Monday, April 11, 2011

“Thank You” Isn’t Enough

How do you thank someone for doing things – countless little and big things – that they gladly do because they love you?  How do you thank someone for making a hard time easier and a happy time happier?

Jer’s parents came to help us as our family welcomed little Tate and to help our little family transition from one kiddo to two. We promised them great weather and grandsons.  We only delivered on one of those!   Except for a few days, the weather was pretty crummy their entire visit (January-February)!

Words can’t express how much we appreciate their love and support.  Every day we saw how much they enjoyed spending time with Reid, helping us with anything and everything, and how much they loved getting to know their newest grandson.

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Now that they are back in Ohio, to make the miles seem not-so-far, we’ve been using Skype as often as possible.  It’s fun for Reid to see Ammy & Papa regularly (and show off how big his belly is getting).  He basically drags all his toys in front of the computer camera and yells, “Look, Ammy & Papa!”  and “Wanna watch me play basket ball?” and “Can you see me?  Can you see my booty?”

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So how do we thank them? I really don’t know. We’ll start with “Thank you!  We love you!” and end with “Hurry back soon!”  Oh, and there is a little something in the mail, too.  Smile

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Saturday, April 9, 2011

Reid’s Second Birthday

When Reid was asked what he wanted for his birthday, he said, “birthday cake.”  I love that this kid is so easy to please!  (I wonder if his Grandpa put him up to that?  Hmm…)

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To celebrate his second birthday, we had a great party at our neighborhood park with many friends & family.  I remembered everything – except the memory card for our camera.  Doh!  Luckily, Jer ran home and got it so we have some of the day documented.  (But not before some friends had to go home…ugh!)

We had a “construction zone” theme. It was pretty stinkin’ cute, and dirty with all the kids playing in mulch & bubbles and in the wagons & at the playground.  In other words, the perfect toddler day! Smile

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IMG_2365My friend Jenn Griffith (4 Blessings) made the cupcakes and cake. WOW.  They were so cute and so good!

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The kids agreed.  They were yummy!

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Start at the top

Cupcake

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After a LONG nap, we had a little family party at home... 

IMG_2508…and of course, more cake.  Smile 

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Reid got a train table and his cousins helped him break it in.

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Thanks to everyone who wished our little guy a happy birthday!  Thank you especially to my family who helped make the weekend easy and fun!  We love you all!

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Happy Birthday, Reid!!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Reid at Two Years

Reid is growing and changing right before our eyes.  He learns new words, new concepts and new “tricks” every day.

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At his last well-check he measured 3 feet tall (88 percentile) and 30 lbs (69 percentile).  He is right on-track from his 18-month appointment.

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He has an amazing memory – something that has us intrigued, and worried!!  Winking smile When he meets a new person, he learns their name and doesn’t forget it – a trait Jer and I are quite envious of! At the playground, he’ll walk up to other kids and in a quiet voice say, “Hi.  I’m Reid.”  It’s about the cutest thing I’ve ever heard.

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He is energetic and has a playful imagination.  He often will play with his animals or toys and will have conversations with them.  He will even put them in “time out” when they are bad!

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We still read a lot.  His favorites change every day.  He has some of his books memorized, and knows the name of every book by looking at the cover.  He requests a different set of books every night before bedtime.  I hope this love of reading continues!

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We also still do a lot of sign language, too.  He loves the sign language videos, and learning new words.  Signing never slowed down his talking, in fact, he loves to show off his signs when he learns new big words or phrases.  His two favorite new signs are “School” and “pay attention.”  Smile 

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He loves everything with wheels or an engine.  His favorites are school buses, garbage trucks and motorcycles.  When our garbage is picked up on Saturday mornings, Reid likes to go out and wave to the workers.  And when the school bus drops off the big kids in the afternoons, he squeels with happiness.  “Look, Momma!  A SCHOOL BUS!!!”

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He often has a skinned knee, or hand, because he falls down with his hands full.  Here he is a a “dance party,” with his arms full of trains.  Of course.

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He is still *mostly* a vegetarian. His  favorite foods are grapes, cottage cheese, PB&J sandwiches, peas and cookies.  He has started eating chicken and turkey sausage…as long as it is smothered in “dip” (ranch dressing or ketchup).

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He loves to color with chalk in the front driveway…

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…to ride with Dada…

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…to play with friends…

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…to do puzzles…

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…to help Dada around the house…

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…to hold his baby brother…

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…and to play ball.  He  is a lefty so look out!  (Seriously, Uncle Jeff, you won’t believe this kid’s arm and coordination!!) 

Reid is a loving, talkative, happy and wild little dude.  We are so happy to see the amazing little guy he is turning into.

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