Catch Up!

Y'all, it has been so very long since I've blogged- almost a year! I've never been good at the blogging thing but there are some things that I want to record, mostly from Andrew and for Andrew, since he is growing and changing so, so quickly. 

There's no way I can go back over the past year and upload picture (see Facebook!) but below are some from the recent weeks and months. I'll have to do a post on his second birthday but I'll work on that.

This is his new Adidas track suit. My boss says he only needs a gold chain to complete the look :) I love it. Adidas, if you need a baby model, I've got one that would be good!

Gosh, so weird to say that he's two now! He is talking more and more, most of which we don't understand but we can usually pick out a few things throughout. 

He's so funny - his thing in the mornings is that while we are on our way to school, he'll yawn and say "my tired". He's sleeping until around 7:15 every morning when I have to wake him up but he's pretty much always in a good mood once he's up. 

We have toast and a banana in the car on the way to school and he just chatters away, usually picking out school buses on the road.  He loves the song "The Wheels on the Bus..." so we sing that pretty much daily. He also no longer has his paci in the car. Unfortunately, he does still get it in the evenings and at bed time. At some point, we'll cut back to just bed time but we just aren't pushing it right now.

This was during the playoffs - had to sport our Niners gear! Andrew has been so into sports lately. Any sports: golf, baseball, football, soccer, basketball. We go out and watch our tennis team pretty much every weekend and he likes that too. I think his favorite right now is baseball. He watches Curious George and there is a baseball episode. That's how he learned to swing the bat. We bought him a tee a couple weeks ago to hit the ball off of. 

 

 We went to the zoo over MLK weekend and it was great! We like the SA zoo and that day had very low crowds. Drewbs is at the age where he really liked looking at the animals and could tell me what sounds they make. The last time we took him, he wasn't too interested. It was a bummer that the petting zoo was closed but I'm sure we'll make it back out this summer.

 Texas State baseball game. He's really good at sporting events. Since he's much more independent, he moves around more than he did last year but he's usually still paying attention to the game. We had an incident with Boko last week at the basketball game. Boko came out of nowhere and it scared Andrew so bad. Boko wasn't even over where we were sitting, just in the aisle next to us. And Andrew screamed bloody murder and was shaking and so scared. I couldn't quit laughing. He was terrified and I feel bad about that but he also got everyone's attention. I'm sure they thought I was beating him. He had Boko nightmares that night and slept with us but has been fine since. I don't know that we'll get him back in the gym for more games anytime soon though.

 First spring outfit. My mom got this outfit for him and Brian's mom got the Sperry's. He couldn't be any more preppy but I love it! I love plaid shorts. He's in to sunglasses and hats so now he has both. My mom brought him those sunglasses and I bought him a hat last weekend.

 I also bought him that Cars table at a flea market. He loves it. It's short to the ground but perfect for when he wants to have a picnic in the living room (mostly just on Friday nights). He loves to pull his table out. 

He is a pretty good eater still. He'll at least try most things. And then tell me "I no like it" when he doesn't want more. He's tried fish, loves broccoli and asparagus and lettuce and loves cheese the most! I still fix his lunches for school everyday and aim to make them healthy and fun. Right now, he is loving raisins (which both Brian and I hate) so that's what he has for snacks at the house. He's still a hot dog eater and won't eat much other meats. So we do lots of fruit and veggies and I try to get protein in there as well somehow.

This was from yesterday before we left for school. He just looked like such a big boy in his little jeans and Vans shoes. I could eat him up. And his shirt exactly describes him: all sports, all the time. 

He is so, so much fun. I say that at every stage but it's always true. We had some adjustments going into the terrible twos with discipline and tantrums but, for now, those have somewhat subsided. He still sits in timeout every so often but the fits and stuff don't happen much. I think it's because he has really started communicating now that he doesn't use his paci all the time. He can tell us what he wants (or doesn't want) and that prevents any meltdowns. 

He gets to watch "monkey" (Curious George) at night after his bath so he will get up in our bed and ask for the ipad. He probably knows how to work that thing better than most adults. He also loves to FaceTime his grandparents. I love that both sets live close and he knows them when we facetime or when they visit. My sister also makes it down and we facetime her as well. He loves his Ali and Desi. 

He has done so good with the transition to the two-year old room (they are the tadpoles). He's been in there since January and there are no more clinging/fussy/crying days when I drop him off. He loves to pick out his center and put his name on it - he always picks the truck center. He gives me a kiss and runs off to play. This morning, I was heading out the door and told the teacher to have a good day. Andrew leaned over to see out of his center and yelled across the room "have good day!". It pretty much melted my heart. I said "you too buddy!", blew him a kiss and left. He'll be excited when I pick him up but he always loves being at school too. That makes my heart happy. 

We are ready for warm weather and longer days so we can play outside and eventually get to the neighborhood pool. Brian says he's going to teach Andrew how to swim this summer. We'll see how far that goes :) We have just been so, so blessed by this little boy in the two short years that he has been here and we try to enjoy and appreciate every minute of it. 

I'm hoping to keep up with the blog, not necessarily every day but maybe weekly. I just want to document those little things with Andrew that I won't remember two years from now. I hardly even remember that tiny toddler from the last post and that was not even a year ago! He's at such a sweet age and learning so much. He amazes us every day!!

Andrew's Baptism

We had Andrew baptized last weekend, on Mother's Day. Brian and I also joined the church. It was such a great weekend. We had been talking about joining the church lately and I knew I wanted Andrew baptized at some point. A few weeks ago, we got an email from our Pastor that she had gotten a new assignment at a different church. 

 (Group picture after church)

We were so bummed about the new assignment. As much as I am used to that growing up in the Methodist church, I have never liked it. We started attending this church last October and have just truly enjoyed it. 

(Pastor Barbara & Andrew)

We love having a female pastor and she just provides really great messages every Sunday. We are going to miss her so much but when we got that email, I knew we wanted to join and have Andrew baptized before she left. 

(Oh, this crazy boy thought he would just take care of this baptizing thing himself - it was hilarious!)

So anyway, we picked Mother's Day to do all of this and both of our parents were able to be there. It was such a special, special day. 

(Love our little family)

It was really a great weekend. We had beautiful weather and just were able to hang out and relax all weekend. 

(great pic with all the grandparents)

We are so blessed to be a part of this church and I hope we can get more involved. I am excited for Andrew to have a church to grow up in just like I did. The people at Eylau UMC still hold such a special place with me. 

Catch Up

This was last week - being lazy at the table with his bottle. :)

Andrew has been such a little cuddle bug with me lately and I have to tell you, I've been soaking it up. He is such an independent little toot (which I love about him!) but I do love when he wants his momma too. 

For the past few days, he has just wanted his momma. After dinner the other night, he just sat in my lap at the table and kept squeezing my neck with hugs. He has been giving me kisses whenever I request, which is a big deal for him and I taught him how to give "nose kisses" (some people call them butterfly kisses or eskimo kisses) and he loves those. He's also been clingy when we go to daycare. He's not unhappy about being at daycare - he definitely gets excited when we go inside - but he wants me to stay and play :) So I oblige. I play for a few minutes and let him show me toys and then I quietly sneak out when he runs around with the other boys. The other day we were running late because he really wanted to be held while I was in the middle of drying my hair. He wrapped his tiny little arms around my leg and squeezed. So, again, I obliged. I held him and we talked and then he ran off to play. 

I know - lots of details - but I LOVE those things. And I cherish every moment of it because one day he won't wrap his little arms around my legs and squeeze or he'll be too old for me to just pick up. And I'm going to miss this stuff. But I sure to want to soak it in now. Love it!

(This was Brian's prescription area on our counter last week. He was diagnosed with a cold and ear infection enhanced by his terrible asthma. So he had a ton of prescriptions and is finally feeling better.)

My sister was down last weekend and we had a birthday party to attend for a little girl that Andrew goes to daycare with. It was at a jumpy place and he loved it. I was a little concerned before we decided to go to the party that the place was a little too much for his age. But there was certainly age appropriate things for him to do. He loved this slide and the whole toy that he could climb up and walk around. I think when he is a little bit older, he would like it more - he didn't love the actual bounce houses. But it was a good time. 

We had a good weekend with Ali. Andrew loves his Aunt B but he really loves Desi the dog. They are such buddies and I really need to get video of them. It's too cute!

Playing outside one day. I keep saying he looks like dad with that little belly protruding above his pants :) haha

We are working on the house next week during spring break. I'm so excited about a little break and spending time with both sets of parents and just hanging out with my clingy little boy :) We are painting the living room and kitchen and I ordered, today, some of our family pictures for some decorating activities. 

It will be an exciting week! I also have been cooking some Pinterest recipes this week so I will have to share some of those. They have all been pretty successful so I have some new stuff to add to the rotation. 

I've got some other pictures and video to share so I will get those loaded this weekend. My new phone is great because I can load them directly to my blog - however, I keep forgetting to get online and actually post the blogs! 

Have a great weekend!

Mommy TMI

 

 This was dinner last night - bologna, avocado, cheese and crackers (already eaten). I don't know that he touched the bologna, although that is one of his faves. 

We are back to feeling better and trying to get his appetite back. His teachers said he ate great at daycare but when he got home, he just wasn't interested.

 

Playing with his cell phone - "hi, hi, hi, hi"

My mommy TMI (too much information) moment came today when I was texting my mom about Drewbie's poop problems. It seems that the lack of eating and possibly not enough liquids (but I think he's been drinking normal amounts!) have caused some intestinal issues. 

And apparently, I thought my mom needed to know all about it when she simply asked "how is everyone today" via text. Now, she's a nurse so it didn't phase her one bit - she just recommended some karo syrup. BUT I had to laugh out loud at myself. There are so many things you think you would never do and then you end up doing almost every single one of them when you are a parent. It's quite humorous :) 

 

 

Bathtub fun

 

 

I think he had a cracker in his mouth here - probably either trying to keep it from the dogs or teasing the dogs with it. 

While Andrew seems to be on the mend, Brian is not. He is at the doctor now because he can't seem to get better. I'm ready for my boys to be back in working order!  

Back in Action

Well, since my sister has decided to deactivate her facebook, I've been told I need to start utilizing my blog again. My husband also criticizes me for reading blogs all the time and never posting in mine :) 

I do have quite a bit to catch up on. My last post was November 13 and Andrew turned one on the 17th. I've got pictures from his birthday, Christmas(es), Thanksgiving, family pictures and first haircut to post :/ I'll get caught up on those in the coming weeks. 

I have been stuck in the sick house for the past seven days. Andrew started running a fever last Sunday and eventually, we got the diagnosis of RSV (see pitiful-ness above). Since he isn't a baby anymore, this diagnosis isn't as serious as it could be, although, it was rough on the little guy. He had to stay home all week and got plenty of rest. The RSV is really just a really bad cold. He had respiratory issues, fever, snotty nose and ear drainage - and of course, no appetite. 

My helper while I was working from home.

Brian and I switched out staying home all week and eventually Brian got sick too. So I had two pitiful babies at home this weekend. Andrew is back at daycare this morning. He had his 15 month check up before daycare and is doing well. He is in the .9% for his length and 2% for his weight. He did lose almost a pound this week because of his illness. And his head circumference was 25%. He got two vaccinations and took them like a champ. 

Watching Cars 2 while at home sick. He is addicted to this movie!

Overall he is a healthy little booger and a growing boy! He really is doing something new all the time. Right now, he likes to mimic everything that we are doing. He says a few words: hi, bye, uh oh, ball, dada and mama (although he uses this word whenever he wants something, not in actual context). He has learned how to shake his head 'no', which is funny. And is always "talking" to us.

This is such a fun age - and I know I've said that at every age so far but he really is the light of our days. Even when he is sick, he still has a great personality and is just plain fun to be with. 

Here is a video of him pointing out the birds and showing off some sign language. Sorry you have to look sideways. I haven't figured out how to change the direction yet. :( 

We had a lazy weekend, obviously with the sickness going on, and we have a non-eventful week, which I'm thankful for. My sister is coming in on Friday so we are looking forward to that. Oh, and I got a new phone so hopefully (?) I can post some great pics and videos on here.

Sick & Tired of being Sick & Tired

This is how our household feels right now...

 Drewbie was feeling that way about his shoes. Let's start there. He hates shoes. He is definitely like his momma and his Aunt B on that one. Two weeks ago, his teacher at daycare asked if we would bring him some shoes. They wanted to work with him on pushing the push toys outside but he needed shoes. 

 Well, this sweet boy is not deprived of shoes but the only ones we had were two big. I went to Target that night and found some size 2 shoes that were on clearance and would be perfect. He hated them. 

 The next morning, I put them on him and his screamed. I took them off. I dropped him and the shoes off at daycare and wished his teacher "luck" on that fight. When I returned in the afternoon to pick him up, she just shook her head and said "he does not like the shoes". Did she think I was lying about his screaming, red-faced fit he threw as if I were pulling each hair on his head?! I thought I would put them on him that night and just let him play and crawl around in them. HA! He just sat there grunting at his feet and wouldn't move. 

 So I let it go. My mom bought him some shoes that were more cushy and he played in those for a bit. Then yesterday, I thought I would try the sandals. He didn't love them but he didn't act like I was pinching every chubby part of his legs either. 

 And he finally started to get the hang of walking in shoes outside. Oh, how this boy loves his push toy. 

 In other news, he got tubes put in his ears on Thursday. That was hard and I was nervous/anxious/needing a drink but he did so good. The staff took great care of him and he was back to "normal" by the end of the day. Hopefully that will ward off any future infections!

 BUT then yesterday Andrew started running a fever of 103. He ran the fever all night and was in quite a bit of pain (judging by the screaming that was coming from his tiny little body but very large lungs). 

 (I love this pic!) He already had an appointment for his follow up flu shot so we moved that up and took him in. He stopped running a fever early this morning but I knew he just wasn't feeling good. Turns out, it was not his ears or teething. He has Hand, Foot, Mouth disease, minus the hand and foot. He has blisters in his throat. 

 Obviously that is super painful and I felt terrible for him! There are no antibiotics that treat this so he just has to live through it for a couple more days but the worst should be over since the fever is gone. He still hollers out in pain some but is definitely better than yesterday. 

 He had to also get some bloodwork done so by noon, this boy was worn out. Brian stayed home with him and Andrew napped well for him but he passed out pretty good tonight. Hopefully he will get some good sleep tonight (so that mommy and daddy can rest too!)

 I'm so ready for us all to be well and for the weather to cool down a bit so we can enjoy more outside time. 

 I would love to know what his little brain was thinking here :) 

So blessed with this little mess! :)

10 MONTHS OLD!

I usually have great, dress-in-semi-cute clothes pictures for his monthly birthdays. This month, I failed. 

 It was a busy week and this sweet boy was also having tubes in his ears. I knew the 17th was his monthly birthday and had thought that the previous weekend but then when the day came, I totally forgot. 

 Until we got home, after work and daycare. 

 With our stained clothes and worn out from all the playing. 

 But it didn't matter. He is still my super cute, all-over-the-place, wild, loving, sweet boy! And he is TEN MONTHS OLD! That means we only have two more months until the big ONE! 

 I know everybody says it but it seems like yesterday that we were leaving the hospital on a football Friday night with our screaming little boy. 

 And now look at him. 17.5 pounds (yes, still small) and 26 inches. He's still in size 3 diapers and 6-9 month clothes. Most of the 9 month clothes are still a little big. 

 He's eating solid food now. No more purees. Mostly, he loves cheese. He eats things like cheese ravioli, pieces of cheese, blueberries, yogurt, applesauce, carrots, sweet potatoes, goldfish, bits of different fruits, mac & cheese and he loves black beans. He will eat pretty much anything but meat. I have tried to introduce chicken multiple times with little success. 

 He is still taking 3-4 bottles a day and usually wakes up once at night for a bottle. He is loving daycare and is almost the oldest boy in the classroom. His teachers want him to not walk for awhile so they can keep him longer :) but he is on the move with his walking toys. He also loves to rearrange the kitchen chairs. 

This boy is into everything and just does not stop. I have a daily struggle between wanting to say "NO" on a continuous basis to keep him safe from everything and wanting to foster his curiosity and help his little brain learn. He is such a smart little boy and I've found myself saying that it's okay for him to play in the water of the dog bowl. I mean, who's he hurting? :) (I don't let that happen often - too much mess!)

He is learning so much from daycare. He came home on Wednesday and started clapping. I was in shock. They clap a lot at daycare but it was just so fun for him to start doing it all of sudden. So now we do lots of clapping :) 

He is just so much fun right now. We enjoy him everyday and make it a point to spend as much time as possible with him when we get home from work. I love to watch his active little self. And I love to watch him and Brian play. He is all boy but still so sweet. He has started saying 'ma-ma-ma-ma...'. Oh, he is has my heart! 

Happy monthly birthday sweet boy! You bring us so, so much joy and we know how blessed we are to have you. 

On the MOVE!

This is the story of my life. Notice baby being cute. Grab camera. Baby is already on the move. This boy never stops! (except for bed time and nap time)

 He starts his day around 6am and the minute he wakes up, he is talking, squealing, babbling and trying to close all the doors on you. (that's his new fave thing: open the door, shut the door, repeat.)

 Anytime I try to get the camera out to get some good pictures, he just won't stay still. And I think he knows about the camera and intentionally moves so I can't get any good pics. You should see his face in one of the studio pics we had done for his 9 month pictures. He was not having that lady or her camera. 

 Dog toys = staying still for five seconds :) 

 Really, mom? (I have a feeling this is not the last time I will see this face!)

I think Andrew was trying to get Simba's toy and Simba was trying to get Andrew's face. The other story of my life! :)

What a joy!