LJW-11Months

Hello Sweetie boy.

One more month and I have a one year old again! Oh little boy, what fun you are to have around. We'll enjoy a circus party for your first birthday...I am looking forward to that!

Two more of your uppers popped through just in the knick of time to be celebrated during your eleventh month. Man, you can produce some drool, sir!

You're almost standing by yourself. Although, instead of picking up your feet to take a step you just lean towards the person that you want to have catch you. You want so badly to walk-I'm pretty much thinking you want to keep up with your sister. You have a fast crawl down though...

You can wave bye-bye, try to say more (as in "mah" food), put your hand in the air like an elephant trunk and yell the "elephant sound", and roar like a tiger while crawling on the floor. But you don't clap yet...we work on it but you like it better when I clap your hands for you...whatever. Just interesting to me, I guess!

Daddy and I finally found out foods that you really like...anything with flavor. And when I say flavor, I mean strong "flavah". Meaning, spaghetti with homemade sauce (using hot italian sausage. Yep!), seasoned/marinated chicken breasts, tuna salad...you get the idea?

Daddy went out of town this month for a short time and Mimi came to visit and help me with you kiddos. She couldn't believe how great of a little boy you are. you are just so go with the flow. Sometimes you are so different than me, it's hard to believe you made it into this family! But you are definitely one of us...and definitely like one of my dad's side of the family. You are a spitting image of them all!

During Mimi's visit we had the first BEAUTIFUL weekend here in MN. Both Saturday and Sunday were just gorgeous and we hung out in the porch all weekend. It was pure bliss! Then these past few days have been CRAZY hot-100 degrees hot. And when you mix in that MN humidity-U G H. But I will NOT be complaining since I have been begging to get outside more with you and your sister! Quincy prefers to stay inside, but you both love it outside.

We pulled out the kiddie pool (that Daddy originally grabbed out of a dumpster) and have put it to good use. I see many a day this summer out in the backyard with both of you and that pool. You have a tendency to try and drink it more than play in it, but we're working on that.

You have a strong hatred it seems for sippy cups. We are working on it also, but you just have no interest. Emmy didn't care for it much either, but she did it, so I am not too worried about you.

You also have a little dislike for grass on your knees...hence the all fours crawling evidenced below:

You'll be one so soon, my little boy. You've been such a sweet baby. I can't wait to see what your toddler years will look like...they're almost here!

Love you big blue.

love your momma.

LJW-10Months

(Shame on me, I have had this post sitting in my computer waiting to be published for over 10 days....I'm in the middle of planning Emalyn's birthday party (which is Saturday) so that has been taking my time! Bad mommy!!)

Hi Sweetie boy,

You have two more teeth! The bottom ones poked through right around the 11th. Teething is miserable for you. I always feel so badly for you.

And you just got on meds for a double ear infection and pink eye to boot-notice the irritated right eye pictured above. You are in some sorry shape little boy! I will say I feel happy about this being the first ear infection you have had, let alone serious cold in your whole 10 month life. Grateful to God for that!

You are full blown crawling and have gotten quite fast! One of your favorite things is the nightlight before we have pulled it out of the hallway plug EVERY morning. You know there is one in Emalyn's room and one in the hallway and there is little anyone can do to stop you from getting there. Your objective is to pull that baby out and into your mouth it goes.

Just to give you a little perspective of how big you are right now...the little dinosaur sweatshirt that you have on in the above photo...yeah. That's 24 months. Typically you wear 12 month pants (we're getting into those 18month ones quick!) and 18-24 month shirts. The smaller sizes just ride up your torso all day long.

Here's your little model pose:

It's kind of funny that we have never actually bathed you and Emalyn together. So we decided we'd do that this month. YOU LOVED IT. She did too of course. I have never seen such huge smiles on your little faces. Cutie pies.

In the last pic of that trio above, you had just flipped yourself into the water and had gotten your whole head wet. Your daddy and I couldn't believe your recovery. Not one tear! You are so much a go with the flow kind of kid.

You are loving the fact that we are getting outside more.

However, crawling in the grass is one of your least favorite things to do. You pick up your hands and it is obvious that you do not like the feel of the grass, but you don't cry or fuss about it. Eventually you will make yourself touch the grass to get where you want to go, but if you don't have to, or can figure out a way to get around touching it by finding a blanket or one of mommy or daddy's legs to stand yourself up on-you are there!

The boy in you is truly coming out. So is your will of iron. But did I honestly expect ANYTHING else? Nope. That is why I have practically memorized Shepherding a Child's Heart. (Godly discipline book.) And continually pray your heart will belong to Jesus.

Love you little man.

Love your momma

LJW-9Months

Hey sweetie-boy,

Oh, how you are growing up.

This month FLEW by! You had your first plane ride to your grandma and grandpa's in TX. THe flight there was uneventful, the flight back?! Well, I think it would have gone fine except there was a snow storm here in MN so our flight was delayed an hour...pfffft, an hour, you say. Except that flight was planned to go over your nap time, SO, you basically skipped nap (I think you may have had a 15-20 minute snooze) and then it was time to board. You FINALLY fell asleep while we were taxing into the gate. And you sister screamed her head off because she too, was OVER. IT.

You'll learn pretty early on, I think, that we do not mess with sister's routine/schedule. She is what you call strong willed. Stubborn. I've heard bullheaded a lot too...(She's just like your momma). And there are certain things that we just don't mess with. I'll have you know, she's getting better. But food and sleep-don't keep her waiting on those or the wrath will follow.

But let's get back to you! You crawl/worm around still. You pull yourself up and just started cruising around the furniture. You have two real teeth! Here they are:

I laughed when I saw you were getting the two uppers, before the lowers. I mean of course it happens, but since your sister got the lowers first, I assumed you would too. There is a family from Cameroon at our church and she said that in her country, it is believed that kids who get their upper two teeth first are very intelligent. Let's hope so!!

You've been saying "mama" for a little while. And yes, it is safe to say you are a momma's boy. But early Saturday morning this past weekend, you busted out a "dada." I was still in bed and you were with Daddy in the living room, and oh, my heart smiled.

Last month you moved up in the rooms at school to the older, mobile baby room. I think that is where you got the idea that you can stand and walk. I have spent the last 2 weeks trying to get you to learn how to fall from a standing position (i.e sit down as fast as you can) and you are really getting it. It has definitely led to a diminished amount of head banging on floor and ultimately crying.

You love table food. And basically want to skip the baby mush. I don't blame you but you do need to have more than 2 teeth. And my, oh my, what a sweet tooth you already have! Only fruits! You love dairy, but we are still not out of the woods yet in terms of your dairy sensitivity so we are moving very slow in that catergory.

By the way, you are such a wiggly little worm!! This is how the majority of my photos turned out this month! Active you are, my boy. Just like your sister! Hopefully when you are walking you will be headed the same way as your sister, otherwise I don't know what I'm gonna do!

You are so fun to watch little boy as you grow so big. Hard to believe in three more months you will be 1!! What kind of a party shall we have? I can hardly wait!! (Well, yes I can and don't mind waiting...) :)

Love you,

Your Momma.

LJW-7Months

Hi Big Blue.

(That's what your daddy calls you.)

You're 7 months. And Momma's behind in writing your letter...again.

I don't think I can get any worse, only up form here for me!

You're up on hands and knees rocking away. No crawling yet. You hate that you can't move around like you would like. I have to say, you are a champion stomach pivoter, and you have begun to "hop" while you are on those hands and knees to get to where you'd like. It's pretty funny. You watch your sister almost green with envy as she moves around the room. Pushing yourself backwards also gets you stuck in some pretty cramped spaces, like under the jumper, or living room chair...you get so annoyed when your head thumps the underside of something. You're just exploring for crying out loud!

It's hard to believe that you are moving up to the older baby room at day care some time next month. (You have to be 8 months old to get in the next room.) I'm always saying how time flies, but really, it does! And I have been really busy with work lately, which seems to make time fly by faster! I've gotten to spend more time with you and Emmy working part time and even though I have had an "adjustment" period getting used to not being at work 5 days a week, being with you both has been awesome.

I mean, if I ever wanted to practice patience, well, this is it.

You both are really great kids. Emmy is a huge helper and assists in almost anything I ask. She always grabs a burp cloth if we need it. Or puts your nuk in your mouth to help quiet you. She sometimes grabs a toy to give you if the nuk doesn't work. It's neat to see her mimic me...the "mommy"...because I think she is more doing it because she is your sister, and she knows she can help. She likes to help. She feels good helping.

But then, if you get a little too much attention she pushes your big ol' head into the blanket-carpeted-ground. Yes, I have to always be watching. She's 2...she's testing boundaries. But when or if she makes you cry, she feels horribly. So horribly in fact, she also begins to cry. I am thankful these moments do not happen often at all...but they do happen.

Emmy and you play together in short spurts....mainly where she grabs your arm and pulls on it and you laugh hysterically. She kisses you. She hugs you. Oh, Liam, how she loves you.

You are STILL teething something fierce, with nothing to show for it. Some days you are just miserable, but as long as you have something good to chew on, you tolerate so much. That sweet sweet disposition I always talk about. Such a quiet observer you are.

I won't let everyone think you have no backbone though...nobody should try taking something from you because they will hear about it until something equally exciting fills the void! Emmy's learned to fill your little hands-and quick-when you screech after she's grabbed something from you. I can't help but laugh every time. You've got some fire in that belly and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love you big blue eyed boy. I am positive 8 months will be here before I know it...until then buddy.

love, your momma.

LJW-6 Months

Little Liam,

I am in fact writing this 10 days late and back posting so I look like I have some bit of my life in order! Having you and your sister is one of the sweetest things to have happened to me but never before have I felt so incredibly unorganized and forgetful.

You my boy, are 6 months old. You are sitting up for much longer periods of time by yourself, without assistance. Six months and right on track!

You smile the sweetest smiles and still have a beautiful toothless grin. That is one of my favorite baby things....smiles with no teeth. But those little white nubbins are coming fast and strong. The drool is relentless! And your otherwise sweet disposition has at times been drastically altered. What else can be attributed other than teething! Not to mention your even stronger desire to chew ANYTHING!!

We are onto mixing your foods for a more blended taste. But boy you are loving the sweets. Fruits are so right up your alley, but the veggies...not so much! We're working on it, because I know you need those veggies to be the pro athlete your dad wants you to be.

In addition to the mixing of food mush, we are giving you bits of cheerios and puffs...and are you a gagger! Tongue out and everything. The sounds are horrendous but lend me a good laugh!

You weighed 18 pounds and 13 ounces at your 6 month appt. Your height is in the 95th percentile at 28 inches. You are NOT small but you are oh so cute. You regularly wear 12 months clothing and sport it quite well I might add!

You've always been a champ at tummy time, but now have the tendency to rise up with your arms fully extended and balance on your feet at the same time....for those yoga people out there he's doing plank pose. I foresee crawling in the very near future, yes I do.

You definitely have a temper, and aren't afraid to show it if I don't get myself cracking to your wishes. You are patient, but oh, there is a limit. Of course I should know that already, but I get too used to your laid back sweetness and forget that there is some Latino in your blood. Let alone Irish in there too. OY!

About mid-december you started at school three days a week like your sister. I have to say it has been really good for you. On Thursdays when you, me and Emmy are home, you are so much less fussy, and seem more content. But that could be your age as well. Your teachers love your disposition too. I know your Oma misses seeing you, and you her. You both have a special bond from her caring for you those months.

You are only becoming more and more my precious little boy. So different yet so similar to your sister, my little girl. It is amazing how God creates beings that can pull so strongly within one's heart. We've only known each other a short time. And to think God loves me more than I love you. Unfathomable.

In six short months you will be one, my little turtle. I can't wait to see what each day holds until then.

I love you, baby boy.

Your Momma

LJW-5 Months

You are FIVE months old!

What are you thinking trying to eat solids now?!??! And you enjoy them?! Well, as long as they make you sleep longer. Which we've come to find they don't really help do that yet. Ah, well, what do you do?

And you found your feet too? Next thing I know you'll be tearing around the house - Oi! I don't think I am ready for that within the next few months! But I better get used to the idea...!

I think you are teething pretty good-you have inexplicable days where all you want is to be held and you fuss about everything. That is SO not like you. Your normal disposition is just so sweet, and laid back, relaxed. You've got to be teething.

You got to see your Mimi and Papa for the first time since being born for Thanksgiving. You loved to stare at Mimi, but when she would hold you and you would look back at me, your momma, you'd start crying. Funny boy.

Your Abuelito passed away this month too. I can't remember the word for great grandpa-bisabuelo(?) in spanish, but as sad as it is, he needed to go home to heaven. Parkinson's is an horrible disease. You never got to meet him because he lived in Guatemala, but I am sure you will hear about him one day. Mimi always said he was a great story teller. He liked music (so do you!) and was a really smart guy. I will have to get a photo from Mimi so that you can see what he looked like when he was younger. He was quite a handsome man.

You are finally taking to your Bumbo. I think you figured out it is to help youeat....so now you don't mind it so much. We're working on your "sitting up" skills...which the Bumbo also helps out with...the only draw back? You just can't keep your food down when your stomach gets squished like that. The changes of clothes - Oi!

Speaking of clothes, my goodness you are a bog boy. Just yesterday we went to church in a 12 month top and 9 month pants. What the what!?!? After Emalyn being such a petite thing, I never thought I would have a such a good size boy, but here you are! You are barely in 6 month clothes, that is to short on the sleeves and pants...and getting tighter all the time. It's just crazy!

Emmy is getting you to giggle and laugh. She makes noises, or tickles you and you just love it. You still watch her all the time, and I think can hardly wait until you are walking around playing with her. It is so fascinating to see how your interactions are starting together....she has been waiting for some kind of response from you. Since you came home she can hardly keep her hands off you, especially your face. No matter what she is always drawn to your face! We sometimes have to discipline her justbecause she pushes or prods your cheeks, chin, ears, eyes, whatever, and she goes over the line....but she loves you little Liam. That's why she just has to touch you all the time.

It is so special to see you smile all the time little boy, you hardly cry! Only when you are tired. Your spirit is so gentle right now....I wonder how it will grow and change, but I pray it stays sweet and gentle. You have brought such fun into our lives little boy, we are so glad you are here.

love your momma

LJW-4 Months

My Dear Little Boy,

What a sweetheart you are turning out to be.

Never have I seen such a sweet disposition among such a noisy background (i.e. the rest of us!).

Oh, how you LOVE your sister. One of my favorite things of late is to watch your expressions while you look at her. While you lay on your back she comes over to you and puts her face in yours, and you just smile, overjoyed. Her unruly hair is in your eyes, your mouth, surrounding your whole face/head practically smothering you and you just sniff that ticklish hair away because YOUR SISTER is near. Those sweet blue eyes of yours light up the second you hear her voice-whether she just woke you up, or if she is screaming at the kitchen table. You love her.

And I know she loves you. She loves to go check on you while you are napping. If you are awake, she yells to me that you are " 'wake, mommy!" and if you are sleeping she runs back out of your room and whispers "mee-um's 'seeping' still." If you are crying, Emmy always finds your pacifier and gets it to your mouth to soothe you. Or, when you are upset in your carseat, she sings "Jesus Loves Me," or another song, again to soothe you. And when you stop crying-which is usually pretty quickly-she says "look, mom, he stopped 'ky-ing' ".

But those times you are upset are truly few and far between.

You definitely found your hands this last month. I think you re really trying to figure out those feet too.

You are starting to respond to your name. Turning your head to more than just a familiar voice.

And it seems the drool is just endless!!

Quincy has caught your eye a time or two, but your heart belongs to your sister, for sure.

You have flipped over tummy to back and back to tummy, but one of your favorite places to be is twisted up between the two-kind of on your side-I will have to get a photo because trying to explain it would be useless!

I still marvel at how willing you are to go to sleep, sometimes on your own, other times by getting rocked, or just laying on the ground with Emmy and me quietly in the background. Let's just say, your sister sleeps well, but doesn't like getting to sleep, and she NEVER has liked that part. You have only slept a full night a handful of times, but I don't think it will be too hard for you to get there in the near future. We have found that you are quite a fan of classical music. It is by far the easiest/fastest way to get you to sleep, but with music in general, you are such a fan! Good thing, because your sister sings and wants music all the time!!

Pretty soon we are going to get you eating solids-can't believe time has gone that fast... . Your 4 month dr appt is this week on Friday. I can't wait to see your growth progression because boy, you are BIG!! We'll see.

Before I know it, I will be posting about how you are sitting up and crawling on your own...but I pray the time doesn't go so fast. I can't imagine those big ole blue eyes talking to me with actual words. They say so much just the way the look at me now-I don't want to imagine them all grown up. So I won't-I will just go and cuddle you right now while you are still (relatively) small.

Love you, big boy,

your momma

LJW-3 Mos

Hi Little Boy,

It's amazing to realize how perfect God's plans are until you feel and know you are in the middle of them. His hand is truly there, and has been, for quite some time. Things aren't always easy, and rather usually difficult, but in the end things work together for HIS good. You, little mister, are the little puzzle piece that has pushed my life to that point.

I love your sister and you both so much, but after she was born my hormones had been off a little bit. Now, after your birth, my hormones are much more regulated, and I feel SO. MUCH. BETTER. Thank You, God.

You both are such a blessing in my life.

It is so fun to see you emerge...your giggles and coos, your expressions (priceless, some of them!) and I'm happy I can spend more time with both your sister and you since I work less. In the photo above, I think you can start to see your eye color...they are pretty those little eyes of yours.

We are working on tummy time-you've always had a stronger neck-you're pushing up like a champ! You like to look at toys that light up more than ones that just make sounds. And you are definitely trying to grab at things. Sometimes you get your fingers stuck around one of the links on the end of your toy in your car seat...you aren't usually very happy about that cause you haven't quite figured out how to let go...

But fuss? You don't! Well, hardly ever! Maybe to help yourself fall asleep...which I have to add, you are truly awesome at! Most times, I rock you for a bit, then while you are somewhat awake/sleepy and looking through little eye slits, I can put you down into your crib and off you go and stay asleep for an hour (in the morning) then a couple hours in the afternoon. If I have to feed you in the middle of a nap, you wake up, eat, then go back to sleep! My kind of guy!

You have been sleeping in a play yard next to our bed at night so far. (Basically so that I don't have to get up a million times a night...should have done that with your sister!) But now, we are starting to move you into your crib in your room. We've been napping there for a while now, but since you slept the night(!) on Friday, I think it is time to get in there and give mommy and daddy their room back. Plus, we have Mimi and PopPop coming for Thanksgiving and you need to be in your room by then! :)

You are a sweetie, so much so, your disposition is one that I envy. I love you baby boy an I am so glad you're mine.

Love,

Your Momma.

LJW-2 Mos

My Little Boy,

Time's a tickin' and it has definitely been fun seeing you grow.

You love to coo. I think to try and compete with your sister. And boy, you have a ways to go because she has some pipes!!

You love to smile...especially at your sister! I can tell she feels very happy when you smile at her because she gets shy when she knows you are (really) looking at her.

You follow Emmy, daddy and me around the room...but you don't like to look at toys much. Not even those black and white patterned pictures that people say make kids smarter-that stuff just doesn't seem to interest you. (We'll have to see what that means later in life, lol!)

Everyone who sees you comments on your size and that you are getting those cutie pie rolls in your arms and legs...I have to agree, it is adorable. :) You get weighed at the doctor's this week (along with those nasty immunizations) so I am going to guess you are 16.5 lbs. Your sister always fit into clothes "designated" for her actual age...you? Not so much. You are already into 3-6 month and some 6 month! And your head?!?! I'm not gonna even go there, it's a good size noggin'. I've gotta get some winter hats purchased because your hair sure isn't going to do much for that melon of yours. :)

Daycare starts for you this month, but you also get to spend some time with your Oma as she has agreed to watch you a couple days a week as well. We'll have to see how that transition goes-changes always take time...

You've gotten to spend the last two weeks with your daddy at home. You didn't sleep much because for some reason you decided you wanted to smile at daddy for one whole day, then fuss the whole next day!! We're still recovering...We think it is because you miss your momma since that is the first time we had offered bottles and you were away from me for 8 full hours.

I think you really, REALLY want to sit up and watch everything from a more upright position. Since birth you have had a really strong neck so probably by the end of next month or so you will be able to use the Bumbo...that was one of Emmy's favorite toys back when she was a baby. Now that she is losing all her baby fat she fits in it again!

You've been so sweet to have around Liam and we are all so happy you are here with us. We are so excited to see you grow and really start interacting with all of us. Daddy and I especially want to see you and Emmy together. I know that means arguments too, but it will be so fun!

We love you little Liam.

Love,

Your Momma

LJW-1 Month

Dear Little Boy,

You've been around a month already! And just like everyone always says it is hard to believe its been that long...but time sure flies when day and night run together. In the sleep department, you do pretty well and I get three to four hour chunks of sleep. But there are other nights when I only get 45 minutes between each feeding. NOT COOL for your momma.

But you smile the next day and I don't feel so badly. One thing you will learn about your momma, I really, really, REALLY need sleep.

I find myself constantly thinking, "well, with Emalyn, it was like this." And as much as I don't want to compare the two of you, it is hard to say anything else since she is the only practice of being a mother that I have had! If anything, you are a much calmer baby that likes sleep more than she ever did! She would cry and cry at night and we could never get her to sleep easily. I wonder if that was because she was so much smaller then you at birth...probably.

One thing you do a lot of at night is grunt. Big, long pushes where you are trying to help something out, but can't quite get things going, if you know what I mean! I have tried changing some things in my diet thinking that may help you, but there seems to be no rhyme or reason to all the noise. And as far as I can tell, you aren't in pain really, just working on things inside. I will not be missing your periodic groaning that starts at 4am and lasts until about 7am-I am really going to have to learn to sleep through all that noise!

You are a big boy! I was not expecting a baby over 7 pounds and out you came at 8.7lbs! You have to be at least 12lbs now...and you are a very good eater as your weight shows! My arms are already killing me, but I should be grateful for the free workout... :)

Your big sister is still pretty enamored with you and wants to kiss you and "ahg" (hug) you as much as possible. She is very gentle with you and you like to turn to look at her. You smile most in the morning...probably because you are most rested...Emalyn is in your face from the moment you wake up in the morning until she goes to bed so you get overstimulated pretty quickly.

As you will come to find out, your mommy loves light colored eyes. Actually, your mommy loves any color eyes but her own brown eyes. That being said, I think you are going to be just like your daddy-we'll see!

It was been a busy month getting everyone adjusted, but we are looking forward to many more months and years to come, little man. I can't wait to get to know you more as your personality will just keep coming forth...

Love you buddy,

Momma