Beautiful BIG boy

It's official. Hunter is a BIG boy now. He no longer fits into any of his 6-9 month clothes. I went shopping last week for some 9-12 month clothes and even bought a few items that were 18 month! Where did the time go? How did my baby get to be in 12 month clothes!? When I brought him home he didn't even fit in 0-3 month stuff. Oh sweet, sweet boy. He took his first steps today. I was so happy to have Bridget there with me to watch them because I don't think I would have believed it had I been alone. Then, after she left, he took 5 steps that I was able to capture on video. AMAZING. This child never fails to amaze me. I want 11 more just like him (then I'll have an even dozen). Do you think Brian will go for it? I thought I was tired before, now that he's walking I will never sit!

Hunter never fails to impress me with all that he can do. The newest thing he has learned: when I say "touchdown" he puts both hands up in the air as the referees do on tv. He's so very smart. He loves to play ball and is quite good at throwing the ball to you and catching it as it comes back to you. I haven't met a more smiley baby - he is really a lot of fun.

We spend a lot of time with Jen and Ty these days. Ty is 13 months and I'm pretty sure Hunter decided to start walking because he sees Ty doing it. It is simply incredible how much these babies learn from one another. They watch another baby do something and then they start doing it soon thereafter. If you can't tell, I'm fascinated by my baby and completely in love with him at the same time.

Last week was an incredible week for my brother. He matched at his #1 choice for residency - Oregon Health Sciences University. It is one of the TOP spots in the country for neurosurgery. I am so impressed and proud of him and wish my mom were here to see her son win this very big honor. I feel as proud as if I were his mom.

Preschools. This is the topic of (stressful) conversation these days. It's almost as if we think we are going to permanently damage our babies if we send them to the "wrong" preschool. What makes a preschool the "right" one? And what if we end up sending our children to 3 different schools because of their differing personalities? The whole thing gives me a headache. In my moments of clarity I think that no matter where Hunter is, he will thrive because he is a smart little boy with a mind of his own. In my deranged, crazy moments I think that too much circle time is going to break his spirit and he will become a lonely, dependent child who can't be by himself. Yes, crazy I know. These are the things we moms worry about...and it seems realistic for some odd reason. Anyhow, we toured a preschool today where I think that maybe I could possibly see Hunter being happy. That's another thing - why do I have to send him to preschool? Wouldn't he rather stay home with me and his future siblings? It will be great fun. I can teach him how to change diapers by the time he's 3...no? not fun? Ok, I'll send him to preschool.

Other thoughts I have: Does anyone realize how lonely it can be to be a stay at home mom? The hubby is off making the money (thankfully) so I don't have to. But on days when the baby is sick or the friends are busy, it's lonely. Sure, you have built0in entertainment all day long BUT they can't talk to you. Well, they can and they do. Maybe I should say, "but you can't understand them". I love being with Hunter. What I love even more? Being with Hunter AND someone who can string full sentences together and have a real conversation with me. Last week I actually spent everyday except for Wednesday by myself. I need more interaction than that. Especially when Irma is home. But I won't go there.

So, last week I went to the library in the middle of the day with Hunter. Granted, I thought it was a wonderful idea as I always get books from the library before a trip. Ha. I should have thought a little bit harder about this, because last week 2 2 year olds were ejected from this very library during children's storytime for being too loud. You see, children should know not to interrupt the story. And that wasduring Children's story time. I went in the middle of the day. You know what that means? Old people. Lots of them. Old people don't seem to like it when their peaceful reading is interrupted by squeals of delight when a 10 month old sees a book. And another one. And another one. While it made me laugh to hear my baby so enamored with the books, I got more than 1 nasty look. Luckily the librarian was kind and helpful and I was out of there in 20 minutes flat. What can I say? It's a small library and not that much looked interesting, so around and around I walked.

Ok, I think I've entertained you all for long enough. This coming week we go to Cancun. I am So excited. A week of sun and sand with my 2 favorite guys. Who could ask for anything more?

I took before and after pictures when I gave him a blackberry. He makes such a mess, but they make him so happy. I can't complain.

On St. Patrick's Day we went to the park to play. His shirt says "Kiss me. I'm cute." And he is, so I did.

Enjoy the pictures below. I enjoyed every moment of this past week and love sharing our special times with you.