Thursday, February 10, 2011

Titus-12 Months

My Titus is 12 months old (also commonly known as a one year old!) I can't believe it. I am a bit sad that my baby is growing up so fast. (But confess I am also a bit excited to be done with monthly updates.... :)

Titus loves stairs. Although he is still hesitant to try walking he likes to climb. He was very proud of himself that he can use his big sisters step stool to get closer to the sink.
Here he is checking out his birthday cards. He isn't overly interested in books at this point. But, he isn't all that interested in toys either. Mostly he likes to get into things like the toilet, the kitchen cupboards, or his sisters' crayons etc.
Here is his first sips of cow's milk. He did great, although still doesn't like it enough to drink as much as he "should." When Titus turned one he was still nursing 3 times. He easily gave up his nap time feeding and then we cut out his bedtime feeding a few weeks later. He is still nursing in the morning. Most recently he likes to wake up to his dad's alarm clock (5-6 a.m.) and come nurse and then sleep in bed with me. (Wow- I've come a long way I didn't let either of the girls sleep with us at all, not even like once.)
Titus is starting to enjoy bath time, although he likes to stand up which can be exhausting making him sit down over and over and over again.
Here is Titus with his bear at his birthday party. My "army" crawler is officially crawling, pulling up, and cruising a lot. He has taken a step or two but shows little interest in walking. When we try to encourage him to take steps he simply drops his bottom to the floor. But, he can walk holding on with only one hand so I don't think it will be long before we can declare him "walking."
Titus has begun to sign just a bit. He totally surprised us one night when he signed, "Daddy" and "Night Night" when I said, "Tell Daddy Night Night." before bed. He also signs more, all done, milk, and is waving bye bye.

Titus' personality continues to be laid back. He loves to be picked up, especially whenever I am trying to cook something. He still sucks his thumb when he goes to sleep. Although he still doesn't ever stick it in his mouth any other time at this point. Hoping that continues. He has officially moved up to 24 month/2T clothes and I am hoping that size will fit for summer...we will see.

Titus,
You are such a joy to our family. We have enjoyed this first year with you immensely! I am so glad God chose us to be your family. I can't wait to see how you will grow and change this next year. We love you!
Mama (for the whole gang)

Happy Birthday to Titus!

The morning of Titus' party Jeremy went and got doughnuts for Daddy breakfast. Titus LOVED his doughnut. He really inhaled it and looked so surprised that he was getting to eat it.

Titus' birthday party was pretty laid back. We did an army theme because he has been known for his"army" crawl. Even at Christmas time he still preferred this style. Instead of gifts we encouraged our family to put money in his savings account. This worked out great since he wasn't all that interested in opening up gifts anyway. Of course he has a few small gifts to open. He got lots of snacks, a new train for the set we are building, and a loud car. (thanks Nana)

Here he is with the army gear and his bear. This is Nana's stuff from when she was a WAC. And you can see grandpa's military police badge too.
The cake- camo was a lot more challenging then I thought.

He was so excited to try and touch his cake.
Big sisters "assist" with blowing out his candle.
Eating cake.

So, maybe you are wondering where the pictures of him devouring cake are. Well....there aren't any because he had NO interest in eating cake. None. I finally took a spoon to try and give him a bite. He took the spoon, took the bite off of the spoon, and sort of ate it. He seriously ate maybe two or three bites and I eventually let him get down. He had more fun playing with the spoon than eating the cake. We will see if he changes him mind next year.

BTW the cute camouflage outfit Nana bought for him the day of the party when we decided he needed something theme related to wear. That fleece was a 5T! Look back at the pics. I bet you wouldn't have guessed that, it fits great. My baby is officially on his way to becoming a big boy.

Happy Birthday Mr. Man, Mama love you so!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

30 Reasons I LOVE My Husband


Today Jeremy is turning 30. We have a special "surprise" getaway weekend planned later this month so there isn't any exciting gift for him to open today. So, in honor of this special birthday I made a list of 30 things I love about him (in no particular order). I think my "words of affirmation" husband will enjoy this free gift.

1. He is funny.
2. He is a man of integrity.
3. He can talk to anyone from a teenager to a person in a nursing home.
4. He is a family man.
5. He spoils us with "daddy breakfast" each Saturday.
6. He is the one person on this earth who can help me relax.
7. He is the best husband I've ever had. (pay no attention to the fact I've only had 1- he is still the best!)
8. He is my best friend.
9. He can fix things.
10. He is a great story teller.
11. He is thoughtful.
12. He cares about my opinion.
13. He is a hard worker.
14. He gives me back rubs.
15. He is an amazing dad to our 3 children.
16. He is a great friend, very loyal.
17. He loves Jesus.
18. He is a life-long learner & reader.
19. He keeps me up to date with the sports world, but doesn't let Fantasy football control our life. Yahoo!
20. He surprises me.
21. He is great at doing the "man" jobs even though they aren't all fun (taking trash out, shoveling driveway, etc.)
22. He is understanding.
23. He has the gift of hospitality.
24. He is a great teacher.
25. He drives. (I seriously hate to drive.)
26. He is directionally challenged, but has humbly allowed the GPS to save our marriage.
27. He knows me best.
28. He loves to snuggle with our kids & me.
29. He loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, & strength.
30. He truly is my better half, our marriage (with God's help) is the best team I've ever been a part of.

Why do you love your dad?
"Because he is so sweet and he has curly hair like me (kind-of). He gives the best snuggles and he makes the best pancakes. " -Grace

"Yeah!"- Faith (After several attempts I could only get her to repeat what her sister said and say Yeah!!! w/ enthusiasm)

"Because he saves me from my girly sisters when they are trying to use me as
their baby doll." -Titus (via Mama)

Jeremy, you are my very own prince charming. I have been married to you long enough to know you aren't perfect and I still feel blessed every day that I'm married to you!
(except when you try and help with the laundry then I just feel irritated ;)

Couldn't get too mushy! Happy Birthday!!!!!!