Vaccines

I'm not out to be an activist here, but this is something that hits my heart.
Vaccines are such an easy way to save a child's life by protecting them from those diseases out there that we commonly vaccinate against. However there are many countries and children that do not have access to these vaccines or the money for them. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) is an orginization that gets these vaccines to these kids, and saves lives. If you are interested in what they do check it out here

http://www.gavialliance.org/

Also, if you are interested in donating to a wonderful cause, you can do so here

http://everychild.gavialliance.org/invest_now/donate.aspx

Their website at least deserves a look, just to see what they are out there doing and what we can do to help.

P.S. TGIF!!!

Hail to the cheif

And we all know who the chief is. That would be Wyatt, because he certainly dictates how and when we are going to do anything! Well today I was invited for a girls night out, drinks, dancing, fun - (apparently this is something that people without kids like to do on the weekends). So I am excited about the idea of putting on a clean shirt tomorrow and catching up with some friends. In this conversation about going out though I quickly became aware that I am indeed a Mom. The conversation went as follows:

"blah, blah drinks?"

"yes, sounds good, when and where?"

"how about 10 or 11?"

me: "a.m.????"

Now any other 20-something would have never thought that a 10 o'clock invitation for drinks would ever mean 10 am, but in this new life of mine, 10 p.m is when I'm finally crashing in to bed after a long day, not getting dressed up and going out. So regardless that I am going to be up past my bedtime :) I am looking forward to my first time out since before I was pregnant. However I am not looking forward to Saturday morning when Wyatt still wants to wake up at 7, and I want to sleep until 10a.m, and then, as previously invited to do so, have a drink :)

The Simple Things

So if you have read even one of our previous posts, you have probably realized that we love our dogs. Well now we know that Wyatt does too. Here is a video of him cracking up at us throwing Maggie's ball for her.

Well, after watching Maggie do it for months, Wyatt has now learned to sit! Here is a picture of the proud teacher and her student showing off their skills.

Change is in the air

If I could freeze time, at this point in Wyatt's life, I would. As I tucked him into bed tonight, he looked so big. It feels as if the last week has aged Wyatt by months, he is changing and growing, and I'm not sure that I am ready to let him grow up. Yesterday I held him for the first time, today he turned into a boy and tomorrow he is moving out...that's how it feels. I can't believe how much only 5 months has changed him, I am so proud of him, but why did he have to cram all these milestones into one week! This past week Wyatt started eating solid food as part of his everyday routine. Exciting yes, but if you have ever nursed a child you know how special that time is, and what a great bond it creates. And to realize that every meal that is now solid foods means one less time a day I nurse him, is a little sad. My little boy has also decided now he wants to sit up all by himself, no practice, just bam, he can do it! So with his new sitting capabilities, he sat in a high, chair, and a shopping cart! These aren't things that babies do! He is also on the verge of rolling from his back to his front, and he moves all over the place to get his toys! I never realized, even though everyone told me, how fast time would actually fly by! My favorite thing by far though, is that he seems to have a whole new level of awareness. Now when I read him a book, he turns and looks at me talking, and when we look in the mirror and I talk to him, he turns and looks at me. He has connected that that voice that was just coming out of nowhere before, is actually coming from Mom. It is amazing how fast they learn, and what an awesome expierience to see those lights flip on inside his head everyday, and be able to expierience all of his "firsts".

I know there is nothing I can do to slow time down, so for now I cherish every moment.

And just to add another bit of mush to this already mushy blog :).. Today Justin and I celebrated our five year anniversary. Five years and one day ago, I would have never imagined that I would spend the rest of my life with him and have a wonderful family together. But five years ago, when I looked into his eyes as his new girlfriend, I had no doubt, that he was the one I would grow old with. Thank you Justin for everything, and I look forward to the many wonderful years to come!

Even Wyatt needs his morning coffee

He takes after his Mama, needs that morning caffeine.

Warmer days are a-coming

It's been a while since we have seen above zero temperatures. So when Sunday was warm and sunny we decided to take Wyatt and our neice Lilli to the park.

Justin, Wyatt and Lilliana on the swings

Enjoying a warm winter day

Who is that handsome boy in the mirror!?

He may not be able to talk yet and tell me that he loves me, but now he gives kisses, and that is just as good for now! He puts his little slobbery hands on the sides of your face and pulls himself in towards you and rubs his mouth on your face, too cute! He also has become quite enamored with his reflection. Today we were playing and he was following his hands in the mirror and laughing and smiling at himself, and then he plants both of his hands on his reflection and leans forward mouth wide open and gives himself a kiss. Then, he leans back and smiles, quite pleased with himself and that handsome little boy in the mirror who keeps smiling at him. Now it stands, kisses for himself: 4 ; kisses for dad: 0

Hit yourself again Dad

A funny note to add from our trip... If you think your kids get joy out of your pain....they do. While down in Florida we were haning out by the pool cooking some dinner on the grill, when Justin went to sit down in a plastic patio chair. And those of you who know Justin know that at 6'4" he is no small guy. Well, he leaned his weight on to the arm of that poor chair and it snapped right off sending Justin to the ground. Well Wyatt who was sitting on my lap watching cracked up laughing!!! How a four month old knows this is funny? - I have no idea but he laughed so hard at his poor Daddy.

Open mouth insert everything

Well we have been back from our trip for almost two weeks now and I am just now finding the time to sit down and update! We had a great time and despite me being on edge about how Wyatt was going to be every step of the way, he did perfectly. A minute or two of crying on the plane here and there, but that's all. And even though some guy had the nerve to give me a dirty look, I decided it was best not to pinch Wyatt, so that he would cry harder :) It was great to see family down in Georgia and Florida, and take Wyatt on the boat and out to the farm, and boy oh boy does Wyatt love his Great Grandpa. Him and Papa took to each other right away and quickly became buddies. Hopefully we will be able to make the trip to Georgia often so they can continue to spend time together. After 10 warm relaxing days, Justin and I did consider just "missing" our flight, but decided it was best to return home.

Now that we are back, Wyatt seems to be growing in leaps and bounds. He is teething, starting to eat some food, and laughing and smiling like crazy! And now everything he touches goes into his mouth! He is so much fun to be with though. I have started doing receptionist work for my Uncle Larry on weekday afternoons and I am lucky enough to be able to take Wyatt with me. I can't imagine having to leave him with someone else, even though it is just four hours I feel like I would miss so much. He makes me so proud though just being his happy content self all day long at the office, he makes me look good :)

Hope everyone is doing well and Happy Valentines Day to all!