Oh So Dapper!

Reme: I just love how handsome you are! You look adorable and amazing in every outfit I have dressed you in. I want to get pictures of every single one, but somehow that goal does not come into fruition. I was lucky to get these snapshots of you in one of my favorite outfits...you are one cutie patootie!!!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Reading with Mommie...

 

Little Him, reading is one of Mommie's favorite past-times. I hope I can give you a love for the written word just as your Grandma and Triple G did for me. So far, so good. Sometimes you have to be in the mood to listen to the stories I read because you would rather be on the move, but for the most part you will listen as I read...as long as you get to help hold the book!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie

7 Month Recap...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "Yo Adrienne!," "Gettin' Ready to Walk," "Hehehehehe," "5 O'Clock Shadow," "Sleepy Pie"~~~Remington, Where do I start with a re-cap of such a busy month? You are growing by leaps and bounds! You were 19 and a half pounds and 26 inches long when Daddy and I measured you last (which was about 3 weeks into your 7th month), and you've grown since then! You had two teeth emerge this month. They were your two bottom teeth, which was a shocker...we expected to see two top teeth come through first, even though normal development indicates it will be bottoms as the first teeth to arrive. We thought it would be top teeth because of how much you kept searching for hard things to bite on that would affect the top gum line. In any case, the novelty of your teeth is NOT wearing off, for Mommie anyway. I am surprised every time you try to bite me!!! You are a kind boy, though, you've never bitten Mom when you were Nursing. I feel lucky and grateful for that because you've got power in your bite!

Daddy shaved your fine hair this month hoping that your hair will come in thicker than mine and his as we both have very fine hair. If you have a nice head of hair like both of your Grandma's you will be lucky indeed! It is a gorgeous sandy blonde color. Your eyes appear to be the golden brown that your Dad has, not hazel like Mommie's. They are beautiful.

This month you discovered how much you like to stand. If we don't practice with you often throughout the day you get irritated. You have a bit of a temper (probably a result of your Syrian, Irish, German heritage). However, even with a temper you are a very happy and content baby with loads and loads of personality. I love to hear you laugh and watch you play. You get very serious with your play and play really, really hard and intently. It is cute to observe.

This month has proven that you are a social butterfly. Every place we visited had you interested in others and engaging in their "space." It was darling to watch you observe others and interact with them! You especially had fun with your Uncle Bob during a family dinner engagement. He lifted you from your legs and held you out. You stood straight and tall as you were being lifted; and, all the while you were not afraid and had a cute smile on your face. I think you know you are special!

Some of the pictures in this re-cap are Mom's favorites. I like "Yo, Adrienne!" because it seems as if you are in a sweat suit raising arms in celebration of an accomplishment, and if this were true (i.e. not a pose set up by Mom and Dad) then you would be right...you accomplish much each day!

In the "Gettin' Ready to Walk" photo, this is an example of how much you like to practice standing. You are not quite ready to go roving, so I am thankful for the breaks on the walker, but you are close. I expect you will walk before you crawl. At about 71/2 months you started to scootch on your back. You tilt your head back, arch your back and then "buck" to move. It is waaay cute! You still refuse to be on your stomach much and I don't think you will crawl, but the other ways you figure out how to get around amaze me (you also roll from back to stomacth to back until you get to where you want to be).

"Hehehehe" is a photo that shows your cute personality...you love to laugh, play, smile. You love music and to learn. I LOVE that about you...

"5 O'clock Shadow" and "Sleepy Pie" occurred when Dad tried to change your schedule from a 4pm to a 5pm dinner. You could hardly stay awake to finish your meal. You did and then you were out like a light!!!!

Nap times and a nap routine have been hard to come by...you want to "play, laugh, grow" instead of sleep. It has been like hitting a brick wall to get you to nap in 2 hour increments twice daily, but you are doing this about every other day. At the end of this month I decided that I am not going to force you into a nap schedule...it just makes us both have a bad day when I do, so unless you totally stop sleeping thorough the night because you are over tired, I am going to be fine with the cat naps you take throughout the day (15 to 45 minutes). You are a happy fella, aferall.

My love for you grows and grows every day. I know how lucky I am that you chose me for your Mother. I cherish our days and time together. I hope you always know that you are special and unique...a most precious blessing to me and this world.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Remington's First Halloween

Remington: October 31, 2010...your first Halloween was so much fun! You are such a social butterfly that we didn't make it to every stop we had planned, but you played and had soo much fun with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Cheryl. The day was sunny and bright just like you! When we arrived at your Godparent's home they set up a baby swing for you outside on the play-yard they've been making. The swing was an orange race car with the Home Depot numbers that Tony Stewart drives. You giggled and laughed until you fell asleep on the rope of the swing. You LOVE to go high and fast, such a dare-devil you are!

Mommie thought your Little Lion costume would be HUGE on you. It looked so big on the hanger. I truly thought it would be a costume that you could wear until you were 3 years old! I guess I am in denial that you are growing...you now weigh 19 and a half pounds and are getting long. I was SHOCKED when the legs of the costume were short on you. The costume size was 6 to 12 months! In any case, you "worked" the costume and looked darling!

The reason we chose a Lion costume is because you just ADORE your Dad and he is a "LEO," or Lion according to his astrological sign.

Besides being a Lion for Halloween, you fully cut your first tooth! Daddy joked that it was something special for your "fang" to come through on the day you dressed as a Lion (and on Mommie's favorite Holiday).

I can't convey how excited I am to experience life, holiday's, and daily adventure's with you. You give me so much joy...I am delighted by every reaction you have; by every expression; by all that you try. I am so honored to be one of your parents. Thank you, thank you, thank you for choosing me and Dad. We adore and love you so very, very much.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

You and Your Dad....

Reme: Although this picture was taken at Snowbird a few days ago, I have been speculating on the bond you and your Dad seem to have. You adore each other. You always know when he is supposed to be home...well, today he was 30 minutes late and right at his normal homecoming time you started calling for him. It is pretty cute to hear you say: "da-da-da-da-da" and then squeal with delight when he walks through the door. Daddy and I are appreciative every day of the blessing that is you...it is amazing you chose us as your parents and we will do everything we can to be good parents -- give guidance, help you grow and meet the challenges that each stage of life brings, give you a stable and fun life.

We love you dearly!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie (and Daddy).

Waiting for Lunch...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "Trying to be Patient," "I'm Huuungry!"~~~Reme at 6 Months and 3 1/2 weeks.

Reme: So far as we incorporate solid foods into your diet you are not a picky eater. Your favorites are squash, green beans, and pears. You are not keen on peaches or rice cereal, but you will eat them.

This week (10-10-10 through 10-16-10) you've tried prunes, mangoes, the stage 1 ham dinner by Gerber, and the disolvable sweet potato puffs. You have tolerated everything very well.

It has been fun to watch you eat different things...with some things (peaches) you make a cute face at the first bite and then keep trying it out. That is awesome and how I hope you will always be. Trying out new things adds "spice" to life!

Watching you grow, my heart is overwhelmed with the love I have for you.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Jive Talkin'

Dear Little Him: These pictures seem to show off your cute little personality... you love music and movement. These photos were taken at the 6 Month and 3 week mark. You were jammin' to the Bee Gees! I am so glad you enjoy their music with Mom; and I am so glad you have joy. I hope that you will always have a life that manifest the joy within...

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

The "Triple R's" at Snowbird. Sunday, October 3, 2010.

Oktoberfest, 10-10-10...

The Monster In The Mirror -- a song sung by Grover of the Sesame Street Muppets --

"Grover: Saw a monster in my mirror when I woke today
A monster in my mirror, but I did not run away.
I did not shed a tear or hide beneath my bed,
Though the monster looked at me and this is what he said:
He said, "Wubba, wubba, wubba, wubba, woo woo woo
Wubba, wubba, wubba, and a doodly-doo."

He sang, "Wubba, wubba, wubba", so I sang it too:
"Do not wubba me, or I will wubba you."

Monsters: Do not wubba me, or I will wubba you.

Grover: Told the monster in the mirror, "No, I am not scared."
Then I smiled at him and thanked him for the song that we had shared
Well, the monster thanked me too, he smiled right back and then
The monster in the mirror sang this song again:

He went "Wubba, wubba, wubba" and I sang along
'Cause "Wubba, wubba, wubba" is a monster song.

Monsters: Wubba, wubba, wubba is a monster song.


Grover: He sang "Wubba, wubba, wubba" and I sang along
'Cause "Wubba, wubba, wubba" is a monster song.

Monsters: Wubba, wubba, wubba is a monster song.

Grover: If your mirror has a monster in it, do not shout
This kind of situation does not call for freaking out
And do nothing that you would not like to see him do
'Cause that monster in the mirror, he just might be you!


"Wubba, wubba, wubba", you can join in too
Yes, if you wubba me then I will wubba you.

Monsters: If you wubba me then I will wubba you.

Grover: Going "Wubba, wubba, wubba" is the thing to do.

Grover and monsters: Every time you wubba us, we wubba you.

Unidentified monster: (spoken) Me wubba you."

Performed by Frank Oz (the voice of Grover). Song written by Jim Henson, et al.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Little Him, you and I are currently obsessed with the song above! We just LOVE it!!! Since Halloween is when the monsters, ghosts, witches, vampires, and ghouls come out I thought it was appropriate to post the song and dress you up in your Halloween shirt that says: "Daddy's little monster." You are not a monster at all, but a wonderful, fun, curious, vivacious boy. You are a dare-devil! You like to hang upside down off the couch. I don't know what I will do when you are walking and moving without my assistance because when you hang off the couch I get a mini heart-attack...nonetheless, your fearlessness teaches me that one should face the world at large "head on." Despite my fear(s), I am sure I will need to be prepared for cuts, scratches and scrapes, but since you are still my 6 Month old, I am not bracing myself just yet.

Out of all of the photos in this series, my favorite is the one where you are sticking out your tongue -- it seems that you are defying danger...giving raspberries as if to say "So what if I AM Daddy's little monster?" I just love that you are confidant like that!!!

Son, you are truly a delight and you definitly light up my life!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

First Road Trip: Burley, Idaho or Bust!

Pictures Bottom to Top: "Reme in Car Seat Going Towards Idaho," "Mommie and Reme as we enter Idaho," "Daddy and Reme at the Idaho Sign," "Reme's First Pool Adventure."~~~Dear Reme, on October 3, 2010, you experienced your very first road-trip and your first pool adventure! You, Daddy, and Mommie went to visit your Sister's and your Niece's. We all met in Burley, Idaho at Perkins restaurant to catch up. You were a gem! You tolerated the 3 hour drive very well, only getting fussy for about 5 minutes because you were in need of a nap. At Perkins you had a hearty appetite and ate your lunch in its entirety (squash and green beans). After lunch, we decided to play in the pool at the hotel. You enjoyed the water until the motions and bobbing started to lull you to sleep...after which, you curled up with Mom and took a nap while your Niece's played and splashed. The pool was one of the highlights of our visit....

You have very wonderful and special Sister's in Collette and Jackie; and, I hope that you will talk to them and listen to what they have to say as they guide you on your life path. They are very wise and have done everything right to ensure that their lives have focus and balance. I feel you can learn from their wisdom -- gain an understanding of how to "live your best life."

Reme, your journey on this Earth is special and you have the power to make your life amazing. Have faith and confidence that you have many who love you and will help you reach your goals....

Stephanie and Aryana, your Niece's, are vibrant, passionate, wonderful girls...I know you and they will always have fun and laughter, brilliance in every form; and, I hope the three of you, despite your age differences, will always have playful spirits with a zest for life. The energy that the three of you have when you are together is pure magic!!!

October 3, 2010 was a day of merriment! I am soo glad you got to experience this day. There is nothing better than carousing with those you love.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Faster Than a Speeding Bullet...

Dear Remington, these pictures were taken on September 18, 2010...the first day of your 6th month. Like Super Man, you have Super Powers...to grow that is! You grew so much that this outfit, which had never been worn before, didn't fit...it was a 3-6 months outfit in sizing. I am pleased that you are thriving. I hope you continue to grow in positive ways!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Reflections on Month 5 --

Photos Bottom to Top: "Reme and Daddy sleeping," "Dad and Remington at Play," "Mommie's All Star," "Rootin'-Tootin' Baby"...

Dear Remington, Your Fifth month of life came and went in the blink of an eye. Sometimes time moves by so swiftly it seems incredible. Your 5th month of life was like that. Some of the new things you demonstrated to me and Dad this month...you started to say da-da, and string words together. Despite not liking to be on your stomach, you would occasionally roll from back to stomach, but mostly you would roll from your back to your side to reach for your favorite toys.

You are a very happy baby and I hope, as your Mom, that that facet of your personality never changes. You love to laugh and you love music and dancing. Month 5 brought about an awareness of favorites things.

Some of your favorites things are: Squash, green beans, Latin music (the Romantic songs), the color pink, cars (when Mommie placed two toys -- bare butt baby and revv police car by you, you ALWAYS choose the car), you love the toy hammer Aunt Joyce sent to you, you really prefer Mr. Dinosaur and Mr. Elephant (both play twinkle-twinkle little star) to other stuffed/soft toys.

Besides an awareness of favorites, you and Daddy contrived a game called "PLAY LAGOON." LaGoon is an amusement park. Daddy does the "flying swing" and "the Rocket" with Blast-off and Re-entry (he puts you on your back and lifts up really fast for Blast-off; for Re-entry, you are on your back up in the air and he brings you from a high position to a low position). You LOVE to "PLAY LAGOON."

Mommie made you giggle so hard playing peek-a-boo with you this month, and I love, love, love to hear you giggle. Your smile and your laughter just make my heart sing.

You are a joy. I am so glad you chose our family. I love you so much and so does your Dad.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Say Whaaaat?

Remington-- you said your first word today! Actually you said it 4 days ago but Daddy and I thought it was a fluke. Today, there was no doubt about it....your first word: "da-da" ! You held up your arms to Daddy looked him in the eye and said: "da-da". I am so amazed at what you have been able to do in your 5th month of life...going from babble to a word, helping yourself eat (in fact, you refuse to take a bite of ANYTHING unless your little hands are grasped around the spoon helping Mommmie feed you). You still don't like to be on your stomach, but you will tolerate it for longer periods of time, even turning from your back to your side. Last night, when Mommie checked on you, you were sleeping on your left side. WOW!! Every day is truly an adventure. Dad and I are soo blessed to have you in our family. We love you dearly!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie

Month 5, August 18, 2010...

~~~Reme: I can't believe you are 5 months old!!! I love the above photo because in it you are still my baby. I love that when you are really, really tired you snuggle into your bed, your car seat, or even Mommie or Daddy.

You have been waking up every morning talking up a storm. I am delighted by that because I am a chatter-box. Since you look like Daddy, it is awesome to me that you have a few of my attributes. This month is going to be amazing because of you...

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Blink....

~~~Reme, I feel that if I blink I am going to miss something! You are growing and changing so quickly. You are becoming more independent and your darling personality grows and grows...I think you are a wonderful kid. This month, your fourth month of life, saw you learning how to maneuver food into your mouth from a spoon, go from lying to sitting, standing with assistance, rolling from back to tummy...among other things.

One change I've noticed is with your Nursing time...I've been reluctant to wean you from it because you worked so hard in those initial weeks of life to help Mommie produce milk for your survival, but I feel the weaning is nigh...you need me less and less as you look around, observing your world. You are becoming a busier, more active person. Recently, you have been working on holding your own bottle...Daddy and I now call any Nursing moment "comfort Nursing" because it seems that you Nurse to help you wind down rather than for nourishment.

Other changes have occurred...you seem to want to get up and go but aren't quite there yet, so we work on keeping you excited and interested in your world.

Daddy plays and plays and plays with you. You and he fly about the house like there is no tomorrow (Dad holds you in his arms and carts you tummy down with your arms out through the house, you and he pretend to be in different parts of the world, and anything goes -- the both of you are so imaginative).

Some of the things you and I've done this month to help you grow and develop:
1) Music Monday's -- we listen to different genre's of music all day long...
2) Tearing paper -- you love the sound the tearing makes and find fascination in the different shapes...
3) Balloon day -- we tied a string to a balloon and you patted at it, riveted by the motion, movement, and colors (we had three different balloon color's -- red, green and blue)
4) Ooopsie-daisy -- this is a game to get you liking your tummy more...we start on your back and roll from side to side onto your tummy and then back to your back saying: "oopsie-daisy."
5) Pots and Pans -- Mommie took out wooden spoons and pans and we used the spoons to bang on the pots and pans...
6) Sensory development -- Mommie took out several spices and let you smell them (cinnamon, oregano, thyme, basil, lemon pepper, onion, garlic, nutmeg, allspice, and paprika)-- you only made a face at the dried onion (it was strong)!

Your Dad and I are continually trying to find new things to do with you since you want to constantly be learning about your world. I read to you a lot and occasionally you watch Sesame Street. This month has been loads and loads of fun for all of us. I anticipate many more memories over the next few months...Daddy and I can't wait to share and start Holiday traditions with you.

Remington, I adore you so much. I am soo glad and amazed you are my child. I love you with all of my heart and more. Daddy loves you tremendously...you are the light of our lives; a joy to be around.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Exercise...

Duckie: You really enjoy observing and engaging in all that is around you. It finally happened! You could sit up AND reach the floor on your Exersaucer. I am glad you like to keep active. Being fit is paramount to good health.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie

Time Keeps on Ticking...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "Reme Stylin' in Moccasin's," "Little Him, My Little Tough Guy," "Shhhh..."~~~Remington, my darling Son, I can't believe how quickly the days go by...it seems like it was only yesterday that Daddy and I welcomed you into the world and your wonderful family. This month, your fourth month, we've been very, very busy. So far you've been to two family reunions -- one from Mommies side of our family and one from Daddy's side. The first one we went to was for Triple G's birthday. It was during the second week of this month, at the end of June. It included your Great Uncle Carl, Great Aunt Robyn, Great Uncle Joe, and your Second Cousin's Cori and Christopher. We all had a nice visit and you really loved being held by Cori, who is as sweet,kind, and loving as are you.

Your Uncle Carl made the moccasin's that are in the bottom-most picture. You wore them to the unveiling of my firm's new Woman's center. You were a BIG HIT, and everyone LOVED your shoes. I thought it was awesome that they were turquoise, Mommie's favorite color. Since I am thinking about favorite colors, right now you seem to really, really like the color pink. When we visit your Great Grandmother, you babble and giggle and coo in a very animated way because the room at her care center is decorated in pink.

The other family reunion you attended was on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 and consisted of your family from the Ellis line (your Grandma Koehler's maternal side). Your Daddy says you were the "life of the party" and you were held all day. You got to meet your Great Aunt Tona and your Great Uncle Milo, to name a few. He said you didn't talk up a storm like you usually do because you were intent on taking everything and everyone in.

Daddy and I had some major schedule changes at our firms, so our family is adjusting. So far, all of our routines are out of sync. That is one reason the month is going by so quickly. For you we read daily, bathe you every other day, have an outing into Salt Lake every Tuesday, have you play on your play mat, encourage tummy time, and so much more....but you are restless because there is not a set time for anything except feedings and bed time. Feedings are generally every 2-3 hours from the time you awaken. Bed-time is 9pm every night. It seems you are at the stage where you want to be up and moving but your depth perception and dexterity aren't quite there yet. You ARE sitting up primarily unassisted. Also, when lying flat, you attempt to pull yourself up into a sitting position. You still hate being on your stomach for the most part.

To help you overcome the restlessness Daddy and I sense you feel, you had your very first play date. It was with the darling-est little girl named Sophia Larsen. Her mom, Rachel is a good friend from my work. We met at Woodland Park a pretty tree lined park in Stansbury Park, Utah. Sophia is about 3 months older than you. It was awesome to watch the two of you interact. Sophia is rolling from her back to her tummy. When you observed this you had no qualms with Mommie placing you on your tummy. You would raise your head up high to see the world and what your new friend was doing. Then you would reach out and touch her hand. It was the cutest gesture! You and she shared your rattles, which was pretty cute.

This month we started you on Rice cereal. I don't have pictures, but you make the funniest face with the first spoonful. We have gotten to the point where the cereal isn't thinned much and a "normal" cereal configuration. Today you ate 6 bites of the cereal. You act interested in everything Daddy and I eat and I can't wait for you to try some of my favorite foods: asparagus, artichoke, sweet potatoes, yams, bell peppers, turnips, blackberries, raspberries...I hope you like a variety of food and have a very open palate.

This month has been one of challenge for your Mom. I have not felt very worthy of being your Mommie. I love you sooo much that I want your life to be perfect and I sometimes feel inadequate of making that happen for you. I worry I don't possess the wisdom or life skills to help you excel. However, all that I am lacking seems to be made up by your dad.

Daddy is the "fun" parent. You and he only have to gaze at one another and you are giggling in hysterics. Daddy swings you up in the air, kisses your belly, and makes faces and you laugh and laugh. I am glad you and he share these times and have that special bond. Your laughter is the epitome of happiness. I love to hear the sound of it every day.

Child of mine, you are a wonder! I am so grateful for this month. It has been a precious time of learning and growth for you, me, and Daddy. Every minute of every day is fabulous. I have been having trouble sleeping due to the anticipation and excitement of spending time with you. I just can't seem to wait until you aren't slumbering....I hope to have many days, months, years, MOMENTS of incredible memories with you.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

July 19, 2010 -- Four Month Check-Up...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "M-i-c-k-e-y M-o-u-s-e!," "Peek-A-Boo," "That's All Folks!"~~~Dear Duckie: Today was your 4 month check-up. It is hard to believe that it has been 4 months already, but the changes in your growth completely make me a believer! You weighed 12 pounds 13 ounces. You were 24.5 inches long, and your head circumference was 16.2 cm. In terms of weight, you are right on track, nearly doubling your weight by the 4th month as you should.

You were happy and you cooed, gurgled, and talked with your Doctor -- and you only fussed a little after getting pricked by the shot needles.

Additionally, the day was a great day because you remained happy despite some hurtful shots (you received second doses of many plus your Tetanus). The picture of you with Mouse ears was taken shortly after you got home from your Pedatrician's. You were smiling even though you didn't feel quite well! All I can say is that you are a great kid!!!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

My Lil' Cub...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "My Lil' Cub," "Heads-Up, 7-Up"~~~Dear Little Him, these pictures were taken on July 8th. On this day Mommie had to go through your Newborn to 3 month old clothes and sort them so they would not be intermingled with the clothes that fit you. I can't believe how much you've grown. You are longer and heavier in the infant carrier, which amazes me. Each day you add new skills to the repertoire of things you can do...you are sitting up with less bobbing, and raising your head. You still hate being put in a 5-point harness and so when you are in your swing or your carrier you lift up your head. It is a wonder to see.

I still feel like you are my special gift. I often say that you are the "love of my life." It was a 10 year adventure to get you here, and now I feel, I will have life-long adventures and happiness because you are a part of my world. I told Grandma Halverson once "Mom, I am too busy to be depressed." Each day that I get to hold you, see you smile, watch you play, hear your laughter brings more joy than I can express. You most definitely ARE the "love of my life."

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.