Radio Tower

For some reason, "K" has been ever fascinated by "radio" towers.  It began way before he could talk.  He would point at the tall communication tower-type structures outside the window on the way to and from daycare.  I could tell you where EVERY tower was between home and town - there happen to be 5 - if you are curious.

Oh, and it really does not matter what the tower's intended purpose is (television, radio, cellular, satellite, etc.).  "K" believes that each and every tower is a radio tower.  So, he now tries to build towers out of blocks.  He has determined that each tower is, indeed, a radio tower.  So, enjoy this snap of the "really tall and big radio tower!"

Sleepy Swinger

Playing, learning to walk, exploring a large classroom, playing, learning to eat table foods, talking and playing require much energy!!  Did I mention that playing can wear a person out?!  So,  it is a good idea to lay back, enjoy a swing ride and take a well earned nap!

This napping photo generates some questions in my mind though.  1) Why will "L" hang out in the swing at the child care center and not at home?  2) Why does "L" nap at the child care center, when he seems to be too busy to nap at home?  3) How old is too old for a baby to ride in the swing?  I am sure that I could think of many more thought provoking questions related to this photo, but it makes me sleepy, so I think I will just rest instead!

Birthday Clothes

"K" received the cutest outfit from one of my friends for his birthday.  It took awhile for summer to get here, but since it has definitely arrived -- we are excited to wear this fun attire!  "K" was having a snack, hence the bowl, and I snapped a shot of the cute look.  "K" loves the dump truck shirt, and the shorts are super comfy too.  The shorts have pockets, which means there is a place for all sorts of treasures -- i.e. rocks, bugs, plants, cherry tomatoes -- oh the possibilities are endless!  So thank you Miss EM, for the super cute summer look!

Birthday Boy!

Our little guy is officially #1!  He had a marvelous first cake eating experience last night, and "K" even helped sing "Happy Birthday" to mark the event!  All in all, I would say it was a success.  Sister #2 was on a training visit, so we had one more singing voice present =)

So, what's the latest in accomplishments?  Here is a bit about what's new on "L's" learning itinerary:

*Walking!!  This is the super big one.  Officially steps were taken on July 5, but the last week things have really ramped up.  "L" now chooses walking mostly over crawling, and more so each day!
*Bye-Bye Bottles -- Well, almost!  "L" has stopped taking bottles during the day, and is getting the hang of the sipper cup.  He loves that 5:00 a.m. bottle, so I am going to keep that one until he really gets the sipper cup down.
*Totally on Table Food -- Yes, I love this accomplishment!  No more purees, grinding, chopping etc.  I simply cut the food we are eating into smaller pieces.  He has been doing great, and is getting better with new textures.
*New Words - The latest words are "pacifier" and "ewwww."  Pacifier sounds more like "path-fye" and "ewwww" is shouted as a high-pitched shrieking sound, complete with a giggle at the end.  Hilarious!
*Object Size - "L" is starting to figure out that small objects can fit into big objects.  He loves putting things inside one another to test them.

Well, that is the news!  The fair is in session, so Mr. Fixit is quite busy -- and I am truly missing the extra set of hands with bedtime adventures!!

Close-Up

I have been blessed with so many fun photos of "L" lately!  I honestly cannot take the credit for the shutterbug fever.  "L's" teacher has been very enthusiastic -- and generous with photo sharing.  I am not sure what we will do now that she has transitioned to another position!

Well, this photo happens to be one of my favorites.  I love the close up shot, and the expression that can be seen in "L's" eyes.  He is slyly sneaking a snack while smiling.  I love that!  This one may have to actually become a print for the baby book!  Hmmmm, I think I need to update about 5 months of stuff at this point.  It is true, it is harder to keep up with stuff for the second baby!

Ready, Set - Walk!

Walking is happening - slowly, but surely!  At first, the steps have been slow, and deliberate.  Need to get somewhere quickly?  No problem, drop to all fours -- and crawl, has been "L's" style!  Just in the last week or so, walking has become more the choice for mobility.  Yeah!

"L" has been practicing his balance while standing to play with toys too.  Here is a snap of "L" ready to take off.  The next item of importance will be acquiring shoes for him.  I have been letting him get the hang of the balance thing, and feel for walking barefoot.  It is the best way for learning, many say.  So, once the move happens to the toddler room, shoes will be necessary.  Our baby is growing up!

Balanced Doughnut

The final days with Miss "J" went by so quickly!  She snapped many pictures of "L" exploring his environment in the classroom.  Soon, this classroom space will be "old news," as transition visiting has already begun!

Upon the first birthday - or within that time frame - infants are transitioned into the toddler room.  The toddler room contains little people about 12-24 months.  So, hard to believe that we are working on that process now!  "L" has had several visits, and even enjoyed lunch with his new friends. 

In the meantime, we will continue to improve walking skills, transitioning from a bottle to a sippy cup and transitioning the nap schedule to one nap a day.  Stay tuned!

Basket Case

"L" has quite the little personality!  He has taken to the habit of standing in the middle of the room and "talking" with his pacifier in his mouth.  As if to add emphasis to certain points, he raises his arm to accentuate his "words!"  It is certainly entertaining!

I have decided to respond with words like: "Really?"  or "What do you see?"  or even "Wow!"  He then gets more excited, and starts "talking" more.  I am not certain what we are hearing about, but nonetheless, it is important conversation!  So, our little basket case is on the move -- by two feet now -- instead of all fours!

Last Diaper Call

It is so hard to believe that this wonderful gal is leaving baby "L's" childcare classroom.  She has taken a new position with another early childhood education entity, and her last day came too quickly!!  Not only did she watch the babies, but she helped them achieve milestones!

There are memories of mud play, painting, outside adventures, crawling, chattering, walking, first teeth, ear infections and more.  We are thankful to have shared time with Mrs. "J," and will forever be grateful for her excellent work with the little dudes.  Baby "L" provided her with flowers, in honor of the festive day!

Why I Run

I love to run, and I am feeling like I am missing out at the moment.  I rarely get 20 minutes to myself for a quick 2.5 mile jog.  I would love to have 30 minutes to myself to run as far as I could get in that time frame, but I have little dudes -- and a big dude -- who seem to miss me too much!

I long for the days of running to return!  My plans are to try and sneak in an early morning run (around 5) before the boys wake up and Mr. Fixit has to leave for work at 6:10 a.m.  However, it appears that baby "L" is often not wanting to sleep at that hour!

So, during this running "expectation" time, I will run a 5K here and there, and enjoy an evening jog several times a week!

Cheers for "A!"

My friend "Di" and I joined a group of "A's" family and friends in support of this race.  "Journey for Jo" was a 5K earmarked to raise funds for those suffering from bile duct cancer.  We had gathered and were waiting for the race to begin.  In the meantime, the event photographer found us!

He asked us to jump for this photo!  I thought it turned out quite well.  Camera technology and photographer talent sure create some amazing photos!  So, I titled this post: "Cheers for A!," as we all certainly did cheer for her, and with her, as she walked that day and as she continues to battle cholangiocarcinoma.

Race for Research

My good friend "Di" and I donned running apparel for a very special race -- a race designed to raise money for research on cholangiocarcinoma.  This word means cancer of the bile ducts.  It is a rare and very serious  cancer.  Our good friend and co-worker, "A" is fighting this cancer today.

So, we decided to race for "A!"  I crafted tu-tus for us to wear during the race in her honor.  I also made one for her too.  "A's" favorite colors -- are all bright, of course-- but in particular, she cited orange, purple and green.  So, I thought rainbow tulle was the perfect solution!  This photo was snapped pre-race.  It was an unseasonably chilly, and windy race morning!! 

Holiday

Happy Independence Day to all!  I truly love this holiday!  I love that it is about celebrating as a nation our freedom.  I love that it is about families gathering for picnics and bbq's and catching up.  I love that it is about parades and festivals and watermelon.  MMmmmmmm -- it is about watermelon, right?

Ok, I love that!  So, it is ironic that this year, my family is celebrating with a send off for Sister #2.  She will begin a one year deployment soon, and so we are all gathering to wish her well.  Oh, and to bbq and eat watermelon (I hope) and catch up too!

I wish you all a safe and very happy holiday weekend!  Enjoy this special time with family and friends. As you can see, Baby "L" thinks we all have much to celebrate!

New Beginning

I have completed 15 years in my current career, although, the last 15 months do not really feel as though they count towards my career time.  The role I filled was so very different from my local youth development role.  I simply felt like a fish out of water!  So, you might say I am jumping into a new pool of sorts!

On Monday, I begin my new career journey.  While I am still working for the same university, my hat will change.  I will be assisting students with enrollment, graduation requirements, advising details and academic related circumstances.  I will be part of a team serving 2,000 students for the college!  Our new Dean began on July 1, and the position that I will fill is a new position for the college.  I look forward to these growth opportunities.

I am sad -- yet excited too.  I will develop new relationships, but know that I will miss my network of co-workers (friends) tremendously.  I hope to someday join these ranks again.  In the meantime, I plan to participate as a volunteer for this awesome youth organization.  I look forward to reconnecting with staff, participants and volunteers throughout the year.  In the meantime, I hope that this new "pool" will yield calm waters, lasting friendships and amazing learning opportunities!