First Words

Whenever I open the fridge you go right for the string cheese and say, "chees chees". So, I guess cheese would be considered your first word, besides mamamama.

Thing To Remember

Things you love right now or can do:

A bowl and a spoon

Trying to feed yourself

Smoothies

Splashing around in the tub

Playing outside. You love to pick up the acorns and walk around with one in each hand, and sometimes sneak one in your mouth.

Talking All the time. (I have yet to understand anything :) )

Walking down the stairs forward with me holding your hand

Giving kisses

Stack blocks

Dancing (stomping your feet and spinning in a circle or shaking your head back and forth.)

Today during church I was up on the stage singing with the young women and every time I looked at you, you were clapping. It was so cute. I couldn't look anymore because every time I did I would start to smile and almost laugh.

Also, you are very friendly. You love to run up to people and always have a big smile on your face when people talk or smile at you. You are the cutest little guy.

Birthday Boy!

I can't believe you are one! This year has gone by so fast, and I have loved watching you grow, learn, and explore everything around you. You have a mind of your own and are always on the go.

Here are a few things that you love right now:

being outside.....you could be outside all day long.

cheese, grapes, pineapple, watermelon

playing in the water

being chased by mommy and daddy

climbing the stairs

looking at books and jabbering away

taking baths

exploring everything

dancing to music

playing with your food (squishing grapes, crackers etc... between your fingers.)

snuggling with your mommy before bed

being tickled

swings

Some things that you can do:

wave goodbye

walk

climb in and on everything (including the couch.)

throw balls

Your Uncle Phil was here for your birthday! You had so much with him, and he sure could get you to laugh (spinning you around and doing his beat boxing.) For your birthday we went to the splash pad, which of course you loved. Water everywhere! We then came home and you, your dad and Phil all took a big long nap. Then it was time to open your presents. You got some books, clothes, toys...all the good stuff. After that, you had your first cupcake. You weren't quite sure what to do with it at first, but it didn't take you long to figure it out. Thank goodness for baths!

I am so grateful to have you in my life. I am so lucky to be a mom to such a happy, loving boy. I am loving watching you learn new skills each day.

Love you

Mom

Walking.....11 1/2 Months

The past few weeks you have been taking a couple steps at a time, and just in the past few days you have been walking all over the place! You still like to crawl, and are pretty unstable when you walk, but you are getting more confident everyday. It is the cutest thing to watch you wobble around with a big grin on your face.

A few days ago we had just gotten home from the grocery store. I usually bring you in with a few groceries and then let you play outside while I bring in the rest. As I was coming back from the car you were standing right up at the edge or a step and getting ready to take a step. I put my bags down as quickly as I could and came running, but it was too late; you stepped and tumbled right on your face. Then came the screams, and your mouth was bleeding. Luckily you just got a little gash in your bottom lip and it stopped bleeding after a few minutes and you were back to your normal self. Hopefully we don't have anymore of those crashes anytime soon. I felt so bad!

Attempt At Picture Taking

You love to try and attack me and grab the camera whenever I try and take a picture of you. It sure makes for some silly pictures!

Loving Every Minute

It's 8:00 pm and I just layed you down for the third time tonight, and you are finally asleep. We've been working on your sleeping for the past little while; it has been a bit of a struggle...for you and for me. I don't like to hear your sad crys and see you standing in your crib with big tears. It breaks my heart. But, you are learning to sleep better and I am so proud of you.
Tonight we went and saw your dad at work, got some Wendy's for dinner, and played in the grass by his school. You love being outside and I love watching you explore new things.
We then came home to freshly cleaned carpets (which made me very happy...they were in desperate need), you took a bath, which always puts a big smile on your face. I am usually soaked from all your splashing by the end, but I don't mind. We got your jammmies on, I got your bottle ready and I stuggled and kissed your feshly clean face. I love rocking you at night as you tickle your face with my hair. I then layed you down and you cried for a while (quite a while tonight), but I came in and you wrapped your cute little arms around my neck, layed your sweet head on my shoulder and twiddled your fingers in my hair. How lucky am I, I thought. You finally fell asleep and I layed you down for the night.
Motherhood is not easy, and I pray daily to my Heavenly Father for patience and guidance to better understand how I can help you. Sometimes I feel too tired and that I just can't do it, but I quickly am reminded that I can and as you wrap your arms around my neck and snuggle into me, I wish for nothing else than be your mom and spend my days watching you learn and grow.
Love you.

Playing With Dad

You love to laugh and wrestle with your dad. You especially love it when he brings out the big yellow blanket. Last night you were being so silly hiding in it and playing in it with your Dad. I love to see you laugh, and smile and love your daddy.

Just being silly with mommy's towel on your head.