Feeding Daddy

On Sunday morning, we're not sure what prompted this, but we rarely know what goes on in the minds of these little ones. We serve Reece's snacks on this little tray, and he decided that Daddy needed some.

Wellness update: I had some major runny nose, conjestion and colorful mucus the past few days, so we've been laying low. Possible sinus infection, but MUCH better today...yes! Reece has milder cold-like symptoms, with his runny nose being much less runny. I think he still has a little mucus in his system though...if only I could teach him how to hock up a loogie...yeah, what fun times to come. ; )

(I just realized I'm behind on some videos, so look out...here they come.)

Neighborhood Watch

Last night Lucy was on her neighborhood watch, barking at those that were strolling the streets who didn't seem to belong. Reece joined her making his own 'woof woof' sound.

He's started climbing on the window ledge. It's just a small spill if he slips.

Also, note that he is wearing his big boy shoes. I didn't think he liked them much because they are a bit harder to walk in than his Robeez. However, this morning, he brought them to me and wanted me to put them on...play some...then take them off...then put them on...then take them off...
I think you get the idea. It was fun.

Manly Man

Saturday night was dinner at the Henry's with new mom Lisa and Olivia. Nice evening. Olivia is still on China time and got so tired she fell asleep on her momma's chest...sweet stuff.

Later the girls, Julia and Sophie, sprung open their dress-up chest. And this is what emerged...We were all giggling like little girls at a slumber party.
Reece reminded me of a scene from ET...Actually, Reece got upset all dolled up. The fun only lasted a few moments before he was crying for us to take it all off. Perhaps he's just a manly man...

Rodeo

YEEEEEE HAAAAA!Mom got this shirt for Reece when he was still in my belly.
It's a little big but, perfect for today's occasion...
My Little Buckaroo!The seats were awesome...couldn't get any closer.
We shook hands with all the riders in the opening ceremony and were personally entertained by the clowns.Sat next to sweet Strother and Blythe,
followed by cutie Miss P and Anne.
(Darin, Darren, and Mitch were just right behind us.)
We had a really, really great time.
Reece was pretty squirmy towards the end of the show,
but then all went outside for a stroll...and to see the animals.
Despite the smell, my camera and I could have stayed all day with the animals.
I was only able to get a couple of shots due to the fencing, crowds, kids, and time...I love those cute piggie bottoms.Thanks so much to the Maddox's for the seats and great time. And thanks to Anne's sweet parents for being our chauffers. I enjoyed sharing your family tradition in the box seats that have been around for generations.

Olivia

Olivia (with her new momma, Lisa) arrived from China to her new home on Thursday. Although both exhausted, they let us in to visit for a few minutes. She is beautiful.

Reece and I are pretty excited having dear Olivia just across the street...she's just a few months the older woman.

Quick Update

He did toss his cookies again yesterday afternoon in his crib after a few deep coughs...poor thing. And coughed some last night. Went in at 3am, to give him a milk/water combo. I'm sure that helped his dry throat.
Reece seemed much better today, less coughing and no resulting throw up.

I feel certain that the 2 throw ups were a result of a tickly cough that just kept prompting more coughing. No big sickness...yea!~~~He learned how to throw trash away today. He likes looking back in the dirty trash to see that it's still there. It's amazing how much he understands...

I love that initiates 'I'm going to get you...' by imitating the noise I make when I'm after him. His version sounds like 'Ssss, ssss'...and just sometimes smiles and starts after me making his 'ssss, ssss' sound. Love it.

He also knows where his belly button is and will point to it if you ask him (if not otherwise distracted). I think he learned that one well because I tickle him and he giggles when I show him where it is....so sweet.

He was a sweet boy today, letting momma cook dinner while he snacked on a thin pb&j in his high chair. No matter how thin the bread, he still likes taking it apart to eat it. Quite messy that way, Mr. Reece! ; )

Love Monkeys

Over to Angela's yesterday afternoon. I love it when things happen organically.
Danijela decided she wanted to 'jump' in her bed and Reece soon followed...a pair of love monkeys as you will see...Miss D just can't keep those pants on.
Reece's expression is funny.Love this above shot Angela got of Reece.Then...later Reece had a bunch of Veggie Booty and coughed then threw up when I laid him down to change him. A pretty fair amount too. (Angela calls it the 'veggie bootie shootie'!) Darn, I hate ending on a sour note.

Woke up twice before I went to bed last night....so tired, and just needed his pacifier. Skipped bible study today to be cautious. Oh, and guess what time he got out of bed this morning? I think we have a new record: 10:15.

In assessing it today, it seems like he's got allergies...watery eyes, sneezy, a clear runny nose and a cough. Strong appetite as he is signing for food a lot as always. Diapers are as solid as ever. Both good signs. Based on those, his demeanor and no fever, I would rule out a stomach bug. May try some allergy medicine today and see. Otherwise, probably a cold...those are always going around.

Can hear him cough every now and then during his nap. He was so tired at 1 when I put him down...but it sounds like it's not so restful, poor thing. Will keep you posted.

Fine and gym dandy

My favorite spot...and his

We have little natural light in our house, so the big front window is my favorite spot. Before Reece was mobile, I used to bring his changing table in front of the window, have some tummy time, and take some pictures. Ah, not so easy anymore...Reece has a favorite spot in our house too...the fireplace. It's like his little step, chair, throne all in one.(Unfortunately, it is also reflective!)
I like how we was working the phone, book, and milk at the same time.
And then, very busy into that phone.Spent a little time outside today. Wasn't it GORGEOUS!?
I grabbed the camera and two footballs (one for Reece and one for D and I). I was all set to play some ball and take some photos.
But, instead, the neighbors were all outside so we hung out and visited. Reece was chasing Bailey (a 15 month old neighbor girl who walks much faster and more stable than Reece), and fell a few times on the rocky, bumpy, concrete. He's got a bump on his forehead as proof....no blood and he's fine.

Decided to go to Matt's with the Henry's again for dinner. Reece was pretty squirmy and sassy in the high chair once full. Sophie held him for a few minutes while we finished our meal. He colored for the first time on his own tonight...although still tried to eat the crayon.

Pretty quiet week

It's been a pretty quiet week...not nearly as busy as last.
But, the Reece man is on the move and when we are out, it is hard to catch him still. He's either off and going, or clingy in my arms. He had a fever for a day or so about 7-8 days after his 12 month shots, as the doctor expected. That coupled with continued teething I guess, left Reece a bit clingy. When he gets that way, he wants to be held but wants momma to be standing up....which wears me out pretty quick.

Tonight the 3 of us had dinner at Texadelphia. While trapped in his high chair, I was too busy trying to eat, cutting up his food, and trying to have a little conversation...no time for camera. Afterwards, we went to PetSmart. D was grossed out by the germ-i-ness, and Reece wanted nothing with being held. He went after the dogs and was interested in whatever we didn't want him to touch. ; )
He paused briefly for the fish, after we showed him, but was immediately off again. I'm surprised this isn't blurry...

Stuffed Lamb

I mentioned the lamb in Saturday's post, and the antics continued today. The video was made after the stills below, and also after many, many repeated 'stuffings' of the lamb.

The crazy sleep continues. Ready to get out of bed yesterday at 9:45 and again this morning around the same time. Took a 4 hour nap yesterday. Today's was only about 2 1/2...but still! Oh my!

One tall snack

I often use the tray on this walker (handed down from the Deller's) to serve Reece snacks during the day. Yesterday, I found him having one tall snack.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

...the Reece man is snoring.
He loves to sleep during the rain. Remember?
Woke up today at 9:20am. And just woke up about 3:10, from a nap at 12:30.

It's been a busy week. Lunch with the old boss. Bible study. Lunch with the wise men and a short visit in the old office. Lots of time at Chrys', helping.
Missed some naps and grabbed a few in Oliver's crib, which he definitely prefers over the pack-n-play. Has shown some attachment to his little lamb that he sleeps with. If he sees it (I brought it this week when planning to nap away), he wants it, then hugs it as he carries it around. Cute.

The past few days, he has been a sleepy and hungry boy. When awake, he walks over to the high chair and points at it...eventually signing for food. He wants to eat every hour to hour and a half the past few days. Bananas his favorite. Is calling for them right now...'nana, nana'. Signs of a growth spurt, it seems.

Let the camera have a little break this week as we focused on our time with others. Snapped one Thursday afternoon playing in his room...love the smirk as he peers out of the window...Also...Had a mom's night out last night at Buca di Beppo. Was fun to be with Alissa, Lindsey, Kristin, Mel, and Jan. We toasted to me not bringing my camera...can you believe? The pope table was so fun, as a huge round table with a gi-normous lazy susan. I sat in this big throne chair. They called me the Pope and I blessed the food. ; )

1 Year Appt

1 year appointment today...
By now, you know the traditional weighing and scale shot...Happiest scale picture to date.20 lbs 6 oz.Stats:
Height: 29 3/4 inches (50%)
Weight: 20 lbs, 6 oz. (15%)
Head   : 18 inches (30%)
Showed the dr. how well he is drinking his milk now,
fully transitioned and I think fully weaned.
(It was a good time to wean, just a few days after his first birthday. I had already transitioned to once a day in the morning, and he hadn't missed the other nursings. He was ready. I am proud that I continued to nurse him for a whole year, despite the many challenges. I have had a very smooth weaning so far.

Looking back now, I know it would have been easier and less stressful to have given him formula from the beginning. But instead, I am proud of my perseverance, God's provision, and do not regret one moment of the decision I made to give him the best I had to offer.)They took his blood by pricking his finger. Not even a wince, just fascinated watching his blood pool up and drop into the collection tube. The bandaid was even more interesting, and he worked hard to get off. (Don't those look like big boy hands?)

Got 3 sticks in the legs and wasn't too happy about it, as expected. But, got dressed and then walked out holding mommy's hand the same way we came in.~~~Signed for food several times when we got to the car...hadn't had lunch yet since we went straight from nap to the appt. I treated us to a late lunch at Chick-fil-A...inside. Thought he would nap well after all the excitement, but was fussy after 30 minutes in his crib...and cranky in general after that..except...

Except for a little while in the back yard with Lucy......not sure who had more fun.

Wheeere's Reece, part deux

Rather than using his bib like before, he played "Wheeere's Reece?" with his hands. The first pic is so funny...his hiding face I guess.

My husband Roger

I had the latest Tennis Magazine on the kitchen table, with the pretty studly picture of Roger Federer on the cover. (If you don't know who he is, it's cool, but it's clear that you never ever watch tennis.)

Reece was in his high chair having lunch when he looked over and saw the magazine. He looked at it, smiled, looked back at me, pointed to the magazine and said 'Da da' very enthusiastically. Well, if I ever need a backup "Manny" (as Anne calls it), I'll know who to call.

While it might be a handsome picture, little does Reece know, Roger has nothing on D.