Pumpkins

I've recently wanted to learn how to use pumpkin puree from scratch instead of a can.  We had a great time getting the pumpkins ready.

(sitting on pumpkins like eggs, you know, like on Happy Feet)

Evy Turns Three!

This is Scary Evy

This is Evy's Pirate Face.

This is Evy's favorite pastime.

This is Evy's Mad Face.

This is EVY!



He is turning three!



His favorite phrases:
What the Heck!
Blankie me
Wnat you hold you me
baanas
I'm Eeevrit. This is my mommy.
Oh, snap!

Evy is cutest when . . .

he gives his dad a round of vitamins.

is as quick as lightning to find a toy for Merritt when he is fussy.
RRUUNNSSSS!!

cleans out Marbles' fishbowl

helps us cook, gather trash, clean messes, and play ball

Right now Evy is leaving naps behind totally. He is a pro at the potty. His favorites are hanging out with friends and spending time with his dad. Everett is totally into dinosaurs and cars and running and anything related to a ball. He loves to play soccer with the girl across the street. He hates saying goodbye. He loves his little brother and asks daily for tickle fights. He sleps in a tent. His current running favorite show is Hercules. He is very attuned others' sickness and owies. He is very quick to point out when someone needs help from the "firefighters" because they are hurt. We love this little boy!

Evy's 2nd Year Pics

Evy Turns 2

Our goal this year was to have birthday activities instead of a birthday party for Everett. He opened presents from family as we received them, and he was really able to enjoy each one--being "two" you get overwhelmed a bit easily. We were so glad that we did this as he responded very well.

Last weekend, we started Evy's birthday celebrations. We really wanted to schedule a chance for him to tour a firehouse. It was just seeming to be too hard between all the schedules, and then I found out that Fairfax County was having open firehouses for fire prevention week. SCORE!

THE Firehouse!

Everett had a blast; the most mundane fascinated him. He seriously thought the bunkroom and the urinals were REALLY cool. No kidding.

Apple Picking

The next weekend, we planned to go apple picking to continue with his birthday festivities and found out from a friend how we could go apple picking and go to SONIC! All is right with the world when pieces like that align. (There are not any Sonics close to us. And, Sheila was able to go and buy milk and yogurt out in the country with country prices . . . heaven!)

The actual birthday day was so much fun for Everett. Breakfast started with his favorite doughnut--the kind with sprinkles. One or both of us were with him during nursery at church(they were shorthanded), and he did really well. They sang Happy Birthday to him. He really didn't know what was going on, but he didn't cry or run away.

After nap, he had a birthday treat, M&Ms. We then made his birthday cake together. In making the cake, he wanted to add food coloring. So, we added the colors one by one and watched them spiral together. Actually made the white cake more festive.

For dinner we had his favorite, NOODLES! Of course the sauce was everywhere. And then we added red icing to the mix on his face. It was fabulous!

Shameless Videos:
Birthday Song



Birthday Cake



Chatting, Giggling and Reading with Evy (5 videos)

Pics at 21 Months

By Everett's request, I took several pictures of him this afternoon (the Little Ham). So, the smiles can go along with the 21 Month Update.

Remember, he was as long as the bear when he was born.

All I have to do is ask him to, "Show me your teeth!"

Celebrating 21!

Everett is now 21 months, and this pregnancy is 21 weeks along!

Update on Evy

Evy is talking more and more. The other day he was telling me about the cat, and when I didn't understand it was the CAT he was talking about, he paused, looked at me, and then said, "Meow!" I got it then.

Weight: 30 pounds

Clothes: 2T

Shoes: 7 1/2 extra wide

Socially

• The center of his universe is still Dada.
• He enjoys interacting with other kids; since most of his friends are older, he is usually found trying to mimic what they are doing (especially his cousin Preston).
• He is going through some separation issues right now, especially with Dada. He hates being left behind in nursery.
• It is common for him to want to give a "high five" or "the rock" to everyone we meet from the cashier, to the waiter, to the garbage man (he loves the garbage man). Often times, he even wants to give them a hug and kiss, too.
• He knows, usually, when he is up to no good. As he embarks upon a task of mischief, he usually perches on a step that is far from my sight. He has also been known to close all the doors between me and the room where the "up to no good" activity will ensue. When he is caught, he is very quick to stop and make amends.
• His way of saying sorry is to tilt his head to the right and lean in for a hug.

For Fun

• He is happiest when he is in a large open space with music and a bunch of balls. We dance everyday, several times a day, and it is fun to see how he develops his dance moves. Right now he has a floor routine! It is hysterical! And the fave music is SALSA!
• Everett usually is the one that initiates reading books. He can be found pulling a book to just look at by himself. His favorite activity while in the car (if there aren't any trucks around) is reading his books, especially the truck books.
• He loves his cat. (If it were not for Everett's devotion to the cat, the cat would be gone.) He loves to pet and scratch her. He loves to give her hugs, and he is always letting me know that the cat needs something if he thinks I haven't responded in a timely manner to the cat's demands.
• This kid is a giggler. He is extremely ticklish and we make the most of that. His sense of humor is continually being refined; today he decided to flash his brilliant "teethy" smile, and we were very blinded by the brilliance, which he found totally funny. It is so fun to see him initiate humor.
• He is a developing singer; though he might be tone deaf. In church, when we are singing the hymns, he sings right along with us, very LOUDLY! He will also sing along to his lullabies at night and to country music when it is playing in the car.

Tid Bits

• We haven't started potty training, but he is showing signs of readiness. He understands what happens in the potty and usually wants to participate by putting a square of toilet paper in the toilet before we flush (no, we don't get to use the bathroom by ourselves anymore) and say "bye-bye" to the contents of the bowl.
• He is a terrific eater but still is not a fan of raw fruit. He loves PB &J, chicken, lima beans, dipping sauce (any sauce to dip whatever in), cherrios, hot dogs, dried fruit, WATER, cheese, crackers, and yogurt. Is not a fan of milk or green beans.
• He loves to look at himself in the mirror after getting dressed in the morning. He actually wants to look in every mirror in the house after getting dressed. Sometimes he helps me pick out his clothes; sometimes he would rather run around naked and fights me tooth and nail in getting dressed.
• He has to have two of everything. Two water bottles, two blankies, two crackers, and even suggests to us that we have two, too.
• He hates having his nails clipped or having anything on his feet.

Physically

• We see little residual from his acid reflux days. Usually, when we see a cough or runny nose, we see the sensitive gag reflux (so we end up feeling like we are treating the stomach flu and the cough).
• He is working on walking fast and on his climbing skills. He is attempting to go up and down stairs without holding onto anything.
• The other day he wanted to show me how well he was "kikning" the ball. It was so great to see him 1) show something off, 2) get a new word, and 3) show a skill that we've been really working towards mastering.

What does he think about babies? He is actually a fan. Since Baby Riley has been around the house recently, he has learned to share attention from Dada and Momma a bit. (has the hardest time sharing Dada) He loves to play with Riley, give her kisses, and just watch her. He loves to hug and kiss the baby doll that we have in the toy box.

Does he know there is a baby coming? Well, I've tried to explain the growing tummy. And, I can tell he is trying to understand when I explain it, but I don't think he has any idea.

Update on Baby S

Due Date: Early December

Estimated Weight: 1 pound

Though the pounds still aren't packing for me, my body is changing. I am obviously pregnant (past the "looking like I'm hitting the ho-ho" stage and well into I look pregnant stage) and completely off balance. Twice this weekend I tripped down or up stairs.

Today at the mid-pregnancy sonogram, the baby was constantly moving and making the sonographer work for her money. Though, I must admit that she didn't make me go pee or turn upside down like with Everett's scan in order to get shots of all his innards.

The baby's anatomy is great. And, no, we did not find out the sex of the baby. We're holding out until Baby S is born for that detail. We were able to see the scans on a big flat screen TV placed right in front of us (no craning the neck to see the sonographer's screen) and, as you can see from the picture above, she did take a facial picture with their cool 3D/4D wand.

The baby is completely head first right now--WAY down in my pelvic area. Explains the extreme discomfort I've been having. In fact, when they did the internal probe to check the cervix, we saw 1) the cervix and 2) the crown of a head at the same time. The baby was pushing right against the cervix. I don't want another eager beaver baby.

As far as the cervix (cause I know all of you are really wanting that detail), the cervix is fine. Looking good! I was hoping that this was my last trip to their office for awhile (I go to a high-risk sonogram facility). But, since Everett was low and then I started having cervical problems, and now this baby is low, I get to go at least two more times.

I know I shouldn't feel inconvenienced by that, but it is just such an effort to go. And, part of me doesn't want to go because I don't want to have these concerns; I don't want to have to need to go. I don't want cervical problems or preterm labor looming over me. So, I'll suck it up and let that be the end of the complaining.

Happy, Happy, Twenty-One!

Everett at 16 Months

Everett is growing and developing so quickly. Even though I don't post monthly updates anymore, it is time I try and capture what he is doing right now.

Here is a typical day:
He’ll wake up on his own sometime between 7 and 8. Lately he has been waking up at 8:30!

8:00 Breakfast
PLAY
9:30 or 10:00 Snack
PLAY
11:30 or 12:00 Lunch
NAP for two hours
2:00 Snack
PLAY
4:00 Snack
PLAY
6:30 Dinner
PLAY
7:30 Bedtime

PLAY
Reading books (he enjoys being read to but also enjoys looking through books on his own)
Dancing or laughing at someone dancing to music
Practice walking with support or cruising the furniture
Driving with the cart of blocks
Building “towers” with blocks
Playing with the stereo
Playing with his rocking horse
Playing with balls or balloons
Laughing at his reflection in the mirror
Going on walks
Taking baths--He never tires of them
CHASE--chasing and being chased by this parents and chasing the cat
Drawing on and with anything he can access
Playing on the COMPUTER
Playing with cell phones and remotes

He is great about washing is face and hands and brushing his teeth (anything to get to play in the faucet). He is proud to show you his EYES, NOSE, and MOUTH. He loves to "put on" his socks and shoes, and he really knows how to take both of them off.

How Everett Communicates:

• He is a pro at shaking his head “no” and has started vocalizing “no” with the shake.
• He can say “cat” or “kitty.”
• He points to his mouth for food, and he may say “eat.”
• He puts his hands in the air for “all done.” If I think he is all done, I ask, “All done?” If he is, he’ll put his hands in the air. If not, he may shake is head “no.”
• For “more” he points to his armpits and almost looks like he is starting the chicken dance. Recently, he has started saying, "mo."
• He likes to go “down” the stairs.
• “Uh-oh” is a favorite vocalization.
• He loves putting lotion on his hands.
• Just before his nap today he said DUCK. He wanted to take a duck with him to nap. (Preston, you didn't call and talk to him about bed friends did you?)

He is totally off the bottle and is beginning to use a regular cup more and more. He would probably be using the regular cup if I weren't too "busy" to change his clothes after every time he gets a drink.

We do have a physical therapist coming by to help us build Everett's strength so that he can be more comfortable with his balance in learning to walk.

And, remember that Everett was about the size of the bear when he was born!

Got Milk

Everett took a mini-nap this morning. Can I get an 'Amen' for that? (I haven't caught up on my sleep loss from seizure watch.)



When I went to fetch him from his crib, he didn't want to go. Fine by me. I gave him his sippy cup and went to the office to get a file.


Almost immediately, the most delicious squealing sound came from the nursery. I smiled to myself and thought,"What a happy kid! He is having a good time in that crib." Given that, I took the time to grab one more file and went to look in on him.


In less than a minute, he had emptied out his sippy cup all over the crib and room all while keeping the lid on the cup. The inside of the sippy cup must have come dislodged. So, the squealing came from enjoying the "milk rain."

He thought he was pretty cool.

[The sheet was soaked, the floor right beside the crib was soaked, and his sleeping pants were all wet. I've added some green for dramatic effect (Everett helped). The entire inside of his crib, the wood part, was dotted with milk drops.]

13 Month Update

At 13 months and a couple of weeks, Everett is 31 and 1/2 inches long and 27 pounds and 9 ounces. He is wearing 18 month to 24 month clothes with a couple of 2T items mixed in the bunch.


He is totally crawling and scooting, cruising furniture, walking with assistance, and is going up and up the stairs (down is still a challenge).


He is transitioning to 1 nap a day and prefers Dada for everything. (The pediatrician says that this is okay and some kids are like that.)


Mealtimes right now are about him feeding us rather than feeding himself. This is cute, but it becomes not so cute sometimes, especially when he insists that you eat the green bean that he has already put in his mouth and chewed on. Yum!


Being buckled into his car seat is akin to medieval torture.


He recently decided to rearrange the ornaments on the tree. This means he takes them off and tries to put them back "on" by touching the ornament to the tree. He is genuinely surprised when just touching the tree with the ornament doesn't keep it up on the limb. He was able to find a spot to stick the ornament. See if you can locate it in the picture:

Evy Is Sponging It Up at 11 Months

STATS

Height: 31 inches (99th percentile)
Weight: 25 pounds, 4 ounces (90th percentile)

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We are amazed at how much Everett has learned and grown this past month. He is moving, saying words, racing us to answer the phone, getting into everything, and generally making us laugh all the time.

• He has already checked out every light socket in the house and is moving on to the cabinets. Right now, he loves playing with the handles, epecially those that clank.
• He is very strong and amazes us with how he can easily manipulate what we thought was too heavy for him.
• He loves to talk to stuffed animals and the toys hanging in the car.
• He now sings consistently along with us when we sing him lullabies and sings to music playing in the car.
• He BOPS to all kinds of rhythm whether he is in his car seat, booster seat, in the store or car shop, and has even been bopping to the lullabies we sing to him. He's got RHYTHM!
• He loves throwing and catching the ball (he doesn't really catch, but he is throwing the ball to you).
• He loves feet . . . your feet, his feet, your friend's feet. If you wear crazy socks when you come over to play, he falls in love.
• When you hold his hands while he is standing, he'll take several steps of his own accord. He thinks this trick is pretty cool.
• Upon the moment he wakes up, he tells you where to go by pointing. First stop in the morning is either to gaze upon the cousin pictures or go straight out the door. He'll let you know.

• He can now traverse the house on his bum. Here is what he looks like in action as he reaches and scoots forward.
  
  
  

  Evy's Words

DADA!
He greets Erik when he gets home from work and knows Erik's voice (screams DADA into the phone when Sheila puts the conversation on speaker).

TaDa! and All Done!
He doesn't do this on cue. But he says both of these words. And, very often, he'll clap when he is saying TaDa!

Kitty Cat
This one cracks me up. He'll point at Twiggy. We'll say, "Kitty cat." And, then he repeats it and may repeat it even when Twiggs isn't around.

Hi and Bye
He has also been caught saying hi and bye and waving hi and bye.

Nose
He has been asking by pointing what the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, tail, back, and feet are on this book. He is pretty good at saying "nose."

How Big Is He?

Pretty Big. Remember, he was about the size of the bear when he was born.

Everett's Corner at 10 Months

Howdy Ya'll! I am going to write the entry this time. Mom says that I am starting to assert myself and that she'll help me, but I am in charge like I am at home. So, here is what my day is like-

I am an early riser. So, I get a good bit of playing in before breakfast. On days Mom doesn't work, she lets me roll around in bed while she pretends to sleep in. That lasts just a few minutes because I need to eat pretty quickly.

On Eating

Yeah, I am eating more and more big people food. In fact, I won't let Mom feed me anything but big people food. Dad and Michelle are still able to feed me that processed baby food stuff, but I make sure Mom only gives me the good stuff like bananas rolled in rice crispies, black beans, rice, bread, pears, and nectarines. Now, I prefer the bread, but she keeps offering me this other stuff, like cheese. I don't like the cheese.

play, Play, PLAY
Next, we go out and play. We try to get outside before I go down for a nap because Mom says it is cooler in the morning.

Me and My "Da!"

These days I am all about "Da!" I scream with happiness whenever I see him. I know that he is "Da!" and I call him that. My eyes follow him around this house. And today while he was getting ready for church (and I was supposed to be getting ready for a nap) I did my best to roll and creep along my room and the hall to find him. I LOVE it when he plays the clapping game with me and he always makes time to take me to the pool or on a walk or feed me (even when he is late). I love my "Da!"

Naps

I really don't have much to say on the subject except I'd rather play. Still taking two naps a day. I talk for at least 20 minutes to myself as I roll around in the bed before I decide to take a snooze.

Back to Playing

I love to read and I was showing my friend some cool things as I read to him this book. At this point, the front and the back of the book have the best parts. That is what I am reading to him in this picture.


Other Stuff I Do When I Am Playing

. . . . . . . . . . .ears, Ears, EARS

I love to play with my floppy ears. I have also been known to play with Mom and Dad's ears. But, right now, I especially enjoy bending my own.

I love to Swing and feel like each time I swing feels like the first time I've ever been on a swing!

My favorite position in the stroller is FEET UP! I try and do this at the table at home, but Mom isn't so much a fan of when I do it there.

Talking

Mom thinks that it is important that I mention that I am jabbering "momomomomom" these days. She thinks that it is fantastic! I am also making the sign for "milk" and when I play the clapping game I make the sing for "more." But, I only use that helpful "more" word with the clapping game.

Moving

I am moving better and better. I still don't have the crawling down, but I am getting better at rolling to toys that I want and scooting in reverse on my tummy seems to be still entertaining.

How Big Am I?

Mom and Dad say that I am really big. Then Mom says, "That is an understatement." I do know that I was about the size of the bear when I was born. And, for this month's photo, I wouldn't lay still. Mom marked with an X everywhere I went in the two minutes that they tried to get me lined up like last month. Here is where I went:

That is about it, Ya'll. (Mom is trying to get me ready for the trip to Texas. I am going to see my family and my auntie is getting married.) I still won't say, "yeehaw." That's okay, Mom does it well enough for me.

Interview with Evy at 9 Months

STATS
Weight: 23 pounds, 11 ounces (95th percentile)

Height: 30 inches long (95th percentile)

Head Circumference: Off the charts

Moderator: Ladies and Gentlemen, thanks for joining us for this live interview with Everett. Everett, thanks for being with us; we've been trying to interview you for months and are thrilled that you are with us today.

Everett: Thanks, I am glad to be here, too.

Moderator: First off, I need you to clear up a rumor. Are you the next Gerber Baby?

Everett: [hahahaha] No, no, no. I do get that from lots of people. But, Mommy says that she doesn't even maintain that high level of maintenance for herself--so, she doesn't think that she'll be turning me into a show baby anytime soon.

Moderator: Thanks for clearing that up for us. So, are you walking yet?

Everett: Not yet . . . I am pretty content with the sitting option. I have started scooting backwards on my tummy, but not often. I do roll from belly to back, but not often.

Moderator: Your mom and dad always talk about how you enjoy music. The fans want to know what tunes you are currently listening to now?

Everett: Well, Mommy and Daddy have me hooked onto James Brown. I can get my booty bouncing to those tunes---oh, Mom just nudged me to remind me to tell you that I am clapping to music these days. She brought along some pictures to share. When I am particularly cranky in the car, they play, "Killing Me Softly." I also enjoy a couple of songs on some CD that Dad bought. Mom is especially good at interpreting the tunes into dance moves. Cracks me UP!

Dad's CD that Everett Likes

Moderator: So, what are these other pictures that I see over there.

Everett: When I see something new or interesting, I tilt my head in a quizzical manner. It took Mom tons of shots to get these. You have to move pretty quickly to get the moment. I guess I should mention that you might notice the jaw dropping in the middle picture. Mom says that when I am amazed with something, I do that, too.

Moderator: That bear looks really familiar.

Everett: Yeah, I got in on vacation. At the time it had one eye. The second one fell off when Mom washed it. That's okay. It absorbs drool really well.

[pause]

Everett: This is the picture Mom and Dad take every month to show how much I've grown. I was about the size of the bear when I was born.


Moderator: Nice! What have you been doing with your hot summer days?

Everett: I love to go on walks and go to the pool with Dad. At this one pool by my house that has a waterslide that I can't go on yet, there are water spouts that shoot straight up. They shoot up as high as I am when I sit down. I love to sit beside them and try and catch the water.

Moderator: Really! How is that going?

Everett: I really haven't been able to catch the water. It just seems to constantly flow through my fingers which I don't get yet. But I do get myself splashed in the face trying to contain it.

Moderator: I think one of your fans said that you have the voice of Barry White. What does that mean?

Everett: Well, people keep telling Mom and Dad that I have a really deep babyvoice. I do like to sing. I think that my deeper babyvoice surprises people and that's why I have been called that by a couple of their friends. And, you know, all the ladies love Barry White's voice. And, I am pretty good with my singing.

[pause]


Everett: And I am getting some teeth right now and that will help me learn to say words. I almost have eight teeth. Right now I have five teeth that I brush everyday. But, Mom and Dad say I have three more coming in quick.

Moderator: This isn't a question of what products you endorse, but what are your favorite toys right now?

Everett: Here. I came with a picture of the toys I play with the most. I like things that roll.



Everett: Oh, and here is a picture of a picture that I always have to be facing when I am playing in the living room. I really like to look at it.



Moderator: Interesting. Well, Everett, we are about out of time. I can see your Mom signalling that it is time for a nap. Before you go, share with us what happens next in Everett's World.

Everett: Yeah, (yawn), I do need to go. I plan on just playing, playing, playing like I do all the time from morning until night. I have a few other pictures we didn't talk about. I'll just leave them to look through on your own. Thanks and Bye!

Moderator: That is about all folks. Thanks, Everett, for dropping in. Until next time . . .