Play Groups

We have really been enjoying our play dates. It's nice to chat with other mommies with similar aged babies. We exchange recipes, tips, stories and much more. I realized today that I judged people's parenting techniques much more before I had a child. Now I get it. I understand. And even though we all do things differently, we do what works for us. Ahh, the little game called life and offspring. Amazing. Anyways, the babies have so much fun playing and tumbling and exploring.

My favorite picture, he loves this tunnel. He showed all the others how to go through it. I think he's going to be a natural leader like his mama. Not always a good trait, but certainly not a bad one either.

Of course we couldn't get them to look at the camera at the same time. :D

Mara, the oldest of the group. She's a little over 1 year is currently our only walker!

Lily, our newest member. Where are all the boys?!

Dane loved showing the girls how his toy worked.

Elijah's Birthday

I'm so far behind on posting. Elijah's birthday was at the beginning of this month. Brad and Dane attended the party as well. We had a great time. Dane really enjoys being around people. He's not one of those babies that won't go to strangers, as least not yet. Here are some photos from our fun filled, superman kinda of a day.

Elijah and his best friend Kendal

Who knew that there is a black Spiderman?! I think it's all marketing but the kids couldn't stop talking about it!

Dane is the background being held by SueAnn

And held by Tonya

And a couple of dads obviously having a blast.

Supernanny

Lately, I've been watching episodes of Supernanny. Wow, some of the children on that program are out of control, or should I say the parents have no control. My little bay-bee could never be so testy. :o) The show is very informative on discipline techniques. Being a first time parent, I have no clue how to discipline a child effectively. I guess many of the techniques Ceaser Milan uses could apply, but I better not, my neighbors would think I was insane. (I'm sure they already do.) Time-out? My mom never put me in time out and I'm well behaved. :) Seriously, time out is going to be an essential part of my discipline plan. I'm going to have to get on of those cute little chairs to sit in the corner. But I have plenty of time for that because my baby is an angel right now. :) Here is Dane at his 9 month appointment. He was 24.1 pounds (91th percentile) and 30 1/8 inches tall (95th percentile) and his big head was 19" (100th percentile). He received a clean bill of health and we couldn't be happier. I want to never take for granted the fact that I have a happy, healthy baby.

Summer Vacation to Kiawah

Two weeks ago, we went to Kiawah Island; our first family vacation. Dane did very well on the plane considering he’s a constant moving baby monkey. The weather in South Carolina was not very baby friendly. It was so humid and hot. Brad and I had traveled to South Carolina yearly for the last 5 years; the first four were without baby and during the month of May. Therefore we imagined vacation would be a certain way. We had to first clear those imagines before we could really enjoy ourselves, which we did. We spent most days taking a bike ride in the morning followed by an afternoon swim at the pool. Dane is just a little too small to enjoy the beach. The unpredictable waves of the ocean made me too nervous. He loved the sand but he wanted to eat it as well. I know in the years to come, we’ll get to enjoy the beach more. The condo was quiet and peaceful; it radiates with good karma. Dane slept so well. Here are some photos from our special vacation with our baby son.

A walk on the beach.

The one and only time he touched the ocean.

He loves to flirt with the ladies!

Loving the carpeted floors.

"I'm having so much fun looking out this big window, wait is that deer out there?"

Yes, they were right outside the condo.

Daddy kicking it back.

Big Boy Bath

Peterson (Dane's new nick name) has been taking baths in the tub for more than a month. We've been wanting to take pictures but always forgot to take the camera upstairs. He's a handful during bath time. He wants to stand up, splash and be his usual crazy self. Sometimes I fear him falling face first into the water, but thankfully that hasn't happened, yet. I covered up his baby bathtub and put it away in the basement. Speaking of, our basement is already cluttered and full of baby stuff that he no longer uses and he's not even a year old. I want to purge things, but if there comes another, we will not need to buy anything but diapers and hopefully something pink. Here's our little darling playing in the bath and being his usual adorable self.

8 Months old

Standing up and climbing is all he wants to do. He makes Mummy and DaDa very nervous. With us having hardwood floors, he's cracked his head several times and I bet he does it a million more times before he gets walking mastered. Also instead of just saying Da Da, he also says the Na and Ga, but no ma yet. And the best part of 8 months old is he FINALLY likes to cuddle. I've been wanting this since day 1. It has made my heart blossom with more love than I thought was possible. I LOVE cuddling with my baby boy!

"Baby gate my ass, I'll get through this somehow."

"I will conquer this toy!"

"I'm way too cool in my new floaty."

When will I get to sleep in until 10am??

Dane woke up at 6am today, about an hour or so too early. I'm so thankful that he sleeps as much as he does, but I still can't get used to the early mornings. I remember the days of waking up on my own, stretching my arms up and saying, "Hello day, I'm ready for you." Now I wake up grumpy, stumble downstairs to start the coffee and after about 2 cups, I say, "Hello Dane, I'm ready to play." I wouldn't change it for the world though, and I know it won't be like this forever. Before I know it, he'll be sleeping till noon and definitely not wanting to play with me. :)


Thankfully Vincent steps in for me and plays big brother.