Tater is 18 Months

I don't know if I completely forgot what it's like to have an 18-month old, or if Tate is just so completely different then Ellie, but maybe a little of both.

In good times, Tate is the sweetest, most gentle, lovable little boy in the WORLD.  I can't squeeze him or hug him enough.  He is such a little, doughy, cherub.  Thinking about him makes me smile.  He says a few things (but isn't a big talker yet).  Ellie is his best friend and he worships the ground she walks on.  He likes to hug her (sometimes too rough), copy her, follow her around constantly, and wear her clothes and shoes.  I know...it's a little weird, but apparently very common for younger brothers of sisters (or so I'm told).

In not-so-good times, Tate is a typical toddler.  He has his meltdowns.  He gets very frustrated and doesn't understand why he can't carry around a sharp kitchen knife, stay in the garage and play with the rake by himself, climb up on the kitchen counter, play in the water faucet for hours, etc.  Fortunately, it's easier the second time around because I know everything is a phase that will eventually pass.

It has been way too long since I had professional pictures taken of Tate.  We have had to cancel a couple sessions because he had a bad haircut, or is usually too banged up and bruised (poor guy!).  I am hoping to get some in the next couple weeks.

It makes me a little sad that my baby is becoming a real BOY...

Playing with old Pictures

Fun in the Snow

We escaped to Tahoe for a long weekend of fun in the "snow." It really wasn't all that snowy, but nonetheless, Ellie and Tate had an incredible time riding the Gondola up to the top of Heavenly to sled and play. I wasn't really sure how it would all go (the whole bundling up in layers of warm clothes to go stand out in the cold for a few days). Have you ever met my daughter? Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised. She couldn't wait to get going and instantly dropped to the ground to make snow angels (probably something she learned from TV). Tate wanted to sled again, and again, and again. The kids had an amazing time (so in turn we had an amazing time). We are even considering trying Ellie out in skiing next year, but I think this may be a bit ambitious. Even at twelve, my dad had to drag my skis all over the mountain and listen to me whine and complain. I would like to think it eventually paid off and I fully intend to get back on skis one of these day (after a 6 year hiatus). Point is, it was an enjoyable weekend getaway.

A New Year

Hello. It's me again. Happy New Year! My, time sure does fly. So, there's been a few things that went on since Tate's Baptism, but let's just skip over Halloween, his FIRST birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

I have been busy. I know, I know...so has everyone else. My 13-month-old is exhausting. He likes to eat chalk, carry around anything extremely sharp, run into things, climb up stairs, climb downstairs, stand on top of things, unroll all the toilet paper, throw dishes across the kitchen, crush crackers into sawdust, smear mushed up banana all over the walls, steal his sister's crayons, eat his sister's crayons, get banged up on more stuff, and eat more chalk. He may be the busiest 13-month old that has ever lived (but other mothers to 13-month-old children may disagree). Other then that, he is walking and talking (well, saying a few words). We all find him very entertaining. His dad refuses to let him have a haircut, but I really can't blame him. Who can resist those blond curls?

Ellie has been busy performing (but only for the very select audience of her parents), dancing, twirling, and using plenty of her imagination. She turned 3.5 on Christmas Eve and already has big plans for her 4th birthday. Of course, she is always asking when we can go back to visit all her friends at Disneyland again. She has inherited several more stuffed animals over the holidays that occupy her bed every night. Ellie enjoys drawing pictures of rainbows, wearing "high heels" (Disney princess shoes), watching Cailou (gag!), helping me cook, participating in her ballet class, going to the library, running errands, and being out and about all the time. Thankfully, she finally loves going to preschool. She is looking forward to starting a soccer class with Knute next week!

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2012!