Family Time

Jackie stayed with us for a few days before Abraham flew out to make the move to Atlanta, GA together. John thought he would try to tag along!

Enjoying time with his aunties and a yummy dinner at Grandma Joan's

Took a break from playing for a snack...one of the only things he willingly stops playing to do :)

John's days have a steady flow to them which we are all getting used to and enjoying. He gets up around 7 and eats breakfast with us, then heads off for some indoor playtime usually throwing balls or pushing things around the house. He gets a little sleepy around 8:30 so he sits down to watch a 40minute cartoon teaching him the ABCs while I quickly wash up and get dressed and ready for the day. If I finish before the movie is done we cuddle up for the remainder of the alphabet which is so sweet and relaxing. When that's through we take a walk around the neighborhood then John has a banana and yogurt snack when we get back after which he must have outside playtime or he gets super cranky and bangs on the doors until we go out or he starts crying. We play on his slide, swing, bounce balls, push the mower, pick everything in sight, splash in the water table if it's warm enough, and he usually ends up with a new scrape or bump by 11:30 when we come in to eat lunch and get ready for a nap. By noon I have read a few books and John has fallen asleep in his crib. I then have about 2 hours to do chores, check emails, eat, read the paper or a book if I'm into one, watch a movie if I need to relax or sleep if I had a rough night of sleep. John is usually drowsy and grouchy after he gets up until we head outside to play somemore, have another snack around 3:00, and sometimes have some down time watching Sesame Street or Blues Clues. Dad gets home around 5:30 then dinner at 6 and playtime with Dad while I clean up, oats and a bottle at 7:15 then a nice warm bathtime and bed by 7:45. It's a nice routine to be in and helps me to plan out our weeks with playdates, errands and visits with family. John eats a lot most days and weighs 26 pounds and is 32inches long. His 18 month pants are finally the perfect length! In the last couple weeks he has discovered his ability to entertain as he smiles and repeats his actions if he gets a laugh out of us. It is so cute to see him light up at the sound of someone laughing and beam his toothy grin.

Play time!

John loves playing outside whether the weather is pleasant or gloomy.

The water table is a favorite.
Getting tall enough, and strong enough, to open the doors.
This is what John does if I haven't taken him outside by 10am.



My second Mothers Day

Visiting family in Colorado over Easter weekend. John got to meet his Great grandparents and the rest of Grandpa Rick's family. He had a great time playing with my cousins and did well on his first plane flights.

Steve and I braved the air with John this Easter and were pleased with the results. John will not sleep on an airplane even if he's exhausted and can barely keep his eyes open. He will, however, eat all of his snacks and then 2 bags of Southwest airplane crackers...anything to keep him happy and occupied I suppose. We had a great time visiting with my dad's side of the family and hope to make the trip more often.

John is an extremely active boy and insists on playing outside throughout the day. He gets really cranky and bangs on the doors if we don't. This will be nice when it gets warm and stays warm but for now he bundles up on cold days and plays in the water on warmer days...as long as he gets his outside time. He is getting good at playing fetch with Toro who appreciates John's loves of balls and is so patient when John steals his from right under his nose.

John is sleeping great and moved himself to 1 nap a day the week he turned 1. He is finally getting to a point where he isn't sure if he wants to stop playing to eat and often seems to really think about how hungry he is when I tell him it's time to eat. He eats great once he is away from his toys and distractions.

My second Mother's Day was very enjoyable and kind of relaxing even. John started off with an unusual 3am screaming crying which ended promptly when I picked him up and rocked him. Then we hosted brunch for our mom's and family then headed to the Bremer's for a dinner with extended family. I felt much more motherly this year. Last year, being one month in to motherhood, I was nervous, exhausted, and flustered. This year I feel confident and relaxed and I am enjoying myself and my boy every day.