As a parent you can't really tell you if you are good, you hope that you are doing a good job, but you'll never really know for a a good twenty years or so...at least that's my theory. But as H has started becoming a little boy, and as we find ourselves trying to teach him and lay the groundwork for the years to come, I find myself learning new things everyday. So here a few of the things I have learned:
* It's OK to walk outside with your barefeet
* Sometimes it's ok to cut across the grass
* Letting out a shout, just because, is good for you
* Laughing at nothing at least once a day will make you smile...even if you are crying at that moment
* It's OK to fall down, it's even better when someone is there to pick you up
* Naps are good
* It's OK to cry
* If you can get applause for eating sweet potato's, standing up, signing, take it, and run with it!
* Your mom and dad will always be there for you...even when you don't think they are, they are probably three steps ahead of you
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
14 Months
I swear that you are going to think that your birthday is a week or two later than it really is if you go by my blog posts, but I am trying to stay as caught up as I can. I am also hitting a small dilemma, I've always said that I wouldn't be one of those parents who rattles off their kids age in months after a certain point i.e. "Harrison is 22 months", so I am trying to figure out the best cutoff - I think a proper time is a 18 months because then I can just say a year and a half.
Anyway...14 months. You are at an a difficult age now. Not because you are difficult - anything but - but more so because you are at a stage now where you are mobile, mobile to the point that you are almost running. And you are so inquisitive that you are constantly on the move - trying to pull up on things or pull things down to your level. So its difficult because you are quickly becoming this little person but you can't tell us what you want. You can't verbalize all of these new things that you are seeing and touching so it is hard for you because you can get frustrated so easily when we don't know what you want.
It is a fun time to be a parent. I am seeing myself as less a caretaker and more Sherpa. Strange analogy, I know, but it works. I see us guiding you more often now. Trying to show you how to manage certain things, like getting off the couch or a chair. Trying to show you that maybe taking a header off the couch isn't such a good idea and that if you just slide off backwards on your tummy, your feet will hit the floor first and not your head. And to see you pull it off for the first time without help is so rewarding.
You are also figuring out how to just be by yourself. Not that we are leaving you alone often, but the other day as I was trying to get your breakfast ready I couldn't hear or see you. As usual I went to "Oh, Crap, what is he doing" mode. I quickly went to the last spot I left you - your room - and found you just flipping through your dog book. Content, talking to yourself like you were reading. It was so cute. I actually walked away quietly so as not to disturb you...only to slowly peak around the corner again just to watch you one more time.
Your mother and I can literally watch you for hours with smiles on our faces. One of the greatest joys, now that you are slowly (or quickly, depending who you ask) gaining more and more personality is watching how you play with Riley. You regularly wake up and reach out for him as he comes into your room. You actually walk up and pet him or throw your arms around his neck and lay your head on his back. It's amazing, at least to me, because it was just this sudden shift of acknowledgment on your part. Like, I have a dog, and I can pet him, and I LOVE him!
Watching how you play with mommy is also adorable. It is great to see her scoop you up and watch your face light up. Or seeing you run over to her with something in your hand, like, "LOOK, PAPER!" "It isn't it amazing!" It's like you have to share everything with us and it just makes us laugh and melt all at the same time.
You met your cousins in California and it was great to see you guys together. You weren't quite sure of what to make of them at first but you slowly warmed up to them and they to you.
Sharing was a new concept to you, especially with two year olds. Negotiating who got to play with what was like brokering a truce between waring countries at times, but it was a great experience and absolutely fun to watch you play with your cousins. We are already making plans for "California Camp" and "Indiana Camp" when you all get a little older.
This past month has gone by so quickly. They seem to be flying by faster and faster now. We are trying to expose you to many things now, even taking you to the State Fair! You loved the animals and every time the big John Deere tractor drove by you had to point.
We are excited to see the fun we will have as summer turns to fall and to continue to watch you continue to grow up to be a little man!
Anyway...14 months. You are at an a difficult age now. Not because you are difficult - anything but - but more so because you are at a stage now where you are mobile, mobile to the point that you are almost running. And you are so inquisitive that you are constantly on the move - trying to pull up on things or pull things down to your level. So its difficult because you are quickly becoming this little person but you can't tell us what you want. You can't verbalize all of these new things that you are seeing and touching so it is hard for you because you can get frustrated so easily when we don't know what you want.
It is a fun time to be a parent. I am seeing myself as less a caretaker and more Sherpa. Strange analogy, I know, but it works. I see us guiding you more often now. Trying to show you how to manage certain things, like getting off the couch or a chair. Trying to show you that maybe taking a header off the couch isn't such a good idea and that if you just slide off backwards on your tummy, your feet will hit the floor first and not your head. And to see you pull it off for the first time without help is so rewarding.
You are also figuring out how to just be by yourself. Not that we are leaving you alone often, but the other day as I was trying to get your breakfast ready I couldn't hear or see you. As usual I went to "Oh, Crap, what is he doing" mode. I quickly went to the last spot I left you - your room - and found you just flipping through your dog book. Content, talking to yourself like you were reading. It was so cute. I actually walked away quietly so as not to disturb you...only to slowly peak around the corner again just to watch you one more time.
Your mother and I can literally watch you for hours with smiles on our faces. One of the greatest joys, now that you are slowly (or quickly, depending who you ask) gaining more and more personality is watching how you play with Riley. You regularly wake up and reach out for him as he comes into your room. You actually walk up and pet him or throw your arms around his neck and lay your head on his back. It's amazing, at least to me, because it was just this sudden shift of acknowledgment on your part. Like, I have a dog, and I can pet him, and I LOVE him!
Watching how you play with mommy is also adorable. It is great to see her scoop you up and watch your face light up. Or seeing you run over to her with something in your hand, like, "LOOK, PAPER!" "It isn't it amazing!" It's like you have to share everything with us and it just makes us laugh and melt all at the same time.
You met your cousins in California and it was great to see you guys together. You weren't quite sure of what to make of them at first but you slowly warmed up to them and they to you.
Sharing was a new concept to you, especially with two year olds. Negotiating who got to play with what was like brokering a truce between waring countries at times, but it was a great experience and absolutely fun to watch you play with your cousins. We are already making plans for "California Camp" and "Indiana Camp" when you all get a little older.
This past month has gone by so quickly. They seem to be flying by faster and faster now. We are trying to expose you to many things now, even taking you to the State Fair! You loved the animals and every time the big John Deere tractor drove by you had to point.
We are excited to see the fun we will have as summer turns to fall and to continue to watch you continue to grow up to be a little man!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Soccer Mom
"So Kiburz, you ready to be a soccer mom now?"
"Ah, Lucas, I'm a hockey mom, NOT a soccer mom!"
That a girl!
"Ah, Lucas, I'm a hockey mom, NOT a soccer mom!"
That a girl!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sign of the Times
There are moments in your life when you realize that you are entering a new phase. There are the obvious moments, like when you graduate from school, get married, have a child. These moments, while defining rarely sneak up on you. They are moments that despite their huge implications, are manageable because you have time to prepare, understand them, and accept them.
Then there are the other moments, the moments that sneak up on you subtly, like a summer cold. You're fine one minute, the next you're not quite sure what hit you.
I am not sure how it happened. One minute we were talking about gas prices and the next minute we were comparing fold down seats, automatic sliding doors, and DVD systems (we opted out of that trap).
Now, mind you, my experiences with minivans center mainly around those sweet old Dodge Caravans. The sticky sweet feel of vinyl trimmed seats, the long road trips spent on a cooler next to the door. Not because I wanted to, no, because I was the only one who wouldn't complain the whole way. So my view was either the back of the headrest or the flashing landscape out the sliding door window.
So, yeah, I guess this van is an upgrade to those vans and not because of any of the features. Rather because at least I know whatever happens, I'll be driving or sitting in the passenger seat and not "riding cooler" across the great American landscape.
Then there are the other moments, the moments that sneak up on you subtly, like a summer cold. You're fine one minute, the next you're not quite sure what hit you.
I am not sure how it happened. One minute we were talking about gas prices and the next minute we were comparing fold down seats, automatic sliding doors, and DVD systems (we opted out of that trap).
Now, mind you, my experiences with minivans center mainly around those sweet old Dodge Caravans. The sticky sweet feel of vinyl trimmed seats, the long road trips spent on a cooler next to the door. Not because I wanted to, no, because I was the only one who wouldn't complain the whole way. So my view was either the back of the headrest or the flashing landscape out the sliding door window.
So, yeah, I guess this van is an upgrade to those vans and not because of any of the features. Rather because at least I know whatever happens, I'll be driving or sitting in the passenger seat and not "riding cooler" across the great American landscape.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
13 Months
This last month has been an fast paced month. It seems like you are catching on more quickly to things...and developing your curios and mischievous side.
You have started talking more. You have moved from saying "Da" for everything and have started forming more word like sounds. You now say "haaat" for Hot, "up" "hi" "Dadda" "Mamma". You are also learning how to use your signs. You are very proud of yourself when you use "more". The first time you really did it to signify that you wanted more of something you stopped after you did it with a huge smile on your face, like "Look what I just did". You still smile each time you do it, and sometimes you do it to signal that you want something, but either way it is pretty damn cute!
You are moving around much better. You still get off balance when you are tired but for the most part you are much more stable. So stable in fact that you have discovered a new game in which you stand in the middle of the family room and start turning in circles getting yourself dizzy. The whole time a huge smile is spread across your face as you discover a new sensation.
Your curiosity can sometimes create hailstorm of tears as you still need to touch and play with everything. Now that you can communicate a little bit you become more agitated when we don't respond with the proper item that you are pointing to. Like we should know what a point and DA means. You love to put lids on things and play with straws, more specifically, dip the straw in and out of the water. We love that you are curious, and it is awesome to watch you struggle with something for a few minutes and then see the joy on your face as you figure it out.
You've been sick the last two weeks so you have been a little run down, but you have been slowly getting back to your normal self. Tonight as I was putting you to bed you started attacking me with your sloppy wet kisses and wide open mouth, that's when I knew my little man was almost back!
You can see all pictures on our Flickr page
You have started talking more. You have moved from saying "Da" for everything and have started forming more word like sounds. You now say "haaat" for Hot, "up" "hi" "Dadda" "Mamma". You are also learning how to use your signs. You are very proud of yourself when you use "more". The first time you really did it to signify that you wanted more of something you stopped after you did it with a huge smile on your face, like "Look what I just did". You still smile each time you do it, and sometimes you do it to signal that you want something, but either way it is pretty damn cute!
You are moving around much better. You still get off balance when you are tired but for the most part you are much more stable. So stable in fact that you have discovered a new game in which you stand in the middle of the family room and start turning in circles getting yourself dizzy. The whole time a huge smile is spread across your face as you discover a new sensation.
Your curiosity can sometimes create hailstorm of tears as you still need to touch and play with everything. Now that you can communicate a little bit you become more agitated when we don't respond with the proper item that you are pointing to. Like we should know what a point and DA means. You love to put lids on things and play with straws, more specifically, dip the straw in and out of the water. We love that you are curious, and it is awesome to watch you struggle with something for a few minutes and then see the joy on your face as you figure it out.
You've been sick the last two weeks so you have been a little run down, but you have been slowly getting back to your normal self. Tonight as I was putting you to bed you started attacking me with your sloppy wet kisses and wide open mouth, that's when I knew my little man was almost back!
You can see all pictures on our Flickr page
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday Morning Walk
Heading outside before anyone is up. Little bare feet touching the cool concrete.
Tiny footprints trailing you as you walk through the puddle left from the early morning rain.
Ten steps one direction, stop, turn, twenty the other way and ten back. 1/2 a block. Stop. Turn. Turn around again. Going nowhere and everywhere.
Holding your hands up in the air, grabbing nothing, pointing to everything. The breeze picking up, hitting us in our face. Stopping, smiling. A huge smile now as your hair stands up from the cool gust of air. Might as well be a burst of life blowing right through you.
A Stick. Pick it up. Show it to me, like it is the best and only prize in the world.
Turn it in your little hand.
Move it towards your mouth. "NO, not in your mouth." A look like, "I wasn't really going to, dad." Again to the mouth - "NO."
Put it gently back in the grass, like your sending it back home. Pick it up again, because you aren't quite done yet.
Twenty more steps. Up the neighbors driveway, scoop you up.
Down the sidewalk again. A bird cackles. STOP. Turn, turn some more. Where is it? Point, point again.
A Stick!
Scoop you up...I think it's time for a bottle and a nap.
Tiny footprints trailing you as you walk through the puddle left from the early morning rain.
Ten steps one direction, stop, turn, twenty the other way and ten back. 1/2 a block. Stop. Turn. Turn around again. Going nowhere and everywhere.
Holding your hands up in the air, grabbing nothing, pointing to everything. The breeze picking up, hitting us in our face. Stopping, smiling. A huge smile now as your hair stands up from the cool gust of air. Might as well be a burst of life blowing right through you.
A Stick. Pick it up. Show it to me, like it is the best and only prize in the world.
Turn it in your little hand.
Move it towards your mouth. "NO, not in your mouth." A look like, "I wasn't really going to, dad." Again to the mouth - "NO."
Put it gently back in the grass, like your sending it back home. Pick it up again, because you aren't quite done yet.
Twenty more steps. Up the neighbors driveway, scoop you up.
Down the sidewalk again. A bird cackles. STOP. Turn, turn some more. Where is it? Point, point again.
A Stick!
Scoop you up...I think it's time for a bottle and a nap.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dire Consequences
"No, Harrison, you don't need another chocolate chip cookie"
"*Whispers* Here you go, just a little bite"
"Honey, I said NO"
"He's not, daddy's having a cookie"
"That's why he has chocolate all over his face? You can't start undermining me already, you start now, next thing you know he has a pregnant 15 year old girlfriend"
"Wait, I gave him a bite of a cookie and now he has a pregnant girlfriend? H, stay away from cookies...and girls"
"*Whispers* Here you go, just a little bite"
"Honey, I said NO"
"He's not, daddy's having a cookie"
"That's why he has chocolate all over his face? You can't start undermining me already, you start now, next thing you know he has a pregnant 15 year old girlfriend"
"Wait, I gave him a bite of a cookie and now he has a pregnant girlfriend? H, stay away from cookies...and girls"
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
One Year Old
So it's official, you are a whole year old. We still can't believe it, and sometimes mommy still makes comments about how you aren't her little baby anymore.
You have a very distinct personality and it is becoming more and more apparent each day that you might be a little strong headed. You have started to point to everything you see and want to touch it all. You also love to be outside playing and sometimes get a little upset if we come inside before you are ready.
You LOVE to stand up in the bathtub and no matter how much we say no you will try to stand up at least a half dozen times before you start with the big old crocodile tears. You like to test us on other things - like opening the entertainment center cabinets - you are going to be mischievous but we are as prepared as we can be I guess!
We had a great birthday party for you at our house. Your mother worked very hard to make it a great event. The theme was "Sailboats" complete with a mini cake for you and a larger cake for your guests.
Speaking of guests, you were able to meet your great grandparents, GG and Grandpa Lucas, my dad's parents. It was the first time they met you, you were a little leery at first but warmed up to great grandpa after he taught you how to "pat the cake, roll it, and THROW IT IN THE PAN" which you absolutely loved. You also took a liking to your great aunt and uncle - my Aunt Lannie and Uncle Dick.
You have started taking anything, a play phone, a shovel, a dog, anything and pretending that it is a phone. You walk around holding the object to your ear and your other hand to your other ear, like you are trying to hear. I am not sure what that says about your mother and I's phone habbits, but you have picked it up somewhere. This has reminded of the Harry Chapin song, "Flowers are Red" because I hope that you continue to use that imagination, that ability to grab whatever and make it a phone - and I hope that as parents we let you foster that imagination without killing your curiosity.
You absolutely love animals. You have learned to make a panting sign when you see a dog and if you see Riley or your stuffed dogs you start making the panting noises. If you see a dog when we are taking walks you have to stop and point and pant. It is amazing really , you can hear a dog bark from seemingly miles away and you have to stop and find it before you can move along. Your mom and grandma K took you to the zoo on your actual birthday to pet the elephants and feed the giraffes, which you apparently loved.
You are still a little mini mite - as I like to call you. You were in the 5th percentile for weight tipping the scales at 18 pounds, 13 ounces. 50th percentile for height at 30 inches. You might be small but you are healthy and you sure are an active little man, so we really aren't that concerned...though the likely hood you are going to become a middle linebacker for the Boilers and the Packers seems to be a little further off than I had wished :).
Your mother and I can't wait for you to start talking and to see how you progress each day. Your going to be a crazy little man and we get glimpses of that each day. One year down and we couldn't be happier at how much fun we have had with you. Sure we have had some rough days, but we have been blessed with such a happy, healthy, beautiful boy. We know we are lucky and we are thankful each day that we have you!
You can see ALL our Birthday pictures here!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Things I've Learned in One Year of Fatherhood
- That it's not about the lack of sleep it's about the interrupted sleep
- Even though you just changed an incredibly wet diaper, there is still more and it will get you the second you take the old one off
- The time spent washing bottles and baby clothes will roughly be the same amount of time you used to spend exercising, reading, watching t.v. etc.
- For the first six - nine months you will wonder when he will start moving, after that you will wonder why he won't stop moving
- That you ABSOLUTELY. MUST. TOUCH. EVERYTHING. YOU. SEE.
- That saying NO for the first time will break your heart and it barely gets easier the 2nd and 3rd time
- You realize that NO is good for both you and he
- That mommy is a saint for being a milk vendor for the first 8 months
- Somehow no matter what mom and I are talking about it will eventually come back to you and how cute you are
- That what you didn't know today is only temporary because you seem to learn something new everyday
- That coming to get you out of the crib and seeing you peek through the crib slats is one of the only reasons I don't mind getting out of bed at 6:00 AM on a Saturday
- That toys seem to reproduce nightly
- Riley really cherished being the only "child" and now resents your mother and I
- He doesn't resent you so much, especially now that you feed him from the high chair
- That I can't think of how you looked when you were first born, and that makes me a little sad
- That I know now, no matter what I do in life that it will never compare to being a father
- That I am scared everyday that I will screw this up
- I am comforted everyday knowing that your mother will be there to save me (and you) if I do
- That I can't wait to teach you to do so many things - and I am not sure where to start
- The best way to end a day is putting you to bed and kissing your sleepy little head good night
- Picking you up from the sitters is absolutely fantastic because you walk over and grab me around the neck
- That you have brought your mother and I closer than I could have ever imagined
- That I am thankful everyday for your sweet little soul, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead for our family
- Even though you just changed an incredibly wet diaper, there is still more and it will get you the second you take the old one off
- The time spent washing bottles and baby clothes will roughly be the same amount of time you used to spend exercising, reading, watching t.v. etc.
- For the first six - nine months you will wonder when he will start moving, after that you will wonder why he won't stop moving
- That you ABSOLUTELY. MUST. TOUCH. EVERYTHING. YOU. SEE.
- That saying NO for the first time will break your heart and it barely gets easier the 2nd and 3rd time
- You realize that NO is good for both you and he
- That mommy is a saint for being a milk vendor for the first 8 months
- Somehow no matter what mom and I are talking about it will eventually come back to you and how cute you are
- That what you didn't know today is only temporary because you seem to learn something new everyday
- That coming to get you out of the crib and seeing you peek through the crib slats is one of the only reasons I don't mind getting out of bed at 6:00 AM on a Saturday
- That toys seem to reproduce nightly
- Riley really cherished being the only "child" and now resents your mother and I
- He doesn't resent you so much, especially now that you feed him from the high chair
- That I can't think of how you looked when you were first born, and that makes me a little sad
- That I know now, no matter what I do in life that it will never compare to being a father
- That I am scared everyday that I will screw this up
- I am comforted everyday knowing that your mother will be there to save me (and you) if I do
- That I can't wait to teach you to do so many things - and I am not sure where to start
- The best way to end a day is putting you to bed and kissing your sleepy little head good night
- Picking you up from the sitters is absolutely fantastic because you walk over and grab me around the neck
- That you have brought your mother and I closer than I could have ever imagined
- That I am thankful everyday for your sweet little soul, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead for our family
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
11 Month Pictures
This is the first month I haven't written an update - I feel terrible. But I am putting up pictures and will have a 12 month post before his birthday.
Enjoy all the pictures by visiting our Flickr page.
11 Months
At The Zoo With Pappa Roger and Grandma Lis
So Excited!
Attack of the Naked Baby!
Goof Ball
Walking and Talking
Quack!
Enjoy all the pictures by visiting our Flickr page.
11 Months
At The Zoo With Pappa Roger and Grandma Lis
So Excited!
Attack of the Naked Baby!
Goof Ball
Walking and Talking
Quack!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Laughing so as not to Cry
I have waited to write this because I haven't really known what to say. But one of the reasons - as I've stated before - that I started this was to give you context of your life, the events that make you, well, you.
Someday when you are older your mom and I will tell you about a very rough stretch in our lives. When mommy lost her grandmother and we lost a baby, all in the matter of two months.
When we found out about the baby it was very difficult. You were actually with us - I'll never forget trying to keep you amused with your squishy turtle book while looking at the ultra sound monitor looking, hoping, for a heartbeat. I remember being glad that I had you in my arms because I could focus on you and not really on what was going on.
It was an odd feeling driving home. I was still in shock and had so many different feelings, but the biggest was being hollow - not empty - just hollow.
I was trying to figure out how I could be angry and sad and hollow all at the same time. But I was also trying to figure out how I could have these feelings knowing that I had such a wonderful little boy sitting in the back seat. And that is what brings me to you.
The only way that I can figure why this happened - and what I keep telling mommy - is because you needed your own angel to watch over you.
You will never know how much of a role you have played in our ability to get through this tough stretch. I have often looked at you with tears in my eyes thinking about your little brother or sister and have been quickly moved from tears to laughter.
Your wonderful little soul. Your ability to look at us and make us laugh or smile with a little noise or a dance or a "Da, Da", has been a blessing that your little heart will never know.
So, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being you and for being such a wonderful boy. Because through all the times when we could have cried you have been able to bring us laughter and joy. It isn't always easy, but without you this would have been a million times harder...so, in those moments when what we really want to do is cry, we can laugh. Laugh at the beauty that is you, and that is our wonderful family.
Thanks,
Mom and Dad
Someday when you are older your mom and I will tell you about a very rough stretch in our lives. When mommy lost her grandmother and we lost a baby, all in the matter of two months.
When we found out about the baby it was very difficult. You were actually with us - I'll never forget trying to keep you amused with your squishy turtle book while looking at the ultra sound monitor looking, hoping, for a heartbeat. I remember being glad that I had you in my arms because I could focus on you and not really on what was going on.
It was an odd feeling driving home. I was still in shock and had so many different feelings, but the biggest was being hollow - not empty - just hollow.
I was trying to figure out how I could be angry and sad and hollow all at the same time. But I was also trying to figure out how I could have these feelings knowing that I had such a wonderful little boy sitting in the back seat. And that is what brings me to you.
The only way that I can figure why this happened - and what I keep telling mommy - is because you needed your own angel to watch over you.
You will never know how much of a role you have played in our ability to get through this tough stretch. I have often looked at you with tears in my eyes thinking about your little brother or sister and have been quickly moved from tears to laughter.
Your wonderful little soul. Your ability to look at us and make us laugh or smile with a little noise or a dance or a "Da, Da", has been a blessing that your little heart will never know.
So, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being you and for being such a wonderful boy. Because through all the times when we could have cried you have been able to bring us laughter and joy. It isn't always easy, but without you this would have been a million times harder...so, in those moments when what we really want to do is cry, we can laugh. Laugh at the beauty that is you, and that is our wonderful family.
Thanks,
Mom and Dad
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
10 Months
This last month has been like no other. You are not only mobile but you are figuring everything out, it seems, like every day.
The amount that you have progressed is pretty amazing. It really does seem like every day you are figuring out just how mobile you can really be. It started off with crawling, one robotic hand and leg movement at a time...it has since progressed to you pulling yourself up on everything, including the dog!
You have quickly figured out how to walk between furniture and are even getting so brave as to reach further than you probably should...sometimes grabbing what you reach for other times falling a little short, usually leading to a tumble and some tears.
You love standing up on your own and seem to celebrate it each time you push yourself up. It is funny to watch each time because it is like a hundred new experiences each day. Your curiosity is amazing and it seems like you have to touch and feel everything. You wave your arms around every time you see something that fascinates you.
This past weekend you participated in your first swimming class at the YMCA. You seemed to really like it towards the end as you slowly got the hang of it. You even went under water without crying...you were stunned and we both thought you were going to let out a big scream but you held it in like a super star!
You're personality seems to come through more and more each day. The funny little things you do are countless, but the best seems to be when you try to mimic mom or I when we stick our tongues out like frogs. Sometimes you just open your mouth moving your tongue inside, other times you manage to stick your tongue out every 3rd or 4th attempt.
You also have started to learn how to dance. It is actually quite cute. When mom was out of town we started listening to the iPod when you were eating. You started doing a little move, almost a shimmy in your high chair. You like to bounce up and down when you are standing up playing and almost clapped your hands just a few days ago.
We can officially count 7 teeth now! It seemed to take forever to get just one and now it seems like they have come in bunches. It is pretty funny to look at you because it looks like you have little chicklets stuck in your gums, but soon you will have a mouth full of teeth.
The thing that most amazes me is the amount of words that you seem to understand. You definitely know what doggie means, and you know when you see one. When we are outside and you see one you stop and wave your arms and say "Da" "Da". You also know your name and look when we call you. You keep saying dada and we are trying to get you to associate that with me. Just in the last few days you have started making mama sounds so now the race is on to see which one you associate first!
This is all an awesome experience and the last few weeks have seemed like a blur. It is truly fun, even if it is exhausting being your mommy and daddy.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Spring, On the Move, and Silly Hats!
Springtime at the Park
Swing Time
Wheee!
Mail Time!
Speedy Delivery
Uncle Rob Will Never Let Me On the Boat With This Hat!
Rubber Ducky
Saturday, April 05, 2008
On The Move
It's official, on Friday I got a call from Bets that went something like this:
Me: "Hello"
Liz: "Ah, your son is crawling towards the dog's bone"
Me: "You mean he's crawling?"
Liz: "Uh, yeah, I think we are going to be baby proofing this weekend."
So as many of you have told us, our lives are about to change for good. Here is a video I shot this morning (Saturday) of the little man on the move...just to make sure I have proof that this is actually happening, enjoy!
Oh, watch Riley towards the 1:35 mark
Me: "Hello"
Liz: "Ah, your son is crawling towards the dog's bone"
Me: "You mean he's crawling?"
Liz: "Uh, yeah, I think we are going to be baby proofing this weekend."
So as many of you have told us, our lives are about to change for good. Here is a video I shot this morning (Saturday) of the little man on the move...just to make sure I have proof that this is actually happening, enjoy!
Oh, watch Riley towards the 1:35 mark
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
9 Months
Every day you seem to be more and more like a little boy. I love coming home to you every night because I feel like I am seeing a new child each day.
This past month has finally brought about some new teeth! It seemed like they would never come but finally one broke quickly followed by a second tooth. You were quite a slobbery little one when they were breaking and you had a few rough nights, but when they finally broke and you were able to sleep through the night you were like a whole new child.
You are close to crawling though you still hate to be on your tummy. You have the rocking motion down and will raise a hand or knee, but you just don't seem to want to put it all together.
The same thing for walking. You still love to walk around the house and at times that is ALL you want to do. We bought you a new toy that looks like a mail cart to help you walk around the room but you had one fall on it and you are gun shy ever since. You are learning how to walk just holding one hand, but you are still very hesitant to go too far.
Your voice seems to come in stages. You really find it when you are cruising around the house. It's like you are concentrating really hard and you have to talk yourself through your walks. Sometimes though, you just seem to go on "rants" when you squeak and squawk for long stretches of times.
One of the greatest things is that you are starting to waive goodbye. It started first with just a little wave of the arm that we guessed to be a waving motion. It has since turned into a stiff arm movement up and down and a big smile whenever mom or I leave.
One of your favorite activities is to look out the window. Whether it is the bay window in the kitchen or the front or back door you like to stand and look outside. You like to lick the cold glass and mumble as the cars pass. You could probably stand there for hours on end if we let you. It certainly is a blessing on those occasions when you want to fuss late in the day.
We are excited and nervous to have you moving about. We have invested in our baby-proofing gear and have already started installing some of it.
You can see more pictures like this one by clicking here!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
8 Months Three Weeks
On The Move
Love at First Site
Beep Beep
Who Needs Toys When You Have Socks and Tupperware?
See all new pictures by visiting my Flickr page
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