Learning "NO" and other words

Am I in for it or WHAT?

Congratulations Anna and Brandon...plus!

We are so thrilled for Anna, Stan's sister, and Brandon who got married on Saturday, the day before Stan and I's 6th anniversary! The wedding was so beautiful and we all had a blast. Anna and Brandon are in Jamaica now soaking up some rays and Stan and I are so envious! We are trying to figure out a way to go back!


Landon has officially started saying, "Moo Moo", Anna's nickname, since they have been gone and we can't wait for Anna to hear it in person! Stan's parents also had a great time and are so proud. I am so blessed to a part of such a special family. I love my in-laws!

Meanwhile my parents kept the little fellow- what a double blessing- for us and for them. They had a great time learning all of his new words and playing "Hide Raffie"- my dad was hiding Raffie under his shirt, under the chair, all different places and Landon had to find him- which he loved. Landon also officially started saying, "Mamama"- for "Granmama" for my mom, which absolutely tickled her. Landon made his appearance at the wedding, though brief, so I don't have any of those pictures to post yet, but here is one that captures this little guy at this time in his life.

He loves to sit on the step, pray and have Raffie wherever he is. He commonly folds his hands at least 4 times each meal and has also been known to fold his hands and point to other people, as if to say, "You need to pray too." We may have a little prayer warrior on our hands. :)

Updates

• Landon is almost at the 10th percentile for weight!!! We had his 18 month Well Child visit today! (40th for height and 40th for heac circumference)
• Landon put two drops of pee in the potty last night! Big time celebration!
• Landon likes cheesebread pastries.
• Landon likes to pull Lilly's tail.
• Landon loves to say, "YOYO" and "Volvo"
• Landon has been taking swimming lessons this week and LOVES the water, he is a little fish! He says, "Kick, Kick, Kick" and "More" after every trip down the big water slide!
• Landon has started really acting like he is brushing his teeth, moving the toothbrush back and forth and making a motor sound.
• Landon has three girlfriends...Caroline, Emma and Sophia! He has been so sweet with little girls, actually Caroline's mommy said that Landon was the only little boy who didn't hit Caroline!
• Landon has discovered the couch and wants to get "puuu, eassse" (Up Please) all the time!
• Landon is a blessing and we love him more daily.

First Haircut

Stan and his dad (Um- Daddy), took Landon for his first haircut on Saturday. He had the cutest little curls in the back but not hardly any on the top- so after our neighbor mentioned the word, "mullet", I couldn't let it go any longer! Stan took him to see Paul, the barber who gave Stan his first haircut. It was especially bonding b/c Stan's dad was there too. They got it all on video, saved the curls and had lots of laughs when Paul finished with the clippers and Landon signed and said, "more". Landon sat in the chair with the robe on, did not cry and was fascinated by the cars and trucks driving by the window outside. This barber shop is one of the "real" barber shops and I am so thrilled that Stan and L.D. were able to share in this "first" in Landon's life. Landon has been touching the back of his next looking for those little curls, that I must say, were adorable. However, I like the haircut he has now- no more "business in the front and party in the back" for my son!!!

Beach and Oreos

Here is a little taste of what our beach trip was like- double the fun with two toddlers! Landon and Caroline had a great time playing simultaneously- except they did play together with peek a boo and Landon was quite the little ladies man- he was giving her kisses all week! We went with our dear friends Mike and Allison. Stan got to play golf and I got to catch up on some much needed girl time and shopping! We also introduced Mike and Allison to Wii. We had many laughs esp. during Allison's turn at baseball!! They are just the best of friends and we are so excited to be able to share in this journey of parenting together.

We did make it out to eat one night, built a "pool" in the sand, Stan and Mike dug an enormous hole- see above, I found Landon's shoes for Anna's wedding, we played "Two Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed", had a GI bug to pass around plus a resulting diaper rash (thank goodness for 40% zinc oxide!), we got Britt's doughnuts, we found sand fiddlers for the kids and we relaxed- even with two toddlers. What a treat! Thanks Mike, Allison and Caroline- we will be looking ahead to booking our calendars for next year!

Now that we have gotten home, Landon is just as fiesty as ever. Today we had a new treat- Oreos...everything in moderation, right?

Peas on a Toothpick

Yes, I love my child. Tonight, that love went to a new level. I painstakingly put peas on a toothpick so that he would eat his dinner. He thought the toothpick was so cool (thanks to Sarah's mom for the tip!) and ate better than he has in a week! He actually had his whole dinner on toothpicks tonight and I have to say, I would do it again based on his consumption in comparison to what is his norm. It is amazing the lengths I have gone to to feed this child. All the while, trying so hard not to try hard and not to make it a battle. I imagine one day he will be a normal teenager eating me out of house and home. I will look back on this posting and laugh (I hope!!). I will update with pictures from out 4th of July trip soon, I just had to share this funny from our day today.

Quiet Reflections

The beauty of God's creation in my own back yard. Tonight I am thankful for so many things. Quiet times of reflection help me to realize the importance of pausing to count my many blessings. Here are a few.

- God's love

- Landon and Stan

- Stan's dad's health

- My healthy family

- The ability to see God's beauty in this world

- The simple things (butterflies, hugs, kisses, late evening quiet times, coffee, naps, smiles from strangers, flowers, chocolate, playtime with Landon, the ability to dance and sing)

- My loving friends

- Our home

- Warm covers and a soft bed to lie in

- My grandmothers' influence on my life and my ability to have had so much time with them

- My friends and family who have prayed for me and encouraged me

- Times when thankfulness is at the front of my mind