A New Discovery

Alex has suddenly realized that he has this cool new toy: it's wet and sticky, it's always attached, and it's really fun to play with! Yes, he figured out that he has a tongue and he's sticking it out all the time. I'm sure I'm probably fostering bad manners, but I have to laugh at him--the faces he can make with that tongue sticking out--too hilarious. I figure I've got lots of time in the future to teach him good manners so for now we're just having fun!

Determination

The little man is getting braver and definitely closer to crawling. He does the rocking thing, though he usually ends up plopping down onto his stomach and getting frustrated--I think I must have rescued him from this situation about 5 million times already this week! He is quite determined though, and I think it will be soon.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go???

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Well, he hasn't gone anywhere quite yet, but practice makes perfect and he sure is getting lots of practice. He hardly plays with toys or does anything else right now. All he wants to do is learn to crawl! Oh, and you'll have to excuse the noise of the TV in the background--I didn't realize it would be so loud on the video!

9 Months Old!

Happy Birthday, Scoobers! You make life such a joy!
Where you goin' big guy??

Early Morning Candids

We Don't Call Him Our Little Booger for Nothing!

Ok, here's a gross story, but I figure it's ok cuz he's a baby and a boy!! Alex has had a runny nose lately due to the teething that constantly plagues our household. Well, it seems that he just realized that it is annoying when snot is running down your nose--not only that, but you can make it go away but sucking it back up!! What a cool trick, right? He seems to think so, cuz he will sit there and blow the boogers and snot in and out of his nose, over and over and over again. Ok, so I should probably wipe that nose right away, I know, but it is so hilarious to see the look on his face while he is doing this!! He concentrates so hard on this new skill, scrunching up his little face, putting all his energy into it, and when I do wipe his nose he gets all mad at me for taking away his new toy! Ahhh, boys will be boys.

The Drool Monster

Drool, what drool?
Just one of the many uses of the paci.

New Tricks

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Yes, the boy has finally learned to wave and clap. The clapping isn't perfect--his coordination is still a little off, but he's working on it!! We've been trying to get him to do these things for a few weeks now, so it was so fun last night when he caught on! Alex actually waved at me on Tuesday, but I try not to count something as a real learned skill until he's done it a few times!! Now he's waving at everything and everybody! Of course we all know how these things go...when we try to get him to wave or clap in front of someone else he will act as if we are totally crazy and don't know what we're talking about. At least we got it on tape as proof!

A Little Man With Big Things to Say

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Here are some of the little man's favorite sounds and things to say. I think in this conversation he is discussing the state of the nation's foreign affairs--our own little think tank!

a tasty snack

(click image to enlarge)
a comic by Ryan

Life As We Know It

Ryan and I were discussing this morning how we had better enjoy the way things are right now, cuz life as we know it could take a busy swing any day now...when this boy learns to crawl...Mommy all of the sudden will have very little free time!! He's trying so hard, too! Gave the little man a haircut Saturday. Looks pretty good if I do say so myself!

Improvising

When you need something to teeth on almost anything will do! And Alex thought this "teether" was doubly fun, because it made nice loud noises when he banged it on the tray. It's funny how our house used to be so quiet...

Is It Spring Yet?

Yesterday it was gorgeous outside--so gorgeous that we took a walk in the afternoon, and then a second one in the early evening! It was well past 60 degrees--I never did look at the thermometer, but it was wonderful. We opened the windows and got some air in the apartment--it was great! The little guy got to wear his Pooh hat to keep the sun out of his eyes--yes, that's right, the sun was shining in Michigan and it's not even May yet!! He was hilarious on the walk, too, he kept talking (loudly) to every dog and person we came across. And he kept laughing at Toby who was acting like a demon-possessed dog who had never been on a walk before in his life--it's like that every spring. Anyway, it's supposed to rain all day today, so we are going walking around Twelve Oaks Mall with some friends. And actually, it's supposed to get back down to 35 by Saturday, so the spring was short lived, but at least we got a little taste of what is to come!

I Ain't No City Boy, Grandpa!

My family has been concerned for a while that my children would turn into "city people" as we used say growing up. Like living in the city was a crime or something! Anyway, here's proof that my kid knows a bit about the country--look at that toy--you can't get much more country than a tractor, farmer, and farm animals! (Just don't anyone tell them that I'm taking him to the petting farm next month...)

Hanging out with a Friend

Alex & Josh watching a Baby Einstein DVD together.
"hey, friend or not, I had that first!" "Ummm, my house, my toy!"
okay, truce...can you teach me how to crawl??? then we can really have some fun!

Congratulations, Cate!

Congratulations to our friends, Van & Sarah Andrews!! The adoption of their little sweetie, Catherine Grace, better known as Cate, was finalized yesterday! We have been praying with the Andrews for 20+ months for this adoption, and though it seemed as though it was taking way too long, here is a classic example of how God's timing is often different than ours, and definitely best! We are so happy for you guys and so glad that Cate is secure in a family that loves God & loves her!

He's Growing Up!

There are some big things going on in the little man's life lately. First, he can sit up on his own! He still topples over every once in a while, but he's pretty steady. Makes him look like a totally different baby--all grown up! He's also cutting another tooth, as well as still struggling to crawl, and talking ALL THE TIME!! My personal favorite,though,is that he is napping less during the day and sleeping longer at night--this is wonderful!! We've been trying to teach him to clap his hands & wave hello--we'll keep you posted on the progress!

Cool New Toy

I knew all that junk that comes in the mail would come in handy some day!
Ok, Mom, a guy's trying to play here..."

Grams, Do You Have to Go?

Grams has to fly back to SC today. We had a great time hanging out, shopping, and playing games(though I didn't win a single one!). Alex was quite happy and very talkative all weekend, obviously enjoying his Grams. Don't worry little one, we already have plans for our next visit!!

Hey, Grandpa!

Hey, Grandpa, look at me in my new vest that you and Grams got for me! Don't I look like a little man? I heard you're coming to visit me in a few months & I can't wait, I'm so excited!

Havin' Fun with Grams

Mom got here on Wednesday morning and we've been having a great time! Alex and his Grams get a kick out of each other and spend lots of time making funny faces at each other! Most everybody says that Alex looks like his Grams, and we think it's true.

I Think I Missed My Birthday???

"Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me..."
"Wait a minute...this says it was my birthday yesterday...but yesterday it was going to be my birthday tomorrow..."

"What??? Did you check the calendar??? There's no February 29th??? But that was supposed to be my 8 Month Birthday...So how old am I???"

Is it My Birthday Yet??

On February 29th the little man will be 8 Months Old!! We can't believe it! Happy-Almost-Your-Birthday Big Guy!

Victory for Mommy

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share PhotosHere's the sweet sounds a Mommy likes to hear!! (not that he knows what he's saying, but I can pretend if Daddy can) I love how he has the old-man-who-forgot-to-put-in-his-dentures look when he makes this sound!

Our Family's Prayer Request

As many of you know, in January we began our ministry search by sending out resumes to many different churches that we knew were seeking an assistant or youth pastor. So far we have been excited to hear back from 8 churches who may be interested!! These have all been just initial contacts so far: some ask for more info from us, others want us to fill out a questionaire, others set up a time for a phone conversation. It has been exciting because we know that God is in control and will make it evident which church He wants us to work in. We would like really appreciate it if you could pray for us as we take these big steps. We need a lot of wisdom as do the churches who are contacting us. We will keep you posted on how things go. Thanks bunches!!

Teeth Hurt, Mommy!

Sometimes Alex gives me these looks like, "why do I need teeth anyway?" He's cut 2 teeth in the past 3 weeks and it's been a bit of a painful ride for the poor baby. I'm glad we don't remember it when we grow up!! Thankfully he's feeling better today, I actually got him to giggle this morning, and Aunt Jen is getting to see some smiles before she goes home tomorrow. I told her that he really is a happy baby when he's not teething!!
"Here's my two chompers! Can you see them?"

The Struggle for Mobility

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share PhotosThis boy would sooooo love to crawl! He gets so frustrated b/c he can't get his arms to do the right thing at the same time as his legs...sometimes it's pretty funny. To be honest, I'm still not ready for him to be mobile, but the day is coming...we'll keep you posted!

My Aunt Spoils Me!

Aunt Jen came to visit on Monday. We've been really just hanging out together here watching some TV and visiting. Takin' it easy! Jen's school (where she teaches) has the whole week off, so she came to spoil Alex for the week, and so far is doing great at it!! We're hoping to do some shopping today, and most importantly, going to Starbucks!
"Check out this cool new move, Aunt Jen!"

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep?

I am glad that my son feels comfortable in his crib, that he's happy there...but lately he thinks that naptime = playtime. Put him in his crib and he starts all kinds of acrobatics--at least one arm or leg will be sticking through the bars and one or all of his stuffed animals are pulled down--those may need to find a new home!! Eventually he will fall asleep, but not until he and Pooh Bear have talked through all of the world's problems and have proclaimed in their own little way..."oh, Bother!"

Boys Will Be Boys

When Ryan gets home from work in the evenings he and Alex have some play time. I hear all kinds of noises coming from the living room and if I peek in there one minute they are on the couch, the next on the floor, and before you know it Alex is flying through the air! The kid just giggles and giggles! I love to watch them--gives you, for lack of a better phrase, that warm fuzzy feeling! These days Ryan gets home from work early because of the cold weather, he's usually home by 6:30pm at the latest. This is just about the time that I need Alex to hold out a few more minutes for his dinner while I finish our dinner, so it works out perfectly! My favorite is when Alex gets "talking" to Daddy and Daddy starts asking questions like: "oh, yeah, what else did Mommy say about me today?" and "so she spent how much on that outfit?"

How Sweet it is to be Loved By You!

This is the picture I decided to use in the Valentine Cards we sent to family.


No, I did not forget Valentine's Day yesterday--are you kidding me? I had 2 Valentine's this year!! I just didn't want to post these pics b/c some of the family didn't receive their valentine cards yet and I didn't want to ruin the surprise for them. We had a nice Valentine's Day. My wonderful hubby brought me a sparkly bunch of flowers, and my littlest Valentine gave me lots of slobbery kisses! How Sweet it is to be Loved By Them!

Our Trip to the Not-So-Sunny South

Thankfully we got some good pics on the grandparents' cameras becuase good mom that I am, I forgot to take a single one on mine!! We had a great time in SC, visiting with family, friends, and even a few of my former professors! The weather did finally warm up the day before we flew home. Alex was a gem on the airplanes--as soon as the engines revved up he went to sleep!! Ryan said that for Alex it must have been like the ultimate car ride. Anyway, a big thanks to Mom & Dad for flying us down--we love you and can't wait to visit again!

I AM MAN!

The Little Man Loves Meat! He had his first taste of chicken today and this was the smile I got between every bite! The boy is a carnivore! As a side note let me say that making homemade baby food is usually rather fun because I like to cook, but let me tell you, there are few things ever made in a kitchen that look more disgusting than pureed chicken--gross. Anyway I had fun comparing his face after his first taste of chicken to his first taste of green beans. Made me laugh!

The New Toothy Grin!

It's not so easy to get a picture of your baby's first tooth, but here's my best shot, & even then you can hardly see it becasue of the glare off the spit!! Yep, the boy has chops! It's on his left, on the bottom, and it's sharp as a knife. He's having fun trying it out on everything and he has more drool than ever, but I'm relieved that after 3 months of teething we finally have something to show for it!!
This is Alex's newest funny face! He pulls his bottom lip in and you can see him rubbing it back and forth over his new tooth. Must feel weird to all of the sudden have a tooth in your mouth!