Two, Four, Six, Eight...

...who do we appreciate?

My 2, 4, 6, and 8 year olds!!

For the next month I hit that "sweet spot" of having everyone at a nice even age.

How fun!

Birthday Photos...finally!

Yes, these are long overdue!

No excuses, just life. :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Whitaker!!

Whitaker, you are talking up a storm and most often ask, "Why Mom?" and "What's this?"

Nothing gets past you!

You are rough and tough and sweet and funny.

A truck, car, train, ball or sword is always in your hand (often all at once!).

I often listen at your bedroom door as you sing your "ABCs" or "Mr. Sun". 

When you see me sitting down you run over and say "Read book." 

and climb on my lap before I can protest.

Jackson, Haviland, & Bennett think the world of you 

and often fight to get you a drink 

or to open your bedroom door every morning to be the first to see you.

You take every chance to play (& stay) outside.

You have made me a very proud mommy to have you as my son! 

The End of an Era

Sad, but true, our crib came down for the last time. It's been in four different houses with four different children and seeing as Simon had to rig it when he assembled it for Whitaker we knew when it came down this time, it was final.

So long crib!  We had some great memories!!

Above and right - Jackson

Above and below - Bennett

For Haviland

And Whitaker...

Whitaker has grown and changed so much lately. He is very verbal and at 22 months there is very little "baby" left in him. He is also the child that always keeps us on our toes.

• This summer he dislocated his elbow pulling away from me.

• Last week he choked on a piece of candy that resulted in a visit from paramedics.

• He has not slept in his crib in a week and prefers the "big bed" that is in his room.

• The other day, after telling him "no" to something he stomped right over to a wall and pouted like a professional. 

Where oh where is my sweet baby??? :)

Cheese!

Where's my baby?

At 14 months, Whitaker has shown me how quickly he is changing and growing up. He started walking about 3 weeks ago and has finally started signing!

Oh, my little guy, Momma loves you so very much!

I thought it would be fun to look back at the older kids as they were learning to sign. It seems just like yesterday...


Jackson - 13 months ("babbling" in sign language)

Haviland - 7 months ("milk")

Bennett - 10 months ("more") & 19 months ("milk please")

Shoppin' the sales

                                      Did anyone find any terrific deals over the weekend???

One of my new favorite menu planning helps, Emealz, is offering 25% off gift subscriptions today, Monday the 29th! I've really enjoyed this.

Happy 1st Birthday Whitaker!

The mischief has begun!

Is Daddy home yet?

More birthday pictures to follow...

Remember this time last year?

Whitaker's Birth

There's no keeping him down

Whitaker at 8 months. He's pulling up and climbing on everything.

I love this picture.

It looks like he's trying to man-handle Simon. "Grrrrr. I've got you now, Daddy!"

Six Months!

Can you believe it? Whitaker is six months old today!!

Two teeth.

Rolling around.

Pushing up on all fours.

And a smile that melts my heart.

I'll take what I can get

Okay, so I'm not, nor will ever be a good photographer. So, I'll just have to take what I can get.

Anyone think he resembles Bennett?

And this is precious to me.