The Personality of a 17-Month-Old

This is just for my own recollection. :)

For the first time tonight, Aaron gave Mike and me goodnight kisses on the cheek. Sooo sweet! He's also been really into praying. If I forget to pray before a meal, he'll remind me by patting his wrist with his hand (that's his signal for 'pray'.) Talk about being put in my place! :) When we pray he'll fold his hands and bow his head. Closing the eyes will come later, I'm sure. :) Don't know if he's totally got it down though ... the other day he fed me a Cheerios during the prayer. :) Anyway, it's fun to see the growth and progress in this little guy. He's starting to say "hi" and "hello" and says "uh-oh," "daddy," "mama," and "me" lots. He loves to laugh and play outside. Such a fun stage!

Only one month until he goes into nursery at church, but who's counting? ;)

Snowy Day

Here is Aaron watching his first real snowfall -- on March 1, no less.







And loving playing in it! The cold doesn't seem to phase him a bit! We weren't prepared with boots and such since it hasn't snow here all winter. We made do. :) After all, we weren't going to deprive the kid of his first real snow. I've never seen someone so excited about snow. Glad somebody likes it. ;) He had fun, and we had a blast out there with him!

Some Random Photos

This one's for Mindy! A couple of weekends ago we enjoyed a visit with Mindy's sister Maryanne, Maryanne's cute daughter Emily, Maryanne's husband, and Mindy's parents. Mindy -- where were you?? :) Missed you! (This might be the only picture you get of me pregnant.) :)


That same weekend we met our new niece Leah for the first time. She is so beautiful! We were able to attend her baby blessing while there. Aaron loved her and was so tender with her. He wanted to make her happy! We hope he has the same kind of love for his little brother who's on the way.


Sixteen months - Aaron can feed himself with a spoon! So cute and so very messy! (Especially since he refuses to wear a bib ... ) The boy loves to eat. Apparently he also loves this brush! Gotta love the wild hair ...

Pregnancy Workout Videos?

Can anyone recommend a good pregnancy workout video? It needs to be specifically for pregnant women since I'm getting larger by the day and probably can't do the same stretches, moves I used to. So any suggestions are welcome, including any good prenatal yoga videos. Thanks!!

New Cousin!

I'm happy to report that we have a darling new niece in the family, Leah Stathis. She was born to David and Traci, my brother and sister-in-law, this past Friday, January 16. Seven pounds, three ounces, 18.5 inches. We are incredibly happy for this sweet family and can't wait to meet Leah soon. Look at that gorgeous dark hair she gets from her mama! Really, could she be any cuter?? :) (And how does Traci look so good, by the way??)

My Little Goggle Boy

I'm sure some, if not all, of you know this food-prep trick, but long ago I learned from a friend that wearing goggles while cutting onions prevents crying. And it works! No tears! Since moving into our new place, the goggles have been MIA. The other day I was preparing dinner, about to chop an onion, and gearing up for the tears. Along comes Aaron to the rescue ... I could've sworn swear he was wearing a little cape ... with goggles in his hand. I have no idea where he found them, but it was perfect timing! Now the goggles are appropriately stored in the utensil drawer. ;)

Picture Happy

Mike's been having fun experimenting with taking pictures. Here are a few glamour shots. ;)







There are so many leaves in the yard, Mike decided Aaron was old enough to earn his keep.

This is what happened when Mike took the rake away. Well! Apparently someone likes the rake! Needless to say, he got it back. :)


And to end on a happy note, here's a shot of Aaron sporting his sweet new haircut. I love how the short do makes his cheeks appear all the more kissable! :)


(Aaron at 15 months old.)