Wanting to Read

I Just thought I would share this cute story.

This afternoon Anderson picked up this book and was looking at the cover for a long while. After some time, he started trying to open it. Because the pages are so thick, he was having a hard time getting it to open. Every time he would try to open it and it wouldn't open, he would let out a frustrated whine and then he would try again. He continued doing this for about 5 minutes. After a few times, I would open the book for him and then hand it back to him. As soon as the book was back in his hands he would close it and try to open it on his own (which would start the whole thing over again). Towards the end, we were all watching him and laughing to ourselves each time he would whine. His whine started to become a cross between a whine and a laugh when he realized we were watching him. His love for books is already starting....

First Christmas

Every first is fun to watch but Christmas was especially exciting. Anderson was spoiled (and he isn't even done yet). In the picture above, his grandpa Butela is helping him hold up his new shirt. It came with a stuffed animal too, which upon opening Anderson threw to the side to open another gift. As he continued opening gifts, he began to get the hang of it, he even started tearing the wrapping paper towards the end. The gift below we bought for him, I don't know yet if he likes the toy or box more. Every time I see him, he is turning this box over and opening and closing it. At times, he is competing with Pistachio for the box, who has been found sleeping in it numerous times. When he opens the box and finds her inside it, he laughs. This is a sight to see!

Even with an ear ache and a sinus infection, Anderson was all laughs and smiles today. He enjoyed eating the potatoes, ham, and biscuit for lunch, opening and playing with gifts, and being held by his grandparents. He continued his good mood all the way up to bed time. Below he is playing ball with nana Kreps who was playing his new favorite game with him. Recently, I taught him how to throw a ball--he holds the ball in his hands, lifts it over his head, and then sort of drops/throws it. Most times, he throws it to me, but sometimes it ends up going off in another direction. He laughs almost every time he throws it or it is throw to him. He really likes it when you throw the ball into his lap. We might just have a professional baller on our hands....

Happy Face

Cassidy, a friend of mine who takes pictures professionally, came over one afternoon and took numerous photos of Anderson. Here are two of my favorite. She followed him around for almost an hour and just clicked away. I think he enjoyed being the center of attention (I don't know where he gets that...) he kept "posing" for her with different face expressions and toys.

1st Snow Day

Anderson has had many opportunities to play in the snow these past two days. Since his father is CRAZY about snow, we have been out and about in it many times. Anderson doesn't know what he thinks about the snow yet. Yesterday, after I saw the first snow fall, I rushed out to buy Anderson a snow outfit. As soon as we got home, we spent about 10 minutes getting him and ourselves ready for the snow. By the time he was all bundled up, he was tired and cranky, so we only spent a few minutes in the snow the first time around. We tried again later, again spending about 10 minutes to get everyone ready. This time, he had more fun, but he still didn't last very long. In the evening, we went on a sled. He sat in the middle and I held on tightly. He enjoyed himself, but didn't like the snow that flew in his face. We only went once, because he was getting too cold and needed to get warmed up. His poor little cheeks and hands got so red from the cold. When we got back we put him in a warm bath to warm him up. He was much happier warm---splashing and laughing.

When we go in the snow, Anderson gets quiet and spends most of his time just looking around. He seems to be taking in his new surroundings--he acts almost the same way when he is at a big gathering of unfamiliar people. In the picture above, I sat him in the snow and he just sat there looking around. He just felt the snow and sat still. It might have to do with his marshmellow outfit. He can hardly move in it.

After a long day of snow adventures, Anderson is bushed!

Oh Christmas Tree...

Anderson got his first Christmas tree today. Before we went we wanted him to take a nap (it was his usual time for a nap and he was rubbing his eyes). After a half hour of tears and no nap we finally threw in the towel and packed up the car. Wouldn't you know it, as soon as the car pulled out of the driveway his eyes were closed and he was out. He managed to sleep through the whole experience: the walking to find the perfect tree, cutting the tree down, and putting the tree on top of the car. So, don't ask Anderson about the tree experience because he knows nothing about it.

First Haircut

Anderson finally had to get his first haircut. He put on a brave face and didn't cry. Towards the end, he didn't want to sit still anymore so we had to all hold him down.

Thanksgiving...A First

It started out as an adventure.

Since Josh now works in Tukwila, we decided to leave Wednesday night from there to help beat the traffic. My brother, Rufus (the dog), Anderson, and I left our house Wednesday night at 10:30. Since Anderson had been sleeping before we left, he quickly went back to sleep as we hit the road. Unfortunately, his slumber didn't last long. As we pulled into the Olive Garden, Rufus began to bark, which woke Anderson up. Had we only waited for a few moments before hitting the road once again, he would have easily fallen back to sleep. This was not the case. My brother and I sat in the car, even driving around the parking lot a few times to help get Anderson to sleep, until 12:00. After that it was smooth sailing...until....we got on the ferry. Rufus once again barked and woke Anderson up. Once off the ferry and at Josh's parent house, Anderson was able to sleep...thankfully.

Thanksgiving day started off with a very unhappy and tired Anderson (and mother), but after he (or should I say they) got a much needed nap the day was wonderful. Anderson got to swing in his deck swing and try a delicious thanksgiving feast. He liked everything except the brussel sprouts, which I cannot blame him for. And while he was taking his third nap for the day, the family played a game of football.

He is 9 months and I am just getting this started!

We have created this blog to share our families adventures and experiences as we watch our family grow.

Before we were parents, Josh and I enjoyed hiking, exploring new areas, and watching a good television show. We still enjoy those things, we just have less time to do them now that Anderson has joined our family. He keeps us busy!

Anderson is currently keeping us on our toes! He has decieded he is ready to start walking. Although he isn't walking yet, he is trying. He is falling, pulling on things, and climbing up stairs-gaining new bruises along the way. He has been "teething" for months now, with no teeth to show for it. He is a happy-go-lucky 9 month old who very rarely cries.