Sunny Days.

We have been having really unusual weather for January. With one of the daddies out of town, one daddy on new born duty, and what was planned to be a major home renovation project at our house-the girls and I decided to take our little guys to the park and lunch last weekend.  Colin and Jackson are only 6 months apart and both enjoy running around and climbing on all of the playground equipment. However, this was Wilson's first trip to the park. Since he debuted his new (still shaky) walking skills last week, he was ready to go! Most of his time was spent on the swing and standing around watching the older boys. But Wilson had such a great time that when it was time to head to lunch and leave the park, he cried. He was not ready to go.

Standing around. Watching the big boys.

"Mom, this is so. much.fun!"

Jackson and Colin on the go!

Colin, Wilson & Jackson. Such sweet boys.

My little ham. KT caught a great photo. Can't wait for our 1st birthday pix with her in a few short weeks!

Since Daddy had to miss the first trip to the park on Saturday, we found one about a 10 minute walk from our house and went for a quick visit on Sunday. 

Daddy and Wilson, heading for the slide.

Hooray!

Everyone had so much fun that their hair stood up on end!

The weather is so nice again here today, I am thinking about leaving work a little early and taking the little guy to swing again! I see a future full of many trips to the park in the spring and summer.

One Small Step.

I know we always talk about how quickly Wilson changes, but it really is true! On Monday evening we tried and tried to get him to take a few steps on his own. He had done it by "accident" a few times and they have been practicing at school. But we had not been very successful in the practice of walking from Mommy to Daddy. 

Yesterday when Wilson came home from 'school' we were enjoying some play time in the basement, before a yummy dinner of black beans and shredded chicken for the little man. All of the sudden he started taking one step between the sofa and the ottoman. Then again between the sofa and the bean bag. I grabbed the video camera to try to catch it.

Immediately after we shot this video and I put the phone down, I sat down on the floor to play some more. That's when the little guy took 5 whole steps in a row between Mommy and Daddy! We were so very excited. Big night in our house. Very big night.  

10.

It is hard to believe that in just 8ish more weeks we'll be celebrating Wilson's first birthday! He still isn't walking but he has taken a couple of steps on his own. Mama has some mixed emotions about this next phase too. I can't wait to see him on the go but I can't believe he's getting so big. He is chattering up a storm every day with  "ba ba ba la la la ga ga ga ah ah ah." And he seems to pick up a new sound every day.  Unfortunately our little man has made quite a few visits to the doctor lately. With the winter in full force, he has had his fair share of ear infections. He really is a trooper though, and remains his chipper self most of the time. We're lucky.

This months photo shoot was the toughest one yet. Here's the blooper reel.

Glamping.

Over MLK weekend we met Wilson's Godmother and hubs for a little upscale camping. About 2 hours west of where we live there is a great mountain town called Luray (Lou-ray, if you're a local).  We rented the Peach Orchard Hide Away for two nights and the view's were amazing from this log cabin!

Wilson checking things out.

It was chilly. Boys have to wear their hats.

And of course, fur earmuffs are a must! Especially in the hot tub.

Trying to get a few photos with my little buddy at sunset.

Awww!

 Of course, Pancakes were a must. Wilson enjoyed his without the butter and syrup. He loved them. I can't imagine how he'll feel about them when he can have all the good stuff on top!

Self feeding?

Wilson is becoming more independent all the time. Lately he's been practicing standing on his own. He only lasts a few seconds and I have yet to capture a picture of it. But we do cheer and celebrate for every fraction of a second longer he makes it on his feet. 

He is also becoming more independent with food.  He has been munching on mum mums and puffs for a while.  In the last month we added Cheerios's to the mix. He LOVES those! However, we always seemed to hit a wall when  it came to veggies.   He would eat them up in the baby food form, but when I chopped them into Wilson sized pieces, he'd like maybe one or two chunks and then be finished with the idea of doing it himself.  

Somehow, this all changed in the last week. And last night, Mr. Wilson had a bowl full of chopped up steamed zucchini and yellow squash. He shoved it all into his own little mouth with his own chubby fingers. And he even practiced with the spoon some too.

I promise, that is zucchini and not a little boogie.

Oops, just a little too far! Uh oh!

The Christmas Post.

My parents always created such magic for Katie and me when we were growing up. Christmas is always such a special time of year for us. And we have many traditions that are hard to let go of as we get older.  I have been so excited to start many traditions for Wilson and create a magic for him that he will never forget.  This year was extra special. My mom, step father, sister, new brother-in-law, and father all made the long trips from KY, TN, and FL to share in Wilson's first Christmas. Everyone went overboard with gifts and he enjoyed every bit of it. It was so amazing to have a little one to celebrate with. I can't wait to do it again!

Wilson was ready to play in the basement before bed on Christmas Eve.  The gates are new around our house and he seems to think they are something to play with.

The basement/family room tree. And this is BEFORE Santa visited!

Mommy's "fancy" tree in the foyer.

After Christmas Eve church with Grandma and Grandpa Jeff.

And again with Grandpa Buz.

Fantastic Very Hungry Caterpillar backpack from The Campbell's. He loved it and said "ohhhhh" when he opened it!

Then Aunt Katie had him wear it around for a bit.

Tool Bench from The Handy Grand's.

First Golf Clubs from Aunt Katie and Uncle "Bert."

LOVE our tunnel!

Wilson's very own lap top.

Santa knew what he was doing for sure!

What is it about Elmo?

Who doesn't want Diaper Genie refills?

Really digging the golf set!

CHICA!

Pretty much sums it up!