The Dancing King

As I'm sure I've mentioned before, Cody LOVES music! Lately after supper, we like to burn off the rest of Cody's remaining energy for the day by dancing to all kinds of fun songs using iTunes on our TV (I'm sure there is a more technical term for this.). I've been trying to capture this on video, not that he is going to be the next baby Beyonce or anything...but I thought it'd be cute to catch on tape. This one isn't earth-shattering, but gives you a little preview into our lives. I love that he wanted a horsey ride after his little shuffle-feet dance routine.

Congratulations Brian & Natasha!!

Brian and Natasha Stewart were married in Eden Prairie at Wooddale Church on a lovely September day. I was honored to be a bridesmaid in their wedding. It was such a great time! They both have really fantastic families and friends. I wanted to post a picture of the beautiful couple (thanks Rene for the photo!) right after the wedding ceremony, in the limo en route to the reception. Don't they look happy? I wish nothing but the best for them in the future. I just happen to think they will do quite well :)

(I couldn't resist posting this one...what a gorgeous bride!)

Just to prove how awesome they are, both Brian and Natasha came to visit the day after (!) their wedding so they could see their godson who just happens to be a little boy named Cody! What amazing people they are...I think I would be SLEEPING after all the crazy wedding activities. But, they wanted to visit Cody while they were in town as Cody did not attend the wedding. We are so grateful that they took the time to visit; it really meant a lot to us.

Brian and Cody had a little bonding time figuring out Cody's ball popper, and I made the happy couple pose for a couple cute group photos before they jetted off on their honeymoon to the New England area.



Congrats again, guys!

18 Months Old !

Cody is 18 months old!

Can you believe our little man is a year and a half?! As they say, time goes quickly.

We had his 18 month old check-up with his pediatrician and all went well. Here's his stats:

Weight: 23.8 pounds (10-25th percentile; actually LOST 3 ounces from 15 mo *)

Height: 31.5 inches (25th percentile)

Head Circumf: 19 inches (50-75th percentile)

* The boy does not stop moving! I swear, we feed him and this boy can EAT!

He is still not saying many words, much to our disappointment, but we are confident they will come in time. He babbles in his own German slash Alien language NON-STOP so I think that once he does get the words out, he will not.stop.talking !!! We hope words are on the horizon soon...they seem so CLOSE. He does say "BYE!" and has said a few other words like "hair", "meow", "ball", etc. I know, watch what you wish for, but the grunting gets old sometimes :)

That said, he definitely knows what we are saying and probably understands more than we know. He can get his shoes from the utility room floor, as well as mommy and daddy's shoes too (and picks out the right ones!). He will throw things in the garbage can for us (including the one under the sink with the door) and put his toys away. He knows what he wants (water, snacks, etc.) and is not afraid to let us know in his own way!

We bought him a potty chair last week - oh Lord help me! I don't think he is quite ready but he does seem to know what "pee" and "poop/stinky" is....so maybe it's not too far away.

He is a total monkey. Climbing on everything. Couches, lawn chairs, beds, etc. The other day at daycare, when backs were turned for a few seconds, he managed to get up the ENTIRE climbing wall of the playset and stood at the top with a huge grin of satisfaction on his face! Little stinker. Also, I hear his new thing at daycare is sliding down the stairs on his belly, but standing up at the last step, turning around and jumping down to the floor. I'm finding myself pining away for a rambler these days....

That's an update for now. More news soon about a very BIG change to Cody's life that will be coming up!

I can't resist putting a few candids up of the love of our lives! Enjoy.

Our l'il monkey

Playing with Grandpa A

Sadly, I think he has Gordon's photogenic qualities...

Future farmer?

Best toy EVER!

Minnesota State Fair, Continued

Oh poor blog...I've really been neglecting you!

I think I left off at the Minnesota State Fair which we attended on Friday, September 3rd, along with 155,802 other people. It was both Cody and Grandma A's first time at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! We went for a few hours in the morning before it got too crazy-busy.

We took one of the free shuttle-busses from our favorite Park-N-Ride location, which just so happened to be Cody's first bus ride. He did great and sat perfectly still taking everything in. After hearing about some issues with the shuttles because of a change in bus companies, we were a bit nervous, but it was flawless and we didn't have to wait long at all to either get on or off.

We got to the fair entrance and much to my dismay, paid gate prices after missing buying the discount tickets ahead of time. (Oh well, I'll live :)) Being their first time, both Grandma and Cody loved all the sights and sounds of the Fair.

We went to the Miracle of Life barn where Cody got to pet/touch baby chicks, lambs, calves, bunnies, ponies, etc... As always, it was insanely busy in there so we didn't even bother with getting the camera out to snap any photos.

Everyone knows that the main attraction of the State Fair is the food, but I thought we controlled ourselves pretty well by limiting the food consumption to an ice cream cone (G'ma/Cody), malt (Gordon/Annette), cheese curds (shared), Pronto Pups, and a soda.

Grandma and Cody shared a special moment when they took a ride on the Carousel together. Mommy and Daddy were nervous that Cody would be Mr. Squirm-a-lot, but he did great! He was double finger sucking it pretty hard-core, but I think he enjoyed it. This was actually his second merry-go-round ride ~ he had his first one during our trip to Colorado at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

(Here is a quick video clip...don't watch if you have motion sickness!)

Another highlight was listening to music at the Leinie Lounge on his daddy's shoulders. Cody absolutely *adores* music.

All-in-all, Cody did great at the State Fair and we can't wait to take him again next year!

Minnesota State Fair

On Friday morning, Gordon, Cody, Grandma A & I all headed to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. A full recap later, but a great time was had by all!

To tide you all over, here's a quick photo! One of my favorites ever :)

#101

A couple days ago, I wrote this post and it was only this morning that I realized it was Blog Post #100! WOW!! Not too bad for starting this blog in December of last year (just 9 months ago), being a working mother, maintaining a home, being a wife, and having a busy (um, did I mention busy?!) toddler. It's been an interesting journey so far, and I plan to continue writing about what I want to. I'm looking forward to blogging about several upcoming things in the next few months ~ sharing the progress on our finished basement project (speaking of, I need to get down there to take photos of the finished framing work), Cody's 18 month old checkups (pediatrician & ophthalmologist), bargain/deal shopping, Cody's first real winter of being able to go outside & play in the snow, the holidays, & much more. Who knows, real life may get in the way, but I'll give it my best shot & we'll see what happens!

Photo Project

I'll be the first to admit that I have grand ideas about different projects that I want to do, but when it comes down to it, I can't seem to get anything accomplished. Just look in my basement (wait...I don't want you to look in my basement!!) for the bins and bins of scrapbook stuff ~ stickers, albums, ticket stubs, souvenirs, photos, etc ~ not to mention, the thousands of digital photos I have not printed out or did anything with.

That said, one thing that I *have* gotten done is the framing/collage of Cody's first year of monthly sign photos. What are those, you ask? See here, here and here for examples.

I was able to take advantage of some deals (of course, are you surprised?!) on Shutterfly for these neat 11x17 collage photo posters. These worked perfectly for what I wanted to do with the monthly photos of Cody. I'm already in need of another collage being made, but for now, these fit on the wall perfectly and I'm super pleased with them. The photos are not that clear (sorry) but you get a general idea.