We're Back............

We're back..........I have been catching a lot of grief over the last week for not keeping up with my posts.  I apologize for my terrible absence in the blogging world, but NEWS FLASH....I have an almost 1 year old who keeps us on our tippy toes.  Did I just say almost 1 year old??  Oh my goodness just the thought of us celebrating Walker's first birthday next Friday has gotten my emotions flying.  I am so happy and soooooo excited for him, but on the other hand I'm sooooo sad.  Patrick and I were just talking the other day about how quickly this year has flown by. Walker has added so much happiness and joy into our lives!!  We have a very special week coming up.  I can't wait!!

Walker is doing so many different things.  The biggest things lately is when you ask Walker what a sheep says, he says "bbaaaa".  If you ask him what Ribbie says, he says "whoof whoof". He also says "nana" for banana.  He actually points at a banana and says, "nana".  Last weekend I asked him if Dada went bye-bye and he repeated me and said, "Dada bye-bye and he waved while saying it".  I could barely believe what I was hearing.  Of course I was the only one with him, so when Patrick got home I asked him again and he repeated.  I haven't seen a smile on Patrick's face that big in a long time:)  

We officially turned his carseat around to face forward.  He is totally loving it.  It's nice for me because I can see his face and talk to him more.  Coastal Carolina played in the NCAA baseball regionals over the weekend at UNC Chapel Hill.  Walker and I went up with Patrick on Saturday morning to watch the game.  We met one of our great friends that Patrick went to grad school with for lunch.  Stopped by Ben and Jerry's and then went to the game.  By the way, we let Walker have a lick of Patrick's ice cream cone and he loved it.  He did so well at the game, but I think we were bad luck for the team.  

Here we are outside of the baseball stadium.  Walker's very first NCAA Regional Baseball Tournament.  UNC's campus was so gorgeous.  Now I see why it's so easy to become a Tarheel and fall in love with campus.

Walker is playing with the fence that overlooked UNC's football practice field.  I'm not sure if there's any hope for him playing football.  Maybe he could be the kicker.  

Thanks Gina for meeting us for lunch.  We had such a great time catching up.  Hopefully we will be able to meet up more often.

Memorial Day weekend we had two very special guest visit us from Houston.  Our friends Brian and Mary came to spend the weekend.  Of course the boys played golf all weekend and Mary and I spent time with Walker, went to the beach and had some really great dinners together. Thanks guys for flying out to see us.  We look forward to many more "family trips" together in the future.   

Our Happy Boy!!

I have created a new slideshow with our most recent pictures taken from our photographer at the beach and at Brookgreen Gardens.  I could hardly wait to share them with all of you.  I will admit it was much harder this time around getting Walker to smile and sit still long enough for Carol to shoot him.  The most important thing I need to remember is we had a great time both days!!  We actually took the pictures in the gardens on Mother's Day.  What a very special day for me to always cherish and remember.  We hope each of you enjoy watching the slideshow and we hope it brings a smile to your day just like Walker brings a smile to our face everyday:):)

Carol met us for two different photo sessions.  Thank you Carol for being so good to us over the last year.  We are really going to miss you, but we wish you lots of luck on your new adventure. Don't fret you haven't seen the last of us yet.

HAPPY 11 MONTHS OLD WALKER LEIGH!!

Happy 11 Months Old Walker Leigh!!

I can hardly say 11 months old without thinking I can't believe we are almost there.  We will be celebrating your 1st birthday in exactly one month.  The birthday plans are full swing ahead. Invitations are being sent out this weekend for the birthday bash.  I can hardly wait to celebrate one of the most exciting and most anticipated days of my life.  I am so proud to be your mom Walker. You make me the most happiest mommy in the entire world. Your personality gets better and better everyday.  You are such a little busy body and so mischievous.  You continue to torture Ribbie and she continues to take it.  I'm not sure if she will for much longer.  Poor Ribbie has know idea those two little legs are getting ready to take off and chase her:)

You point at things now.  You are so fascinated with lights.  You constantly point up at the ceiling.  You can now crawl up the stairs, but forget you don't know how to come down the stairs once you're up.  We have to be very careful because you usually end of slamming your head on the hardwoods.  Your new nasty habit is playing in the toilet water.  I try to keep all three bathroom doors shut, but if theres a chance we left one open (daddy) you will be in it.  You LOVE to wash your hands and brush your teeth.  This past Saturday you finished your last class of swimming lessons.  We hope to pick up another class in the fall.  It is so much fun to watch your eyes light up when you're swimming in the pool. Daddy and I think you have put on a few pounds.  We are estimating you weigh about 25pds now.  Finally you have two teeth on the top. That makes a total of four.  You also have started sleeping on your knees in your crib. 

Just call him a tadpole learning how to blow bubbles in the water.  He loves to kick his legs and arms.  Doesn't really like to float on his back.  We also dunk him under the water. 

Thank you buddy for a wonderful first Mother's Day.  You and Daddy were so good to me.  We had a photo session at Brookgreen Gardens on Sunday morning.  After visiting with Carol, we decided to walk around.  We visited the zoo and walked on the trails.  You enjoyed seeing the horses, sheep, bulls and birds.  Mommy's not an outdoor type of girl, but I stuck it out for you buddy, especially when a snake falls from a tree right in front of me.  I hope you won't make me go camping with you one day.  After visiting the gardens we had dinner and relaxed together.  I will never forget my first Mother's Day.  I have the best little boy and a wonderful husband. Thanks guys....I love you!!!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

Brooke has done 11 months of blogging, so its only fitting that Dad takes a turn and gives Mommy a rest on Mother's Day.  Today we meet our wonderful photographer Carol for the second round of our latest photo shoot for Walker.  We decided that we would use Brookgreen Gardens in Pawley's Island as the backdrop.  We had a wonderful mother's day walking around the beautiful grounds and Walker got to see plenty of wildlife.    

Walker doesn't realize it yet but he is the luckiest kid in the whole world to have a mother that cares so much about him.  Over the last 11 months Brooke has done an amazing job - but i don't have to tell everyone because she does such a great job of keeping all of you informed of our weekly adventures.  

Thanks again Mommy for all that you do - both Walker and I love you so much.  Thank you for giving me the greatest son in the world and being the best wife a man could ever ask for.  I love you - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Walker would also like to send out a happy Mother's Day to Jules and Moppy - he is looking forward to seeing both of you soon.

-- Walker and Patrick

Lovin' the Girls!!

Boy, do we have a problem already.  The girls are coming in two's and Walker is loving every minute of it.  

My boss, his wife, daughter and friend came over tonight to see Mr. Peacock.  Some of you may remember an earlier post about our neighborhood peacock...well Mr. Peacock is still here. The girls wanted to come over and see him.  I just had to post these two pictures, because Walker had so much fun playing with Kayla and Whitney outside.  I think they had so much fun playing with him. They played with him in the grass and especially made sure he wasn't eating anything he wasn't suppose too.  I told them they needed to come over more often and help me.  I don't think Walker stopped smiling when they were here.  He LOVED all the attention from two cute blonde girls:) They will be freshmen in high school in the fall.  Thank you girls for stopping by. Walker enjoyed playing with you both!!

My Cutie Pie!!

Walker has been quite a busy bee.  He has totally mastered crawling.  He's like a speed demon when he's crawling.  He has discovered the stairs and is trying so hard to get one leg up on the first step.  Patrick and I are always behind him because he falls straight back on his head.  It's only a matter of time before we catch him at the top step.  It's amazing how quickly he discovers new things.  

Another update...he has added a new word in his vocabulary.  Still lots of Daaddaaddaa, a little mmaammaa and now....drum roll please.....Uh Oh!  He said Uh Oh on Sunday afternoon.  It's so funny to hear him say it.  He doesn't say it a lot, but when he does it's very clear.  

Check out my new "big boy" car seat.  He looks like such a big boy in it.  I think he will really enjoy being able to see out of the windows.  He does have to stay rear facing until his 1st birthday.  It's going to be a different world for him.  I did a lot of research on his new "ride" and I finally chose Britax.

Here we are before our afternoon walk.  Everyday after work we walk about 3 miles with my friend/neighbor Jenn.  We are both trying to whip each other into shape.  Walker loves playing with mommy's sunglasses.  I think we could call him bug...don't you think he looks like a bug:) 

I couldn't resist posting these last pictures.  He is just so darn beautiful!!!  These two pictures are what I see everyday and what makes me feel like the luckiest mom in the world.  Walker your smile, laughter and personality is so contagious!  We are so blessed!!!!!

My Buddy, My Buddy, My Buddy and Me

We had a wonderful weekend with a fun trip to the beach on Saturday for 2 hours and then on Sunday we had a play date with Walker's buddy, JD.  Remember, Walker and JD were born on the same day at the same hospital only about 2 hours apart.  JD is also Walker's swim buddy. JD's parents invited us over to play and have dinner.  Walker had so much fun playing with JD or I might say, Walker had a blast demolishing JD's room:)  He had to put every toy in his mouth, empty the laundry basket full of clean clothes, spit up on the floor (he hasn't done that in months...of course at their house)......and I'm sure I'm missing something else:)  

It was a lot of fun to watch them watch each other.  Walker is bigger than JD, but JD is a master at pulling up and cruising around the room.  Walker tried to teach JD the proper way to use a sippy cup.  Step 1: bang on your high chair as loud as possible with sippy cup Step 2: turn it up and drink as fast as you can Step 3: make the "ahhhhh" sound when finished Step 4: either bang on the high chair or throw in the floor Step 5: watch  mommy/daddy pick it up Step 6: repeat process.  JD tried to teach Walker how to roll off the couch.  JD's dad makes a really cool fort with the pillows and cushions from the couch and JD plays and rolls all over the couch.  We haven't tried it at home yet, but it's on the agenda for this weekend:)  We can't wait to have another play date at our house.  The boys are going to be such good buddies!!

They had so much playing on the fence in the backyard.  Walker was yelling at the top of his lungs and having a blast!!  JD was cruising back in forth holding on to the fence.  They also loved riding in the wagon around the yard.  JD has some cool toys!!  Thanks for sharing JD!!

Apology from the Ransdell's

I had a dear friend call me today for the second time this week and I finally was able to speak to her.  The first thing she asked me was, "Oh my gosh, Brooke are you guys okay?"  You haven't updated your blog in over a week and I've been really worried about you guys.  Well, to all of our family and friends...thankfully we made it through the wildfires and are very fortunate that we were not affected.  I have been very slack this week and not updated the blog.  Moving forward I will try to get back in the swing of posting twice a week.  Its been difficult finding time with a WILD MAN:)  Thank you for all of your calls last week checking on us!  We love you all!! 

Shawn- it's only suppose to happen in CA:)

Are you talking to me???

Don't you just love the expression on his face.....I think it looks like he's saying, "Are you talking to me?"  

Where has my little baby boy gone?  Our house has not been the same since you were born Walker, but now more than ever your presence is all over....and it's such a wonderful wonderful feeling. You are into EVERYTHING.  It's a little annoying, but WE LOVE IT!  You are keeping mommy and daddy on our tippy toes.  One of your favorite things to do is stand in the window seal and bang on the windows.  One of the first things we do in the mornings is raise the blinds out of your reach.  You could stand looking out the windows for hours.  You are never still and we have a wrestling match every night now when we change you into your PJ's.  You know what's coming and you try and crawl really fast to try and get away.  You've also turned into an Indian.  You've learned how to put your hand up to your mouth and make the "Indian" sound. You think it's hilarious.  You are also reaching your hand out to give us things.  It's amazing how quickly you learn new things.

The last two weeks have been tough on all of us.  Two of your teeth on the top are trying to come through.  Actually, one has FINALLY broken the skin and we are still waiting on the other one.  Those two teeth are causing all of us not to get enough sleep.  We are more than ready for all of your toothies:)   

Walker moved up classes at school last Thursday.  He is enjoying it so much.  He absolutely loves Ms. Albina, his new teacher and Ms. Joyce.  They are so wonderful We miss Ms. Dot and Ms. Mira, but he was ready to move up to more activity. He actually played outside in the sand box for the first time today:)  

HAPPY 10 MONTHS OLD WALKER LEIGH!!

Happy 10 Months Old Walker Leigh!!

Wow, what can I say to you Walker besides you are the coolest little guy ever.  I am so in love with you....I just can't get enough.  You are Mr. Busy Body these days.  Where did my little baby boy go? I try and hold you like a tiny baby, but you squirm and squeal, because you can't be still for more than 3 seconds.  The only time I can hold you in my arms is when you are nursing or asleep.  You are into EVERYTHING.  I think you must think your name is NO Walker.  I think your Daddy and I say the word "No" at least 100 times a day.  

The past 2 weeks have been a little tough.  You have started cutting your teeth on the top.  You have 3 teeth on the top that are all trying to come in together.  Bless your heart...It so hard for me, because I can't do anything to help speed them up.  We finally got you healthy and happy again with your ears and now we have the teeth to deal with.  As soon as those toothies pop through I'll be sure to post a picture.

You have mastered crawling and are still learning how to pull up on things.  Just a few things you like to do these days are playing with the blinds, looking out the windows, sticking your fingers in Ribbie's water bowl, trying to pull Ribbie's tail, playing with the pots and pans, taking walks, giving kisses/blowing kisses and brushing your teeth. This weekend you have started holding your hand out to either hand us something or get something.  You also have started to stick your tongue out.  It's mainly when you've got something on your mind and are trying to accomplish something.  You love to eat "homemade food".  Tonight for dinner Moppy made you mashed potatoes, squash, macaroni & cheese and a few pieces of chicken.  You loved it.

I can't believe your birthday is so close.  You are the best little guy.  You brighten our day with your smile, your personality and your love.  I never knew someone could be so happy to see me everyday.  We love you so much buddy.  Thank you for completing our lives and making our hearts so happy and full of joy!!

 

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:)