Summer 2014

I started this summer looking forward to spending time with Christopher, but also thinking I could never be a stay at home mom. Well I start back to work tomorrow and there have been moments over the last two months when I have thought being at home with him would be great. Since I have been with him 24/7 I have been able to witness the new things he does and says. When I return to work we will rush to get out the door in the morning and the evening will be busy with dinner and bath time. I will miss our morning jogs and playing outside when we return, attending My Gym on Monday mornings, weekday play dates and relaxing while he naps.

 I'm trying to prepare myself for the fact that things are about to get busy real quick! The beginning of the school year is always so hectic and I'm also taking two courses this fall to extend my certification to fourth through sixth grades. I know that I need to make sure every second I have with him I am in the moment. He is growing up way too quick and while child development and kindergarten seem so far away...I know in a blink of an eye he will be headed to school!!

Fun times from this summer...

Swim lessons were so much fun!!!

He loves fish!!!

Mommy's little helper in the kitchen!

Reading with Grandma.

BIG BUBBLE!!

18 Months

Our goofball!

Exciting moments over the past few months...

*He can say many words. The ones he uses the most often are ball, thank you, please, apple (every fruit is an apple it seems like), brush teeth, cheese, no, sit, up and down.

*He has really enjoyed being in the pool. He is taking swim lessons with me later this month.

*He is scared of flies and butterflies.

*He LOVES to play outside!

*He had his 3rd haircut in June and ate his first sucker so it could happen. :)

*He LOVES balls and actually throws them really well.

*He does most activities with his left hand...not sure how I'm going to teach him how to do things left handed. 

*He really enjoyed riding on the back of my bike in Hilton Head. He looked so cute with his helmet on!
*He loves to watch me vacuum and he follows it around the house. I even bought him a toy vacuum. I hope this means he will enjoy chores later on. :)

*He took his first pontoon boat ride on Lake Lure.

*He has a great time playing in a big box that daddy brought in the family room. He even cut a door in it for him to crawl in and out. Why buy toys?

*His feet keep growing! He is wearing a 7.5 extra wide. 

*We are having a hard time with his eating habits. He won't eat food he used to love and won't try anything new. It is hard to enjoy meal time!

*He knows what I mean when I say give me a kiss or hug, and I love receiving them!

*We hung out with cousin Kevin (7 months) on vacation. Christopher tried to be gentle and share. It will be interesting to see them together next summer when Kevin will be Christopher's age.

*He hates putting on sunscreen. You would think he would associate this with going outside or swimming and not throw a fit, but it doesn't work that way. 

*Mommy could use a later wake up time this summer, but he keeps waking up between 6:15-6:30. I know I shouldn't complain since he is such a good sleeper...at least it is light outside when he wakes up! 

I have learned that having a toddler can be fun, exciting but also frustrating at times. This summer is already flying by so I need to enjoy each minute I have with him! We have a more relaxed July so maybe it will slow down a little. 

Whee!!

Going on a walk!

 

Snoopy and the vacuum...two of my favorite things!

Love the pool!!

 

Love my cousin and aunt!

Inspiration

I am addicted to Pinterest for recipes, crafts, school activities, etc.  I was looking through my board titled Inspiration this evening and some of the quotes I pinned brought a tear to my eye because of the special gift that God placed in our lives 15 months ago. "2013 will be my year!", "Sometimes all you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best."  and "Sometimes we have to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life waiting for us." I pinned all these sayings while trying to wait patiently for the placement of a baby. I didn't foresee my life taking this course when I was younger, but everything has truly worked  out for the best...I couldn't be any happier at this point in my life!

Going Fast!

Some things to remember from the last 3 months...

* You are 26 pounds and almost 33 inches long. 

* Some of your words...ball, nana (banana), mama,and bubble.

* You know where your head, ears, nose, mouth and belly button are located.

* You have learned how to pet Trixie instead of tormenting her. 
* Your favorite book right now is "Dinosaur Roar"...you are quite the "roarer" too. 

* You have conquered sippy cups.

* You are a picky eater, but love graham crackers, yogurt, beans and franks, fish sticks, and fruit. Not a fan of meat. 

* You had your first haircut and I think you need another one. It is growing so fast!

* You have allergies and have to take Zyrtec. :(

* You love to play outside and get upset when we come in.

* You love bubbles and bubble baths.  
* Your point at everything.
* You enjoy bird watching and looking at them on the bird feeder in the backyard. 

* You enjoy brushing your teeth with mommy and daddy.

* You like to play in the Tupperware cabinet. 

* You enjoy My Gym on Saturday mornings and moved up to the 14-24 month class. 

* You are shy around adults you don't know or haven't seen in awhile.

* You still have an oral fixation. It looks like we have dog with some of the items you have chewed on. Yuck!
* We bought a zoo membership and you love seeing all the animals! 

* You are starting to sleep to almost 7am on weekends! So happy!

It is hard to believe our little guy is 15 months! We are having so much fun with him...watching him grow and change is amazing! He brings happiness to our family with his smile and laughter, but he can be a little stinker at times too. He challenges us like every toddler does. We are trying to figure out what is best for him as we move along this journey called parenthood. 

Talking to the birds at the zoo!

Big Boy

Fun at the Children's Garden

Christopher and Kevin...OSU fans! How cute is my nephew?

Happy 1st Birthday!!

Happy 1st Birthday!!

A few things to remember this month...

* You are currently 31 inches long and 24.6 pounds.

* We figured out why you don't like to walk in your shoes...they were too small! We were putting you in a 5 wide and you are actually a 6.5 wide. Big boy! You walk in them all the time now. :)

* You give high fives.

* You met all of your 14 cousins.

* You sat on Santa's lap and didn't scream or cry. We were surprised.

* You LOVE to play with your big dump trunk. You will sit for up to 15 min. and roll it around by yourself. 

* We celebrated your first Christmas in Ohio. You were spoiled rotten! 

* You refuse to wear a hat anymore.

* We started brushing your teeth.

* You are slowly taking to a sippy cup.

* You like baby Goldfish. 

* You have 8 teeth...four on top, four on the bottom.

* You high step around the kitchen. I call it tap dancing, but daddy calls it high stepping. 

Christopher,

We can't believe it has been a year since you became part of our family! You have brought so much joy and love into our life! We are so thankful that God placed you with us, and your birthmother loved you so much she chose us to give you the life that she couldn't. We are still trying to figure out the best way to be your mom and dad, but I think we are doing a pretty good job.  You are growing and changing daily and we can't wait to see what this year has in store for us. Happy Birthday sweet boy! We love you more than you will ever know!

Love, Mom and Dad 

Happy Birthday!!

Ball fun!

He'll be able to manipulate technology better than us soon!

We had to keep an eye on him New Year's Eve!

Smile...it is your birthday!

11 Months

Happy 11 Months!

A few things to remember about this month...

* You are currently 30 inches long and 24.4 pounds. 

* You started walking and are speedy!

* We started attending classes at My Gym. You really enjoy your time there, but not in the ball pit, which is funny since you love balls.

* You got your first goose egg on your forehead when daddy was chasing you down the hall. Your forehead hit the floorboard.

*You will now let us put your shoes on you, but you refuse to walk in them.

* You have two more teeth starting to break through on the bottom.

* We have had many people tell us how much you look like your daddy! ;)

* You have said momma, or what we think is momma.

* You LOVE Cheerios!!

* You love the song BINGO.

* You visited mommy at school and met her students.

* You had pneumonia and your first trip to the ER. :(

* You started crawling all the way up the steps.

*You LOVE to open the cabinet doors and slam them shut. You have caught your fingers a few times. 

* You enjoy clapping. 

* You cousin, Kevin, was born. We can't wait to meet him! You will have so much fun with him! 

One more month and you will be one year old! Each day is an adventure with you and we look forward to what next month brings!  

He looks like a little boy and not a baby anymore!

 

10 Months

A few things to remember about this month...

* You currently weigh 22 pounds and are 29 1/4 inches long.

* You gained a tooth on the top so you currently have 4 teeth on top and 2 on the bottom.

* You started eating Cheerios.

* We bought you your first pair of shoes at Stride Rite and you wear a 5 wide, but you have NO desire to wear them. You try to kick them off your feet.
* You have started taking multiple steps at one time. We are just waiting for you to take off!
* You walk all around the family room pushing your activity table...who needs a walker!
* You love to play with the cat door on the gate into the laundry room. 
* You had another infected finger this month. We think when you lose a hang nail you are getting bacteria in the cut. You don't need anymore!
* We took you trick or treating with friends and you dressed up in a dragon costume. We thought you might be scared, but you sat in your wagon and people watched.
* Everyone LOVES your curly hair!
* You started clapping. 
* You continue to be an early riser. I will be so happy when you sleep past 5:45 am...and that's late for you.
* You learned how to turn on and off the television while we are watching it. 
* Daddy has nicknamed you "Destructo". We also call you curly! 
*You love to chase Trixie (cat) around the house. We are trying to teach you how to be gentle.

 It is so hard to believe that you are only 2 months away from being 1 year old! I want to freeze time so you will stay little forever! 

9 Months

Happy 9 Months!!

A few things to remember about this month...

* You weigh 22 pounds and are 28 3/4 inches long. Your growth has slowed down a little. 

* You gained 3 teeth this month. (3 on the top and 2 on the bottom)

* You can stand for short periods of time without holding on to anything.

* You have gone out to eat with us a few times and have done great in the high chairs.

* You had two "busted" lips this month from falling.

* We bought you a wagon and you LOVE riding in it.

* You continue to practice drinking from a sippy cup.

* Mommy left you for the first time when she went to Ohio for Aunt Tricia's baby shower...daddy did great!

* You started riding in the front of shopping carts at stores.

*We had to go to the Pediatric After Hours office because the tip of your finger got swollen and somehow infected. You were on antibiotics.

* You LOVE playing with balls and water bottles...who needs to buy toys? :)

* We finally put up a gate and locks on the kitchen cabinets, since you started opening them. 
*You really study things around you...like pictures in books, toys, and people in public. 

You are such a happy baby! You make us laugh and cry (happy tears)! We love you tons!

Deep in Thought

Loves his wagon rides!

He's a football fan!

First piece of artwork!

8 Months

Happy 8 Months!

A few things to remember about this month...

* You started crawling and you are speedy!
* We think you weigh 22 pounds and are 28 1/2 inches long.

* You started standing up using furniture! You have a gained a few bruises from falling.

 * You can "shimmy", standing up, down the length of the sofa and all the way around the activity table.

* You got 2 teeth!

* You started eating three meals a day.

* You started going to your sitter. You enjoy riding outside in the wagon with Tyson and Dairia.

* Your hair continues to get long and curly.

* You are obsessed with the night light in your room.

* You started eating Puffs and drinking water.

* You are trying to use a sippy cup the right way.

* You started saying "da da da da da". 

* You transitioned to a big boy car seat.  
* You watched your first Buckeye game and Gamecock game.

We can't believe you are already 8 months old and how much you are doing already. Pretty soon you will be walking and keeping us extremely busy. We love you tons! 

Go Bucks!

Watching football with daddy!

Our handsome little man!

7 Months

Happy 7 Months! 

A few things to remember about this month...

* You are rolling all over the place!
* You have figured out how to get on your hands and knees and will rock back and forth...we think crawling might be soon.
* You sat up on your own for the first time today! I hope this keeps up!
* Your hair is getting so curly!
* You visited Ohio and met extended family members and friends.
* You are eating all types of baby food and seem to like most of it...you were a little unsure of the green beans, but we will keep trying.
* Daddy measured you and you are 28 inches long! We aren't sure of your weight, but we are assuming you are a little over 20 pounds.
* You attended several Gymboree classes with mommy. You were the youngest one, but you enjoyed taking everything in and watching all the other babies crawl and walk.
* You were baptized.
* You saw lots of animals at Grandpa Rataiczak's farm (goats, chickens, peacocks, miniature horses etc.)
* We had to move the mattress on your crib down since you are almost starting to sit up on your own.
* We upgraded your car seat.
* We found out that Aunt Tricia is having a boy and we are excited to see the two of you together.

Time is flying by! It is hard to believe I only have one more week with you before summer is over! I will miss our time together, but I know you will enjoy your time with Dairia and Tyson while I'm working. We love you tons!!

Grandpa Miller & Aunt Tricia are Pirate fans!

Cake from your party in Ohio!

Aunt Tricia...pretty soon you will have a baby boy cousin!

Baptism

Christopher was baptized on Sunday. We had some family and one of my good friends attend the service. Christopher was all smiles, but so tired by the end when we took pictures. He fell asleep on Kellee's shoulder almost immediately. I know I've said it a million times, but we are so blessed and thankful that God placed Christopher in our lives!

Family at Baptism.

While Grandpa Barney was here for the Baptism he presented Christopher with the rocking chair that he had when he was young. He even wrote a poem and recited it to Christopher while he was rocking. Grandpa Barney is so talented! I know Christopher will have many relaxing rocks in his new chair.

Thank you Grandpa Barney!

6 Months

Happy 6 Months!

A few things to remember about his month...

*You currently weigh 19 pounds 6 ounces and are 27 1/4  inches long. You are in the 80th percentile for both so you are proportional. 

* You started rolling over on a normal basis.

* You sit up for extended periods of time with no support.

*You started eating baby food (squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas).

* Your hair is getting wavy and curly.

* You hung out in the pool on vacation and loved being in the water.

* We tried taking you into the ocean, but we think the waves might have scared you. 

* You wake up during the middle of the night and talk to yourself in your crib. 

* You move around your crib during the night and we never know where we are going to find you. You have also started sleeping on your stomach, side and with your knees folded under you. 

* You LOVE to blow raspberries!

* You had to get a DOC Band (helmet) for your head to help with the flatness. It hasn't phased you one bit. Mommy is the one having a hard time with it, but I know it is for the best. It makes it hard to see your expressive face when we are playing. 

* You are drooling like crazy! Pretty soon you won't be toothless.

It is hard to believe you are half a year old! The time has flown by and pretty soon you will be one. Next month is busy, but I will continue to enjoy every single minute I get to spend with you during these summer months!! 

You love eating your vegetables.

Ducky "Pool"

So strong!

Who is on Grandpa Miller's hat?