Will's Birthday Week

Our little boy turned 2 this week. It's hard to believe that he's already 2! He really "got" his birthday this year...he was ready to blow out the candles and open presents and understood what was going on. We went to Austin to Brad's brother's house for Thanksgiving. Will just loves playing with his older cousins and hasn't stopped talking about them since we got home. The Friday after Thanksgiving was Will's birthday and we spent the first half of the day in Austin. Then we headed back home to get ready for Will's birthday party on Saturday. Grandma and Papaw came Friday night and helped us finish some home projects we have left undone for months...they were a HUGE help! Saturday turned out to be a cold and rainy day, but we had lots of fun inside. Here's a picture and a link to a slideshow of all the events!





Click here to see the slideshow!

Boston Trip

We went on a family vacation to Boston to see our friends Trent, Sara and Elizabeth. We had a great time. Not too many meltdowns along the way and Will stayed healthy! It was a transportation delight for Will...we rode in airplanes, trains, buses and Trent's "truck". Here are some pics from the trip:

The Boston Common

Boston's Children's Museum

Rockport, MA

State Park near Rockport, MA

Our hosts, Trent, Sara and Elizabeth

Bunker Hill Monument

It's a Girl!

Sorry to keep you waiting...we are having a girl! The doctor said she looks healthy and to be developing normally! Here are a few pics:




Profile



Frontal



The girl viewing (I know, it's not very ladylike)

They don't seem as clear as the earlier ones...I guess she's smooshed in there. Now I need a new web address for the blog. "Amy and her boys" isn't going to work anymore. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them...post a comment and let me know your thoughts!

We are still here!

My hopes of posting to the blog weekly have been dashed. Sorry for the big pause between posts. Allergies attacked 2 weeks ago, and my head has been full of snot since. I haven't been in the mood to do much of anything...especial type a new post, because I usually need a free hand to blow my nose at all times. I have upgraded my tissue from generic to Puff's plus with lotion.

Today is Nana's Birthday - Happy Birthday Nana! We hope you have a great one!

October has been a busy month. We've had visitors every week, which has been fun. We are trying to get as much use out of our guest room before we convert it into Will's big boy room to make room in the nursery for the new baby. Week 1 we had our friend, Mary, from Austin come. Week 2, Mekelle, also in from Austin, came. Week 3, my sister Suzy and her two girls, Maggie and Gracie, came in from Oklahoma. This coming week Brad's parent's will arrive, and that will be the end of October!

Click here to see a PhotoShow slide show of pictures from September and October 2007.

I'm sure I'll do another post soon to show you Will in his Halloween costume. We debated between making him a rock star or a football player, but we've settled on him being a cowboy since our church's fall festival is a western theme. I have a great outfit, thanks to my friend Julie. Now I am on the hunt for cowboy boots and a hat to complete the get'up.

Baby update: I have been feeling the baby fluttering about in my tummy for a while now. He/She is mostly active when I stop moving - so especially when I am trying to go to sleep. I am just about halfway through the pregnancy. We have our next ultrasound on November 1st, so we will let you know the baby's gender then. Most of all, we are praying for a healthy baby!

Finding His Rhythm

Click on the following links to see videos of Will enjoying the music and finding his rhythm!


Reviewing our Instruments

Will's Jam Session

The Perfect Family Day

Yesterday we had a perfect family day. A whole Saturday with no commitments, except to spend time with each other on a beautiful Fall day. Brad made us Kirby Lane pancakes in the morning and then we headed off to the zoo.

Just to remind us that we are not in heaven yet, Will threw up all over himself and his car seat right when we parked at the zoo. I think he was just a little car sick from the crazy traffic. Luckily, it really didn't smell like throw up, but like maple syrup, and we did have a set of extra clothes for him.

As we walked around the zoo Will really soaked up all the sights. It was the first time he really wanted to stare at the animals. We watched "Babe", a movie about a sheep herding pig the night before (thanks to half price books and a still functioning VHS player), and that really got him in the mood to see and want to interact with the animals.





At the end of our time at the zoo, Brad and Will road the choo-choo train, something they had talked about all week. He was pretty tired from running around all morning, so it was a good rest and a chance to cool down.




After the zoo, we found a little local diner near downtown and met our friends Jerry and Benjamin. Will and Ben sat at the bar charming the cashier, watching football and watching others nurse some beers. It was a great little hidden dive with super yummy cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and tator tots.





After lunch, we headed over the the Texas Longhorn Co-op so Brad could get a new cap, and of course we got one for Will. He loved the store and charmed all the ladies. And, as you see, no pictures. I just couldn't bring myself to take any there.

We then headed home, and I took a nap and read, and Will and Brad watched the Longhorns lose. Again, no pics because I went and hid myself, only to emerge to hear about the Longhorn loss, and, "oh, by the way, the Aggies won." Gig'em!! Even if it was against Baylor. Hey, every win counts, and after the week before and head coach scandals, we needed a win.

To round out the day, we all went to the pool and Will had so much fun jumping into the baby pool with his daddy. Bless Brad's heart, I think he was just exhausted. Then, back at home Brad grilled some steaks and we had an iron filled meal, something this pregnant mommy needs. Chef B...twice in one day :o).



So, that concludes our "perfect family day." I thank God for all of His good gifts, and the ability to enjoy them. We are certainly blessed, even in tough times too. We hope you are too.

There's Too Much to Say..I'll Use Pictures Instead

Barney August 06 Shedding Hairy Mess Barney Sep 07 Manageable Non-hairy Dog - although, he looks like a sheard sheep. He probably lost 10 lbs in hair! No more dog hair everywhere...why didn't we think of this sooner?

Mommy and Will playing with the camera. I will sacrifice my Aggie-hood on the outside and wear a longhorn cap if it makes my son want to be an Aggie. (Don't worry fellow Aggies- I still bleed maroon)

I have to brag on my son. The only reason I can find time to write this blog is because he's so content to play on his own and entertain himself. I am thankful!!

Ok, even I admit that I have major pregnancy brain and forget what I am saying in mid sentence, but when Will took his name label off of his sippy cup and put it on his chest, I knew I was getting bad at remembering things. Thanks Will, you are such a big helper!

We have some new security items. It's no longer just blankie, but nap mat, and various cars and trucks and all of his favorite animal friends. It can get lonely in that crib without his friends!

Brad's New-ness

Suzy...you posted a very valid comment. And yes, you are right. The newest thing about Brad is his new wife. He says he likes the "new Amy", but I think he's still in shock and afraid that she may not stick around. We will see. As you now know, I'm not worried about it.

The other new thing about Brad is he has broken his big right toe somehow. He doesn't remember doing it, but we are pretty sure that's what happened in the middle of the night sometime over the last week. I told him I would not tell him anymore that I wish he'd go to the doctor, so I am not about to do it here either :o).

The Fun-ness of New-ness

I'm realizing today that there are a lot of "new" things going on right now. There is not enough time to list everything (and you probably wouldn't want to read it all anyway!) So here is a shortened, but still kind of long version.

First some things about Will:

1. He loves being musical. He's always enjoyed music, but now he wants to play it. I noticed this especially yesterday in the car. I was trying to keep him awake so his afternoon nap would not be ruined, so I turned on some peppy country music. He proceeded to play air guitar, air piano, and air drums announcing each instrument as he heard and played them. His daddy told me last night while I was gone Willie Nelson and some other good ole' Texas musicians were on TV and Will was practically elated with joy to play with them on his air instruments. (Note to Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents:buy Will age appropriate musical instruments for his birthday and for Christmas. Give us gift receipts....we don't want 10 mini guitars)

2. Will used to only say "no". Now he can give a hearty yes in approval. It sounds like "yyyeeeesss." Makes him and his parents smile big, every time.

3. Will played alone for the first time at the Chic-fil-a indoor playland yesterday. I sat in the dining area watching him. He was so proud of himself. He's too little to climb up the "steps", but he can climb up the tall windy slide with out shoes and socks and get to the top that way. He would look through the big plastic bubbles with the biggest grin, and I could read his mouth saying "mommy, mommy, mommy!!" very excitedly. Could my heart melt any more??

4. He's had some allergies or a little cold recently. Not fun, but the Benadryl really makes him mellow. I can deal with mellow. All you moms, say it with me "great afternoon naps!! Love them!"

Here are some new things about Amy:
(there are tons, but I will try to keep it brief)

1. For starters, I don't have morning sickness any more. Stopped at week 14. Praise God, praise God, praise God, hallelujah!!!!! (I still have brief smell aversions, but that's nothing compared to all day nausea!! I just about went nuts!!)

2. God has turned this melancholy into a sanguine ( I'm still and introvert and need my alone time to recharge!) I can't get over how much fun I'm having! (O Lord, please keep me dependant and humble!)

3. Somewhere in all of this I think I've grown up. I realize I am no longer a child. This has reaped huge benefits in the discipline of my child and my dog (really, I'm not kidding, my dog!) The Super Nanny and Dog Whisperer would be so proud of me. I'm a model student. We also have a new pediatrician and veterinarian, both of which have nice, friendly office staff and know how to ask good questions and care about you! Gee, what a concept!! I have noooo problem paying them.

4. Today was my first day at the gym. I look pregnant (or fat...but people there will soon know I'm pregnant and not fat.) I was there 2 hours. Took full advantage of the childcare. Will loves it. My heart rate makes me work out really slow...it probably looks ridiculous. I ride like 2 mph on the bike for 50 minutes. I listen to an MP3 player and I try not to raise my hands like Rocky Balboa...I know I would be praising the Lord, but the other gym people would really wonder about me. I'm trying to keep freaking people out at a minimum with the new Amy.

5. My pregnancy forgetfulness is in full swing, which is great because I have been forgetting all of my anxieties too! What a deal! I've forgotten how to spell too. Thank you spell check!!

I just love writing this blog....I hope you like reading it!

#2 is On the Way

For those of you who don't already know, I wanted to make sure that I told you Baby #2 is on the way.

When we showed Will the Sonogram pic, he said "horse!!" very confidently. I sure hope it's not a horse, or this is going to be a very painful process. Uncle Jerry was excited about the idea because my nieces would get free pony rides. Ha, Ha...you are so goobish Jerry!

The technician said, "there's no winkie", which would indicate a girl, but she said not to buy any pink yet. The 5 month sonogram will really tell us what gender the baby is and a "winkie" may still appear. That will be late October or early Nov.. Sorry, we are all just going to have to wait to see what it is.

He or she is due to arrive March 13, 2008. Enjoy the first pics.

I've Been Tagged

I have just been tagged . I feel totally clueless right now since I've been blogging all of 2 days, and I am actually a computer person (not a genius for sure, but I'm not afraid to try to do new things on the computer.) I will be calling Kelly with any questions to get clarification since she tagged me. But for now, here goes my best try.


The Rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random facts about Amy:
1. My side of the closet is a mess, but if I make a bed, it almost always has to be perfect.
2. I've performed on stage in Carnegie Hall in New York City.
3. My major in college was Outdoor Education, so I am a non-practicing ex-professional camper who is afraid of heights on a ropes course. I worked at a camp with a ropes course the summer of '97 and had to climb past the actual wires participants used to set it up.
4. I am an introvert, and although I love people and love to make them laugh, I am energized by alone time.
5. I love to travel and the furthest places I have been are South Africa, China, Italy, Turkey, and Greece.
6. I am named after my Dad's mom whose name is Olga Mozelle. I am thankful her nickname is "Amy."
7. I have climbed the tallest peak in Colorado, Mt. Elbert, along with 8 others that are 13,000 ft or higher. (note: this is on solid ground, so the heights fear doesn't apply)
8. I love to sing in groups, but I am terrified of singing a solo in front of even one person. I was in High School choir, and we had to sing a solo each year in front of the class. My sophomore year I hid behind the piano for 10 minutes before I sang, and then I cried for 10 minutes afterwards.

I am tagging Michelle, Tiffany, Suzy, Brad, Mariana, Amanda, Liz, Emily and Erica. I think those are all my blogging friends and family. You've probably already been tagged, but it is fun to put your names in my blog!!

September Pictures

Brad, Amy and Will at Mercer Aboretum in Northeast Houston




Will wearing his Daddy's Cap




Will and Brad riding the bike...almost a daily event now. He was scared of the seat when we first put it on the bike. He would scream as if we were tearing his arms and legs off, but now he loves it. He got brave enough to try it when he saw a little girl in one a couple of months ago.

Picking His Own Clothes

Well, it has started. Will wants to pick his own clothes. He wants the blue ones. I thought only girls cared about what they wore. I mean, isn't it enough that I talk about tractors and balls all the time?

He is learning his colors, and he doesn't know all of them, but the ones he knows, he knows pretty well. He's very patriotic. He likes red, white and blue the best. He calls them "red, wipe and blue." Separately, not together...we're not quite that advanced just yet.

Will really likes to test the limits right now, so we have LOTS of time outs. He's a pretty funny boy and has cute dimples so I get over his transgressions pretty fast.

I'm excited about the new blog and about keeping track of all of Will's doings. He gives me lots of material. :o) Hope you will enjoy it too!