Have No Fear

Walker has absolutely"No Fear of the Water". We enrolled him into swimming lessons last fall to get him use to the water. We were pretty confident before lessons he would love the water because of bath time and swimming at the pool in Whistler. This summer has totally confirmed we have a water baby who LOVES the water. We were very lucky on Saturday to meet our friends Kristy, JD, Abby and Peyton for a play date at the pool. My friend Kristy's husband is the golf director at one of the best golf courses here and they have a fabulous amentities center at the course. We enjoyed over two hours of pool time and lunch. The boys had so much fun playing together and sharing their snacks. I would definitely say the moms were worn out from chasing the boys around.

The slide was so much fun. Walker and JD kept pointing at the slide, so Kristy and I said what the heck let's take them down it. I will admit I was a little nervous. I was nervous about getting dumped in the pool at the end holding him. My mom couldn't believe I didn't go down the slide first to test it out. I said, "If I'm going he's going".........so we went and I have never heard Walker squeel and laugh the way he did. We went down the slide four times.

It was totally impossible to get all three boys in the camera. All three go in opposite directions. In the first picture Walker and JD are are trying to figure out which toy to play with. Remember, Walker and JD share the same birthday. In the second picture Walker and Peyton are playing in the splash pad. Walker and Peyton are in the same class at school and are buddies. They found a spicket/shower that fascinated them more than the pool.

Every time I look at these two pictures I laugh hysterical. Check out Walker's belly. Has anyone ever seen a belly this big? Isn't it the cutest darn belly you have ever seen? We went to the pediatricians office last week and she asked me what we've been putting in his belly. Pretty much any vegetable, fruit, cheese, yogurt he can get his hands on. I hope if you are having a yucky day Walker's big ole' belly will brighten your day:):)

We had such a great time. Thank you Kristy and JD for inviting us to swim. We can't wait to do it again some time!!

We loves us some JULES!!

Look who came to visit us last week, JULES!!! She arrived last Sunday afternoon and almost spent the entire week with us. She left early Thursday morning and we were all soooo sad. We love it when Jules comes to visit. Walker gets to stay home all week from school, the house is clean, dinner is cooked and the laundry is washed. My stress level went from a 10 to a 2 last week, but sadly enough its creeping back up now that she's gone:)

Walker loves to sit in your lap and read books. He will bring you ten books to read and then as you begin to read him one he's ready for the next book. He loves the lift and look books with animals. He can identify a few of the animals by making their sounds. Jules was an elementary school teacher, so I think she loved reading to him.

Walker and Jules had so much fun playing outside. Walker would stay outside all day if we would let him. After a storm last week they went outside to play in the puddles. At one point Walker was laid out flat on his tummy in the puddle. It was so funny, but the entire time I was thinking how dirty and nasty he was getting. Thank goodness it was right before bath time. In the third picture he had just gotten up from the puddle and it looks like he's saying "touchdown". He was so proud of himself.

Jules and Walker were playing hide-n-go seek with Daddy. Walker was loving it. When they would hunt for Daddy, Walker would call out his name. Then when they found him he would giggle. Jules also got to go on an adventure with us to the pediatricians office. Walker was having some issues with his ears. Thank goodness for your help Jules!!

Thank you Jules for coming to visit us. We can't wait to see you again soon. We love you!!

He's All Boy.....

He's all boy, not a doubt in my mind. I think Walker would stay outside all day long if we would let him. It's been so hot here the last few weeks and its only getting worse. He definitely doesn't understand why we only stay outside about 30 minutes at a time. His little face gets as red as a tomato and he sweats like a pig. I really try hard to make sure he stays hydrated. I don't think it would be so bad if he would sit down for 5 minutes and rest, but oh why would I won't to rest mommy?? He is getting very good at running. He actually can pick up speed very quickly. He's in the flower beds, running through the shrubs, picking up pine straw, picking the flowers, eating grass, banging on the garage door, walking in the street (we're lucky to be in a culdesac), playing in Ribbie's outside water bowl and etc. This pretty much summarizes our trips outside to play.

He is changing so much. His new class is teaching him so many new things. He is learning sign language and is beginning to use it at home to communicate. He is very good at signing "more". It's actually really cool. He can tell you where his nose, tongue, eyes and ears are. We are working on toes and fingers. His new animal of the week is a fish. He makes a fish face when you ask him what a fish says. He picks up on things so easily. He will bring a book to you to read and crawl in your lap to listen. He has learned how to climb out of his highchair and climb off the bed and couch. He helps us sing the Ants Go Marching One By One Hurrah Hurrah. When we get to the Hurrah Hurrah he says Hurrah Hurrah! It's so wonderful being his mommy and watching him learn new things. We are truly so blessed!!

Walker was having so much fun on Sunday after church helping me change the sheets on our bed and rolling around on the pillows. He is laying on the floor hysterical, because I was waving a pillowcase over his face.

Then we moved on to a pillow fight and peek-a-boo under the sheets. The things you'll find yourself doing to entertain your little boy. In the third picture he's holding a blue flower he pulled off of a basket. He looks so innocent, but believe me don't let him fool you:)

Walker and Ribbie talked Daddy into feeding them a quick breakfast snack on Saturday morning. They both were begging, so Patrick told them both to sit and then Patrick showed Walker how to share with Ribbie. Walker was feeding Ribbie so nicely. We are so lucky to have such a gentle dog.

Beach Fun

Last weekend we met up with some great friends while they were visiting the beach on vacation. We spent the day with Alicia, Tyler, Baby Zuri, Kathleen and Ronnie. We don't get to see them as much as we would like, so we took full advantage. We had so much fun visiting and watching Walker and Baby Zuri. Baby Zuri is so darn cute and so little. She's like a baby doll. It felt so weird holding her because she is so petite. If Walker was ever that small....man the things I could have gotten done around the house. I think I could of walked around with him all day attached to my hip:) Walker was all over playing in the sand, water and with his toys. Zuri seemed to really enjoy her time too. I think she wanted Walker to pay more attention to her:) One day Baby Zuri will be chasing Walker around the beach. They are going to be such good friends just like their mommies.

Come back soon guys! We had so much fun visiting and having a yummy dinner together. We love you!

These Shoes Are Made For Walking

These shoes are made for walking and that's just what they'll do, one of these days the shoes are gonna walk all over you!!

Walker was singing that song this weekend when we purchased his first pair of "walking" shoes. Since he is playing outside at school on the playground he needed better support than his Pediped sandals.  Pediped's are awesome, but I guess he needed big boy shoes.  Patrick and I went back in forth on what type of shoes we would buy.  Of course, Patrick went with the more athletic shoe, Nike's and I went with what I wore when I was little, Stride Rites. As you can see Patrick won, but for only a short time.  We agreed he did need another pair, so I guess we are both happy.  The Nike's are for school and the Stride Rites are for nicer occasions.  

Walker was so funny when he first put his shoes on.  We can really tell the difference in foot/ankle support.  He almost can run now.  I think we might need to let him wear his sandals again, please no running yet:)  On Monday one of the first things his teacher said at school was she thought he was walking a lot better.  I do think these are super cute on him and yet again it's another change I've dealt with this week.  

Oh, and he has big boy socks now too:)  After church on Sunday we tested them outside. Definitely past the test, he was EVERYWHERE. The last picture he took off to try to find out where DaDa went.  As he was walking he was saying DA....DA....DA:)

The last three pictures are Sunday randoms.  He enjoys playing with his bubble machine and throwing the ball to Ribbie.  These are usually two must when we go outside.  A funny note....When Ribbie rolls around in the grass to scratch her back....Walker says..."Ugh Oh"...He thinks she fell down:):)  He also was grabbing her tongue this weekend.  He thought that was so funny:)

BitterSweet Day

Today was a very big day in the life of Walker Ransdell.  He officially moved up in the 1 year old class today.  You might say it's not that big of deal, but really it is for both Walker and Mommy. Probably more for Mommy, because it means he's growing up.  We love his "school" and we have been so blessed with the wonderful teachers.  Ms. Dot and Ms. Mira practically helped raise him from the first day I dropped him off on August 18, 2008.  Then he moved into the 6 month-1 year old class with Ms. Albina and Ms. Joyce around May 2009.  He loves Ms. Albina and Ms. Joyce so much.    

Then today he officially moved up to the BIG BOY class with Ms. Fila.  Fortunately, he moved up with three familiar faces...his good buddies, Peyton, Lauren and Chloe.  Walker, Peyton and Lauren have been buddies since they were tiny babies.  He was so funny this morning.  I'm really the one having a hard time with the transition and he helped ease my nerves a little this morning.  He wanted down even before we got to his class room.  He walked himself to the door, I opened the door and he walked right in and started playing.  He looked at me like, okay mom I'm going to have fun in here.  I knew then it was going to be okay.  In his new class a few things are different. He only takes one nap a day on a MAT....Oh, yes a Mat....not a crib.  I was so nervous about this and both Patrick and I kept wondering how in the world were they going to keep him on a mat for a nap.  Well, he slept perfect from 11:45am-1:10pm.  He also will be going outside twice a day for 45 minutes.  I know he will absolutely LOVE outside time.  I'm a little nervous about one nap a day, but only time will tell. On his "Toddler Daily Report" it said he was very happy and energetic today.....I love it!!  We are officially transitioning away from a bottle.  The only time he gets a bottle is at night. Where has my little baby boy gone.  He is growing up so fast and changing so much.  We are having a ball with him.  Being able to watch him walk and talk is such a joy.  I can only imagine what the next few months in his new class will to do him.  We look forward to watching him grow and getting to know Ms. Fila. 

As I mentioned before we have been so blessed with WONDERFUL teachers.  One of Walker's most favorite teachers is Ms. Albina.  About two months ago I took this picture of the "twins". We realized they had the same shirt, so we decided to schedule a day that they could wear them on the same day.  How cute are these two:):)  We love you Ms. Albina and we are truly going to miss Walker being in your class, but we still get to see you at church:)  Thank you for taking such good care of Walker and loving him like he was yours.  I can't tell you how easy it is to leave Walker knowing what good hands he is in and how much attention he gets from you!!  We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

A Boy and His Dog

Since Walker is becoming a master at walking these days he and Ribbie are becoming best friends.  He doesn't quite understand the word "gentle" but we are working on it.  Poor Ribbie takes a beating from Walker everyday.  She is such a trooper with him pulling her ears, poking at her eyes, pulling her whiskers, pulling her tail and biting her.  I looked over tonight and he was pulling her eye shut.  Of course I screamed and scared both of them.  It's hard because when we tell Walker, "NO be nice to Ribbie".....Ribbie thinks we are telling her "NO". We are trying to teach him to be easy with her.  He gets to her so fast now on his feet.  I am starting to realize how lucky we are to have the best dog ever.  She pretty much takes what he dishes out to her.  Tonight I captured some great photos of them playing together.  Walker was absolutely hysterical throwing Ribbie's toy tonight.  They actually played together for about 10 minutes.  Walker laughed and laughed throwing the porcupine and stealing it back out of Ribbie's mouth.  

We say "No" so much at dinner to Walker....Ribbie stays far away from the table.  Bless her heart she didn't know how much her life would change:)  We do pay special attention to her after Walker goes to bed.  I do believe once Walker realizes how to treat her they will be inseparable.  We love you Ribbie girl!!

Summer Fun

We had such a wonderful weekend.  Patrick and I really enjoyed having nothing on the calendar and being able to enjoy a relaxful weekend with Walker.  I think he enjoyed the slow pace too even though he's pretty much wide open 24/7.  

A few new things Walker is doing lately.......He can show you where is nose is, his tongue and his eyes.  We are currently working on his ears:)  When you ask him where is nose is, he doesn't just touch his nose he puts is entire finger up his nose....we are trying to get him to touch just the tip....LOL.  He is still cruising and will walk every once in a while.  He is actually good at walking, but still prefers to cruise or crawl.  Today he's actually 13 months....Yeah!!

Walker had his first taste of Daddy's ribs and by the look on his face he really enjoyed them. Daddy cooked ribs on the big green egg on Saturday and they were very yummy!!  We were pretty confident that he would like them, because he loves BBQ.  We can't wait to be spoiled again Daddy....hint:)

We had such a good time watching Walker play in his swimming pool.  The pool was Ribbie's, but poor Ribbie got kicked out for the day.  Walker spent most of his time crawling in and out playing in the grass and with his toys.  He also loved climbing on the chair.