Ten Months!

In less than 2 months we will officially have a one-year-old in our house, once again!  I honestly cannot believe how fast the time has flown.  I know I say this every month -- but it is so true!  "L's" smile and personality continue to grow.  =) Take a look at what baby "L" is up to at month 10:

*Working on more teeth!  It looks like about 5 are ready to pop through any time.  Yikes!
*New words include, "Hey kitty, kitty!" and "Ka" (cow).  Of course, he has already said the traditional "Da Da" and I think I heard him say "Ma Ma" once.  I will keep listening!
*Walking around objects, while holding on.
*Standing without holding onto anything.
*Slowly starting to try "real" table food.
*Starting to test out a sippy cup.
*Loves to climb and play on "K's" bed!
*Can sign the word "more."
*Waves bye-bye.
*Laughs when we turn the oven mitt into a puppet!!

I am excited for walking to commence, because it will be much easier -- and more fun for "L" when he can walk around outside.  His weight of 20 pounds does get heavy after 30 minutes of carrying!  Ready for summer adventures -- here we come!

Godfather

"L's" Godparents came for dinner one night, and it was so good to see them!  I told Mr. Fixit that we need to get regular dinner dates on our calendar with them.  So, that is one of my goals!  After dinner, while us girls cleaned up the dishes, the boys played.  Mr. Fixit snapped a photo of Godfather "W" with "L" and "K."  As you can see, toy activity was in process!  Thanks for your visit Godparents "W" and "D!"

Butterflies

Mr. "L" Picasso has been painting!  This week's project featured a coffee filter, which after drying, and the addition of a clothespin and pipe cleaner antenna - became a butterfly!  The "butterflies" are now hanging from the ceiling throughout the classroom.  Each little person painted!

After receiving this picture from "L's" teacher, I looked at it in amazement.  When did "L" get to be so grown-up?  Sitting in a chair, painting??  How did that happen so fast? 

Two of "L's" little "friend's" are leaving today.  They have "graduated" to the toddler room next door.  That leaves four little dudes left, and they are all around the 9 - 10 month age range.  Soon, in the not so distance future, we will be "flying" to the next room too. 

So, in the midst of graduation season, I couldn't help but showcase this "butterfly" in process.  I can't think of a better example to represent new beginnings and new adventures!

Big Backhoe

Some day "K" will be able to wear summer jammies, but this is as close as we have gotten to that.  It simply has been too cold!!  So, I must resort to the fleece, feet jammies.  "K" really loves equipment, cars, pickup, you know, that kinds of stuff that men go crazy for.  I fear we may have to take him to a farm show some day for entertainment!

Anyway, this was shot right before bed.  "K" now repeatedly exclaims as I take his picture: "Hi Mommy! Hi Mommy! Hi Mommy!"  So, the causes his mouth to be open in all of the pictures!

Keeping My Fork

There is a phrase that goes like this, "Save your fork - the best is yet to come!"  I love this phrase because I think about what else might be next, and can't wait to experience it!  My reference of "fork" and "next" today, really do not pertain to food.  My mind is going many directions, but for those who know me, you will likely know where this post is leading.

I am so blessed with a marvelous husband (who, by the way, convinced our 2 year old to hand deliver me a card in the midst of a toy search, on Mother's Day) and two entertaining little boys.  I still pinch myself to be sure it is all still true!  Although, I am starting to pinch myself more to stay awake some days!  Eeekkk, the 9 month old still will not sleep.  :/

I am on a search for that "next" to save my "fork" for.  I am looking for a way to make a difference and extend a hand to people in need.  This is what life is all about, I believe, the excitement of teaching someone something new.  I want to make it click, and make a positive difference in the lives of others!  I hope that my "fork" will soon be needed.

Mom and Boys

Thank goodness my little Sis snapped a photo or two of our visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house!  The little guys are still figuring out the whole grandparent thing, but "K" is starting to make the connection.  He was so funny on this visit, because he kept saying, "Hey Grandpa, hey!"  Then he would giggle when my Dad responded!

So, the little guys explored the new "jungle gym" and "obstacle course" otherwise known as, furniture, at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

The Long Run

Babies are amazing: amazingly time intensive, amazingly resilient and amazing little learners!  I once had a friend tell me that babies go through phases.  A phase lasts about two weeks, and then another phase usually occurs.  Honestly, this is about right.  I look back upon the past nine months and think, wow, we have come along way!  Then another night of every hour wake-ups occurs, and I wonder, when will this phase be completed?

The house remains in a state of dust, the grass unmowed, the desk unfiled and the "to do" list continues to grow.  Mr. Fixit and I are tired, as sleep simply seems optional most nights.  While our bed is quite comfortable, we simply do not get the chance to lie there long enough.  "It gets better," is what we hear.  So, we await that "someday."

In the meantime, I compare this experience to a race, a race without end.  I ran my first half marathon about four years ago.  The difference between a road race and this sleepless race, is that the miles are labeled and you know how far you have left to go.  I am not really certain about this sleepless race.  I climb another hill, and think, "Oh, I am nearly there!"  Then another curve later, I find another hill to climb.  So, I keep running, and someday -- hopefully someday soon -- I can complete this race.

If you see us with glazed eyes, beware, we might just be experiencing side effects of our never ending sleepless race ;)

Nine Months

I feel as though I am in a weird time warp, because the calendar declares it is May, but Mother Nature seems to think it is still winter!  However, "L" has achieved 9 months, and I should probably focus on that bit of information.  So, happy nine months!!  Here's what's new:


*Weight - 20 pounds (45%ile)
*Length - 29 inches (76%ile)
*Head - 18 inches (63%ile)
*Crawling - with great speed!
*Pulling up to a standing position.
*Walking around items.
*Loves Puffs and yogurt melts!
*Ended middle of the night feedings, but still wakes up twice a night.
*Says "da-da," "ba-ba" and "tuh."
*Loves his paci!
*Enjoys climbing over the chair rungs, and hanging out underneath a chair or table.
*"K" does not like that "L" can speedily acquire his toys now ;)

Goals for this month include: learning to drink from a sippy cup, transitioning from pureed baby food to table food, walking? and putting himself back to sleep during the night (I can dream, right??  Oh wait, that requires sleep!)  Stay tuned for more adventures!