Baine at 15 Months

 

I cannot believe Baine is 15 months already. SLOW DOWN TIME! He is growing so fast, and is developing quite the personality.  He is definitely a Daddy's Boy. He always runs to the door when he hears Joe come home from work. He always prefers Joe to pick him up and hold him. And he always wants to sit on Joe's lap to eat.  

-Wearing 18-24 month clothing

- Size 4 diapers

-He has a tummy on him, and "thunder thighs" :)  He even got his legs caught in his crib the other night and Joe and Clint and Tara had to put oil on him to get his leg out!

-He waves hi/bye

-Nods for yes/no

-Signs for more 

-Favorite word: DADA! But has been saying mama lately :)

-LOVES Jodee's cat

-Still loves his bottle at nap/bed time ( I think he'll take that bottle to Kindergarten!)

-Needs his blue anchor blankie to sleep

-LOVES to be read to, he even likes taking a book to bed with him

-Baine is so ornery! He is definitely going to be my naughty child. He will run around biting your toes when you are trying to relax on the couch.

-A MONKEY! He loves to climb anything and everything from couches, the bunk bed, stairs, ladders, you name it!

-Favorite food: anything sweet!

-Still sleeps 13 hours or so at night----such a good sleeper!

-Needs 3 full bottles in his crib at bedtime, he is a growing baby!

Science Experiments

Beau has been into creating "experiments" lately.  He goes into the pantry, grabs all sorts of items, and puts them into a bowl or bubble wand trying to make an experiment.  Joe showed Beau an experiment with vinegar and baking soda, and Beau was so amazed at the reaction!  I love that Beau is so interested in this and is constantly trying to learn how things work, grow, or operate.  Maybe we have an engineer or chemist on our hands?? Or maybe a school bus driver, because that is still what he says that he wants to be when he grows up :)  Although, he told Joe that he wants to be a Dr. so he can learn to get rid of warts.  Haha turd! :)

"Spa" Day

The other weekend Beau rode to Ottumwa with Aunt Joi, Nana and me to go to the mall.  I wanted a pedicure, so while my mom and I relaxed while getting pampered, Beau also relaxed in the salon.  He definitely is my mini-me that loves to go anywhere, go for car rides, and just be  doing something fun and not part of our normal routine. He was so good at the salon that he was treated to a new Star Wars hoodie and transformer...these are his two loves right now:) 

Sleepover at Papa and She-She's

Beau and Baine had a sleepover at Papa and She-She's the other weekend.  Now that their house is completely done from being remodeled, Beau jumped at the first shot he had to go to Papa's!  He loves to bake cookies there, play in the playroom, and of course, be Papa's big helper.  Baine is right behind, though.  Wherever Papa goes, Baine is right behind him.  He has to be in the same room as Papa.  When Baine needs to be in bed sleeping, he knows what to do!  He just fusses and whines until he is allowed to be out of his crib and rocked---he is so spoiled there! I love the quality time the boys get with all of their grandparents, and they are so fortunate to have all of their grandparents so close to them to have these play dates and sleepovers.

Big Boy Haircut

Ever since Beau was a baby, Joe has been BEGGING to have Beau, and now Baine, get an undercut hair style.  I am so in love with Beau's blond, curls that I couldn't cave in. I finally let Joe have his way.  We decided to give Baine a Big Boy haircut, and I must say, it looks so cute!  He is not my baby anymore :( How did that happen?!

New Years Eve 2015

For New Years Eve, we decided at the last minute to go to Des Moines with Caleb.  Joe and I normally don't do a whole lot for NYE and just stay around town or even at home with friends and family.  This year, spruced it up a bit!  We had dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant, Wasabi Tao, with Caleb and Alex.  After dinner, we spent the majority of the night at the Stuffed Olive, and a few of our other favorite bars.  We had so much fun together and rang in the New Year with nothing but smiles high expectations for 2016.  Cheers to a new year!

Our Beloved Butters

Right before Christmas, we lost our 2nd dog this winter, Butters.  Her heart was failing and giving up on her.  Joe has had Butters for 10 years, the same amount of time I had Macee.  Their birthdays were just weeks apart even.  Ever since Macee died, Butters had been depressed and lonely.  Even though it isn't what ended her life, her broken heart over Macee didn't help (words from the Vet).  Joe has been very upset and missing Butters greatly.  Now that we are dogless, we aren't sure if we will get another dog soon, or wait until the boys are old enough to ask for one. 

RIP Butters, you were loved and will be very missed!

Josh had this picture made for Joe as a Christmas present :)

Star Wars at the IMAX

For Christmas, we got Joe's family all tickets to see Star Wars at the IMAX, since they are fans of the series.  I stayed home with Baine (since he is too little to watch a movie and he was under the weather).  Beau was on Cloud 9 watching Star Wars and "Dark Gator" :) :) :). 

Christmas Overview

 

This Christmas season went by way too fast.  While we understand the true meaning, and why we celebrate because of the birth of Jesus Christ, right now it is so fun to see how excited our children are at Christmas.  Yes, I want them to grow up understanding and believing in the real meaning of Christmas.  However, right now, seeing their eyes light up over presents and the enjoyment that comes from it is what I love seeing.  Joe and I have truly been blessed with two, healthy, amazing sons.  With our hopes and goals to extend our family, we know that with the two we have, we have been amazingly blessed and we could not have hoped for two better children.  We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and you have a happy new year.  2015 was a rough year, and we are very eager to see what 2016 brings!  

Grandma Betty's Christmas

Our last Christmas was with Grandma Betty with the whole family at her house.  While not everyone was able to attend, we enjoyed seeing all of the cousins, catching up, and watching the kids play.  Seeing how proud Dad and Shari were of their grandchildren there warmed my heart because I know how much the kids mean to them. 

Christmas with Papa and She-She

Our next Christmas was with my dad and Shari.  Grandma Betty ended up joining us, too!  While the adults relaxed with a few beverages, the kids enjoyed playing with the new toys in the playroom.  It was a win-win for everyone :) 

They love to be naked haha!

Beau had helped She-She make Christmas cookies and he was so proud of it too!

Christmas With Nana and Den-Den

 Christmas with my mom and Dennis was really relaxing and enjoyable for all.  We had a great time relaxing, laughing, and obviously chasing the kids around!

Christmas Eve with Grandpa Scott and Grandma Chelle

We spend Christmas Even morning/afternoon with Joe's family.  It was fun to see both boys excited about presents this year.  Baine is getting to the age where he just wants to play with Beau, and play with the same toys.  While Baine is excited about this, Beau is still learning to share :)

 On Christmas Day, Michelle's side of the family came for Christmas.  Beau loved playing with Sarah and having all of her attention :)

Beau LOVED his new ball