Sweet Moment

Well obviously, I have been lazy about posting to the blog. We've had plenty of activities to write about, I just haven't taken the time to do it. I wanted to record this memory, so here goes....

Sam has had a busy couple of weeks with the new position at FedEx and putting in the zip lines at the park. Needless to say, the time we have gotten to spend together as a family has been limited lately, but when we are all together, Lucas really lights up. He gets so excited when "Daddy Home." Sam came home for about 30 minutes to spend time with Lucas and me this evening and one of the sweetest things happened tonight. When Sam was just about to leave, Lucas shouted across the room, "I Love You. I Love You Daddy!" It was just the sweetest thing as Lucas hasn't ever prompted saying those 3 words. Sam and I were both fighting back the tears.

Spring Break 2011

The weather was beautiful and the activities were perfect. This spring break we visited the FW Zoo with Sam's mother. Lucas loves that place and gets so excited about seeing all the animals. It was fun having Sam and his mother get to enjoy Lucas' excitement too. We had a play date with Christopher, who is 4. Lucas got to play with some really cool toys. Lucas helped bake his first batch of cupcakes. He helped smash the strawberries and hold the mixer, but all he really wanted to do was stick the spatula in the batter and eat it. He brought cupcakes to "Nel-nel," (Chanel) his babysitter across the street, too. We played outside alot, as the weather so so beautiful. He played basketball, threw the ball, rode his batman big wheel and tricycle, played with his trucks and trains, too. And of course, we went on runs and played at the playground. I think the only thing we missed was flying a kite. We will have to get one of those soon before the winds stop.

My favorite part of the entire week was getting to hear him wake up and start reading and playing in his crib. I've tried catching him with the video camera but it seems I just haven't been able to do it. I wish I could share it with you as it is the cutest thing in the world!

Lucas & Santa

Our neighborhood sponsored a visit with Santa earlier this month. It was perfect as we didn't have to wait in a long line. The event turned out to be a family affair as Lucas was not interested or willing to sit on Santa's lap. I had to sit on Santa's lap and hold Lucas. Lucas was still not interested and kept reaching for Sam, so Sam had to join us too. The picture was snapped and you can tell Lucas was not enjoying it at all. Too funny! At least we didn't have to wait in line for hours and Luke's meeting with Santa ended quickly enough!!

Lucas eating lunch or sleeping?

I took this video a while back but just figured out how to get the video from my phone to the computer. I know, I'm a slow learner, but eventually I'll get it. Anyway, I think he's changed alot in the past 1.5 months since this video was taken but it's just too cute not to share. He must have played hard that morning....

We've been busy!

We've been busy over the past two months. Lucas has had some fun moments: spaghetti fed by himself, college color day with Mom, vacuuming for mom, playing hide & seek in Max's kennel, and hanging out with Dad. In October, we went to the FW zoo and attempted the pumpkin patch but the weather rained us out. Maybe we'll get that in before the pumpkins are gone. We traveled to Port Neches for my 20 year class reunion. Lucas went to his first volleyball game to watch the Rock-A-Noos and headed over to the stadium for his first friday night lights football game. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the end of the game because Lucas was too tired. Lucas got to spend his first night away from mom and dad with his cousins Cade and Cale. Aunt Nancy said he had a great time dancing to music and playing with his big cousins.

So far, we haven't been able to get a picture of Lucas in his Halloween costume because he cries/screams whenever we try to get him in it. It might be time to try a different costume! This weekend we'll be carving our pumpkin, attempting the pumpkin patch, and try to go trick or treating to a few houses. It'll be a wonderful weekend. It Lucas cooperates, we'll post pics of Halloween soon!

Gym Time

This summer Lucas has taken a weekly gym class. It's so exciting to see him get to play on all the equipment. We have found this is the perfect place to let him explore because everything is padded, and he LOVES to climb. They took pictures today so I thought I would share.

One of Lucas' favorite...parallel bars.

We do a mommy/baby roll.
I hug him tight and we roll down a ramp.

Lesson learned

Mistake #1--never put your child to bed without shorts/pants over his diaper.
Mistake #2--don't make your child wait in his crib after he wakes from a nap

Yesterday, Lucas woke up from his nap. I was busy so he had to wait a few minutes before I could get to him. I quickly realized my mistakes when I saw he had smeared poop all over his crib, all over himself, all over his books and toys, and then picked it up and thrown it on the floor. Needless to say, I learned my lesson the hard way. We were 30 minutes away from leaving for his doctor's appointment so I turned into supermom mode. He got a bath and fed and I got his room cleaned and deodorized and left on time for the appointment. I think I was in so much shock I didn't really get mad. I know better for next time.

Lucky for you, no pictures, I just wanted to record the memory.

Show me your muscles!

Lucas' latest thing is to show us his muscles. I caught him on video the second time he did it. It's pretty cute! Enjoy!

Time's Gone By Fast

In the past weeks, we have really noticed Lucas starting to recognize things. For example, he helped me put the dog bones away and picked out one bone to bring to the dogs. Today at daycare, he started dragging his diaper bag towards the door. I hadn't even said it was time to go yet. Sam and I are both just amazed at how quickly babies pick up on different things, especially at this age. It's just a huge reminder of how fast this year has gone by. He's only about 2 weeks away from his 1st birthday. Wow! I wish somehow I could have every second of every day recorded so I could take it all in again and again. This year has been truly amazing.

Mother's Day

We spent the day at the FW Zoo for Mother's Day. The weather was perfect and no big crowds. Lucas even started paying attention to the animals. He couldn't get his eyes off the gorillas and the zebras. He really liked the bird sanctuary. He kept trying to catch the birds. But, his favorite was the white tiger exhibit. They were very active on Sunday. He was so fascinated with them. Check out the video below. I am so thankful to spend my first Mother's Day with Sam and Lucas!

Easter 2010

We spent Easter Sunday with Sam's family. It was nice to have all 4 generations over for the day. It was fun to watch Lucas and cousin Jace hang out. We had to wait about 2 weeks to get some outdoor pictures of Lucas and his basket due to all the rain, but finally sunshine!! And yes, I know it took me even longer to post the pictures. It is just CRAZY having him all over the place. He keeps us on our toes for sure! He's been walking consistently since the end of 9 months but in the last couple of weeks, he's really gotten his confidence. He turned 11 month old on May 2. It's gone by so fast and he's changed so much we are just amazed.

Granny's 100 Birthday

My grandmother turned 100 on February 18, 2010. We went to Port Arthur to celebrate with family and friends and honor Granny on her special day. Granny was born 2 months premature. She was so little her crib was a shoebox and her diapers were her daddy's handkerchief. She has blessed each family member with at least 1 crocheted blanket, until just a few years ago when she had to give it up. Luckily, my aunts took over where she left off and made Lucas an afghan using Granny's yarn.

Lucas is Granny's 33 great-grandchild. It's fascinating to think they were born nearly 100 years apart. I think about all the things Granny experienced and accomplished in her lifetime and I have to wonder what lays ahead for Lucas.

We enjoyed our weekend getting to spend time with most of mom's side of the family. It has been a while since we have all had a chance to get together. What a wonderful way to get to celebrate together. Happy Birthday, Granny!

Photos by Anthony Martinez (http://www.ajmartinez.com/)

Christmas 2009

What a special day for us....Lucas' first Christmas and it was a white one. We got about 4 inches of snow on Christmas Eve. Then, Lucas gave us the best gift ever....he slept through the night until 8:00 am! That was awesome!!

Santa brought Lucas a little baseball set and he is already swinging at the ball. His family and friends spoiled him with toys, clothes, books, and games. He unwrapped his own packages too (at least he would get them started, but then would get distracted with the next one). Later, he zoomed around the house in his walker. Sam and I enjoyed breakfast in bed then movies on the couch and homemade pizza for lunch. Tanya came to visit and we watched another movie. It was such a relaxing, special day. We hope yours was as enjoyable as ours.

Moving right along

We are happy to report Lucas is turning over from belly to back and vice versa. He is also scooting forward on his belly. He's moving so much he doesn't stay on his playmat or floor blanket anymore. He's also gotten really good at sitting up. Unfortunately for us, all this movement has brought about a 4:00 am visitor called hunger. Poor thing's stomach is growling at that time he's so hungry. Luckily, he goes right back to sleep once his belly is full.

Daycare & Two Month Appointment

Well, I'm sure everyone can tell I'm back to work since it's been so long since I've made a post. Lucas has made a wonderful go of daycare. They all love him there & Ms. Betty says he's the sweetest one around and just loves that he is such a good baby.

Sam brings him in the morning and he's usually asleep. Just after he arrives he begins to wake up because all the workers come in to see him and announce "yeah, Lucas is here." I pick him up around 4:00 and he gets the biggest grin on his face when I walk in the room. He's just such a happy baby. Sam and I are so blessed.

I will admit I haven't made the adjustment back to work very well. I am so scattered and unfocused with tasks, it's crazy! Many say it's pregnancy brain still in effect. Even some of my coworkers say it took them two years to get back to normal. WOW! We joke at work because I have a new assistant....she says we really make a pair because I can't remember and she doesn't know. She's so right! At least I don't have to worry about Lucas at daycare.

Right before school started, Lucas had his 2 month checkup and shots. Doctor Worsley said he was doing great and was impressed with his weight gain. He was over 14 pounds. Lucas was happy until it was time for his shots. He didn't cry for very long, luckily.

Gig 'Em Aggies!

Class of 2032... WHOOP!