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:)

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.