. And you love love love the swing in the backyard. A day or two ago, your dad was pushing you in it and you almost fell asleep in it. It's a fight to get you out of it - but it's worth that fight to see you enjoy swinging so much.
You are using a fork and spoon more and more, but you absolutely refuse to put your food on the fork. No matter how hard we try, you refuse to eat unless we put your food on the fork and hand it to you so you can feed yourself. It's getting out of control. But like I said, you're a master at getting us to follow your directions. And sometimes, we just have to pick our battles. You still won't eat hot dogs anymore and if we try to give you a vegetable, you refuse. We used to be able to hide it amongst a chicken nugget or fish stick and sneak it in. Now, if on rare occsasion we do actually get a veggie on your fork and get it in your mouth, you spit it out. But that doesn't keep us from trying. You'll learn to eat your veggies if it's the last thing I do!
We love each and every day we have with you, dear son. We love seeing you learn and explore. Can't wait to see what the next month brings. Who knows? Maybe you'll start behaving when it's time to change your diaper.
Love, always.
Mom and Dad
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Luke's 1st birthday - 6 months late
Saturday, August 13, 2011
a milestone
Thursday, Luke did something I don't think he meant to do - he threw away his pacifier.
I was in the bathroom getting ready and he pulled my hairbrush off the counter. He was so pleased with himself, he took his pacifier out and threw it - it happened to land in the trash can. When he peered into the trash can, he couldn't see it, it had sunk under all the tissues, and he left the room without another thought.
He's not had it since Thursday morning and there have only been a few occasions since that he's really looked for it or we've been tempted to give in. Thursday afternoon, I needed to go to JCP and he had a meltdown mid store. Normally, we would've shoved that pacifier in (we affectionately called it the mute button), but Chris took him outside to cool down. The other time we've thought we'd really need it is in the car. He's had a pacifier attached to each car seat for the longest time and it's habit for him to reach for it while we're getting him buckled in. The first few car rides were hard, but it's getting better.
He's 'talking' so much more and so I hope we can continue this pacifier free stage. Church will be the real test, but I'm confident we'll survive! Wish us luck :)
I was in the bathroom getting ready and he pulled my hairbrush off the counter. He was so pleased with himself, he took his pacifier out and threw it - it happened to land in the trash can. When he peered into the trash can, he couldn't see it, it had sunk under all the tissues, and he left the room without another thought.
He's not had it since Thursday morning and there have only been a few occasions since that he's really looked for it or we've been tempted to give in. Thursday afternoon, I needed to go to JCP and he had a meltdown mid store. Normally, we would've shoved that pacifier in (we affectionately called it the mute button), but Chris took him outside to cool down. The other time we've thought we'd really need it is in the car. He's had a pacifier attached to each car seat for the longest time and it's habit for him to reach for it while we're getting him buckled in. The first few car rides were hard, but it's getting better.
He's 'talking' so much more and so I hope we can continue this pacifier free stage. Church will be the real test, but I'm confident we'll survive! Wish us luck :)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear 18 month old child of mine,
We've reached a milestone - 18 months! You turned 18 months old on August 3rd, but things have been so crazy, I haven't had a chance to really sit down and write your letter.
Your showing signs of reaching the terrible two's - you're even mastering the art of throwing tantrums. You throw what you're not supposed to have, you run when it's time to change your diaper, and you tug and pull and yell at us until we pick you up. We've come up with a new nickname for you - we call you "the terrorist".
You've learned some new words which include 'up', 'uh-oh', 'bye-bye', 'go go' and 'bax' (short for baxter). You have become a little more independent using a spoon or fork but we really have to watch you because if you can't pick up your chicken/strawberry/pea, then you practically fling your entire plate across the dining room. It's good for Baxter, not so much for us.
You are so fast! You are constantly running from one activity to the next, leaving a trail of destruction in your path (hence "the terrorist"). If you manage to get on the couch (and you're becoming more proficient) then you like to take off all the pillows and throw them in the floor, sometimes in Baxter's general direction.
You're still a good shopping buddy. We especially like going to Target so you can get some popcorn and fruit punch. And you do okay going out to eat, but we try to eat and leave because you've learned to get your legs out of the highchair and I'm terrified you will fling your little body to the floor and run away. Irrational? Maybe. Probable? Yes.
We love reading books together and you love to point and get us to name each thing. Right now, your favorite book is 'Grandma and me'. That's the first book we read every night before bed time and we even read it multiple times some nights. And speaking of bed time, you're staying up till 7 or 7:30 most nights now. New later bed time equals sleeping later in the morning. It's working out well for me :)
We love your little 18 month old self,
mom and dad
We've reached a milestone - 18 months! You turned 18 months old on August 3rd, but things have been so crazy, I haven't had a chance to really sit down and write your letter.
Your showing signs of reaching the terrible two's - you're even mastering the art of throwing tantrums. You throw what you're not supposed to have, you run when it's time to change your diaper, and you tug and pull and yell at us until we pick you up. We've come up with a new nickname for you - we call you "the terrorist".
You've learned some new words which include 'up', 'uh-oh', 'bye-bye', 'go go' and 'bax' (short for baxter). You have become a little more independent using a spoon or fork but we really have to watch you because if you can't pick up your chicken/strawberry/pea, then you practically fling your entire plate across the dining room. It's good for Baxter, not so much for us.
You are so fast! You are constantly running from one activity to the next, leaving a trail of destruction in your path (hence "the terrorist"). If you manage to get on the couch (and you're becoming more proficient) then you like to take off all the pillows and throw them in the floor, sometimes in Baxter's general direction.
You're still a good shopping buddy. We especially like going to Target so you can get some popcorn and fruit punch. And you do okay going out to eat, but we try to eat and leave because you've learned to get your legs out of the highchair and I'm terrified you will fling your little body to the floor and run away. Irrational? Maybe. Probable? Yes.
We love reading books together and you love to point and get us to name each thing. Right now, your favorite book is 'Grandma and me'. That's the first book we read every night before bed time and we even read it multiple times some nights. And speaking of bed time, you're staying up till 7 or 7:30 most nights now. New later bed time equals sleeping later in the morning. It's working out well for me :)
We love your little 18 month old self,
mom and dad
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear Luke,
Happy 17 months old! You're one month away from being a year and a half old, and I'm not prepared. I'm not prepared at all. Let's let this month slow down a little so we can enjoy this 17 month mark. There's no rush to move on to 18 months, OK?
These past few days have been challenging. We think you're cutting some molars, and that's making life very difficult for you, and for your parents. One day you're running a fever of 103 and the next day the fever is gone, but it's attitude city. When you get your way, you're fine. If you trip over your feet, it's meltdown city. And heaven help us if your hungry/thirsty/tired. It's just a roller coaster of emotions for you right now. I wish there were more to do for you, other than give you Tylenol, teething tabs, or anything else for that matter.
We're trying to get you to talk more, but if you don't have a passy in your mouth, again, it's meltdown city. On the off chance you'll give up the passy, we can get you to verbalize a little more, but no new words...yet. We've been working on 'choo choo', 'ball', and 'up'. Although, you can rawr when asked what sound a dinosaur makes, and you say 'oof' when asked what sound a doggy makes. You also can blow on your food if it's too hot.
You love making piles. You pile all your food to one side in like categories, you pile your laundry in and out of the basket as well as your blocks, and you love to pile your books from the night stand to the bookcase and vice versa. If one sippy cup falls, you knock the other over. I think you have a little OCD in you - and you come by it honestly. Your dad organizes his t-shirts by color :).
You have learned to jump, which basically means your feet stay planted on the floor and you bounce up and down. It's too cute to watch! Also, you love to stomp your feet and try to get us to imitate you. You dance when music comes on. You've gotten to where you absolutely hate riding in the car. The shortest car ride can bring the biggest tantrum. And we never know how the car ride is going to go, so we're trying to be more and more prepared with your favorite things. I think we're going to have to invest in some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVDs for the DVD player for longer trips.
You are getting so smart! You know how to push the buttons on your Elmo night-night book, you know how to throw away trash (and any other random object for that matter), and you're trying so hard to put your shoes on all by yourself. I love watching you problem solve. Also, you can point to mommy and daddy in pictures. Makes my heart melt a little!
We had your first zoo trip this weekend. It was hot, and you were tired, and you were pretty indifferent to the animals. But, we loved taking you and hope to do it again next year, and maybe you'll be more into it. We also had your first family reunion this weekend. You got to see a lot of your family from Illinois and Georgia, but also your cousins and great aunts and uncles that we see every Christmas, if not more often. You're a little flirt and know how to mooch off of others plates. Your little personality is pretty contagious and people just love watching you. We love that about you!
We love you little guy. To the moon and back.
Mom and Dad
Happy 17 months old! You're one month away from being a year and a half old, and I'm not prepared. I'm not prepared at all. Let's let this month slow down a little so we can enjoy this 17 month mark. There's no rush to move on to 18 months, OK?
These past few days have been challenging. We think you're cutting some molars, and that's making life very difficult for you, and for your parents. One day you're running a fever of 103 and the next day the fever is gone, but it's attitude city. When you get your way, you're fine. If you trip over your feet, it's meltdown city. And heaven help us if your hungry/thirsty/tired. It's just a roller coaster of emotions for you right now. I wish there were more to do for you, other than give you Tylenol, teething tabs, or anything else for that matter.
We're trying to get you to talk more, but if you don't have a passy in your mouth, again, it's meltdown city. On the off chance you'll give up the passy, we can get you to verbalize a little more, but no new words...yet. We've been working on 'choo choo', 'ball', and 'up'. Although, you can rawr when asked what sound a dinosaur makes, and you say 'oof' when asked what sound a doggy makes. You also can blow on your food if it's too hot.
You love making piles. You pile all your food to one side in like categories, you pile your laundry in and out of the basket as well as your blocks, and you love to pile your books from the night stand to the bookcase and vice versa. If one sippy cup falls, you knock the other over. I think you have a little OCD in you - and you come by it honestly. Your dad organizes his t-shirts by color :).
You have learned to jump, which basically means your feet stay planted on the floor and you bounce up and down. It's too cute to watch! Also, you love to stomp your feet and try to get us to imitate you. You dance when music comes on. You've gotten to where you absolutely hate riding in the car. The shortest car ride can bring the biggest tantrum. And we never know how the car ride is going to go, so we're trying to be more and more prepared with your favorite things. I think we're going to have to invest in some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVDs for the DVD player for longer trips.
You are getting so smart! You know how to push the buttons on your Elmo night-night book, you know how to throw away trash (and any other random object for that matter), and you're trying so hard to put your shoes on all by yourself. I love watching you problem solve. Also, you can point to mommy and daddy in pictures. Makes my heart melt a little!
We had your first zoo trip this weekend. It was hot, and you were tired, and you were pretty indifferent to the animals. But, we loved taking you and hope to do it again next year, and maybe you'll be more into it. We also had your first family reunion this weekend. You got to see a lot of your family from Illinois and Georgia, but also your cousins and great aunts and uncles that we see every Christmas, if not more often. You're a little flirt and know how to mooch off of others plates. Your little personality is pretty contagious and people just love watching you. We love that about you!
We love you little guy. To the moon and back.
Mom and Dad
Sunday, June 19, 2011
happy father's day
happy father's day to my amazing husband!
you are a wonderful father to our son and i can't imagine our life without you!
we love your guts!
you are a wonderful father to our son and i can't imagine our life without you!
we love your guts!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
a few things
i'm listing because i've had a hard day and because it seems to be therapeutic for a great friend of mine.
1. don't come into my office and clink your candy around in your mouth, so that it hits every tooth over and over again. don't come into my office with your lunch and smack while i try to counsel/fit/test your significant other. i should probably make a 'no food sign' on my office door and force them to spit out their gum or candy as they come in. i'll put the sign next to the 'no cell phones' sign and the food wastebasket next to the cell phone basket. you may thank me for not banging your head on something sharp at a later date.
2. i love the vast majority of my patients, and if you were one of them, i'd probably love you, too. that doesn't mean you can grab my face and kiss me on the lips. my love for you will then be tainted. and if you tap your fingers on the counter at me, we're done.
3. don't speed around me, pull back over into my lane directly in front of me and immediately turn. keep your @** behind me. and for that matter, the speed limit is exactly the same when there's one lane, two lanes, or more. if you're going below the speed limit when i can't pass, and then speed up way above the speed limit when i can, you're going to be cursed.
4. don't smoke 14 cartons of cigarettes before coming to my office. i may puke on you. and if you have ear hair, i may puke twice. in your lap. you've been warned.
phew! that was therapeutic!
1. don't come into my office and clink your candy around in your mouth, so that it hits every tooth over and over again. don't come into my office with your lunch and smack while i try to counsel/fit/test your significant other. i should probably make a 'no food sign' on my office door and force them to spit out their gum or candy as they come in. i'll put the sign next to the 'no cell phones' sign and the food wastebasket next to the cell phone basket. you may thank me for not banging your head on something sharp at a later date.
2. i love the vast majority of my patients, and if you were one of them, i'd probably love you, too. that doesn't mean you can grab my face and kiss me on the lips. my love for you will then be tainted. and if you tap your fingers on the counter at me, we're done.
3. don't speed around me, pull back over into my lane directly in front of me and immediately turn. keep your @** behind me. and for that matter, the speed limit is exactly the same when there's one lane, two lanes, or more. if you're going below the speed limit when i can't pass, and then speed up way above the speed limit when i can, you're going to be cursed.
4. don't smoke 14 cartons of cigarettes before coming to my office. i may puke on you. and if you have ear hair, i may puke twice. in your lap. you've been warned.
phew! that was therapeutic!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear Monkey,
Yes, that's right, I called you a monkey. Basically because you have learned to climb and jump, and do so at every opportunity. I'm fairly positive my heart will give out at any moment. You love to get up on the couch (still with some assistance - whether we help or you push a toy over to climb on) and run from side to side and jump up and down. I know we shouldn't let you, because I think that's what parents do, but it looks like fun, and as long as we're around to catch you, I really don't mind.
Now that you're 16 months old, you're really getting a little attitude. You definitely are strong-willed and let us know when you're not getting your way. The good thing is that you're easily distracted and quickly forget about whatever made you upset in the first place.
I think you've had a few growth spurts. All of a sudden you can see what's on top of the tables and don't mind helping yourself to whatever you see. We've had to set a few boundaries, but there are still occasions you get into things that definitely have no business being in your possession. For example, one morning I was making the bed and noticed my glasses were missing. When I tracked you down, you were carefully examining them and when you realized I was standing over you, you quickly gave them back. And for another example? When I was finishing getting my hair dried one morning, you helped yourself to your daddy's end table and got a hold of his nose spray. When I realized you were being awfully quiet, I came into the living room to find you squirting the nose spray onto the carpet. You had unscrewed the top and were quite pleased with yourself, and threw a pretty good fit when I took it back.
We have been to our neighborhood pool a few times, and you really like splashing in the water and watching the bigger kids run around. If they'd let you, I'm sure you'd jump right in the fun and games. You are such a cute little guy in your pirate swim trunks and rash guard. You will not wear the bucket hat we have for you, so all the sunscreen from that bald head runs down in your eyes, which irritates you and so we never stay at the pool for long. I'm sure by the end of the summer, you'll be quite the little water baby.
You're still saying your usual words, and I don't really think we've added anything extra to your expressive vocabulary this month, but your receptive vocabulary sure is expanding! You follow directions (i.e. 'put that in the trash' , 'get your sippy cup' , 'find your passy'). Your nonverbal skills are really getting stronger, too! You know just how to get us to get/do/find anything you need/want. It's actually pretty impressive.
We love you and love watching you grow. You're so fun, and such a little flirt!
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Love always,
Mom and Dad
Yes, that's right, I called you a monkey. Basically because you have learned to climb and jump, and do so at every opportunity. I'm fairly positive my heart will give out at any moment. You love to get up on the couch (still with some assistance - whether we help or you push a toy over to climb on) and run from side to side and jump up and down. I know we shouldn't let you, because I think that's what parents do, but it looks like fun, and as long as we're around to catch you, I really don't mind.
Now that you're 16 months old, you're really getting a little attitude. You definitely are strong-willed and let us know when you're not getting your way. The good thing is that you're easily distracted and quickly forget about whatever made you upset in the first place.
I think you've had a few growth spurts. All of a sudden you can see what's on top of the tables and don't mind helping yourself to whatever you see. We've had to set a few boundaries, but there are still occasions you get into things that definitely have no business being in your possession. For example, one morning I was making the bed and noticed my glasses were missing. When I tracked you down, you were carefully examining them and when you realized I was standing over you, you quickly gave them back. And for another example? When I was finishing getting my hair dried one morning, you helped yourself to your daddy's end table and got a hold of his nose spray. When I realized you were being awfully quiet, I came into the living room to find you squirting the nose spray onto the carpet. You had unscrewed the top and were quite pleased with yourself, and threw a pretty good fit when I took it back.
We have been to our neighborhood pool a few times, and you really like splashing in the water and watching the bigger kids run around. If they'd let you, I'm sure you'd jump right in the fun and games. You are such a cute little guy in your pirate swim trunks and rash guard. You will not wear the bucket hat we have for you, so all the sunscreen from that bald head runs down in your eyes, which irritates you and so we never stay at the pool for long. I'm sure by the end of the summer, you'll be quite the little water baby.
You're still saying your usual words, and I don't really think we've added anything extra to your expressive vocabulary this month, but your receptive vocabulary sure is expanding! You follow directions (i.e. 'put that in the trash' , 'get your sippy cup' , 'find your passy'). Your nonverbal skills are really getting stronger, too! You know just how to get us to get/do/find anything you need/want. It's actually pretty impressive.
We love you and love watching you grow. You're so fun, and such a little flirt!
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Love always,
Mom and Dad
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother
When I was pregnant with Luke, I would think about bringing him home to a cute crib, rocking him in a comfy chair, and changing cute little cloth diapers to lessen our contribution to the landfills of the world. I would read him stories, tell him jokes, sing to him, and even review the day's mail with him. I thought a lot about how I would want to raise him, how I would mold him into the most awesome little guy ever.
Let's just say, we didn't bring him home and put him in his cute crib. He slept in his pack-n-play in our room. The comfy chair was in the next room and I was too tired to walk across the hall to sit in it, so I'd sit in bed and rock back and forth. The cloth diapers were too big when he came home so we used pampers. And then some more pampers, and then...well, more pampers. We still read stories, sing and dance and stack and knock down block after block. I think we're doing a good job raising him, setting boundaries, and providing a comfortable home. At least, I think that's what we're doing.
But since the day he was born, I'm a completely different person. I never once thought about how he would mold me. I'm more patient, kind, forgiving. I see the world completely different than before. I seek out advice on the web about what kids eat. When should they try this? When should they be doing that? And I've come to realize, mothers don't know it all. And I don't think I want to.
I love my little mister, and I'm so thankful for the joy he brings me, Chris, and everyone he comes in contact with. He truly is a blessing in my life.
Let's just say, we didn't bring him home and put him in his cute crib. He slept in his pack-n-play in our room. The comfy chair was in the next room and I was too tired to walk across the hall to sit in it, so I'd sit in bed and rock back and forth. The cloth diapers were too big when he came home so we used pampers. And then some more pampers, and then...well, more pampers. We still read stories, sing and dance and stack and knock down block after block. I think we're doing a good job raising him, setting boundaries, and providing a comfortable home. At least, I think that's what we're doing.
But since the day he was born, I'm a completely different person. I never once thought about how he would mold me. I'm more patient, kind, forgiving. I see the world completely different than before. I seek out advice on the web about what kids eat. When should they try this? When should they be doing that? And I've come to realize, mothers don't know it all. And I don't think I want to.
I love my little mister, and I'm so thankful for the joy he brings me, Chris, and everyone he comes in contact with. He truly is a blessing in my life.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Letter to Baby
Dear Luke,
15 months and growing like a weed. We've been so busy this past month that I'm late in writing this!
Your vocabulary sure is growing. You now say 'mama', 'daddy/dada', 'assy' (for passy), 'asser' (for Baxter) and 'baby'. You sign 'all done', 'more' and you clap. You're pointing at things you want and initiating us in play more and more. You also shake your head yes or no rather appropriately when asked a yes/no question. It sure is fun to see your nonverbal communication skills growing as well as your vocabulary!
You toddle around everywhere. You refuse to stay still for too long and you actually eat breakfast on the move. I hold the banana and you come get a bite when you're ready for it. You also like to walk around while drinking your milk out of the side of your mouth so that it doesn't block your view while you're walking around.
We experienced your first sleep-over when your cousins came to stay with us. You had so much fun chasing Jude and Grant around and loved watching them throw the ball outside. I know you'll be right in on all that action in the next few months. They really wore you out, too. After they left, you took a super long nap. Maybe we should have them over more often!
This past month was also the first time we've been to the doctor because you were sick. You ended up with strep throat and running fever, so we had to put you on a little medicine to help clear that up. After a few days on the medicine, you were back to normal, which was great because we had plans to go visit your Grandma and Grandpa in NWA!
Once we were comfortable with how you were doing (and then mom got sick), we left for NWA for a weekend visit at Grandma and Grandpa's. You, daddy and Grandpa went to a Razorback baseball game and you stayed for 7 innings! The Razorbacks won and daddy and Grandpa said you were excellent and loved watching the players swing the bat and throw the ball.
Today is your 15 month check up so we'll see how you're progressing. Who knows, maybe we'll get out of the 10th %tile!
We love you and can't wait to see what you do next!
Mom and Dad
15 months and growing like a weed. We've been so busy this past month that I'm late in writing this!
Your vocabulary sure is growing. You now say 'mama', 'daddy/dada', 'assy' (for passy), 'asser' (for Baxter) and 'baby'. You sign 'all done', 'more' and you clap. You're pointing at things you want and initiating us in play more and more. You also shake your head yes or no rather appropriately when asked a yes/no question. It sure is fun to see your nonverbal communication skills growing as well as your vocabulary!
You toddle around everywhere. You refuse to stay still for too long and you actually eat breakfast on the move. I hold the banana and you come get a bite when you're ready for it. You also like to walk around while drinking your milk out of the side of your mouth so that it doesn't block your view while you're walking around.
We experienced your first sleep-over when your cousins came to stay with us. You had so much fun chasing Jude and Grant around and loved watching them throw the ball outside. I know you'll be right in on all that action in the next few months. They really wore you out, too. After they left, you took a super long nap. Maybe we should have them over more often!
This past month was also the first time we've been to the doctor because you were sick. You ended up with strep throat and running fever, so we had to put you on a little medicine to help clear that up. After a few days on the medicine, you were back to normal, which was great because we had plans to go visit your Grandma and Grandpa in NWA!
Once we were comfortable with how you were doing (and then mom got sick), we left for NWA for a weekend visit at Grandma and Grandpa's. You, daddy and Grandpa went to a Razorback baseball game and you stayed for 7 innings! The Razorbacks won and daddy and Grandpa said you were excellent and loved watching the players swing the bat and throw the ball.
Today is your 15 month check up so we'll see how you're progressing. Who knows, maybe we'll get out of the 10th %tile!
We love you and can't wait to see what you do next!
Mom and Dad
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Letter to Baby
Luke,
14 months have passed since the day you were born! So much has happened since last month, I can't hardly keep track!
Well, first things first...you.are.walking. And I don't mean taking a few steps here and there. No, you are almost dead sprinting everywhere you go. You actually took your first steps the day you turned 13 months, but it's not been until the last 2 1/2 weeks or so that you've really stepped up your game (and your confidence). We bought you a pair of squeaky shoes that are so much fun! They are red, lace-up, sneakers and we crack up when you're walking around squeaking away.
You are also really feeding yourself more and more, even holding the banana! You love fig newtons now and that has become a favorite treat. Also, you love popcorn! It's even more fun putting your hand into the bowl and moving the popcorn all around, finding just the right piece. And you're getting a little more picky about foods. You definitely eat only what you want, but as long as you're eating, we're okay.
And can I just say that you're turning into quite the little momma's boy? You and I have this special bond (like any mother and child) and sometimes it's difficult for you (and me) to be apart. Even if you're sitting right next to me. It's like I'm your comfort blankie :) It melts my heart and makes me want to take you everywhere! However, on the flip side, you are becoming more independent. And with that independence comes some serious fits. If you're into something you're not supposed to be in, you throw the biggest fit! It makes me laugh to think that we're already entering that phase of your life...it's too soon!!
Oh! and you love to push anything and everything around. If it's going to budge, you're going to move it. And to add to that, if you can shake it, roll it, rattle it, or anything else, you're going to make it do just that.
You truly are our little man, and we love you dearly.
Can't wait to see where the next month takes us!!
Love you so,
Mom and Dad
14 months have passed since the day you were born! So much has happened since last month, I can't hardly keep track!
Well, first things first...you.are.walking. And I don't mean taking a few steps here and there. No, you are almost dead sprinting everywhere you go. You actually took your first steps the day you turned 13 months, but it's not been until the last 2 1/2 weeks or so that you've really stepped up your game (and your confidence). We bought you a pair of squeaky shoes that are so much fun! They are red, lace-up, sneakers and we crack up when you're walking around squeaking away.
You are also really feeding yourself more and more, even holding the banana! You love fig newtons now and that has become a favorite treat. Also, you love popcorn! It's even more fun putting your hand into the bowl and moving the popcorn all around, finding just the right piece. And you're getting a little more picky about foods. You definitely eat only what you want, but as long as you're eating, we're okay.
And can I just say that you're turning into quite the little momma's boy? You and I have this special bond (like any mother and child) and sometimes it's difficult for you (and me) to be apart. Even if you're sitting right next to me. It's like I'm your comfort blankie :) It melts my heart and makes me want to take you everywhere! However, on the flip side, you are becoming more independent. And with that independence comes some serious fits. If you're into something you're not supposed to be in, you throw the biggest fit! It makes me laugh to think that we're already entering that phase of your life...it's too soon!!
Oh! and you love to push anything and everything around. If it's going to budge, you're going to move it. And to add to that, if you can shake it, roll it, rattle it, or anything else, you're going to make it do just that.
You truly are our little man, and we love you dearly.
Can't wait to see where the next month takes us!!
Love you so,
Mom and Dad
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New Developments
1. Luke is front facing in his car seats. We wanted to wait an extra month after he turned a year, and the time has come. So far he loves it!
2. Luke is weaned from the bottle!
3. Luke is walking!
all of this happened since Friday! We planned on the car seat and the bottle, but the walking? holy cow! i guess the bottle was holding him back :)
2. Luke is weaned from the bottle!
3. Luke is walking!
all of this happened since Friday! We planned on the car seat and the bottle, but the walking? holy cow! i guess the bottle was holding him back :)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Letter to Baby
Luke,
You are 13 months old today! Because you were born in the shortest month of the year, I feel like it goes by faster when the next month appears.
At your one year appointment you were as healthy as could be, but just a few weeks before that we were having you checked out by your Aunt Kricia and Uncle Jon - you just weren't feeling well. They doctored you up and gave us great advice on how to keep you hydrated, and voila! you were well again. Just in the nick of time :) You were 20 pounds and 28 inches long, and so we decided to keep you rear facing in your car seat for an extra month. Today, that month is up and we're going to turn you around. Just another step in becoming a big boy!
You are learning so much these days! You can put items into a bucket and then dump them out, you respond to your name, and you know what's off limits (even though that rarely stops you from getting into it) and then stop as soon as you're caught. You 'motorboat' all the time. Your dad and I like to say we're raising a boat instead of a boy. For your birthday, we got you a bathketball toy, and you love putting the basketballs in the net over and over again. You love cars and trucks. You push them all over the house! And if you can't get your hand on a truck, you improvise and push a book around instead. You're a pretty smart little guy!
You are sleeping so well at night. We have a great routine that includes a little seahorse whose belly lights up and plays music. I rock you while you drink your milk and then lay you down (usually around 6:30 pm) and we don't hear a peep out of you until morning (usually around 6 am). That seahorse is magic. Your dad and I are convinced of that.
You still say 'mama' all.the.time. Sometimes you'll say 'dada' and I swear you've said 'thank you', 'yes' and 'otto'. (otto is mrs. kristin's husband, and also one of your very favorite people on the planet). You still have no interest in walking. I don't blame you, it's more fun being carried, anyway. You are still so laid back and easy going - we couldn't ask for anything more!
We love you, little man!
Mom and Dad
You are 13 months old today! Because you were born in the shortest month of the year, I feel like it goes by faster when the next month appears.
At your one year appointment you were as healthy as could be, but just a few weeks before that we were having you checked out by your Aunt Kricia and Uncle Jon - you just weren't feeling well. They doctored you up and gave us great advice on how to keep you hydrated, and voila! you were well again. Just in the nick of time :) You were 20 pounds and 28 inches long, and so we decided to keep you rear facing in your car seat for an extra month. Today, that month is up and we're going to turn you around. Just another step in becoming a big boy!
You are learning so much these days! You can put items into a bucket and then dump them out, you respond to your name, and you know what's off limits (even though that rarely stops you from getting into it) and then stop as soon as you're caught. You 'motorboat' all the time. Your dad and I like to say we're raising a boat instead of a boy. For your birthday, we got you a bathketball toy, and you love putting the basketballs in the net over and over again. You love cars and trucks. You push them all over the house! And if you can't get your hand on a truck, you improvise and push a book around instead. You're a pretty smart little guy!
You are sleeping so well at night. We have a great routine that includes a little seahorse whose belly lights up and plays music. I rock you while you drink your milk and then lay you down (usually around 6:30 pm) and we don't hear a peep out of you until morning (usually around 6 am). That seahorse is magic. Your dad and I are convinced of that.
You still say 'mama' all.the.time. Sometimes you'll say 'dada' and I swear you've said 'thank you', 'yes' and 'otto'. (otto is mrs. kristin's husband, and also one of your very favorite people on the planet). You still have no interest in walking. I don't blame you, it's more fun being carried, anyway. You are still so laid back and easy going - we couldn't ask for anything more!
We love you, little man!
Mom and Dad
Monday, February 14, 2011
Letter to Husband
I'm sitting here thinking about how I haven't gotten a single gift or card for my husband for the second Valentine's Day in a row. Last year, my excuse was that I was exhausted from having a baby surgically removed a month early and was trying to keep him fed and alive while maintaining some sort of sanity. This year, though, my only excuse is the snow. That's right. I'm blaming it on mother nature.
But in light of my excuses, I want you to know how much I truly cherish our friendship, our companionship, our love for one another. When everything else seems to be falling apart at the seams (like the other day when we literally ripped luke's curtains apart), I know that you always have my back, and I'll always have yours. I know that when I need you to step in and rock luke to sleep (like you're doing right now), you'll do it. I love how you help in every house hold chore known to man. You cook, you give luke baths, you clean the tubs, the dishes, and walk the dog. And you seem to always do it with a smile.
I love our date nights and how the topic always turns to Luke. I love that you let me pick out the yogurt at yogurt mountain and let me put what toppings i like on it and that you leave them for me. I love how you pick the tomatoes off my salad after i specifically asked the waiter to leave them off. I love how you listen to me rant and rave and have a good cry, especially when you've got things on your mind, too.
But mostly, I love you. Even if you do end your sentences in 'at'.
But in light of my excuses, I want you to know how much I truly cherish our friendship, our companionship, our love for one another. When everything else seems to be falling apart at the seams (like the other day when we literally ripped luke's curtains apart), I know that you always have my back, and I'll always have yours. I know that when I need you to step in and rock luke to sleep (like you're doing right now), you'll do it. I love how you help in every house hold chore known to man. You cook, you give luke baths, you clean the tubs, the dishes, and walk the dog. And you seem to always do it with a smile.
I love our date nights and how the topic always turns to Luke. I love that you let me pick out the yogurt at yogurt mountain and let me put what toppings i like on it and that you leave them for me. I love how you pick the tomatoes off my salad after i specifically asked the waiter to leave them off. I love how you listen to me rant and rave and have a good cry, especially when you've got things on your mind, too.
But mostly, I love you. Even if you do end your sentences in 'at'.
our first wedding anniversary, chicago
celebrating upcoming graduation with AOC
visiting Duke University with the grand tour provided by Bauer
anniversary photo shoot, compliments of Beaty Photography
conference. Denver, Colorado
U of A after Evan and Erin's wedding
Pappadeaux's...with Arthur in the background
Big Cedar Lodge approximately one month before we found out we were preggo
impromptu photo shoot, again, compliments of Beaty Photography
Red Rock Amphitheater, outside Denver, Colorado
And then we had a baby:
It's a boy!
On the ferry heading to Galveston, TX
Luke's 1st halloween at the pumpkin patch
Home with Luke, newborn photos
6 months old.
I can't believe we've come this far. 7 years of marriage, 5 moves, 1 baby. I love you.
Happy Valentines Day
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Letter to Baby
To our one year old son,
How have we gotten to this milestone so fast? You know, moms say that their children grow too fast, and I was always the one saying 'that's because their kids, that's what they do, they grow'. But now, I see it in a whole new light. I see what those moms meant. I feel what they've felt. And I want to scream from the rooftops, just like they wanted to, to STOP GROWING NOW. But, alas, I can't. Because you're a kid, and well, kids grow.
We've made it this entire year without much sickness. Maybe a cough or two for a couple days, but nothing traumatic. And then all top 4 teeth came in at the exact.same.time. And that didn't bode well for your system. So we spent about a week and a half forcing fluids in you, giving you tylenol and rubbing ambesol on your gums to help ease the pain. And because we couldn't get you in with your doctor, we called your Uncle Jon and Aunt Kricia. Do you know how lucky you are to have them as your Aunt and Uncle? They love you and guided us on how to keep you hydrated and well. They called and checked on you, and they even made a couple house visits. You're pretty special to have that kind of attention!
You have been cracking us up lately with this new voice of yours. When you don't get your way, you start growling at us, and sometimes, in that growl voice, you say 'mama' like you're coming after me! It's really quite endearing :). You also love to 'talk', especially when there's silence, like saying the prayer in church. Or when you can hear your echo like in the bathtub. Or just for fun while daddy pushes you around the block or the grocery store. And when you know you're doing something you're not supposed to be doing, you start to do it, and turn and smile real big and laugh. Then it's up in the air if you're going to do what you're not supposed to or not.
You recently started throwing fits. I mean you scream, kick your feet and shake your head fits. This has gotten worse when it's time to lay you down for a nap or for bed for the night. We had a couple nights where you just flat out refused to fall asleep and it took several attempts to get you to bed peacefully. That got old for your mom and dad real quick, so we continued your normal bedtime routine of a bottle, blanket and book (or 3), we snuggle for a few minutes, kiss you goodnight, lay you down, and close your door. The first few times were difficult, you cried and screamed the first time for a good solid hour (and it was at 2:30 in the morning), but now, you might fuss for a minute, and then you're sound asleep. It's pretty wonderful, and I hope we can keep this new bedtime routine going.
You love holding on to our fingers and walking around the house. You walk on your tip toes, so sometimes we call you 'lukeatina'. I promise we'll stop as soon as you get off those tip toes and put your heels down. You still crawl everywhere and if it was possible, you've gotten faster! And you're getting a little braver and have started letting go of whatever you've pulled yourself up on. It only lasts a couple of seconds before you get distracted and fall down, though.
You have also learned how to make a complete and utter mess in a matter of seconds. And by seconds, I mean milliseconds. You can have every book on your bookcase on your floor in 3 seconds flat. It's actually quite impressive, but whatever keeps you entertained while I'm getting dressed in the morning is fine by me.
One goal we have had is to get you drinking out of a sippy cup before your first birthday and I have to say after going through a ton of sippy cups, your Mrs. Kristen found one you actually will drink out of. At first you would only drink if we held it for you because you refused to touch it, but you did hold it all by yourself yesterday, so I hope you're getting the hang of it! You're also branching out of what you're willing to eat. Chicken, sweet potatoes (of course) and peas are some of your favorites. Oatmeal, hot dogs, and peaches are also on your list of must haves.
We had a good run of you sleeping through the nights a few months ago, but for the past month or so, you've gotten up in the middle of the night long enough to take a bottle and be snuggled for a few minutes (or longer) before going back to bed. It's getting old, so if you could start sleeping through the nights again, we'd appreciate it...and so would our mental health!
And can you say 'flirt'? If 'mama' wasn't your first word, 'flirt' would have been. You're such a ham! And oh my how you love black girls. And they love your little bald head (which, by the way, is getting some hair!) and you can't help but turn on the charm. And apparently you're quite the chick magnet when you and your daddy go to the grocery store. I know daddy will be in good hands if ever I'm not around :).
The expressions you make with your face are hilarious! It's amazing how you work your eyebrows and eyes and mouth all at the same time. You make some of the most awesome faces and we really love to see what face comes next. I wish I could just have a book of all those faces, it would be huge!
We just couldn't make you any more perfect! We are absolutely in love with you, our sweet little mister.
Happy Birthday.
Mom and Dad.
How have we gotten to this milestone so fast? You know, moms say that their children grow too fast, and I was always the one saying 'that's because their kids, that's what they do, they grow'. But now, I see it in a whole new light. I see what those moms meant. I feel what they've felt. And I want to scream from the rooftops, just like they wanted to, to STOP GROWING NOW. But, alas, I can't. Because you're a kid, and well, kids grow.
We've made it this entire year without much sickness. Maybe a cough or two for a couple days, but nothing traumatic. And then all top 4 teeth came in at the exact.same.time. And that didn't bode well for your system. So we spent about a week and a half forcing fluids in you, giving you tylenol and rubbing ambesol on your gums to help ease the pain. And because we couldn't get you in with your doctor, we called your Uncle Jon and Aunt Kricia. Do you know how lucky you are to have them as your Aunt and Uncle? They love you and guided us on how to keep you hydrated and well. They called and checked on you, and they even made a couple house visits. You're pretty special to have that kind of attention!
You have been cracking us up lately with this new voice of yours. When you don't get your way, you start growling at us, and sometimes, in that growl voice, you say 'mama' like you're coming after me! It's really quite endearing :). You also love to 'talk', especially when there's silence, like saying the prayer in church. Or when you can hear your echo like in the bathtub. Or just for fun while daddy pushes you around the block or the grocery store. And when you know you're doing something you're not supposed to be doing, you start to do it, and turn and smile real big and laugh. Then it's up in the air if you're going to do what you're not supposed to or not.
You recently started throwing fits. I mean you scream, kick your feet and shake your head fits. This has gotten worse when it's time to lay you down for a nap or for bed for the night. We had a couple nights where you just flat out refused to fall asleep and it took several attempts to get you to bed peacefully. That got old for your mom and dad real quick, so we continued your normal bedtime routine of a bottle, blanket and book (or 3), we snuggle for a few minutes, kiss you goodnight, lay you down, and close your door. The first few times were difficult, you cried and screamed the first time for a good solid hour (and it was at 2:30 in the morning), but now, you might fuss for a minute, and then you're sound asleep. It's pretty wonderful, and I hope we can keep this new bedtime routine going.
You love holding on to our fingers and walking around the house. You walk on your tip toes, so sometimes we call you 'lukeatina'. I promise we'll stop as soon as you get off those tip toes and put your heels down. You still crawl everywhere and if it was possible, you've gotten faster! And you're getting a little braver and have started letting go of whatever you've pulled yourself up on. It only lasts a couple of seconds before you get distracted and fall down, though.
You have also learned how to make a complete and utter mess in a matter of seconds. And by seconds, I mean milliseconds. You can have every book on your bookcase on your floor in 3 seconds flat. It's actually quite impressive, but whatever keeps you entertained while I'm getting dressed in the morning is fine by me.
One goal we have had is to get you drinking out of a sippy cup before your first birthday and I have to say after going through a ton of sippy cups, your Mrs. Kristen found one you actually will drink out of. At first you would only drink if we held it for you because you refused to touch it, but you did hold it all by yourself yesterday, so I hope you're getting the hang of it! You're also branching out of what you're willing to eat. Chicken, sweet potatoes (of course) and peas are some of your favorites. Oatmeal, hot dogs, and peaches are also on your list of must haves.
We had a good run of you sleeping through the nights a few months ago, but for the past month or so, you've gotten up in the middle of the night long enough to take a bottle and be snuggled for a few minutes (or longer) before going back to bed. It's getting old, so if you could start sleeping through the nights again, we'd appreciate it...and so would our mental health!
And can you say 'flirt'? If 'mama' wasn't your first word, 'flirt' would have been. You're such a ham! And oh my how you love black girls. And they love your little bald head (which, by the way, is getting some hair!) and you can't help but turn on the charm. And apparently you're quite the chick magnet when you and your daddy go to the grocery store. I know daddy will be in good hands if ever I'm not around :).
The expressions you make with your face are hilarious! It's amazing how you work your eyebrows and eyes and mouth all at the same time. You make some of the most awesome faces and we really love to see what face comes next. I wish I could just have a book of all those faces, it would be huge!
We just couldn't make you any more perfect! We are absolutely in love with you, our sweet little mister.
Happy Birthday.
Mom and Dad.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
the wonder place
Luke and I met up with a dear friend and her two awesome kiddos yesterday at the wonder place. Luke and I have never been, and he had a great time, I know we'll have to make that a regular place to visit! I think Luke's favorite part was the water table.
I have a video of Luke playing in the water, but blogger is being too slow for me to upload. that or i'm too impatient. details.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Christmas. In Pictures.
Christmas Eve. We always have Christmas Eve with my side of the family. It's always so much fun, and with a baby, it was even more crazy than usual! Almost all of family was there (except for 2 cousins and their husbands) which meant about 28 people crammed into my parents living room. Last year we had Christmas Eve dinner catered by Porterhouse (in Hot Springs) and it was so good, we did it again this year. It takes a lot of the stress out of Christmas Eve so we can just enjoy each other!
(we had a wardrobe change into Luke's Christmas pajamas)
Christmas morning. We came home Christmas Eve and celebrated Christmas morning alone as a family. Luke could have cared less about opening gifts. He was more interested in eating pancakes and his bottle. I think he was just still so tired from the party the previous night.
After we opened gifts and had breakfast at home, we packed up and headed to NWA to celebrate with Chris' side of the family. We got up there around noon and as soon as we came out on the north side of the 540 tunnel, we were greeted with snow flurries. We had a wonderful time visiting, but were so tired by Sunday!
Luke's shirt says 'Arrrr we there yet?' :)
Poor Baxter was plum tuckered out, too!
Luke's first Christmas could not have been more exciting for us! Like I said, Luke really liked the eating part of Christmas, but was not at all into opening gifts, he did however, enjoy crawling on top of them :). I'm so glad we could spend Christmas with both sides of our family, but man oh man were we tired! We've gotten all of the Christmas down and have organized Luke's toys as they were taking over the entire living room. We really are so blessed to have such a sweet little boy and amazing family!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Letter to Baby
Baby Yuke (aka Luke),
Well, I suppose this 11 month milestone couldn't come fast enough for you, but I still look at you and wonder how we came so far so fast. We went from seeing you wrapped up in a NICU bed receiving light therapy for jaundice and monitors all over you to chasing you from room to room. Phew! We're exhausted!
Crawling is your main mode of transportation these days. Last month you were army crawling, this month you've mastered the fine art of crawling on all fours. And you're fast. And when you get excited you stick your lips out and breathe in and out of your mouth like you're sucking your drool back in just in time before it falls out of your mouth. I like to call it your ducky face. It's PDQ (pretty darn cute). And you've figured out how to get from point A to point B in the house. Not just in the room you're in, but in the entire house. It makes it interesting some mornings when I'm trying to get ready and can't keep up with your wherabouts.
In addition to crawling, you are pulling up on everything that will be still long enough to let you get your feet under you. Which is my way of saying Baxter stays out of your way :). You crawl over to the couch head first (because that's when you know you've reached your destination) and once your head bumps the couch, you stand up, and walk over to the side table. This is where you pulled my (thankfully) cold cup of coffee down and waved my mug around like it was the first place trophy while I was putting your car seat base in my car yesterday morning. You knew you were in trouble when I walked back in the door from the garage and caught you red handed. I guess we both learned a valuable lesson from this.
You still say 'mama' and have started saying 'daddy'. You can wave goodbye and give kisses and nod your head 'yes'. It's really cute and we have a few videos of this, but it's really our only proof, because at Christmas, you refused to do any tricks for your Grandma and Grandpa. Stinkapotamous.
We've tried some new foods, and you like chicken and diced carrots. You still love sweet potatoes and bananas. And apparantly, you wouldn't let your Mrs. Kristin eat her banana because you demanded it all. You're quite the banana bully.
We've had a few more firsts this month. Your first Christmas. Your first time saying 'daddy'. You learned to motorboat. The first time you shut the door on your finger. Your first hot dog and black beans and rice. And the first time to push a walking toy around a room.
Next month, when you're 1, can I still write Letter to Baby, or do I need to change the title to Letter to Mister? Let me know...
We love you most.
Mom and Dad
Well, I suppose this 11 month milestone couldn't come fast enough for you, but I still look at you and wonder how we came so far so fast. We went from seeing you wrapped up in a NICU bed receiving light therapy for jaundice and monitors all over you to chasing you from room to room. Phew! We're exhausted!
Crawling is your main mode of transportation these days. Last month you were army crawling, this month you've mastered the fine art of crawling on all fours. And you're fast. And when you get excited you stick your lips out and breathe in and out of your mouth like you're sucking your drool back in just in time before it falls out of your mouth. I like to call it your ducky face. It's PDQ (pretty darn cute). And you've figured out how to get from point A to point B in the house. Not just in the room you're in, but in the entire house. It makes it interesting some mornings when I'm trying to get ready and can't keep up with your wherabouts.
In addition to crawling, you are pulling up on everything that will be still long enough to let you get your feet under you. Which is my way of saying Baxter stays out of your way :). You crawl over to the couch head first (because that's when you know you've reached your destination) and once your head bumps the couch, you stand up, and walk over to the side table. This is where you pulled my (thankfully) cold cup of coffee down and waved my mug around like it was the first place trophy while I was putting your car seat base in my car yesterday morning. You knew you were in trouble when I walked back in the door from the garage and caught you red handed. I guess we both learned a valuable lesson from this.
You still say 'mama' and have started saying 'daddy'. You can wave goodbye and give kisses and nod your head 'yes'. It's really cute and we have a few videos of this, but it's really our only proof, because at Christmas, you refused to do any tricks for your Grandma and Grandpa. Stinkapotamous.
We've tried some new foods, and you like chicken and diced carrots. You still love sweet potatoes and bananas. And apparantly, you wouldn't let your Mrs. Kristin eat her banana because you demanded it all. You're quite the banana bully.
We've had a few more firsts this month. Your first Christmas. Your first time saying 'daddy'. You learned to motorboat. The first time you shut the door on your finger. Your first hot dog and black beans and rice. And the first time to push a walking toy around a room.
Next month, when you're 1, can I still write Letter to Baby, or do I need to change the title to Letter to Mister? Let me know...
We love you most.
Mom and Dad
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