Tonight we made a run to L0we$ for a few item to finish (maybe) our shelving project. While we stood in the lumber aisle for a long time contemplating the virtues of different options, William entertained himself by watching the other people in the aisle walking by. One woman walked by and said "Aren't you cute?"
I was feeling friendly, so I said "Can you say Hi?" to William.
And he did. William said "Hi" and waved his arm wildly around. Like he has been doing it forever all by himself. Except he hasn't. He then greeted several other people walking by with "Hi" as well. So cute. Except he wouldn't do it again once we got home. I still say it counts.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
3.0
At this precise time last year, we were timing contractions. Real live actual contractions. Contractions that weren't taking me anywhere soon, but that took my mom and dad through Iowa in one of the worst ice storms in the history of ever. The contractions ended and my parents arrived. What a deal. This year I can tell you 100% for sure that the baby will not be having a birthday until next week. Last year I wasn't so great at reading the future. Takes practice, I guess.
To celebrate, I'm going to let you in on one of my New Year's Resolutions. A personal goal of mine. Last spring, I started working out again at the Y. At that time, I felt like things were kind of a lost cause. I jogged halfheartedly around the track while parts of my body swayed along with me. It was not a pretty feeling. At that time, I resolved to get back into some kind of shape and run a 5K Race as a family.
On December 31st, 2007, I proudly announced my resolution idea to John. His response: "It isn't fair for you to make resolutions for me." Hmmmm...point taken. At that point, the resolution became
-I resolve to get myself in shape enough that I can slowly jog a 5K race without throwing up, passing out or making a fool out of myself.
and the training began. As a celebration to the beginning of my labor with my baby boy, I jogged 3.0 miles today. Enough progress has been made to fully confess here what my intentions are. Will I follow through and jog a race? Who knows, but I'll be ready...
Speaking of the baby boy, here are some pictures from this week:
For comparison, here is William at 5 weeks old in his bouncy seat. I then let a friend use it for awhile as William didn't fit in it anymore. We just got it back and here is the current state.
To celebrate, I'm going to let you in on one of my New Year's Resolutions. A personal goal of mine. Last spring, I started working out again at the Y. At that time, I felt like things were kind of a lost cause. I jogged halfheartedly around the track while parts of my body swayed along with me. It was not a pretty feeling. At that time, I resolved to get back into some kind of shape and run a 5K Race as a family.
On December 31st, 2007, I proudly announced my resolution idea to John. His response: "It isn't fair for you to make resolutions for me." Hmmmm...point taken. At that point, the resolution became
-I resolve to get myself in shape enough that I can slowly jog a 5K race without throwing up, passing out or making a fool out of myself.
and the training began. As a celebration to the beginning of my labor with my baby boy, I jogged 3.0 miles today. Enough progress has been made to fully confess here what my intentions are. Will I follow through and jog a race? Who knows, but I'll be ready...
Speaking of the baby boy, here are some pictures from this week:
For comparison, here is William at 5 weeks old in his bouncy seat. I then let a friend use it for awhile as William didn't fit in it anymore. We just got it back and here is the current state.
An updated picture of him in his bouncy seat
Yes, he is holding my cell phone. It is one of only three ways I know how to make him hold still for a few seconds.
A different angle. Loving the attitude.
A few people have asked me when we are going to cut his hair. The answer: when I'm ready. I thought I would be ready at the 1 year mark. Then last week I noticed these sweet curls starting in the back. It might be a lot longer.
More sweet baby curls.
PS Teething update: Molar #2 is almost completely through. Molar #3 and #4 will be arriving shortly. Warning: 4 more bumps sighted in the canine positions. Bring it on baby.
Yes, he is holding my cell phone. It is one of only three ways I know how to make him hold still for a few seconds.
A different angle. Loving the attitude.
A few people have asked me when we are going to cut his hair. The answer: when I'm ready. I thought I would be ready at the 1 year mark. Then last week I noticed these sweet curls starting in the back. It might be a lot longer.
More sweet baby curls.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
....
Do you hear that?................................................................
Isn't is beautiful? It is finally quiet in our house.
Its been a rough few days. Car trouble and crabby babies shouldn't go together. These molars (I think) are making everything difficult. This afternoon I was ready to put a sign in the front yard "Free to Any Home: 1 Crying Baby, no questions asked". Thankfully naptime arrived and I could put away the extra thick sharpie and poster board. Everyone here is exhausted and relieved that bedtime is over until tomorrow.
PS Just like everything that is worth having, there are ups and downs to this whole kid thing. We sure do love him bunches and bunches - just not currently loving these teeth.
PPS Car trouble crisis is now repaired.
Isn't is beautiful? It is finally quiet in our house.
Its been a rough few days. Car trouble and crabby babies shouldn't go together. These molars (I think) are making everything difficult. This afternoon I was ready to put a sign in the front yard "Free to Any Home: 1 Crying Baby, no questions asked". Thankfully naptime arrived and I could put away the extra thick sharpie and poster board. Everyone here is exhausted and relieved that bedtime is over until tomorrow.
PS Just like everything that is worth having, there are ups and downs to this whole kid thing. We sure do love him bunches and bunches - just not currently loving these teeth.
PPS Car trouble crisis is now repaired.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Updates on Progress
Several updates to add to our previous stuff:
1. Milk was introduced late last month. The first day was a mess and I truly thought we might never get this kid weaned. However, part way through day two with milk, something changed and now we are good to go. We've slowly started increasing the amount we give to him throughout the day so that after our one year appointment, we can start cutting out nursing sessions (with the doctor's approval, of course).
2. My second choice name for this post was the King of Babbel. William has been talking non stop for the last week. He seems pretty intense about what he is saying, but the rest of us can't figure out what he is talking about. We're still working to get some great recordings/video of this going on. The problem is our son loves (LOVES with a capital L) anything with button to push. Every time we take out the video camera or the recorder, he will stop whatever he is doing immediately and try to take the recording devise away so he can have his way with it. Here is a small sample of the meowing: Meow and Meow Again . This is probably the cutest thing I've seen this week alone. Anytime Will sees a cat, hears a cat meowing, or is looking for one of the cats, he will meow just like this. The funniest part is when the cats don't respond or he still can't see them, he will start yelling "MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!" trying to get them to come closer to him. Unfortunately for him, our cats don't respond to louder noises and tend to shy away.
3. Walking/Running: The walking and running are getting better and more accurate every day. The bad news is that it is getting harder to stay 5 steps ahead of our troublemaker. Most days, I'm settling for just 1 step ahead of him. This means a whole lot more work as he rarely sits in one place for more than .2654687 seconds. The accuracy is important as we have some pretty close calls with wall corners and the fireplace bricks and a few run ins that stopped my heart momentarily.
The new big thing is to walk places while holding things. I guess he figures, as long as I'm walking over here, I might as well take this ENORMOUS toy with me. Tonight, he got ahold of a four foot level tool of John's and was trying to
This isn't an update. William is still INTO everything. He now knows how to open this oven drawer (and oven door) all by himself! Scary I know, but we are working on coming up with safe solutions (current solution: don't use the oven).
Helping Mama cook dinner.
Getting dressed for church! This outfit is from Great Grandma Nona - it is almost too small! This is how we do most of our dressing/diaper changes these days. Getting him to lay down and be still is like wrestling a small but very strong alligator/wildebeast/insert animal here. The kicking, screaming, and crying are just not worth it to me anymore. We were needing to end many diaper changes with a 20 minute long cuddle session to settle down. Sure, I can get it done faster when he is laying down - but the stress isn't worth it!
I'm calling this photo "Kisses from Daddy". Although, a more accurate name might be "Trying to figure out how to get that neat looking toy from Mama"
Smile! Or not, whatever...
And the last update! Our TV shelf project now has trim around the edges and we've touched up the paint. Last steps are in progress: the shelves are in the midst of polyurethane-ing and the doors for the cabinet have been ordered! The end is in sight!
1. Milk was introduced late last month. The first day was a mess and I truly thought we might never get this kid weaned. However, part way through day two with milk, something changed and now we are good to go. We've slowly started increasing the amount we give to him throughout the day so that after our one year appointment, we can start cutting out nursing sessions (with the doctor's approval, of course).
2. My second choice name for this post was the King of Babbel. William has been talking non stop for the last week. He seems pretty intense about what he is saying, but the rest of us can't figure out what he is talking about. We're still working to get some great recordings/video of this going on. The problem is our son loves (LOVES with a capital L) anything with button to push. Every time we take out the video camera or the recorder, he will stop whatever he is doing immediately and try to take the recording devise away so he can have his way with it. Here is a small sample of the meowing: Meow and Meow Again . This is probably the cutest thing I've seen this week alone. Anytime Will sees a cat, hears a cat meowing, or is looking for one of the cats, he will meow just like this. The funniest part is when the cats don't respond or he still can't see them, he will start yelling "MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!" trying to get them to come closer to him. Unfortunately for him, our cats don't respond to louder noises and tend to shy away.
3. Walking/Running: The walking and running are getting better and more accurate every day. The bad news is that it is getting harder to stay 5 steps ahead of our troublemaker. Most days, I'm settling for just 1 step ahead of him. This means a whole lot more work as he rarely sits in one place for more than .2654687 seconds. The accuracy is important as we have some pretty close calls with wall corners and the fireplace bricks and a few run ins that stopped my heart momentarily.
The new big thing is to walk places while holding things. I guess he figures, as long as I'm walking over here, I might as well take this ENORMOUS toy with me. Tonight, he got ahold of a four foot level tool of John's and was trying to
This isn't an update. William is still INTO everything. He now knows how to open this oven drawer (and oven door) all by himself! Scary I know, but we are working on coming up with safe solutions (current solution: don't use the oven).
Helping Mama cook dinner.
Getting dressed for church! This outfit is from Great Grandma Nona - it is almost too small! This is how we do most of our dressing/diaper changes these days. Getting him to lay down and be still is like wrestling a small but very strong alligator/wildebeast/insert animal here. The kicking, screaming, and crying are just not worth it to me anymore. We were needing to end many diaper changes with a 20 minute long cuddle session to settle down. Sure, I can get it done faster when he is laying down - but the stress isn't worth it!
I'm calling this photo "Kisses from Daddy". Although, a more accurate name might be "Trying to figure out how to get that neat looking toy from Mama"
Smile! Or not, whatever...
And the last update! Our TV shelf project now has trim around the edges and we've touched up the paint. Last steps are in progress: the shelves are in the midst of polyurethane-ing and the doors for the cabinet have been ordered! The end is in sight!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Finally Caught up!
I think I am finally caught up! Whew! That was a lot of work. On my honor, I swear I won't let it get that bad again! We have several updates I've been waiting to post so everything can stay in order.
1. William's walking: Walking/running are now the preferred mode of getting from point A to point B. He still isn't super steady on his feet and several times a day sends himself flying at great speeds into the closest pointy/dangerous object. I am now breathing normally only between the hours of 9pm - 7am.
2.William's first word/s! I was going to post about this before we left, but I wasn't entirely sure that he knew what he was saying. Also, I didn't want to write down in the baby book that his first word is : "No". Officially started 12/18/2007. I was kind of hoping for a mama or a dada or something else cute to write down. But, no it is. I guess he hears it often enough... Although I'm not thrilled that it is his first work, I have to admit it is the cutest darn thing when he says it! Somehow he has picked up a little southern accent (eek! We might need to move! Next he'll want grits for breakfast!) and it comes out "Nnnnoooooah". He uses it all the time now: No he doesn't want to drink his milk, no he doesn't want to be wiped off, no he doesn't want to be dressed, etc. My favorite is when he does something naughty like dropping/throwing food off of his high chair tray and tells himself "Nnnnooooah"
3. Over Christmas we added "mama" (sounds like MAH! and always at top volume) and this last weekend we added "Meow"! So cute! He is working on Dada too, just isn't as consisitent with it yet. All done, bye bye and night night are also in the works. I can't tell you cute the night night one is. He said it back to me the for the first time on Friday night after he was in his crib. I said "Night night William, I love you." He looked back at me and said "nye nye". I just wanted to scoop him right up and love on him for being so cute...but I didn't. I was strong and left him to go to sleep. He has now said "nye nye" every time I've put him down for a nap/bedtime since then! I'm not counting it as a true word yet because right now he is just repeating what I'm saying. I want him to MEAN it!
4. It was almost 75 degrees here on Sunday! It was a beautiful day! So, off we hiked with our hiking pals to Busch Wildlife area. It was great to get out and enjoy the fresh air as well as reconnect with our pals.
Also, it seems like as soon as we got home, someone switched the hungry button back on again. Not what was the cause, just glad to not be worrying about it anymore.
6. Dancing. William got a Little People CD from his great grandparents McGarry and he LOVES it. He loves to "sing" along with it and dance also! It is too cute! Video is in the works.
7. I'm not sure love is the right word to describe William's feelings for the vacuum cleaner. He has always liked it and loves when I pull it out to clean. He especially likes this smaller vacuum as he can push it around himself....
I think he played with the vacuum for close to an hour yesterday...
1. William's walking: Walking/running are now the preferred mode of getting from point A to point B. He still isn't super steady on his feet and several times a day sends himself flying at great speeds into the closest pointy/dangerous object. I am now breathing normally only between the hours of 9pm - 7am.
2.William's first word/s! I was going to post about this before we left, but I wasn't entirely sure that he knew what he was saying. Also, I didn't want to write down in the baby book that his first word is : "No". Officially started 12/18/2007. I was kind of hoping for a mama or a dada or something else cute to write down. But, no it is. I guess he hears it often enough... Although I'm not thrilled that it is his first work, I have to admit it is the cutest darn thing when he says it! Somehow he has picked up a little southern accent (eek! We might need to move! Next he'll want grits for breakfast!) and it comes out "Nnnnoooooah". He uses it all the time now: No he doesn't want to drink his milk, no he doesn't want to be wiped off, no he doesn't want to be dressed, etc. My favorite is when he does something naughty like dropping/throwing food off of his high chair tray and tells himself "Nnnnooooah"
3. Over Christmas we added "mama" (sounds like MAH! and always at top volume) and this last weekend we added "Meow"! So cute! He is working on Dada too, just isn't as consisitent with it yet. All done, bye bye and night night are also in the works. I can't tell you cute the night night one is. He said it back to me the for the first time on Friday night after he was in his crib. I said "Night night William, I love you." He looked back at me and said "nye nye". I just wanted to scoop him right up and love on him for being so cute...but I didn't. I was strong and left him to go to sleep. He has now said "nye nye" every time I've put him down for a nap/bedtime since then! I'm not counting it as a true word yet because right now he is just repeating what I'm saying. I want him to MEAN it!
4. It was almost 75 degrees here on Sunday! It was a beautiful day! So, off we hiked with our hiking pals to Busch Wildlife area. It was great to get out and enjoy the fresh air as well as reconnect with our pals.
Daddy and William hike together
Jeff always has his laminated map ready to go (and alphabetized in his ring binder of course!)
It is funny the stuff you see out hiking...like kitchen sinks!
5. Over Christmas, I was starting to feel a little concerned about William's appetite. He had really slowed down to eating almost nothing with every meal, which is very usual for him. After some poking around, I discovered he is cutting at least 4 teeth (molars). Yuck! That would explain his lack of appetite as well as his crabbiness over the holiday! As of yesterday, we have molar completely through with 3 more close behind. Bring 'em on! Let's get this done!
Jeff always has his laminated map ready to go (and alphabetized in his ring binder of course!)
It is funny the stuff you see out hiking...like kitchen sinks!
Also, it seems like as soon as we got home, someone switched the hungry button back on again. Not what was the cause, just glad to not be worrying about it anymore.
6. Dancing. William got a Little People CD from his great grandparents McGarry and he LOVES it. He loves to "sing" along with it and dance also! It is too cute! Video is in the works.
7. I'm not sure love is the right word to describe William's feelings for the vacuum cleaner. He has always liked it and loves when I pull it out to clean. He especially likes this smaller vacuum as he can push it around himself....
When do you think he is old enough to have chores? I don't really care to vacuum...
Leave me alone! I'm busy!
Leave me alone! I'm busy!
I think he played with the vacuum for close to an hour yesterday...
The Rest of December
We hung out at the McGarry's for the rest of December. We visited daily with Grandpa Heidt and recovered from the flu. We got to go out to eat with William's godparents, the Gaedke's, without a baby (it was like being grown ups!) and we played lots of cards.
On December 29th, we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary! I thought 6 years deserved something pretty special and so I had lots of ideas swirling around in my head. I knew I wouldn't be able to beat some of our previous anniversaries, but I could try! Here is a look at some previous anniversary celebrations!
Where else? Welcome to Melbourne (Mel-Burn or they'll make fun of you), Austrailia.
Dripping wet in front of Russell Falls, Tasmania, Austrailia.
Dressed for our Hole in the rock adventure
At the Hole in the Rock in New Zealand for our honeymoon
On our first anniversary, we were driving home from MN after Christmas. We had car trouble and ended up having an unromantic disagreement on the side of the road.... From then on, I promised myself we would always make plans and go somewhere to make our anniversary special.
On our 2nd anniversary trip to London and Paris. The Roman Baths on 12/29/2003 in Bath, England.
At Stonehenge
On the same trip, we took the Chunnel train to Paris for the day.
On our 3rd anniversary in Hawaii
Together on our 4th anniversary at the romance capital: Niagara Falls.
Together shortly before our 5th wedding anniversary. John is behind the, ummm, belly there. We made it back to St Louis for our anniversary, but I confess to being huge and miserable and putting something together very special. We went out to eat and didn't fight.
And this year? Well, Christmas and traveling with a baby and recovering from the flu took its toll on me. Grandma and Grandpa babysat while we went to dinner and then a movie together. Is it the Eifel tower? Nope, but that is our life now I guess! I confess to be a little disappointed with the lack of fanfare, but it was good to get out together and then have some great people to toast our marriage with champagne when we came home at the end of the evening.
Happy 6th Anniversary!
On December 29th, we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary! I thought 6 years deserved something pretty special and so I had lots of ideas swirling around in my head. I knew I wouldn't be able to beat some of our previous anniversaries, but I could try! Here is a look at some previous anniversary celebrations!
Where else? Welcome to Melbourne (Mel-Burn or they'll make fun of you), Austrailia.
Dripping wet in front of Russell Falls, Tasmania, Austrailia.
Dressed for our Hole in the rock adventure
At the Hole in the Rock in New Zealand for our honeymoon
On our first anniversary, we were driving home from MN after Christmas. We had car trouble and ended up having an unromantic disagreement on the side of the road.... From then on, I promised myself we would always make plans and go somewhere to make our anniversary special.
On our 2nd anniversary trip to London and Paris. The Roman Baths on 12/29/2003 in Bath, England.
At Stonehenge
On the same trip, we took the Chunnel train to Paris for the day.
On our 3rd anniversary in Hawaii
Together on our 4th anniversary at the romance capital: Niagara Falls.
Together shortly before our 5th wedding anniversary. John is behind the, ummm, belly there. We made it back to St Louis for our anniversary, but I confess to being huge and miserable and putting something together very special. We went out to eat and didn't fight.
And this year? Well, Christmas and traveling with a baby and recovering from the flu took its toll on me. Grandma and Grandpa babysat while we went to dinner and then a movie together. Is it the Eifel tower? Nope, but that is our life now I guess! I confess to be a little disappointed with the lack of fanfare, but it was good to get out together and then have some great people to toast our marriage with champagne when we came home at the end of the evening.
Happy 6th Anniversary!
Ketchup
I am playing major Ketchup here! Please scroll down as I have added MANY posts in the last two days. I'm also trying to keep things in order. The next big event is:
William is 11 Months Old
Click the link above to read about our day or to see the new pictures I just put up!
Click the link above to read about our day or to see the new pictures I just put up!
PS Can you believe I am already planning a 1st birthday party?
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