Hugs

Today was the first day of winter break for me - hooray! Allen and I went to play with Brooke and her girls, which is always so much fun for both of us. As we were leaving, Camryn (age 3) stood in front of Allen with her arms stretched out for a hug. I was about to explain that he doesn't know what that means yet, when he went up and hugged her! A real hug - arms wrapped around her waist and a big squeeze. So sweet and cute! He proceeded to hug Brynlee (even if she didn't really want a hug) and Ms. Brooke before he was distracted by the dancing Santa. Now let's see if I can get him to give Mommy a hug. Here are a few random pics of our sweet little boy getting ready for Christmas:

Not because it's the 16th

I decided not to continue the monthly posts since Allen is past the year mark and just post events or moments. But, it's the 16th, Allen is 13 months old, and there are a few things I want to remember:
-he is sleeping through the night!
-he has cut at least 6 teeth in the last 2 weeks
-he is walking all the time, everywhere
-he knows not to eat cheerios that have fallen on the floor after breakfast - if I'm watching he picks them up and hands them to me, but if he thinks I'm not watching, he pops them in his mouth
-today he was obsessed with his ball popper toy
-also today when I was getting on to him for throwing the Weebles, he smiled, kissed me, and continued playing... it totally worked. I wonder how much he is going to get away with using that trick.
-he still loves eating and going outside to play
-our only struggle lately is to get him to drink milk - it's been over a month without success
-Christian and I are absolutely enamoured with him!!

All Dressed Up...

At the church for the Baez 25th anniversary service

Grandpa, Grandma, and 2 very cute Grandsons

Lookin good, boys!

"Hey Nathan, I heard there's some cheerios somewhere here, are you in?"

My guys looking a little serious

Halloween 2010

Firewheel Festival

Allen's riding a pony!

Allen and all of his cousins! So fun!!

He much preferred the witch's hat to the lion suit.

Allen passed out candy to the trick-or-treaters!

1st Birthday!!!

Allen is one year old! In some ways I can't believe it has already been a year since he was born, but in other ways, it's hard to remember life without my little angel. It has been the best year of our lives and keeps getting better. I am beyond thankful for the blessings and joys we've had this year. My prayer is that all of Allen's years are like this one: full of love, fun, family, friends, good health, joy, and God's blessings! The week of his birthday he really evolved from a baby to a toddler (as hard as that is for me to admit). It's like he knew his birthday was coming and wanted to prove that he's a big boy now. He is walking quite a bit, eating more than I can keep up with, loves to play outside, tries to climb everything (even up the slide), starting to pout when he doesn't get what he wants, has two more teeth (molars) come in, got in trouble for biting his friends, and had his first haircut. During his party on Saturday, he had the time of his life! I think he knew that it was his party. We were overwhelmed with the love and support shown at the party; we never expected so many people to join us in his celebration. It was one of the best days of my life. Thanks to Gigi, Grandad, Aunt Diana, and Daddy everything was ready just in time. Allen loved the balloon decorations, balls in the playpen, personal cake, and all the friends and family. The next day he continued his celebration by opening all of his gifts; he loved pulling the tissue paper out of the bags and ripping the wrapping paper. Generous friends and family showered him with toys, cute winter clothes, and books. We are thankful for everything. A trip to the peditrician was the unfun birthday date with 4 shots and blood drawn - he was a trooper and got a clean bill of health. Yay! I got a lecture about teaching him to sleep better, so that's on the to do list. :) Allen is weighing in at 22.9 lbs (only the 53%) and is 31.3 in tall (the 90%). I promise we're feeding him as much as possible! Our precious boy is one year old, and we couldn't be happier with our life with him. Here are some pictures from his birthday:

Month #12 in Pictures

Allen loves his avocado

On the way home from Asher's 5th birthday party

So cute of Allen and Ms. Devon

He's growing up



Batman!

Superhero Gang

Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch

Our little pumpkin

Allen with his sweet cousins


In the pumpkin house

Allen got his big birthday gift a week early.

Daddy picked it out, and Allen loves it!

Allen's 1st haircut

10/10/10


No tears for him - he was having fun in the firetruck

Proud mama and a clean-cut big boy ready for his 1st birthday

New Diet

I discovered a new diet that really cuts your calories. You can even eat 5 meals a day. Follow the steps below:

1. Prepare enough food for you and a baby.
2. Invite Allen to dine with you.
3. Feed the baby first.
4. Eat what's left.

Don't worry - there's no extra time to get more. Guaranteed to keep you from overeating!

Cute Moment

Allen was sitting on my lap as we were reading his goodnight books. Halfway through "Goodnight Moon" (one of his favorites), he gave me the sign for all done, turned around, and put his head on my shoulder. He was ready for bed! Sweet boy. (He is consistently using the sign for all done and saying "more," "uh-oh," and "out.")

First Step!

Allen took his first step today! I was holding him and then put him down; he steadied himself, stood for a second, smiled, then took a step. It was just one and then he hit the floor crawling, but it was his first step. Our precious boy is going to be walking soon!

It's the 16th again...

and that means that Allen is 11 months old. It would be easy to miss this month because everyone wants to talk about his first birthday next month. But would your response ever be "oh, he's 7 months old, well, he'll be 8 months next month!" No! We're starting to plan for a birthday party, but right now, we're celebrating 11 wonderful months with our angel baby. This last month has been very busy with Christian working extra and me starting my fall semester. Allen had a little adjustment getting back on schedule with going to Ms. Devon's everyday, but now he's doing great. He talks a lot! We've heard him say/mimic: bye-bye, mama, dada, all gone, done, Mocha, more, bubbles, papa, the end, te amo, and car noises. Right now he is using his approximation of "more" consistently. He uses it many times a day because he always wants more food! He is very decisive and will let you know what he wants, especially if given choices. I let him pick out clothes, food, and books. Allen is also standing by himself more and more and taking more steps. He hasn't taken his "first step" without holding on to something yet, but it is coming soon! We have so much fun playing together. We make each other laugh by chasing each other (crawling), tickling under his chin, banging two book blocks together then throwing one, and putting toys on our head and making them fall. Of course, he loves to throw things down on the ground and has recently taken to trying to feed the cats some of his cheerios, which he could eat all day, everyday. We've had lots of fun with friends and family and are extremely grateful for another healthy, happy, love-filled month together. Here are some pictures from the last month and from today to mark his 11 month birthday. Notice some of his new expressions and funny faces :)