Uh Oh Cheerio

I've been waiting for this for over a year . . . the first uh oh mess! Lincoln can have the floor covered with every single book and toy he owns in a very short time. He plays hard and goes back and forth from toy to toy. I've always known these messes are no big deal. I just put the stuff back in it's appropriate bin/basket/box so he can get it all back out again! Lately he's been interested in the pantry while I'm getting dinner ready. Again, no big deal. He has his own rack with select "food" items to play with - gravy packet, sprinkles bottle, m&ms package, and a big almost empty box of Cheerios. You know where this is going, right? Here's what I've been waiting for:

He figured out how to get the package out of the box some time ago, but never unrolled it until tonight. I know, I know . . . I could have just clipped it, but what's the fun in that?!?! He tried to put the Cheerios back in the package, then lost interest and stomped on them. I only had a tiny cringe because I had just mopped, but whatever. Like I said, I've been waiting on this first of many messes. I'm sure I won't always think these things are so comical, but I could only laugh at his face when the Cheerios came pouring out. Lord, please remind me of this calmness when it's spaghetti sauce, ketchup, orange juice or some other equally horrific liquid!

Still Having Fun

We're still loving the swing!

Can you even imagine being so happy?!?! I love to watch Lincoln experience pure joy. No worries about anything . . . just laughing and smiling and being totally happy. When I look at these pictures, all I can hear is his laughter. Of course that makes me smile no matter what I'm doing. I hope all of you can take a bit of his joy as well.
We've also been blowing lots of bubbles lately. I first used the regular mini wand that comes with the bubbles . . . but that's so much work! I soon found a small bubble gun that makes things much easier. Lots of bubbles with little effort is definitely the way to go! Linc's not really sure about the bubbles, but he's interested. I think he gets aggravated that he can't "catch" one.

After a bit, he needed to inspect the bubble gun. I guess it passed his inspection because he handed it back for me to resume the bubbles.

I think it's so funny when he sits on his knees. He looks like such a kid instead of a baby.

Swing Time

I'm so glad to announce that the swing is up! The pollen from our MONSTER tree is finally letting up, so Pops expertly hung Linc's super cool swing this weekend. Here's the play-by-play.

First look around . . . getting ready to swing. We probably could have just let him hang there and look around. He thought that was pretty cool, but he didn't know what was next.

First push . . . he had a weird look on his face. I guess he thought it was weird because he'd never done that before.
Second push . . . he let out a little giggle and a huge smile. It seems that he likes it!

Third push . . . we got a big belly laugh, and Lincoln was officially in love with the swing!

I know we'll all spend a lot of time in the backyard, especially now that we have the swing up. The swing was Aunt Ally's favorite thing when she was little too, and we wore that one out. Perhaps she can come repay me for all those hours of swinging! Aunt Ally had to put up with my crazy songs, so she may worn Lincoln about that. So far he doesn't mind the strange lyrics and missed notes . . . I'm sure it will be much more tolerable now that he's swinging!

Thanks a bunch, Nana and Pops!

More Bath Tub Fun

My little songbird was really putting on a show in the bath tonight. He sang the sweetest songs and had lots of fun. I guess it's worth getting dirty outside just to play in the bath tub later!

He smiled at me so sweetly . . .

. . . of course I asked for an encore!

Easter 2010

Easter is many things . . . the miraculous rising of Jesus Christ, the beginning of redemption, the feeling of a new start, the washing away of winter and welcoming of spring, and now a barometer of how life can be so different in one year. Last Easter, we were just learning to love and care for a new baby. I don't know how we made it to brunch that day between nursings and sleep. We were still figuring out the parent thing, and life was full of new beginnings. I remember every minute of the day, including Kevin's disdain for Lincoln's outfit. He was concerned that I made him wear a dress! It was definitely not a dress, but a super cute blue smocked suit. Here we are as a family on our first Easter:

Fast forward one year to a talking, (almost) walking one year old, who is not always in the mood for a family photo. We're still not sure we have the parent thing down, but we've survived for this long so we must be doing ok! In all the hubbub of getting everyone cute, easing everyone's allergies, making it to church early to get a parking space (in the lot and on a pew!), and packing enough snacks, I forgot the camera. But the important thing is that everyone looked cute, right? This photo was taken on the cell phone camera. Thank you technology!

During Lincoln's first Easter meal, he slept peacefully in the infant seat for the most part. He needed a little cuddling by the end of the meal, so we posed for a sleepy picture. This year he was ALL OVER THE PLACE during brunch! He wanted to dance to the sax player, he wanted to play with the kids, he didn't want to eat the fabulous food at the Four Seasons, and he definitely didn't want to be confined to the high chair. He finally decided to settle down for a peanut butter cookie. I packed a few to go in the Cheerios container . . . I'm sure we paid for plenty of peanut butter cookies!!! Doesn't he look like such a big kid!

Playing Hard

Whew - Lincoln is a REALLY active little 1 year old! He's been playing so hard lately . . . especially with some of his new toys. Auntie got him a water table for outside, and the weather's been cooperating this week. He loves to splash and squirt and make a big water mess. I'm really not into messes, but I'm trying to bite my tongue. When he splashes around then drops to his knees and crawls through the dirt and leaves, I just smile. When he dumps the bucket of water on the two of us, I just smile. When he digs weeds, I just smile. I think I'm going to have a basket by the door for outside clothes. Oh the laundry in my future!

One of my favorite things as a kid was a tunnel, so we bought Lincoln one for his birthday. Like mother, like son . . . he loves it. Luckily I can fit in it too!

We are a happy bunch right now. Lots of playing, lots of laughs, lots of fun . . . and one happy, tired toddler (and two happy, tired parents) at night!

Yogurt is Yummy!

As if I didn't know this about Lincoln already, he's demonstrating his independence and opinions lately. I've aired out our eating troubles, and I'm glad to report he's really gotten interested in food. We pretty much gave up foods that required a spoon because I wanted him to learn to feed himself. Check! Now I'm mixing in regular "pick up" foods with "spoon" foods. Of course, he thinks he needs to be in charge! Here's our attempt at yogurt . . .

"I can do it, Mom!"

"Seriously, Mom! I can do it!"

"See, I told you I've got this!"
I know what you're thinking . . . she always feeds him naked in the highchair. Why would she leave his clothes on and put him on the table for such a messy adventure?!?! I have no idea what I was thinking. Obviously I wasn't thinking. Oh, well . . . live and learn . . . and always be prepared for a bath. I should add that he's not bad at the spoon, if you don't mind a mess. It seems like he paid a lot of attention at mealtimes.

The Big Birthday Celebration!!!!

The day is finally here . . . Lincoln's first birthday party! The cake is ready, the table is decorated, the grill is on, and we're ready to party! Of course we chose a baseball theme because we've watched a lot of baseball together as a family, gone to a few baseball games in this first year, and play with numerous baseballs each day. Lincoln was definitely Rookie of the Year in our book! This is the picture on the birthday invitation:

I got really excited about our theme, and wanted EVERYTHING baseball. Stein's made a delicious cake, and I'm glad we have a little leftover . . . breakfast, lunch and dinner for me!!! Their icing is the best.

Ballpark staples made up the rest of the menu: Hebrew National Hot Dogs, Buttered Popcorn, Nachos, and Cokes! How All-American Baseball can it get! Everyone came hungry and definitely enjoyed the food.

Q:How many guys does it take to cook a hot dog?A: 4 pictured (Eric, Kevin, Jason, and Burt) and 3 not pictured (consultants: Larry, Pops, and Grumps)

Luckily, they were yummy! I think everyone had two!
Bring on the cake! Even though we practiced eating cake, the massive paparazzi flash bulbs in his face and all the pressure to perform must have gotten to Lincoln. I might also mention that his smash cake was HUGE! I should have ordered a cupcake! He stuck his fingers in the icing and wasn't pleased. I took matters into my own hands and dug in myself! He had a lick off my finger and decided it tasted ok.

He still seemed a little intrepid, so we tried another idea: we gave him a spoon! He liked that much better and dug in! He's learning to feed himself with a spoon already so he shoveled a few bites into his mouth.

After some yummy cake, the presents took spotlight. What wonderful gifts he received! Lots of cute outfits that I know he'll make look even cuter! He helped tear the paper and enjoyed looking at the cards. I guess he thought they were mini-books, and we know how he loves looking at books. Thanks for all the cute gifts and Sesame Street cards.

We had to play with a few new toys right away. Lincoln's bestie McCoy was happy to help him try out the new toys. They look at each other with such curiosity, and squeal and pant at each other. It's too funny! Thanks for helping us celebrate, buddy!

Thank you to everyone who came to our party, whether you traveled 5-6 hours or 5-6 minutes. I have TONS of pictures that I'll try to pass around. Happy Birthday to Lincoln!!!!!!

Crazy Duck

Everyone has a crazy aunt, right? Well I have a crazy great aunt Patsy . . . Lincoln's great great aunt. She's really the best! She taught all the girls in my family how to drive (she was the only one brave enough), played lemonade stand for hours upon end, told the best and longest bedtime stories, and ALWAYS gave the loudest toys. She hasn't changed! She called me last week from Arkansas and said she was in Hallmark looking at the cutest Easter duck for Lincoln. Lincoln shortly met Donald "Easter" Duck and was immediately intrigued. Donald sings a quack-y song and walks around, and he screams/quacks when you lift him by his ears. Lincoln was at first a little intimidated by this loud duck coming at him, but he quickly regained his composure. Now he goes after Donald and body slams him! He likes to pick him up to hear him scream/quack, but he usually goes for the beak! I have to remember to turn him off at night because you know those baby toys go off randomly . . . imagine how scared I'd be in the middle of the night if I heard that racket! (One of his "talking" puzzles goes off whenever there's a cell phone near?!?! Who makes these things anyway!)

Did you notice the cute hair spike? His teachers loved it, and called in all the other teachers to check out his 'do! Kevin's afraid I'm going to bust out the hair gel soon . . . don't put it past me!

Mommy Weekend

Daddy went away for the weekend to Eric's bachelor party . . . we had lots of playing to do!

Bye-Bye Daddy!

Playing in Daddy's chair . . . it looked so empty without Daddy, so Linc wanted to sit in it the whole weekend. I would hide little toys in the armrest, and he loved it!
Wondering what surprise will be hiding under the arm!

Helping in the kitchen! He so knows how to stir!

Playing ball! Look how much air that one got!

Just chatting.

We were glad to have Daddy home, and I'm pretty sure Daddy was happy to see us.