Yeese!

By the way...... My baby has ate enough cottage cheese to keep DARIGOLD in business for at least another year. I have no idea why this is his favorite but it is. He will wake up out of a dead sleep and say, "Yeese, Yeese!" More frequently he says dog or ball... Still to be in the top three...
I do believe there could be a lot worse things to be his diet staple. So- I give him as many, "bites" as he wants (I do add strawberries and whatever else I can to it, he mostly eats it plain). I think he may turn into a curd before his second year is over =)


I owe this a picture... stay tuned

Last Summer

It is easy to forget just how Chubby my baby was last year! He at this point has had no outside food or drink..... Unbelievable

Whirl Wind Month

It is easy to get away from writing. I need a beeper that goes off every week and says, "Drop what ever you are doing and write."
This whole month has been crazy. To start, Kyler had his first over night away from his mother. I should say his mother had her first night away from Kyler. Kevin took me to Jackpot for my birthday and Kyler stayed at home with Grandma Honey and Grandpa Bill. He had a blast and didn't even begin to miss us. They ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse- his favorite I might add. They played and watched movies and Kyler was devastated the next day when his Grandma Honey went home.
We have gone to several BBQ's and played with Ashton, Greyson, Teague, River, Warren, and Cohen. His big hit with the Adults is, "Get Tough!" He tightens his fists and says, "oooh-ah!"
He is learning to run which is very cute but a little dangerous. He still teeters back and forth because he runs with straight legs! Absolutely Hilarious!
Kyler comes out with at least one new word each day! My favorite phrase is, "Here I go!"
He finally mastered the animal book, complete with picture recognition and the corresponding sound they make. My personal favorite is the snorting of the pig.
Although capable of saying drink, Kyler still insists on saying, "oyee oyee oy." He also knows to turn on the tub for Shaka when he needs an oyee oyee oy. This is about the only time he shows any amount of empathy for anyone else. I think that my son is brilliant, he is loving, he is happy, he is outgoing and so receptive.... he is not empathetic. He could care less if someone else is sad or mad or glad really- unless they are glad because of something that he is doing at the moment! I don't know how to teach his to care about others' feelings.... I don't think that he doesn't care per say, maybe it is that doesn't think that any one else is capable of any emotion other than pride for him =).
This kid is still in love with a bath, and has cut so many teeth this last little while and there are 4 canines on the way!
Kyler also endured his first cold ever after our vacation to Las Vegas =(. He wasn't crabby just a little snotty (no pun intended!)

Aunt Dani

Kyler loved having his Aunt's down from Oregon over their spring break. When they were finished at the wedding full of people they knew not and no facebook connections, Carley and Dani took the baby home for pizza and playtime. Not sure where Aunt Carley is in this picture but he loves them both so much. It is only sad that he does't get to play with them more often.

Strawberries in the Car

The after and during picture of Strawberries in the new car. He had a blast this day at the mall with his Hadlea, Aunt Carley and Aunt Dani. We had lunch with Granny Shelly, Grandma Honey and Aunt SaDee. He loves all his girls!

Sad Baby Face

Is it mean to take a picture when a baby is this mad? We didn't think so either! He is so animated with his emotions. Sometimes he just cries to cry... I guess it is like Tina says, "They can't pour a little glass of merlot and vent to a friend so they cry to Mommy. With no remedy."

Do it again Dad!

We all know that Kyler is a great big kid and always has been. He loves when his Dad throws him on the bed because his weight has restricted his, "throw me around-I'm a baby" playtime. It really is a special treat to him =)

Not the College all night Party

I have looked bright eyed and bushy tailed... I knew Kevin and I both had. Ok, so this particular picture was taken almost 5 years ago before the wedding, before the house, before the dog and before the sweet angel that is our baby...
Sweet baby Kyler is teething 3 new molars at the moment-Ouch!
He also peed through his diaper around 5 am.
We all slept not last night.
Though the night seemed long the time with him so little is short and we are trying to soak it up. He says thankyou to both of us after each kiss we give him. I will stay up all night any night for this little one.
I said I will, not to be mistaken with I want. So please baby, sleep well, your teeth will feel better soon.

Yes that was my Kid

My cousin Kristin got married this weekend. They had a beautiful ceremony that was close to an hour long. I thought it was great. Kyler thought it was time to be loud. Luckily he wasn't the only baby that was so so loud. However, he was the loudest in my opinion. Thank goodness his Aunt Carley and Aunt Dani were ready to relax and took him home. More on the week with the family to come...
It is also wise to find somewhere for baby to play when going to a church theology discussion. I made that mistake tonight. Interesting for me, impossible for baby....We left early

Every baby needs.... a Midwife

Lots of reflection on the start to baby Kyler's life. I can definitively say that all babies should have the blessing of midwifery care for their mother. This boy had better professional prenatal care, better maternal care while in the womb, a better birth (all be it ended surgically), and human milk when he arrived because his dad and I sought midwifery care.
When I look at how I envisioned the start of my son's life I pictured a very different image than what actually occurred. I am so thankful that Kyler was able to benefit from the care and love of our midwife. She is amazing. The amount of postpardum support we recieved from her was instrumental in the great start he had. In a world where Attachment Parenting can be taboo to others, our efforts to have an emotionally secure and connected child was supported with enthusiasum.
My favorite baby/parenting writers Dr. and Martha Sears said this about Midwifery care in their book, Christian Parenting and Child Care. :
"A well-trained and experienced midwife is the ideal birthing attendant because her mindset is dedicated to the concept that birth is a normal, healthy process for at least 90 percent of all women. She is also able to discern which women will need the services of an obstetrician and she is wise enough to screen her clientele carefully. Many midwives are dedicated Christian women who see thier profession as a ministry God revealed in Scripture."

Where did my Baby go?

Well, it is Official. My son is a toddler, not a baby anymore. Yesterday he Completely gave up crawling. He will only walk for any need to move. I am so proud I could cry. I am so sad I could cry. I feel all there is to do is Pray.
~Lord please guide me guide him. Teach me how to teach him. And most importantly please never leave his side, I know he is going to trip and I know that it won't always be me that catches him when he falls. I believe he is going to need both of our protection.

Ooooo Good Throw!

Kyler's vocabulary is growing by the second. His latest phrase is, "Good Throw!" Of course this follows a good throw of a ball. He usually is better with his left hand, but, will use either. Now, If I could only get him to just throw balls, we would be in perfect shape.....

Kyler + WeeWee

Before the boy was born I knew we had to have this little lady in his life. I felt a strange but unmistakable connection to her mother and to her. Turns out she "gets" Kyler and he LOVES her =). He adores Hadlea with his whole heart. I know that when Kevin and I have to be away from him, he is in great hands (and happy to be there might I add). For a short while he called her WeeWee. WeeWee sad now because he can talk. He says Hadlea like a big boy!

Great Gran and Gramps

SO SO lucky is he. These two have been some of the BEST Grandparents anyone has ever had. I have grown up with these two coming to all of my performances and games. I traveled with them as a teeny tiny girl and have continued as an adult. I love to stay at their house when I'm home-best sleep I've ever had. At the beginning of 2008 they took us to Hawaii. Just the four of us went. It was then and there we decided to have a baby. Gran and Gramps are so glad we did. They both love to play with him. At 76 and 79 these two still get on the floor and play with him. Kyler is so blessed to get to enjoy them. I know I am the luckiest girl in the world to have them as Grandparents!

Grandma Honey

Kevin's Mom is a fabulous mother-in-law. She is an even more fabulous Grandmother. She has so much energy for the boys (I have a nephew named Dexton) and she has no qualms about getting her hands "dirty." I loved when he was little and she was around because she just wanted to jump in and do things. Not only did she want to do things, but she always made sure that the way she cared for Kyler was in line with the way we wanted. That is amazing. So many people, particularly Mom's have their own way of doing things and that's the way they will do them thankyou very much. As Kevin and I have had some very particular and unorthodox ways of doing things, I really appreciated her approach. When she was around and Kyler needed a diaper or a bath or to be rocked to sleep (NiNies doesn't always work) or a new outfit on or anything really, she just jumped up and did it. As a new mother I am never great about asking for help. I know though, when Sheri is there she WANTS to take care of him. I will be honest-I have loved that so very much. Kyler has loved it too!

Auntie Em

This baby is lucky to have so many people who love him so much. He absolutely adores his Aunt Emily. We had the pleasure of her audience for the whole evening last night in Pocatello. He was so excited to show her all of his new tricks like talking and walking. We all ate at the Texas Roadhouse... Kyler loves their green beans. She couldn't believe how friendly he was, blowing kisses to the people next to us.
His Aunt was good to pack him in and out of stores and his car seat. When we got home he showed her all of his toys. They played and talked and laughed and I am so happy we got to enjoy her all by herself =). At least Kyler loved to have her undivided attention. He does love to be the center of it all.

Claykit and his "Big Brother"

Kyler loves to play with Emmanuel. Several times a week I learn more and more about a make believe world that is forever changing. Actually, two worlds. One is called Satoga and one is a spin off of the Warriors books (warrior cats). It is hard to keep up because the names, kids and ages are changing as fast as he can come up with something new. So far Im Brandiwhisker mother of Kevintail's kits, I have 7 kits, am a Queen because Im nursing, and Emmanuel's character is my son (his name changes regularly). Kyler is Claykit (use of middle name), and we have ties to several clans in the valley. In real life he says, "It's like Im Kylers big brother. I wish I really was his brother because I would love to have a brother." In real life I just love having him over, he can be Kyler's brother for all intents and purposes. The fact is Kyler loves to play with him and I love that my son is around someone so creative all the time. I hope he is taking lessons in use of imagination. A man named Walt made a great living and has impacted the World with the concept of Imagination.

Better than Training Wheels

This scene was in the evening February 9th, 2010. Kyler finally wants to walk for real. The 3 kids helping him are 3 of his favorite people in the world. He spends many many hours at their house and is always ready to go back for more. This family makes him feel like there is no other baby in the world (being the center of attention comes naturally to him).

Who needs a Crib?

Who needs a crib when you can relax in a king sized bed? Not this child. We have enjoyed sharing our bed immensely with this Angel. We approach nighttime parenting with a hands on view. Kyler sleeps in the middle and we don't miss a thing with this baby! Some of our most treasured memories are first thing in the morning when he wakes. He is usually happy beyond belief and chatty in the morning. The last few months we wake up to, "Hi!" and this week a kiss as well. Too bad we have a gorgeous bassinet, crib, crib set, and extra sheets that will never get used.... I really wish I could have waited until after the baby got here to purchase all the equipment. Honestly, a massage or spa day for Mommy would have benefitted the kid a lot more than these items did. I would like to say an extra thankyou to anyone who reads this and bought Kyler any of that stuff. I really thought we needed it. I really had no idea what kind of parent I would be until he got here. I would also like to put another plug in for Attachment Parenting right here!!!

Dog gaining weight

Shaka is putting on more than his winter coat now that the Baby is eating. One for Kyler, Two for Shaka. Some for baby, lots for puppy...
It may be hard to see, but Shaka is the big black dog peeking around the chair hoping for some scrambled egg sandwich~

He DOES Eat!

January 21st, 2010 my fears were washed away. I truly thought that this child would live on "nanny milk" INDEFINITELY. Turns out he will eat. He will eat Anything. Amazing.
He is covered in avocado in this picture. He ate Indian Tacos happily and Mommy slept good that night.

Practice what you Preach

I think it is safe to say that everyone knows not to let their children play with their cell phones. I give my husband a hard time for letting our son play with his on a regular basis. I tell him it will be ruined quickly. Well....I have not made it a huge issue when the baby gets my phone----and now MY phone doesn't work. There is 6lbs of drool and remnants of a mini-wheat inside the charger hole... Kevin's phone is still trucking along just fine.
Thank goodness it is still under warranty and the free replacement is on its way. Thankyou Verizon. No texting for Mommy until Wednesday- what a great opportunity to get back in touch with a phone call to those I regularly communicate with but don't talk to.

Just so you know there is a text waiting for me, I cannot get to it.....Driving me crazy

NiNies

SO.......My 13.5 month old baby loves to nurse. Still. I know that is shocking for some. I just want to say how much I enjoy nursing an older baby. My sweet baby says, "NiNi Mama, NiNies." Nurses, follows by saying, "Daint Dou!" (His version of Thankyou). and continues on his merry way. I am so lucky that is a part of my day! Sometimes I get exhausted from nursing him all the time and having to pump when I work, but it is with a Glad Heart that I continue to offer my son human milk =)

~I wanna be like you-hoo-ooo~

From a very early age my son has mimicked his Dad. On days that I was home when the baby woke up he would try to show me the games they played. At about 4 months (the age in this picture), Kyler would pull the comforter over his head and smile at me. Translation- "Daddy and I play peek-a-boo in bed when you are at work Mommy." On Thursday this week I came home from work early and got to enjoy the boys "working out." Kevin follows the video and Kyler follows Kevin. Kyler goes to the weights on the floor and "works" with them while breathing loud and heavy "Phoo's" (spelling the sound is a challenge). I have no idea how Kevin can continue with a straight face. I about fell out of my chair laughing at the sight. I only wish I would have had the camera out. I need a photographer at home and especially while I'm at work.......
p.s. Kyler's favorite relax-time movie right now is Jungle Book. So sing yourself a little King Louis---it will stick in your head all day!

Spilled Milk

What I like about this picture is that it is true and funny... Mostly just true. I giggle today but have cried each time milk spilled. Kyler LOVES to nurse and is no small child. Each spilled ounce was a heartbreaker. Good thing the boy didn't starve due to my clumsiness!

In the Beginning

Well, before there was Kyler there was just us. Kevin and Brandi. No strings, just us. The story goes that Kevin always knew he would marry me since before we even thought of dating. I knew within the first 2 weeks that I was with my soulmate. As our journey continues and our focus remains on our son, I wanted to spotlight the fact that we travel together with a beautiful past and a bright future. Just us.

Walking

So this week is going to be a great start for baby updates. I have to add an entry early because Kyler took his first free willing steps at my families house yesterday during the Super Bowl. We have tricked him into a few steps before, but quite frankly the kid has showed no interest in walking. He is incredibly fast crawling and must figure that he shouldn't fix something that isn't broken. By the way I need to add a prayer here because I have a feeling this is the beginning of the end. He has his own agenda to tend. The walk will turn to run in a blink of an eye and I will be swimming upstream to catch him.....for the rest of my life. I can't help but well up with tears at this sight. My baby. My brand new baby. Walking. Not to mention talking and sassing as well! You should hear this kid when he is telling me off. What is a mother to do?

Blogging for real now....

Okay here we go. New Goal. Weekly blogs for baby Kyler to keep a better journal for him. I have been so sporadic with entries that much information is missing from his first year journal. I hope someday he really enjoys reading about himself from my perspective as a wee one- if not I love to read it so it is win/win no matter what! My angel is sleeping now, thank Goodness. His latest and greatest defiance is not going down for sleep well for Mommy. Daddy can put him out like a light but Mommy has no luck. Sometimes he crawls away and wants to play with eyes he just can't keep open and sometimes he uses nursing to stay up and sometimes he just crys and says I'm not going to sleep. I've tried everything I can think of. I rationalized that he just wants to not miss anything...So why does he go to sleep for Daddy? I just don't know. Well I suppose that if him not going easily off to sleep for me is the hardest part of my day I'll just take a deep breath. Not too bad right?

Kyler 4 Months

It truly is amazing that even this picture seems like forever ago

First Haircut

Happy Baptisim