Too Busy

Isaac's 1st birthday party is just a couple of days away now and I have been trying to get the house ready all week. Yesterday was horrible. Isaac is teething and would not take an afternoon nap. I got little done yesterday, unless you count holding a fussy baby and telling him that he's fine. The next two days will really be crunch time as far as cleaning and organzing goes. Luckily, my mom, sisters, and family friends John and Sue will be here Friday night to help out.

We invited lots of family and friends to the party and are very excited that so many of you can come! I'm actually surprised at how many guests we'll have for the celebration! Makes me wonder if I should have booked someplace instead of shoving you all in our small house. Speaking of our house, why am I worrying about big home improvement projects that can't possibly be done in the next two days? I guess I'll have to live with our living room ceiling that needs repaired and the ugly green carpet on the stairs. Promise to just look at all the fun frog decorations and eat the yummy food instead, okay?

This will be my last post until after the party. I have just way too much to try and accomplish... although, I do hate to clean. Do you think I should wear a shirt that says, "I'd rather be blogging." while mopping the floors? LOL

Enough complaining about cleaning... it's almost time for the big party!! Wahoo! We're very excited for the big celebration and can't wait to see all of you! Cross your fingers that Isaac starts feeling better and takes good naps the rest of the week. See you soon!

Early Gift

Josh braved the crowds on Black Friday to purchase Isaac's big birthday gift... a Radio Flyer wagon! The model we had been eyeing was on sale.

The weather was extremely nice last weekend and he couldn't resist putting it together (with Isaac's assistance, of course).
Chillin' in his new ride
They enjoyed two very nice walks outside
The wagon is so nice! It has seats with saftely belts and even cup holders!
We took a family walk on Sunday when we got home as well. Isaac just LOVES the new wagon!
"Ahh, this is the life."
I have a feeling it will get lots of use over the years!

Weekly Update #50

Isaac is now 11 1/2 months old!

Updates on our sweet boy:

* Loves to climb. He'll try to climb anything and everything... usually, it's me, though. Warning: if you sit or lay on our living room floor, you're fair game for babies and mutts.

* Holds one of my hands, and can take a few steps. This is an improvement from holding both of his hands up. His balance is getting better, but no steps all on his own yet. He can stand by himself for just a few seconds before tumbling down.

* Extremely persistent if he wants to do something... we have one determined little boy!

* Enjoys emptying cabinets and containers. He loved taking dvds and videos out of my mom's entertainment center and clearing off her coffee table. Toys go flying off the highchair as well. LOL

* Puts his hand on his head if we ask, "Isaac, where's your head?" We're so proud! He will also try to put his own hat or shoes on.

* Likes putting small objects either around or in other things. He carries around plastic toy links looking for places to put them.

* Teething yet again and isn't happy about it. For once, he's using some teethers we have for him. During a very cranky spell of his mouth hurting, he'll cry if he drops his teether. Poor guy, I hope that 6th tooth comes in soon.

* Napped better once Josh met up with us at my mom's house and is doing okay here at home.

Enjoy the new pictures!!
So sleepy
Our family of three :)
We trapped him in the Christmas tree box while helping decorate at my mom's house. He loves boxes and had a fun time.
Look how grown up he looks!
So handsome!
Thanks for checking in!

Movie Time

If you would like to view the video montage I made to share at Isaac's 1st birthday party, please email me! The video has our family's last name in it a few times and so I don't feel comfortable posting it online for all to see. I have been working VERY hard to complete the video because I knew I wanted to order a copy for us to have on DVD. It is long (about a half an hour), but it has many video clips in it to make it go by quickly. If you have the time and would like to see the video, please send me an email. I'll send you link and you can grab some popcorn, kick back, and watch, "Remembering Isaac's 1st Year." :)

We Had It Good

So, it was a good visit. Isaac was spoiled rotten by his grandma and aunts. He enjoyed playing with the toys my mom has for him there and anything non-toy related that his paws could get on.
He was thrilled by sitting on the heat registers. What a silly boy!
My mom took over not only Josh's jobs that he does with Isaac, but about half of mine. It was such a nice break from changing diapers and all that. Isaac especially loves when his grandma reads him books.
I was also very happy to see my mom. She's pretty popular with Isaac and I. :)
We really didn't do much... just hung out and visited. We did do some shopping and a craft show. I got to eat my favorite local pizza TWICE. We did visit our cousin Janet and had a blast watching and holding her poodle Zoey's puppies.

THIS one was our favorite. Have you ever seen anything as cute?
I thought Isaac would be really interested in the puppies and he was... but, just for a few minutes. Then, it was all about exploring everything else in the house.
He was excited to meet his cousin Andrew. How sweet is this picture? ;)
And his cousin Janet had to get in some cuddles, too. :)
Here's Chrissy and Beck with that adorable pup.
As Josh and I were packing up the car, Isaac got very sleepy. He fell asleep on my mom... I'm sure she didn't mind! He ended up sleeping most of the way home on Sunday.
So, things are sort of back to normal here. The dogs have slept off the crazy week of nonstop play. I've unpacked and am getting ready for the party this weekend. Isaac was extremely clingy at first (Who wouldnt' be after having a big group of people passing him back and forth to give him hugs and kisses all day long?). Just when I thought he was getting better so I could get some work done around here (minus the clinger on my pant legs), he is back to teething. This time, it's his other new tooth on top. Our poor little guy was crying in pain last night. I hope that tooth comes in soon for his sake. :(

So Thankful

Isaac had a very good first Thanksgiving feast.
His favorites were the stuffing and green bean casserole.
Shovin' it in!
"Hmm, what's for dessert?"
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! More pics from our visit to come soon.

One More!

Isaac has been a major drool machine lately and wanting to chew constantly. Tonight, I discovered that a new came in! It's his third tooth on the top,to the left of his two front teeth. Our cutie pie now has FIVE teeth! What a big boy!

Yum

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We are so thankful for all the blessings in our life....especially our wonderful, adorable son. Hug and kiss your loved ones and make sure to stuff yourselves silly. I'm sure Isaac will enjoy his first Thanksgiving feast!

Weekly Update #49

Isaac is now 49 weeks old, a little over 11 months old.

Updates on our chunky monkey:

* Said the word "duck" few times last week. He loves to carry around his plastic bath toy ducks. They feel really good to bite on when he's teething.

* Climbed five stairs at my mom's house... from the landing to the top. He was so proud of himself when he made it to the top! He's been trying to climb on the coffee table here, now. LOL

* Loves playing with wooden blocks and can stack a tower of four blocks by himself. If someone else makes a tower, he grabs a bottom block to knock it over just as soon as they're done.

* Getting pretty cranky about the next two teeth on top. His mouth has been hurting and he's drooling quite a bit. I've given him medicine at night to help him sleep better.

* Napping either really well or horribly these days. Naps have not been easy at my mom's house. Yesterday, I finally had to lay down next to him on a bed to get him to rest in the afternoon. There's just too much excitement, he doesn't want to miss a thing.

* Breathes really heavy and kicks his arms and legs when he sees his Grandma A. He gets so anxious to see her and his face just lights up!

* Wearing Pampers Cruisers again after all this diaper confusion. I think he was ready to move up a size and that was the reason for the leaks we were having. Of course, now I have three different styles/brands to try and use up before I get set on sticking to one kind again. We have been using Huggies Overnight diapers to prevent leaks at nighttime.

* Discovered a sippy cup that he likes this week. I've been trying all sorts with him because all he seemed to like is the kind that have a slit for an opening. While those are fine at the highchair, they don't work in the living room or when we're out. He can tip them over and spill the contents. So, he finally decided he liked these Nuby soft spouted cups without handles. They are spill-proof, so I'm happy!

* Having a wonderful time with his grandma and aunts this week! You can imagine all the attention he's getting.

Enjoy the new pictures!
Playing with a box (his Aunt Jamie and Uncle Joel shipped his birthday and Christmas presents early)
"I do NOT need a nap!"
Still making that scrunchy face! :)
Such a sweet boy at bathtime
with one wild hairdo!
Thanks for checking in! I will make sure to post pictures from our visit here next week!

Havin' Fun

Just a quick check-in to let you all know we are having a great time at my mom's. Isaac is enjoying getting into EVERYTHING and getting a million hugs and kisses everyday. Otto and Soph are having a blast with their buddies Tob and Jacob. It's been extremely nice to have so much help taking care of Isaac. My mom and sisters are excited to have lots of time to spend with him.

Go Bucks...

BEAT MICHIGAN!!

Goin' To Grandma's

Guess what, Isaac?

We're going to spend the week at Grandma A's house!
"Yeaaaaaaaah!"

We'll be headed to my mom's house tomorrow and won't be back for a week. I plan to update the blog at least a couple of times if I can. If not, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Eat a ton and be happy!

Flu Shot Drama

This week, I took Isaac to get his first flu shot. It's recommended for the eldery, those with health risks, and for children ages 6-24 months. I might have skipped it because I do stay at home with Isaac. But, we are thinking of throwing him into the church's nursery on Sunday's. He also will be visiting a lot this season with my sisters who are daycare workers. Both Josh and one of my sisters were hospitalized as toddlers with pnemonia. I guess I just outweighed the pros and cons of the shot and decided to go with it due to a few risk factors he has in his life.

We went to the village's senior center where the health department had set up a clinic for the day. Isaac was the only baby amid many, many adoring elderly men and women... he got tons of attention in the waiting area. There was confusion at first as to whether or not they even had pediatric (no preservatives) shots available. Once we were assured they did, we waited. I'm a wimp and always make Josh hold Isaac for his immunizations. But, I had to be the one this time and it sucked. The nurse prepped his chubby thigh with alcohol and apologized to him as she poked him with the needle. Then, she looked up at me with panic in her eyes and asked, "Is this the right dose?" I managed to stammer,"Ummm... he needs a pediatric shot because he's a baby." She then realized that she really should have asked the nurse next to her for advice instead of the patient's mother. Duh! Nurse #2 told her the same answer I had. Then stupid Nurse #1 pulled the needle out of Isaac's leg before injecting any medicine. The nurse who knew what she was doing gave her the proper medicine and then my poor baby had to get stuck again. As she tried giving him a second shot in the other leg, he kicked and cried. Even two Bob The Builder band-aids and lots of cooing on her part didn't settle him down. I wanted to smack her. But, I didn't.

I know it was just a mistake, but it really freaked me out. We've used the health center for all of Isaac's shots so far. The nurse who stepped in and helped the incompetent one is the one who we've actually seen many times. I should have just declined Nurse #1 when my number was called and waited for someone I knew. (sigh) Anyway, that's the flu shot drama story. The poor little guy has to go back in a month for his second one because the first one is just a booster. I sure hope he doesn't get the flu after all of this!!

Weekly Update #48

Isaac is now 11 months old!

Updates on our cutie patootie:

* Now wearing all 12 month clothing and into size 5 diapers!

* Calls us "mom" and "dada" and gives the biggest, best hugs first thing in the morning.

* Brushed his own hair after his bath.

* Loves to run his finger along his lips to make silly noises. He'll even reach out to our mouths with his finger to make our lips make noises.

* Makes a cute little evil laugh that goes "AH haaahaa HAAA!" if he escapes the living room and enters the hallway.

* Still being extremely annoying about turning the tv off and on. I am hoping this phase is over soon.

* Extremely vocal with tons of squeals, squeaks, growls, and babbles. The silliest noise reminds us of "Chewy" from Star Wars.

* Bit my toe over the weekend! He was playing down by my feet and then all of a sudden, "Oww!" He also bit Josh's arm last night. Little vampire!

* Enjoys trying all sorts of new table foods. But, I'm more careful about what I give him. A couple of days ago, Josh let him have two nibbles of a banana pepper. What was he thinking, I don't know. I give the kid things like chicken, cheese, corn, crackers, etc. Anyway, I was holding Isaac up in my lap when I asked him for a kiss. He leaned in towards my face and... "Blehhhh!" Yep, he threw up on me. Little chunks of banana pepper. I would have preferred a kiss. :(

Enjoy the new pictures!!

Cute sweatshirt from Grandma A
More time outside in the leaves



Silly times with daddy
Reading books with mommy

Thanks for checking in!!