Thoughts

My big guy is really growing, even his vocabulary and thoughts are flourishing! I love hearing his thoughts these days, and that's the great thing about two year olds, they tell you exactly what they are thinking...

• Today Carl was playing with Isaac and teaching him to flex his muscles, he then came in and was showing me his muscles. I said to him, "Wow, you are so strong!" He quickly responded to me saying, "Like Jesus!!!" One of his current favorite songs, and one they sing at school, is "Jesus Loves Me" and as you know one of the lines in the song says, "He is strong." Apparently that verse has made an impact on him.
• Last week one day while eating dinner and talking I called him Sweetheart. I say this often to both of my boys, but I guess he really heard it that night. He looked at me and repeated it, so I said, "Yes, you are my sweetheart." I could see the wheels turning in his head, and then he said, "Sweetcircle?"
• Isaac has become obsessed with singing the ABCs, and any toy that sings the ABCs. Luke got a little "CD" player that sings it, and Isaac has stolen it, put it in the back of his car and made it his radio. He turns it on, then starts driving, and has to stop immediately when the song is over to restart it, he cannot drive without his radio on. Speaking of driving his car, he also has to unlock the door before he gets in it, start the engine before driving, and turn it off when he stops. The other day we were trying to get out of the house and he was procrastinating, he was playing in the car and not cooperating. I finally got him to drive into the dining room to park it, and then made him get out quickly to get out the door. We loaded into my truck, started driving away, and he said, "Mama! My auto is still on!!!" He was very upset about the fact that he didn't turn off his auto before he got out of it. I tried to convince him that Cole would turn it off, but he didn't buy it.
• One of his favorite books at the moment is a book about sharing. He makes us read it over and over and over! This evening he convinced Carl to read it, again, and so to be silly Carl was using the wrong names for characters and changing some of the other main parts of the story. Isaac caught on to every mistake and told Carl what he should have said. I think he has the book memorized.
• He loves reading, "The Very Hungry Catepillar" and today he couldn't find the book, he said, "Mama, where's the "Looking for Food" book?
• Today we were playing a little game of hide and seek; it was Isaac playing against me and Luke. He hid in the same spot every time, sitting on his chair in his room...I think we need to work on what hiding means. When Luke and I were hiding and he was looking for us he would say, "Mama, UkeyPoo, waar ben je?" (Waar ben je is Where are you in Dutch.)
• A few days ago I put on a polo shirt, when Isaac saw it he said, "You have a shirt like Ms. Marlo!" His teacher at school wears a polo everyday because they wear a uniform. Funny that he noticed that.
• He yelled a really high pitched yell today, and I said, "Please don't do that it hurts my ears." He then said, without hesitation, "It hurts my ears when the policeman turns on his siren."

He keeps me on my toes all day long, and even though there are days that I'm not sure how we will make it through the day, he always manages to bring me so much joy and make me laugh so quickly after he's made me mad. I love my crazy, fun, 2 year old!

The last week...

Mr. Active...pulling up on the table!

Sleeping when he was sick...poor little guy.

My big guy sleeping late this morning...the camera didn't even wake him!

Crawling, crawling, and more crawling!

This past week was not a fun week around here, all four of us got sick with the yucky flu like illness. Thankfully it wasn't the flu, Luke was tested and he was negative for the flu, so we decided that none of us had the flu. Thank goodness! We are all on the upswing now, the boys are still snotty and coughing a little, but the fever is gone and both boys are full of energy and happy!

The last two days Isaac has slept in late in the morning, yesterday he slept until I woke him up at 10:10 am and today I had to wake him up at 8:00 am so he wouldn't be late for school. Speaking of school...he loves it! He is happy to go every time and can't get out of the car fast enough. I'm so happy that he is enjoying it so much and that he transitioned so quickly! He says a blessing before we eat, that he learned at school, and he sings two new songs that he learned there (the Good Morning song and Jesus Loves Me). Today was pizza and pajamas day, which means he got to wear his PJs and they are eating pizza for lunch; all to help learn the letter P!

Luke is developing so well and so fast, I can't believe all the things he's doing! He is crawling everywhere, really everywhere! He started pulling up on the tables and toys this weekend, he has crashed a few times, but it doesn't phase him! He is still a peanut, so it's really cute to see this little bitty guy standing at a table. He is also doing better about letting others hold him...as long as I stay close by. ;-)

I am so thankful my boys are feeling better, it is so hard to see them sick! I pray that we can avoid any more sicknesses this winter.

1st Day of School

Today was a BIG day for my big boy! I'll start from the beginning...

Last week Carl and I went to tour a preschool to decide where we wanted him to start in the fall. While touring we found out they had an opening now, and we were intrigued. We came home with lots to talk about...by the end of the day we knew this was the school we wanted him to attend, but when should we start him. After much prayer and thought we decided to start now. Eeekkk! You know this was a tough decision for me; of course I'll enjoy the time with just one son at home, and I know Isaac will benefit hugely from attending school, but it's a HUGE step in his life, and it's me giving up my boy to someone else for a few hours each week. Anyways...fast forward to today...the first day!

He slept in today, he didn't get up until 8:00, which was good because it meant he would be well rested, but also meant the morning was quick! He had his breakfast and we talked about the day. He seemed excited about school and was ready to go! After breakfast, getting dressed, and a short photo shoot we (Daddy, Mama, Luke, and Isaac) headed out. Isaac was quiet on the way there, but smiled whenever we looked at him. Once we got there he was ready to go in! He was the first one in the classroom, so it gave him a few minutes alone with the teacher. She showed him where to put his bag and lunch, then sat down with him to play a little. We talked some, shared a little information, and then came in the first student. I saw him clam up when she came in, he looked down and didn't look up again until the teacher told them to say good morning...he turned his head and said it! I was proud of him because I could tell he was nervous. We decided that we should leave, so I knelt down to say bye and he rushed over to hug me. He held on tight to my shirt, and I could see him fighting back the tears. He didn't cry, but was sad...it was hard to see him sad, but I had a good feeling about the day and him being there. After filling in some paperwork I peeked back in the room, he was sitting at a table playing.

Luke and I went back to pick up Isaac, and in my attempt to be on time and make sure not to get caught in any construction traffic we ended up getting there really early...about 30 minutes early. Haha! Obviously I was excited to see my big guy! After waiting in the car, then walking around outside, it was time to go in! I walked in to the room where all the kids were waiting, and there was my big guy, sitting so perfectly with his back pack on, looking so cute! He got up immediately when he saw me and said, "Mama's here!" But then he hesitated and sat back down...I was proud of him because he was following directions. A teacher told him he could get up and he ran to me. Big Hug! He was all smiles! His teacher came over and said that he had a great day! She said there were no tears all day, and that he had fun! She told me about a policeman coming to the school with his motorcycle and upon seeing that was the only time Isaac showed any sadness, she said his bottom lip came out. They held him during that time and she said he did fine! He played with the other kids and behaved well all day!

Even though he was scared of the motorcycle it definitely made an impact on him, it's the only thing he will tell us about. He doesn't seem to remember or care about anything else they did. That's my boy! =)

As we were walking out he said to me, "I had fun here today!"

8 months

My baby boy, Luke, is 8 months now, gosh, I think each month goes by faster than the last! He is doing great, and is such a fun boy! I'm going to do this update in list form, just for a change of pace:

• He has two teeth, both on the bottom. His second tooth came through on Dec. 26.


• He still needs to nurse, it's a comfort for him, but he is also eating more solid foods everyday! I think his favorite is bananas. He will eat an entire banana if I let him!


• His naps are getting shorter, and ihe s starting to nap in his crib instead of his swing...yay!


• He loves his pacifier, I think he's getting more attached to it by the day. In some ways I like that because it keeps toys out of his mouth, but I also dread the day we have to take it away.


• He LOVES his big brother! While playing on the floor he always makes his way over to Isaac to see what he is doing. His face lights up when he sees Isaac after a nap or in the morning, whenever they've been separated for a while.


• Peek a boo is his favorite game, the boy belly laughs when you play that game!


• Kisses are also a favorite, they make him smile and he always wants more.


• He is ticklish! Under his neck and on his legs are the best spots!


• Inchworm! He is my inchworm...he doesn't officially crawl, he inches his way across the floor, getting everywhere he wants to go!


• This week we started taking away the 10:00 PM feeding, and so far he is doing just fine without it!


• When playing, he prefers to be on the floor rather than in his exersaucer or contained in something.


• If there are people over to play with he will fight his naps, he does not want to miss a thing!


• He can say, Dada! I am waiting anxiously for him to say mama, but I sure love hearing his little voice say Dada!


• He is very observant, he watches everything very closely. And when someone new comes around he studies them intensely, before he will relax and smile.


• He knows what he wants, and is sure to tell you about it.


• When he wants to play or is having a great time he shakes his head back and forth with a huge smile on his face! I can't help but smile when I see this!

I love my little guy so much, he brings me such joy! I am so thankful that God has trusted me to be his Mama!

No More Mama and Me Class

Singing/Dancing to Wheels on the Bus (one of his favorite songs).

Stretching...uh oh, I'm scared he has inherited my flexibility or should I say my lack of flexibility.

Learning to walk in line was a little difficult, he is used to running freely to the next station.

A BIG smile after class when I asked him if he had fun.

Yesterday was my big boy's first gymnastics class all by himself; not only his first gymnastics class all by himself, but his first any kind of class all by himself. We talked a lot about it in the days leading up to the class because he also had a new coach, and I didn't want him caught off guard by that. Isaac never had any concerns about me not helping him in the class, but he did say multiple times that Kristin, his best friend's (and classmate's) mom, was going to help him. I think that's so funny, he sure loves her!
Well, my big boy was just that, a big boy! He didn't hesitate a bit when it was time to start class; he walked right over to the coach and started doing what she said. He didn't even look back...tear. I was so proud of him for not hesitating, I'm so glad he felt so comfortable and confident, but also a little sad that my big boy was so grown up. He had moments of disobeying, he would randomly run off a little bit, but he always came right back when called. He did so well listening to the coach and her instructions, he watched intently as she spoke. He was fearless and full of joy!
It was hard to sit back and watch, not being able to step in to help, encourage, or discipline, but I know he needs this, and I'm SO proud of him for doing so great! After class when I'd ask what he did in gymnastics he always mentioned that whatever he did he had done it all by himself. It is so fun watching him grow up and become confident and independent. I'm so excited for my little gymnast and the fun times that lie ahead for him.

The latest...

Mama ready to go cheer on the Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl.

The four wheeler is a hit, definitely Isaac's favorite toy these days. He wants to go out and ride it as soon as he gets up and tells everyone about it. I know I'm biased, but he is so cute when he's out driving it around. He gets very serious, focused, and mature. I never would have guessed that a two year old could drive a power wheels vehicle with so much control and precision. He looks like a minature adult driving...it really makes me giggle. Obviously Luke can't drive it yet, but he loves that four wheeler, too. When Isaac is driving it Luke has to watch him, if you turn him away he pushes and turns until he can see him again, never taking his eyes off of big brother. I know that as soon as he can reach that pedal he will be driving around the yard, too...and probably sooner Isaac will let him ride on it with him.

Luke has had some big milestones the last few days...his second tooth came through on December 26; he started saying "DaDa" on December 29, and he army crawls/launches himself around the room.

On Wednesday, Carl and I went to the Texas Bowl to watch Baylor. Carl got me these tickets for Christmas. It was Baylor's first time in a bowl game in 16 years, so I was excited to be able to watch them play. Unfortunately, the game did not go well for my Bears, but it was still a fun night for us! It is always refreshing to go out with my man and have some time to be us.

Old Friends together again

Lindsay, me, and Susan...friends that are like sisters to me.

The whole group!

The girls on New Year's Eve

The guys and their cigars.

Our champagne glasses with our wedding rings in them.

Luke celebrating the New Year with Susan.

A quick shot of me, my peanut and my man.

The past two days we got to spend some quality time with some of my best friends from high school. It was a great way to end 2010 and start 2011. Susan and Sergi live in Barcelona, so obviously we don't get to see them often. Carl and I visited them in Spain last fall while in Europe, but they haven't been here in a year and a half. On Thursday evening Susan's parents had us all over for dinner at their house. The group consisted of 4 couples; Susan, Jeremy, Lindsay, Eric, and I all ran track together in high school, so we spent many hours together many years ago. Now we get together when we can, but the whole group only gets together every couple of years when Susan comes in town. Thursday was a great night...the Duelm's made us a delicious dinnner and served it so nicely...it was a night of playing catch up on life. While together everyone's plans for New Year's came up in discussion, we were still up in the air with what to do because we really wanted to stay home with the boys. So before I knew it, plans were made, and our group would be together again the next night.

Unfortunately, Lindsay and Eric were not able to come over last night because they already had some plans with family...they were missed. Carl and I put the boys in bed before everyone showed up, so once they got here we were kid free and ready for some fun. Sergi and Susan cooked dinner for all of us; it was a delicious chicken and potato meal that took 2 hours to cook. In typical Spanish fashion we ate dinner at 10 pm, which turned out great because we had lots of time to talk before eating, then we enjoyed our yummy meal and had some great conversation. During dinner the fireworks really picked up outside, so afterwards we sat out by the fire and enjoyed the show. At midnight we learned some more Spanish traditions...at midnight you have to eat 12 grapes, one per second and then of course toast with a glass of champagne. Another tradition in the champagne though, we had to put our wedding ring in the glass and drink the champagne to get it out. Right at midnight our little Luke woke up, I think he wanted to be a part of the festivities. So he got to visit with everyone for a while before I fed him and put him back in bed. He had a great time babbling or talking to everyone and giving lots of sweet smiles. Isaac has developed a fear of fireworks, but thankfully he slept through all of it! After getting Luke back in bed we had dessert and then more great conversation until 3:30 am! I haven't been up that late, unless feeding a baby, in years. I'm so boring, I know. =) It was a special night, one I will not soon forget. I am so thankful the Lord has blessed my life with these sweet friends...miles and time make no difference, we can pick up like we saw each other yesterday.

Here's to another year past and a great 2011 ahead! I wish you all a blessed new year full of love, laughter, and joy!