At the Wild Animal Park

Pictures are courtesy of Bethany Jean.


Today we took the kiddos to the Wild Animal Park. They all had a blast! Here is some of what we did and saw:

5 Generations and a Wagon

Well, we have been traveling! First a 4 hr flight to northern California where we saw all of my relatives, then a short flight down to San Diego to see Nathan's family. Luke, though a little exhausted, has enjoyed seeing everyone.

Five generations at Christmas again:


Luke enjoying the wagon at Grammy and Papa's:

My Big Boy

Today, I went to a monthly MOPS (mother's of preschoolers) meeting. The mom's were supposed to meet in one room, while the children were watched by two babysitters. Luke has not successfully been watched by anyone other than family since we arrived in Texas, so I was a bit worried. (Seriously, I tried to give confession one Saturday night at church, and between four well-meaning, experienced church ladies, Luke still screamed the WHOLE time).

Today, however, was different. Maybe it was the fact that Clara was with him, that he had cheese crackers for a snack, or that there were some amazing toys in the room, but Luke was just fine. He had fun with the other kids and didn't scream or cry for the hour and a half that I was gone. I was so proud of him! It was also nice that he jumped into my arms as soon as I came to pick him up. :)

Preparations

Today I packed my first suitcase for our one-month trip to California. That is the first of four suitcases that we will pack (thank you Southwest!). It is a little overwhelming to think that we are going to be gone for so long. Our house and Houston have really begun to feel like home. But we miss family so dearly that I am sure our sadness in leaving will soon be replaced with joy.

I am a little worried about leaving our house, but we have taken several precautions. Nathan is outside right now shoring up weak points (like a window) on our garage. earlier this week, he put a new deadbolt and lock on the door. We called the security force that patrols our area and they will drive by everyday. Also, we have two sets of friends who will look out for us, and our neighbors as well. Leaving wasn't nearly this complicated when we lived in our tiny apartment. :)

I have also been preparing for our trip by talking to Luke more about the people that he will see. Grandmas, grandpas, uncles, aunts, etc.. -it will all be so much fun!

15 months

I am exhausted from staying up all night with a sick Luke, but it really is time that I blogged. There have been so many new milestones in Luke's life lately.

1. Luke is completely done with his pacifier. He was using it to help fall asleep until about two weeks ago. I was putting him down and he pulled the pacifier out of his mouth and handed it to me as if to say, "I don't need this anymore," and settled into sleep.

2. Screaming problems are almost a thing of the past (except in church of all places, or when other children scream). We began a timeout routine and the screaming has subsided.

3. Luke no longer needs to hold my hand to fall asleep. This practice developed after he stopped being swaddled and was beginning to drive me nuts, so I spent a few nights not doing it, and he stopped expecting it. (Fancy that!)

4. Luke enjoys his car rides much more now thanks to Dan Zanes. Every parent should have Dan around for such occasions. We love his lyrics and music. Here is our favorite: Rocket Ship Beach. It is not easy finding decent music for kids that parents can enjoy too. Dan promotes family music making and Luke just adores it. Thanks to the Getzses for introducing us.

5. Nathan and Luke blow kisses to one another. This is adorable. :)

6. Luke had a huge growth spurt in the last 3 months, and is now at 32" tall and 28lbs.

That is all for now. My sick baby is ready to have a meltdown.

Croup

We have been experiencing croup here. Luke and I are off to the doctors in a few minutes.