Almost got it...

This week Isaac started standing on his own (for long periods of time) and he's just as proud of himself as we are! He will bounce up and down over and over, with his tongue out as far as possible, but is still wobbly with his steps. Isaac walks (even runs) if he is holding on to the couch, table, or someone's hands, but if he's on his own then he's realized he gets places much faster if he just crawls. We went shoe shopping today and he hated it! He cried every time we put a shoe on his foot. However, as soon as we took it off and handed it to him, he was fine! He LOVES shoes... Just as long as they're not on his feet!

I have no idea what's up with the sound!

Mini-Van vs. SUV

Where do I begin? Ummm... let's see!

The day Isaac was born was the day my back problems began. Because of nursing and carrying around a chunky monkey, I'm not sure my body will ever be 100%. Isaac started out at 7lbs. 15oz. so I thought as he grew, my strength would too. It's a process, not an overnight weight gain. Well, I guess that's not the case. Isaac is now 25 lbs (maybe more) and my back feels every ounce of his little chubs from his head to his toes! Getting him in and out of the car is quite the process. That's where this debate begins...

When we were in Hawaii we rented a mini van and let me tell you... It was soooooo easy!!! I didn't have to lift Isaac way up into the seat, while getting hit in the bum by the door. He was at my level, right there AND because the door slid open I didn't have to worry about hitting the car (that parked too close) next to me. It was spacious and extremely convenient. Twice the size of my Xterra. We have a problem though. Shaun and I said that we would NEVER own a mini van. SUVers for life!!! Mini vans are so for old, uncool soccer moms (so sorry if I just offended drivers of mini vans but just keep reading)! I'm a young, hip sporty mom that knows when Isaac grows up all of his friends are going to say, "Wow! That's your mom? She drives a lifted SUV? She's so cool. My mom just drives a mini van." Well, I'm slowly changing my perspective on things. Ultimately it doesn't matter what I drive or what other people think. I am thankful for what I do have and pray that I never take for granted the blessings God has given me. I've heard that only 9% of the world's population have a car. With that being said, Shaun and I know that our family is still growing and that we will need a vehicle with more room soon. Let me clarify that "soon" does not mean I'm pregnant nor are we trying. ;) I seem to have been misleading in my last post. Sorry for that by the way. I guess I should have put the caption in past tense. It's nice to know that people are reading what I'm writing though! Anyway, the point of this post was to get your opinion - Mini-Van or SUV and why? I no longer think mini vans are out dated or lame. I totally get them now. Convincing Shaun of that is a different story though! I need your help soccer moms!"

Is it normal to take like 100 photos a day!?

I don't think I will ever catch up on scrapbooking, let alone developing, all my photos. I've only completed the first four months of Isaac's life... AND just that filled a 12 x 12 scrapbook! What can I say, my kid is the cutest thing in the world!

Giving mommy [open mouth] kisses!

Drinking from a straw at mommies 1st trimester craving spot

Isaac gets a kick out of turning the pages in books. He acts so surprised when he sees the picture on the next page.

Like most kids, Isaac loves the bath. BUT because he likes to stand up, he's back to sink baths. It's so much easier on mommy and daddy. There's only one thing he likes more than the bath time though... Running around naked after! He's feeling better but his nose is still yucky! We had pictures taken tonight for our church directory and poor Isaac blew the biggest snot bubble. Of course it was captured on camera and of course I ordered it! Go figure...

Trials of Parenthood

Today was my most draining, exhausting, and emotionally challenging day of motherhood to date. As I read other blogs though, I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone... It's cold season and no child likes their nose being wiped every minute of the day. Isaac spent most of the day crying because he didn't feel good. Poor guy was so tired but couldn't sleep because he couldn't breathe. At times he would happily be playing on the floor, with snot running down his face, when all of a sudden, big bad mom (or dad) would pull out a tissue. That's when the screams and hands waving us away would begin. He was up three times last night, officially up at 8, and then didn't nap until 11:30. He always seems to have perfect timing too. Just as I would drift off to sleep, he would wake up from his (short) naps. Shaun was home but he was just as frustrated as me. Most of the time Isaac just wanted mommy too. It's hard seeing your baby hurt. We were also so focused on Isaac that I think our relationship was a little on edge.

Even with today's trials, Isaac is still my little man and the best thing that has happened to Shaun and me... We don't even want to trade him in. Through all the tears, aches, and pains that today brought, Isaac was still able to give us plenty of hugs and kisses. Those are two things he is very good at!

Isaac is down for the night so Shaun and I are going to curl up on the couch, watch a movie, and eat ice cream and cookies topped with hot fudge! We'll probably end up stopping the movie and going to bed early. My eyes are already closing and it's only 8:30. Good night!

Goodbye Summer...

I think summer is finally coming to an end. Now that school is back in session, our community pool is on the chilly side. I don't think they are heating it anymore. Isaac doesn't seem to mind but someone has to get in and hold him... Notice how Shaun is in the water with him and not me!

Goodbye Summer it sure was fun.
Swimming with friends and lying in the sun.
Goodbye Summer have a good rest.
You sure deserve it for you did your best.
Goodbye Summer I'll see you soon.
I know you'll return like the month of June.
Goodbye Summer we've had a good year.
But you must go now because Fall is here.
Kathy Fretwell Gandy ©10-21-02

Vacuumland

So, as you can see from the pictures, vacuuming is not a quick or boring task in our house. Isaac LOVES the vacuum!!! He chases it all over the floor, yelling as he goes. I thought most kids were afraid of things like this!? I try moving as fast as I can to get away from him, but as soon as I turn around he's right under my feet. I'm constantly tripping over him! Today I decided to vacuum his hair and it gave him a sweet mohawk! This kid is hilarious!

P.S. With as many pictures as I take this collage thing is GREAT!!! The pictures are kinda small this way but I think you can click on one to make it bigger.

Solid Food + 8 Teeth = A Diego Toothbrush

Because Isaac has 8 teeth, we decided that it was time to get him a toothbrush! I know, it's a little overdue. To our absolute surprise, he LOVED it! He even let us help him with it. I'm sure this excitement won't last and in the near future he'll be screaming just at the sight of the toothbrush, but at least I'll have pictures to remember the time that it was easy to run the little bristles across his teeth!