8 Months and More

Blake is 8 months old! Yes, you read that right... 8 months old!!!! Where has all the time gone?! We have to admit that this is such a fun age! He just gets better and better as the days go by. I have never seen such a curious little boy. We can't get enough of him. :)

Here is what he is up to this month....

• He still HATES to have his face wiped after eating
• Crawling is his most realistic method of movement...child proofing everything now!
• He is constantly trying to stand up...and can when he has something to hold on to.
• Bouncing is still a favorite past time :)
• Ryan finally gave him bananas and he loves them!
• He is being very specific about his likes and dislikes.
• We have 2 top teeth coming in!
• He has started sleeping all night or at least most of the night. Huge success for us!
• He loves books - we even have a bath book that can get wet!
• He loves to go everywhere in his stroller or a store cart.
• "Dada", "Baba:, "ggguuuu", and "lalala" are his favorite sounds. Still no "mama"
• He won't sit still...we now have to wrestle him to put on his clothes.
• He loves playing with everyone and smiles all the time.
• You can see his mind figuring out things...such a smart kiddo!

Man, that was a long list. And I could actually keep going... Haha. He is just growing so much and we are enjoying every second of it! :)

Happy Fall

It's October 1st and all I can say is - Happy Fall!!! Ryan was able to come in for the weekend and we were able to bring in the Fall season together!!! :)

We have lots more pictures to come about our long family weekend, but for now we just want to celebrate Fall!

Happy Birthday Aunt T

 

This year we actually got to celebrate Taylor's birthday. With our family all spread out over the US, it is always exciting when we actually get to spend a birthday with one of them! This year, Taylor turned 17! We went to the dinner of her choice - Kanki - and we of course goofed off. :) Then we came back and ate cake and opened gifts. We love Taylor...and more than anything, Blake loves his Aunt T!

 

Today in church they talked about parenting and family.  Normally I don't say much when it comes to parenting. I am very aware that there are many different opinions and each family has their own style. To be honest, I am almost scared to say anything about parenting methods because I don't know how Blake will be. I am sure at any given point he will kick and scream in the middle of Target or repeat something embarrassing to his kindergarten teacher. However, this poem that was shared struck me in a special way. No matter what, I hope to be encouraging to my children and not put them down or focus on their flaws. Bottom line, children learn by example and I really really hope that Ryan and I can be a good example to our children.

Parenting Poems
Which Parent Will I Be?

~Author Unknown~

"I got two A's," the small boy cried.
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very bluntly asked,
"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,
"Did you sweep the floor?"

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away."
His father asked him, with a shrug,
"Did you clean off the clay?"

The children in the house next door
seem happy and content.
The same thing happened over there,
And this is how it went:

"I got two A's,"
the small boy cried,
His voice was filled with glee.
His father very proudly said,
"That's great, I'm glad you belong to me."

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"
The girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said,
"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"And put the mower away."
His father answered with much joy,
"You've made my day happy."

Children deserve a little praise
For tasks they're asked to do.
If they're to lead a happy life,
So much depends on you.

100% Boy

What else would a little boy be doing on a Sunday afternoon?!?! Playing with legos and watching football!!!! 100% Boy :)

Always Able

We received some bad news yesterday. Mark Fitzgibbons, one of the guys Ryan deployed with from the 173rd, passed away. He has always been described as someone who could make people smile and laugh with his jokes and sarcasm. Ryan could probably go into much more detail about the type of person that he was and the things that they liked to do, such as playing football. All I know is that the year that they spent together, protecting each other and fighting for their country, is something that can never be described. They all had a special bond that can never be broken.

Mark had been out of the Army for a while and living in Austin, Texas. Ryan is lucky enough to be able to drive there (6 hour drive) and attend the funeral services with some of the other guys from the 173rd. Many things can be said about guys in the Army, but I think that it speaks volumes when they drop everything to travel from all parts of the US to pay respects to a fallen brother.

Sometimes there are things in life we can't explain. Things in life that may seem unfair. However, there is no doubt that people are placed in our lives for specific reasons. I know that Mark "Fitz" had a very special place and purpose in Ryan's life. That is something that will never be forgotten. Always Able and MJ4L!!!

7 Months and Skyping

Our little Blake is 7 months old today!! Seriously can't believe that he is growing so quickly!!! We relaxed most of the day today because Blake is still getting over a little stuffy nose that he has. So, we decided to Skype daddy and show him all of our new tricks. First of all, Blake LOVES skyping Ryan. He gets so still and just watches him. Occasionally he will try to talk too. He always tries to reach for the computer and press buttons. Blake got to show Ryan his 2 new teeth that are coming in. Ouch! He also showed off his little Army crawl that he has going on. He tends to reach and then pull himself. Lots of times he will get on all fours and rock, but he is still getting up the courage to place one leg in front of the other. After much encouragement Blake also said a little "Da-Da" for Ryan!!! Yes, he has said his first word. :) Now we are just waiting for him to understand what that word means and say it on demand. Here are some other 7 month updates...

• He loves to eat apples, carrots, squash, and pears
• He is not a fan of peas or peaches
• He HATES having his faced wiped after dinner
• He still bounces his little heart out
• Sometimes he is a chatter box...now saying "da-da"
• He still loves to smile
• Sleeping is getting a little better - now only waking up once or twice
• He loves going to Ms. Dawn's during the day
• He loves riding in his stroller and shopping carts
• His favorite TV shows are Backyardigans and The Fresh Beat Band :)
• He can Army crawl and twist all the way around.
• He has fought off his first head cold
• He has 2 teeth coming in