6 Months

My Sweet Wyatt Boy,
Even though my blogging and posting for you has been rather dismal, my love for you is far from it. A wise old man once told me that even if I couldn't blog, no one could take my memories away from me. They will always and forever be in my mind and heart.

The smiles you give every day warm my heart.
The little laughs you have when Kinley talks to you are so precious.
The way you watch Tobie walk by with your curious little eyes.
Your gummy smile is so adorable.
The sweet way you clasp your hands together when you are trying the baby cereal is so innocent.
The way your eyes light up when you see your sister and daddy talk to you.
Have I mentioned your smile? It's infectious.
Every time I look into your blue eyes, I fall more in love with you. Oh, I've never mentioned that you have blue eyes?!? Well, that is partly because I am afraid to talk about them for fear taht they will change. {crossing my fingers that I didn't just jinx them}
You are so drooly but haven't had any teeth show up.

Daddy took you to your six month check-up on September 11. As usual... the height measuring was wonky, saying you are 25 inches. Our home measurements show you being 27 inches tall. For the first time, their weight scale was wrong (hopefully this one doesn't become a regular broken machine). It said you weighed 11 pounds, which would mean you lost weight since your 4 month check up and I can tell by looking at you that is not the case! According to our scale at home, Daddy says you weigh 15 pounds.

You are wearing size 2 diapers, mostly six month clothing, and no shoes. You have had a few shoe wearing experiences but they usually end in one or both shoes kicked off. I hope that when the weather changes we are able to at least keep socks on you.

At home, you eat 7 ounces every 4-5 hours. You started trying rice cereal on September 1. You didn't love it the first time you ate it but you tolerated it. As the days have gone on, you are a better cereal eater. At school, you seem too distracted to drink all of your milk in one setting so you generally have 6 ounces every 4 hours there. At home, you have also had squash, carrots, and green beans, all of which you like. Dad likes to make you a vegetable, rice cereal, breast milk combo, which you gobble up too.

Your naps at school vary. In the last couple days you have been stocking up on the ZZZZ's and having long naps at school. Maybe you are getting your grow on before you go to the doctor. At home, I think you would nap more if a certain sister didn't love you so much. Any time you wake up, Kinley is right there to check on you. The girls at school tell me that she will always check on you after nap too.

This month, I have noticed your hair coming back in. Wait, you didn't really have any to start with! So, your hair is finally growing. It is very blonde so it is isn't noticeable from afar but up close you have a fuzzy little head. As of the 18th, you actually sprouted your first tooth! All of the drooling and chewing on your hands, fingers, and paci have paid off.

As I said before, you make my heart skip a beat. I am so lucky to be your Mommy. Remember, I am always here for you.

You are all because two people fell in love,
Love,
Mommy

4 and 5 months

You turned 4 months old on July 6.

We also had you baptized at church that day. As I sit here starting this post, you are making music to my ears, cooing away. I am sure those coos are saying, "Mom! You are slacking on blogging about me. Get with it woman!"

July 11th, you went for your 4 month check up. You weighed 13 pounds 10 ounces and are in the 25%. You measured 24.5 inches tall, putting you in the 30% for kids your age.

In the last couple weeks, you have found your feet and see to always have hold of them when you are playing on the floor. You also love to see just how much of your hand you fit into your mouth. When we are riding in the car, if you aren't asleep, you are playing with your tongue.


On August 6, you turned 5 months old! Where is the time going little man?

Mmm! Hand to chew on!

Now for a little bite of Tiger paci!

August 4th, you and Kinley started "school" at Miss Jade's. It took a week or so for them to figure you out and get into a routine with you but you did just fine. We even tried to get a discount since you came with a personal assistant. The girls informed us that Kinley is very helpful and kept a watchful eye on you. The way I see her at home with you, I expected no less. From what they told me, she was even a little territorial at first. She didn't want anyone to sit near you or talk to you without her supervision.

First day of school picture with Kinley

3 months

June 6, 2014 marked a quarter of a year for you little guy!

At three months old, you are such a little cutie. There aren't any height or weight stats since you don't go back to the doctor until 4 months.

You are still wearing size one diapers. Several of your newborn shirts are getting a little snug on you. We should probably go ahead and weed those out of your drawers instead of continuing to squeeze you into them. :) {I suppose that is my way of keeping you my little baby boy.} So, for the most part you are wearing 3 month clothes. 

You have 5.5-6 ounces of mommy made milk every 4ish hours, depending on if you urp any up in between feedings. I keep saying we need to make you wait it out a little longer so that you are eating more in one feeding. I must say that when you eat with Dad, your bottle seems to drag on for quite some time because you two like to nap together. Who knows, when you have a bottle with me, ours may take just as long but I don't notice since I am snuggling you. :)

You don't really mind tummy time but have found out that you can roll yourself over to end it! The first time you did it, and most times there after, it has been when you get mad about it. One day you rolled yourself over and then scooted clear off of the playmat you were on in only a few minutes. Maybe you are teaching yourself to do this quickly in hopes of escaping your Sister. She does love you so much... She just doesn't know how to control all of her love.

You have found your feet! You have also started hanging onto things...your animals (pacifier), toes, my hair, your burp cloth, my hair. Oh I mentioned my hair already, well you like it, a lot. It is hard to pry it out of your tight little grip!

Your awake times are more fun now. You like to look around and take everything in. Your Sister is the best at making you smile when she talks to you.

You are all because two people fell in love,
Love,
Mommy

2 months

Hard to believe you are 2 months old! You fit right into our family as if you've been here all along.

Kinley likes to get in on the sticker action too!

On May 5th you went in for your 2 month check up. All of the nurses and Dr. M. were so excited to see you! Before they could check you out, they had to properly dote on your cuteness.

You weighed in at 10 pounds 15 ounces and were 22 inches long. You wear size one diapers. Your clothes range from newborn to 0-3. (who knew there was a difference, right?!)

{Terrible Mom Award goes to me. I had this and two others started but didn't get any further in documenting.}

Even though it is awfully short and not much news... You are all because two people fell in love!

Love,
Mommy

A Slice of Happy

This little guy is almost six months old! I know, it's hard to tell with the lack of monthly update posts, but.... he is just a little ray of sunshine!

This video was captured while diving home from an impromptu trip to Braum's. It is a little bit of what every car ride is now. This song medley just makes me smile. R-E-D, animal impressions, Farmer in the Dell, ABC song, Jesus Loves Me, Wyatt Boy's song, recitation from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Old McDonald Had a Farm, and a little love for Tobie.

(here is the youtube link in case it never shows up in blogger... http://youtu.be/3DapJynHUl8)

I feel truly blessed to be Mommy to these little cuties.

2 Years

My Sweet Little Snowflake,

Though you no longer go by that nickname, you will always be my little Snowflake. It is hard to believe you are turning two! In your two short years, you have stolen the hearts of many. You are a smart, funny, independent, beautiful little girl. 

We celebrated your birthday on July 5 by having family and friends over finger foods, cake and ice cream. You loved ripping in to the presents you received. You took a minute to 'read' the card and then a minute or two to check out the gift before moving on. The original plan was to enjoy a neighbor's firework show in the backyard but he did them on the 4th so we just had fun doing smaller, kid friendly ones, which was just as fun. We spent the next week slowly playing with a different present every day. Some of the fun stuff you got included: stickers, craft supplies, pink Converse shoes, play jewelry, a couple outfits, Baby Alive (that had some medical things that we used to help prep for shots), a doctor kit, blocks, Play Doh, a little cheerleader doll, bows and barrettes, and I am sure there was more! 

You are a growing little lady. You wear a lot of 2T clothes but can still fit into 18 month apparel. Your shoes range from 5 to 6. You were recently given a pair of Croc like shoes that are purple, blue, pink and white tie dye... of course you love them since they don't coordinate with many outfits. I think part of the reason you like them so much is that you can put them on yourself! Each time, you say, "I did it!"  and throw you hands up in the air to celebrate. You have been in size 4 diapers for quite a while but just moved up to 5's. There have been a coule successful trips to the potty! It is something you talk about but haven't gotten the hang of yet, but that's okay. You've got plenty of time. You try any food we put in front of you. Your favorite seems to be a ham melt from Arby's. You like to eat frozen 'gapes' with your Daddy and love to ask for 'teddy brrrs' for a snack. 

Your two year well child visit was on July 11. You tipped the scales at 27.8 pounds putting you in the 64th percentile for weight. You are 2 feet 9 inches (33 inches) tall putting you in the 25th percentile. The nurses and doctors still doted on how cute you are and how they remember you coming in when you were 4 days old. You got the Hep A booster shot (after Mom kind of insisted that it could be given based on timing of the previous shot [hey, we were there and had been prepping and talking about getting a shot all week long!]). You did really well with it! The initial poke made you pouty and gave you a little cry but you were just fine after. I think the purple sucker helped take your mind off of it!

You are a precious big sister! You love your Baby Boo in such a sweet way. If he's crying, you run to his side to see if you can help him. You will pat his back and say, "It's okay, Wyatt." or "What's wrong Buddy?", pop a pacifier back in his mouth or if his bottle is nearby, try giving him that too. He is one of the first people you ask about when you wake up each morning. Sometimes you call him Baby Boo, Wyatt Boy (sounds like you are saying white boy), Brudder, Buddy or just Baby. You like to buckle him into his car seat and put his bottles in the sink when he is finished with them. On occasion, you will ask to hold him but when you are finished you just start shoving him off of your lap. We are working on saying, "I'm finished Wyatt" and waiting on Mommy or Daddy to take him off of you lap. Most recently when you ask to hold him, you immediately start shifting him after he is sat down on your lap. You are trying to turn him around to hold him up on your shoulder. When we help you turn him, you start patting his back and 'shhhh. shhh. shhh'-ing in his ear. It is the sweetest thing to see you love on him. I hope you always love him and remember he is your best friend.

You love to be outside. You like swinging and sliding or digging in the dirt. You have a small collection of rocks that you have found in the backyard that you store in Tobie's extra water dish on the patio. It seems like each time we are out there, you hunt for another and add it to the collection. You are pretty fearless when it comes to exploring the backyard or anywhere really. 

You love your Daddy to pieces (and he feels the same about you)! He is another person you ask about every morning when you wake up, "Where's Daddy?! Where's Peston?" You get so excited when you hear the garage door open everyday, "DADDY!!" Most days during school time, you and Daddy have breakfast together before school. He loves having Daddy nights with you and your brother! He tells you often that you are smart, beautiful or funny and that he will do anything for you. You have his patience, which is pretty minimal. You will try to do something on your own but get frustrated if you can't immediately get it figured out. Then you start whining until we remind you to try again or try to talk you through how do it. 

You have Mom characteristics too, even though she will try to pass them off as coming from your Daddy. You can have a sassy little attitude. Stating, so matter of factly, "No." to taking another bite, coming when called, putting toys away or giving a goodnight kiss. There is a stubborn, hard headed bone in your body and it drives your Mommy bonkers. She just takes a deep breath and remembers where that 'tude came from! If you don't want to to something you will flop yourself into a little puddle on the ground and pout about it. You will also fold yourself over like a pocket knife when you don't want to do something. You are such a precious little gift that it is easy to look passed your sassy behavior and help you learn a better way to react.

You enjoy school with Mrs. Jade, Mrs. Sunny and Ms. Rachel. When I get you out of the car each morning, you just start walking right up to the door, like you don't even need me anymore. It is such a bittersweet feeling. I love that you are independent enough to want to do it on your own and not get super sad about dropping you off but I still want my baby girl to hold my hand. Each day I pick you up, you run over saying, "Hi Mommy!" and I get half a hug before you turn around to run back to the playground or toys you were playing with. Again, bittersweet but so precious.

This summer you took swim lessons with Mommy. The first 3 of the 8 days, you were not totally certain. The fourth day you came to life in the water! You absolutely wore yourself out splashing, kicking and swimming your arms. The fifth day, Daddy came to watch. "Watch this Daddy!!!" or "Daddy watch me!" came out of your mouth the entire time. You were so proud to show off for your Daddy. 

Some of our favorite things you say are:

~ Is that myyynt? -You love to ask if something is yours. Your version of mine, myyynt, rhymes with pint. (I only put that because I don't ever want to forget how you said it. I know I should correct you every time but it is so cute.)

~Rocka baby or Rocka Wyatt -this is what you say when you want us to sing Rock a Bye Baby. On occasion, you can be heard singing on your own. It goes a little like this, "Rocka Baby, tee top, wind blows, Rocka baby"

~I want ABCD. -this is when we sing the alphabet. Occasionally, you sing this on your own too. It starts off "A B C D" then you hit or miss some letters in the middle "T V" hit or miss a few more before finishing off the song "Now I my ABC, ness time with me"

~Hold me Mommy. or I hold you Daddy. -sweetest face is looking up at us as you say this in a little puppy dog voice.

~straw-beret -I think this is the French word for strawberry? No? Well, maybe it is just your own French interpretation then.

~straw-beer-er -just another Kinley version of strawberry

~I want a paancak. -some days you are quite vocal about wanting a pancake for breakfast, or lunch, or  dinner, or whenever you think about it.

~I want Jesus. -you started saying this after I taught you Jesus Loves Me on the way home from school. It works every time. I mean, how can I say no to Jesus? If you sing it on your own when you think no one is paying attention, it goes "Jesus smee. Bible. Jesus smee."

~Coooat-nee or Matsee -the names of my teacher friends that you ask for several times a week. You will even talk about their chairs, that they sat in one time when visiting us in April. You haven't forgotten where they sat.

~Reeeeeaach! -you will say this when you really are having to reach or even if you are just handing us something. Sometimes you even reeeeeeeeach from clear across the room.

~Take my temper-er! -you love to use the thermometer and take people's temperature. For the few times that we did use it, you surprisingly know it is supposed to be swiped across the forehead when it is used.

~'smee Tobie -Kinley talk for "excuse me Tobie" you at 'smee others too but Tobie is mainly the one you are trying to run over with your shopping cart or walk on top of.
~I want Mommy to pump it out. You will say this when Mommy is making milk for Wyatt. You love to try to help by handing me things too.
~Nnnnnno! Tobie! -you really wind up the N of no before making a swatting action at her. 
~I got me! -this is said when we are chasing around in the house, instead of 'you got me!'

~Hi Mom. -at times you will just call out to Mom or Dad from your seat at the table and you just sound so big, too big. Or you will follow us around, sounding like the seagulls from Finding Nemo, "Mom. Mom. Mom. Dad. Dad. Dad." Like a broken record but I'd listen to it all day. ~Animal impressions include: dog, cat, cow (probably your favorite impression to make, 'mmmmoooooo' really winding up the m), pig, horse, monkey, elephant (complete with hand raising trunk motion); lion, tiger, bear, and dinosaur all have the same 'RAR!' that also have a quick claw like motion with them; fish -we're working on getting the puckered lips but it is mostly just moving your little mouth like a fish; rabbit, frog, donkey, duck, goose and bird.

Kinley Binley,

You are loved to no end. I hope that you always remember how loved you are, no one can take that away from you! Always know that there isn't a mountain Mommy and Daddy won't help you move. You can do anything you set your mind to. Though your sassy attitude and hard head drive me bonkers now, I hope you carry them with you the rest of your life so people know that Kinley Snow means business. I am so blessed to be your Mommy!

You are all because two people fell in love.

I'm always here sweet girl,

Love,

Mommy

Title Less

I tried to give this post a title... But nothing jumped out or came to me.

On June 3, I feel like my Mom had her best birthday in 19 years... She was able to celebrate it with her Daddy. Being Father's Day, I imagine Pa had the best one in years. He was able to celebrate with his kids again. It is such a bittersweet feeling. (I imagine Pa loved his birthday back in April too!)

As my babies grow, I can't help but think how he would interact with them. Kinley loves to ride Molly, the rocking horse he made when I was in junior high, and the whole time I just think about how he would get a kick out of that. Or how he would just love to talk with her now that she is just a little older. I imagine she would have had a few cuss words under her belt too, as she can be a little parrot these days. We recently, finally, hung some pictures up. Kinley sees one of Pa and recognizes him and says, "Hi Pa!" I love it and am impressed that she recognizes him in pictures. 

Though he would be afraid of breaking him, Pa would love Brother Bear. It saddens me that he will never know him in person. I also think back to the day in the hospital that Pa felt him moving around. He just thought it was the most amazing thing ever. I mean, it is amazing, but seeing how excited and proud he was, was adorable. 

As I write this, I can't help but think about what kind of grandma my Mom would be. It stings to know that I have had more birthdays, Christmases and every other holiday, without her than I had with her. (this is turning into such a depressing post!) Being  a mom for a short two years, there have already been times that I think, "My mother just came out of my mouth!" When that happens I just smile and take comfort in knowing that even in our short time together, I was able to learn to be the kind of mother that she was. There are still some of her qualities that I strive to have but maybe someday they will just come to me.

In the mean time, I can feel comforted in knowing that those two, my Mom and Pa, are probably having such a great time together, laughing at me wanting to pull my hair out when Kinley pops her little stubborn attitude out at me.