Monkey Joe's

06.27.2010

We've taken a couple different trips to Monkey Joe's this summer. It's something fun for Andrew to do where he can get lots of exercise but not have to be miserable under the hot sun. It's a win-win, really.

It's not easy to get good pictures of Andrew at Monkey Joe's because he doesn't stay still long enough for a photo opt. But, here are a couple of pictures to remember our day:

11 Months Old

06.07.2010

I'm way behind on my blog posts. In fact, here I am posting all about Megan at 11 months, and she's already 12 months old! But I can't pass it by, so at 11 months, Megan...

• is beginning to eat more table food. She's not a picker eater and will pretty much eat anything you give her.
• really hates her car seat. She fights you when you put her in it and ofter fusses until she's out of it!
  loves it when Daddy comes home from work - she's always so excited to see him!
• went to Vacation Bible School and loved it! She covered every inch of that nursery and loved to "pet" baby Noah.
• says "wiggle, wiggle," which may just be the cutest thing ever!
• has recently decided she doesn't like to have her diaper changed and voices that quite loudly!
• no longer takes a pacifier. She's found a couple and stuck them in her mouth, but we don't give one to her in the crib anymore, nor do we pack one in the diaper bag.
• is beginning to love books.
• walks a mile a minute in her walker.
• is beginning to climb.
• pushes her arms through the arm holes in her shirts when you dress her.
• constantly drops things to see if you'll pick them up and if you do, she drops it again!
• loves to play in water.
• loves it when her big brother plays with her.
• lowers herself from a standing position without falling.
• will not keep a hair bow in her hair - she yanks it out immediately.
• will not keep socks on for more than a couple of minutes.
• takes the spoon away from you when you're trying to feed her.
• always seems to sneeze when she's eating - sweet potato showers are the best!
• like to sit on objects - stools, toys, etc.
• is super cute!
• loves ice cream.
• claps her hands all the time - especially when we're playing "If You're Happy and You Know it..." with Andrew.
• isn't at all interested in peek-a-boo or patty cake.
• loves riding in shopping carts until you buckle her in - which you have to because she's constantly standing up in the seat!
• takes a nice long nap in the afternoons and goes to bed with no problems.
• seems to be a very happy baby.

And here are a few of her 11 month pictures - this might just be my favorite set of pictures so far!

Happy Birthday Ledger!

06.06.2010

Little Ledger turned 1 today. I am so thankful to be part of his life. He's such a special boy and it's so wonderful to watch him grow and change.

Ledger's mommy and daddy hosted a birthday party for him at their house. They had all kinds of water activities set up for the kids. And even though Ledger didn't really care for any of the water fun, my kiddos sure did! Megan took right to the water. Andrew did too. You never really know what to expect with Andrew and water. I don't think he's scared of it, but I do know he HATES having it in his face. But even when Megan splashed him, he took it like a champ.

Here are a few pictures from Ledger's special day!

Company Picnic

05.23.2010

Sunday was the annual family cookout where William works. They had lots of fun activities for the kids, though most of them were for kids older than ours. But, Andrew enjoyed the bouncy house and obstacle course, and the ice cream, candy and other not-good-for-you treats too!

4 Years Old

05.22.2010

At 4 years, Andrew...

• is very patient and understanding.
• is a wonderful big brother. is independent and can play all day all by himself, but sure loves it when Daddy plays trains with him.
• loves to slide, hates to swing.
• still hates to have his hair washed.
• loves to learn. He knows all his colors, shapes, numbers, several songs, and has just recently started to learn how to add.
• loves to play with Play-doh and has recently discovered the fun of finger paint.
• is a rough-and-tough kid but can be a real sweetheart when you need it the most.
• is very well-behaved in church.
• is growing up waaaay too fast.
• recognizes where we are going before we get there by being familiar with the route.
• is a great eater. He's not very picky at all, though he's still not crazy about green peas or broccoli - but at least now he's willing to try them.
• talks on the phone but usually doesn't have much to say.
• loves to help with laundry, taking things to the trash, vacuuming, and other household chores.
• loves to play outside.
• never gives us any grief about going to bed and is a great sleeper.
• doesn't take naps anymore (boo).
• was a real breeze to potty train and never has accidents.
• wants his dad when it's time to play and his mom when somethings wrong.
• loves, loves, loves cartoons - Max and Ruby, Wow Wow Wubzy, and Wonder Pets are his favorites right now.
• is showing great interest in learning how to use the computer.
• is a pretty good picture-taker.
• is very well-behaved and mild-mannered.
• loves to sing/play "If You're Happy and You Know It..."
• always kisses Megan goodnight - which is SUPER CUTE!
• loves to wash his hands and use LOTS of Mommy's expensive soap.
• loves milk and apple juice. We often joke that he has a drinking problem.
• wants help being dressed even though he can do it himself.
• will not go to bed without socks.
• has a very keen sense of direction - much better than Mommy's!
• says some of the funniest things.
• LOVES peanut butter.
• is beginning to play video games (goody...).
• loves to walk freely in the grocery store and "help" shop. He often asks to go to Food Lion.
• still loves to play with train tables and really enjoys trips to the bookstore so he can do just that!
• has stolen my heart forever!

To put it simply, he's a joy and and we love him more than we could have ever imagined.

Andrew's 4th Birthday Party

05.22.2010

We had Andrew's birthday party at one of the local parks this year. He loves playgrounds and when you add pizza and cake, you can't go wrong!

Grandpa and Grandma brought a special treat - a pinata. Andrew wasn't as interested in it as I had hoped. He was too caught up in the excitement of the playground. But the other kids enjoyed taking their turns at it.

I think Andrew had a great time - even though I am still in complete denial that my little guy is 4 now!