Waving

It is so fun to be able to celebrate Mothers' Day for the first time! It's a sunny day, we walked the hill, had coffee and breakfast and people watched, and now Andy is down for his nap. Life's good : ) Kyle took this picture from his phone - and I love it. Andy is sitting up on his own and waving now!

Miller Time!

I was a very lucky auntie and was able to spend some quality time with baby Miller on his one-month birthday. He is such a cutie! After spending time with him, it made me realize how big Andy is getting - how time flies!

Dinner with Friends

Last weekend was Cam's and Annie's Bachelor/Bachelorette parties. We celebrated the end of the weekend by bringing spouses together for a yummy dinner. Thanks for great food and great company!

Bapa

Many of my best memories growing up took place at Whidbey. One of my favorite times of day up there is when the sun is low, the BBQ is grilling, and we are laughing at the events of the day around the table on the porch. Well, we were able to experience one of those nights last weekend...and Andy enjoyed every second while sitting with Bapa. Thanks for filling my memory with fun times at Whidbey and for the priceless gift that I get to give to Andy.

Toes in the sand and water

With the spring weather FINALLY arriving - we decided that Whidbey is the best place to be! Andy experienced a couple of important firsts...toes in the Whidbey Sand and toes in Puget Sound. Can't get much better than that!

Friends with Benefits...

We are so lucky to have Auntie Car and Uncle Allen. The friends with benefits means - not only are they Kyle's and my friends - they also are SO GOOD with Andy. Whenever we spend time with Car and Al - Kyle and I get a little break because auntie and uncle fight over time with Andy. Thanks friends - for balancing us and for loving our little guy like he's your own.

Cousins

Andy and Nick Lentz are 2 1/2 weeks apart in age. It has been fun to watch them grow together. We have a lot to look forward to - and watch out for with these two, and now Miller Warme has been added to the mix. Andy, Nick, and Miller all will be in the same grade in school.

Watch out world!

This past year

Looking back at this past year - SO much has happened. That is an understatement. In our family, the obvious and the most important - Anderson. He is a gift on so many levels. Two years ago, on my birthday, there was a lot of uncertainty. This year on my birthday, I wouldn't change a thing. Isn't life strange that way? Okay, I know the economy is making life challenging for all, I increasingly am hearing about health scares and diagnoses to those close to me, and Pirates have become more than a part of the movie Peter Pan. I find myself easily wrapped up those issues - but then, when I look at my blessings, life 'aint so bad. I quote my sister in a phrase that has become a common one...it takes a village. I am so fortunate for my village. I have an amazing family. I have in-laws who thank us when they take care of Andy. No, thank YOU. It's so great to know that Andy is going to be showered with love when he is with you. My parents - you love #6 as much as you love #1. You have made me realize that this parenting thing...it never ends...your unconditional love keeps me sane and gives me a constant in my life. My sisters - well, I just don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for blazing the path for me and for gracefully reminding me to put socks on my son's feet : ) My friends - you make my life whole, you balance me, and you love me for all the quirks you get with me. Kyle - I met you when I was 19...can you believe that? You know me better than I know myself. I admire your drive and your optimistic outlook on life. I have fallen even more in love with you as I watch you in your role as a dad - I always knew you would be a wonderful father, but I just melt when I see the look on Andy's face when you walk into the room. This past year...I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but in the end - I am thankful for my village, my health...and for Anderson for putting things in perspective.

Our friend, Bob

I am such a fan of "The Bob Ironman". Now that I officially can run with Andy in a stroller (8 months) - I have an outlet! It has been nice having better weather so I can go for walks with Andy. I still haven't mastered walking Andy AND Henry at the same time...so hopefully that day will come soon.

Look at my teeth!

Saying hi!

8 months old!

Andy is almost 9 months, but I realized I never posted pictures of 8 months. So - here he is. At eight months, he is scooting in a circle, wanting to crawl and frustrated that he can't. He laughs at almost everything and is a calm, smiley guy. He reaches and grabs for everything and tries to put it in his mouth. The mouth thing is because he has 1 1/2 teeth : ) Andy tries to hold his own bottle, but mostly likes to play with it and throw it. He still loves his binky and is now able to put it his mouth, take it out, and throw it. As Andy falls asleep and sleeps, he still thumps both legs and sleeps with his hands behind his head. Lately, he has been rolling around and sleeping on his tummy...a day that I thought would never come. It's pretty cute to watch him play in his crib. That's all for now! Below is a picture taken by Kyle - he was so proud that Andy was playing with the wooden truck : ) The apple doesn't fall far from the tree apparently!