Daddy and Meredith

Today Meredith and I were in her room after nap reading book after book after book. I have no problem reading to Meredith. She was starting to pick books other than board books, which I thought was rather neat. She picked "Do Princesses Kiss Frogs?" This is one of my favorite books of hers and her room theme came from this book. So on the page of her room theme, I showed her how her room and she got excited! Later in the book the Daddy is taking a picture of his daughter. Meredith looked at the picture and said DADDY!! I asked if the Daddy was taking a picture. She said "Yes" and then she pointed to the girl and said Meredith. Then she kept saying "Daddy, Meredith!" It was so cute!

Meredith is getting more and more vocal and she is getting easier and easier to understand though there are still many words I am baffled by.

Baby dance

From Theodore Elial 0-3 Months

Not only can I hold my head up, but I can stand up if you help me balance. I may be a little wobbly, but my Daddy says I dance quite well for a little baby boy.

Today I was practicing standing on the couch with my Daddy when my big sister came to watch. She also wanted to help and climbed up onto the couch. Here we are dancing with each other. You can't tell too well that she is moving her hands in the picture, but she is! It should be fun playing with my sister in the future!

Head held high

From Theodore Elial 0-3 Months

My Mama and Daddy say that I was born able to move around my head with my super strong neck. Here I am holding up my head at 8 weeks old!

Does this mean I am a big boy now and that I can do all the cool things big boys get to do?

Even if I cannot do all that yet, at least now I can look around and see what is going on around me. Like checking out all the great colors, shapes, and patterns I see near me with my big blue eyes. What fun!

A Trip to Remember

This past weekend we went up to Sioux Falls for our friends Jackie and Justin's wedding. It was a wonderful wedding! The trip getting up there was not. Friday morning Timothy and I got up at 3:30 (I had been up since 3:00 waiting for Theo to wake up to eat and he never did) to get food and pack the car and then wake the kids dress them and make our flight.

We get to the airport get the back checked and make our way to the gate. Everything to this point is going smoothly. We take off at 6:30 like we should. Then at 9:30 the captain get on and tells us that we are going to be landing in Peoria, Iowa (yes, it should be Illinois). He explains that there is bad weather in Chicago. Apparently there was a tornado at the airport and they evacuated the tower and shut down the airport.

At 11 they let us off the plane since it looks like we are not going anywhere fast, but they say stay close (not much place to go in the airport anyway) because it could change quickly. It did change quickly, at about 12 they announced that we were to get back on the plane and that they were not waiting for anyone. Timothy and I had just gotten lunch and were about to eat it. We take our food and we all get back on (this takes about 20-30 mins). Everything gets loaded. We have to wait for a plane next to us to pull out because they do not have machines to push us back from our parking place. We wait the plane next to us moves. We taxi out to the run way and then wait some more to get orders from Chicago or from the tower there (a little unclear where the problem was). This all takes up to an hour more. Just before we pull on to the runway to take off we all see a storm fast approaching and think this can not be good. It turns out we are all right and we have to now sit through high winds and hail. Just as the storm is ending the captain comes on again and says I have used up all of my reserve fuel and we need to go back again to refuel (we had taken on more fuel when we stopped the first time). At this point we all can not believe it. We return and get fuel then we taxi out and we leave! We finally get to Chicago at 4 pm.

Timothy and I hoof it over to the terminal where the next flight to Sioux Falls was since we think it is better to be close to where we might finally get to go. We get in line for customer care (this line is about 10-15 gates long. We decide that it would be better if we split up and one goes to the Sioux Falls gate and the other stays in line there, but keep our phones with us to stay in contact. All of a sudden, I am alone in line with two children and two car seats. It takes me a few minuets to realize that timothy left me with both kids and did not just go to the restroom. I call him to ask him what he was thinking and it turns out he was not thinking. He is in line though and it is shorter then where I am at and he is almost to the counter. He tells me to come to him. So I stand for a few minuets to try to figure out how I am going to get two children and two car seats down about 20 gates. I had hoped that Meredith would walk at least some of the way but there was no way that was going to happen. She had already been in my arms before and apparently that is how Timothy forgot about her. I some how picked up the bucket car seat and got a hold of Meredith's car seat which was in a bag and on wheels. I get about half way down to the gate where Timothy was and forget the number. So I set down both car seats and call him back. We all made it there safe and sound! timothy was actually talking to someone when we got there!!! We get told that all flights to Sioux Falls that day were canceled and that we should try other airports near there. We find a flight that just got all booked to Omaha and get some of the first standby seats.

Back we go to where we had just gotten off the plane and we were told to HURRY because the flight left in about 30 mins and was boarding and if we missed our names being called we would miss our chance. This time Timothy has Meredith on his back and off we go as fast as we possibly can go. We get there and they have not started calling names! It did not take long though until they started calling names. We got on!! We were hopeful that we would be leaving soon! One small hitch was keeping us from leaving because the plane was full. We had no one to fly the plane. We were told that they were in the airport though and were on their way. 5 mins turned into 30 mins because they had to go to a briefing on the new weather system that was coming that way. Timothy and I had gotten on the plane at about 6 pm and got told at about 6:45 that we should be pushing back from the gate at 7:20 ish if we wanted to get off the plane to get something to eat to do it now. I asked Timothy to go and get us something to eat while I stayed with the kids so that we did not have to drag them around with us. Meredith was in and out of fits at that point because she was so tired. Thankfully most people were understanding and Meredith seemed to be distracted from the fits pretty easily. I at this point knew we were going to at least make it to Omaha and called the car rental place and had our reservation sent down to Omaha. As I was getting off the phone Theo started to cry. I knew he was not hungry as I had just fed him less then an hour ago. I was positive that he was tired because it was past the time he normally went to bed (it was past the time both kids go to bed). Timothy came back just about that same time with our food. As we were trying to figure out who was going to eat what and where the flight attendant offered to take Theo and walk with him to try to settle him while I got to eat. I normally do not let people help me in any way because I am so stubborn but I am starting to learn when something nice is offered take it! I said yes and Theo went off. To my surprise he settled rather quickly. I ate my food and told Timothy that we at least had a car when we got to Omaha. Theo started to get upset again just as I was finishing my food. I took him back and was able to get him to sleep. Meredith was starting to fad and the person sitting next to us was standing in the aisle so we let her lay down on his seat with her head resting on Timothy's leg with thoughts of picking her up once she was out. As she was falling asleep she decided to turn over and fell off the seats. Poor thing, it really scared her. After the storm passed and everyone was back on the plane we took off and landed in Omaha.

We got to Omaha at about 9:30. We went down checked on our bag that was still in Chicago and waited in line for a car. then went out to get the car and waited in line again. then finally got the car and got the car seats in the car (boy was I glad that we gate checked the car seats). By this time it was almost 11 pm. We pulled into Walmart in Sioux Falls at 1:30 am to get PJ's and other essentials like diapers. Then we went to Jim and Carolynn's (Timothy's aunt and uncle's house). Carolynn was waiting up for us and for Jim who had also been in that same mess. We change into our PJ's and start the washer. Aunt Carolynn says she will stay up and put the stuff into the dryer for us. In the morning not only was our stuff dry but it was folded! I am and was so grateful!

We never received our bag in time for the wedding so my bridesmaid dress never made it but the photographer had an old bridesmaid dress that at least pretty much matched in color. It fit in the bottom but did not on top thanks to my breastfeeding boobs. We did figure out how to pin me in the dress and it worked out just fine. Besides no one was there to see me and I got to stand up for our very good friends wedding. It was a lovely wedding! The message reminded me of so many things that I think I had started to forget. I think there should be more weddings like theirs!

A few lessons learned:

• go with your gut
• family helps pull your through
• friends are wonderful
• check the weather before you leave

This is a work in progress: check back later for more details and lessons

Standing

From Theodore Elial 0-3 Months

Meredith may walk the walk but hey I am 6 weeks old and standing!! I may get some help from Mama or Daddy, but I am the one doing the work! At least my legs and body are doing the work; Mama is just superficial. If the picture could talk, it would let you know that I was only holding on for the sake of balance, and even then I was just barely holding on.

Walking the Walk

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

Mama and Daddy like to watch me walk. I normally have a purpose to my walk and here are pictures to prove it. I have been walking around the neighborhood when it is not one hundred and fifty million degrees outside with Mama, Daddy, Gilligan (I get to hold his leash) and baby Theo. I can't wait until it is cooler out to walk some more!

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

Hobbies

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

While I have some great hobbies:

• Running around in circles
• Running around in circles, pushing my stroller (a.k.a. "rorrer")
• Running around in circles, with a blanket on like a cape
• Running around in circles, chasing Gilligan

I think I may take up a new hobby. My Daddy and Mama sure seem to like it. Why wouldn't I?

So I thought the best way to learn about taking pictures would be to read Daddy's magazine. It has a lot of pretty pictures in it! Maybe some day I can take pictures like that!

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

WOW! Cameras are expensive!! Maybe I'll wait a little while to start this hobby...

Papa?

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

I keep calling, but I don't seem to get an answer. All I hear periodically is my baby brother, Theo, whining. Then my Mama gets up and all of a sudden they're both back in the living room.

I may not talk much to him when my Daddy calls, but I sure like pretending with my "phones" even if they aren't really phones!

Baby Theo is pondering the whole scenario... he doesn't quite get why I would talk into a baby monitor?

From Theodore Elial 0-3 Months

P.S. -- I love you Papa!

Sit and Eat

As Daddy told you a while ago, I have become a big helper. Mama finally got some pictures of me helping feed Gilligan! Here they are!


sit

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

eat

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

putting the food away

From Meredith Jane 19-21 months

Sleeping

From Theodore Elial 0-3 Months

Timothy and Theo have been getting along better and better in the past few weeks. Timothy has been giving Theo a bottle once a night for the past few nights and I think it is helping. This morning we went out to our community garage sale to see what was there. We came home with what we left with (our children). Timothy ended up carrying Theo the last part of our way home because he was fussy. I guess he fell asleep at one point on the way home because Timothy woke him up unlocking the door. I could see the look of pride on Timothy's face. He brought Theo inside and sat down with him in a short amount of time Theo was back asleep. Here is the picture of him sleeping with his Daddy.

Smile!

From Theodore Elial 0-3 Months

I have found my smile! Mama thinks it is the cutest thing ever! Mama also asked me if I could try to giggle before 4 months old because she said that was a long time to wait for Meredith to giggle. In other news, I still do not really cry real tears. Mama thought that doctor was joking when she commented on Meredith's tears at 2 weeks old because Meredith had been crying real tears for a while before that.

Secrets

Meredith enjoys talking to me and giving me hugs and kisses. Mama hears Meredith lean in really close and whisper, "Hi, Hi, Hi" over and over to me. Little does Mama know that this is secret baby code for all kinds of things. Here Meredith is telling me the secret to getting out of the car seat. OOPS!! It looks like she might have been caught on this secret!

A New Ride

Today Mama and Daddy got me a new car seat. Mama is convinced that the bucket car seat that we have makes babies cry. Apparently, Meredith screamed just like I do when in it. Thus far, we have only tried it out in the living room, but if I can look at the contrast in the fabric like I did today while in the car we should have no problems! Here I am in my new ride after Mama adjusted all the straps and the head rest for me.

I Need a Bowl

Today, I was messing around on the computer. While Timothy was upstairs changing Theo's diaper, Meredith comes running up to me jabbering something. At first I did what I pretty much always do and say, "yes dear?" to try to get her to repeat it so that I can have a few more seconds to put toddler jabber together into something I can at least repeat back to her that follows the intonation and pattern. Basically I am saying that I tell her things that I think she might be saying. So Meredith gladly repeats what she just said and I for once did not have to make up what she said. I clearly heard, "I need a bowl!" I look up from her face and see the cabinet that we keep her spoons in open. I repeat back to her, "you need a bowl?!" and off Meredith scampers to the cabinet where we keep the bowls locked up. I opened the cabinet and she retrieves her much awaited bowl. In true toddler fashion, I turned around to grab my camera that has been sitting on the counter for just such occasions, and she has already finished stirring her bowl and is walking around asking where Daddy was. I tried to redirect her back to the bowl and spoon so I could get a picture and at least pretend for Grandmas and Grandpas that I snapped the picture of her first understood sentence but the abandoned bowl and spoon will have to do.

Are You Tired?!?

Of seeing me in my Mama's baby wearing gear!?! I sure hope not because I love to steal it and make anyone who does not have a baby in their arms put it on me. Here I am in my latest steal! Mama took both front and back view.

Sharing

As you all know I love my baby brother. He does not do much, but I am often able to convince my Mama to let me give baby Theo hugs and kisses when I ask nicely. I also pat my shoulder like I would do if I was burping a baby. When I do not ask I pull on his arms, feet, head, or anywhere else I can pull him. Mama has to watch me like a hawk so that I do not hurt him. The other day I was playing with my Legos and Theo and Mama were sitting by me playing on the baby gym. Instead of trying to move the baby gym or pick Theo up I decided to share my Legos. Here I am putting Legos on Theo's mat.

Legos

I have been branching out in what I play with these past few weeks. Mama got me these great stacking things when Theo was born and I enjoy playing with them. However, I have not totally mastered the putting the peaces on top of each other. I am slowly getting better and better! Here I actually got one on top of another!

Saying Goodbye

Growing up in San Antonio, I remember getting new friends and classmates fairly often. I learned that even though I am not the one moving about every 3-4 years my friends and classmates would change because of how the military moves. It was never easy and it still is not easy. Since we have moved here we have gotten close to a family at our church and Bible study. Meredith and their youngest son were born 2 weeks apart. Our due dates were opposite of the order they came. It has been a thrill to see them grow together. Meredith who was just a peanut when born, now towers over our friends' child who made Meredith look like the tiniest newborn even though he was the one who was younger. For the past two years have spent almost one day a week over at their house. When I tell Meredith that we are going to our friends' house she says his name over and over and over until we get there.

Our friends are in the process of moving to Germany. As they pack their belongings, I remember friends and classmates moving away. I hope that I am better at keeping in touch with friends now then when I was 10. This past Wednesday we had our friends over for one last get together. Timothy and I have already talked about a trip to visit them in the next year or two. My heart is saddened now not only for myself but for Meredith as we say goodbye to very good friends. We posted a picture of Meredith and her friend playing for this post.

Here's a shout out to my godparents!

From Theodore Elial Baptism

Thank you for supporting me during my baptism. I may not quite get it yet, but I do know that you love me! :)

Here's a picture of all of us from Sunday. Pastor Dave got cut off a little, but we still love him too.

For some reason the only person to really hold me for an extended period of time after the service was Evan, one of my godparents. Don't you think he looks like he will be a good Daddy some day?

From Theodore Elial Baptism

I am baptized into the body of Christ!

From Theodore Elial Baptism

This past weekend my Mama and Daddy brought me to church (as they usually do), but this time they dressed me up in this outfit. I thought it looked a little girly for my tastes, but they said I was handsome. Can you see the lace in this picture? Oh well, hopefully it doesn't hamper my style...

Anyway, the pastor poured water over my head, I got a little angry, and everyone seemed happy. Happy people makes for a happy baby!

Don't miss out on seeing some pictures in here and also over in the links on the right.

I'm "blonding"

From Theodore Elial Baptism

.. or so says my Mama and Daddy.

I think they're just trying to be nice, as it sounds a whole lot like "balding." Mama also says that she can see new blond hair growing in.

I've seen a few babies already and they seem to be losing their hair too so maybe it isn't such a bad deal. Besides, my sister Meredith seems to have plenty of hair and she's not even 2 years old yet so I don't think I have much to worry about.

What do you think?

I think my Mama is the bestest Mama around! :)

Baby Wearing

As you all know Mama is a connoisseur of carriers. I too have started to be creative in how I carry around my doll! here I am utilizing one of Theo's swaddle blankets. Yes, I was just using it as a queen's robe. (got to love imagination).

All Hail the Queen

I have been confiscating blankets from Theo to be a queen! I enjoy ruling the castle (well as much as Mama and Daddy will let me). Right now that pretty much only entails bossing Gilligan around but he does not respond to toddler talking all that well.








I have been able to get him to give me kisses though!

Clipity Clop

I am a pretty happy go lucky baby! I thus far am learning lots of new things one of my favorite activities is playing with my toys. I have this activity mat that I really enjoy playing on but I only get the chance when my sister is sleeping or if my Mama sits right next to me. Meredith has this thing with trying to move me while i lay on the activity mat. We are working on communicating and sharing though!

Here is a picture of me with Clipity clop.

Another Camera

Daddy got a package in the mail about two week ago and it was another camera. Mama and Daddy were both excited. Mama kept saying things about her being able to take pictures now. The weekend before Theo's baptism Mama and Daddy spent a lot of time behind the camera and this is how I saw them. Which is fine because then you all are able to see pictures of me and Theo.

Don't worry about them neglecting us to take their pictures. I rather enjoy getting out of the house and stretching my legs. Mama and Daddy let me run around sometimes while they are taking pictures and one of them always has an eye on me and Theo.

Thank You

My Grandma came down to meet Theo but ended up taking me to the potty a whole bunch. Here she is taking me on Theo's baptism.

My other grandparents came down too for Thoe's baptism and i think all of them expect Grandpa Stavenger took me to the potty at least once. This sure helps Mama keep me in panties!

So you have heard correct I have been in panties for a few weeks now and am getting really good at peeing in the potty! Mama is excited to have a big girl on her hands now!!