Allen Loves Shoes

Here are some of the many moments of Allen and his shoes. The boots are from Uncle Rob; they were his when he was a little boy. They don't fit yet, but Allen still wants to wear them all the time. Sometimes when we get home from the day, he asks to put on his dress shoes - notice the picture with black dress shoes as he's asking to go outside. Crazy boy! If any shoes are left out, he makes sure to hand them to you or put them where he thinks a good spot for them are. He gets a little annoyed that he can't put on his own shoes, and definitely has an opinion about which shoes he wants to wear everyday.

Mid-Lunch Nap

Allen got a little tired during lunch yesterday. I was trying to prepare my own lunch when it got very quiet. I looked over and this is what I saw. Poor baby fell asleep mid-bite (notice the fork in his hand). Maybe that's why the highchair seat can lean back?

Snowed In

There has been crazy weather in Dallas this week! An ice storm hit in the middle of the night on Monday and had us staying inside until the snow storm hit on Friday. Allen and I did not leave the house until Saturday afternoon. It was great to have a surprise vacation and spend time together, but I had to get a little creative to stay entertained without stepping foot outside. At least when the snow came, Allen got to play for a bit, but until then, it was just ice and very cold weather. So, here are a few of the things we did while we were snowed in: made a fort, played basketball, got creative with magnetic darts, went cushion climbing, jumped on the couch, took warm baths and wrapped up in the froggy towel, played in the snow with Daddy, read by the fire, fought sleeping, had a little naked booty time after peepeeing in the potty, tried to open doors but wasn't quite successful (yay!), helped the neighbors with a snowman, had a snowball fight with Daddy and the neighbors, played in the new toy box/ottoman, used the potty 6 out of 7 nights!!, played darts, helped with some chores, got to watch a video, called some friends on the phone, and drew with markers. Some of the things not pictured were practicing and almost mastering eating with a spoon and plenty of mischeviousness like emptying all the diapers into the bathtub. It was definitely a week to remember!

Breakfast Today

Today during breakfast, Allen asked for a napkin which he used to wipe his mouth and then his tray... yay! Then, he asked to wear his beanie... ? When I tried to take it off, he got a little upset, so I left it on and took a picture. :) Little quirks in his personality are starting to come out, and I love it!

Kisses!

Allen blew kisses to his Daddy tonight as I was carrying him down the hall to go to bed. Too cute!

"Look How Cute I Am!"

Sometimes Allen puts his hands by his face and giggles as if he's saying, "Look how cute I am!" I finally captured it today at dinner. It really is cute and makes me giggle right back everytime.

15 months

Here are some pictures to document Allen at 15 months. They include: hanging out with the roomies (Cason & Braylon), exploring, not so sure about his spiky hair, in the big bath (which we have since abandoned for the more secure ducky bath), cuddling his blanky (he sweetly cuddles anything soft next to his face), playdate with Annabelle (Allen decided to feed her pretzels and she obliged), Kayla at her awards ceremony that Allen and I attended, finding crayons at the doctor's office (hanging out almost naked), trying to make me laugh by putting the bowl on his head, and spending time with Daddy and Nathan (Allen got Daddy a shirt to match his.)
At 15 months, Allen loves to put things where they belong (trash, laundry, dishes, etc.); I can only hope for this to last as long as possible. He is understanding so much! And, he tells us so much with expressions, gestures, signs, and some words. Allen loves to be around people, especially kids. He still loves music and dancing and is really interested in how things work and are put together. He is starting to build with his blocks and not just knock them down. He asks to get in his crib and play when he really wants his paci. He got his first pair of big boy sneakers that even light up. He is constantly on the go and is getting faster and faster. I tell him that he can never get away from Mommy, but I'm starting to wonder. :) He eats like a champ and is working with Ms. Devon to transition to one nap a day. This semester Grandad is going to pick him up from Ms. Devon's on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and he and Gigi are going to watch him until Christian or I get off. I'm taking 18hrs and working at Mark Twain Elementary for my practicum. I've only been to MTE twice to observe their SLP, but I really liked it. I'm excited to get started working with her and learning about therapy in the schools. I still miss Allen so much when I'm at school, but I know he is having a great time with his roomies and Ms. Devon. He is definitely looking and acting more like a little boy than a baby, and Christian and I are loving every moment! We love to read, sing, dance, eat, play ball, build blocks, and play with toys together. 15 months of JOY!