Happy Easter Weekend

Happy Easter Weekend!  

We had such a wonderful weekend.  Our busy weekend started late Thursday night when my brother, SIL and nephew arrived.  Then my parents arrived early Friday. It is always a treat for me to spend time with my brother, SIL and nephew, Logan.  We don't get to see them a lot.  My nephew, Logan is a mess and has the funniest personality.  He is obsessed with being outside (like all little boys) and constantly talks about tractors.  My brother has lots of tractors, so he gets to play on them often.  He can tell you the name of every tractor, especially John Deere tractors:)  

Watching Walker and Logan "play" together is great. This time next year Walker will be able to chase Logan.  Logan calls Walker....Cousin.  Ben and Amanda taught Patrick and I "toddler language".  Both Patrick and I were sent to the corner many times, because of our language.  Not being able to say such words like: shut-up, stupid, dummy, crap or any bad words will send you straight to the corner:) Logan's like a mocking bird, repeating EVERYTHING.  Instead of saying shut-up you say, "Close the door".  It was very humorous listening to all of us trying to use "toddler language". My mom and dad were a lot of help.  Seeing them with their grandchildren is an unbelievable feeling.  My mom wanted grandchildren so bad and finally she's got two WONDERFUL little boys.  I will post more pictures later.  Amanda took a bunch with her camera.

Here we are at the beach on Saturday.  This was actually Walker's first trip to play in the sand. He lasted about 15 minutes and then fell asleep while we walked.  We stayed about 3 hours and I would say he pretty much slept the entire time.  I wish I had somebody to push me around.  I think the best thing to do at the beach is sleep:)  Please ignore the pasty white girl in the first picture.  This is the only picture we had with him awake.  Logan had a blast playing in the sand. Hopefully, the water will be warmer next time.

The Easter Bunny was so good to you Walker.  You must have been a really good boy.  The Easter Bunny hopped in on Saturday and dropped all the goodies off.  You are one lucky boy. Thank you to Aunt Elaine and Uncle Harry.  They sent him the cute monogrammed bunny basket you see in the picture.  He will be able to use it for a long time.  You guys are so sweet. Thank you, we love you! 

Walker and Aunt Mandy reading a magazine.  I think Mandy could pass for Walker's mom.  It's amazing how much the boys look alike.  Thank you Aunt Mandy for taking such good care of me.  I enjoyed spending time with you, Uncle Ben and Cousin Logan.  Thank you for my new books.

Future Olympic Swimmer

Watch out Michael Phelps....I'm the next Gold Olympic Medalist!!

Daddy thinks your arms are going to be too short, but hey you never know.  We enrolled Walker in swim lessons at the Wellness Center at our local hospital.  It's a six week class for 30 minutes on Saturday mornings.  Walker learned to kick his legs, doggy paddle and float on his back and tummy.  He loves swimming and being in the water.  As he gets older, I think we are going to have a hard time keeping him out of the pool.  He would probably stay in all day if we would let him.  He gets so mad at us when we take him out of the bathtub.  We know he's not going to learn anything from his swimming lessons, its just getting him use to the water thats so important to us.   

A group shot of all the future little swimmers.  Don't they look so cute.  I'm going to get in next week.  I was definitely being a whimp.  The water was chilly.  The instructor was giving instructions to kick kick kick.  Walker was a pro at kicking and paddling.

He had so much fun swimming on his tummy reaching for the toys in the pool.

Meet Walker's new friend JD.  Walker and JD were born on the same day, June 12th at the same hospital.  JD was born around 9pm and Walker was born around 11pm.  I have actually been following JD's blog for quite some time now.  JD's dad is in the golf industry too.  This is the first time the boys have met.  Kristy does such a great job with JD's blog.  I enjoy reading about JD and seeing how much the boys are alike.  We are hopefully going to plan a play date soon:)

The boys are learning how to jump off the side of the pool.  On the count of three......One, Two, Three....jump.  They are too cute!!

Easter Egg Hunt

Walker went to his first Easter egg hunt today at our friends house in the neighborhood.  We had so much fun.  A total of six kids with Walker being the youngest.  He only managed to find two eggs, because his little legs just weren't fast enough:):)  The Easter Bunny did such a good job hiding all those eggs.  I just hope he is not too tired to hide them again at our house next Sunday.   

Here I am saying, "Hurry Walker, pick up those feet...faster faster."  He is getting pretty good at walking with our help.  

Walker enjoyed playing around and looking for eggs.  Actually he was too busy eating grass:) Daddy really wanted Walker to find all the eggs....he kept eating all of the candy.

The kids enjoyed yummy treats after finding all of the eggs.  They had sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes.  Walker did try his very first sugar cookie and of course he loved it. I was a mean mommy and would not let him have a cupcake.  I think he can wait until his birthday to have his first sugar high.  

 
Everyone meet the future Mrs. Walker Ransdell:)  This is Caroline and she hosted the Easter Party. She had some great helpers.....the decorations were fabulous and I've already mentioned the yummy desserts.  This girl knows how to throw a party:)

Busy Bee

Walker was a busy little bee this weekend.  This weekend was wonderful and fun-filled. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, highs in the mid 70's with lots of sunshine.  We took full advantage and spent most of the weekend outside.  Walker loves being outside.  He is so funny to watch, especially when the wind blows in his face.  He is not too sure about it, he usually just looks at us and smiles.  Here is a quick recap of what we got into.....

Walker has a new fascination....the vacuum.  He loves the vacuum.  I think he would sit for hours in one spot watching me in action.  Its actually nice because I know once I turn it on he will stop whatever he's doing and watch or follow me around.  He really loves to play with it. Maybe Walker when you are old enough to clean your own room I will remind you how much you loved the vacuum when you were a baby:)

Coastal had their Spring Football game on Saturday.  As you can tell the weather was gorgeous. We tailgated a little before the game with friends and then went inside the stadium to catch some of the game.  Walker did NOT want us to hold him.  He played in the stands crawling around.  I had a very hard time with him getting dirty, but I've got to realize that's what boys do....right??  After we came home I did give him a bath.....I couldn't stand it.  The hat worked perfectly to block most of the sun.  Good practice for the beach.

Just a little side note:  On Saturday Walker stayed with his very first babysitter.  He really has not stayed with anyone besides family and a few friends here.  This was a very big step for me. I was very nervous, but knew he was in good hands.  She is a sophomore at Coastal.  She's a cheerleader, involved in a sorority and very intelligent.  Everything went perfect:)  We hope she will come back in the future....Walker said she was a keeper....probably because he likes the blonds:)  

Do You Need A Helper?

Do you need a helper around the house?  

I have one you could borrow, but you have to promise to bring him back.  These days we are saying a lot of "No, Walker don't do that" or "No No No". Most of the time Walker you just look at mommy and laugh.  Daddy says I'm not being tough enough, but how can I be tough when you look up at me with those big blue eyes and your beautiful smile.  I'll get there, it might just take a while:)  I think we are going to start calling you my little shadow.  You love to play in the dishwasher, the cabinets, the refrigerator and the pantry.  Your new discovery is the refrigerator.  When we open the door you are like speed crawler to get there before we close the door.  Daddy and I love to see you so happy.

Tonight you sat and played in the refrigerator.  I stood behind you amazed because you were just chatting away and cracking yourself up.  I would love to have understood what you were saying.  I bet you were saying okay, I would love some cheese.....no wait.......I see some pizza or maybe a peanut butter and jelly sandwich:)

You love to play on the dishwasher door.  I have to make sure the knives are out of your reach. See the pan behind you.....thats another one of your new discoveries.  You like it, the louder the better.  This stage in your life is soooooo much fun. 

Like Father, Like Son

I walked up stairs tonight to see what Daddy and Walker were up to and I find them watching the NCAA Basketball tournament (Actually Baby Einstein) like this...................

This picture is absolutely hilarious.  I think the only thing missing is mommy getting orders from them.  It's only a matter of time before they start tag teaming:)  I love my boys!!

On the Move.....

Wow, where has my sweet little baby boy gone......

Walker is into EVERYTHING and he is only crawling.  I'm scared to even think about what its going to be like once he begins walking.  He is even pulling up by himself.  Thankfully, he hasn't started cruising yet.  Just when I think we have picked up everything around the house he gets into something that I didn't see.....I guess thats why they say....get down and crawl around to see what he sees:)  He has started to give kisses and he even blows kisses.  He is changing so fast and although this stage is some what tiring he is truly sooooooo much fun.  His little personality is so awesome.  I feel so lucky to have such a cool little dude in our lives.  He has turned our world upside down, but I couldn't imagine spending a day without him:):):)    

Moppy has been here all week.  We love it when she comes to visit.  Yummy dinners cooked, laundry finished and most importantly, Walker spoiled rotten.  It's been an exciting week for her because she's experienced with us all the new things Walker's doing.

See my nose....As mommy told you how mad I was when I woke up from my surgery....some how I managed to scratch my nose twice.  My arms and hands were swinging around so hard, I guess I just hit my nose.  I guess you could call this my, "Battle Scar".

Walker takes big boy baths now.  He loves being in the bathtub.  He's just like a little fish flopping around. I love to watch him play in the water.  It's usually very hard to convince him it's time to dry off.  He normally puts up a nice fight:)

This is just an example showing Walker's destruction of the house.  These pears use to be nicely placed on the table in the foyer....not anymore.  

Fantastic Patient!!

I just wanted to update you on Walker's tubes procedure this morning.  He is doing wonderful as expected. We arrived at the surgery center this morning at 6:30am and we were back home at 8:00am. The surgery took about 15 minutes and then he was in recovery for about 30 minutes. The doctor and nurses warned us that he might be a little cranky when he came out of the anesthesia and boy were they right.  I'm so glad they warned us first or I would have been very scared that something was wrong....because let me tell you....I don't think he has cried this way since he popped out of my belly.  He did eventually calm down once we got in the car to come home.  He has taken a nap and eaten this morning and seems to be on the road to recovery. Thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends who have called to check on him!  Walker doesn't realize how loved he is by all of you:):)   

GO HILLTOPPERS!!

GO BIG RED!!

Go Hilltoppers! This is a shot out to Pops and Jules who are at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Portland, Oregon. WKU is playing Illinois at 10:00pm tonight. We hope you all are having a blast. We wish we could be there to cheer on the Toppers. Patrick and I met the family last year in Tampa for the tournament and we made it all the way to the Sweet 16. For some of you who remember we beat San Diego and then Drake on a last second buzzer shot to move on to the Sweet 16. WKU won an ESPY Award for the shot made by Ty Rogers. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and I thought I was going to have Walker........we were soooo excited:)

We all had our WKU gear on today. I wore my lucky Big Red pin on my turtleneck. Walker sported his Big Red bib all day too.

Daddy had to be a little more quiet supporting his Alma Mater. He sported a nice RED tie:)

We are all ready. We just have to sit back and enjoy the game....hopefully!!!!

Off to the Races......

Walker is crawling....finally!  He has been trying so hard the last few weeks and today he crawled at school.  Patrick picked him up today and Ms. Mira told him all about the good news. Patrick did not tell me because he wanted it to be a surprise.  So, this afternoon while I was playing with him in the kitchen he started crawling and I screamed...Oh my goodness Patrick....LOOK...Walker's crawling:)  He is very slow and hasn't yet figured out how quickly he can get around now.  I guess this weekend we will be chasing him around the house:)  I will post a picture of the action tomorrow.

We saw an ENT yesterday and Walker will be getting tubes on Tuesday morning.  I'm okay, just a little nervous.  I know he will feel so much better and its the best thing for him.  I will keep you updated just keep him in your prayers!!

Walker had a very weird visitor to the neighborhood today.  Patrick and I saw this giant bird this morning and then it was back this afternoon when we got home from work.  Yes, look at the picture closely...its Mr. Peacock.  A PEACOCK was hanging out in our backyard...actually he just walked by the screened in porch and just looked at us.  I just wanted to show everyone, because Mr. Peacock was absolutely beautiful and its not everyday you see a Peacock in your back yard:

Are you serious......

Tonight I cooked spaghetti for dinner and we thought Walker should try some too. On Friday the pediatrician said we could start exploring different foods with him. We knew he would have a blast making a mess eating spaghetti. I'm really not sure how much made it in his mouth. He really enjoyed squeezing the noodles in his hands. Needless to say after dinner we took a nice long bath before bed:)

I loved the look on his face when we first put the spaghetti on his tray. He looked at us like Mom are you serious....this is all mine???? As you can tell he really loved his first taste of spaghetti:) Patrick and I are enjoying this stage of trying new things with Walker. His facial expressions are priceless. On Saturday, he had his first taste of a pickle. I thought for sure he would hate it, but I was wrong. He loved it and wanted more....For all of you who know Patrick, hopefully, Walker will get my taste buds:)

HAPPY 9 MONTHS OLD WALKER LEIGH!!!

Happy 9 Months Old Walker Leigh!!

I'm not sure where I should begin. It's amazing how much you have changed in just one month. I feel like everyday you are doing something new. You have yet to crawl, but it hasn't stopped you from scooting and rolling all over the house. Just this week you started going from your belly to sitting up. It's so funny to watch you do this. Everybody at school said that you need the beep beep beep sound when you are trying to go from your belly to your bum. You have mastered fruits and vegetables and you love Yo Baby yogurt. You are still saying a lot of Dadadada and Mamamama. We are hoping your next word will be Ribbie:) You are beginning to pull up on the furniture. Where did my little baby go that used to stay in one spot:( You love sitting in a high chair at restaurants. You are beginning to try people food. You especially like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. You actually had some rice and pieces of a cheese quesadilla at the Mexican restaurant tonight.

Check out my cool RED shoes. I love this they are so darn cute. Thanks to Jules!!

We definitely had a very eventful week. Our week started out bright and early on Monday morning with a visit to the pediatricians office. You were diagnosed with bronchiolitis. We are now proud owners of a nebulizer....just what I have always wanted to buy. We give you your breathing treatments four times a day. We sit you in our lap and turn Baby McDonald on the TV and you just sit and watch while you are getting the breathing treatment. The treatment usually takes about 10 minutes. You have been such a champ!! You told me to especially thank Ms. Dot and Ms. Mira at school. They give Walker a breathing treatment twice a day. We are so lucky to have those two ladies in our life. They are so wonderful to us!!! After taking Walker to the pediatricians office we found out that Ribbie had partially torn her ACL....lets just say it wasn't a very good start to the week.

The nebulizer mask is a dinosaur. Very clever to use for little ones. Walker really doesn't pay it any attention.

Today we went for your 9 month checkup. You did so well with your two shots. While we were there we found out that your ears were infected for the 4th time in the last 2 months. Its amazing how quickly things can change because on Monday our pediatrician said his ears looked great and four days later his ears are very infected with lots of puss. The bad news is we are going to see an ENT next week to discuss tubes. I know this is a common procedure, but it still really freaks me out. I want my baby to not be in pain, but the anestheasia really scares me.

On a happy note Walker weighs almost 22 pounds. He has stayed very consistent since his check up in December. I'm loving it because we haven't had to buy any new winter clothes:) Our pediatrician encouraged us to start letting you try lots of people food. Walker only has his bottom two teeth, but she said some of her best chewers are the ones with no teeth.

We love you Walker Leigh. You are the best thing in the entire world. The last 9 months have been the happiest 9 months of our lives. You brighten my day and your smile melts my heart. There is not one thing I would change about you. You are an incredible little guy. I don't know how we got soooooooo lucky. Daddy and Mommy love you so much!!!

Walker attended his first Coastal Carolina baseball game last weekend with his Daddy. Check out his little outfit. He was decked out in baseballs. I haven't seen Patrick this excited over baseball probably since playing in college:) I know he looks forward to coaching little league and eating hot dogs at the ball park with Walker when he gets a little older.

Aren't this two just absolutely the cutest things ever. This is Walker's friend Caroline. Caroline will be 2 at the end of August. We are already planning the wedding:) Caroline is the daughter of our friends Rob and Kelly. They live in our neighborhood and have gotten to know them very well. Rob and Kelly started our supper club. We look forward to Walker and Caroline becoming best buddies:)Last weekend we had such beautiful weather. Walker loves to be pulled in his beach wagon. I'm not sure how we are suppose to keep the grass and sand out of his mouth. As you can see he's eating grass.

I hope to post a few videos in the future. We got a new laptop and we just need to figure out how to do it:)

Bang, Bang, Bang!!

Mom, you mean I can play in the cabinets and bang around for as long as I want....Oh my goodness Walker's new discovery is awesome. I needed to get some things done over the weekend, so I decided to let Walker play around in the cabinets. He absolutely loved it and will sit for as long as I'll let him banging and chewing on anything he can get his hands on. I did go through the pull out drawer to make sure I put up the blade for the chopper and the blade for the electric knife:) So far his favorite thing is to chew on the chopper top and the big blue plastic bowl. He loves to bang everything on the floor. I love it....I can get so much done and not have to worry he's into something he shouldn't be. I'm sure once he starts crawling I will have to pull him out of the drawer:):)

Lovin' my Jules

Let me tell you.....it has been a fabulous week filled with lots and lots of love and laughs. Jules arrived on Sunday night just in time for dinner with us. Walker was so thrilled to have one grandma leave and his other grandma arrive. Back to back grandma visits...what more could a little boy ask for.....He has been spoiled rotten all week:) Walker's mommy and daddy were thrilled too. It was so nice to know Walker was at home with his grandma getting lots of lovin' and laundry being cleaned and a yummy dinner being cooked ready on the table once we got home from work. Walker doesn't get to see his Jules often, but when those two get together its so fun to watch. Walker started mocking us this week. Walker and Jules had a major contest. Who could squeal the loudest:) It's actually very funny!! I know Patrick really enjoys her being around and I especially love the extra help. The weather wasn't that great this week, but those two managed to walk around the neighborhood three times yesterday:) They both enjoyed being outside and strolling around. They met us for lunch one day and shopped around afterwards. It was such a treat to see him at lunch...like having dessert. We look forward to seeing Jules again in April. We love you Jules more than you'll ever know. Thank you for taking such good care of Walker. He is truly so lucky to have you:)

Jules bought these really cool puppets for Walker. He gets a kick out of them. He thinks they are so hilarious. Jules would play hide and seek with the puppets and Walker thought that was so funny. He would try and find the puppets. He loves watching them and I would have never thought to buy them for him....what a great gift:) I think its a set of about ten different animals. They are playing with Miss Mouse in the picture.

If only I could crawl......he is trying so hard, but nothings happening. Walker is enjoying watching Ribbie eat her dinner. He is so fascinated with Ribbie. Jules said he scooted backwards all the way across the room. I'm not looking forward to him becoming mobile. This weekend Patrick is going to baby proof the house. Walker always seems to find the outlets.