Happy 1st Birthday Henry... for real.

Yes, here it comes. I can't believe my baby is one! How is that possible? However, if I think back to his birth, or his stint back in the hospital, or his first smile, it seems like forever ago since he entered our lives. Henry is precious and I can't imagine life without him. OK, to be truly honest, I can imagine it... no diapers, no bedtimes, no feedings... ahhh. I could be one of those cool kids who hangs out on South Congress on a random Thursday night (without child no. 1 too, of course). But then I think of what I'd be missing. His sweet breath (if I could bottle it, I would. I love it that much). The way he rests his check against mine now when I sing to him before bed. It's a cute little snuggle game. The way he smiles when I enter the room. The way he smiles even bigger when Aubrey enters the room. Now, I could do without the diaper changing battles and the food throwing. Not to mention the near heart attacks I have when I see him about to fall and smash his head on something. But I'll take the bad. Because the good is so good.

We've had such a busy month, that it's hard to remember all that has happened. The big news is that he is finally crawling on his knees. He still belly crawls some, but it seems to be less every day. That has helped with his spit-up issues, and dirty shirt issues. He's starting to enjoy baths more, especially if his sister is in there with him to help splash. Still no waving or real words, but he reaches for things and hands them back to you. He still only has two teeth, but can use them and his gums pretty well. He eats mostly table foods now, which is so nice since he can feed himself. He is BUSY. He is strong, and fast. He is a great night time sleeper, and decent daytime napper. He's great fun, and a lot of work too.

So, how did he spend his first birthday? 8:30 am one year checkup with Dr. Dan. Mean mommy. What did he get for his birthday? 4 shots. Nice. Mom of the year here. Forgive me Henry. One day I'm sure you'll read this and say "what... no present?" And I'll say "get over it. I carried you in my womb for over 9 months and spent 20 hours in labor so you could be here, isn't that enough? Ha. I've been waiting a long time to use that line. We then played at home and he enjoyed an extra long afternoon nap. Ahhhh. We sang Happy Birthday again and gave the cake (cupcake this time) another try. Still no interest. What a good healthy boy. Speaking of healthy. His check-up went well. He weighs 20 lb 2 oz and is 30 in long. Long and lean.

Having Henry turn one is bitter sweet for me. I am sad that the sweet baby days are coming to an end. The sweet smelling, innocent, snuggly, nursing, cooing baby days. But I embrace the days to come. The days with more freedom, less crying when you don't know why, less watching the clock to maintain a schedule, more sleeping, and more fun! Honestly, the hardest part for me right now is weaning Henry. I never thought much about nursing before I got pregnant with Aubrey. Never thought about whether I would or wouldn't do it. I just did it, and it has been such a joy. I feel fortunate that it was relatively easy for me (relatively) and that I was able to nurse both children for a year. The weaning has begun (sniff, sniff) and so far, so good. Henry seems to be okay with the one missing feeding so far, and is warming up to whole milk. I am relieved he doesn't seem to have an allergy (just the usual eczema). Whew. I plan to drop one more feeding tomorrow (sniff, sniff), which will mean freedom for me from 7am until 6:30 pm!!!!!! Well, not really. But it COULD mean that. That "could" means a lot!

Enough sap and minute details. On with the photos. We love you Henry. Happy Birthday sweet boy.

I'm not so sure about this. He sure doesn't smell like mom, and what's with this cup?

Splash

At my one year check-up

This again?

Happy First Birthday Henry... almost.

We decided to celebrate Henry's birthday a few days early so that my mom could be part of the celebration. Honestly, I sort of let it creep up on me. With our trip up North and Brian's graduation, I just didn't get moving in time to plan a party for him (second child syndrome strikes again). At least I got my act together to make him his first birthday cake. I'm no Ace of Cakes, for sure, but I do think it turned out better than any other cakes I've made! Plus, it made me feel good to make him something special for his big day. We planned to watch him smash his cake last night, since my mom was leaving today. At the last minute, I decided he should have at least one friend celebrate with him, so we asked his bud Jane Ann to join him for cake. The Skaggs were kind enough to have us over to their house for the cake festivities so we could enjoy their pool. It was a great way to celebrate. I will save all the sappy first birthday talk for his actual birthday, so you are spared for a few more days :).

How is he almost one????

Henry opened his first present... a very special GiGi quilt. Thanks Mom!

What is this thing?

He was not a fan.  He just smeared it around a bit, but didn't try to eat it.  I put a little icing on my finger and fed it to him, but still no luck. Hope he has such self control as he gets older :). 

Henry and his "one" friend for birthday number "one." He loves Jane Ann.

D-O-N-E!

YES. Brian has officially graduated from UT and earned his MBA! (I must note that he didn't go to his ceremony, much to my dismay. In fact, he was at the library STUDYING for his CFA exam during the actual graduation. Huh? Are we really done????) Regardless, we are extremely proud of him and so happy to put this time at UT behind us.

Of course, I couldn't let him get away with not having any sort of graduation celebration. Thankfully, my dear friends all chipped in to host a "surprise" fiesta in his honor on Sunday night. WAY TO GO BRIAN.

The grad and his watermelon face daughter.

My mom just spent a week with us and was able to join in on the festivities.  Henry sure took a liking to his GiGi.

Brian, Matt and little Will

GiGi, Amy and Jane Ann

Henry with his best bud, Jane Ann.

The Bevo (the UT mascot for you non-Texans out there) pinata was a huge hit for the kids and adults. The whole family took out our frustrations on the poor longhorn.

Bevo was about as tough as business school. Brian actually broke the stick trying to break him open. Finally, candy!

Beer, Brats, Cheese, and a Tractor... you're darn tootin'!

We just returned from a week in the Great White North (as Brian refers to it). Minnesota and Wisconsin to the rest of us. Brian FINISHED his last business school assignment last Monday, so we headed up north to visit his family and enjoy some cooler weather before he starts working full time.

(Before I go any further describing our trip, I must first acknowledge Brian's accomplishment. Getting an MBA is a challenge for anyone, I'm sure. But do it when your a little older than the norm, have two kids and a wife and no background in business, and it's an extra huge challenge. I did a lot of moaning and groaning about living like students again... how he was never home and when he was home he was always studying, etc., etc... but I am very proud of him. It wasn't easy, but he's done AND employed!!!)

Back to our trip. We had a very brief stay in St. Paul. Flew in, let Aubrey play with the cousins a bit, got the kids to bed, and Brian off to dinner with the three sisters. Less than 24 hours after our arrival, we were on our way to Brian's parent's place in Wisconsin. The weather was a bit chilly most days, but when the sun came out, it was beautiful. We took daily boat rides and walks down the lane to the mailbox. Hit a farm auction. Saw a bald eagle family. Went on tractor rides. Played Aubrey's new favorite game... "spiderman" (this involved swiping Grandma's fly swatters and using them as a web while running around the cabin). Danced on the porch to some oldies. Removed a tick from Aubrey's neck. And of course, played "keep Henry from breaking things or himself." I was kicking myself for not bringing my good camera. So many great moments to capture.  It was a great trip and hopefully these photos convey that.

Spiderman meets bean bags

Aubrey helping in the garden

If you look closely at the tallest tree, you'll see the eagle's nest

Playing chase... a family favorite

Aubrey's first tractor ride

Painting in grandpa's workshop

Henry's first boat ride

Our attempt at a family photo

Bath time, splash time...

I was trying to capture Henry's infectious laugh. No real luck with that, but plenty of footage of the little man and big sis splashing. Notice Aubrey's bath attire. She wants to wear her swimsuit 24/7. Summer is here.

Guess who?

And here I thought he looked more like me!

So I don't forget...

Since this blog is as close to a journal or scrapbook as I am likely to get, I figure I better write down some things I really want to remember...

1. So, Aubrey has some new friends.  Two, or sometimes three, depending on the day. I have yet to "see" these friends, but they are very much a part of our day.  Yep, she has some imaginary friends.  Their names are Tee Tee (the girl) and Trabis (the boy). Occasionally, Trains joins the party.  Pretty sure Trains is a boy too.  I have no idea where she came up with the names.  It's pretty cute to hear her talking to them and "mothering" then (also known as bossing).  

2. We were driving home from a church musical the other night, and it was getting close to bedtime.  (I should preface this by saying that every night before bed, we have bath time, then read books...)

Aubrey: "Mommy, it's almost night time." 

Me: "Yes, pretty soon. But the sun hasn't gone to bed just yet."

Aubrey: "Maybe it's reading books."

T minus one month and counting...

... until the big birthday. Henry is 11 months old today, and again, that just doesn't seem possible.  Where has that sweet little baby gone?  That sweet little baby is quickly turning into a sweet little boy... and he is b.u.s.y!  Non-stop, on-the-go, busy. He has mastered the low crawl and is fast, so I guess he feels no need to use his knees.  He does use them to pull up or sit up, just not to crawl. As a result, his clothes are filthy by the end of the day, especially since he is still spitting up a lot.  Pulling up is easy breezy now, and getting down has become easier too.  His main goals in life are to put everything in his mouth and climb anything he can. He has managed to get up on the coffee table twice, and nearly got up on Aubrey's play kitchen. Just a little leg up from a toy, and he is up and away.  When I sit with him on the floor, he crawls back and forth over my lap. He's easily entertained, I guess.  He got his first tooth this month, another ear infection, and figured out how to sit himself up. He is starting to turn his nose up to baby food and really loves feeding himself.  He is fascinated with Aubrey's glasses and my face, and can get a death grip pretty quick. Ouch.

He is still a very happy little boy, although his temper is starting to surface. He DOES NOT LIKE to have his diaper changed. Frankly, he just doesn't like to sit still, and if he's tired, he wants his crib and nothing else.  He is a great sleeper, compared to big sis.  He rarely wakes at night, unless he's sick, and his naps are pretty consistent.  

I love his goofy smile, his little cackle-like laugh,  and his sweet smelling breath. He's growing too fast!

I'm too tired to edit photos tonight, but at least I'll get them posted. Here are a few from 

his 11th month...

The serious side

The goofy side

Fine mom, I'll get my own lunch.

Holding on for dear life... except Aubrey is too sacred to push the gas peddle.  The jeep has barely moved since it's arrival a few weeks ago (free, courtesy of our former renters in Fort Worth.  They left the house perfect AND gave us a jeep. Now, if they had only bought our house... sigh).

Guess who's feeling better?

She's got the fever...

and not the dancing kind. A knock down, drag out, 7 day fever. It started last Friday and hasn't let up. It peaked on Tues at 106! Scary. Her ears and lungs are clear, but her white blood cell count is high, so she may have some sort of infection. She's been on antibiotics since Saturday though, and hasn't improved, so we switched them up on Tuesday night. I thought we had the fever under control last night, but she woke at 5:45am with a temp of 102. After 15 mins of fighting to get some motrin in her system, she went back to sleep and just woke up (10am). Poor thing is wiped out and hasn't slept much since last Weds night, so I'm glad she got some rest. 

I took these photos a few minutes ago. Her hair was soaking wet. She sweated it out and I'm praying that was the last time (that's what I said yesterday).  She still has no appetite and seems weak, of course, but is a little more perky, so that's good news.  The Dr. is running a test for mono (who's she been kissing?) but that will take a few more days. If she isn't improving this afternoon, we will probably have another blood test tomorrow and maybe a chest x-ray. I'm hopeful it's just a nasty virus that is nearing the end. She hasn't been to school since last Weds., and I'm worn out.