Birthday Celebration Recap.

Fawn turned 4 on Saturday -- and we enjoyed a semi-normal day celebrating his birthday.  His "friends" party is this week.  And, then we are having a party to celebrate Buck, Fawn, and Small Fry's birthdays in February.  So, you'll be hearing about birthday celebrations for the next several weeks!  But for now...a recap of Saturday and our special boy!

Buck had a work meeting Friday night/Saturday morning out at Ross Bridge.  When I knew this meeting would be in the winter of 2013, in my mental calendar I circled the date as the first night I would leave Small Fry overnight.  Little did I know that Small Fry wouldn't be sleeping through the night!  And, little did I know that it would conflict with Fawn's birthday.  I wasn't missing my little man's birthday morning for anything; and true to form, Small Fry woke up at 11 pm and at 4 am so I'm glad I was here!  I did join Buck for a nice dinner out and some great grown-up conversation.  Then I drove home, while he lounged in a hotel room Friday night.  What is wrong with this picture?!?!

We (erroneously) made the calculation that Fawn would do better if Buck wasn't home when he woke up and then arrived home on his birthday.  We thought it would be harder on him for Buck to have to leave.  Wrong.  Completely and totally wrong.

Fawn was so excited to wake up on his birthday and get his present.  But (of course) I wasn't going to do that without Buck.  So, I explained about one thousand times that Daddy was at work, but as soon as he got home he would get his present.  Whew.  Long morning for sweet angel.  But, we had some fun to split up the long wait.

Whole Foods Two Bite Cinnamon Rolls, candles, and a mommy-rendition of "Happy Birthday."

I hope it comes true buddy.

Thank goodness Small Fry came through with a present -- a Transformers Rescue Bot.

And our transforming fingers were so happy.

After Small Fry's nap, we packed it up and headed to Party City for some balloons.  This was my view into the backseat on the ride home.  Balloons everywhere -- and a peak of Fawn and his new toy.

Where's Fawn? (And, who knew he liked orange?)

Running to the mailbox to decorate with his balloons.

So happy (and also thrilled about the transformers balloons we bought for inside).

Some outside fun before we went inside for lunch and daddy's arrival.

Someone finally got home, rang the doorbell, and announced there was a surprise in the driveway...

A Power Wheel Dune Racer!  He had no idea and was so surprised and excited.

With even a little seat for a much-too-young wing man.

After getting a little dirty, we went back inside for birthday cupcakes (in the shape of a big four).

Check out his abs of steel.  And, he didn't even notice that I left out a basic ingredient from the cupcakes -- water!!!  He only licks the icing off the top so I just went with it.

Then it was off to the boat show with Buck.  We let him choose between the circus and the boat show, and my little outdoorsman chose the boat show.

We capped off the day with a super-fun dinner with good friends at Billy's.  Fawn was with his best buddy T (our mountain friends) so he was just as happy as the grown-ups.  The kids rejected the brownies we ordered to celebrate his birthday, so all the grown-ups ended the day with a little treat.

Special day with a special boy.  Lots of smiles and fun.  I hope you look back at these pictures one day and know how much we love you sweet boy.  I hope your fifth year of life is fabulous.  I couldn't think of a more fun way to spend a day than celebrating you!!!

Snow Day 2013.

Since the snow wasn't supposed to start until mid-day, the boys and I enjoyed a typical morning of playing and then a trip to the library where we attended a story time specifically geared for babies (the first time we've taken Small Fry who loved it!).  We also checked out new chapter books for Fawn, who is not reading yet himself but loves to be read to.  

When we pulled back into home to settle in for the afternoon we arrived to a street full of emergency vehicles -- fire trucks, ambulances, power trucks, gas company trucks.  I saw my next door neighbor outside and she filled me in -- because of the super-soggy ground a massive tree behind her house had fallen over, knocking over not only the power lines but also the power pole.  So we were without power and would be through the afternoon while they got the lines back up.  Also, the tree falling had caused a fire in the gas line -- hence the emergency vehicles.  Although I didn't fear for our safety, I decided to head to my parents' house for the afternoon -- they were both at work but have a nursery that Small Fry could nap in.  I didn't know what kid-friendly food they had in their fridge so I picked up chicken fingers for Fawn and we headed their way.  Driving over the snow was already falling!

Eating lunch at Mimi and Pops' house.

I put Small Fry down for his nap to much protest -- he's just not used to sleeping anywhere but our house.  He's only napped a handful of times at my parents' house.  Before I knew it he was up again.  I hadn't heard from my neighbor that the power was on but decided we should head back home anyway.  My parents have a super-steep driveway and I did not want to get stuck.  Plus, Fawn was chomping at the bit to get outside and while I had a jacket, mittens, and hat I didn't have any change of clothes for when he came back inside.  So we packed up and headed out.

View driving up my parents' driveway.

When we got to the street I realized the roads were not in good shape at all.  It was a very scary 1.5 miles home -- lots of sliding and grinding brakes.  I called Buck approximately fifteen times totally freaking out.  He was exasperated, reminding me there was nothing he could do from the confines of his office to help me.  I suggested I leave the car on the side of the road and stroll home; he did not think that was the best idea.  We made it without any real issue (though I was in tears -- and the boys were laughing hysterically both from the "fun" ride and my tears).  Looking back, we should have definitely stayed put until the snowing was over and the roads melted.  But I didn't know that at the time.  

We didn't have power inside, so we suited up to play outside.

Making a snowman all by himself.

Snowball fight!

Finished the snowman -- it was adorned with arms, but no eyes, nose or mouth.  He was so proud.

Buck FINALLY got home from work, and reported with a smirk that the roads were fine.  (Of course they were -- the temperatures had increased and melted the snow!)  Shortly thereafter our power returned.  Buck and Fawn went back outside "to mess up other people's snow."  Lovely.  Small Fry and I warmed up inside -- he was a trooper during our first play time outside -- I tried to keep him snug against me in a baby carrier but his little face, hands, and feet still were pretty chilly.

While Buck and Fawn were outside playing, Buck asked Fawn about the ride home.  "Mommy is not a good driver.  She cried.  It was funny."  Thanks for the support kiddo!

Buck and I actually had a work function to attend that night and the roads were fine so out we headed.  I was comforted by the fact that the other wives had similar experiences with their husbands -- all of whom were working in office buildings during the bad road time instead of driving kids around.  The husbands continued to insinuate that we were all crazy or really bad drivers and that the roads were never bad.  We gave each other knowing glances that only women can deliver.

Snow Day -- the morning after.

Our yard was still covered with snow the next morning.  Fawn's school was delayed and Small Fry was napping so we headed back out for more fun.

All of our camo really does come in handy.

As Buck says, "It was real and it was fun.  But, it wasn't real fun."  Bring on Spring!

To Fawn, On Your 4th Birthday.

Little man, I CANNOT believe you are four years old.  That means I've been a mother for four years.  While it's difficult to remember life "before kids" -- before YOU! -- it's also crazy to think that four years have flown by since we were blessed with your sweet soul.

You will always be the one person in this world that made me a mother.  Thank you, thank you.  It is the privilege of a lifetime to raise you and your brother.

You are growing into your own.  Becoming quite the silly little fellow with your funny sayings, dialects, and physical humor to keep us all laughing.  You are still a sweet, sweet guy.  You love cuddles, reading time, and being sung to at night.  It is the most special time of the day!  You are getting tall and looking very grown-up to me.  You are adventurous and brave.  Your teachers report that you are kind and a good friend.  I am so proud of you and so excited to enter another year of your journey with you. 

I remember the day you arrived.  In my life, I tend to mark my time as "before Fawn" and "after Fawn".  At this time four years ago, I was staring at your tiny, beautiful self, soaking you in.  Terrified that I wouldn't be able to meet your needs but full of love and anticipation for what the future would bring.

The future that we've lived the past four years has been remarkable.  Some hard, long days for sure.  But more joy, love and laughter than I could have ever imagined.  You, my dear, are such a blessing!  I loved every ounce of your newborn self and I love every ounce of your four-year old self. 

Happy Birthday Fawn!  I hope all of your wishes come true.  Love, Mama 

iMemories: Winter 2012-2013.

Some sweet baby I know is in the separation anxiety phase.  So we've been doing a lot of baby-wearing.

He's WAY too big for this.

My little hunter man showing off his Uncle Pak's deer.

Fawn and his "girlfriend" who he proclaims he is going to marry when he gets to be a "grown man."

We are learning to write our name.

And check out this big boy haircut.

Look who's getting in on the sandbox action.  Yippee!

Pops (my Dad) -- the ultimate Lego-builder -- and Fawn hard at work.

Look at these skyscrapers -- his favorite thing to build.

Just Hanging Out.

Do you see my cute blue blob behind his brother who had to point out this awesome stick?

Cannot get enough of his sweet face in this precious jacket.

He's a little monkey.

Loves to swing!

Sometimes even big brother gets in on the action.

Though he looks ginormous in a baby swing!

Belle's Reading Recap.

My favorite books from 2012, for your reading pleasure.  My top choices in no particular order.

1. A Christmas Journey by Douglas Webster
A caveat, the author's wife is my Bible study leader.  But this book is amazing and an amazing way to prepare your heart for Christmas.  I turned to various passages throughout the Advent season and will be using it as a resource each year.  It's a quick but powerful read that will change your heart (and as an added bonus will put your heart in a place to prevent the Christmas hangover feeling).

2. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
The best novel I read this year.  If you are a fan of historical fiction (think Downton Abbey) you will really enjoy this book.  Can't wait for the author to publish something new.

3. Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham
Excellent blend of autobiography and spirituality.  I didn't know much about Ruth Bell Graham before reading this book but I loved every page, especially her poetry.  I plan on reading more by her and about her.

4. A Painted House by John Grisham
I don't read all of his lawyer books, but picked up an old copy of this non-lawyer novel and absolutely loved it.  Great southern fiction that men and women alike can enjoy.  A different (better!) side of Grisham.

5. Praying the Scriptures for Your Children by Jodie Berndt
The only "parenting" book I read this year and what a worthy read.  Each chapter tackles a different aspect of children -- their health, their future, their character, etc. -- and provides Scriptural references of how to pray for these areas of their lives.  There are sample prayers that I have turned to and know I will turn to in the future.  

Other Books I Read, With Stars By Those I Recommend Reading (I love book recommendations!):
Promises to Keep by Jane Green**; Old Sins by Penny Vincenzi**; Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill; Finding Spiritual Direction by Douglas Webster**; Motherland by Amy Sohn; The Soldier's Wife by Johanna Trollope; Where We Belong by Emily Giffin**; Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman**; Southern Charm by Tinsley Mortimer; The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner; Falling Home by Karen White**; I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella**; Letters from an Unknown Woman by Gerard Woodward; The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins**; The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn; Tuesday Night Miracles by Kris Radish; Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur**; Wedding Season by Katie Fforde**; Swapping Lives by Jane Green**; Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison**; Babyville by Jane Green**

Winter Spinach Salad Two Ways.

Buck and I both love a good salad, but with the weather chilly I like them to be a little heartier this time of year.  This week we've enjoyed both of these favorites.

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
This is a classic.  A bed of spinach topped with yummy goodies.  For two:

spinach
4 slices of bacon
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
very thinly vertically sliced red onion
(and if you have mushroom eaters, you can definitely add sliced mushrooms)
2 T red wine vinegar
1/2 t sugar
1/2 t Dijon mustard

Begin assembling salads while bacon cooks by topping spinach with hard-boiled eggs and onion.  For the bacon, I cut my bacon up into bite sized pieces with kitchen scissors before I cook it in the frying pan.  It cooks much quicker and more evenly.  Save the grease for the dressing.  Once the bacon is done cooking, remove it with a slotted spoon and place directly on your beds of spinach.  For the dressing add the red wine vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard.  Whisk together and spoon onto salads.

(And for perfect hard-boiled eggs...cover eggs with water.  Put lid on pot.  Place on burner and bring water to a boil.  As soon as the water starts boiling, remove from heat and leave lid on for 15 minutes.  Place eggs in cold water.  They will turn out great!)

Greens with Chicken and Roasted Veggies
This is a great meal for the whole family.  My little boys absolutely devour the roasted veggies.  For them, I just serve the veggies alongside the chicken.  Buck and I enjoy in salad-format.  It's a winning combination of cold greens with warm toppings and a fresh, light dressing.

Salad greens (either spring mix or spinach)
Chicken (this week I used store-bought rotisserie, but you can use grilled or roasted too)
For the veggies, any combination of: sweet potato, red potato, butternut squash, acorn squash, onion, baby carrots, parsnip
For the dressing: lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper.

To roast the veggies, chop into uniform-sized pieces.  Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast in 375 degree oven for about an hour (depending on the size of your pieces), stirring every fifteen minutes or so.

For the dressing, mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil with garlic and salt and pepper to taste.

And, for yummy bread on the side of either salad, try this amazing homemade french bread recipe.  We made some Sunday night and have loved having it this week!  It was super-quick and easy and turned out delicious.

This Morning.

I was up before the sun with Small Fry -- and happy to see him in the midst of our long nights of sleep training.  We are making progress, and while I hope 5:30 wake-ups don't last forever, they will work for now.

We played for about an hour before waking Buck.  Buck and Small Fry got some cuddles in while I got dressed for our 8:15 am doctor's appointment.  Fawn complained about his left ear hurting yesterday afternoon -- and informed me that he had an ear infection -- so I made him an appointment to get it checked out.

I emerged from the bathroom to a "I really like your hair like that.  You actually look nice today."

Pause.  Deafening silence.

"Umm...I think that, no I know that, came out wrong," he added.

I accepted the "compliment" and admitted to myself that Buck was right -- I did actually look nice today.  Braided hair, some makeup, and an real outfit (skinny jeans at that!).

We woke Fawn from his slumber at 7:30, and I raced to get him fed and dressed for our departure.  There was no brushing of his teeth.

On the way to the doctor we passed a friend's house.

"Mom, we're going to my friend H's house this afternoon to play with that excavator.  We are.  Say we are."

"Fawn, H has school on Tuesday.  The next time they invite us to play we definitely will.  You really like that excavator don't you?"

"Yes, and I need one for my birthday.  When is my birthday?  Will you and Daddy get me one for my birthday?"

"Fawn, Mommy and Daddy have already bought your birthday present.  You will love it!"

"But Mommy, tell me you will get me the excavator.  Tell me."

"Fawn, let's talk about this later."  And, he obliges.  Whew.  "Mommy, why is it raining again?"

"Well buddy we just are having some yucky weather this week."

"Mom, it's not yucky.  It's fog.  It's beautiful."

"Why do you like fog so much Fawn?"

"Because Jesus sends it to us," he replies.  I'm currently reading One Thousand Gifts and God is using my sweet boy to remind me to look for the beauty and wonder in everything.  I silently give thanks for Fawn and his simple reminder.  "Plus, Mommy look -- it makes the trees look farther away than they really are.  It's so cool."

At the doctor's office, we are quickly ushered into a room and there's a chart on the wall with faces ranging from very sad with tears rolling to very happy, smiley faces to help the children verbalize their pain.

"Mommy, see that yellow smiley face?  That's me."  He points to the happiest of the happy faces with a pain level of "0".  I bite back frustration at the thought that I could be potentially wasting a morning in a doctor's office (during flu season no less) while Small Fry misses his morning nap and we likely miss our weekly library story time.

After what seems like eternity of protecting Small Fry from the doctor's office floor (of course the only place he wants to be), the doctor enters and declares that Fawn in fact does have an ear infection.  I'm relieved that I didn't verbalize my thoughts about a "wasted" trip to the doctor.  And, I'm relieved that we've caught this one fairly early -- and hopefully the medicine will kick in before his pain turns that smile into a frown.

We stop by the Dollar Store for some dry erase markers -- ours dried up after a night left uncapped -- and then Publix for his prescription.  The pharmacist informs us it will be a half hour wait.  Small Fry is asleep in his car seat, which I have put in the jogging stroller and am pushing around the grocery store.  We order a birthday cake and pick up some groceries, nearly avoiding a collision when a woman in much to much a hurry almost slams her grocery cart into our stroller.  Small Fry wakes up screaming in the grocery check out line so I remove his sweet, sleepy, sweaty body from the stroller.  When we get back to the pharmacist at the requisite time, we are next to receive our medicine.  The lady in front of us in line asks the pharmacist to wait to explain her medication while she sends a text message.  She is oblivious to my crying eleven-month old, and my boy who is attempting to open an umbrella by flinging it up and down.  Deep breaths.  She has many valid questions for the pharmacist that she asks in between pausing to send text messages.  Our sweet pharmacist rolls his eyes at me.

We make it home and administer the first dose of medicine.  I go into the laundry room to discover that I failed at getting marker out of a precious shirt of Fawn's.  I get out the OxiClean and Felsnaptha to try again. I hear the pitter patter of feet headed my direction.

"Mommy, it's fine if I pee peed on the wall right?"

Bye-Bye 2012.

Now that it's mid-January, I guess it's time for me to assess how 2012 went and set some new GOALS (not resolutions) for 2013.

Last year my goals were as follows.  And, just for those keeping score, a little assessment on how we did!

1. Transition as smoothly as possible from a family of three to a family of four.  One thing I've learned this year about growing a family and "transitioning" is that it doesn't happen over night.  It's a gradual process.  Yes, we've transitioned in terms of Fawn adjusting to not being the center of the universe and having to share attention.  Yes, we've transitioned in terms of meeting the needs of two babies instead of one.  And, yes (oh yes!) our hearts have transitioned and grown to love and cherish two sweet souls.  But, each time either child hits a new milestone there's another time of transition.  It was a transition when Fawn went back to preschool and we were without him three mornings a week.  Small Fry and I had to learn to operate as a two-some.  And now that Fawn's not napping and Small Fry is taking two good naps, we are learning how to keep Fawn entertained and occupied while home bound and awake -- without turning to the television as our source of entertainment.  Small Fry's new found mobility is just another time of transition.  And so it will continue...at least things don't get boring!
2. Learn how to use my new camera and make it a priority to continue to take lots of pictures and capture my children's childhoods.  I still have a lot to learn, but I am absolutely loving my camera and taking pictures of my boys.  It brings me so much joy to capture an expression, a moment.  I'm even thinking of asking for a new, fancy lens with a better zoom for my birthday so I can branch out more and better capture sports and activities.
3. To that end, use my video camera more.  Fail.  I have gotten quite handy at the iPhone video feature.  But, I rarely use my actual, handy-dandy video camera.  I really love it -- and it's super-easy to use.  So, here's to using it more in 2013.  I think I'm going to store it in my camera bag so it travels with me.
4. Get back in good shape post-baby -- and carve some mommy time to devote to exercise.  Check -- ran a 5K in December and loving my three-time a week jogs.  There's always room for improvement, but I feel good and healthy -- and that's what matters.
5. Do a better job of stocking my freezer with ready made dinners to make dinner time less stressful.  We've done really well this year in the dinner department.  I stock up on disposable aluminum baking pans at the Dollar Store -- especially the small size that is perfect for a family of four.  If I'm making dinner to take to a friend I try to double the recipe and freeze ours in two small pans.  That way when we heat it up it's just perfect for one dinner.  I buy the containers with lids and mark the lids with the date and baking instructions so I have no excuses when it comes to getting dinner ready.  Don't get me wrong, we have pizza night or feed the boys and then go pick up grown-up take out too.  But, we've always got an option here if we need it.
6. Continue working to be a better wife and mom each day.  The true judges on this one would be the three boys who occupy my heart.  But, I've been working -- on patience, on sacrifice, on having a servant heart.  I still have miles and miles to go but my sweet boys with their precious smiles, hugs, and kisses give me every motivation to do better for them every single day.  
7. Soak up every moment with our newborn since now I know how quick the time goes.  I remind myself of this constantly -- soak it up, remember this moment.  And, I truly desire to do so.  But, then I try to think back to Small Fry at one month, or two months, or three months and I can only picture in my head the visual images that I actually captured on film and have looked at over and over again.  When I nurse Small Fry and look down at him I try to conjure up what he looked like as a nursing newborn and I simply can't do it.  I can only picture him -- his smile, his laugh, his babbles, as he is right now.  I think and hope this is normal, but perhaps I just have a terrible memory!  What I do know is this -- I love Small Fry right now, at this moment more than I have loved him ever before.  So that's got to be good enough.  I've got to quit putting so much pressure on myself to soak it up and remember; instead, I just need to live and to enjoy. 

We have lived and enjoyed this year!  It's been a special year.  We've been more tired and more stretched emotionally than we've ever been in our lives, but we've also been more rewarded. 

Month 11 Update.

This month has been all about movement.  Small Fry is walking -- started about a week after his ten month birthday.  While I wasn't ready for my baby to be upright (just because I'm not ready to admit I have a toddler!), he is so excited and proud of himself.  Big brother Fawn is super-proud too and loves to help Small Fry practice walking.  Small Fry still crawls a good percentage of the time, but he makes progress and gets braver each day.  Along with the walking came a cute, yoga pose that Small Fry loves to practice -- downward dog.  Hilarious -- I've got to capture it on film.  One of these days he's just going to flip over and do a somersault. 

Of course the highlight of the month was Christmas.  Small Fry was clueless but picked up on Fawn's excitement and cues.  He had a great day playing with wrapping paper and new toys and being loved on by his loved ones.  He loved the Christmas tree, which was gated off to protect the tree.  Every time he got close to it he started ripping off ornaments and simply tossing them around the room.  Fawn had his school break and the three of us had a great time hanging out with some long, lazy days at home in pajamas.  Small Fry's favorite past time continues to be throwing balls.  He loves to play catch and it actually pretty good at it (you know, for an eleven month old).  He has figured out that while balls are the easiest thing to throw, his throwing prowess is not limited to round spheres.  He now throws whatever he can get his hands on -- any toy, anything he can find in a cabinet, and my least favorite of his "tricks", the silverware out of the dishwasher while I'm trying to load it.  He just reaches in and throws it backward over his shoulder.  Clearly, I am no longer attempting dishes with Small Fry under foot.

'Tis the season for sickness.  Poor baby got his first ear infection the week before Christmas.  So sad -- he was pitiful, running a fever and screaming.  Thank goodness the antibiotics kicked in pretty quickly but that brought its own tummy troubles.  Part of me was relieved to know how Small Fry reacts with an ear infection as he is a constant ear puller so that "sign" isn't much help.  He loves to tug on his ears -- especially his right ear.  So much so that people are constantly telling me that he is pulling his ear and might have an ear infection.  I'd taken him to the doctor several times for the ear pulling -- really just asking them to make sure he didn't have an ear infection (they may or may not think I'm crazy) -- and was assured each time that his ears looked fantastic.  This time was WAY different so I know what a true ear infection looks like in him.  But, unfortunately, we weren't done with the month's sickness with the ear infection.  Nope -- the stomach bug tore through our house right after New Year's.  Yuck -- and poor Small Fry got the brunt of it.

Between the antibiotics and the stomach bug, Small Fry's appetite has taken quite a hit.  I can barely get the child to eat anything -- he is relying almost solely on breast milk for sustenance these days.  I know this is totally fine but hope we can get back on the adventurous eating bandwagon.  He was really taking to spices and flavors -- pesto, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, chili.  It was impressive!

Small Fry is waving up a storm.  When we leave a store after running errands, he waves goodbye to everyone he passes -- workers, other customers, you name it.  It is so cute and always turns heads.  He has also started clapping and thinks it's pretty funny.  He hasn't been "talking" as much this month -- instead focusing his energy on his new found mobility.  I remember this back-and-forth with Fawn.  Some weeks were all about verbal development, some were all about physical...and it was back-and-forth through the first couple years of his life.  Babbling, learning to sit up, learning to crawl, sign language, learning to walk, talking, stringing words together, learning to skip and jump, etc.  He is picking up more on baby sign language.  I was much more diligent teaching Fawn sign language, but so goes the life of a second child.  Small Fry's favorite sign is all done.  He uses it mostly for food but will do it when he's done with just about anything.

In other news, separation anxiety is peaking around here...if Small Fry's grown-up of choice is out of sight he literally freaks out.  It's totally normal, sweet, a great sign of attachment, but oh so frustrating at times (like when a grown-up needs to say use the restroom or grab a jacket on the way out the door).  And, sleeping, why would anyone need sleep?  I'm only kind of kidding.  I can't blame the poor fellow though between his ear infection, stomach bug, and all of the tummy ramifications (read: multiple nighttime diaper changes) I wouldn't be able to sleep either.  I'm hoping we can get stabilized, get him eating better, and then deal with the sleep issues.  For now, I just look and feel tired.  Though I assumed I'd be sleeping by the eleven-month mark, it's definitely not the end of the world....

...because I am blessed with the sweetest, most joyful baby boy I could ever hope or pray for.  It's been quite a journey, a great almost-year.  And, I fall more in love with my little fellow each day.  I am loving getting to know his personality.  I feel like I know Fawn inside and out and am just scratching the surface with Small Fry.  So while it is bittersweet to be planning a first birthday party, it's also so exciting to know what's ahead.

Month 11 in Pictures.

Week 44.

Week 45.

Week 46.

Week 47.

New Tricks.

Small Fry can now...

...pry the plug protectors out of the wall

...chew on a pacifier like it's a sports mouth guard

 

...take his pants off while he naps and throw them out of the crib

 

...walk!!!



He started walking about a week after he turned ten months old.  He hasn't given up crawling...still does a mix of both.  But, the boy is mobile (and TROUBLE)!

Fawn's Christmas Insights.

Y'all, his teachers are amazing.  AMAZING.  The child knows virtually everything about the Christmas story -- can even explain who King Herod was and that he wanted to hurt baby Jesus.  So while he definitely understood the Santa aspects of the season, he is also starting to understand the deeper meaning and significance.  We've read many Christian-themed Christmas books and Bible stories but I know that he would have never picked up on all of it without the wonderful influence of his school.

He reminds me constantly that "every day is Christmas mom because God gave us Jesus."  Even in the present-less days after Christmas he has continued to chime in with "every day is Christmas."  What a good reminder!

He also likes to talk about how we are God's little lambs and God is our shepherd.  "He will find us if we get lost mom.  Just like we found Hannah when she got lost."  (Hannah is our beagle who went missing for several hours this summer after escaping from our backyard.)

But just when you think Fawn is an angel on earth this happens:

Y'all, he banished Joseph from the stable.  Why?  Because Joseph has a cracked head from a fall off of his perching spot (an injury sustained last year poor guy).  This Joseph is no longer good enough for Fawn.  So not only was there no room in the inn, there's no room in the stable either. 

I kept trying to move Joseph back where he belonged, and Fawn kept kicking him out.  Over and over all through December.

Little stinker.

 

 Oh, and he thanked God for Santa.  And presents.  So we're not quite there...but making progress.