birthday present

This morning I told Joseph that the best present he could give me would be to be a great listener all day.

A few minutes ago:

Joseph: "Mama, I kept Jacob from getting on the couch. Good listener, huh?"
Me: "um, yes. thank you."
Joseph: "Happy Birthday!"

Wordless Wednesday

weekend fun

We spent this past weekend in Nashville and, as per usual, packed in as much crazy fun as possible. Papa & Nana watched our sweet boys so we were able to see the final Harry Potter adventure our first night in town. We followed this up with celebrating Uncle Travis's 30th birthday, admiring soon-to-arrive cousin Ava's adorable nursery and helping Aunt Alissa with some projects around her fabulous new home. And after all that, we built in a little extra time to spend an afternoon at the lake with some dear friends (and Jacob's future in-laws.) "Uncle" Eddie even let Joseph drive the boat. Definitely the highlight of his day.

15 months old

Although Jacob passed his 15-month mark a couple of weeks ago, we didn't have his well visit until today. Here are his stats:

Weight: 25 lbs. 14 oz.
Height: 33 inches

(to compare with Joseph at 15 months: weight: 27 lbs. 14 oz. and 33.5 inches)

Which puts him in the 50th and 95th percentiles respectively. He has certainly slimmed down since he has started running everywhere. And with this most recent round of teething he hasn't been eating quite as much as usual. I'm sure his appetite will be back full force once we get in these 4 cuspids! The last of his molars broke through about a month ago so we are up to 12 teeth in that little mouth.

He is far more curious that Joseph ever was. Once Joseph would realize that a cabinet door was "locked" he rarely tried it again. Eventually we were able to operate without safety latches. Jacob tries all doors almost daily . . . just in case.

He is still taking 2 naps on most days. Every once in awhile I'll think that we're getting close to dropping the morning nap but then the next day he'll sleep for 2 hours at both naps.

He jabbers all of the time and we are recognizing a few more words. He regularly says: hi, bye, mama, daddy, no touch, touch, diaper, uh-oh. He uses a few other words occasionally but not enough for me to think he has a good grasp on them. He still signs: please, more and all done.

He is very interactive and loves to play "So Big!" He also loves to be sung and read to. Joseph has started helping with the bed-time story reading to Jacob which is about the cutest/sweetest thing ever. They love to play/wrestle with and fight/annoy each other.

what's been keeping me busy

besides my family - can be seen here.

family fun weekend - part 2

so - not many pictures were taking of the rest of family fun weekend. On Sunday evening we had some neighbors/friends over for ribs (that had smoked all afternoon), some side dishes and this fabulous cake.
Joseph helped me make it and the smell of it was also the reason (excuse) for not being able to nap that afternoon. Not only did it look amazing, it was pretty yummy.

We were so tired from our big zoo day, yard work and company that we laid pretty low on Monday/Independence Day. In true holiday fashion, we stayed in our jammies all day. We played with our toys (mama reread the 7th Harry Potter book in readiness for seeing the movie next weekend), napped, ate leftovers and just relaxed. We did manage to rustle up some hot dogs, baked beans and watermelon last night to celebrate the big day though. And we watched the Washington DC celebration on TV. It was a great family fun weekend and now we're back to our regular schedule.

family fun weekend - part 1

this game never gets old

swimming lessons - week #2

maybe he didn't get enough lunch?