Midweek Randoms

First of all, I'd just like to say that these "Midweek Randoms" posts have just taken a total turn from what I intended them to be. Now they're more like weekly recaps. Eh... I'll roll with it for now.

So rolling right along...

After we spoke last week, I locked my keys in the house so I went to visit Terese and this little dude (my nephew Tater) until Dac got off work. =) Then, we went and ate Chinese food.

When we got home, Dac and I finished up some house work then watched some West Wing before bed.

I had every intention of sleeping in a bit Saturday morning, but Reid had other plans. SO I got up early so fun time could begin. =) Right away, Reid started getting up on his knees. I knew we were in for it and that night, Dac finally lowered his crib mattress.

Then, my old college roomies and friends forever Beth and Julie came to visit us and meet Reid. I think they liked him and they certainly won Reid's approval. =) It was great to see them, we don't get to often enough. Next time I hope to see more of the gang too!

Julie

Beth

We didn't have big, exciting plans... just lunch and cookies at Grinder Man and an afternoon of chatting and catching up.

Reid has decided he loves a good bucket. =)

 Annnnd, later in the day pulled himself clear up on his feet. Proud moment!

When Beth and Julie left that evening, Dac, Reid, and I went out to eat. It was so nice to have a weekend day be work free. That does a person good.

Sunday, we went to church. We just recently got a new pastor. I've only been a couple times since she started (thanks to two rounds of stomach flu) but she and her husband seem nice and I particularly enjoyed last weekend's message about not worrying. It referenced one of my favorite verses.

Um yeah. Cute feets.

The rest of the weekend included more playing and more eating.

Monday, I had a Board meeting so I worked late.

Tuesday, Dac and I had dentist appt's. Oh boy. Here's what I think about that!

No offense to my dentist, of course, I really like him. He'd just be cooler if I saw him outside the dentist office and if he kept his hands and tools out of my mouth. =)

It's been raining cats and dogs around here lately. Lots of rain, which was needed, but it's starting to become a bit excessive. Rivers are starting to flood, etc... Anyway, while we were in the dentist's office, it poured. I mean reeeaaaallly poured. Then, downtown Wichita became downright flooded. Cars were stuck and traffic was moving at snail speed. 45 minutes later, we were out of town and on our way home.

And on the way home we stopped for this. =) Take that dentist.

A whole lotta advil and a sleep later... I'm able to chew again.

This morning, Dac had a little fun with Reid. He gave him a challenge, if you will...

Reid, of course, rose to the occasion and conquered the challenge. =)

He's such a fun kid. Even in the mornings.

In other news, I'm still watching West Wing... and loving it. There's not much other random stuff in my life right now. The days are pretty predictable in that they involve work and Reid care. I wish I was cooler... but I'm just not.

OH - one kind of exciting thing is that I've been asked to be guest blogger for another blog... the topic is my life as a working mom. The post will be published later in September... so I'll keep you posted so you can check it out if you want to.

Midweek Randoms

So after our fun-filled night of pain, tears, and teething... Reid spent the next day at Aunt Darla and Uncle Darin's.

His cousin Ellie was there too! =)

He ate corn and donuts. He get it from his mama. ha!

Played in the legos...

Enjoyed the swing...

And overall, had a much better day than the night we had before! Whew!! =)

Friday night, Dac worked a bit late then we went to my parents for dinner! It was a nice evening and was fun while it lasted. I say while it lasted because I woke up shortly after midnight with the dang stomach flu. AGAIN. Don't even get me started. It was horrible. It was bad enough when it was just me but then that morning, Dac got sick too. This was intense, not functioning sick. Terese came and got Reid and we slept most the day.

Sunday was spent recovering.

Did I mention I finished The Finder? I also started watching The West Wing. I used to watch it when it was on air but never caught all the seasons, so here we go! =) I like it. This show actually played a role in my career choice. Watching it again, I see that and watching it again I can't help but think "what was I thinking?!"

Monday was super, fun, happy work as is every day right now.

Reid really fed himself for the first time. He's done it a bit off and on but not this well.

Earlier that night Reid tried tomato. He was not a fan.

Stud muffin.

Intense!

Big guy.

More 8-Month Fun

These are just some fun out-takes from his mini 8-month photo session. You can see the official 8-month post here.

My sweeeeeeeeeet boy. 

He is such a happy baby. He is happy, he makes us happy, heck, he makes lots of people happy. That is a true gift, I do believe.

See those 4 bottom teeth? Yeah... he's big time now. =)

He is ornery. He is boy.

Mid-er-lateweek Randoms

Surprise, surprise! I'm behind again.

So like I mentioned in Reid's 8-month letter, I've been making it a priority to get on the floor with each night. Life is simply better that way.

He is using his imagination...

He had his first taste of lime at La Fiesta last weekend. We went out to eat with Dac's family, then he and his brother and sister went fishing/floating/canoeing on the river for a couple hours.

He fell asleep at the dinner table one night. Poor kid's had a rough week of teething and being out of his normal routine and surroundings. He's a total trooper though, I just feel bad because I know those top teeth pushing through have got to be hurting him.

Last Saturday I ran up to take care of my parents' animals while they were out of town. I got to see this sweet girl. She is truly one of the best dogs I've ever known. She had been dumped out by my aunt and uncle's house - looking completely starved and showing signs of abuse. My uncle told my mom and my mom rescued her. I was a freshman in college and was home so I got to name her. Heidi. She was a free spirit and loved to be on the run. She is just perfect. I'm sad to see her get older and struggle to get around. I kinda love her and you won't find a better friend.

Reid continues to be on the move.

He constantly stops to pose though. =)

Later that day my Aunt Diana and cousin Jennifer came to visit. This was Jennifer's first time to see Reid so that was exciting! We had a short but great visit!!

That evening we headed to Caldwell the wedding reception of some new friends at church. They got married in Montana but had a nice reception here too. It was fun!

Reid and I danced. Dac and I did too. It was pretty nice to be at a wedding and not be working. That's kind of rare for us these days.

We stayed out a bit past Reid's bedtime, can you tell? =)

Sunday, we went to church and Reid and I spent the day with Terese and Valerie in Derby. We had lunch and did some shopping.

Monday, Reid went back to his old stomping grounds! =) I'm sure he loved seeing all the girls! I love these kids and I think they kinda love each other!

That night was kind of rough (he got a new bottom tooth) but we did manage to have some bath time fun! =)

I enjoy looking at his post-feeding pot belly, his perfect little toes, and those little thigh rolls each night.

Tuesday, he spent the day with Kayla. I think he and the girls had a great time!! He also turned 8-months old that day.

He and his cousin-friend Felicity.

Would you look at this big guy? Total biker boy. =)

Wednesday, Reid went to play at Aunt Darla's and Uncle Darin's. We are beyond grateful to have so many wonderful options to take care of Reid. He is so loved.

Terese picked him up from there that afternoon so they could go work the SHARE Meal at the church.

Reid can sit. He's super strong and is like a solid little cinderblock. He just needs a reason to sit still. Peety is a good reason. PS, I promise we let Peety in right after this photo was taken. We didn't make him stay outside. =)

Wednesday night Reid didn't sleep much. Kept waking up with a stuffy/runny nose and would just cry like he was in pain. Yesterday, Reid went back to Darla's. Last night? Lord have mercy... it was rough. May have been up there in the worst few nights of Reid's little life. He had drool pouring out of his mouth, snot constantly running down his face, and was screaming and crying all evening long. We tried just about everything we could think of. We finally ended up outside and the cars driving by were a good distraction for him. It was absolutely heart breaking for me to see him hurt so bad and not be able to really help.

He was so tired but obviously couldn't get comfortable and relaxed enough to rest. Dac fed him early so he'd be ready to sleep when he could.

Not a couple minutes later, he was out. Finally found a comfy spot on dad.

Of course, that didn't last long and he was up crying again in no time. At that point his sheets were dry so I was able to make his bed and lay him in there. It took a few minutes of comforting but he finally drifted off. He woke up off and on during the night but not nearly as much as the night before and he was able to soothe himself back to sleep each time without my help.

I hope these teeth come in soon. I can see at least 3 spots on top where teeth are working their way down. We have a few more days I'm sure but one is getting pretty dang close. I mean c'mon, you know that's gotta hurt. =(

Anyway, Reid-care has pretty well consumed my time this week. I did watch The Finder on Netflix and really liked it, and I just started watching the new show Camp - like it too. We are supposed to have photos this weekend but the rain will probably make us postpone the session. Maybe we'll be able to get some stuff done around the house and on our new website. Maybe?

Work has been crazy busy. This time of year is always hectic but it will settle down in a couple months.

Also, I was so super sad to learn that Kidd Kraddick passed away. I've listened to his morning show on the radio for a few years but really got way into it this past year. He was a positive guy and the show was hilarious. It really perked up my day! I'm really going to miss him.

Hope you all have a very happy weekend and "keep looking up, cuz that's where it all is!" - Kidd Kraddick

Month 8

Dear Reid,

This month has been a month of learning (haven't they all?) for us Reid. I've learned stuff I already knew. Does that make sense? Stuff I knew but that hadn't really soaked in. Stuff I hadn't been practicing in real life - just in theory.

I learned that getting on the floor, on your level, every. single. day is crucial for both of us. It helps me see the world through your eyes... all the newness and excitement. I get down on the floor and you kiss my face with your open, sloppy mouth. You giggle more. I can watch you try to figure things out. I'm there to help you. In those few minutes each day, I've learned to let go of everything else and just be your mom. That's a big lesson for a worrier like me.

You've been learning to stack blocks (or anything for that matter) and enjoy putting things in a bowl. Speaking of which, bowls and spoons are some of your most loved toys.

You've also been working on moving the baby gate (the big laundry cart) between the family room and the kitchen so you can explore in there. You've loved checking out every nook and corner and have especially enjoyed splashing in Peety's water bowl.

It has really sunk in just how fast time is flying. The days are somewhat long at times but this year seems so short. Your dad and I have been talking a lot lately about how much you've changed, how tiny you used to be, how big and full of real person personality you are now. I've learned that makes me sad and yet so very happy at the same time. I've learned that's what a parent does. We hold on tight to the now but ultimately want to see you grow and become your own independent you.

I notice mom/son relationships on tv, at the store... I notice slightly older boys and am sometimes terrified but most the time I feel more at ease with you growing up.

I've learned I really don't worry that you're not doing some things other babies your age are doing. I'm most concerned with your overall well-being. I just love you kid - every little bit of you.

Thank you for the lessons and all the happy you bring to our days.

Love,
Mama

Highlights:

• You added a few new food flavors to your palette, including: orange, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and even mastered puffs. Oh, not to mention you had your first taste of lime and seemed to kinda like it!

• You still loved music and making noise. You get a major kick out of patting your hand on something that makes a new sound. 

• You wore size 3 diapers.

• You wore 9-12 and 12-month clothes... even wore a few 12-18 month PJ's.

• You took your first trip to Colorado to see Matt and Kelly. You went to the aquarium, saw your first fireworks show (for which you stayed awake until the finale... who does that?), and enjoyed the cats. You were a great traveler.

• You went to the public pool for the first time with Felicity. 

• You went to a cranio-facial specialist to have your neck and head shape evaluated. We got good news!

• We spent a week by ourselves while your Dad was in St. Louis for a conference.

• You teethed and teethed... getting 4 new teeth in (your top two and your bottom canines). You started working on 3 other top ones too but didn't quite get them in before the 8th month mark.

• You relied pretty heavily on your pacifier. I think it made your mouth feel better with all those teeth coming in.

• You continued to drink a 6oz bottle at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., eat solid foods between 5-5:30 p.m. and drink a 6oz bottle at around 7:30 p.m.

• I still offered you water in a sippy cup occasionally, but you rarely drank much from it. You mostly just wanted to chew on the cup.

• You started sitting up more - as long as you had a reason to sit still. Otherwise, you army crawled fast as you could all over the house.

• You went after cords and lots of other things you weren't supposed to go after, including Peety's dog bowls.

• Speaking of Peety, you find him SO funny and crack up when you look at him.

• You enjoyed standing up (with help) and stomping your foot.

• While Connie was on vacation, you spent one day with Aunt Cori and her girls and another with Aunt Kayla and her girls. (You spent the rest of the week with Aunt Darla and Uncle Darin but that was technically in month 8.)

• You continue to enjoy exploring, 'talking', eating, making noise, learning things, playing on the floor with toys, watching cars go by, and you light up when I pick you up from daycare.