Flip Flops & Pearls

Annabelle 5 1/2 weeks

2010-11-10T14:23:00.000-06:00

Facebook feelings on the day:There is definitely a bonus if you have family near to drop them off now and then. The important thing is looking at the spit up stains, crys, and e...ndless "Mom, Mom, Mom" as things we'll miss one day and last just a short time...all part of a great journey with endless rewards you can never buy. Tough part is you can't buy the lending hand you need sometimes either.

Can you tell my fabulous husband made me dinner and took two feedings last night? I didn't get unbroken sleep bc I stil woke up for every one, but I got more sleep than I have in many many weeks...and that's definitley a BONUS!

Baby Doll

2010-11-10T14:05:00.003-06:00

Facebook Post for Today

2010-11-09T14:24:00.001-06:00

‎4am feeding for Anna Claire, 5am diaper change n William wide awake, 1.5 hrs of trying to get Will to sleep, lots of poop, coffee, more poop, park to tire him out, eat, sour milk down my shirt here now there, nap time, more milk inmy hair, Anna Claire is wide awake, more poop, Anna cLAIRE is spoiled for arms, need coffee, almost 5pm, tired, need to blog bc this is priceless...praying for unbroken sleep

A Day of Rest & Halloween Prep

2010-10-28T07:00:00.031-05:00

With just three days to Halloween, William has been enjoying playing "itch" and wearing his "ee-een" shirts. With Halloween outfits from Mary Kate, William, and Addison, Anna Claire has been covered for every day of the week on her Halloween attire. Anna Claire has been such a good baby so far - not really crying until after she was two weeks old and even then only if she is hungry and we didn't hear her grunts. Until this week, she hadn't cried with colic but last night was her worst night yet: She was up every hour except for the 11th and 7th. I was thankful both she and William slept in until 8:20.

William also enjoyed opening a package from his Nanny Stacey. He loved his Halloween gift but wasn't too interested in Anna Claire's gift. Mom Mom & My Dad thought it was too cute.

Mom's 1st Day Solo & Will's 1st "Bubbles Bath"

2010-10-25T13:44:00.016-05:00

At 3pm, both kids were actually sleeping, and it went smoothly!

Halloween attire for every day this week...her favorite position to sleep

Will doesn't want pictures any more...

BUBBLES BATH!!!!

MUSCLES!

The end of Anna Claire's 2nd week: Just us 4

2010-10-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

MeMaw left this morning for the drive home. The boys make Mommy breakfast: We're all up early and the air is crisp.

William makes eggs in his pot.

William holds BeBe

My Dad teaches William how to hold BeBe's hand

Annabelle grabs William's thumb ("tumb")

William really really likes Annabelle holding his "tumb"

He really is a good big brother: Loves to help and trys to tend to her.

Annabelle watching her Daddy.

William's feet have been bothering him...so we went shopping for a size 9 in his shoe stash. Good thing Mommy shops ahead.

Like WALL-E, Will teaches Anna how to hold his "tumb"

New Looks

2010-10-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

William with his BAT mustache!

MeMaw's new hair cut

Annabelle Claire at 2 weeks old

2010-10-18T13:29:00.009-05:00

Today, Mommy, MeMaw, and William took Anna Claire to her 2 week appointment. She has been doing quite a bit of growing the past two weeks. She is now 20 and 3/4 inches long (20 inches at birth); 7lbs, 15oz (7lbs,8.4oz at birth); and her head is 1/2 inch larger too.

Georgia State Fair

2010-10-16T10:04:00.012-05:00

Daddy took William to the Georgia State Fair, which just happened to be near our new home. William came home stinky and happy - glowing that he had fed the giraff a carrot, watched the pig races, seen sea lions, and held the baby joey (really a Wallaby but who cares with a face like that).

While the boys went to the fair, the girls stayed home and rested. Definitely a time Mommy wished she was there or had sent the camera...

Mommy & babies resting that morning

October 9, 2010 A Day with Family

2010-10-09T09:36:00.001-05:00

October 8, 2010 More Family Visits

2010-10-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

We woke up this morning and lounged around with 2-Bon and Aunt Sam. In the afternoon, MeMaw, Poppa, and Emmy arrived. William started getting interested in his baby sister...

October 6, 2010 Home from the Hospital

2010-10-06T15:22:00.035-05:00

Last night, Anna Claire weighed in at 7 lbs, 0.6 oz (about a half of a pound less than her birth weight). Today, we were both cleared to go home.

Daddy's love.

William openning his toy from "Be-Bee"

Nanny Sam

Big Brother William

Entertainment for a 2 year old

Guess he decided girl kisses were YUK!

After lunch workout...almost 2 days old and already curious and living her head.

Getting ready to leave...

Little Cupcake

What's amazing is she doesn't look much bigger than Will when he went home at 4 lbs

He knows his sister is there but isn't too interested...

When we got home, he held my hand to walk inside and asked to hold Anna a few times when we suggested he show her his room. He showed her her room first and then his room and "Choo-Choo." We got through 2-3 pages of his "I'm a Big Brother" book and interest was lost again. I'm sure lots of fun is yet to come...

October 5, 2010

2010-10-05T17:16:00.001-05:00

Aunt Sam and Maw Maw arrived around 4am this morning...William got to see Anna Claire again and begin learning that she's not going anywhere.

Less than a day old...

Big Brother excited about the "Be-Be"

"Smiles" - Mommy & Daddy's favorite

Aunt "Pam" shared her IPhone with Will/ Nanny Sam holding Anna Claire

Hat a little too big...but sweet

One eye like her brother...peeping at the world

Baby Connor sent flowers to Baby Annabelle...potential love interest

An attempt at a family picture...

A Mommy not so swollen this time.

Annabelle Claire Ordoyne born October 4, 2010

2010-10-05T15:41:00.001-05:00

October 4th, 2010
8:07pm
7 pounds, 8.4 ounces
20 inches long
13.5 inch head

So, I guess all of our babies will be taken in a rush! We went to the hospital about 5pm because I had not felt the baby move for some time, and the OB office was closed. We thought we were just going make sure there was a heart beat, but of course, that doesn't happen with our births. I thought I may have had some contractions this past Saturday, but rulled them as other pains. Sunday, there were fewer and still no pattern. Monday, just a few contractions here and there but even less to be worried about than Sunday. I felt Anna Claire move that morning and in the later part of the morning, but even after eating ice cream, I did not feel her move. The monitor at the hospital showed contractions (that I didn't feel) along with a strong heart beat for the baby. We thought they would keep us scheduled for Wednesday morning, but after an examination showed I was one centimeter dialated with a bloody show, the doctor decided to deliver the baby in an hour. The rush we experienced with William's Emergency section began.

So, the doctor said they would take her out, clean her up, and put her on my chest. Instead, the anistetiologist gave me something to knock me out, and once again, no labor and I wake up to all of a sudden having no baby in my belly. The tears and anger rain down; Someone decided to take something so precious from me again - my newborn. Casey made sure I saw her in the recovery room, but I wasn't so sure she was mine. She took to the breast quickly and nursed well throughout the night. Casey fell asleep on the floor with William at home, so I had a chance to bond with her through the night...my brown haired cutie. She has long feet, the Blanchard birth mark, long fingers, dark brown hair, chunky cheeks, sounds like a mouse, and our hearts.

Mrs Deena & Mr Steve came to take care of Will

Getting Ready for Baby...

2010-09-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

We went to Mass and Dad & Will finished building Annabelles canvas for her painting.

On the move...

2010-08-26T15:41:00.002-05:00

Peaches & Hotel Living

2010-07-31T10:16:00.042-05:00

Since we didn't close on the house yesterday, we decided to concentrate a little more on exploring our new area. We headed to Lane Orchard to see how peaches are farmed. Tomorrow, we'll finally see Toy Story 3 in 3D and visit the new Southwest Regional Field here in Warner Robins for one of the Softball Tournament games. Here are some pictures: I'll be 30 weeks along for Anna Claire on Monday.

One hotel, two hotel...we are now scheduled to close this Friday, August 7th, but we're crossing our fingers. Casey starts training on the 9th, so we'll be unpacking all weekend if we do get to close. I know Ranger and Oliver are ready to see more than a hotel room and run outside more: They'll be ready to be back inside once they realize how hot it is. William has a new obsession with puzzles and the alphabet. He gets very excited when he sees letters and says, "Mom, Mom" as he points. We're all ready to make a new home and be home. First on the kitchenagenda, chicken stew and lasagna.

New Words and Updated pics of House

2010-07-20T08:42:00.094-05:00

At almost 25 months, William is coming out with new words almost every day. Yesterday when we got out of the car and the DVD player went off, he screamed "Oaf" "Oaf" for "off." This morning, he came snuggle in bed with us like he does every morning, rolled over, and said, "I poppy," grabbing his privates. He had made a potty. I guess since he figured out how to make the "f-f-f" sound, he was intrigued because he tried saying other words with f's - accentuating the "f-f-f."

Below are some updated pictures of the new house taken yesterday. William runs to his room to play: He loves to play in his closet. We're hoping to be in by the end of the month...seems like a lot still needs to be done.

Kitchen Cabinets:

Master Bath:

Master from Master Bath:

Master:

Living from Kitchen:

Kitchen from Garage Door (laundry to right, storage closet on left):

Dining Room:

Office:

Hall Bath:

William in his closet:

View of backyard from William's room:

View from Annabelle's room:

View from Office:

Back of house:

View from Master (before the fence):

Playing in the Back yard:

Trash can built into cabinet:

Front door:

Stamp on front and back porches:

Cement added to front drive:

Front of house (still needs two posts):

I think Ranger is definitely ready to get out of the hotel room.

Ok, JUMP!

2010-07-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

Becoming a little boy...

2010-07-07T13:25:00.006-05:00

Sometimes, with no particular place to go, the best moments arise...

Independence Day

2010-07-04T13:47:00.019-05:00

Since Mommy wasn't up to making a drive this weekend, we stayed in Columbus and headed to the Spray Park for a little water fun, bbq, and fishing. Here are the few pics our little camera is allowing us to take for some reason. Happy 4th of July!

Mommy sporting the belly...

Birthday List

2010-06-11T16:32:00.001-05:00

Back by popular demand, "Mom Mom" has created a list for William's 2nd Birthday. Some of these are ideas she had for Christmas too. The words in blue are linked to the product websites.

Educational Toys/ Learning Tools
Full sized bed (he's getting our dresser when we move)
Buzz Lightyear
Books for the Little bookworm
Pretend Play Tools - tool box, work bench, JD tools)
Leap Frog Letters & Lessons Gift Set
Musical Instruments (other links: band set, band in a box)
Legos, Lincoln Logs, or Building Blocks
Learning to dress Boy doll - teaches to tie shoes, button, zip, etc
Outdoor Play like a slide
Mr Potato Head

Baby O2 - Due October 11th, 2010

2010-03-04T17:14:00.000-06:00

I started spotting last night and cramping pretty badly. It lasted through the night. Casey called the OB this morning and was able to stay home with me for the better part of the day. I was instructed to take two Tylenol and stay lying down for the morning and contact the office if it hadn't gone away. They made us an appointment after lunch, and the doctor says everything is fine. The spotting is not uncommon and the cramping is my scar tissue and ligaments stretching. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next few days and then gradually get active again.

Best of all, we got to see the and hear the new addition to our family. William actually watched and said, "baby" too. He or she is due October 11th, 2010, which means I'm 8 weeks and 3 days along. The baby measures 8 weeks and 4 days, had a heart rate of 167, and looks healthy with a healthy yolk sack
William's typing skills :-)

0j]8]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]],000000000000000l000000032▬0

j'n

(I wish I could post the photo but our scanner is not working)

Office of the Tooth Fairy

2010-02-02T12:34:00.000-06:00

Note to Self:
This is too cute, and you have to do this in addition to a Manley Tooth Fairy Bag (similar to my Tooth Fairy Pillow) - http://www.officeofthetoothfairy.com/. Thanks Trish!

Playing Santa

2009-12-05T17:55:00.000-06:00

...and stealing buttercream icing out of the dishwaher.

"I know you caught me, but look how cute I am..."

Walt Disney World: Day 1 @ Magic Kingdom

2009-11-22T22:35:00.006-06:00

Playing with Daddy's hat

2009-11-10T13:51:00.006-06:00

William swiped Daddy's hat from his flight suit.

Career Day at Columbus Air Force Base, MS

2009-11-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

Career Day continued...

2009-11-07T13:59:00.001-06:00

Letter to Santa...

2009-11-05T11:40:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure if it's tacky or helpful, but I decided to post William's letter to Santa on the blog. I've been getting the question of what to get William for Christmas, and we know Santa can't handle such a big list. Besides, if this Mom ever gets to finish William's photo book, it'll help to have his first letter saved.

Updates from Mommy: Dear Santa, I received a call that these things were taken care by your elves..

~~bike~~
~~potty top seat~~
~~dvd player for car~~
~~wooden train/car track~~

William's First Hair Cut: 16 months, 1 week, & 4 days

2009-11-04T19:44:00.002-06:00

Mommy's still trying to get used to this one! The two of us are still stuck inside with runny noses and ear infections, and Daddy is hoping not to get it. William is into EVERYTHING and Barney is about to fly out the window. Here are a few pictures...

...a Mommy and a long haired boy in the house for 3 days straight, one pair of hair scissors found in the drawer, and flu-like symptoms. Mommy let go of the need for pictures at the barber shop and tried it herself (just a little too short on the bangs).

Big Boy Bedding FOUND...

2009-11-03T19:44:00.043-06:00

For about 10 months now, I've been gawking at these two bedding sets, wishing they would go on sale at a low enough price for me to buy one of them. You may remember the Tea Collection outfit from last Winter/Spring: The one with blue, brick red, brown, and white that we decided to model William's big boy room after. Well, I had found these two beauties to complete that inspiration. Last week, I recieved an email about a private sale, and bought the Nate duvet and euro sham for William's big boy room. It's a full/queen but it's going on a twin because I don't believe little boys should have bed skirts. The quality is better than I imagined, and I was so happy, SO HAPPY, to find something that looks "little boy enough to do the toddler years and not too little to last until he's about 12 or so. Is it bad that I'm ready to move again just so we can set up a big boy room for when he's ready?!?!?

2009-10-30T12:35:00.001-05:00

I Am A Military Wife

Author Unknown

I am a military wife - a member of that sisterhood of women who have had the courage to watch their men go into battle, and the strength to survive until their return. Our sorority knows no rank, for we earn our membership with a marriage license, travelling over miles, or over nations to begin a new life with our military husbands. Within days, we turn a barren, echoing building into a home, and though our quarters are inevitably white-walled and unpapered, we decorate with the treasures of our travels, for we shop the markets of the globe.

Using hammer and nail, we tack our pictures to the wall, and our roots to the floor as firmly as if we had lived there for a lifetime. We hold a family together by the bootstraps, and raise the best of ’brats’, instilling in them the motto: "Home is togetherness", whether motel, or guest house, apartment or duplex. As military wives we soon realize that the only good in "Good-bye" is the "Hello again". For as salesmen for freedom, our husbands are often on the road, at sea, or in the sky, leaving us behind for a week, a month, an assignment.

During separations we guard the home front, existing until the homecoming. Unlike our civilian counterparts, we measure time, not by years, but by tours - married at Petawawa, a baby born at Gagetown, a special anniversary at Uplands, a promotion in St Jean. We plant trees, and never see them grow tall, work on projects completed long after our departure, and enhance our community for the betterment of those who come after us.

We leave a part of ourselves at every stop. Through experience, we have learned to pack a suitcase, a car or hold baggage, and live indefinitely from the contents within: and though our fingers are sore from the patches we have sewn, and the silver we have shined, our hands are always ready to help those around us. Women of peace, we pray for a world in harmony, for the flag that leads our men into battle, will also blanket them in death.

Yet we are an optimistic group, thinking of the good, and forgetting the bad, cherishing yesterday, while anticipating tomorrow. Never rich by monetary standards, our hearts are overflowing with a wealth of experiences common only to those united by the special tradition of military life. We pass on this legacy to every military bride, welcoming her with outstretched arms, with love and friendship, from one sister to another, sharing in the bounty of our unique, fulfilling military way of life.

Mommy Meltdown Solution: Just Vacuum it Up!

2009-10-29T12:44:00.101-05:00

When you say "I do" to a guy who dream of being a pilot in the military (and in the military in general), I don't think you really know what you're getting yourself into. At least, not until you've lived it! Then, you think, "Let’s have a baby!" Again, how you thought it would go in your brain isn't how it goes at all. It's a different story for you than for your friend who has her Mom or family to take the baby now then, giving you some time to yourself. I get a break at nap time or when my husband can spare some time from his busy schedule - usually not until the weekend if he's not studying and rarely no more than a few minutes during the week. Am I complaining, absolutely, because I don't think others realize what military wives and people in similiar situations go through. For type-A women - yes, I finally consider myself a woman after all that I've lived (no longer a young lady or a girl), it seems realizing that things aren't how we "planned" it a little harder to accept and adjust to accordingly. You see, "this was how it was supposed to go!!! I'm supposed to be able to do this - possibly even it all."
Last night, I had another awakening. I was planning on making stir-fry, so I went to the store to grab a couple of things off of my list, of course. When I got home, I pulled the pot out to make rice, and no rice. Ok. How bad do I need this? Well, no rice, no stir-fry. Decision made: We have to go back to the store for rice. William begins to wine (his new favorite noise when he wants anything). I took my deep breath, thought, if I have him a snack while we go to the store, we can do this. Alright, grab the bag of strawberry wheat-nutons and go: I'm proud of myself for stepping back and assessing the situation then finding a solution. When we got home for the second time, I heated up green beans from the night before and put them on the table for William to eat while I finish dinner. He decided to turn the plate over, so I corrected him and returned them to the plate. After the second time, I thought, "I'm not fighting that battle, no harm in eating them off the table, go ahead." He started putting them in his lap, no problem. He started putting them on the floor, no problem. I can't believe I'm letting him doing this, but again, I'm not picking that battle tonight. Did I mention I have the flu with all the fixin's??? William begins asking for the green beans on the floor (aka wining for them), and I decide they're staying there until Casey gets home. By this point in the day, he's had his serving of fruit, meat, & whole grains. He needs the rest of his vegetables and milk. This one's hard for me because I make sure he gets all of these each day, but I think, other kids don't, it won't hurt you. I put Cheerios on the table for him. I continue cooking and checking on him, and the Cheerios start making their way to the floor in fistfuls & he starts fussing. I walk back into the kitchen with my already running nose and the tears start to fall...When is Casey coming home? Do you think I could call a family member to drive 5.5 hours? When is this flu going to go away? I hate that this makes my back and neck hurt even worse. Why didn't I take the chicken & rice soup and throw the marinated chicken away? William starts to cry.....INHALE, EXHALE, INHALE, EXHALE....I CAN do this! I walked to the back, got out the vacuum, comforted him, and started cleaning the floor. I had a flash of Michael Keaton from an 80's movie vacuuming up after the kids' breakfast. What the heck!?!? It's allover your lap, I'll vacuum that too. And in your seat, and on your butt, and on your leg and hands, and the table too!!! I just vacuumed it all up. I wiped his hands down and mouth and he was happy to be out of his seat. PROBLEM SOLVED and dinner finished.
I never dreamed of being that kind of Mom, but you know what, it worked, and I did what I needed to do. I'm sure I won't make it a habit, but I was invigorated with finding a solution to my meltdown. I had a happy baby and was a happier Mommy.

William's 1st Pumpkin Carving - Mickey Mouse

2009-10-25T14:15:00.026-05:00

Daddy started carving the pumpkin, and when he lifted the top to show Will the insides, Will's jaw dropped. Then, Daddy went to work! "Mop" and "Da-Da" put a light in the Mickey pumpkin and William smiled. When we sat him next to it, he was more interested in picking Mommy's flowers.

It's time for William's 1st Hair Cut: We are just having a hard time bringing ourselves to do it.

2009-10-21T23:00:00.005-05:00

Book Worm Videos

2009-10-21T07:46:00.004-05:00

A Lion at the Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T15:59:00.002-05:00

We headed to the Pumpkin Patch with our LUNA Mom's group. It was William and Mommy's third time there, but we had a good time like always. Daddy didn't go to work until later in the morning, so William had a little time with him before.

Colson Country Farms Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-06T07:44:00.000-05:00

Today, our LUNA Mom's play group went to the Pumpkn Patch at Colson Farms in Caldonia, MS. It was great! The kids had so much fun playing with the pumpkins and running around the property. There were even wagons to pull the little ones. William immediatley ran up to the cinderella pumpkins and began hugging them, trying to pick them up like he does my fake pumpkins at home. He was adorabley straining,
"uh!" We paid a dollar each to ride the hay ride, which was very relaxing for the moms but apparently a little scary for some of the kids. Some of the kids held on tho their moommy's pants, and Willliam held my hand. After a little while, they began to play with the hay. We finished off, playing with the corn bins. William wasn't sure about it at first but after he got comfortable in it, he allowed his legs to be burried and even tried to lay in it. I thought it was better than sand. The little John Deer tractors were great too: I can't wait till he can fit on them. It was hard to decide how many and which kind of pumpkins to get. There were so many to eat and ornamental. The huge pumpkins are really huge and great, and their prices were so inexpensive too! I'm excited to go back an take pictures in our costumes on later in the month.

PUMPKIN LOVE

2009-09-30T12:26:00.004-05:00

William LOVES (and that's an understatement) to read. I would have to say his favorite book is, Where Is Baby's Pumpkin? He will literally have us read it over 10 times in a row. He gets excited to flip the pages. His second favorite is another flap book, What Does Baby Do? I am only putting this one second because he doesn't ask us to read it as many times in a row.

The first time William saw a pumpkin was in the grocery store. He grinned ear to ear and asked to hold it. When I took out my decorative pumpkins, he was excited and began carrying them. We bought him a real pumpkin, and he bit into it. Pumpkins simply seem to make him smile.

LSU v MSU

2009-09-26T21:42:00.004-05:00

Maw and Paw came to visit, and Daddy and Paw went to see LSU beat MSU.

Almost 15 Months & Facing Forward

2009-09-22T21:36:00.002-05:00

William is 23 pounds and can face forward in his seat. I had planned on leaving him rear facing as long as I could, but he is much happier forward facing - happy baby means happy mommy.

I love being a mommy.

2009-08-15T21:08:00.006-05:00

Tonight, I stood in a store and waited in line. I didn't have a chance to fix my hair again, so it was in pony tail. My sweet baby wrapped his little arms around my neck, squeezed tight, and patted me on the back of my shoulder. He moved to the other side, smiling, and did it again. And again. And again... When he would lean into me, my frizzy hair would tickle his cheek and neck, making him giggle. We came home, and I gave him a bath. He smiled as we went through our routine of washing his hair, lying down to wash the rest, rinsing his hair, and turning over to finish the other side. Giggling, he tried to drink the water, so I patted his mouth and told him "no." Of course, he did it again laughing louder and deeper each time. Dressing him, he giggles and sticks his piggies in my nose to sniff them. I tell him they are stinky. He giggles more when I pretend to eat them. He's almost dressed in his pajamas. He takes off as soon as he gets to his feet - smiling when I catch him. Now the footsies are on and zipped. He heads out of his room but turns around to stay with his mommy. We hold hands down the hall as he stumbles and leads with his right foot, left foot following behind. When it is time to go to sleep, I start to rock him, and he little head pops up. He sits on my lap holding my hands as we rock. We make silly faces at each other, and he gives me kisses - biting my lips and slobbering his little lips around mine. Then, he puts his little head on my chest and snuggles up before he lies down in my arms. He babbles at me and then sticks his fingers in my eyes, nose, and mouth before slowly closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. Sometimes singing works, sometimes humming...Noise or no noise, nothing else matters. Tonight, I realized that the things I wish I could change about myself physically gave comfort or joy to William. He can wrap his little arms around my neck because I have it up in a boring pony tail; my frizzy hair tickles his cheek; my cushy arm provides a soft place to rest his head; and when he lays on my chest, I can feel his little heart beating next to mine.

I'm blessed to be a mommy. I never imagined I would have so many happy moments every day.

13.5 months: One year from William's Due Date

2009-08-07T10:51:00.002-05:00

Mommy thought it would be neat to weigh William today (and wonderful if he was over 23lbs and could face forward in his car seat). Today, William was 22lbs, so we will have to remain patient. As of today, his vocabulary consists of...

Da-Da
Dog
Book
Ball
Blueberry (what he calls both blueberries and grapes; it's not clear but it is what it is)
Ba-Ba (bottle)
Uh-Oh
Up
Down
Bear
I only get a "Mama" when he's upset, but he says, "Mmmm," from when we work on it.
Of course, he barks because he loves Oliver and Ranger! He also sniffs when we ask what the Puppy Dog says and pokes out his tongue when he sees Ranger panting.

I hope I don't forget anything since I am using this blog to fill in his baby book :-)

Did I mention that he is amazing?!

Walking to Running

2009-08-04T08:44:00.001-05:00

As of 8 am this morning, I think I can definitely say William has the running thing down. Now if I can only get to downloading all of the videos off the video camera to tape it.

2009-07-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

Walking at Almost 13 Months

2009-07-19T21:04:00.002-05:00

William stopped wanting to walk after the 10 steps on Thursday. On Friday, we went to the kiddie pool and toughened his legs. Saturday, the Splash Pad sparked his interest again as he watched the other kids run through the sprinklers.

8 steps & trying it on his own

2009-07-15T21:50:00.002-05:00

William is up to 8 steps and is trying on his own to walk. He stands up and tries to walk across the room by his self. He started off trying to walk towards Mommy buy is now attempting to walk to where he wants to go. He just walked from the exersaucer to the desk. It's truly AMAZING, wonderful, cute, and surreal.

12.5 months, walking 5 steps, and eating from a spoon!

2009-07-14T19:57:00.008-05:00

William had a BIG day today! He took 5 steps unassisted AND learned to eat from a spoon by himself. Check out the videos of him cruising with his tractor and eating sweat potatoes by himself!

Can I just say even a year later, I still think God should have had Mommies become octopus once they give birth. As I'm posting this, my little monkey has quickly climbed up the rocking chair beside me - just to see out the window at a higher level.

love a proud mommy :-)

Growing Big and Strong

2009-07-08T15:00:00.006-05:00

I think Will was happy to be home. After Casey put up his new toy bins, he had something new to climb on. A few days later, he realized he could see in by standing on his toes, but he still tries to climb on it now and then. We also found him an activity table for his birthday gift, but it would only fit in the car if the second row was flat. We'll have to wait until we get a truck or someone visits with one.

William is 1 year old.

2009-06-24T12:36:00.000-05:00

Today, William turned one. He had a good day playing with his friends Ethan and Millie and enjoyed his first chocolate pudding. We also did a hand print.

William's 1st Birthday Party

2009-06-20T15:00:00.023-05:00

1st Birthday Party continued...

2009-06-20T02:00:00.000-05:00

One year old in 5 days...

2009-06-19T13:04:00.002-05:00

21 pounds
walking holding one hand
smiling all of the time
claps for patty-cake
gives high five
sits and stands on command
gives hugs and pats Mommy and Daddy on the back
Not so sure about Oliver anymore
gives sweet eyes
sings
gives kisses and eskimo kisses
loves to jump
tries to climb out of pack n play
puts Mommy's hat box down and stands on it to see out the window or on top of the table
climbs into child recliner and tries to climb on adult furniture
loves going under Mommy and Daddy
signs "more" & "hat"
currently cutting his 6th tooth
loves helping Mommy make the bed and digging in everything
understands in & out and up & down
wants to hold his own bottle or sippy cup

Shake it, William!

2009-06-10T13:10:00.002-05:00

I can drink sitting down.

2009-06-07T12:10:00.002-05:00

We've been working on drinking from a sippy cup for a while. William could hold it and drink from it if we tilted his body back, and he could drink from it if we held it while he sat. Finally, today, he's able to hold the cup or a bottle and drink while he's sitting in his booster seat. My baby boy is getting big and independent!

Little Frog in his Frog pool

2009-05-31T10:49:00.002-05:00

Ouch, Oli!

2009-05-14T09:17:00.004-05:00

William received his first bite or scratch from Oliver this morning. He was playing with a shape near the laundry room door (a.k.a. Oliver's room), and before I could catch him, he stuck his little hand under the door and Oliver "got" him. William was heart-broken, but he seems to be enjoying the band-aid around his little finger.

Later this morning, William discovered how to stand on the box to see out the window a little bit better.

Bed Scare

2009-05-13T09:23:00.004-05:00

Casey and I woke up this morning to a THUMP and a THUD. William usually ends up in the bed with us by the morning, and this morning, that came to an end. We think he woke up and tried to play with the elastic on the sheet, because we woke up to find him on his back with his head close to the bed. He cried for a little while. We tried comforting him in bed, and he went right to the edge of the bed and began playing with the elastic. There is carpet in our room that padded his fall, but a foot to the side would have provided a carpet and rug pad. Least to say, our entire morning and lunch was spent at the clinic and the ER - no bumps, bruises, abnormal behavior, or differencing in his pupils.

At 10 and a half months, William is 2o pounds, 8 ounces and 28 3/4 inches.

New Car Seat

2009-05-12T17:02:00.004-05:00

We finally decided on a car seat: William fits great in it and seems very comfortable. Best of all, there's lots of room to grow! Here is Wi

Mother's Day & Juliet's 1st Birthday Party

2009-05-10T17:39:00.000-05:00

...more to come...

4th tooth!

2009-05-03T09:49:00.001-05:00

Last week, William's 3rd tooth peeped through, and between yesterday and today, the 4th one did too. Now, it really hurts when he bites! His cheesy smile will be changed for ever :-)

Blah Blah Blah Blah

2009-04-30T10:40:00.002-05:00

Stuck in the Shelf

2009-04-27T10:51:00.002-05:00

The things parents do to their children...

2009-04-21T09:59:00.006-05:00

Daddy cut out a "W" for the wall in William's room and was painting it in the front yard. Since it was chilli, Mommy put on the puppy suit. One thing let to another, and we got this...

...another little blessing in daily life.

Roscoe The Tiger

2009-04-19T15:39:00.005-05:00

Baby Boy in a Pirate Bubble

2009-04-15T16:15:00.000-05:00

Can I have the camera Mom?

2009-04-14T14:53:00.002-05:00

Hey! Hey! William's First Word

2009-03-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

This afternoon, William and Mommy were cleaning up our new running stroller. Auntie Kecia sent it to us last weekend, and we are so excited to start using it. Ranger was on the porch, and William told him, "Hey!" I haven't been sleeping and thought it was just my imagination. In the evening, William was very excited to see Oliver in the kitchen: He tuned around in my arms jumping towards Oli. He then blurted out "Hey!" and began waving his hand and arm at Oliver repeating "Hey!" We've been drilling in "Mommy" and "Da-da,"but no, Oliver and Ranger are the main attractions :-)

Cozy Puppy in the Snow (First Snow)

2009-03-01T10:37:00.011-06:00

When we opened the windows this morning, we found a wonderful surprise - SNOW! Mommy took a few pictures while it still flurried (last 2 pics). Then, we had breakfast, and after William's morning nap, we went outside to play. The snow had already begun to melt, but it was still lots of fun.

8 Months Old: Daddy Flys Solo & William Laughs

2009-02-24T18:57:00.004-06:00

Baby William is 8 months old today. He had a good day giving Mommy kisses this morning, smiling and playing as soon as he woke up, watching Daddy get dunked after his solo, and playing with his friends in the afternoon. Here are videos of William playing with Mommy and Daddy - Zerberts and Hair - two of the world's funniest things. The pictures following are of Daddy getting dunked after his solo flight. Go Daddy!

2009-02-24T13:00:00.007-06:00

Daddy Flys Solo

2009-02-20T11:40:00.005-06:00

I know we have quite a few updates to make. With baby William needing both arms to comfort him, Mommy has slacked on the blog.

However, guess what???? Casey is scheduled to fly Solo today on the T6. If everything goes alright with the schedule, he should fly later this afternoon. Mommy and Baby William will get to go watch. Of course, I'm bringing my camera :-)

Stay tuned for pictures...

A TOOTH!!!! 7 months & 2 weeks

2009-02-08T12:22:00.003-06:00

Today, we noticed William's first tooth peeping through. It's just a speck of white, but it's there. Oh, and there's no way we'll be able to get a picture. He's tightening up his lips when we pull his lip down to see :-)

Proud Mommy & Daddy

2009-02-01T14:22:00.012-06:00

William has been battling a runny nose, cough, and congestion since we came back from Louisiana: His mouth is open in almost every photo.

TV Head

2009-01-30T14:20:00.013-06:00

A First: William Playing Peek-A-Boo

2009-01-27T14:20:00.007-06:00

"Good Morning. Good Morning, Sunshine!" William smiles like he does every day. Sometimes, William plays in his bed while Mommy gets ready for the day, but this morning, William began playing Peek-A-Boo on his own.

Baby Boy - 7 Months Old

2009-01-25T14:17:00.024-06:00

If you know William, you know he's a bit bashful. He smiles at you and then hides his face. He has also recently discovered his piggies and feet can go into his mouth.

If you've seen some of our videos, you've seen William kicking Mommy and laughing. It's still entertaining and has gotten even funnier. This is William reaching followed by snapshots of his facial expressions when he tries to "get" Mommy. He reaches, reaches...did he get her? Yes! He got her! Ha...Ha...Ha

William Playing in His Room

2009-01-24T11:11:00.026-06:00

This little romper is our color pallet for William's big boy room (which will not be for quite some time but hey, you've got to plan these things, right). We had already decided on a Vintage American Style, but instead of using primary colors, we're going with the colors in his Tea romper - a soft blue, rustic red, white and a touch of kaki.

UPDATE: William's 6 month check up showed he was not gaining enough weight. Since then, we've reduced the amount of cereal he's consuming. Yesterday, we had a follow-up and found he had gained almost 2 pounds. He weighed 16.4 pounds.

William rolling on the floor with Croc the Zoobie, eating Croc, and letting Mommy know that he's tired of playing on the floor.

2009: Becoming more like Daddy

2009-01-20T10:59:00.002-06:00

...and growing hair. This is one of Mommy's favorite views - a little round head and scrumptious little ears.

6 Month Check-up

2009-01-14T08:25:00.002-06:00

Since Paw PeeWee's funeral is Friday, I moved William's 6 month well baby visit to today. His head has been growing but not the rest of him. His head measured 18 inches, length 25 inches, and weight 14.6 pounds. Apparently, I've been giving him too muchh rice cereal, so after a week of increasing his calories (without so much cereal), we'll go back for a weigh in. William also received his immunizations and hasn't been feeling so well since.

Grandparents

2009-01-13T14:20:00.004-06:00

Mommy's Paw Paw PeeWee passed away last night joining Grandmaw. Paw Paw PeeWee - What can you say other than a smile? I hope when William gets older, well, his hand is grabbed and not let go :-)

Daddy never had a chance to meet his grandparents: Mommy's adopted him. We think it's important Baby William knows his Maw, Paw, Me-Maw, Poppa, and Emmy.

William's 1st Christmas

2008-12-25T08:14:00.001-06:00

New Things & More Pics

2008-12-22T12:50:00.000-06:00

Mommy is backed up on her pictures: William has been teething & the website has been busy. Check out the backlog in January, and in the meantime watch our home video's by selecting the link on the top left of the blog. By the way, please excuse misspellings which usually result from a one-handed typing Mommy (there's a sleeping or eating baby boy in the other) :-)

Horsey Ride & Puppy Sniff

2008-12-22T12:23:00.001-06:00

Scooting Tiggervar!!!!

2008-12-20T10:58:00.014-06:00

Check out the video by selecting the link on the blog...

At 5 months and 4 weeks, I've learned how to push with my toes.

Brown OOMPA-Loompa

2008-12-18T12:21:00.001-06:00

Under the Tree, The Razbaby, & Oliver...

2008-12-17T14:48:00.006-06:00

Eating Cereal in his Booster

2008-12-16T13:23:00.006-06:00

...Or trying to....

Learning Every Day....And Growing Fast

2008-12-15T15:55:00.006-06:00

Pictures with Santa

2008-12-13T15:14:00.005-06:00

One great thing in Air Force life is the fact they'll have lots of things for William to do as he gets older. The Youth Center had a Breakfast with Santa. We went to take pictures with Santa and watch the Dance and Karate classes put on shows. Santa gave William a Christmas bear, and best of all, he kind of looks like Paw Paw Calvin.

William's First Time with Cereal & Photos by the Tree

2008-12-11T13:19:00.021-06:00

When you get your Christmas card, you'll see that he actually did smile, then cry, then smile, cry again, smile again, and then simply had enough. I can't reveal the good ones just yet... However, we've learned that holding a non-sitting infant in front of a tree for a picture is a 3 person job!

Fun Pants!

2008-12-09T12:56:00.006-06:00

Great Auntie Nedra made William some fun pants - LSU, Monkeys, and Puppys! Here's William hanging out in a pair of LSU pants, and for sleepy time, a real Rocket Scientist outfit - a cool shirt and cool monkey pants.