Heatwave!

On the last day of January we couldn't have asked for a better day, the sun was shinning, the wind was minimal and the temperature was above 40 degress, who could ask for more (okay, so 70 degrees would be nice....). We started the day off by going to Kindermusik class, which is a big hit with Andrew. In fact he wants to go so much that we can't tell him in advance that we are going or he will be very upset. He enjoyed the music but also watching the other little kids in the class. He likes to copy the other kids, especially when they are doing something they aren't supposed to. After a trip by the vet school we went home for lunch and a nap. After nap time we spent an hour and a half outside riding bikes, building a snowman, throwing snowballs at daddy, and jumping in the melting snow. It was so refreshing to be outside! To finish a great day we went to my favorite restaruant for dinner, The Cafe. Andrew ate like a little piggy, a whole quesadilla, honeydew melon, chips and a cookie for dessert. He was still asking for more chips when we left. He should have popped given all that he ate!

An interesting week

What a week it has been. Nelson and I took our first trip skiing, it's about time since this is our 4th winter in Iowa. We had a great time. We were only on the bunny slope about 45 minutes then went on to the beginner slope. We have a lot of funny memories of the day - me doing the splits in front of the ski lift...Nelson uncontrollable going down the hill.....some we will just keep to ourselves :)

Andrew has had a rough week, another cold and runny nose. He has been up a lot at night coughing. Even though the days have been a bit rough due to his sickness, he keeps us rolling. Today we went to his first Kindermusik class. He enjoyed barking and rolling on the ground, dancing, singing, and using musical instruments. It was a lot of fun. I hope to take some pictures in our next class.

Here are some of the pictures from our first ski adventure.

I told Andrew "Andrew you are a silly boy!"
Andrew laughed and then said "Mama, you are a silly girl (said gurl)"

too cute not to share

Another Winter Weekend

We went sledding again this weekend. Andrew decided that he would give it another try, but only if we both went down the hill with him, me up front and Nelson in the back. We had a great time until I got a facefull of snow, now I know why he didn't want to go again last week, it was freezing! We did a lot this weekend.....sledding, walmart, a trip to the mall to ride on the train and eat a pretzel, and a fun time at a clown show at the library.

Andrews words are growing, here are a few things he has said:

"I reach it"
"I did it"
"I want it"
"pet it" (referring to Pumpkin)
"I sing", "I dance", "I fall"
"me seat"
"Shu Shu" for Sugar Bear

He is also trying to put his own clothes on which can lead to frustrated crying but is fun to watch nonetheless.

Sledding

We have gotten a lot of snow this weekend. Andrew enjoyed going out and shoveling with Nelson. We also went to a hill by our house to really try out our new sled. On the first trip down the hill Andrew got snow in his face and after that preferred to just watch us. Nelson and I had a blast. Boy was it a workout going up that hill again and again. Can't wait to go again, hopefully this time wasn't too traumatic for Andrew and he will give it another try.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I was gently reminded by someone today (you know who you are ;)) that I haven't updated pictures in quite awhile. We had a wonderful xmas vacation in Louisiana and Mississippi. Andrew had a great time visiting with his grandparents and his cousins. The trip flew by and I can't believe it is over already, we looked forward to it for so long.

We had a few beautiful days where it hit 80 degress, wow, we were actually complaining that it was hot (well not really complaining but thinking we should have brought some shorts and also thinking how thankful we were to thaw out from cold Iowa).

Andrew started talking even more during our trip, mostly to tell us what he didn't want, ha, the two's have hit early. His sentences sounded something like....no..I don't want.....cereal or cars or to brush my teeth....or really anything that you specifically ask him if he wants. We enjoyed several park trips, one with Andrew's cousins. Nelson and I even got to go to the movies....now that was a treat. At my parent's house in Mississippi Andrew's cousin Matthew showed him how everything should be done. He liked to hold his hand on the way to feed the horses apples or hold his hand as he tried to "help" Andrew down the stairs. Matthew called Andrew "his little buddy", very cute.

Other important events:

1. Andrew sleeping in until 7am

2. Andrew petting Pumpkin nicely (instead of wacking him with a toy)

3. Andrew calling Nelson - ELSON, where are you?

4. Andrew figuring out that we are at his beck and call - he says he wants juice, you get it, then he wants milk, quite the little manipulator

5. Andrew knowing that you are eating chocolate and demanding to have some...(darn the days of sneaking are officially over or i guess the sneaking is just beginning)

Visiting in Louisiana

Visiting in Mississippi

Marching

A video of Andrew while we were watching the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Trip to the Science Center in Des Moines

Today we went to The Science Center. Andrew really enjoyed it all. He saw and built robots, saw snakes, shopped for vegetables, made bubbles and enjoyed looking around. We had a great time. There was so much to do and see, too much for one day.

November 23, 2008

Today warmed up to almost 50 degrees, the snow melted so we headed outside. We had a good time with Andrew.

I took Andrew to a kids play place in Ankeny - he had a blast. My camera is malfunctioning so sorry for the lack of picture quality.

Eating left over Halloween candy.

Playing with his friend Declan - they are good buddies.

Daddy and Andrew in the box.

November has been a very busy month for us. Andrew now can speak over 50 words and he is still in the "no" phase, sometimes it is funny and other times frustrating.

He loves to sing and dance, play blocks and spends endless hours playing with his cars (of course we play too). I was out of town for a meeting for an entire week - Andrew and Nelson had good quality bonding time. Luckily Andrew didn't give me the cold shoulder when I got back, much to my relief.

We are now able to take Andrew out to different places which is fun. Friday night he enjoyed Japenese for the first time with some vegetarian sushi. He has play sushi with is kitchen stuff so it was fun to see him eat the real thing.

We are looking forward to the holidays. We won't be going home for Thanksgiving but will for Christmas, only a few weeks away!