The Hurst Young'uns

Happy Birthday Baby!

2010-07-10T20:01:00.008-05:00

Dear Sammie,

Lovebug, Sam, Sammie Pants, Baby, Ladybaby, Boo Boo...and Samantha (on occasion, if I'm mad at you). You are gorgeous and daring. In fact, you just arranged all the pillows on the floor so you'd have a softer fall when you leap from the couch. And the entire time you kept telling me "one minute, one minute". You want to do it all whether you are tall enough or have the language skills too or have the strength to...you try it regardless.

Your talking has taken off. You are one of those babies who went from nothing to sentences. Your favorite phrase and one of the first recognizable was "I want to do it!". You are easy to please and your favorite pastime is reading. Did I mention that you are gorgeous? You have this frizzy, curly, cute hair that everyone comments on. You like wearing bows this year, for a little while, anyway. You like to pick your own clothes, which is tricky as matching isn't yet a priority for you. You like to dance to the Vacation Bible School music and you are up for just about anything that entails going...you are begging to go if we aren't on our way before 9 or so. You don't however like being dropped off. You have to be handed over to a worker (i.e. at the YMCA or at church nursery, etc.); then you just hold on for a good ten minutes before you get in the swing of things. And most memorable...you can outlast the best of them with your pouting. You pout for almost any reason and it is unfortunately pretty cute. You turn your head down and stick your lips out. There is no moving you either...nothing can deter you when mid-pout.

I hope that you will take all your smarts, good looks, and persistence to the moon. I want you to do it all and be whatever you were meant to be in God's plan. I want you to know who you are. I want you to be kind when no one else is; I want you to be capable of empathy; I want you to be a great judge of character and vulnerable at the same time. I want you to have fun and be able to handle sadness. I want you to be comfortable and accomplished all by God's definition. I want you to know what you want. And I want you to know that you are loved, loved, loved.

Favorite food and drink: fruit, bananas, mac and cheese, bananas, mashed potatoes, bananas, goldfish, bananas, milk, strawberry oatmeal, bananas, cinnamon toast

Favorite show: Sesame Street

Favorite toys: your blanket, your Husky puppy, your wolf, other people's shoes, hats, the doodle pro, your stroller, your Madame Alexander baby doll, and the kitchen

Favorite books: anything Pookie, Little Bear Little Bear What do you See?, anything Olivia, and just about anything else someone is willing to read you (you read about 20 books a day!)

Trips: AL before Christmas, Omaha for Christmas, Dad's friend Brad's house

Least favorites: vegetables of any sort, cereal

Size: 18-24 months and 5 shoes

The world around you: BP oil spill, Obama is president, big Governor election in WY this year, Fayette City voted to go wet, 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, huge Earthquake in Haiti, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq ongoing, Tiger Woods divorcing, and Lebron James is going to play for Miami...of more significance: you moved from the nursery to the 2/3 class in Sunday school are are doing great and you completed your first swim class session (your favorite part is jumping in)!

Surviving and Loving March

2010-04-14T22:48:00.004-05:00

Sammie's first shiner. Amazingly Sammie's first black eye was self-inflicted, as opposed to by her brother. She fell with a hand full of toys and apparently held on to the bitter end as they all ended up in her face. She had little cuts and bruises all over, but it didn't slow her down. She is also a professional climber. I was hoping we wouldn't have one of those...but we do. She spends most of her day stacking whatever she can find to climb to new heights. Yesterday she stacked diaper packs to get on top of the table and the day before she moved the small piano to climb it up to the big piano. Maybe Mt Everest is in her future...if she survives that long without serious injury.

No story, just cute.

The baby feeding the baby. Although I don't know whether she has the qualifications from the looks of her attire...looks like she didn't get much of her own lunch in her own mouth.

Easter basket. The bunny didn't stop here until after nap time. Good thing he didn't stay...Sammie quickly got out the two toys she liked and refused to even look at the rest. The bunny would have gotten his feelings hurt.

The hand-me down watering can is a bath time pleaser. Luke wants to plant a garden really bad. All winter I told him we had to wait until Spring and now that it is Spring I'm not sure how to explain the snow still on the ground. Hoping he won't lose interest by May 18th when it is officially planting time around this part of the tundra.

Did you know the bunny could easily carry not only baskets, but little white rocking chairs? Well, he can.

Super excited...all for a jelly bean or two. Oh, to be three again (sigh), now anything less than a Cadbury egg is a real disappointment.

Trying them out.

Momentarily corralled before heading to Easter service.

The Easter dance. Luke was posed perfectly. The idea was that his sister would saddle up beside him and the pics would quickly be taken. Nope. he glanced down the hallway, saw Sammie in a dress, and decided that dresses were meant for dancing. And they went into a full swing.

And, they danced, and danced, and danced.

Even a few twirls and dips involved.

Pajama, Pancake Friday (which is what we call any stay at home day)

2010-03-06T23:08:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was an all day inside, in our pjs, day thanks to pink eye. Luckily Dad got Luke out a little bit when he got home, just before I killed him.
Snow angels are his favorite snow activity!

Sammie was a little testy too after being confined inside all morning long! But, then again, we get this face even on chock-full-a-fun days.

Gotta love that hair! It does just whatever it pleases.

Dear Luke

2010-02-26T22:40:00.007-06:00

Dear Luke,

You are 3! And you are just over 3 feet tall! I have no idea how that happened or why I still carry you on occasion. Maybe cause you will always be my baby boy. You are really getting big these days...which is mostly good. You talk like a crazy man, telling stories, singing, and sassing. The funniest is when you tell a story and forget what you were going to say. You'll stop mid-sentence and look at me for the right next word, which of course I have to make up because I have no idea where the story is headed. You also tell dad about your day every evening at dinner. It is short and sweet..."I went to the park, pushed baby, got a spanking, and then we came home"...is a typical reciting. I have no idea why the other fun stuff isn't included or whether the baby pushing really was the highlight of your day.

You also repeat everything, even if you only heard it once. You routinely repeat adages that I've said to you to baby and your stuffed puppy. It is great to know you are listening, except when on occasion you also repeat them to dad when he is getting on to you for something. Like yesterday, as he was giving you a talking too I heard you mumble, "Listen here mister, I don't intend to listen to that much longer." Luckily he didn't hear you as well!

You are super nice to everybody and very polite. You make friends wherever we go, usually winning them over with your sunglasses or the cap you wore all day today. You are smart as a whip too. We started doing an hour a day of learning fun, called activity hour, and I'm pretty sure you are bored silly. Numbers, colors, letters, and shapes are sooo yesterday. I thought "what goes together" games would be fun, but you just blew through it to get onto something else...I had no idea you already had that concept down pat (the things you learn from Sesame Street!).

This year was a big one. We left San Antonio, which meant leaving Sandra, Nori, school, Mission Church, and Seaworld. We still hear about all of them quite often. We moved for the first time for you to a new house in a new place. You have experienced snow now...lots of it. You are staying at home with mom now, which is an adjustment for you too. There is no school to go to yet and we are still working on friends. But, you are a champ...while it was a rough transition you are back in the swing of things now. One thing that stays the same is your affinity with dinosaurs. You went to see Walking with Dinosaurs this past year with dad and they have since invaded our house in the form of a roaring little boy. We had to make the no dinosaurs in the house rule. Elmo has taken a back burner to Dora the Explorer and Dinosaur Train and you are learning to play with your sister (slightly more gently). Just big changes in such a little boy (who thinks he's Big).

I love, love, love you and look forward to the 3 year old year together. I don't want to rush it, but I do love seeing what changes with you every day! -Mom

Favorite food and drink: Pizza, PB&J, M&M's, Suckers, Spaghetti, CAKE

Favorite shows: Dora the Explorer, Dinosaur Train, Sesame Street, "The Funny Show" with dad (a.k.a. America's Funniest Videos); Monster's Inc. and Disney's Dinosaurs

Favorite toys: puppy (stuffed dalmatian), dinosaurs, dinosaur mountain, not really a toy but you can't live without your blanket

Favorite books: Bedtime Stories. Toddler Bible Stories, Go Dog Go (we read this every single night), all the books from the library (for some reason we read through all 10 or so every single day when the ones we own are rarely touched)

Trips: AL before Xmas; Omaha before Xmas; stop at Dad's friend, Brad's house

Activities: Walking with Dinosaurs, Elmo Live, Seaworld repeatedly, school Thanksgiving performance, Chuck E. Cheese (which is where we went for your birthday), playing the air violin to Mountain Music and Dixieland Delight (AL songs) and clapping to "The Clapping Song" (a.k.a. Days of Elijah)

Least favorites: peas, the thought of going through a car wash

Size: 3T, 7.5 shoes

The world around you: Walter Cronkite, Patrick Swayze & Michael Jackson pass away; two Americans imprisoned in North Korea and eventually released; shooting at Ft Hood; unemployment rate hits double digits; Taylor Swift is entertainer of the year; war in Afghanistan continues, as well as in Iraq; H1N1; first African American President sworn into office; Earthquake in Indonesia; Earthquake in Haiti; Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver

The cape.

You.

You skiing...inspired by the Olympic games.

Helping dad shovel snow...one of your all time favorite things to do.

Birthday breakfast...eggs, bacon, cake.

Presents -- from Sammie, a train track.

Handmade by dad for you -- dinosaur mountain.

From parents, a tractor and book, glow in the dark dinosaur stick-ons. From Hurst Grandparents - skates! From Ma and Pops...who knows...we haven't gotten it yet...so more b'day fun to come.

Vedauwoo

2010-02-16T23:24:00.003-06:00

Not even going to try to retrace our steps since Thanksgiving, which is the last time I posted pictures. Instead, we'll start here. Vedauwoo (a.k.a. earthbound) is a rock climbing place about 20 minutes from us. For those too little to rock climb there are areas to walk and just play. The Indians considered it holy ground because of all the unique rock formations, which look like any number of things from people, to frogs, to trees, etc. So, anyway, we defiled the grounds this past Monday by taking the kids sledding out there. It was C-O-L-D cold, but with proper attire you barely noticed or so the rest of the family said. It was about 14 degrees with strong winds, so it felt well below zero in my expert opinion and I noticed. The area and the drive out were beautiful! The pics I took don't do it justice, but gives you a flavor of the snow covered trees, rocks, mountains, and vast open space. Oh, and the west is still wild...we say lots of wildlife, which we couldn't have said in our past city-living years. Probably a place we'll visit often when spring and summer roll around...

Pics

2009-12-07T15:29:00.004-06:00

Cleaning off the camera so it is empty for all the new shots to come during travels and visits. Get your smiles ready! Check out the last ones we've taken. There is Luke doing his dinosaur roar and showing off his penguin, Sammy intensely playing with her blocks, a Luke and Sammy hug (Can you tell that Luke is just waiting to throw her over?...We have to take shots like this fast and then separate them quick to get her safely out of such a vulnerable position.), and a "just waking up" shot on our bed.

Pics

2009-11-27T23:05:00.005-06:00

In Hurst news...last weekend was SeaWorld. We didn't know that it was Sesame Street Christmas! Every show had sesame street interweaved and then there was an all Sesame Street show...everybody was there (except Oscar). Luke loved it, of course. Sammy and I played in the dirt just outside the theatre for most of the shows because she is not into being restrained for any reason, not even Elmo and Abby do the trick, much less large killer whales trained to spin small people around in the air (I mean, really, is it THAT impressive? She thinks not.).

Then last week was also Luke's first ever school production. They dressed as scarecrows, note the scarecrow hat and sang a song. We couldn't understand a single word, but I'm sure it was very cute. He was cute. He didn't realize we were there until after the show, which was funny...he was thrilled. That was our real thanksgiving treat this year. The actual day was uneventful. We ate out instead of adding cooking to the list of things to stress about mid-move and major life change. It was stressful anyway, remember, we have a 2 and a half year old. Afterwards we hit the duck park and feed them all the cheerios I could round up from random snack bags in the van.

Then, today was family picture day. We requested pics of long, lean adults and really cute kids. We got half the order. The kiddos did so good they were rewarded with yet another picnic in the park, which served us well for nap time. They slept almost completely through the AL game! Perfect timing...I'm sure Saban arranged the timing just for us. And...to top it off tomorrow we are off to Elmo Live. Wish me luck. It is Daddy/Sammy date day and Mommy/Luke date day. So, I'm the lucky one who gets to sit through Elmo Live. I'm sure Luke will make it all worth it...he doesn't know yet. When we geeked him up about Walking with the Dinosaurs he didn't take a nap for like 2 days, so this time we are just referring to it as a "surprise" until game day. Pics will be posted, of course...stay tuned. Sammy on the other hand probably gets her three hundredth tour of Bass Pro Shop if I had to guess.

As for firsts...Luke got his first cowboy boots. He put on a pair of Sammy's black patent, leopard fur trimmed boots (which she can't wear yet) and would not take them off. He asked to sleep in them. So, Dad vowed he needed boy boots as soon as possible. So, he has cowboy boots that he wears with everything, PJs, shorts, a diaper, just whatever. He asked the salesman where his horse was, after all he did have a cowboy hat, boots, and a big buckle, so it was a logical question. The following day, Sunday, at church all I heard in the nursery, coming from the other side, was "I have new boots. Wanna touch them?"

Sammy is a proficient "hi" and "bye" waver now (and still the best hugger around). She proceeded to "hi" everyone at the park, super friendly. Then, she also can take direction quite well all of a sudden. She is keenly aware of what "snack" and "eat" mean. She keeps the shoes straightened. As I try to get every one's shoes on she puts them away. So in one session I have to go back to the shoe bin to retrieve the shoes several times unless you can get them all on everyone very quickly. Oh, and she talks on the phone, not when someone is actually talking to her, but when she plays with her phone. They both think they have real phones. They have our old phones that we charge up just like ours, so she will walk around having a conversation that consists of lots of "hi"s. Very cute. They are very cute, which is sometimes the only thing that saves them.

Halloween Festival at Giant Steps

2009-10-31T07:08:00.006-05:00

This was the Fall Festival at Luke's little school last night. The picture taking was not lopsided, but the action was. Luke was cautious and ready to pose at any minute, while Sammy was non-stop and completely opposed to looking at the camera...thus the many, many pics of Luke alone. In most instances, Sammy had just darted out of the frame. It's a chore at best to catch them both at the same time or in Sammy's case at all. Anyway...Luke is hugging on Ms. Rojas and Ms. Klunder in a few shots -- those are his teachers, with Ms. Rojas being the lead and Ms. Klunder is the aide. When we got home he got to have a sucker for the very first time. It was a big tootsie roll one and it took forever! He literally sat in his chair and worked on it for 45 minutes. At last we had to store it for the night so we could get them in the bed. Sammy had a knack for getting her a few things too. While Luke was nicely trick or treating and being handed the candy and toys, Sammy would sneak around behind, and go straight for the backup stash. We have a handful of kaleidoscopes acquired in this fashion. Lots of fun...looking forward to rounding the block tonight. Luke says he wants "a bunch a candy."

It Ain't What It Used to Be

2009-10-25T22:02:00.002-05:00

Gone are the days of cute shots of the kids. They won't be still long enough to get the good smiles anymore and getting them both happy and looking at you at the same time is impossible. So, here is the best we could do at the Love Creek Orchard this past weekend. Well, on second glance, they are still cute, even while in motion.

Escape to the Zoo

2009-10-04T15:07:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday we made a trip to the zoo...it was the tail end of Luke's sick week and the just before Sam's sick week(s) -- now she has an ear infection we are trying to get rid off. We were all getting cabin fever, so off we went. Here are some shots of them at the zoo...no animal pics, as we have enough of the wild right here at home! I think the stroller one is funny, because the warthogs that Sammy was watching were a hoot. They were playing around and having a good time, everyone was glued...except Luke who noticed someone had a camera out. He can't resist the camera. Then the one with them in the PJs was that evening...I labeled it "pooped" for obvious reasons.

Steps

2009-09-08T21:28:00.004-05:00

No action shots yet...but they are forthcoming...

Sammy takes steps -- First one on Saturday, 5 Sep! So far her longest stretch was 9 steps, with two witnesses to confirm (My mom counted and James applauded). In fact, she applauds herself on occasion mid-stride. Any day now...

Piano, Tent, Bear and School

2009-08-31T21:11:00.010-05:00

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What's new? Pianos and princess tents. School and a security bear.

James bought the kids a piano...he thinks they are musically inclined at age 2 and 1. Don't ask. Then he bought Sammy a princess, pink, castle tent because she needs one if Luke has one. I thought the one tent we had that takes up a good portion of the game room was for both of them...apparently there was some miscommunication there.

In real news, Luke started school this week. He isn't sure why he can't ride the bus yet, and I'm not about to tell him he isn't really a big boy yet. When asked at gym last week what his name was (they go around the room and ask all the kids their names and their parents' names) he responded "Big Boy". He goes to school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and loves it. Note his advanced cutting skills in the pic above -- it's still a favorite past time. So far, he's gotten only smiley face stickers...I wonder if they make frowning faces. The down side is that the potty training by observation isn't working. He wears pull-ups at school and even pees in the potty on occasion. At home though he refuses to wear pull-ups, demands diapers, and doesn't hesitate to turn down any offer to potty in the big boy potty. He responds, "No mommy, Big Boy wears diapers."

Besides that Sammy is standing on occasion. Just from sitting down, she'll stand right up for a minute. No forward motion yet though. Walking will come soon enough I am afraid though. "Uh-oh" is still the favorite expression and the dramatic-two-hands-to-the-side-of-her-face "Oh-No" is her trick of choice. Very cute and very feisty. Luke has another thing coming when she gets confident on her feet. Also, she has determined her security object of choice, a pink teddy bear that her dad got her when she was still in the NICU. She loves it...took it everywhere the first day she decided to crown it "the one". Now she sleeps with it too. She has a death grip on it with one hand most of the night. It is all pink (see pic) and super girly, so despite my predictions that we have a tough little tom-girl on our hands, there may be a girly-girl down deep inside somewhere...TBD.

Pics, Pics, and More Pics

2009-08-18T22:14:00.007-05:00

Laughing. She isn't as easy to make laugh as Luke was...you really have to work at it. Tickling does the trick here!

Unfolding the clothes...her favorite past time. You can tell from the look on her face that she knows she is caught red-handed. This is just before she drops and crawls away like a mad woman to avoid being picked up and moved against her will.

With Pops who was just here for a visit week before last. I think he likes her.

Pretty, happy baby. She particularly likes living on the wild side. Throw her around, let her jump from tall structures...she's down for anything risky.

You can't get away with taking pictures for long or she moves in for the grab.

Watching Madagascar with Dad. He likes movies for about 20 minutes and then he starts roaming, but with Madagascar there is a return to the big screen when "Move it, move it" starts.

My mommy wears combat boots, when she can get them away from me.

With Pops and Dad. This was all day PJ day...it was "PJs and Pancakes" at church this Sunday so he got to lounge all day long.

And...he's happy about it. Note the bag he's holding...another kid pleaser, along with boxes, wrapping paper, and anything else that belongs in the trash.

Mr. Fix It who never fixes anything. He has a hat in each toy rotation. This week was construction hat, next week is cowboy hat week.

Nothing major in news. My dad was here a few weeks ago for a quick visit, so we enjoyed that. We have since been doing the usual SeaWorld on the weekends. Luke really doesn't like the water park. He's a little scared of such things, so we basically sit in the foot of water at the edge of the wave pool and watch Sam risk her life trying to escape into the wave pool. They are total opposites right now. It doesn't bother her at all to have her face in the water and to keep going, but Luke just wants to sit with you...no exploring right now. He's more interested in the shows and animals. So we get soaking wet to stay cool before going to a show. It works for everyone.

The funniest thing for the week was Luke's checking of Sam's diaper the other day. I'd just taken her clothes off because they were messy. So in the interim before she got re-dressed she pooped. Luke proceeded to walk over to her, pull the back of her diaper wide so he could look in and pronounce "Shoo-wee, Stinky Pants". I was hoping he'd also take the initiative to change it, but no such luck. The scariest moment of the week was Sam falling down the stairs. I forgot to put the gate up so up she went. I didn't know until she fell back down (like 2 steps). And in typical Sam fashion she cried only because she was mad that I picked her up and put the gate up...not hurt, just mad. She's going to be a handful!

The Latest and Greatest

2009-07-25T21:11:00.006-05:00

SeaWorld with Grandma and Grandpa...who got to visit us just a couple of weeks ago. This is the shark and fish tank that Luke is checking out.

The stroller shot is just before we left the park. We sort of did all day...we went at opening, saw a few shows, feed the dolphins, and then headed home for naptime. When they got up we went back hoping to see the best show, Viva, which is acrobatics and of course, whales. It started lightening though, so it was cancelled...they swam the new baby beluga around to appease us and then we moved on to the pirates. When it was time to leave it was pouring the rain...so we were soaked without ever stepping foot in the water park. It was kind of nice, cool and fun.

This is after the pirate show. Sammy and Luke went up to see the actors. Sammy loved the music at all the shows. She had an absolute blast dancing and clapping...I'm pretty sure that's the most excited I've ever seen her. And...she was pooped.My recommendation though...skip the pirate show. It's not very good, yet Luke loved it. Now he talks about going back to see the pirates all the time...if only we could have just stuck with the walrus and whales.

The two bath buddies.

Very exciting day...he couldn't wait to try out his big boy bed!

All his animals and blankets conveyed.

Sammy sleeping like an angel.

Lots of new things around here...

Where to start? Sammy waves. She waves back at you with both hands. Very cute, as usual. Also of note, she can't be trusted around stairs. She knows precisely the second that they are left un-gated and she'll dart that way. Last week one day I was in the kitchen putting dishes away when Luke came and said "Baby on stairs." He was right. In fact she was almost to the top. When she realized I was coming she sped up and plopped at the top with her big, one tooth grin. My one relief was that Luke came to tell me as opposed to trying to rescue her himself. She's a bit of a daredevil all the way around I think. Her latest favorite past time is to climb up on the football chair and then leap (literally she stands up and jumps without a flinch) out onto the pillows (that are always on the floor -- pillows are single-handily the most entertaining thing in our house for some reason). Oh, and she says "uh-oh" a lot. I think it must be an easy thing to repeat because it seems like Luke did that early too; she easily repeats it as well as spontaneously lets out an "uh-oh" quite often. She constantly surprises me with something she does that I didn't know she could do...you know they are supposed to constantly add skills, that's normal, but it is nevertheless always a surprise.

Luke is in his big boy bed. It was no problem at all. Last weekend James put it together on Saturday, got it all set up with his blankets and animals (plus added Great-Grandma's quilt to it). We talked about it all day and by the time it was ready Luke had asked to go see it no less than 100 times. So, we did. He jumped and played and then for the two hours until nap time he begged to go to nap...out of character to say the least. So, nap came and went, night time came and went...and to date it hasn't been a big deal at all. He constantly reminds us now that he is a "big boy", so maybe we went a little overboard, or maybe he is a big boy. He also tells me repeatedly from the time out corner "I'm a big boy mommy." I don't know where he equated being a big boy with no time out...but, it hasn't gotten him out early yet, although it is pretty cute. Luke can also put on his shoes all by himself. That was a surprise. One day when I wasn't quick enough for him he just did it himself...put his white tennis shoes on. I was, of course, very impressed (as was the Stride Rite lady Thursday night when he did his own trying on). He now at least attempts the feat every time, so in no time he'll be a pro.

And recently added to the night time routine...the bath-duo. They bathe together! It's great, most of the time. It is a little tricky when she takes something he wants and vice versa, as well as when she tries standing in the tub when he has soap running in his eyes. For the most part though it is fun and slightly easier. Plus, it's cute...don't you think?

Dear Sammy

2009-07-10T21:04:00.005-05:00

Boo Boo, Baby, Sissy, Sammy, Angel, Little One, Little Girl, Sweetie, Sweet Pea, Sam (anything but Samantha for some reason!):

You are 1! I can't believe it. It's taken forever at some moments and has flown by all the others. You started out a 2 pounds...today you are 20. You also grew 11 inches in a year. You are right on track for any other 1 year old out there and...I knew you would be. Your month in the NICU was really not worrisome to me at all. Your tough. You started tough and you fine tune that strength by combating your brother's hits and pushes almost every day. You've had quite a year to remember. The thing that sticks out besides your birth are the trip to South Padre. You were miserable, screaming and barely sleeping at all. During the trip we discovered you had ear infection #1...4 infections later you got ear tubes. We showed at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and you weren't allowed to eat. Surgery was delayed from 7 to 11 and did you complain at all...nope. You are so pleasant and easy to read. You tell us when you are tired and when you are hungry (and with the ears when you were hurting), but you rarely cry for any other reason. You go to sleep so easy at night and most of the time sleep through the night with no problem. If you get up at all you get a quick drink and go right back to bed...very nice of you. I sometimes worry that you get the short end of the stick because your older brother demands a lot of attention. We don't stay home very often for you to take a morning nap even though you'd take one. But...you love going out and as soon as we get somewhere, despite being tired, you perk right up and take it all in. You will NOT sleep anywhere if something is going on...I think you are afraid you'll miss something. So, over all, I think you don't really mind the one nap a day deal as soon as you see that you've been included in the festivities.

The cutest thing is your little front tooth. It just barely extends beyond the surface and it serves to add one more element of cute. Everyone thinks you are beautiful, we know you are. You always have been. Your blue eyes and dark (but turning lighter) hair are gorgeous, even with the "wing" curls. I'm amazed that your skin tone is so completely different than your brother's. You are naturally dark. We get lots of comments about your "tan"...they don't know that you aren't allowed to leave the house with anything less than 50 spf sunscreen on. You crawl and have been for about 3 weeks now. But, you aren't going to settle. You are already pulling up and cruising all over the place. Tomorrow when you open your b'day gift you are getting a push-toy. I feel confident you'll be able to manage it (if you can keep your brother from hijacking it). The cutest is when you are pleased with yourself. You'll climb up in the football chair or pull up on the table and immediately turn to find who is looking. You smile as big as possible just to make sure everyone is joining in the excitement. Sometimes you also clap for yourself which just makes everyone do it...you are learning to direct the show early. You are a mimicker. You copy what we say in your own baby language. I think shortly after steps will start hearing words, but no rush. I don't want you to grow up too fast. Well, really, no matter how fast or slow it goes you'll always be my little girl. Even when you are 5 feet tall, I know I'll remember your baby smile and your endless wonder that makes the day exciting for everyone. The only thing I wish changed is your interest in all things off limits :)...but, hey, that's what babies do.

But, anyway, so that you’ll be able to share the wonders of you at one with your own kids some day…here’s all about you:

Favorite food and drink: Gerber stars, crackers, carrots, corn, strawberries, watermelon, mandarin oranges, bananas, bread, anything besides baby food (although your favorite used to be squash and pears); water from your own little sippy cup

Favorite show: You have no interest in shows unless there is music to dance too. With a little music you'll do a little jig.

Favorite toys: chicken dance egg, balls, piano, exersaucer, football chair, bath toys of all types, anything Luke likes and doesn't want you to touch, mommy's jewelry

Big trips this year: South Padre to see Grandma and Grandpa

Big sickness this year: 2 month immunizations and then multiple ear infections between Jan and Mar

Favorite people: Luke, Mommy, Daddy, and Noni

Activities/Places: church nursery, SeaWorld, swimming! You loved swimming from the very first time you went...you kick around and have a great time.

Least favorites: green beans, pureed meat, peaches, tofu

Size: 12 mth

Unforgettable firsts: first (one and only) tooth, crawling, sleeping through the night, climbing the stairs, clapping, pulling up, cruising, smile

You wish you could forget them moments: the ear infections and when I flipped you right out of the travel swing just a few days after you were came home (it was awful!)

The world around you: Barack Obama is President and is trying to pass universal health care. He already passed the largest stimulus billion history to try and combat our horrible economy. Iran is in turmoil over a seemingly corrupt election. Italy had a devastating earthquake. Michael Jackson died at age 50. The two top AF leaders were fired (Chief of Staff and Sr Enlisted guy). The first women ever ran on the Republican ticket for Vice President of the US (Sarah Palin). Your Great-Grandma Anderson (Mrs. Polly) died in April. You Great-Clagg Grandparents meet you for the first time on their visit here in March.

Your adorable. I love you from your little curls down to your little 10 toes. I can't believe how much you've grown, both in size and personality. You are going to be Miss Independent and I look forward to getting to know you more and more. You know what you want and I have what I want...the best family in the world. You completed our household and brought more joy to the mix than we could have ever imagined. Sometimes I hold on to you for a really long time before laying you down at night, because I can. I won't always be able to hold you in my arms, but I'll love you just the same every single day! I love, love, love you. -Mommy

A Hurst Weekend

2009-06-29T20:59:00.003-05:00

All ready for church. I shouldn't have fixed the red eye in this picture, as that was probably a better representation of Luke at the time. This was the moment just before he pushed her off the stairs. She's a tough one!
What is it about stairs anyway? Kids gravitate to them...maybe it's the freedom that awaits at the top? Who knows, but just like all kids do, Sammy goes for the stairs constantly.
At church with Ms. Paige. Paige helps her mom (my friend Jennifer) in the nursery on Sundays. Sammy knows her when she sees her coming.

Luke goes straight for the train table...and talks about it all the way there. On the way to church there is no looking for planes, motorcycles, car washes, or water towers (which are typically his favorite sightings); church = train table and that is all he can focus on.

Backyard activity to follow int eh little zebra pool. They both think it is a blast!

And...three days a week (at least) we hit the pool. James and I swim laps with the kids in the floats and then they play in the little one on the annoying breaks. Why do pools insist on a 10-min break every hour anyway? Are lifeguards unionized? Anyway, here is the little man lining up all his pool toys.

Water baby #2!

A little scary at first to trust them anywhere near each other in water, but he does really well. They splash each other and he'll push her back to us when she drifts too far away. Very cute!

Hot--Seriously Hot--Summer Fun

2009-06-18T21:21:00.003-05:00

Ma and Pops were here visiting week before last. This was one of the highlights of the trip for Luke. Th water sprinkler with his Grandma. Can you tell he kinda liked it? It's going to come in handy because it is HOT here, as in like in the 100's every day for the last 3 days and in the forecast for the next 5+.
As did Grandma... She is apparently disarming. He had his face all in the water here with no coaxing required. But, Tuesday night we went to Seaworld and he wouldn't even consider putting his face in the splash pad water there. I have no idea what the difference is...maybe the people or the amount of water. Who knows, but it was surprising. He had fun of course and got sufficiently wet from playing with the water and the splashing, but no face action. Then we always have to do the walrus show...he has a thing for the "big walrus". He was so excited I had to periodically lean over and tell him "take a bite" to which he complied. Otherwise he'd have never touched the peanut butter and jelly sandwich he was begging for just seconds before the show started.

Sammy is trying to find her Cheerios amidst all the toys. It is amazing how fast they tire of the same toys, but yet never tire of the random box or tissue paper.

This is her content look. This was just before she started crawling, which was a rather frustrating time for the little lady. But...no more. Now she is all over the place, whether we like it or not. AND...added bonus, she has a tooth. Her first tooth came in on the bottom. AND...she claps. I came home from work today to find Sammy clapping, for herself. When she is real proud of herself for a long crawl or getting the trash bag out of the can, you know something cool, she pops up and claps her little hands off. Very cute and very sudden. Just all of a sudden today she breaks out is excessive clapping. There is no telling what new trick she'll spring on us next.

Sammy Crawls!!

2009-06-10T23:06:00.002-05:00

At last...our little angel with an attitude crawls! Tonight she did a quick hop forward with both knees and then popped back up. It was enough to spark her interest though because next she tried again and made it three strides before sitting back up (which is her top trick right now, so I think she's having a hard time letting go and moving forward into the crawling craze). And...then on to four strides... Next she'll be walking before we know it! Super excited...seems like we've been just knowing she'll crawl any day for many, may days now.

Pics are coming...stay tuned.

EMS Extravaganza

2009-05-24T21:09:00.005-05:00

It has been a great weekend with the kids! Both have been super agreeable and I can't even remember a time out. Maybe that is why we have the extra day off tomorrow, so we can fit in all the timeouts and whining...TBD. But, so far it has been a really nice weekend and I'm thinking tomorrow will be more of the same. Saturday was EMS Extravaganza day and Farmer's Market. Farmer's Market was the first stop, but it was too crowded. The only good thing was that there were lots of dogs for Luke to get dog kisses from. After that quick stop, we were on to EMS Extravaganza. They were showcasing fire trucks, the SWAT team, the water rescue folks, ambulances, and supposedly police (although they must have been in the new, annoyingly sneaky police cars because I never saw them). So, below are the kids making nice with the bravest community servants.

I hope this isn't the memory that shapes the direction of her life. I'd prefer she not end up a SWAT chic.

Same here, not really rooting for a fireman in the family either. A librarian maybe, or a horticulturist.

Weekend!

2009-05-18T22:06:00.003-05:00

Happy baby. She is celebrating solid food...she is on to stars, watermelon, peaches, carrots, squash, sweet potato, crackers, and counting these days.

Another day at Friederich Park. We JUST beat the torrential downpour.

At the park. Sam gets her own spread these days, complete with toys. Have blanket, will travel.

And, of course, she swings with the best of them too!

At Friederich's she crashed. One baby can only take so much fun in a day.

He couldn't decide between continuing to play with his sticks or swinging, so here he is swinging with sticks.

Luke's new hat. How are we ever going to convince him to sit his bare butt on his new hat?

Hiding behind the cool shades and low-slung hat is a confident singer. We were hearing, "Tinkle, Tinkle, wittle star...".

Rocks. Sticks, then rocks. Rocks, then sticks.

Two babies swinging. They both thought it was a hoot that the other was swinging. And I thought it was a hoot that they thought it was a hoot.

Prepping for a morning outdoors. Sunscreen for everybody. Don't know if you can tell, but we have two very different skin-toned babies on our hands. She is dark and he is white, white.

Backyard Fun

2009-05-09T22:20:00.003-05:00

First driving lesson.
O.K. Now, get out of my way.

Funny man.

Love this picture. He's trying not to smile. To get him to smile for a picture you tell him not too and he can't help it.

Working hard.

Cuties!

2009-05-07T21:21:00.002-05:00

She doesn't seem the least bit bothered by the fact that she just spit up all over her clothes and our bed does she? We weren't bothered either...she's too cute to get annoyed with. She soooo wants to crawl. She can get her knees up, just not at the same time as her arms. Maybe within the week?? Not that I'm rushing it...parenting just gets harder when they are mobile.
Luke, on the other hand, seriously hates messy hands. He wants you to wash sticky or dirty hands immediately. Apparently chocolate covered faces don't fall in the same category. He looked like this all day long at Sea World last weekend because I forgot wipes! A walking advertisement for the Shamu chocolate dipped sugar cookies.

Friederich Park Day

2009-04-26T21:59:00.005-05:00

What's new? Well, Luke will only wear one pair of socks (unless they are dirty -- he accepts that excuse). If not dirty though it's the argyle Easter bright blue and green socks...no others will do. He wore them to church today with his shorts and pirate tee, he wears them most days. He's very attached. Also as a result of his blooming independent streak is "time out". We have a time out bench. Only thing is he continues to administer his own time outs...I don't think it is working as we'd like. He will just do something he knows he isn't supposed too, then walk over to the bench, hop up, tell me "2 minutes", and sit quietly waiting on me to come get him out. I could be wrong, but I'm afraid he isn't too distraught by time out.

As for Sammy, she is afraid of the dark. Or so goes my theory. James thinks I'm crazy, but you can decide. Last weekend on Saturday night I decided I was going to stay in her room literally all night if needed to see what the issue was, because even after the ear tubes she continues to wake up every couple of hours and wouldn't go back to sleep on her own. I wondered if maybe it was a beep in her room or a light or something waking her up. So, I went to lay her down, which is normally fine. And she was fine. I did my little straightening up routine in her room and then started to leave, turned off the light, and she started crying. I turned the light back on and she stopped. So I left the light on and did the rest of the evening routine without a peep from her. So, I slept in my own bed...all night long. She hasn't needed me to help her get back to sleep since. The only thing different is the light. So, crazy or not, she gets the light on from now on (it's on a dimmer, so real low light).

Last weekend we checked out this wilderness trail park. It is great because it has handicap trails (a.k.a. paved), so we can take the stroller and all stroll together. In the woods, but still in comfort. The rest of the pics are of that same day...just back at home.

Quick picture op out of the stroller.

But, she was happy either way...so long a she has some toys within reach. (And you are within sight...leave the room for 2 seconds and she is hollering at you! I have zero experience with separation anxiety, but am afraid that is about to change.)

The little man tired out on the way back. It was a workout on the way back for James.

Sticks, fascinating sticks.

Walking the ledge, very cautiously. He is a cautious little guy. Dad had to actually leave the paved trail first before Luke would even consider it. He didn't particularly want to be up here either.

Tolerating yet another picture. No "cheese" left in him.

Rocks...even better than sticks.

Both kiddos enjoying the sunshine shining through the trees.

Our super sloppy eater. I think she got this trait from the Anderson side of the family. She takes a bite and then does the raspberry spit. She thinks it's hilarious, Luke thinks it's hilarious, James just shakes his head, and I get the clean up.

See, I told you she thinks she's funny.

Our little man, who by the way can say "Go Huskers" and "Roll Tide" fluently now.

We are working on it with her. If not her first words, then shortly after "DaDa" and "MaMa" it'll be the football chants.

Did you know they came this cute?

Luke is starting to enjoy playing with her a little. He's pretty loving...when he wants to be. She loves it when he plays with her too, until he pushes her over which he thinks is hilarious.

Don't know if you can tell, but amidst all the toy options, here is Luke attempting to pour his juice down an old toilet paper roll. Who needs Toys R Us, we have trash.

Easter '09

2009-04-18T10:38:00.005-05:00

With Easter Bunny at the after-church party. He tolerated the Easter bunny, but preferred the petting zoo's goose.
Taking pictures, a favorite pastime. Only thing is he can't move too fast in mom's shoes.

So, now what do I do with this?

Found one! He took right to the Easter egg hunt. I wanted to do some trial runs the Saturday before, but it rained us out. So, I was a little worried, as usual without evidence to back up the worry. He had no problem. James showed him the ropes and he was off. I think he ended up with 7 total!

Increasing the bounty.

Just arriving at church. He won't take the time to get his backpack off...straight for the toys. He loves church. He asks me every single night when I'm putting him to bed if church is tomorrow. Saturday nights are a little tricky. I tell him we'll have to wait and see whether it is or else he'll be up at 5 ready to go! So, not lying, just not answering the question completely...a politician's tactic.

Sammy on Easter, watching the second, backyard Easter egg hunt. One wasn't enough for the little man. "Hide egg! Hide egg!" -- the chant of the week.

Easter morning just before getting her fancy pants on.

Day before Easter sitting on the couch...smiling...pretty, pretty girl!

Easter overload. This is what Sam did during the big Eater party. No petting zoo, no egg hunt, no bouncy air jump, no lunch...she didn't even last through from the parking lot to the pavilion.

But, she revived shortly after arriving home and dug into her Easter basket for the chicken.

And bunny.

At church. Dresses don't stop her.

Sam helping get brother up from nap.

Don Juan

2009-04-07T20:50:00.004-05:00

I came home the other day to find a little Don Juan visiting! Luke and Noni (a.k.a. Sandra) both donned mustaches. He was very proud of his mustache and wouldn't let Sandra wash it off until after I had seen it. And I'm so glad, he was cute!

The ladies swoon.

Who started it anyway?

Luke at the park with Nori (over in the right hand corner avoiding the camera -- she hates pictures!).

Today

2009-04-05T15:07:00.003-05:00

Just after church today, Sam and I were playing on the floor. She really works hard to get to her toys, but no crawling yet....any day now.
Not the greatest picture here, but this is Luke's must-do Sunday morning ritual. Dad meets him at the car and takes him in to see the band practice before going to his class. He LOVES it. Once he scored some drumsticks. Then today he got to touch the tambourine and give all the band members a knuckle bump. What more could you want? He's a regular roadie, minus the road.

Seaworld San Antonio

2009-03-30T22:27:00.004-05:00

Luke and Sam's first trip to Seaworld! I was a little skeptical about it...I wasn't sure whether there would be anything interesting enough to keep the little man's attention. Well, everything was interesting enough. He loved it. He sat through the beluga whale show with all the acrobatics, and then also the sea lion/walrus comedy skit. He also dug the alligators, although he wanted to "touch, touch", which we tried to answer by pointing out the show-off who sat there the whole time with his mouth wide open. Then, there were the penguins, which probably would have interested him had there not been a moving sidewalk. He couldn't get over the moving sidewalk enough to notice the penguins, until of course we passed through the strategically placed gift shop which was full of ridiculously priced stuffed penguins. He now has a new friend in his crib...a, yet to be named, penguin.

Alligators!

Alligators that don't want to be touched.

Sammy watching the Walrus gig.

Luke amazed at the flying acrobats.

The post-Seaworld glow. (Luckily no sun-burn, probably just because we didn't think to change them out of their morning clothes although it did warm up about 40 degrees! Hot tamales.)

Just Another Day in Paradise

2009-03-29T13:44:00.002-05:00

Just a regular after-work day...except there are helicopters in the house. The kids were mesmerized by James' flying his little helicopter around the room. The would have watched it forever, both of them, if only we had that long. Luke had been immersed in the surgical gloves (still in most of the pics) James gave him from out of his pocket...until something better came along.

Busy Times

2009-03-17T14:27:00.005-05:00

Man, it's been a while since I got to the blog. We've had computer problems on top of computer problems. But, no more excuses! Last week we had G'ma and G'pa Hurst here as they passed through on the way back to freezing cold Nebraska. We had yet another party for Luke. He hasn't stopped talking about birthday cake yet. It doesn't help that almost all Sesame Streets have some reference to birthdays, cake, or birthday cake. Then we had uber cold, rainy weather, which was needed, but not welcomed. And...now it is beautiful just in time for the arrival of Ma Anderson and GG'ma and GG'pa Clagg. They kept me up until after 1030 playing phase ten...it's worse than monopoly. But, we are thrilled that they are getting to meet Sam. She has been really showing out too. She sits up really well now and laughs, and laughs. She is 16.5 pounds and aside from having a never-ending ear infection is fabulous. Luke had his first dentist appt yesterday and he did great. They really brushed his teeth a ton, put fluoride on and everything and he didn't mind a bit. He did make sure he had his new dentist-provided Elmo toothbrush before he left though. He's such a big boy. He has his two year old well-child appt (they don't call them well-babies anymore after 2, which is a little sad...he's still a baby to me). So...well see how he does with shots now that he knows what is going on. Not to mention that he remembers everything now...so, lucky me...I'll be the one he holds a grudge against for the next 16 years probably. A necessary evil.

We all started the party with hats, of course.

Last week...it was freezing. Also note, that while the kids are mostly dressed cute when you see them, should you peek in our backyard this is what you''ll find: Our precious rugrats clothed in whatever is within arms reach.

Sitting up so well! Luke better watch out, crawling is just around the corner.

It warmed up dramatically yesterday. So...who needs clothes?

Loving the park scene.

Our cool dude thinks his eyes will melt if he takes his sunglasses off.

My boys.

4 generations

The old and the young chilling in the a.m.

Ma and the kiddos.

Dear Luke

2009-02-27T23:01:00.001-06:00

Hey little man! Have I told you that I love you lately? I do all the time; I just can’t help myself. Yesterday you turned 2! I can’t believe it’s been 2 years, yet in those 2 years I also can’t believe how quickly you’ve grown and how much you’ve learned. You are a little mimic, a very cute one. You are so cute that sometimes I can’t help but just hug on you, much to your dismay. Like last night. After you downed a huge piece of birthday cake, we then danced to the song that comes on after Sesame Street. I was throwing my legs around and snapping my fingers, both things we don’t typically do when dancing. But, without question, you jumped right in there, kicking your legs up and “snapping” too. I had to hug you. Did I mention that you are adorable?

Besides being a mimic, you also have a flair for originality. Just the other day at the dinner table your dad sneezed and you immediately chimed in with “Bless You Da-da”. That’s three whole words! It was one of those “I didn’t know you could do that moments”. I have those all the time. You continually surprise me. We have talked briefly about the fact that you turned 2 and just briefly a bit before you turned 2 about the big birthday coming up. We never practiced the “How old are you”, then you say “2” game though…never. There was no need. At the doctor’s office yesterday the doc walked in, asked you how old you were, and without even a pause you said “2”. And to think a year ago you were barely walking. I think clapping was about your only real trick back then. Now there are too many to count.

You also are a little engineer. You can do about anything with your hands that you see done on the first try. And if you haven’t seen it done you can do it quickly, correctly by figuring it out all by yourself. The other night at the dinner table you had your sauce on the far side of your plate. Since you were doing a lot of dipping you reached down and turned your plate around so the sauce was closer to your mouth, less drippage. It was fascinating. You just get stuff. I think you get that from me. Your dad thinks you get it from him.

But, anyway, so that you’ll be able to share the wonders of you at two with your own kids one day…here’s all about you:

Miscellaneous favorites: speed bumps, buses, planes, blue giraffe blanket, Red Dog, guitars, and guns

Favorite food and drink: chicken and fries, cantaloupe, jello, beets, chocolate milk, ice cream, BBQ sauce and ketchup

Favorite show: Elmo’s World

Big trips this year: Orange Beach to visit Ma and Pops, Jeff, Lynn, Michael and David; South Padre to visit Grandma and Paw-paw

Big sickness this year: Your 1 year old immunizations!

Favorite people: Mom-mom, Da-da, Noni, and Nori

Activities/Places: Gym class, Kindermusick class, Church nursery play time, Kid’s Playtime (a fav), the Park (a fav), the parade grounds at Lackland where all the planes are mounted, the mall, shopping with mom and dad, Chick-fil-A play place

Least favorites: Getting a haircut, Motrin, wiping your face, brushing your teeth, being told what to do (you have really started rebelling a bit, being your own boy)

Size: 24 months/2T, shoes 6.5 extra wide/29.8 pounds and 34 inches tall

Unforgettable firsts: Words, words, and more words; you got your first real hard soled shoes, your first haircut, your first tooth (now you have 12), your first trip to the beach

You wish you could forget them moments: having a baby sister to share the house with (you still aren’t completely trustworthy around her, although you will on occasion and only when you choose sign and dance to make her laugh—you are without a doubt her favorite person)

The world around you: The U.S., and because of us the whole world, is in a long economic recession. The first African American president was elected, Barack Obama.

About the only thing that didn’t change in some form, shape or fashion from day to day was your dad and my love for you. You are amazing. You are almost perfect. You make every day a joy. You bring smiles to everyone (because you say hi to absolutely everyone we see to include those passing by in cars). You are becoming independent, yet still rely on some quality rocking (i.e. “rock”) time before bed. You still want to sit in my lap to watch Elmo and to wrestle with dad on the floor (you think it is hilarious to push him over), but you don’t quietly comply with a diaper change or sit still to put on your shoes anymore like you used to. You will inevitably become your own boy…and a great one, I know. And, I’ll always have involuntary compulsions to hug you, I know. You are my big, little two year old Noodle. I love, love, love you.

-Mom-mom

He's 2!

2009-02-26T21:15:00.004-06:00

She didn't know why we were partying, but she liked it.

Our little on-looker only got peas, as evidenced on her face. I think she enjoyed the celebration none the less.

Her eyes are gorgeous, even with the pea distraction.

I'm 2!

2009-02-26T21:08:00.004-06:00

He's in awe. He'd been talking about birthday cake for a good two days (after seeing it as the focal item on Elmo's World). I told him he'd get one, but I don't think he really believed me until this moment. He blew out both candles, two blows, all by himself!

This was the first bite. I don't know whether the fork was just too far away to reach or whether this is how Elmo ate it, but he didn't hold back.

And he was pleased with himself and the icing.

Towards the end, as the sugar built up and started dragging him down he moved to the fork method.

Post-cake he got a big sticker (from his b'day card from Dad) that identified him as the birthday cake eater. He proudly displays here.

Lies, Lies

2009-02-26T13:27:00.002-06:00

If ever you have to weigh the risks and benefits of 1) keeping the kids at home with you or a nanny (like we do), or 2) registering them at a great daycare...do not put "less sickness" on the benefits' side for keeping them home. It's a lie. Sam has a double ear infection and Luke has a bacterial infection. Seriously. It never ends, nor do my days...it's like there never was a night; Sunday just flows right into Monday, Monday into Tuesday, Tuesday into Wednesday, etc. (What day is it anyway, by the way?) But...we still have another day with them, their still cute, and as always, another minute with them, regardless of the hour on the clock, is not to be taken for granted.

Happy Birthday Luke!!

South Padre Luke Pics

2009-02-24T13:59:00.002-06:00

Pushing the stroller (without Sam in it).
Looking for fish through the slates.

Practicing his pirating.

Belly boy. Next to his belly, his other favorite things these days are chicken and fries, Elmo (still), and speedbumps (who knows why?).

South Padre Sam Pics

2009-02-24T13:56:00.004-06:00

Knocked out!
Sam and PawPaw
Sam and Grandma

Sam and her favorites...the purple scarf and super soft giraffe

Just Pics

2009-02-21T22:09:00.003-06:00

Yes, this is Sam in Luke's pool clothes. At South Padre we had no swim suit for Sam...after all who usually needs one in Jan. So, she made do with Luke's old gear. She looks pretty happy about it, right?
Our happy baby returns, post the ear infection.
Luke, at the pier. He is looking through the slates to catch a glimpse of the passing birds. He loved this day...we just walked out the pier and looked at all the pelicans and various other wildlife.

Our little Texan showing off his first cowboy hat. I don't think he is ready for ranching yet, but you have to start somewhere.

As for other news, I'm sure there have been many things that have occurred since my last posting...but, in my sleep deprived state I can only recall one. Sam has the flu. James started it. He came down with it last weekend. Then Sam woke up Wednesday morning burning up and feeling horrible. Sure enough, she has it too. Since James had the flu shot on board he has a mild case, but poor Sam just got her shot the Friday before (she was just big enough to do so), so it was of no use to her. In fact the first time they get it they also only get a half dose to make sure they respond all right, so she really only has a half now, with a second half to come. Anyway, it is awful. She was so uncomfortable. She was up literally all night Wednesday and Thursday nights and most of Friday. Tonight she went down like old times, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. She does not have pneumonia or an ear infection though, which are the accompanying problems many times, so I guess we are lucky...I just don't feel lucky.

More Firsts

2009-02-04T15:48:00.003-06:00

Pictures are forth coming...as Sam had her first trip to the beach. Specifically we all went to South Padre to visit Grandma and PaPa (Luke's preference) Hurst this past week. Another first is, also during the beach trip, Sam's first ear infection. Actually, it is our first kid ear infection ever, as Luke has never had one. Her eardrum perforated and we took her in to urgent care down there where they diagnosed it and gave us some antibiotics. I'd say she is a pretty tough cookie though as I had the discomfort pegged as minor gas/belly pain related to starting solid food, combined with a shake up of her routine due to the travel. Boy was I wrong! I paid for the mis-diagnosis with heaps of guilt.

Then, she had her 6 month well-baby appt this past Monday. As we waited on the doc to come in, she rolled over! Back to front, first time ever. And now she does it quite regularly. We've been waiting on that one a long time. She weighed in at 15 lbs and 6 oz.. She is 24 inches long. She was in the 25th percentile for weight and head circumference and the 5th for height. It is the first time she has been on the charts for her real age, so she is doing great! Oh, and her ear looked much better, normal in fact, so that is way better.

Luke is talking like a big boy, with 3 and 4 words together quite often. He also has a bit of an attitude too. Could it be the terrible twos? I kind of think he is too cute to attach the word terrible to in any fashion. So, we'll just go with "strong personality"...Luke is in the strong personality phase (which will pass, right??). The latest, greatest in his world is that he is registered for school in the fall, Yes, they have school for two year olds. He'll be a tiny two turtle at Giant Steps Learning beginning in August. He'll go two days a week from 0830-1230. He'll have a little back pack to carry back and forth and he'll have classmates to make valentines for...what fun! We decided to find something for him to do just because I think he gets bored at home all the time. And, I sometimes wonder if we are "dumbing" him down with his being at home all the time. He never ceases to amaze me at what he says or does, which I had no idea he was capable of. So, I often wonder if our image of him as our little baby is not progressing at the pace he'd like and thus, maybe introducing him to more structured learning taught by people who do this all the time will keep him entertained and be good for him. I have no scientific basis to support that theory, but it was part of what drove the search for a school program and certainly was the basis for a school search as opposed to a daycare search. Just think...this fall I'll have school pictures to post, maybe holding a little yellow ruler or something. I'm excited about it now; hopefully it'll be just as exciting on the first day when he breezes into the classroom without a glance back (yeah right, he doesn't like being left anywhere here lately!).

A Few Firsts

2009-01-18T22:43:00.002-06:00

Forgot to mention...we had a couple of firsts this weekend. First and foremost, Sam ate rice cereal. Friday night she had her first go at it and just sort of pushed it out, as was expected. She was cute doing it though. She is just so laid back, it was as if she didn't notice. She just continued to look around to see what was going on around her, the whole while pushing her tongue out at me as I tried to feed her. We have it on video, which I'll be uploading here whenever James gets around to downloading it for me. Then last night and tonight she ate again, with pretty much the same result, although I'd say she actually retained more of it tonight than she has the last two nights.

Then also tonight in WalMart, Sam was in the Baby Bjorn and I was pushing Luke in the cart. Luke was shaking a box of push pins and Sam laughed, and laughed, and laughed. She has been known to let a giggle out here and there, but this was a laughing fit! It was hilarious and her first real longstanding laughing. You could hear her all over the store (or at least on our aisle and the one over). Luke was intrigued that he was causing her to do something, but not as amused as we were. I think he was just into the cause and effect of it all and thus, continued to shake and shake...so much that he punched a whole in the box and we had to grab another one to keep the fun going.

Other than that, Luke has been sick all weekend. You can pretty much count on any holiday or 3-day weekend we'll be guaranteed a sickness in the family. Thanksgiving we were all sick, Easter Luke had croup, this time he had a nasty virus. He has a sore throat and sores in his mouth...didn't eat or drink anything for two days. Nor did he take a nap for two days, probably because he was hungry. So, anyway, it has been a challenging weekend. We both had to come home early on Friday in fact, because he wouldn't let Sandra put him down. He just wanted someone to hold him, which of course can't be done when there is another baby in need of feeding. So we came home and assisted. We watched lots of Elmo on Friday and Saturday. He was all right at church, but actually requested a nap afterwards, which is unheard of. I'm hoping he is a lot better in the morning (he was a little bit better this morning) because I have a date planned with him in the morning. James is going shopping for some fishing gear, so Luke and I are going to run to the park, play, and run back. Then, James and I are going to a movie...so two dates in one day...wow!

Just Because

2009-01-18T16:14:00.003-06:00

This is the night time ritual...Daddy rocks Luke a couple of minutes before bedtime. Who looks more tired?
Our budding computer scientist (I hope there is a company out there whose dress code doesn't call for pants.).
Sleeping soundly...as in 10-12 hours a night!!

She won't nap anymore than 2 30-45 minutes stretches during the day, so by bedtime she just passes out...no ritual needed.

Chrismas 08!

2009-01-10T14:24:00.003-06:00

Mirror, mirror on the wall, "who's the prettiest baby of them all?"

Feeding the ducks at the park.

Trying out his duck call on the ducks at the park (the bread worked better than the call). Oh and he tried out the goose call too...I don't think we have geese in South Texas, but his dad insisted that this was a must have item (maybe the ulterior motive was to keep the slobber off his own calls??).

Tummy time and a burping position (none of them really work...she is the hardest baby to burp).

The recorder. I think we were visited by Santa's evil twin. I mean what kind of Santa brings noisy toy upon noisy toy to one house in one year...someone is out to drive us crazy. But, hey, he loves it, so we continue to tell him he sounds better than Beethoven.

Christmas 08!

2009-01-10T14:13:00.003-06:00

I think we need to do a Hanukkah like deal next year, where we open gifts all week long. Our Christmas was a little overwhelming for the little guy. Then, of course, we could also just not buy so much crap...yeah, we'll try that, maybe. The thing is Luke loved the bus, the kitchen, the 4-wheeler, the recorder, duck calls, the tent tunnel, and the Caterpillar truck the best, except for when compared to the generic coffee mug that Grandpa got in his stocking. When that was unveiled he took it immediately and played with it the rest of the evening. Who knew? Truly it is the parent(s) who want to buy and give, give, give; the kids really don't care about about all the toys...or at least not at this age. That's an idea. We'll buy less and save the money we would have spent on all the stuff we really wanted to buy, but didn't, and then use it when they become tweens and start asking for the next generation wii and ipod.

Loving on the baby.

Kitchen!!

Luke thinks this is his gift. He thinks everything is his. His favorite word these days is "mine". Argh!

How cute?!

Our little daredevil in action.

Christmas 08!

2009-01-10T14:04:00.003-06:00

4-wheeling on Christmas morning. He got a little cocky and started putting his feet up.

Watching Sesame Street. Elmo's World is the only part Luke finds interesting. We have to fast forward to the end, but it looks to me like this must have been Elmo time due to the intensity on his face. Sam is just happy to be sitting on the couch next to her brother at all...it is a rare occurrence, as he isn't quite trustworthy yet.

Luke turning his little laptop on and off, on and off. It is way too advanced for him to know how to do the games. We just got it for him so that maybe he'd quite messing with the home computer...so far, no luck...he messes with both now.

Grandma and Luke on Christmas...enjoying some toys together.

Grandpa, who looks calls just "pa", and Luke hanging out the day after Christmas...probably waiting on football to start.

Pics, Pics, Pics

2008-12-26T22:07:00.003-06:00

Playing - She really grabs now
A standout at my Sesame Street B'dayParty

Party sponsored by James and kids

Going to the music class Christmas party in style.

Long day.

And...More Pics

2008-12-26T22:05:00.003-06:00

One of his favorite things!

He didn't hold back at the Christmas party.

He's a real music lover. He has an affinity for the guitar (played like the violin thanks to a Sesame Street episode that we've seen a thousand times) and the drums.

Miss Rene, his gym teacher. He's the teacher's pet.

Only Enough Time for Pics...

2008-12-26T21:53:00.003-06:00

Making Christmas cookies on Christmas day.
The bus was a hit!

My first cabbage patch...who's bigger?

Eating my Christmas cookie!

Bonding

2008-12-14T22:11:00.002-06:00

Yesterday when Luke came down from his nap, Sam was hanging out underneath her little music gym. He climbed in underneath with her and just hung out. He'd hit the keyboard for her when it stopped making music and then look over at her to make sure she was watching it. It was pretty cute!

Sam's Day

2008-12-14T22:04:00.003-06:00

This post contains a few shots of Sam in various outfits, but yet it is truly all in a day. I set an all time record for poopy diaper changes today...8 total! Four from each kiddo, but hers required two baths and multiple outfit changes. Glamorous, huh?

Anyway, she is cute, cute, cute. Everyone at church kept commenting on her chubby checks and how much bigger she looks than just last week. On top of being cute, she is just almost rolling over. She squirms up on her side pretty good, but hasn't made the plunge yet. Any day, we're waiting patiently.

Luke's Day

2008-12-14T21:52:00.003-06:00

The morning started out calmy enough. Luke travels with his red dog now. He happens to be his security object of the moment...they come and go. In fact, as James just put him down for the night he was putting his extra paci up to red dog's mouth (actually it was his neck, but we didn't correct him), patting him on the head and telling him "nap, nap".

Then he showed off his new real, big-boy shoes, by taking them off over and over. I was trying to get out of the house this morning for church, so I put his shoes on a little early while I loaded the car, and then put them on again half-way through the load, then once more just before actually putting him in the car. I didn't have to put on again until we got all the way to church, in the middle of church when he came to my side of the nursery to visit and again just before leaving church. Well...considering we completely forgot his shoes Saturday night when we went to James' work party, I guess he doesn't see the importance of keeping them on all the time.

And nap time went well too today. His hair gets a little crazy, but his smile stays in tact.

The only real cry of the day was this one. He stuck both legs through the gate and grabbed on. Then he was stuck. He couldn't maneuver his legs out to get his feet back on the ground, so he held on for dear life while we took a picture.

Crayola Magic

2008-12-14T21:47:00.003-06:00

Crayola rocks. They really do create the greatest kid products of all time. I personally said a word of thanks to them this evening...I thanked them for washable markers!

And...they also are the makers of dots. Dots turn the bath water colors, yet leaves no ring of blue and no blue baby. They're great. Tonight was blue night.

Cutie Pies

2008-12-10T22:32:00.002-06:00

Mohawk man!

She fills up the entire sling in her little bath. She used to not even take up half a mere 4 months ago! BTW - She weighed in at 12 lbs and 10 oz this past Thursday at her well-baby appointment. So, she is a bonifide chunk...that is the same that many on-time 5 month olds weigh!

Her hand-me-down-from-my-big-brother Bumbo. She just sat in this all evening upstairs watching Luke run around. She tracked him the whole time and even tried mocking him a bit with a little yell when he yelled once as he passed by.

Luke didn't approve of our handing down his things. He tries to reclaim it all when the opportunity arises. He tries out the Bumbo and her bouncy chair most nights and has become fond of baby toys that he gave up over a year ago! He's getting better, but still making sure she knows who is boss (BTW - it isn't us according to him).

He wanted to hold her. See the look of panic in her eyes? We took some video of him tonight too holding her on the couch. The cutest is when he holds his arms out for you to hand her to him. I'll put that here as soon as James downloads for me...to be continued...

Playmates One Day?

2008-12-03T21:28:00.004-06:00

Luke is trying. Night before last he went to Sam's basket of toys and carefully picked one out. Then he walked up to Sam in her bouncy chair and gave it to her (right on top of her face -- I had to redirect and show him to put it down by her hand). Then he took one step back and watched to see what she was going to do with it for about 15 seconds. When she didn't do enough "playing" to satisfy him, he audibly sighed as if to say "Fine then. I tried." Then he went on with his own endeavours. In a few minutes he tried again. This time when she didn't pick the toy up and shake it at him he threw his hands up and walked away, clearly annoyed that she didn't like his offer to play. It was so cute!

Then, last night we put her in the bumbo to look around. He thought that was cool and then got an even better idea. He rolled his big push behind red wagon cart up and pointed to it to tell us to load her up. So we did...I know it sounds crazy...but, James put her in her bumbo in the cart (sort of on top because it didn't fit nicely down in the cart where it might have been as least plausibly safe). Then we told Luke to be easy and go real slow. He inched backwards and forwards with her (like a full foot with me on one end and James on the other) and he was very pleased with himself. He went super slow and easy, somewhat unexpected. I think he thought for the first time that maybe he can get this baby of ours to play with him after all...under close supervision of course.

Ma and Pops Anderson just left from their Thanksgiving visit last Saturday. We miss them already. Luke clearly took to them and I had a full pair of additional baby holders, feeders, rockers. It was great and we had a great Thanksgiving meal that we did very little to help with. What more can you ask for? Maybe a movie and one more day to sleep in, but besides that? Here are some pics we took during their visit.

Helping her to sit up straight. Or just before attempting to push her over the edge, you never really know the intent.

Women and children.

Pops and a sleeping Sam. She slept more when they were here than any other day. When she has someone to pat her on the butt until she falls asleep no problem, but going to sleep on her own is a no-go.

Sitting pretty.

Christmas Pictures

2008-11-29T22:45:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was picture day. Luke's 21 month, Sam's 5 month, and Christmas all in a day! Naturally the kids showed out and thus, we have some great pictures. The family pic is a blog exclusive...no family pictures made it to the Christmas card. When we realized from viewing the family pictures that 3 of the 4 of us have double chins, we decided only the kids should be showcased right now...maybe next year :)! Check out a few in this post and the next...

Christmas Pictures Cont.

2008-11-29T22:39:00.000-06:00

False Alarm

2008-11-13T21:11:00.000-06:00

Luke does not have chicken pox. He has a viral infection; chicken pox is a viral infection, but this is different. They did a culture so we will know definitively eventually, but in the meantime he is basking in the attention. While he was cuddly last night and you could tell he didn't feel himself, tonight he was back on track. On track is his norm, otherwise described as wild and crazy! There was a point when he was running circles in the middle of the family room singing the ABC song. There was a point when he was throwing each ball individually to no one in particular, then retrieving them to start all over. And there was a point where he was stuffing his face so full of fig newton that there was no room left for the jaw movement it'd take to actually chew and swallow the fig newton. So, I'd say his energy level and appetite are fine. And...ask his dad if there is any problem with bowel movements. I can assure you he'd tell you there is no problem there either.

Sam had her first taste of formula tonight and she was not happy about it. She took a sip of the concoction, half and half, and gave me the nastiest face. Then she had a few sips and refused the rest. She went to sleep anyway though, so we'll see if she makes it through the night or not in light of her light pre-bed snack. Last night she slept from 900 to 620! Super sleeper. In other news...her first tutu came in the mail today. It is SO cute! She is having her pictures made in a week and a half and the prime outfit is going to be her in her tutu. Every little girl needs a tutu, or at least that was my justification for buying it. I think you'll agree when you see how cute she is in it.

Chickenpox!

2008-11-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

Luke has chickenpox! Or at least we think so. He went to see his primary care doc today and she thinks that is what it is, but you never know for sure I guess. She told us to be careful to wash our hands when we switch between babies...yeah right. But, we are taking him to derm tomorrow first thing in the morning. They say that they can tell us for sure and that if it is the pox that they want him on some med to cause the course to run a little faster than usual just to eliminate any possibility of Sam getting it. Other doctors today told me that the chance of her getting it was pretty much 0% since she is exclusively breastfeeding...so one way or another I think we are safe. I just thought it was interesting though that 1 in 5 kids who were immunized still get chickenpox. I guess if immunized though, they typically get a mild case, which Luke's would qualify as. He doesn't seem uncomfortable, with the exception of a fever. He isn't itching or complaining too much, just feverish which Tylenol fixes. So...anyway, just wanted to share...we have our first infectious disease.

Hold'in On

2008-11-11T20:58:00.001-06:00

Before he realized we were taking pictures.
And now he notices the camera is out...he puts his best smile on.

Luke likes holding his sister...and she endures. He usually only "holds" with one hand though, as if he's too good at this to put all his effort into it. The cutest is when he asks to hold her. He'll hold both his arms out, elbows almost touching...we are going to try and get a picture of that pose one evening, as words just can't convey.

Halloween '08 Cont...

2008-11-03T21:28:00.001-06:00

The dump was rather anti-climatic for him I think.

Halloween '08

2008-11-03T21:17:00.001-06:00

For Halloween we first passed out play dough from the back of the pickup truck. In our neighborhood everyone sits outside to pass out candy...so Luke followed suit. He did great passing out the dough, except he told each of them "thank you" instead of "you're welcome". Maybe next year we'll get that right. When we ran out, we took him to a few houses, like four. He had no idea what to do. We'd tell him to go up and he would just walk up and stand in front of the candy man, staring him down, wondering what to do next. Each time the neighbor would open his bag for him and deposit the goods. And...off he'd go running to the next yard, truck, interesting light, whatever really. So, four houses was enough. Then we came inside and he ditched the bag and headed for the living room. We called him back and talked him into at least dumping the bag. But, that was it, no interest in the candy. I don't think he knows what it is, which was lucky for us. We each had a candy treat after the kids went to bed.

On to the next stop...which wasn't necessarily a house.
Passing out play dough and getting compliments from all the trick or treater parents.

Me and my kids.

Sam looking pretty for the trick or treaters.

All dressed up for music class...with her black tights on, no doubt. Who even knew there were tights for 0-3 month olds?

Plane!

2008-11-03T21:00:00.001-06:00

This is an evening trip to base. Behind the headquarters building there is a parade field that is lined in planes. It is where all enlisted people entering the Air Force do their graduation ceremony. So, one nice evening last week we took Luke out there after dinner to just walk around. It is a great outing. It is wide open, safe, and huge. It took us an hour to make it around the whole track and touch every single plane. We were there just long enough to see the big spotlights turn on at dusk, which he also thought was cool. I think we have a flyer on our hands...the plane fascination has not yet passed. This past weekend the air show was held at base, so we took him there too. We didn't go out to the flight line as we thought it'd be too loud, so we just watched from the windows in the hospital. He watched for a good few minutes and enjoyed it.

Aim high!

They are bigger than they look, which Luke is pointing out to you.

They Grow Up and Out

2008-11-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

He looks like such a big boy here! He is getting taller overnight these days and thinning out.
But...he still has that little boy smile!

And...while Luke thins out, Sam fills out. Have you ever seen such a belly?

Laughing Babies!

2008-10-16T21:32:00.001-05:00

This smile is a product of the nightly, post-bath tickle that his dad initiates.
This smile is just cause.
These are just cute pants that I had to share with her admirers.
This is Luke's "smile". When you tell him to smile for a picture this is his best effort. It is hilarious!
And this is James' latest project. He made this huge name plate for above Sam's crib, hand painted it and all. It is the finishing touch.

Another Week Flies By

2008-10-13T22:42:00.000-05:00

Our couch potato in the cutest dress ever donned by a potato. Dress provided by Aunt Paula Clagg.
Out for our evening stroll. Luke loves his evening strolls and the countless renditions of 'Old McDonald' that we do on the walk.
Swimming in the tub. You tell him to swim and he flops over and starts kicking. I have no idea where he learns such things! We never taught him to swim, but rather just to walk in the baby pool or float in the big pool...so where do they get this stuff from?
Two babies asleep before 10...priceless!
Our little miss asleep in her chair. We haven't made a successful transition back to the crib yet since that week when she was so congested. We'll be trying again tomorrow.

Love Creek Orchard In Medina Texas Cont...

2008-10-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

Forgot to mention a couple of milestones. Luke is up to two word strings now. His favorite "more, please". And he can say "roll tide" when prompted. Sam is smiling at us...she has been for a few weeks, but this week she has really taken off. It isn't just a smile anymore but an all-out-smile fit. She has to be careful about the smiles though, if she gets too wide her humongous cheeks push her eyes closed and she can't see what she is smiling about anymore - then she gets all confused. Maybe the chub in those cheeks will get redistributed over time.

Trying to do Itsy Bitsy Spider - He Loves that One!
Not my best shot! But, hey, the Huskers need whatever they can get these days.

Love Creek Orchard in Medina Texas

2008-10-12T13:59:00.000-05:00

Cool Hand Luke
Picnic Lunch
Petting Zoo
The Way Home
Ready for Fall!

Yesterday we visited an apple orchard about an hour away that does a fall festival deal each year. It started with a tractor ride from the parking lot to the front gate. Luke loved that! Then we continued on to the petting zoo (of course), the hay bail maze, the hay bail play-in-it pile, the horseback ride, the numerous pumpkin piles (for picture taking), and we topped it off with lunch. While Luke ate his PB&J and apple ice cream, we had apple tarts and an apple cupcake with cider frosting...get the theme? Everything had an apple flavor straight form the apple orchard. All the pics here are of the kiddos at the orchard. Sam was a bit fussy, so she only managed to pose once and I don't think it is one to be too proud of, but I wanted to include it to show that she was at least in the Husker spirit (which is probably why they did so well against the Red Raiders).

Sam Weighs In

2008-10-05T15:29:00.000-05:00

I failed to post the last, 2-month stats. On Sep 25th (2 1/2 months old) Sam weighed in at 8 lbs 6 ozs! She looks like we think she should now. And she got her first shoots and in return, we got a sleepless night with a 102 degree baby. But overall, she is doing well. So well. in fact, that James and I left she and Luke with Sandra Friday night, while we went and stayed at the riverwalk. It was a much needed mini-get-a-way. We had dinner at the Tower of the Americas, walked the mall, and best of all slept!

Her fav - the vibrating chair. She does all her night time sleeping here these days. Whatever works...I'm thinking we'll need one of those vibrating pads for her mattress when she outgrows the chair. She is quite dependent on it.

First Zoo Visit

2008-10-05T15:12:00.001-05:00

We took Luke to the zoo this past Friday. If he had to choose only three highlights to see again he'd pick 1) the construction zone, 2) the water bed, and 3) the parrot. Elephants, no big deal. Hundreds of birds landing on your head, down right scary. Giraffes, he sees them daily on his blanket. But, bring out the excavator and you have won him over! They were renovating a new exhibit called "Africa Live" and unfortunately no matter how nice it ends up being I don't think it'll top the construction vehicles it took to make it in Luke's eyes. Then they had a toddler play section, which was super cool. There was a fishing pond, a whole little city set up, animal enclosures you could crawl into the middle of, and best of all...a water bed. He loved the water bed...maybe his first big boy bed could be a water bed...or maybe he'd then be up all night playing. Anyway, the only animal who got a reaction was the parrot. I must admit the parrot was pretty, but Luke talking to the parrot was the real show. He gave his best "ka-ka" and a little wave. Then it was on to the petting zoo, which was really a goat zoo. It also qualified as a highlight, but since it wasn't his first goat experience, he is old hand at it, I didn't think it should be ranked. In the goat farm he did the usual, chase and kiss, and then he added a new move, the goat hug. The goats didn't appreciate his affection, but it was cute nevertheless.

Going in for a big wet one.

The hug assault.

Love the bulldozers in action!

Don't come any closer!

Checking out the giraffes...briefly, as the construction zone was directly behind us.

All in a Day's Work

2008-09-28T22:50:00.001-05:00

When you walk in the door the work begins...not even time to take off the boots!
The noodle has this weird security deal - he rubs his giraffe blanket's corner, and only on particular corner underneath his nose. Whatever floats your boat!
Breaking the rules...status quo.
Wore out.

Wildlife Park

2008-09-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

We went to the wildlife rescue last weekend. It is real close to home and Luke is into lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! We however, are not into mountain lions! The second enclosure was one with 14 mountain lions, or as they refer to them, pumas. As we approached, from the back corner the largest one in the cage began stalking in, literally crouched down, slow moving closer and closer, eyes wide with anticipation. James and I looked at each other to make sure we were both watching. And, just as we thought, that mountain lion was stalking our baby (Luke). Just as he got to the edge of the cage, Luke tripped over a rock and the mountain lion went in for the kill - he leaped up and, of course, was deflected by the cage, but nevertheless it was a bit unsettling! Colorado, New Mexico, and all other such states were immediately deleted from the places to go and see list. We asked the guide about it and he said that they stalked every time something smaller than them walked by and that it upset the parents every time. The workers were, however, pleased. To them it meant these animals that were rescued from homes were finally back to acting like wild animals should. It didn't make us feel any better to see his joy. After all, I sprayed a little weiner dog last week with bear spray because he came a little too close to Luke's stroller on a walk around the block...who knows what I would have done to a mountain lion!

Progress at the Hurst House

2008-09-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

Just in case I haven't mentioned it a thousand times already, I am very, very tired. Who knew your body could operate on such little sleep day after day? Sam has a couple of times a day where she'll have an hour or two of uncomfortableness, restless and crying...and invariably they happen either at night or during Luke's nap time (which was planned to also be my nap time). I'm looking forward to her 2-month well baby just to see if this doc has any more ideas...the last thought it was probably gas, which I did too, but if that is the case then the gas relief drops are not providing any relief! By the way, although tired, I don't mind any extra time holdng her or soothing Luke's tired fits, I just wish they were happy all the time instead. Friends of ours just lost their son to cancer last week and I imgaine they would gladly stay up around the clock with a crying or whiny child just to savor one more moment with him...so, I know full-well that I am blessed with the kids right now and aim to enjoy as much of it as possible, as is.

Luke, though, is doing much better. He chose to hit and steal from a little girl in the nursery yesterday, as opposed to his sister. That works better for us. (Actually the little girl was the instigator, and Luke tried to be as diplomatic as he could before whacking her with the toy mop.) He was very sweet to Sam all day yesterday though with his much-practiced easy touches and kisses. He also never ceases to shock me with what he knows. He counted with the Count on Sesame Street yesterday, fingers and all. Two is his favorite, he sort of gets caught in a repetitive cycle when he gets there. Then he also knows some of his letters from playing so much with that crazy fridge phonics thing. Yesterday in the tub he took a stack of his spongy letters and with no prompting went through them calling out the ones he knew and singing the little ditty like the magnet (i.e. "X says ..., X says .., every letter makes a sound, X says...). Of course, besides the letter which was clearly the right one, the words were indecipherable, but the tune was right on. So, he knows H, X, Z, and O. He discarded about 5 others from his pile. I told James we have to dig out the dozen or so letters from under the stove and return to the fridge, otherwise, he'll only ever know half of his alphabet. That would be an embarrassment come the first day of Kindergarten.

Luke is in the stage where he is learning what fits in what, big verses small, etc. He thinks he fits in his play bin in this picture.
Always a crowd pleaser, Sesame Street, particularly Elmo's World. Other favorites are Baby Einstein's Baby Noah and My First Signs. Yesterday he saw for the first time, the All About John Deere video and was into it too.
The first signs of interest in thumb sucking illustrated here. She hasn't done it since, but still cute.

Portraits Continued...

2008-08-31T22:17:00.001-05:00

Latest Portraits

2008-08-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here are the latest portraits, taken yesterday. These are Luke's 18 month shots and Sam's almost 2 month shots. Next post has Luke's...

Aren't Grandparents Grand?

2008-08-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

I have been remiss in showing picture evidence of all the grandparents being here to see Sam...(so, for Monica in Omaha)...here you go :)! They are all from early on when she was still in the NICU, which I hope explains a little (I was not quite with it with posting at that time, nor with anything else...much better now). Also it is probably overdue to post a thanks to them all. By what we believe was God's design, Grandma and Grandpa Hurst were here when Sam was born. Had they not been here visiting already James would have missed the delivery all together as there would not have been enough time to get someone here to watch Luke while he came to the hospital. Then for the week following they kept the house running and Luke entertained while I languished in the hospital and then spent the days going back and forth between here and there. Rumor has it they made sure Luke got a good dose of dance time in daily, which always wins him over! Following their visit, Pops Anderson came to serve as driver extraordinaire. I was unable to drive for 4 weeks, so he drove me every morning to the hospital and read his book while I visited and bonded with Sam. Then Ma Anderson made a quick visit in when Sam was born to take care of me primarily and then returned for a stint when Sam came home. The second trip I'd say she was Sam's primary caregiver as Luke was very intensive at first, so I was dedicated to him during the daylight hours. And of course, Ma did everything else too...she just gets it. So to all of the Grand Grandparents, James says "thanks", Laura says "thanks", Luke says "thanks", and Sam says "thanks"! We couldn't have made it without you!

We're Making It

2008-08-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

It takes everyone pitching in to get us all feed.
Meal time independence - he wants to do it all himself! So...we let him and then clean later.
Luke, refusing to sit any closer to the baby than he absolutely has too.

It's getting a little better around here. Luke will tolerate you holding the baby, although he whines a little and never lets up on the evil eye. Ma and Pops Anderson just left yesterday, so now begins the real test...Can we do this solo? Time will tell.

Latest Stats

2008-08-20T21:17:00.000-05:00

Stats on Sam...sorry, not the Olympics...

She is 5 lbs 15 ounces as of today and 18 and a third inches! That's a 3 lb gain and the doctors are very pleased with that. She's in the 9th percentile for weight adjusted and the 7th for height, so again they were very pleased with that. In fact, she was bigger than they expected at this point. You can't underestimate our Sam. Her retinas also checked out as "mature" yesterday so no more eye appointments.

Just because he is cute...

2008-08-18T21:36:00.001-05:00

Just after getting introduced to his new home-made fort, Luke points to his next demand. He thinks the world evolves around him, and I guess it does.
Joe Cool arriving in full force at the hospital to visit his little sister, who at this point he liked rather well...he didn't realize she was coming home at some point.

She's Home!

2008-08-18T21:19:00.001-05:00

The ride home.
Ma and Sam.
Look Great-Grandma Anderson...eyes wide open!
Sleeping peacefully.

Sam came home the Thursday before last (29 days old at the time). She was 4 lbs and 8 ounces at the time and now, 11 days later I'd guess she is very close to 6 lbs, so she is still packing on the pounds! We have a peds appointment on Wednesday, so we'll see what her official weight is then. She also, for the record, has her first cold. She has a weeping eye and is stopped up, but seems to be doing fine otherwise. Now, as for Luke, he is another story. He did not take her arrival very well at all and is still adjusting a bit. He liked her the first night, but then when she was still here the next morning it went downhill. He is whining nonstop, wants to be carried everywhere, and for a week had going to bed problems (which he NEVER had before). We had successfully dropped the daytime bottle the week prior to her coming home, but we are temporarily back on it to smooth the transition and facilitate nap time. He also had one MAJOR meltdown where he was completely inconsolable for about an hour, with real tears. I felt so sorry for him, but I just keep reminding myself that he won't even remember any of this in a few months. The next hurdle, I'm afraid, will be when Grandma goes home. We are busy all the time with 3 people here around the clock, I can't imagine going to just the two of us or just one during the day! Also, I am afraid Luke thinks that Grandma and Sam are a package since Grandma basically has her all day while I tend to Luke in all his clingyness. When she goes home and Sam's still here we may have wave number two of unleashed anger...say a little prayer for him, please.

Not Again!

2008-08-02T22:37:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note - little Sam was supposed to come home today. They even were able to get enough towels around her bottom and neck to get her to pass the car seat challenge (took 3 times though). I watched all the videos and signed all the boxes...we were ready at home, no stopping us. I called at 6:40 a.m. to make sure she made it through the night. The cut off for 5 full days was 4 a.m. and sure enough she made it without any episodes. So...I walk in at 9:30 to feed and wait on the discharge paperwork only to find out that she had an apnea episode at 8:00! So the clock restarts, we have at least another 5 days now, so we won't have her home until at least Thursday, assuming she has no more episodes. I wouldn't say we were terribly disappointed though. Like I told James, that morning when I hung up the phone I said a quick prayer to plead that if she was going to have anymore serious breathing problems, that she have them within the next 2 hours or else no more at all...and he answered. We just don't want her to have any such thing at home. And seeing how is the last two times she went the full five days and then had an event I think it is kind of scary anyway. They say that statistically if a baby goes 5 full days without an event then she won't have anymore. Well, our Sam goes 5 days, plus a few hours, so do the statistics not apply to her and if not, then the concern is how do we have any confidence in the five day plan to start with? So, anyway, we are glad she had it there and hope that we'll get her home, but not a day sooner than she is ready.

Luke Learning Bach

2008-07-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Luke goes to music every Wednesday. He has picked up a few things that he practices at home, and he at least watches the activity. Mostly though he is a free spirit who runs around at will and picks and chooses exactly what he will and won't do. Dancing is always fair game though...music, dancing...at least his dancing is appropriate in this class. Oh, and of course, he is the absolute cutest up and coming musician in class! The last two photos are of a few other recent activities, just before his sister was born. We spent one day a few weeks ago at the park on base (thanks for the heads up Denise, we didn't even know it was there!). It is great! He loves the swinging bridge and practicing for the driver's test the most. Then the last picture is of his first pony ride at Fiesta farms. It is basically a farm with a petting zoo and lots of other animals to look at. He enjoyed it and as you can tell he's also a natural on a horse. So many options, will he be a gymnast, a musician, a rancher, or a used car salesman (because he isn't allowed to be a race car driver)...only time will tell.

Sam Update

2008-07-30T21:49:00.000-05:00

We were expecting to bring Sam home this past Monday. But...Sunday night she had an apnea episode, which is basically just when you forget to breath. Little babies like her have underdeveloped brains and thus they simply can't remember everything they have to do. Age fixes the problem, as with each additional day the brain gets stronger and more capable. Anyway, anytime they have such an episode it adds 5-7 days to the stay for observation, make sure they are mature enough to handle the home scene with no monitors, etc. She had another episode on Monday evening, so we are looking at at least the weekend so far. Like we told everyone there who felt sorry for us though, we really are not disappointed. Although we certainly want to bring our baby home, we don't want to do it a second earlier than she is ready to come home. Neither of us think we'll be able to get over worrying about her breathing all the time as is, we don't want there to be any medical rush that would add to the uncertainty. Bottom line is, she still needs your prayers. We pray she'll develop more, get older, get bigger, and be completely ready to come home when she is discharged. BTW - She weighed in at 3 lbs and 15.9 ounces today...I say we can round that to a full 4 lbs. She is looking down right chunky, don't you think?

Her very first real outfit with matching hat! It is a preemie size and it is huge on her! She looks super cute in it though.

Some Favorites

2008-07-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

These are some of my favorites so far -- two will be on the announcements coming your way soon.

Sam Update

2008-07-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

Sam is doing great. She is quite a trooper! She has no feeding tube now. Day before yesterday she pulled it out so the doctors went ahead and wrote for her to take all her feedings with the bottle. She hasn't missed a beat. She also had an IV that came out and they decided no need in replacing it, so no IV. And last, but not least, she was being monitored for temperature. They kept her in an isolete that was like 98 degrees, as when they are little they can't maintain their temps on their own. In fact that is the primary deciding factor as to when they can come home is their ability to maintain their own temperature, which putting on weight helps with. Well, yesterday they took her off the heat. She is still enclosed and swaddled most of the day, but with no heat applied and she has been doing great - her temperatures have all been wonderful. She was running some high blood pressure today, but they weren't worried about it at all. The doc said that when you increase feedings as much as she has (she can eat whatever she wants, whenever she wants now) that it just takes a while for your body to adjust, so this is not unusual; she'll even out in a few days. The biggest news is that she is moving to Level II tonight. She has been in the Level III NICU which is where the babies who need meds are or who are having more problems, etc. Level II is for "feeder, growers", which means the babies who are basically just eating and growing until they are big enough to come home. We thought for sure she had done something contrary to get herself kicked out like that, but they swear it is normal procedure for babies doing so well. So, overall, Miss Sam is doing wonderfully. The NICU staff have been great, but as much as we like them, we are ready to rid ourselves of that place...and we are getting there. For all of you who have been praying, a huge thanks from our family to you. It is working, please keep it up!

Samantha Anderson

2008-07-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

All...We made it! Laura came home yesterday! Saturday morning the steroid treatments kicked in and her numbers turned the corner. Although she is still pretty weak and VERY swollen, we are out of the woods. It's a very long, story, but to sum it up she is lucky to be alive. I didn't know what this was called before last week, but she had pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, both of which are cured by delivering a baby. The problems should go away with delivery, but Laura's did not. Her blood platelets and liver function continued to drop after delivery despite the proper medications being given. So, it was just touch and go as we waited and tried something different after the first round didn't work. God is good though, he must have something else for her to do on this earth! So..for now that is working on getting Sam home. She is in the NICU at Wilford Hall and is expected to be there another 4 weeks. She is doing great though. She doesn't even have an IV, no help needed breathing nothing. We refer to her as wonder woman already. Laura will go each morning and feed her, then do kangaroo care for a few hours. I'll visit in the afternoon to see if any changes have occurred, and then we are home at night as if it is just another day for Luke. So, basically it is just our job to get her eating and home, then we can go from there. You really can't go play with her much. They just want you to have a little contact like we are doing, but the rest of the day she is to sleep, eat and be left alone. They don't want any of her energy going to anything other than growing and keeping her weight on. So, please pray that she'll do just that, rest, eat, grow, and be healthy. The pictures below are the best we have so far. We weren't really prepared for picture taking, didn't even have a hospital bag ready, so bear with us. There will of course, be more to come.

Samantha Anderson Hurst was born 10 Jul at 0534, weighed 2.15 lbs and is 16 inches long. There is no other way to describe her but tiny and miraculous. Her head is smaller than a credit card, and there is just no way to convey that in pictures, but her cuteness is obvious!

20 20

2008-06-26T16:19:00.000-05:00

Luke had his very first ophthalmology appointment yesterday. The clinic was impressive. The play area was entertaining enough to keep his attention while waiting to be seen, they had Jungle Book showing in all the kid exam rooms, and they test everything using toys instead of your typically lights and lenses. He had fun I think. Oh, and the ophthalmologist was funny. He sang and made noises the whole time he was examining just to keep Luke's attention and he explained how he was about to put on his "funny" light hat before doing so, etc. He was really good at what he did. Even with waiting 20 minutes for his eyes to dilate, we were in and out in 45 minutes...not bad.

And...the outcome was that according to the technician Luke had beautiful eyes, which she noticed while dilating him. He was supposed to be upset by the first drops that feel like "shampoo in the eyes", but he didn't even frown at her. Then, according to the doctor, he was a very strong boy, based on his repeated high-five slaps. And he also said his eyes, on the surface and behind, are perfect and his vision is perfect for his age. Great to have verified, although with his aptitude to spot planes and helicopters miles away we probably could have come up with the same diagnosis.

All in a Day

2008-06-24T21:39:00.001-05:00

He "helps" a lot in the kitchen.
James introduced the noodle to this incredibly dangerous way of shopping, riding in the basket instead of the seat. Now, of course, grocery shopping can only be done with two adults, one to push the noodle and the other to actually push the groceries. Luke loves it.
And...all the fun in a day wears him out. He sleeps mostly with his legs propped up on the bumper through the rails, sideways. He always has one paci in his mouth for sleeping and an extra in his hand. The other hand typically has a death grip on his blue giraffe blanket. He sleeps like a champ though, never has any problems going down at night and you are guaranteed at least until 6 am before you hear his first peeps.

Mary Lou in the Making

2008-06-24T21:16:00.000-05:00

Luke attended his second session of gym class. Yes, gym class for little people. It is a hoot! First off, he was accidentally registered for the wrong class, and as such he is the youngest. The class is designed for 18 mth to 3 yr olds. But he copes. He deviates a bit, well, a lot. The music is the real problem. The instructor gives some instructions first (like run in a circle, tickle your mom, gallop like a horse, touch your toes, etc.), as most of us sit in a big circle. Then, after the instructions, the idea is that the kids and parents will follow the instructions as the music plays for a few seconds. Then, the music stops, more instructions, music starts, we do our activity, etc. Luke does great - he wanders along with several other kids while the instructor gives instructions. He is not the only deviator, UNTIL, the music starts. When the music comes on the other kids notice the activity, join the circle and perform as instructed. Not, Luke. He notices the music, stops whatever he is doing wherever he is doing it and dances his heart out. On occasion he'll join the running circle as you pass by, as long as it isn't going too fast for him to dance and run at the same time. If it is too fast, he just makes his way to the middle and proceeds with a little Jackson routine.

Luckily, shortly thereafter, we move into explore time. This is his forte. He knows how to explore. Some kids get in the way at times, to which he just reaches out ,grabs a shirt, and pulls them out of the way. We have gotten a few dirty looks from other parents, but, hey, he's only 15 months old, these older kids should understand, right? Right. Mixed in with explore time are 2 or 3 activities for the day, like front rolls, balance beam walking, or swinging like a monkey from the bars. He has been able to do them all with some help. I mean, he didn't actually ever hold the bar tonight, but he did swing with his spotter's help and that counts in little people gym class. Besides, he looked cute, and we got pictures, which are below. Oh, and he is also a bit advanced. There is one activity where all the kids get on top of a parachute and the parents drag them around in a circle. Luke is the only one able to stand the entire time as we spin them around, never mind that he is supposed to sit down...this kid has balance.

The instructor threatens to take him home due to his extraordinary cuteness and pleasant demeanor. Similar to last night. He went to the nursery at church with about 5 other kids. Three of them wouldn't stop crying until they called in reinforcements. They all said Luke just walked past them and gave them "the look", which I find rather funny. He only knows "the look" because he learned it from us at home; he gets it when he is fussy for no apparent reason. Mister high and mighty, little do they know. But, still they went on and on about how pleasant he was. I'm pretty sure anyone inviting him into a room with all new toys would find him rather pleasant...he knows what he likes.

Anyway, still cute, still having fun, still our favorite baby...

More Beach Pics - Fishing Trip

2008-06-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

James, Dad, and Jeffrey went red fish fishing one of the days we were there. See below..they caught red fish, along with some unknown species.

Jeffrey's proud moment with a minnow!
Who knows what this is? James' catch.
An eater.
Fried red fish anyone?
Between the three of them we could have eaten a week!

More Beach Pics of Family

2008-06-15T12:02:00.001-05:00

David LOVED the beach!
The shovel became a small point of contention, as Luke hasn't learned the art of sharing yet.
A view of the crew.
Michael tolerated the beach, but I think prefered the pool.
And, if maw was there that was even better!

More Beach Pics

2008-06-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

Luke at the splash pad.
Shoveling water at the splash pad.
A view of the pool from our balcony.
A few of maw's boys.
Luke trying the water as long as dad was holding on tight!

More Beach Pictures

2008-06-15T11:55:00.001-05:00

"So big" at the Waterfront park. Man, it was hot that day, but still we walked out on the dock and got to see tons of planes overhead. Luke made sure we didn't miss a one.

Beach Bum in the Making

2008-06-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

Just returned from Luke's first beach trip! We met the Anderson grandparents and Uncle Jeffrey, Aunt Lynn, cousins Michael and David at Perdido Key this past week. Luke was a champ on all the plane rides and the drive to and from the airport. He did startle a few people in the airport as he mocked the fire alarm that was going off overhead. Just when it stopped he picked up the noise, so those around us couldn't stop panicking just yet...he sounded just like the alarm!

As for the beach - he liked it, but wanted to hold on to someone tight. He refused to walk in the dry sand though. I guess it felt too much like work to him. We did more pool time than beach time, and after every stop rewarded him with some play at the splash pad, which was hands down his favorite. He drank the water, scooped the water, tossed his ball through the water, and just generally enjoyed getting wet

He didn't sleep as well as he does at home, but stayed on schedule with his morning and afternoon naps pretty well. He just didn't sleep in like we would have preferred, so 6 a.m. was our wake up call each day.

Check out the pictures chronicling the plane ride all the way down to the coastline...

He watched the clouds as long as he could, then succumbed to sleep.
A view of the beach from our room.
As long as there are toys involved, he'll go anywhere.

Luke's most fun moments included the elevator trips. He ran out to the elevator, pointed for you to push the button, then picked one of the three elevators to lean on, awaiting the door opening. As soon as it opened, he'd check the gap, run on, look out. Then as soon as it stopped he promptly turned around and waited for the door to reopen. He knew exactly how it worked, and I'm pretty sure he could have made it back to our room all by himself - he has a knack for directional memory.

Sam Needs Nothing!

2008-05-10T18:01:00.000-05:00

For all the co-workers who are insisting that we need a shower since we have not had a girl before...here's the proof we need nothing! Seriously...I've already given away two full trash bags of clothes from those given to us that we aren't going to use. This is what is still left, much of which I haven't even gotten through yet.

Pops and Me

2008-05-10T17:52:00.001-05:00

Pops (a.k.a. Grandad Anderson) just finished visiting. Not only did he read to me and indulge in my toddler games, but he also made the weekly Sunday trip to the park with me, where I go straight to the swing. I don't think he knew I'd stay in the swing all day long if allowed too!

The Dog Days of Summer

2008-05-10T17:47:00.000-05:00

In the Kennel with Otis...one of my favorite spots!

In the Kennel alone...even better!
My climbing has really changed Otis' appreciation of me. He no longer has ANY "safe" spots!
But, I always leave him with a kiss.

What's New

2008-05-10T17:15:00.001-05:00

There are so many new things! A new haircut for starters. Today was d-day, start time 12:40 at Cool Cuts 4 Kids. Roberta was the lucky stylist who had Luke in her little red fire-chief salon car. He requested to watch a Baby Einstein video throughout the cutting, but Roberta didn't have it, thus he settled on Blues Clues. He was then draped with not one, but two blue smocks and the cutting began. They used a razor #4 and then cut the top with sheers. There was a brief look of panic about 5 minutes in, so he turned to realize everyone was still there and that the steering wheel on the car actually turned and the moment passed. He looks like a little boy now, rather than a baby boy...although he and I have an agreement that I can refer to him as my baby for at least another year or so.

What else is new? Well, he has a few words...hot, cold, chill, hi, bye, ma-ma (which is in reference to any human being, including the hairstylist), and dog. He is a big mimicker these days, loves to cough and sneeze after you. You have to watch the fake sneezes though as some times he shocks us all with a surprise appearance.

And...he has teeth, teeth, and more teeth. 3 total, but there are two others nearing the edge and several spots that look a little pink as if maybe they are next.

As for tricks...they just keep coming. His latest, favorites are swinging in the backyard and climbing on just about anything, like the couch, the coffee table, Otis. He hasn't given up his kissing past time, but has adding blowing kisses to his repertoire, along with several silly mouth and tongue games, the "to the stars" chant and he still responds like a robot to "how big is Luke" (A: "Soooo big!"). He really doesn't have time to wave anymore, but will gladly do the happy dance to show his pleasure, which is a gung-ho stomp-in-place, high-kneed, smiley, turn-around, repetitive movement. And of course, his passion for "Dancing with the Stars" has only fueled his desire to dance to any type of music and sometimes even the music he hears in his head. Just last weekend in the grocery store he danced all the way through despite the fact that there was no music blaring over the loudspeaker.

His nanny has a niece, Nori, who comes to play with Luke a few times a week and they share the love of dance and eating. He eats like a champ when she is here, so apparently he has already learned the fine art of showing out for the women. He and the nanny seem to be getting along quite well. To top it of they now have a vehicle for cruising to the mall in, which is another common during-the-day past time. They have a kid play area there that he frequents with the nanny. The car seat in the nanny-car is decked out as well. We are a little obsessed with the summer heat down here and ensuring Luke is spared the uncomfortableness of it as much as possible. As such, James decided he had to get him a bead car seat cover for his car seat to help circulate the air. You know, the kind with the light colored beads, that up until now only the elderly invested in. Yeah, Luke has that, specially tailored to fit his car seat. Next we'll add dentures and bi-focals to the list and he'll fit right in at Luby's.

So...that's what's new. Check out the best part, the evidence that I did in fact allow a haircut!

We have new tricks!

2008-03-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

ABOVE IS LUKE OPENING BIRTHDAY GIFTS. HE'S ONE!
ABOVE IS LUKE JUST BEFORE CAKE TIME...CLAPPING FOR THE GROUP, SO HAPPY YOU CAN BARELY TELL THAT HE HATED THIS HAT!

Luke has mastered three new skills this week and is very proud of himself. You should see his smile when he does his walking backwards trick. He thinks that is super cool, although he has not yet learned the importance of seeing what is behind him before heading that way...luckily he has had no accidents yet. Then, he definitely has a first word - Bye. He waves and says "bye" quite enthusiastically and completely in context. When you get to the door at daycare, the door opens and there he is waving and telling his friend "bye". Then he also does this trick anytime someone opens the garage door with a purpose. He truly gets that one. Last but not least is his head nod, side-to-side. He thinks it's cool regardless of the fact that he inevitably attempts this one mid-walk, loses his balance and then gets back up to start all over. It is a little routine that we get a kick out of...I imagine the days of adding a word to that move, "no", are not far behind! Still adorable, still adjusting to the time change, as are we!

The Valetine's Giraffe

2008-02-14T21:10:00.000-06:00

Last night James and I exchanged v-day gifts and Otis even got his treat early. But Luke didn't last...he had to go to bed on time according to the whining. So he was not introduced to his v-day giraffe until this morning. Yet another animal he's never seen in the flesh...just when he thought he'd seen it all! I think he likes it...can you tell? Oh, and there is one other picture he wanted you all to see...a shot of his big-boy walking.

Rodeo San Antonio

2008-02-14T21:03:00.001-06:00

Luke just missed the rodeo last year, well I guess he was there. In fact, he was there and I'd say even enjoyed it based on the moving and shaking he was doing...he just was a week away from being born. This year he really took it all in. We took him for a first glimpse of those animals that have only existed in books until now...horses, cows, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc. The highlight was the petting zoo. We took up residence there and I don't think we'd have ever exited had it been left up to the noodle. He wasn't afraid of any of them, just went right up and made animal friend after animal friend.

In the Nation's Capitol with the Ruler of our World

2008-02-14T20:55:00.000-06:00

DC in January...doesn't sound appealling to most. But mom, Luke and I enjoyed it! I had to go to another conference, so Maw met us halfway in Dallas to take over babysitting duties during the day. In between work we did a little sightseeing. Luke saw,f or the first time, a panda, an emu, wolves, cheetahs, and a zebra at the National Zoo. Then the next day he visited the War World II and Vietnam Memorials and from afar saw the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, the mall, and the National Cathedral. To top it off he was the only one that stayed toasty warm after 2+ hours outside. The trip went well, although it is always stressful...the plane, the not sleeping so good, dirty hotel room remotes, etc...probably the last venture like that for a while.

A Day at the Park

2008-01-07T09:15:00.000-06:00

Mommy's Boys

" I Love This Game"
My First Stick!

Saturday was beautiful here! About 74 degrees and sunny...so it warranted a trip to the park. Luke got his first taste of grass and sticks, probably some dirt to accompany that and Otis got worn out from the walk there. There weren't really swings that fit Luke just yet and sanboxes have a bad rap, so we just hung out in the grass. As you can see even the walk there and back was fun-filled as he played the sock pull-and-toss game the whole way!

Daddy's Deer

2008-01-01T17:16:00.000-06:00

"When I can hold a gun, I'll get one bigger than this!"
Getting up at 3 a.m. proved worth it! James came home with this 8-point a little after 9 and Luke was fascinated. You could tell by the look in his eye that he'll take to hunting just fine!