Story Time

Today I took Dane to Story time at the public library. The class is for babies up to 18 months old. There were about 6 other babies in this class. The facilitator had us sing songs, dance, and read books. I think Dane really enjoyed it. We sang songs like "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" and "where is Thumpkin". I was impressed that the class kept his attention as long as it did. I think we will definitely go again. I have been trying to find more things to do with him that are free. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will get to go to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard.

All in all today was a great day. When it was time for bed Dane let me rock him to sleep. This is such a special time for me because he almost never let us rock him to sleep. I just can't think of anything better than him curling up on me in a blanket, I cherish those moments so much.

First BIG owie

We had a friend come over the other day to help us with a home repair and before going to work he decided to play with the dogs for a minute. They were so excited that someone wanted to pay attention to them so when he went to go help Jacob the girls AND Dane were right behind him. Unfortunately, Ariel knocked Dane over during the process and he smacked his mouth on the hard wood floor. His lip was enormous as you can tell and his mouth was bleeding. You can tell it pretty much skinned his poor lip. He was such a trooper though and now they are buds again.

10 month update

In the last week or so Dane has turned into a super eater. He has a bottomless pit for a stomach these days. He eats chicken, taco meat, avocados, grapes, peas (although Jacob doesn't like to admit it). He will pretty much eat about anything by the fist full.

Hobbies lately are playing with cars, being chased by mommy, playing in his new ball pit, and his very favorite game which is run from daddy on the couch. He also enjoys going to the park to swing and slide too.

He is pretty much pulling up on everything and is getting a little braver when it comes to standing without holding on to anything. He has taken two steps without falling down and the other night in the bath tub he stood up (like he is not supposed to) and he stood with no hands for a good 5 or 6 seconds before he sat down. He is transitioning from one piece of furniture to the next very easily.

Tomorrow we will start swim classes so I am eager to see how he likes it. He loves the water but doesn't really love me to hold him in it.

10 month photos

Dane playing at his friend Tuckers house

Dane loves to go to his friend Matties house because she has all the cool toys. Dane loves to splash in the water and Mattie loves to pour it all over herself.
I thought this was so precious. He loves to sleep with his arms around his little lamb pillow pal.
This is Dane eating his first helping of spaghetti. Lets just say we went STRAIGHT to the bathtub. He seemed to really like it. I know this is just a sneak peak of what is to come for dinner every night. Maybe feeding him myself is not such a bad idea.

9 month photos and check up

Dane had his 9 month check up and the doctor said he looked great. He is now 22 lbs and still 30 inches long.

Danes 9 month photos

Who wouldn't love waking up to this :)

Dane laughing at papa Mike while at Smithville Lake

Dane ready for his nap but not wanting to miss anything

driving the boat and laughing at papa Mike honking the horn

9 month update

Dane is moving quickly these days. We are in a constant fight over the dog food bowl so that hasn't changed. He is not pulling himself up on everything though. I think he is also teething again because he wakes up at least once a night crying like he is in pain. There is really no way for me to tell though because I am not sticking my hand in that alligator trap. His new thing is biting and chewing on whatever. It doesn't matter if it is the couch, his crib, or my FACE! I though he was leaning over to give me a kiss but boy was I wrong. He also seems to have quite the temper these days. He wants to be walked all the time. Not only does he demand it but he likes you to do it a certain way. If you do not hold his hands above his head while you walk him he will scream. If you stop and put him down he will scream and then try to crawl up your leg. I don't know where he gets this short temper from.

I also took him this month for his blood work again and praise God his results were all perfectly normal. We have been approved for surgery so I will call tomorrow to get it scheduled. When we took him in he was still 20 lbs and 30 inches. I am so glad we don't have to take him again. Now if we can just get the boy circumcised!

We also went to the lake with Dane for the first time. He really enjoyed being on the boat. Crazy papa Mike let him drive a little. He loved hearing him press the horn. I think he will love the water like I do. My uncle can't wait to get him up on some skis.

Colorado Vacation

Last week we had our first family vacation in Aurora, Colorado. I wasn't sure how Dane would do in an airplane or away from home for a week but he was so great the whole time. We stayed with Jacob's great aunt Linda and Uncle Milo. The mountains were so beautiful. When you are in a state with such amazing weather it really makes you question why you live in such a humid state.
We arrived there on Monday and the first thing we did was go up in the mountains to see Milo and Linda's cabin and finished up the night with Casa Bonita. I remember going there as a kid and thinking the place was so cool. It is still pretty neat for a kid but the food is nothing to brag about. I think Jacob really enjoyed the cliff divers and Dane enjoyed the tacos.
Tuesday we hung around the house for most of the day. We did take a couple hours to go to out to Castle Rock and look at the outlet mall but about 45 minutes into it we decided we weren't in much of a shopping mood.
Wednesday we went to the Denver Zoo.
Thursday we spent most of the day in the car driving. Jacob's former team chief from the Army was our wonderful tour guide for the day. We started off the day in Estes Park where we stopped to have a picnic. We then took off for the mountains and Trail Ridge Road then ended up in Grand Lake. The temperature in the mountains is amazing. While on our journey we saw Elk and a Moose.
Friday we attempted to go to Colorado Springs but two deer crossing an 8 lane highway put a damper on those plans. Needless to say one deer didn't make it and neither did the truck that we were in. We ended up relaxing the rest of the day at the house.
Saturday we made another attempt to Colorado Springs and were successful. We went to the Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls. At Seven Falls Jacob walked up 224 stairs to the top of the waterfall with Dane. You could hear Dane screaming with excitement most of the way up. Jacob said he thought it was really cool.
Sunday we went to church and had a bbq with Jacob's extended family.
We had such a great time with family and friends but it feels good to be home in our own bed. Thank you Milo and Linda for having us we really enjoyed it!

A moose that we say somewhere between Estes and Grand Lake.

A big Elk in Estes

Jacob and Dane posing at the Zoo.

Garden of the Gods

Dane at Casa Bonita riding the only mommy approved motorcycle.

Jacob and Dane enjoying their victory over the 224 steps up the waterfall at Seven Falls.

Seven Falls

A family shot with our wonderful tour guide Uncle Milo.