Monday, November 30, 2009

Mommy Goggles

Finally, a blog post. I'm sorry readers. It's been a really rough week. Luckily, I have a tiny little man wondering around the house to keep me on my toes. I'm always worried that I will have nothing to update you readers with on Monday. This was a huge misconception. Ian changes so much every single week. It's incredible. I was joking with my mom yesterday that Ian went to bed a baby and woke up a man. He's amazing. Let's see, I took about 3 pictures this week, so hopefully I have something to show you.

Happy Late Thanksgiving! Ian had a blast. I forgot to take pictures until the very end. Ian was dribbling the soccer ball around on concrete. My dad thinks it's about time to get Ian a smaller soccer, rather than the size 5 he currently uses. It used to be MY soccer ball. Here's a series of pictures:





He dribbled all over the place. Thanksgiving was successful. Stephen and I brought green bean casserole, it's perhaps, the only thing I cook. It's delicious. We had Thanksgiving at the farm. I love these Thanksgivings. It gave Stephen the opportunity to act like the big kid he is. Let's just say, the can run and jump on hay bales swinging light sabers with the best of them. He also has an affinity for stealing all of the light sabers and having a group of children tackle him to the ground to get one back. I wish I had a picture to show you. Sadly, at this point, my camera was still in the car.

When Ian woke up a man the other morning, he woke up and was talking. TALKING. It was pretty much just gibberish, but he was telling us all kinds of stories, I'm sure. And, he would repeat us when we asked him to. It was amazing. I wonder if something just clicked over night. He's also starting to run. I'm not as excited about that. That means, I have to chase more frequently at higher rates of speed. He runs when playing hide-and-seek; when playing chase; or just running away to avoid a diaper change. Sometimes, getting up to run naked in the middle of a diaper change. I spend most of my day chases him.

He enjoys getting into small places to play:


Doesn't he look adorable? I'm sure he'll be doing this until he's 18 years old.

One more thing we did this week, we bought Ian new car seats. I have been doing research since he was born. I HATE making decisions. I feel like this is an important decision. I did learn a lot during my research though. I was stuck between 2 car seats, the First Years Safety First seat (which my mom uses with Ian) and the Recaro Signo. We chose the Recaro Signo because we found a better deal. We took Ian to USABaby to try it on first though. It's a pretty neat car seat.


from Amazon.com

Pretty huh? I can't wait until I get to see it in real life!

Amanda

P.S. I sent out Christmas cards today!
P.P.S. Amy won the quiz. Really, Stephen won, but I didn't count it.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Mommy Goggles

Seriously, how did I go one whole week without taking any new pictures of Ian? Oh wait, that's right. Ian loves technology. Here are a few things that he enjoys:

  • Turning on and off the computer;
  • Turning on and off Uncle Michael's XBox;
  • Turning on and off Daddy's PS2;
  • Texting and calling people from any phone;
  • Taking mommy's memory card out of the computer and hiding it.
The last one is the reason I have no new pictures of Ian. I have a few memory cards even. I usually find them in very awkward places. I'm scared that soon, I will find one in his diaper. Not to worry, I've been frantically looking for a memory card. Stephen and I need to build a door that covers the computer so he will not be able to mess with them.

This morning, I woke up to Ian saying 'up.' I thought he was awake. He wasn't. Apparently, Ian now talks in his sleep. I have a feeling, that if this sleep-talking increases, I won't be sleeping very often. I wake up to any and all Ian noises. Oh, speaking of talking... Ian has added 'ball' to his vocabulary! Or, 'ba.' He doesn't have the 'l' sound down yet, but eh, it's close enough. We know what he's talking about.

This week was full of new Ian-things. This one is hilarious though. This weekend, he walked up to me and clung onto my leg and said "up." 
I didn't pick him up because I was cooking. I'm not coordinated. I said "no bubba, I'm cooking."
Ian proceeded to cry and run to Stephen yelling "DADDY!!"
Is it cruel for me to think that's funny? We were both laughing. I think that Ian tattled on me! Where does he pick these things up from?

Even more exciting, he's figured out how to open our sliding door. We found him outside on the porch. He's also been reaching up for the front door. I guess it's time to child-proof these things.

It's hard for me to remember all of the fabulous things he's been doing. It's incredible. He is continuously growing in leaps and bounds.

Amanda

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

100th Post

Hello!

Today marks the day of my 100th post! Oh, loyal readers, 100 posts is a lot. I thought it would be fitting to see how much you know about me. I'm aware that today should be my Ten on Tuesday, but I'll post that tomorrow (Wednesday) instead.

Click here to go take a quiz about me. Last week, Justin gave some people from our class a quiz about himself. I have decided to do one too! I will leave it up for a week and next Tuesday, I will announce a winner!

Due to a severe lack of funds and a plethora of Martha Stewart vibes, I will make the winner a personalized template for a card they can send out to their friends and family. (Be it a holiday, birthday, birth announcement, just for fun, etc. card). I recently made my friend, Deana, a card for her son's birthday. She loved it. I will attempt to make someone else happy as well. I always order my fancy prints from MPix. I love the site. Deana ordered hers from there too and they look wonderful.

There are 12 questions. The highest you can score is 100%. I will not give away your e-mail address either. I just want to be able to contact the winner via e-mail. Though, I will also announce it on here.

What are you waiting for? Go take my quiz. How well do you know me?



Monday, November 16, 2009

Mommy Goggles

This day seems to be a favorite among my readers. Who knew that Ian was so interesting?! I did! I would talk about him every single day if I could. But, I do practice some restraint and I try and fit it all into one day.

This last week was an amazing one with my one year old boy. He is incredible. He virtually never crawls anymore. When he does, it is really strange. He walks everywhere! He has also started doing this new thing where he chases me or Stephen and then clings onto our legs when he catches us, giggling with joy. It makes me so happy. It's adorable. He is also starting to stick his tongue out when he focuses. Another adorable thing.

Over the weekend, we visited the park. You should know that Stephen is pushing Ian to play water polo and I am pushing him to play soccer. Take a look at my little one at the park:


Action shot of Ian dribbling on the sidewalk. I know, I know, he's starting early. It's also a size 5 soccer ball, just to give you an idea on his tiny size. And yes, he is actually kicking the ball and following it. Amazing.

Ian's current two favorite words: hot and up. EVERYTHING is hot and he ALWAYS wants up. We also think he knows "eye," either that or it is a quintessence. On his bear, he will hit its eyeball and say 'eye.' He has also taken a liking to poking people in the eyes. His daddy and his cousin are two recent victims. I say "where is daddy's eye?" and he poked him in the eye. I thought it was hilarious. Stephen? Not so much.

Until tomorrow, I bid you adieus my readers.


P.S. Tomorrow is my 100th post!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

New Sig

Like the new sig? I made it about 2 seconds ago. I love playing with my new toys. I might make a more simple one, this one seems big too. Not too bad for the first round. Now, off to play with the boys. :)


Friday, November 13, 2009

It's my Birthday!

out of the office... AGAIN! This time because Stephen bought me a tablet. Hopefully I'll be able to write again on Monday. Have a good weekend!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Out of the Blogosphere

I am unable to come to the computer right now. I'm too busy playing with my new toy.



I will be back later when I get a break, if ever. I'll be back tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Klutz

You're going to have to give me a break this morning, I haven't had any coffee yet. I just realized it. This is how I've been lately. Forgetting EVERYTHING. Or breaking things. Yesterday morning, I was picking up the ground coffee and the white filter, when I dropped it. People, I couldn't just let it fall! So, somehow, I ended up getting the wet coffee grind all over the floor, the dishwasher, the pantry door, and the counter. I cleaned it up, then asked Stephen to please clean up the rest. He made a comment about me being a klutz, but actually cleaned it with no fuss.

It's times like these that I'm reminded of yet another reason why Stephen is the one for me. Before we even moved in together, I spilled a glass of wine on my carpet floor. He went to the store with me, bought some Oxy Clean and cleaned it up for. His amazing ability to laugh at my clumsiness and help clean it up continued on when we moved into together and lived in our first apartment. Remember, I have a knack for these things. I wouldn't suggest trying them out. Seriously. One traumatized example:

I was in elementary school and I was helping my mom get ready for my birthday party. I dropped a 3 gallon container of Hawaiian punch and it was all over the kitchen. I can't make this stuff up. This is just what I do.

These stories could go on and on. But, I'll give you a break. Back to my point. This makes Stephen the one. Through all of my extremely klutzy experiences, Stephen always laughs it off and helps me. This is a great quality to have. In many ways, I'm much like a child. He has patience for my ability to destroy a room. What a wonderful quality.

Today, I'm going to leave you to read another blog. This was an expensive, but very cute idea. If I had $100 to spare, I'd probably do something very similar. Austin is full of homeless people, so I'd definitely go broke.

Enjoy.


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Ten on Tuesday

Good Tuesday everybody! I think I'm going to try and add a little bit of spice to my Ten on Tuesday. If Stephen will agree, I want him to post on here so we'll both be posting on Tuesdays! We will see if it works.

(Please don't forget to check out Chelsea's blog. And if you decide to do the Ten on Tuesday, leave her a comment!)

Amanda


1. What gift are you most proud of giving?
Like... ever? Hmmm... I think I'm most proud of my thoughtful gifts. I never give gifts that I'm not proud of. For example, I got Stephen a new computer that he so desperately needed. I got my dad a special flashlight for walking. I research each and every one of my gifts. I fit the person to the gift. I don't have one that  I am most proud of. They all take the cake.

2. What's the best gift you've ever received?
My fiance! Cheesy? Probably. But the best gift I ever received was on Valentine's Day this year (2009), when he proposed to me! I was very excited. I am always excited about my presents. Anything that anyone gives me holds a special place in my heart. Ask Stephen. I refuse to get rid of anything.

3. In honor of Chelsea's husband: What's the worst injury you've ever had?
The worst injury ever was my 2nd knee surgery. It was extremely painful. I had to learn how to walk all over again. Horrible. Terrible. No good. Very bad. Injury.

4. They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame. Who's 15 minutes has gone on far too long? (The Gosselins are not acceptable answers, be more creative.)
Michael Lohan. 'nough said.

5. You have 20 minutes and $1000. What do you buy?
A new computer. Or savings for Ian. I don't know. I'm a terrible decision maker. I'd probably spend 5-10 minutes on the phone with Stephen and the remainder of the time spending the money.


6. Tell me three blogs that I need to read.
Oh dear. Let me open up my Google Reader:
1) Design Mom - she has some wonderful ideas on there. It really lets me channel my creative side. I love it.
2) Pray for Dylan or Profoundly Seth - I recommend these if you're looking for stories of people's lives. Pray for Dylan is about a baby with infant leukemia. Profoundly Seth was originally for a child with a hearing impairment, but now the blog has taken a more personal, real life role. Both of these blogs tug at my heart strings but give me hope at the same time.
3) Bakerella - I love this blog. She is insane. She makes wonderful looking food! It's actually where I got the recipe for Ian's banana birthday cake from. Wonderful. Read! Follow!

Yes, I realize that's 4 blogs. Don't judge me. I could have put 10.


7. Would you rather go without pizza or ice cream for the rest of your life?
Pizza for sure. I hate pizza. This one is easy.

8. Would you rather go to a beach or a snowy mountain?
Snowy mountain. I've been to lots of beaches. I want to see me some snowy mountains.


9. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
I can be a night owl if need be. But, in general, I'm a morning person. I don't think I've ever slept passed 10 a.m. It's a waste of the day if that happens.


10. What word do you always misspell?
Receive. I always handwrite it right. But, I always type it wrong. It drives me completely insane.



ETA: Stephen will post his answers tonight after work!


Stephen
1. What gift are you most proud of giving?
Amanda's engagement ring.


2. What’s the best gift you ever received?
I would have to say its a tie, my graduation gift which was a trip to Cancun from my parents, and my kick butt computer I am typing on right now from Amanda.

3. In honor of Chelsea's husband: What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

Well although i have taken many sharp blows to the balls, and numerous falls i have never really had a SERIOUS injury.

4. They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame. Who’s 15 minutes has gone on far too long? (The Gosselins are not acceptable answers, be more creative.)

Now thats not fair because they are the first ones that come to mind. Buuut i guess any political pundit who loves to yell on TV

5. You have 20 minutes and $1000. What do you buy?

Assuming there is no lady of the day on the corner? I would have to make a Fry's run 

6. Tell me three blogs that I need to read.

Got nothing for ya on that, i don't blog.....except for this of course....

7. Would you rather go without pizza or ice cream for the rest of your life?

I would defiantly have to go without pizza.  There are many replacements for pizza, nothing for ice cream.

8. Would you rather go to a beach or a snowy mountain?

That would have to depend on the season and the location.  Although, i would love to retire on a beach, a snowy mountain would just be to cold.

9. Are you a night owl or a morning person?

Been both at different times, even at the same times, but now, I'm neither at the time

10. What word do you always misspell?

Many, if it wasn't for spell check i would drive people batty with my writing

Monday, November 9, 2009

Ian is ONE!

Has it really already been a year? Ian is already one year old! The weekend went wonderfully. We have a billion pictures. I will try and control myself and only show a few. Thank you for everyone who could make it, we had a full house. And thank you to everyone who couldn't make it, your thoughts were appreciated! Let's see, I weighed Ian on his birthday, 18.6 pounds. So, no forward facing car seat for a while. He has his one year check up sometime tomorrow, where he will get his mumps and polio vaccine... I think.

We will start this blog by letting pictures tell the story. I will add commentary as well.



This is Ian on is actual birthday. He has no idea what's about to happen to him. He's just excited that so many people are here to see him! Robe and Caroline, Granny Janny, and Grandpa!



Caroline and Robe got Ian a 'Little Gentlemen's Outfit.' It took a while to get this smile out. But there were flippin' paparazzi around! I have a picture of that too somewhere, but I can't find it at the moment. There are about 4 or 5 camera's and we're all crowded around him taking pictures. It's a shocker he's smiling and not crying. But come on, isn't that outfit adorable?!



Before we went out, we met up with Granny Janny and Grandpa so that they could watch Ian so Caroline and I would help my mom prepare. Ian is playing with a new toy truck. He's having so much fun! I'm so glad that I have such a happy baby, so full of personality. Speaking of which, Robe and Stephen went to a bar while we were gone. Which brings me to an adorable story. Stephen would be embarrassed if he read my blog, but he doesn't, so here it goes:
Caroline and I caught Stephen and Robe sitting outside of a Starbuck's sipping on their drinks while talking about the wedding. When these two ladies get together, it gets ridiculous. They also went on a 4 hour hike together in which they swam in the water holes on the green belt. That's right, there's water there now.

Back to Ian.



So, of course we baked the cupcakes and cake, but this is one more thing we made. Looks confusing right? I got this idea off of another blog, maybe I'll write one with what we did. But basically, it's home-made hot chocolate sticks. You warm up some milk, water, or, as Stephen and Robe did, coffee, and stir in this chocolate goodness. Caroline and I added marshmallows to the bottom to make them look cool. We then individually wrapped them all and gave them away as the adult favors.




Food pictures! Sadly, we did not get pictures of the pizza or hot dogs.



All of those cupcakes are homemade except for the white ones. Those are from central market! Like the wind up bugs on top? My mom found those for really cheap. The kids (young and old) enjoyed them. They were adorable. They added some pizazz to the cupcakes.




Behind Caroline is a banner we made. It has 13 pictures of Ian from Newborn to One Year! It didn't turn out as expected. Next time, I have some very different ideas. By the way, the boys hung it up. It was pretty adorable though. Ian looks the same size from 6 months on. You can also tell that his ridiculous personality kicked in around 3 months. The picture idea was fabulous. I also picked that up from a blog. I'll add the inspiration links later... after Robe and Caroline leave. Ian is awaking them right now.



Now for Ian's cake. Notice how my child is not dirty. Weird right? Also notice, my kid has a hat on. Very strange. He never wears hats, he always throws them off in a fit of rage. Surprisingly, he didn't cry when we all sang Happy Birthday to him. He looked around confused, and by the end of the song, he was smiling with his famous cheesy smile. What a ham. Anyways, we put the cake in front of him, and he begins to neatly pull of the sprinkles. Eventually, my dad stepped in and helped him, that's why there is a chunk missing. However, Ian still did not get dirty. Leave it to my kid to eat his first birthday cake very neatly. He's adorable.



Ian even started feeding those around him. Here he is feeding my dad. I guess it's nice that he shares. He's still clean. FWIW, he stays clean the entire time. Only getting his hands slightly dirty.



Onward to the presents! Notice D-Money in the background. He read ALL of the cards for me, very helpful. Marissa opened all of Ian's gifts for him, very helpful as well. Ian was on overload not realizing there was a new toy until a few gifts later. I think it's safe to say he was always two gifts behind. He seemed to enjoy it. I think I'm going to put some gifts away and leave some out and rotate them. Finally, we leave...



Here is Ian with Caroline. He's tired. Can't believe we let him stay up late (he had TWO naps, which is incredible, I think this only ever happened one other time when he was sick with the measles). Needless to say, the birthday weekend was a success. He loved it. Remind me to tell you at a later date what I did for his Thank You cards. I haven't done them yet, I'm awaiting for something to arrive in the mail first, but I already wrote them out.

Time to see the guests out, Ian has FINALLY awaken Robe.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Human Development

Delicious. Last night my mom bought some tiramisu. I was too full to eat it last night so I woke up this morning and decided I didn't want to cook breakfast. Sitting in front of me, I have a plate of tiramisu. It is so delicious.

Moving on, last night I was reminded of why I chose my major. I remember when I was an economics and finance major. I remember sitting through my classes thinking this is so boring, is this what I really want to do for the rest of my life? No. I mean, I could barely keep my eyes open. Sure, it was easy enough, but I was literally bored to tear. I went to the career testing center and they told me about HDFS (Human Development and Family Sciences). I decided to give it a try, it had to be better than this.

I walked into my first class in GEA. It was HDF 304 Family Relationships. It was a wonderful class. I willingly came to every class. I sat in the front, took notes, and listened. I just listened. It was so intriguing! Then, I would go home, tell Stephen everything I learned and occasionally, make him do an activity from class. This was funny because in class we took them to see what our commitment was to our significant other. Stephen passed every single thing with flying colors... sometimes he scored better than me. That was embarrassing. Since that point on, I was always eager to partake in another HDF class. My life has been full of them. I love them.

Over the past few weeks, my practicum (internship) has been having a seminar where we give presentations on ANYTHING we want to the class (it just has to relate to young children). Every week, I'm excited to sit through everyone's presentations. Yesterday, I was reminded why I love this major so very, very much. First, everyone in our group wanted to go first. We decided to go in alphabetical order, so I went first. I presented on Montessori. I made everyone eat delicious food. Then, Carina went, People First Language. VERY important. I remember taking a class that involved that as well. Then, Justin went.

This part I really enjoyed. He should give lectures! He's so entertaining. He gave us all the True Colors quiz. Most of us were Blue. (Go look it up!) Finally, we finished with Kevin's ice cream presentation and the importance of science with young children. I, of course, took the place of that child with attention issues (see Carina, people first language. My bag broke during the shaking process and salt and ice flew all over the table. It was okay though. I still enjoyed my ice cream later. Our entire night was full of laughing and fun.

It reminded me of my Family Relationships class. I was always excited to go and always left in a very happy mood. Last night, I left class feeling great. Justin brought up a good point, he loves Thursdays! Those are the days where he sees us last and then sees us again first thing in the morning. I truly love these people! I love this major. I'm glad I changed (even if I don't know what I'm going to do yet).

Thank you lovely presenters for reminding me of that last night. It was delightful.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Scrambled

It's later in the day today. I know. Ian and I are at my parent's, waiting for the repair man to come. Ian has been walking around like a crazy man. He has a kickball and a glitter ball. He just walks around holding them, throwing them, etc. It's adorable. He looks ridiculous when he walks because he's so tiny. I will try and get a picture up later this week. Ridiculous I tell you! I've also realized that his version of 'mama' sounds more like 'mimi.' I've become mimi! Also, insane.

Ian's birthday is this weekend. We are pretty excited! I can't believe he's already going to be a year old. He's got so much personality, it's ridiculous! He's that tiny tot that says 'hi' to all the strangers he sees; he is constantly shocked and surprised; he has the biggest cheeziest smile. He's full of HUGE personality. He's already made two ladies come close to crying because he said 'hi' to them and it made their day. He's such a ham. And he knows it. I don't know how I feel about that yet. He has super cutie powers. He knows how to use them.

Here's another reason I'm pretty happy, Caroline and Robe are coming up this weekend! WO! I know this is hard to believe, but Caroline has NEVER met Ian! (Well, in person. We totally video chat). It'll be nice to have someone at the casa to help me get some things prepared for Ian's birthday. Speaking of which, lovely Franny is coming over tonight to help me make a practice cake for Ian's birthday. I don't bake... or cook for that matter. It would be nice to, but I just never have the time. I just want to make sure that when people bite into it, that it's possible. I don't want to bake a brick. I've never made a banana cake before! I need to insure that Ian is in love with it. :)

Well,  I must go now. Many things to do, little time to do them.

Amanda

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Ten on Tuesday



Chelsea does a Ten on Tuesday on her blog, seriously, start doing it. It's fun. Last week, I did the 10 on Tuesday from Chelsea's blog. I think I might do it weekly. I really enjoy answering these questions for some reason.



1. What animal should cease to exist? (Not including bugs. That’s too obvious.)
Hm... this is a hard one. I really love animals. It makes it harder since bugs are off limits. I would have to go with opossums. I know that they probably help us in our environment, just as every other animal does, but they are always running out in front of my car! Plus, they aren't very pleasing the eye. Now, if I could add an animal, it would be a unicorn. I so wish they were real. They'd be pretty and deadly I'm sure.

2. What was your favorite thing about the beach?

To sit where there is very little water in the sand. It is fun to play there with Ian. Or to watch Stephen take Ian into the water. Going with the family is simply amazing.

3. If scientists found a way to allow dogs to talk, do you think we should implement it? Or should we just keep them quiet?

Implement it! I want dogs to be like they were in that movie... the one with the talking dogs... oh what's it called! I can't remember. You know what I'm talking about. They talk, Kristi Allie is in it... Help me out.

4. How do you order your Starbucks?

Um.. what kind of question is this? I order Starbucks with joy in my heart. I get the feeling for the day (temperature, good/bad, etc), then I make the appropriate order. I only go to 3 Starbucks. The one next door, the one I drive through, or the one Robert works at. 

5. What’s worse? People who don’t know the difference between your and you’re OR people who don’t use smack their food?

A) The second half of this question doesn't make sense. B) I'll go ahead and answer what I think it should read Or people who smack their food. I answer, it is WAY worse to smack your food. I can stop reading if people don't use the correct you're/your. I do. It drives me nuts. However, if someone is smacking. I start of by glaring. I go into a daydream about me smacking them in the face. People, don't smack please.

6. What CD can you listen to over and over?

I have listened to a Yellowstone Park CD that my grandma bought for Ian around a million times. It seems to be the only music that keeps him from crying. Therefore, it is wonderful. Other than that, it really depends on my mood.

7. What was the most surprising thing about college?

How terrible some teachers are; how I was supposed to be peer pressure to do terrible things and I never did them; how much I hated being here at first, but how much I love it now and don't want to leave; I could go on and on. Everything about college is surprising.

8. What’s the best deal you ever got? (Biggest sale item.)

No idea. Stephen's computer was a pretty good deal. My favorite dress my mom got me was $3. 

9. Who is your role model? Why?

My parents. Duh. I hope to be a great parent. I hope that Ian is well adjusted with a secure attachment. I hope he is able to talk to me, like I am to them. That's right, my goal in life is to be a good parent.

10. What movie would you like to see that is in theaters right now? Why?

This question is unfair!  I don't even know what movies are in theaters! I'm too busy. I'll answer this one later after someone informs me of a movie preview. Wait, is Where the Wild Thing Are out? I  could see that.


Amanda


P.S. I'm going to make myself a snazey signature soonish.

Monday, November 2, 2009

What Yoda In?

I had a catastrophe this weekend. I was all prepared with Ian's costume when... I left my memory card at home. My mom's camera was acting funny, so we went to buy more batteries for it. This did not solve the problem. Needless to say, we got zero pictures of Ian actually trick-or-treating. He did however, make it to 3 whole houses! And I did get a couple pictures of him as Yoda.



Just in case you don't have a Facebook to view that. I am in love. He is definitely going to have to be Yoda two years in a row I think. Usually, I own my biases because he's my kid and all. But really, he is the cutest Baby Yoda in the entire world. He usually hates wearing hats and things on his head, however this did not seem to bother him one bit. He left it on. He left the coat on. It was a Halloween Miracle. Minus the fact that mommy forgot her memory card.

This was a monumental occasion: Ian had his first piece of pizza. I say piece, he was taking bits of T-Bone's pizza. Nonetheless, he seemed to love it. Lately, he has been a very good eater. I don't know what it is. He's becoming pretty expensive to feed. Over  the weekend, we walked to the grocery store several times so that he could have the freshest of foods. I keep thinking that he probably weighs over 20 pounds now because he's been eating so much food! Stephen thinks that he is just eating normal, he's just not sick anymore. When he was sick, he ate zero times a day (besides mommy's milk, pedialyte, and sprite pops). And even then, it was difficult at times.

I am taking a brief break from the update on Ian and I'm going to go ahead and tell on Stephen. Janet, I know that you're reading, call Stephen. Talk to him. He needs to go to the doctor. He's been coughing up a lung for a few days now. I know you're not setting the best example (Janet broke her foot a while back and still needs to go to the doctor, that's right, I'm telling on you too). Make Stephen go to the doctor. Thank you.

Ian has decided to take a huge leap and has been walking everywhere. Mainly when nobody is watching. He just walks and walks while holding his ball. Then throws it. Then bends down picks it up, and does it all over again. He's adorable. This is amazing. I love watching him. He's a great person to watch. You can see his wheels turning in his head. He's so determined and focused. Today was not the best of days for him. He has his first ever diaper rash. I'm not really sure what it's from. He's also figured out how to take his diapers off. He's spent  most of the day naked. Which is okay, because of the rash. I didn't fight him much. It's probably why he kept taking it off.

He is also unaware of day light savings. He was up at 6:30 and he went to sleep at 6:00. Ridiculous. Being awake before the sun rises is nice and peaceful. However, I usually like to do it on my own. At least I'm in good company. Morning Ian is amazing. With of his stretches, then his inconspicuous ways to try and awake me. Finally, when I open my eyes, I see the biggest brightest smile gleaming over my face. It's wonderful. It makes my day. I mean, his smile, it's just so amazing! See for yourself!


I don't know why this picture won't center itself.

Well, I am off. We have a busy day/week ahead of ourselves. Ian turns one this week!