8 Glorious Months!

So many exciting things to report this month!! I guess, first and foremost, I am happy to report that Bowman is crawling...well, scooting I guess is more like it. He looks just like a little army man, dragging himself across the room. He's actually quite fast; I'm always amazed how quickly AND how often I have to move him away from stuff. Bowman does try to move in the "classic" crawl position but hasn't quite gotten the timing right. He is able to get himself back into a sitting position when on the floor; he's gotten so grown up!

I guess you can already guess what his 2nd big news is...my little boy has teeth! He currently has 3...2 on the bottom and 1 on the top. AND, the 4th tooth is trying to make an appearance as well. So, 3 (almost 4) teeth in 3 weeks...yeah, we've had a few rough nights!! But, he's back to sleeping soundlessly from about 7p - 6a. Though Craig and I would love a later wake-up time, I hate to complain....he could still be waking up at night...yikes!

Bowman is so happy; in fact, everyone seems to comment on how cheery he is. Many of the moms from Bowman's class at the daycare tell me how he greets them in the morning and afternoon will a big smile! He's also started waving. Trust me, he doesn't do it all the time, but when he does...I absolutely love it! As much as I hate for him to grow up, I love the little personality he is developing. He continues to be enraptured with his brother. Porter is always greeted with a smile and (more often than not) a giggle to go with it. They play together every day. While Porter sometimes forgets that Bowman isn't as big as he is, they still manage to have a wonderful time together.

Bowman's eating routine hasn't changed much. He's still eating 3 meals and drinking 4 bottles a day. I tried introducing a few solid foods, but he isn't ready. Most of the time he clamps his lips together when I offer him something and, the few times I have given it to him, he gags. So we're staying away from that for now...we'll just stick with the baby food.

Bowman continues to amaze us with how much he grows and how much he learns every day. I know he will be walking soon, so I'm trying to cherish the few truly "baby" moments I have left.

Slip 'n Slide

Well, I'm sure like many of you, we've been trying to find whatever methods possible to stay cool these days. It's hard to believe it's not even July; these 100 degree days are already getting old...is it bad that I'm already looking forward to some early fall weather?? Our development doesn't have a pool, so we've always set up a "baby" pool for Porter in the backyard. With 2, the pool is getting very crowded AND Porter is getting braver by the day; he wants to leap in and out of the pool, put his face in the water, and SWIM. So, this morning, Craig and I bought the boys a bigger pool; actually we can all fit in it if we need a cool down! Unfortunately, Bowman missed the first swim session -- it was during his afternoon nap -- but Porter didn't waste any time making himself right at home. We even rigged up his slide to make his own personal waterpark. Porter played for a solid 2 hours...no wonder we didn't hear any arguments at bedtime!!

Date Night

Wednesday I treated Porter to an extra special surprise...we went to the Colonial Center to see "Thomas and Friends" LIVE and on stage. He, like many little boys, is pretty addicted with these tiny trains, so I knew he would love seeing Thomas in person. The show didn't start until 7pm and I was a little worried he wouldn't be able to sit through the 90-minute show. But, he was good as gold...and kept asking me if we could stay! The arena was filled with little boys, and it was so much fun seeing them all dance and sing. We even ran into friends...new and old! It was a great night, and I certainly cherish these little "Mommy and Me" moments with Porter!

Of course, we didn't get too far before he noticed the snow cones. He was very good about holding it, and never spilled a drop! He also got to bring home a T-shirt; he had no problem correctly naming all the trains on his new shirt!

Porter's 2 favorites: Thomas and Percy!!!!!!

Thomas, Percy, Gordon, & James

Porter was all smiles during the show. And, when we left, a train just happened to be going through downtown Columbia. It blew its whistle and every boy coming out of the arena shouted "THOMAS!!!" Too cute!

Summer Beauty

My hydrangeas are in bloom...

HE DID IT!!!

Yes, apparently all I had to do was document my frustration with this "milestone"...or lack thereof...Porter gave daddy an extra special Father's Day gift. HA! Probably NOT what Craig had in mind, but he was excited nonetheless. We rewarded Porter with a trip to McDonald's. We let him order whatever he wanted, so we ended up coming home with a Happy Meal and an ice cream cone. Porter decided he wasn't a fan of the cone, so I had to step up and eat it for him...A mom's work is never done! Anyway, I'm sure a few accidents are in our future, but it was so nice to get over this hump. Porter was so pleased with himself...he finally realizes it's neither scary or hard to do the doo on the potty!

And, on another note, Bowman is officially in motion. He has mastered an "army crawl;" he pulls himself from one side of the room to the other with his arms FAST! Though it's not the prettiest crawl I've ever seen, he has no problem getting where he needs to go. Guess it's time to put the gate back up!!!

What an memorable Father's Day this turned out to be!!!!!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

We love you Daddy!!!

Assistance Please!!!

Ok...we've been "potty-training" for almost 2 months now...Porter is GREAT at peeing in the potty. He rarely has an accident; normally his pullup is only changed after his nap. But, we have yet to get him to POOP in the potty. He yells, screams, and cries when we try to get him to "do his business" on his potty. Normally, he runs into the room with a diaper and asks one of us to put it on...shortly thereafter we're cleaning him up. I've tried sitting with him, reading books, hanging out in the bathroom...nothing! He'll be 3 at the end of September, so I'm not in a total panic yet. But, I would gladly appreciate any advice anyone has...I just don't want this experience to end up traumatizing him in the end!

Bowman's Christening

On Saturday, we celebrated Bowman's christening at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. I feel bad that he was 7 and 1/2 months when this special event finally happened, but I'm glad we were able to have the ceremony before the church closed for renovations. In fact, we were the last group to celebrate this sacrament in the main church. The christening was schedule after mass on Saturday evening, and I was a little worried that it would make for some very unhappy kiddos. But, the boys surprised me, as both were in good spirits throughout...I guess it helped that they both took excellent naps that afternoon!

I was very fortunate that my best friend Sarah not only served as one of Bowman's godmothers, but also had her son, William, baptized on the same day. I'm sure this day will mark the first of many special days these two cuties will share! On a side not, Sarah just cut off 10 inches of her hair to donate to Lock of Love...Go girl!! I think your hair looks FAB!!!!!

Bowman was so good during the ceremony; no tears were shed during the annointing of oil or when the traditional water was poured over his head. As s special treat, the priest had recently visited the Jordan River, so Bowman and William were both baptized with water from this holy place.

Craig's sister, Leslie, served as Bowman's godmother as well...we were so excited she was able to come home before she heads off to Africa for a few months!

Porter was rather restless during the event, so my dad was nice enough to take he and Maylee out to the garden to let off some steam. They soon discovered the fountain, and were quite taken with all the rocks! I swear, one day I WILL get a picture of both of them looking at the camera!!!!

Bowman with Mimi and Grandpa Bud

Bowman, Pop-Pop and Grammy

My sister came down for the weekend as well. It was a very busy weekend, and a lot of it was spent in the car, but I'm really glad she was able to join us. I'm already looking forward to our annual family beach trip in July...ONE MONTH AND COUNTING!!!!!

Missing in Action

Yes, yes, I know...I've been rather MIA lately. But, no worries...I haven't taken a total hiatus. Craig and I just decided to spend less time with technology and more time with our family for awhile. The TV, laptop, and Blackberry have been off most nights; it's actually been nice catching up on books I've wanted to read, projects I've wanted done, or simply doing nothing at all. But, I promise posts are coming soon...In fact, we had a pretty eventful weekend, so I will get those pictures up ASAP. My posts may be farther apart during the summer, but know that I will post!! See you all soon!!