First Steps

Steven's walking and we just can't get enough of it. He took 4 steps together on the Fourth of July (very appropriate and easy for me to remember) and then a few days later walked about 6 or 7. At that time, he would take them when he thought no one was watching and would sit down if we tried to get him to walk to us- he was doing it on the sly for practice I guess. Then he started getting more bold and taking a few steps between furniture. But now he's a crazy man on the loose and it's really cute. Of course, we get really excited when he walks so now he looks at us for a reaction every time. It kills us because he gets excited and claps for himself (a recent development) sometimes in the middle of walking. He's getting to be a really good little walker. He also learned this weekend how to give us "five." He gets excited about that too. Usually we say, "Steven give Daddy five," he does and then we all laugh, cheer "yea", and clap. We do it over and over again. I keep thinking he's going to get tired of it but it's our new favorite game.

Happy 1st Birthday to Saige!

My little niece turned ONE yesterday! I can't believe how old she is! Cheryl and Patrick had a family party for her at their house that was a lot of fun with lots of sentimental value. She is so sweet. I love having a niece and it's fun to watch her grow because Steven and her are so different. I love all the noises and gestures she makes- they just exude girliness. I switched to Cheryl and Patrick camera after a few pictures so this is the only one I have from yesterday (I'd like to say that Saige is thinking "Hey that's my ball...it's pink...you can't play with that."). I'll add more pics of them below from a few weeks ago that I never posted. I'm so excited to add another niece to our family (Cheryl's due Nov 19 with #2)- it's good for Steven is learn how he needs to play gently with girls and fun for me! Reality Check: Steven and Saige are exactly 5 weeks apart, so that means my baby is turning one in 5 weeks and I don't know if I can handle it!

Our Weekend with Harry

I usually would have done this post already but I've had a few distractions this week. Steven woke up Monday with a very mild case of pink eye; thankfully, it was very minor so the drops had completely taken care of it by the next day. However, this morning he woke up with a runny nose so we'll see if that amounts to anything- my poor kid! I guess that's what happens when you party hard all weekend. =)


The Harry Potter festivities began on Friday afternoon. My in-laws had planned on watching Steven while we went to dinner and see HP movie 5. When Brenda came to pick the little guy up, she suggested he spend the night. I was a little hesitant (not sure if I was ready for that "big step") and then it hit me how perfect it would work out (i.e. allow for more reading tim eon Sat morning). So, Steven spent his first night away at Mimi and Popo's Friday night. I was feeling slightly (or extremely) emotional and freaked out as I watched my baby being driven off to his first sleepover. These emotions in no way are a comment on my in-laws, I know that he's in very wonderful, caring, and capable hands when he's with them, but I've started to get a little emotional thinking about his one year old birthday being just around the corner anyway. He's not a little baby anymore- harsh reality but true.

BUT THEN, I started getting really excited about our weekend with Harry. I picked Charlton up from work. We stayed downtown to eat out and then hit the Angelika theatre for Order of the Phoenix. It was so good...great acting, camera shots, and summary of a info-packed book. We love the movies but they just don't compare to the creative grandeur of the books. We went home, but first Charlton wanted to stop at Wal-Mart and see if he could finagle a copy out of some HP-ignorant clerk who didn't know they couldn't sell them before midnight. He had no luck- they were prepared. (Charlton conveniently left this out of his version of the weekend) He then woke up at 5:30 Sat morning and promptly drove back to Wal-Mart to secure two copies of Book 7. I woke up shortly after he got home and we started reading them around 6:30. We got a good 2 hours of reading in before Steven returned home. Steven did beautifully at Mimi's, and though I did think of him often, HP had enough of my attention that I didn't allow myself to worry if he was ok (I did check in after the movie Friday night and twice on Sat morn though). We pretty much read all day, taking breaks when Steven was awake and then immediately starting up again when he napped. Steven took long naps this weekend so that was a wonderful thing; although, it was good to have an excuse to take breaks since I can get a little too into it sometimes. That's all I will say about the book so that I don't give anything away. Book 7 is awesome and that's an understatement. I do have to set the record straight though...my husband said in his post that I was at one point sobbing and that is definitely an exaggeration. I was terrified the whole time, emotional a few, and one time had a few tears slide down the side of my face. But I NEVER sobbed. I might would have but I was trying not to give too much away since we were reading in the same room. I'd love to email with anyone who wants to discuss the book but I promised I wouldn't stay anything that happens...right now. The pictures are of Steven playing with the HP balloons that Aunt Cheryl gave us to celebrate our fun weekend! And in response to Aunt Lindsay's comment, I did not pick that onesie to put on Steven because it matched the book, but the thought did cross my mind after I was already putting it on him, so there. Satisfied?!

Parenting Style

I have purposefully tried to keep silent on my chosen parenting style on my blog so as not to exclude other moms. I would never pretend to act superior because I don't think I have at all "arrived" in that arena. On the contrary, I have said before that I know now that being a mom is extremely difficult and although I have become much more confident as a mom as Steven approaches 1, I still sometimes have to throw up my hands and say "God help me...I don't know what I'm doing." This is why it makes me angry (ok, down right furious) when one parent attacks another...especially when it's two Christian parents. If we can't build each other up then who can?

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Charlton is in a google group chat with friends from college. Somehow a discussion on parenting styles (i.e. babywisers vs. demand-feeders) came up. Some on the other side (demand-feeders) got a little nasty so Charlton wrote a response (with some input from me) and posted it on his blog. I wanted to link it to my blog so that any who were curious about our parenting style could do away with any assumptions out there about babywise and here it from our own mouths. I would like to say that although I strongly believe and advocate our style, I know many mommies that come from all spectrum's of parenting style and all of them I know to be wonderful moms. Also, no two mom's styles are alike just because they follow the same general idea. If we truly believe in the grace of God then we need to start passing that grace onto other believers and a good place for us parents to start is with each other. Every mom I know despite style and method is sacrificial and loving (two things babywisers were accused to NOT be in the discussion). I'll leave my comments at that and let you read our very purposefully (and calmly, thanks to Charlton) written post; although, as you can imagine I had some other "choice words" to say to one person from the previous discussion in particular. My husband wisely deemed them as inappropriate and unedifying for other ears. However, if that someone attacks my mommy character again I might not be so nice. No matter what your parenting style is, Mom, you are welcome here.

502

That's the page I am on...pretty amazing since this is the first (newly released) HP book I've read with Steven at home...and so we have only read while he is sleeping. He took very long naps today for us...the little Darling (check out his new top tooth- there are two now)! I have been terrified out of my wits the whole book but am enjoying the plot and series unfold. Now it is time for bed...will post about our great weekend and HP more when...you got it...I'm done. =)

Wedding Pictures Preview

Several people have already asked if I have wedding pics up from Saturday so here is a quick post of our favorites from our camera. I am going to do a montage with music and the works but I am trying to decide if I want to hold off a few weeks until I have the prof ones too since there are holes (no ceremony pics- we were all busy!) in our personal pics.

Steven and Saige were fantastic- they smiled and laughed all the way down the aisle- despite Saige having a little cold and Steven was still teething (he's chewing on his shirt in most pics). The wedding was beautiful and went wonderfully...more pics to come.

Countdown

2 days...until Aunt Jenn's wedding

8 days...until we can see the fifth Harry Potter movie- even though it was released in theatres last night =(

9 days...until we can pick up our Harry Potter Book 7 at Barnes & Nobles

7 weeks and 3 days...until our baby turns ONE!

Tagged to be Random

I've been tagged by Jamie and Sarah to post eight random things about myself. I figured a random pic of Steven was a good start (bow tie preview of his tux for the wedding this weekend).

1. I took a lot of piano lessons growing up, but I didn’t like practicing. I never understood the importance of it for becoming a better pianist; I just wanted to be better without it. Once I got older I regretted it but didn’t have access to a piano to pick it back up until now. My parents have generously given the piano I use to play on to us and we've had it in our dining room about a week. Now that I actually want to practice I have to figure out when I actually can with Steven running around. He likes playing it to. =)
2. I like things to be organized and clean. It doesn’t mean that they ARE at our house but ideally that’s how I like it to be. I like to clean out closets, do laundry, and clean (except bathrooms). I like my pantry and cabinets to be organized (they aren’t right now and it’s been driving me crazy- hmmm, maybe I should stop blogging and go do it now). I like to know where every little thing is in my house- neurotic but soothing to me.
3. I love dessert and especially chocolate- who doesn’t?! I even like the double-chocolate-fudge-brownie stuff but I do not like plain Hershey chocolate bars. I guess it’s because it seems like such a boring way to eat it when there are so many delicious options. Ironic since my price charming likes plain vanilla and I don’t find him in the least bit boring.
4. While Charlton was in law school, I was a business manager for Bobbi Brown cosmetics who trained me to be a make-up artist. This usually surprises people because when you think of dept store make-up artists you imagine grotesque red lipstick and gobs of mascara, and though I wear a lot more than I used to, I still don't wear that much. Although the department store I worked for was atrocious to its employees, I really liked Bobbi Brown, her natural beauty philosophy, and products. Her foundation products are the best…I’ve never found a foundation light enough for me except in her line. I don’t miss working but I do miss the free make-up!
5. I want to take some sewing/alterations classes so that I can learn to do our own tailoring and sewing. I can sew a little bit and do small repairs but I want to really know how to make clothes. I toy with the idea of one day starting my own business out of home doing alterations and making clothes and then eventually selling my designs in a boutique. If I had to start a new career that’s the kind of thing I would want to do- I just can’t imagine having to be in an office all day after enjoying being at home so much and I’d want to do something more creative.
6. If I could have any talent that I don’t possess it would be to have an extraordinary singing voice. It would be fun to be able to belt out a song with the ease and power of Aretha Franklin and know that I sound great.
7. Everyone knows I like to talk but I hate speaking in front of people. I really don’t even like to speak in large groups much less on stage. They’ve asked us a few times to read scripture at church and though we always say “yes;” I will never volunteer. Also, ironic that my dad loves to preach and teach and my husband went into litigation after law school because he wanted to be in the courtroom. Charlton is great in front of groups; he is very commanding and his profs in mock trials told him that he is excellent in the courtroom (although he’ll deny this if you bring it up).
8. I have never broken or fractured any bones or had stitches for an injury. I hate needles and hospitals and don’t like going to the doctor although I do. I have a very weak stomach when it comes to blood and those things and as a result can’t watch a lot of doctor drama shows like ER.

I tag: Jennifer Moore, Kyle or Lindsay, Stephanie, Jennifer Lizenby, & Megan.

Happy 4th!

We had the Wimberly siblings and a few friends over to have BBQ and escape from very rainy and unlike-Fourth-of-July weather. We had chocolate pie.......and hung from the chandeliers.

Happy Late Birthday to Me!

Monday was my birthday. I told Steven when he woke up that morning that he was 10 months that day BUT MOMMY WAS 27. We actually celebrated my birthday on Saturday; I thought that the importance of my "fake" birthday was lost on him until he took a three hour nap that afternoon. That was a nice present since he had also taken a nap that morning...ahhh, it's even nice to remember five days later! All my family came over for a birthday celebration. They were not as excited about Steven's nap as I was; although, he only slept another hour after they arrived. Then that night they all graciously babysat Steven (5 babysitters for one kid has to be a record!), while Charlton took me downtown to Artista for dinner (delicious!) and a show at the Hobby Center. Lindsay and Kyle (they are doing their Blue Steel impressions below- it's from a movie if you're confused) spent the night with us and stayed a while on Sunday afternoon after church to visit. It was a wonderful birthday weekend.

Standing Still

Steven stood all by himself on Monday. We've known that he CAN do it, so we usually stand him up with nothing that he can hold on to and then let go. He doesn't like it and usually just sits down; he usually knows when we're going to try it too. Monday, he and I were playing in his room and he had one hand on his exersaucer. Then he just looked at me and let go; it's like he was saying, "see, Mom, I can do it if I want too!" He stood there for a long time! I even had my camera handy but it wouldn't take (I realized after he grabbed the exersaucer again that it was still on the timer from that morning for the group pic below). So I stood him up in the middle of his room with my foot and then moved it to get a pic. This picture is so funny- he's biting his lip in conentration. He was so nonchalant the first time but I guess he doesn't like to perform under pressure. Very cute outfit from Mrs. Julie in MN. =)

I love it that he can drink from his sippy cup on his own. He throws his head back and gulps away!

This is my neighborhood bible study group. We had it at my house on Monday and we were so excited that everyone was there (usually someone's kid is sick and then it's someone else's the next week, etc.). All the kids made it through the study great, so we had to take advantage of the photo op at the end! We meet every week and these women are such an encouragement to me! Our babies' ages range from 3 months to 16 months.

First "big boy" haircut

I am excited to announce that "my" Wal-Mart is finally open. It's less than 5 minutes from our house and brand new. We went to check it out and I was happy to find that it's very clean and organized; I could have spent hours there. Across from Wal-Mart is a new shopping center that just opened as well and it has a Sports Cut. We took Steven this weekend for a haircut so that he will look nice but not freshly sheared for Aunt Jenn's wedding. It's so short, and it makes him look so old and even more like his daddy if that's possible. The lady that cut it asked if it was his first haircut (it WAS a little out of control) and we said,"no this is actually his third. He's very experienced and mature for his age." I'm so happy that we are finally getting stores in our neighborhood and somewhere to get Steven's hair cut is important since it looks like every 3 months is no longer going to cut it. No pun intended.

Look what Steven sent me on Friday! They are so beautiful and made me cry (after the delivery guy was gone). I told him he shouldn't have sent me flowers the week of Father's Day but he said he wanted me to know how much I was appreciated after a few long weeks. He is so sweet and such a wonderful son! =)

Rain, rain, go away

After Steven's afternoon nap on Friday, I got us all ready for the pool. I was very excited because we hadn't been in a while since he was sick the first part of the week. We had sunscreen and bathing suits on and I had our bag packed. I had just started feeding him his bottle (our last step before leaving) and I heard thunder. Oh well...at least I got these pics out of all the preparation and thankfully had not put his swim diaper on (they do not hold liquid very well as I found out for myself last time we were at the pool). He's not fond of his sunglasses so they don't stay on very long, but I got this one pic with them. I think Steven was even disappointed.

TGIF!

That's right...thank goodness it's Friday! I've been looking forward to it all week. To be perfectly honest it's been a hard month for me and I've been living for the weekends, yet I've also had flashes of sheer mommy joy. It's hard to explain. My hormones (because of weaning) have hopefully been readjusting to normal, but I've been feeling anything but normal. Steven's top tooth came in a few weeks ago. The little stinker took weeks to finally pop through his swollen, sore gums. Poor baby! Then Saturday night Steven woke up 45 min after we put him to bed with a stuffy, cruddy nose. He (and I) have been miserable and worn out all week. I sure that he must have allergies- red, itchy eyes, runny/stuffy nose, and sneezy constantly. The doctor says there's no way to know for sure- well, I beg to differ! To top it off, his other top tooth is playing the same game as the first one- hanging out right at the edge and giving him a slight fever. Will the teething ever end?! Funny how in the middle of a really long day, we'll have the best time though. I love to hear him giggle, and if I crawl-chase him around the couch it works every time! So on to the joy part: Steven was a champ at weaning- what a huge surprise and relief! Charlton even said that it seemed like it was such a non-event. Steven didn't refuse a bottle once to try to nurse. He actually seems thrilled to be able to watch everything going on while he sucks down his bottle in record time and then immediately slides back down to the floor to play. Thankfully, I don't miss breastfeeding at all. I am, however, so happy that we did it for 9 months and had that special time, he's so grown up now. I'm working on his first year scrapbook (I've finished the maternity section and am moving on to the hospital pics so I'm a little behind but that's ok); I've been looking at pics from his first month and I can't believe that he was ever the little! It does make me a little sad that my baby won't be a baby much longer. But to head off any questions...no, we are not ready for baby #2 yet! I have gotten to the place now that I am looking forward to having another (which is a long way from where I was the first several months after Steven's birth). For now, I am really enjoying Steven. That explains in a small way the flashes of joy.



I think this pic is so funny- he's helping go through the mail.

You can see his new top tooth in this pic.

In Other News:

I now have a bridesmaid's dress for Aunt Jenn's (Charlton's sister) wedding July 14. And I have ordered Steven tux. It makes me laugh and cry to think about how cute he is going to look! I went to her bridal shower this weekend and took pictures. This is one of my favorites: Evan came towards the end so that all the ladies could meet him and he opened the last present with Jenn. They are (as usual) being goofy! I love it!

In these, Aunt Jenn's being Aunt Jenn! We love you!