Monday, June 23, 2008

Critter is "talking"

We got some video last night of Critter saying "mama". We just HAD to share. Talk about melting my heart! He is talking much earlier than his sister, which does scare me a little bit! Hope you enjoy!

Lot's of new stuff 'round here


We have had a very busy couple of weeks around here. The heat has kicked it into full gear, so we have been spending most of our days inside. Lot's of time to color, paint, play with pipe cleaners and learn lots of new things. Pumpkin is currently learning to recognize her numbers and letters. My mom started this about 2 weeks ago and Pumpkin is really enjoying learning new things. Yet, sometimes she tells us that she can not learn it because she needs to learn it at school. Now, this is cute...but not when she is talking about learning how to listen! :) She had a TON of pool time this past weekend with a birthday party in a pool and then an after baptism pool party. She was like a little fish. She spent a little over 3 hours in the pool yesterday, and swam the ENTIRE time. She was wearing floaties on her arms and was the center of attention. There were not any other "big" kids there (besides the adults!) and they all loved playing with her. She swam from person to person and was in heaven. I have never seen her actually swim quite so much. She was doing a great job using her arms and legs and did not mind going under water a little bit. Apparently swim lessons did teach her a thing or two!


Critter has learned SO much in the past week or so. Since he has been unable to use his exersaucer, jumper or rocking horse, he has been getting a TON of floor time. He like rolling around for awhile now. Well....he is ALMOST crawling. As you can see from the picture, he gets up pretty good on his hands and knees. He will rock back and forth, give me a look saying "I know I am supposed to do something else, I just don't know what it is!", and then he will fall. I know within days he will be crawling around. He is now enjoying baby food once or twice a day. He is the opposite from his sister. She devoured food when I introduced it, Critter was not as big of a fan. He is also talking a ton. His favorite things are BaBaa Ba and MAMA! It has gotten really clear in the past day or so and will look at me and say it. Talk about melting my heart. Scary for us is that he is talking WAY before Pumpkin did. With how much she talks now, I have no idea what I am in store for. He has really grown into such a big boy. Each day he is learning something else new!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Happy Six Months (a week late!)

Happy six months my little man. I know this is a week late, I was just too emotional last week to write this. I know I say this each month, I just can not believe that you are getting so big so quick! It seems like time is going by so much faster than it did with your sister. You are now 20 pounds and 28 1/2 inches. That is the size of Pumpkin when she was about one. Luckily you have slowed down a bit, but you are our big strong man. You have taught me so much, especially over the past week. I can handle more in life than I thought I could. You have made me a better mom and person in your six months with us. I am amazed at the strength your little body possesses. I look at you in amazement at what you are handling with ease. Your big goofy gummy smile just lights up my heart. Your sister adores you and just has to be playing with you or touching you. She has a connection with you that I will never fully understand. She feels your pain and your joy. I pray that you two will always have the type of relationship that you have now. I am also thankful that you are not moving as quickly as her! You still love to roll around on the carpet, but no major crawling yet! Maybe you will go past 8 months without walking....
Critter you make the world a brighter place. You make strangers smile when you flash that dimple and then hid your face in my shoulder. You and your sister are loved by so many people. I know you both will accomplish great things because of that. I love you dearly son. I hope the next six months are as exciting as the last six.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Random pictures

I just wanted to post some random pictures of the munchkins. They are growing so much before my eyes. I love to soak up their little personality quirks. I wonder where they get most of them from! :)

I just adore his cubby little hands and feet. He is constantly grabbing his feet and putting them in his mouth.

Critter is like his sister. He loves to stand up. It is funny, when Pumpkin was the size of Critter, she had already been walking for a few months. No wonder people looked at me strange. Hopefully he will not walk quite as early.

Do NOT try to get between Pumpkin and her ice cream, or any treat. She devours treats when she gets them. Can you tell?
Pumpkin LOVES books. She likes to "read" them to whomever will sit with her. She has figured out if she lays on the blanket with Critter, he will pay complete attention to her. I how he reached up to hold her hand in this picture!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

A good reminder

I was at a banquet for my moms club two weeks ago and a mom read this poem. It has been in the forefront of my mind since then. I think it was such a great reminder that time goes by so quickly. If we don't pay attention to the loved ones in our life, we will look up one day and realize they are grown up or gone. I have paused many times in the past two weeks and done exactly what Pumpkin wanted. Whether it was to cuddle in the middle of the day, dance, sing, color, or just sit and listen to her stories. I have been trying to give Critter equal time since he is growing up so quickly. I can not believe that almost 6 months have gone by since he was born. This has also been on my mind when thinking about friends and family. Taking the time to be there is so important. I want those in my life to know that I love them and am here for them. So...if any of you want to take the time to cuddle in the middle of the day, dance, color or anything else...give me a call! :) Here is the poem that melted my heart and brought me back to what is important:

A MOTHER'S POEM
My hands were busy through the day, I didn't have much time to play, the little games you asked me to. I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook, But when you'd bring your picture book, and ask me, please to share your fun, I'd say, "A little later son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night, and hear your prayers, turn out the light, then tiptoe softly to the door, I wish I'd stayed a little more.
For life is short, and years rush past, A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side, his precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away, There are no children's games to play, No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear, that all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands once busy now lie still, the days are long and hard to fill, I wish I might go back and do, the little things you asked me to!
I hope that you find the time to cherish the lives surrounding you. Love to all my family and friends!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Update on Summer Camp

Thank you all for your encouragement with Pumpkin going to Summer Camp. She absolutely loved it! We went to pick her up and she really did not want to leave. We were told by the teacher that she was the very last one to finish the craft project and was meticulous in putting it together. She made a catepillar which she likes to call her lizard. Unfortunately, she put so much glitter on it that it can not really move much without decorating the house! The other cute thing was that I had been prepping her all week that she would probably have to go potty by herself while there. I figure it was good to prep on something like that. Well...she told the teacher (who she has known for 2 years) that she had to go. But also said "It's okay. Mommy told me I go by myself at Summer Camp". Well, the teacher replied that she could go with her since she knew her. Pumpkin's response "Well, okay. But, I know how to wipe myself. You can just stand over there". The teacher was quite impressed with her. I was so proud of how well she did. Apparently she never got upset that we were not there. I was tempted after hearing that report to sign her up for Tuesday's as well, but I don't know if I am ready for that! :)
She has been talking about going back since we left. She knows it is on Thursdays, she just does not quite know what day that is! There is no question that she is my independent strong willed child. I will just take every moment in as I can. Before I know it she will be gone even longer and I will miss these crazy days!