Christmas - Year 2

Wyland post gift extravaganza

No, Wyland is not 2 years old, but this year marked his second Christmas. Many things have changed since last year. Last year he was only 3 months old. This year he was a walking, talking toddler...but he still was not sure about this Christmas thing. He thought the tree was pretty cool and he rearranged the ornaments daily. But as far as gifts were concerned, he still wasn't sure.

One of the favorites

We certainly did not go overboard on gifts. On the one hand, I wanted to spoil him...at least a little. I realized early on that it would be so easy to go totally overboard. So we thoughtfully chose some toys, puzzles and books that we thought he would love. Compared to other kids Wyland's age, I'm sure he only got a fraction of the loot. But two things: he doesn't know and he doesn't care. I'm sure next year (and every year after that) will be different!

Stocking Stuffers Rock

New Year's Resolution #1: Update Blog More Often

Christmas time is here...and I've started reflecting on the year that has past. Just a year ago, Wyland was only 11 weeks old. That is mind boggling in and of itself! To think that he was so small and delicate and all I could think at the time is: am I doing the right thing. Now at 14 months, he is still my baby, I still doubt myself a lot, but everyday there is something new to learn and explore. I hang on his every word...trying to comprehend what he is saying. I think I am beginning to understand a little. And it is crazy to think that he understands me, too.*

* at least he pretends to, which I can appreciate!

Time Flies When Your Child Turns One and Starts to Walk & Talk

What a waste of a perfectly good cake...oh, hey, I can eat this...cool.

Put down the camera and play!

Mommy dressed me as the lion from the Wizard of Oz. It looks like I had no choice in the matter since Mommy was Dorothy & Daddy was the Tin Man.

Mommy also dressed me as a silly skeleton for Halloween.

Thanks for the horn, Patti!

Preparations

Wyland has a busy week ahead of him. On our agenda we have planning, shopping, cleaning, wrapping and stressing out (oh, that's my to do list). Wyland probably doesn't think that this particular week is any different from any other. But it is!
He will be hosting his first party. Opening his first presents, and, oh, yeah, turning one! Yippee! We've done lots of research, gone to several 1st birthday parties. But this one will be his. When we get to that part of the song where we name the birthday boy or girl, this time, the name will be WYLAND!

Yawn...

It's 6:23am and I can hear Wyland stirring...ugh. Why so early this morning? I think he remembers that we left him with a babysitter last night. He knows that we went out and had some mommy & daddy time and he misses us. Plus, he's so darn cute, why wouldn't we want to get up extra early to hang out and play?

Eleven Months...Holy Cow!

We have reached the eleventh month! That means in one short month, Wyland will be ONE! That also means that we (Woody & I) have survived one year! At first it seemed like this day would never come, now that months are flying by! He is so darling, doing things that seemed impossible yesterday: pointing, standing, attempting to walk, giving his version of kisses. It makes me want to eat him up! That's not to say we've figured everything out (like what is he pointing at, why did he eat spaghetti one day and hates it the next, how do I put him down and hold him at the same time, how am I going to balance a 25+ pound child on my hip while doing x, y, z...). But we're working on it.

Everyday There's Something New

It has been several days since I last posted and things are changing so quickly! Wyland is quickly approaching 11 months! I have already started to sweat the 1st birthday plans...who to invite, where to have it, do 1 year old need a theme...sometimes I think he is so little and won't notice the small details, but those seem to be what he really notices. He is pointing at everything, wanting everything. He wants to be independent while eating and playing, and then, in an instant, he's a permanent attachment to my leg, hip, etc.

I haven't been one of those moms that cries with the notion of their precious little one turning one. I have been anxiously awaiting that huge landmark. I guess as a sign that, phew, we made it. And in one piece, with few battle scars...but then I look at Wyland and think about my little baby...I guess no matter how big he gets he will always be my little baby boy!

My little boy...cell phone & all

My Little Gastronome

Mealtime has not always been the most enjoyable time. At first anything that went in Wyland's mouth would be quickly spit back out. Now he is willing to keep his food in his mouth, but he's busy. And sitting in a highchair for 5, 10...15 minutes to eat a meal is not his idea of fun. Until I started letting him feed himself that is.

Who needs utensils!

It all started with a particularly fussy day; nothing could quell his angst. He wanted the spoon, the food, the bowl...So I gave them to him. It was not pretty. But I think he enjoyed it. The next day, he wanted my sandwich. So I gave it to him. Today I didn't even bother with baby food. broccoli, red and yellow peppers, hummus, pickles (dill and bread & butter), grouper, chicken are a few of his "new" favorites!

Sliced Chicken with Provolone, Avocado, & Mayo on Multigrain Flatbread!

Phew! We survived yet another in-home play date. I decided to approach this one with a more relaxed attitude...so there is dog hair (who cares), so the house isn't completely kiddie proof (show me what needs to be done), so I didn't make the muffins myself (big whoop). It made the whole experience more enjoyable.

And it was fun. The little people ran, walked, and crawled around. Playing with toys, throwing balls, grabbing toys from one another. I need to figure out how to get Wyland to share. I know he is only ten months old, but at this point if you take something from him, he arches the back and cries. It's not pretty...we're working on it.

Living Room converted to play room.

Also, I always panic about one thing in particular when I have these play dates: are there enough toys. I know this is completely idiotic. The kids will play with whatever. But I still am drawn to the toy departments at various stores. I have had some success and many failures picking out toys. It is so hard...I think there should be a testing room (although I wouldn't want to think about the germs that would grow in that room).

It's a winner

2 Months & Counting

The countdown has begun. In just two short months, Wyland will be 1! Can you believe it? I can't. About 6 months ago, I would have told you that he will never turn one. That time was creeping by soooo slloooowwwllyyy. But I guess all of those well-meaning strangers were right. Time does fly by.

Wyland & his cousins, Reno & Ayla

Wyland is officially ten months old! I have already started to plan for the big party*...or should it be a little party. Oh the decision to be made! If it is a small intimate party, the guest list will be easy: the grandparents, a few friends. But I can see how this could easily turn out to be a big birthday bash! Hey, you only turn 1 once!

* I was told just the other day that I was very organized, a true Virgo, to which Woody smirked.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Woody turns 30, again.

Home from Homosassa

This past weekend was our annual scalloping trip to Homosassa, FL (otherwise known as Scallopoloza). This year was different though, we had Wyland with us. Of course different in a good way. We were not up all hours of the night, consuming mass quantities of adult beverages. But I think we were always too pooped to do that anyway. Wyland was a trooper. We were out on the boat all day and he only fussed at his usual nap time.

Wyland is already accustom to the boat, the only thing that he doesn't like is the life jacket! He is like a little pig in a blanket, or if he's laying down, he's like a little turtle turned onto his shell. We spent a lot of time in the cabin of the boat, which is one area he doesn't have to wear his life jacket all the time. I know that Wyland is going to be a great mate!

Wyland & Mommy chillin' down below.

Ahoy, Maties!

In preparation for our next adventure, Woody & Grandpa Tim spent the weekend getting the boat ready for Scallopoloza. That is our annual trip to Homosassa for scalloping. It is relaxing and great fun...that is if boats are working properly! So after putting several hours into checking equipment and replacing parts, the boat was ready for a trial run.

Poconos

This past weekend we packed up the family and flew to the Poconos. Wyland endured delayed flights, missed flights, long lines, long car rides, even longer bus rides, and delays...Horrible travel experience aside, it was a fantastic weekend.

Won't anyone come take a picture with me :(

He also got to crawl freely on the grass. There aren't many situations here in Florida when I would let him do that. Besides the fact that the grass is just not the same - hard and scratchy instead of lush and soft. There are also critters in the grass...fire ants, etc. Maybe I'm just being overprotective. But up in the Poconos, we let Wyland crawl and explore, maybe even taste a few sticks and flowers. He had many firsts on this trip: Hike through the woods, deer watching, and wagon ride. It was a great trip!

Don't eat the mushrooms!

Preparing For Liftoff

Currently, we are full-on preparation mode for our weekend trip to the Poconos. Lists have been made, piles started, laundry sorted, and worry mode engaged. Why the worry? This will be Wyland's second flight.

The first was at 6 months. The flight was early morning and short - to West Palm Beach. The whole flight took 50 minutes. This one, to Scranton, PA, has a total travel time of 5 hours with a connection! We might have to be one of those families that politely smile at the other passengers while their baby screams. I appologize in advance if you happen to be on our plane.

I know that is not an optomistic outlook, I guess I am just preparing for the worst.

In the mean time, I need to finish packing, take Wyland for his nine month check-up, and attend our last swim lesson....has anyone seen my camara?*

*no camara = no pictures :(

Mommy's Little Helper

As Wyland has gotten older, I thought any day now, it will get easier to get "stuff" done. Wrong. Now he wants to play with the equipment I need to get "stuff" done. Would it be wrong to put a Swiffer on so that he could actually clean the floor?

Wyland is also pulling himself up on everything! It is amazing and scary to watch. He has no fear either. He gets up, looks around and lets go. Next thing I know, he's going to be taking a step or two.

Meet the Neighbor

There is an adorable cat the resides in my parent's yard. It's the neighbor's cat, and it is friendly and playful...unlike Lightning, my parent's cat. I'm thinking of relocating it to Largo, I don't think anyone will notice. OK, except for Woody.

Here kitty-kitty.

To Grandmother's House We Go

Wyland and I are on what some would call a mini-vacation. It is, in a way. We are going to the grandparents to spend time with Wyland's cousins from Iowa. In other ways it is a challenge to everything that we have learned and established while at home.

On the road again!

While we've been here, naptime has been thrown out the window. Independent crib sleeping has been replaced with co-sleeping with Mommy. Actually, it is nice since Daddy is at home working. I don't think Wyland minds either since he gets most of the bed. He sleeps soundly as I contort myself to accomodate his little body.

And Wyland's cousins, Jordan & Alex, are so good with him! Helping when Mommy/Aunt Jenny needs her hands free. A lot to ask for from two tweens on a weeks vacation.

Happy Father's Day

Separation Anxiety

This week marked a very important milestone...our first playdate. Not attending, but hosting. I dreaded the event. The thought of people and kids in my house, scrutinizing my cleanliness, decorating style, and childproofing gave me heartburn. I was certain that I would be up all night, scouring the house for random dog hair. But I decided to let it go...breath in...exhale out. Let's throw a playdate.

Now with children (babies) with ages ranging from 4 months to 15 months converging in Wyland's room for some playtime, I didn't know what to expect. But, all and all, it went well. All of the kids powered through their regular nap time to burn some energy with very little struggle. And despite the fact that my house is not entirely childproofed, everyone survived!

Wyland prepares for the invasion

With that out of the way, I thought I would try the "b" word once again - a babysitter. This is something that did not work out so well the first go around. But since Wyland is 5 months older, I decided to try again. Don't get me wrong, the grandparents have watched Wyland and that goes pretty well. So I figured he'd be fine, right?

Woody left bright and early for a fishing trip (Happy Father's Day) and I had an appointment. I would only be gone a short time so Wyland wouldn't have time to miss me, I thought he would welcome the break...ohhh, I was sooo wrong! The poor little dude was not happy at all. I am not sure how to get passed this. Not that I am going to drop him off every time someone mentions happy hour, but it would be nice to be able to keep my dentist appointments, too. If anyone has any suggestions for this, please pass them along! Every once in a while, Momma's gotta get out, too!

Time Flies

I don't know where the time has gone. Everyday, lately, I have been thinking that. Every time I look at Wyland's new front teeth, I think that. Every time I see Wyland try to pull himself up on something, I think that. Geez. Every time I look at my little cutie pie, I want to tell him I love him. And I do, because I can. (I'm not sure he'll be as appeasing to his momma when he's older...)

Little Fish

Last Friday commenced Wyland's swim lessons. Needless to say he is a natural. Just like we knew he would be.

Wyland perfecting his butterfly kick.

Swim to Daddy.

Mind you, most of the babies at the swim lesson were not this happy!

We were proud of our little swimmer! I asked Woody if he thought we would be like those nasty, overly competitive little league parents. He said that we won't have to be.

Wild Blue Yonder

When Woody & I found out that we were having a baby, people started saying things like "have fun now," and "oh, you can't do that (meaning fun things) anymore". We decided we would prove them wrong - we would still have a life. Uh huh...

Well, that's easier said than done. We've been easing into outings and public appearances. Until Monday that is, we decided it was time to take Wyland on his first deep sea fishing adventure. Technically, it wasn't his first trip offshore, I went when I was 6 months pregnant and all was good! This time involved way more planning and equipment. But, hey, have baby, will travel!

The night before, I went through all of the horrible scenarios in my head (like do babies get sea sick?)...Woody assured me that everything would be fine. Smoot, the boat captain, and his wife told me that they had even subjected their two (now grown) kids to this kind of adventure and they turned out fine...um, OK.

Sleeping schedule completely thrown out the window, we set out bright and early Monday morning. I have to say that they all were right (yes, you too, Woody). Wyland was his usual smiling self.

I'm learning that babies are pretty adaptable. And what could be better than eating and napping on a gently rocking boat. It was a beautiful day and I was happy to share it with our little angler!

Rest up, little guy...more adventures are in store for you!

Baby Proof

Just when I thought it was OK to leave Wyland for some independent play time, he started rolling around. Now, we have full on movement! He amazes me everyday with his ability to traverse the floor plan of our house. Keep in mind that there is a 4 inch step just to get out of his room. He figured out that one pretty quickly. Imagine my amazement when I went to the kitchen to refill my coffee, leaving Wyland (just briefly) alone in his room to play, and came back to find him in the foyer. Holy S! I can not do that anymore, who knows where he'll go!
I have to admit it is pretty cool to watch what used to be a stationary object calculate every move. I can just see the wheels spinning in his head trying to decide a) where to go and b) how to get there.

Although we have bought the outlet covers, we have been putting off baby proofing the house. Somebody suggested inviting a few 2 year old kids over to see what needs to be done. Ya, I don't think I'm ready for that. For now, we keep a close eye on our little explorer. Everything floor level has become fair game. Needless to say, my cleaning abilities are being scrutinized daily, I think that Wyland has become a human swiffer. Sorry, little guy.

Oh, and then there is Stella...our 2 year old Australian shepherd. She used to be our spoiled little pooch. When Wyland was born, I kept saying that she would get plenty of attention once Wyland was moving around. Well, that time has come. Stella obliges with plenty of tongue action, which Wyland thinks is hysterical! Yesterday Wyland was chewing on Stella's kong toy...don't worry, it was fresh out of the dishwasher. Stella's expression couldn't have been more pathetic.

I think they are going to be best of friends, eventually.

New Frontier

OK, I've been bugging Woody for some time about creating a blog. I haven't quite figured out what I'll write about. And I haven't figured out who will read it, but here goes.


About 7 months ago, we became parents to a bouncing baby boy named Wyland; He is awesome. I must admit, the road to get us to today hasn't all been smooth. I swear if one more person told me to "enjoy every moment, they go by so fast," I was going to poke them in the eye. Because those first days didn't go by fast. It was like Groundhog Day. Except instead of an alarm clock, I had a hungry, wet or hungry/wet baby calling me. Needless to say, it was a bit bumpy in the beginning, I guess that is what is to be expected for new parents. At least daily, one of us would say, "...I don't know I've never done this before..." Nothing could have prepared us for parenthood!

Fast forward to today...Wyland has grown from an tiny baby (OK, he was never tiny) to an interactive, crawling, exploring, teeth sportin', almost eight month old! Those annoying people were right, it does go by fast!

Everyday is a new adventure. I think our goal as parents is to maintain our sense of adventure and teach Wyland about the world. I hope I have something to teach him (with baby has come a whole slew of second-guessing). We're trying to just roll with it. Wyland is a sponge and we're giving him the chance to absorb life.