CHRISTMAS TREE!!!

Like I said, we just couldn't wait to put up our Christmas tree! We were so excited to get it out and decorated because we knew that Ethan would just love it. We figured that Ethan would try to pull the ornaments off the tree so I wondered if I had just set myself up for Tree Patrol for the next month and a half (and lose my mind)--but Ethan just loves to stare at the lights! He did try to pull the bottom ornaments off once, but I got down next to him and pointed to the ornament and firmly said "NO." Skyler and I are relieved that he is starting to understand our language! He hasn't touched a ball since! Oh, and speaking of knowing the language, I was holding Ethan the other day and said, "Can mama have a kiss? Give mama a kiss." He looked at me and gave me a big, wet (opened mouth :-) ) kiss! I was so proud! He's probably getting sick of giving me kisses though because I ask him for one at least 10 times/day. And sometimes he just looks at me like "Oh mom, please no. Not again." He also started waving at people at the stores, so we get a LOT of attention. It can get annoying though because you get some people who (in baby talk all up in his grill) ask Ethan how old he is, what his name is, if he likes shopping with Mom, etc. So I have to politely say, "he's 9 months, his name is Ethan, and yes he's a very good little shopper." When really I'm thinking, "Come on lady, he's only 9 months old, he can't answer your questions, nor does he understand them, so please--don't waste my time." I'm all about getting/giving quick compliments, but seriously, let's not be ridiculous. I mean, I knew that after having a baby my days of just running in and getting some milk "real quick" were over (getting baby in and out of carseat, juggling baby and items, paying while being accosted by a baby who wants your wallet/credit card/keys)--but 10 minutes for a "quick trip" for 1 item?! I don't think so. I guess that's my rant for the day--so please, let's all make the world a quicker place and just give a simple compliment (or none at all) and be on with your day. ;-) Oh, and Happy Holidays!!! :-)

Look who's getting so big!!

Well, of course it's Ethan, or as we like to call him these days--peek-a-boo. It's his favorite, favorite game and it gets his attention every time. For example, he has ALWAYS been difficult to diaper because he instantly tries to roll over to his belly and crawl away...until I started saying PEEK-A-BOO! (in a silly exaggerated voice) and he lays perfectly still for me. Because we know that humors him, it has become habit to say that when we need his attention or to wipe his face (or anything else he hates for that matter). And lately, I think we've been saying that as a little nickname--like "Goodnight peek-a-boo" or "Come on peek-a-boo," "Let's eat dinner peek-a-boo." I don't know how it transitioned to that really, and I think I'd be worried that he might think his name is Peek-a-Boo, if he didn't already respond to Ethan. I can just imagine grocery shopping with Ethan and having some little old lady ask him what his name is and he responds, "Peek-A-Boo." Oh well...it works out for the time being--and I'm glad I have something to distract him because he is a VERY busy, curious little boy. Here are some pictures of how big and handsome he is getting (I think we may have problems with this one in a few years! :-) ). He LOVES the remote (it lights up when he presses buttons) and the pictures will show him crawling across the couch for a plate (which makes me nervous because he still doesn't understand that he could FALL off the couch).

Holiday Cheer!

So it looks like we can't wait any longer to put up decorations for the Holiday Season! Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of Thanksgiving decorations, so we are just going straight for Christmas! Whoo hoo!! We are soo excited to put up our tree and stuff because we know that little Ethan will just love it! I think the problem is going to be defending the tree from Ethan's tiny grasp! He is such a little dare devil now! He will be standing at the couch and then he will just decide that he wants to be at the coffee table--so he will literally let go of the couch and lunge for the table! It freaks me out--but luckily he has been successful every time. Also, he loves to get into any drawers or cupboards and pull out all of their belongings. The other day, he pulled out all of our dvds. When I removed him from the mess to clean up, the next thing I knew--all of the remotes/magazines/diapers had been pulled out of the coffee table drawers. He sure keeps me busy! Stay tuned for pictures! I know we're putting our decorations up a tad early, but hey, we don't really care. We are too excited and really, who is going to see them except for us? Maybe some good friends that come to the house, but other than that.....also, I need addresses for Christmas cards....Thanks!!!

Lots of new posts...

...So it seems that I always take tons of pictures and then wait to post them on our blog. So you guys are in for a special treat--you've got LOTS of reading/catching up to do! We are all doing very well--have I mentioned that Ethan got his 1st tooth?! His bottom right tooth finally broke through the gum and he was a champ through it all!!! I hope you all are happy and healthy!!!

Play time with daddy

Ethan and I are so lucky to have such a wonderful guy in our lives! Skyler is the perfect husband and the most wonderful, loving daddy! Ethan truly loves to spend time with his da da. It really makes me so happy to watch the two of them bond--I so love my two boys! Skyler's idea of "bonding" with Ethan the other night seemed to be putting Emme's big girl panties on Ethan's head--I couldn't believe it when I joined them upstairs--it was hilarious!! Also, Sky has been really working with Ethan to help him stand up on hold his balance. He's not quite there yet--but I'm sure he'll be walking by Christmas! AHHH!!!









Remember when I said that Ethan loves to be naked? Ethan took his diaper off and I found him standing butt naked at his exersaucer! He was a very, very happy boy.

Gymboree has been the best thing EVER!

We take Ethan to a little play group every Saturday and the teacher does all kinds of fun activities and exercises with the babies. I think that it has really helped with Ethan's development. He is picking up on things so quickly! It's almost like he sees the other babies and either wants to do what they can do (or do it better!). I think I have quite the competitive little spirit on my hands--which makes mama very proud!!!!

Working on hand/eye coordination


Ethan was the only baby (of 5 or 6) that could grab his ball off the cone! ( I know, I'm bragging again) :-)


Notice the other ball still on the cone!


Still has it!


He refused to let it go!!!


Playing baby soccer!!!


My handsome boy is growing up!!!


Bubbles!!!


Doing the "Jimbo Dance"




Yep his shirt says "I'd rather be naked" and it's true--he loves to be nakey!!!

Best Friends!

Ethan is so lucky to have such a good little friend! I watch my friend's daughter, Emme, 4 days a week--and they play sooo well together! She is such a sweet little girl, and is a big help! She loves Ethan very much and he loves her! Here are some adorable pictures of tub time!





It was so nice of Emme to help wash Ethan's hair!