Max Caine

Updates and Whatnot - Halloween through Christmas 2009

2010-04-28T19:56:00.018-06:00

So, it's been roughly 9 months since I last posted here.... nine months of our 3rd Halloween, Thanksgiving, andChristmas, a new year, Valentine's Day, Easter, Spring and, of course Max's third birthday. In addition, Max has moved up into a new classroom at school, become *mostly* potty trained, and continued to develop his very social and precocious personality.

For Halloween, Max decided that he wanted to be Woody, from Toy Story. He still loves stories - movies and books both. We went to Savers (my favorite thrift store) and managed to find a toddler Disney brand Woody shirt. To that we added a black vest, cowboy hat, and a sheriff's

badge, and then the boots and jeans we already owned. The final touch was Papa's bandana and voila, Woody! We went to two Halloween parties with lots of kids and successfully wore him out! Unfortunately, my camera barely had a charge, and I only got about 3 pictures before it died. Here he is, all decked out:

For Thanksgiving last year, we were at my folks'. We spent Thanksgiving day with their friends, Mark and Sandee where Max got to pet a deer, play with Cinco the chihuahua, ride on the four-wheeler, and play with the older girls (quickly becoming one of his favorite things). Max and I went with Grandma to the Mason craft fair, and Max got to sit on Santa's lap.

For Christmas, we were at Mimzy & Pappy's with the whole gang. Max got to go to Mimzy's earlier in the week, and then Clint and I joined them for the weekend. Max and Bella had adorable footsie pajamas for Christmas morning and had the best time together. Max got lots of cool tools, and a really exciting dress-up set with all sorts of costumes - a frog, a pirate, a fireman, a baseball player, and more! We got to visit with Mimi and Gramps, too, who gave Max his favorite Thomas the Train blanket that he sleeps with every night. It was one of the best Christmases we've had, and so fun to see the kids enjoy their family and each other.

It has gotten late, already... more updating tomorrow!

I'm baaaack....

2010-04-27T21:44:00.002-06:00

Alright, alright... I'm officially blogging again. It's been almost a year, and so, so much has happened. I will try to hit on the highlights tomorrow.

Mostly, I have a terrible memory. I realized the other day that I couldn't remember my baby (ahem, BIG three year old) boy's first word. So, I came back here tonight to dig through and find it. There is not a specific post dedicated to it, but it appears to have been "mama" or "papa." Regardless, I realized that there is so much that I will forget shortly, and I need to write it down. Since I Definitely don't have time to scrap book, it looks like I will be blogging, again.

But right now, bedtime. So that I can get up and think at work tomorrow.

Pretty Accuarate, for a Cookie

2009-08-02T19:26:00.002-06:00

Clint stayed home with Max on Friday, because he came home early on Thursday with a fever (and no other symptoms of illness). Because he was feeling or acting ill, they had a pretty darn fun day together. I, on the other hand, had a hell-atious Friday, and was not in the mood to go home and work some more in the way of feeding my family. So, we went to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant, Kim Phung. At the end of the meal, they serve fortune cookies.

Some people are pretty particular about their fortune cookie methodology, believing in the endless wisdom of the Fortune Cookie Writer and the Fate that brings them their message. That aint me. However, this time, they were pretty dead on. For all of us.

For Clint, our fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, express-whatever-emotion-you-feel, constantly-changing-and-evolving Papa: "Be patient. Good things come to those who wait."

For Me, the every-activity-must-be-scheduled, every-possible-contingency-planned-for, and-for-no-reason-whatsoever-will-we-even-consider-deviating-from-said-schedule-and/or-plan Mama: "now is the best time for you to be spontaneous, Serendipity."

And for our spit-fire of a two year old who thinks he is King-of-the-World son (whose future might be just a bit too wide open to predict right now): "You are fiery and adventurous."

Ahem. Well, then...

Weiner-Whack

2009-07-26T17:56:00.003-06:00

Max is on a serious movie kick and usually asks to watch a movie at least once a day (often first thing in the morning). So, we've seen the Lion King once or twice around here, recently (and by "once or twice" I mean "enough times to have the script dedicated to memory"). For this reason, Clint was singing the intro to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" yesterday afternoon. He was wandering around the kitchen singing "A weema-wep, a weema-wep..." when Max piped up with his own interpretation of the lyrics. Only Max's version was ever-so-slightly more inappropriate. Max's version of the lyrics sing "A weiner-whack, a weiner-whack..." Aren't boys fun? I can already envision the calls I will one day recieve from his teachers.

Um..yeah. So, it's July.

2009-07-08T21:08:00.002-06:00

Right. And I haven't posted here since May. What can I say? We've been busy...

I got laid off in early May, so I spent a little time resting and a lot of time job-hunting. Luckily, I found a job in just about 3 weeks, and I love it. It's perfect for me, and the company is great. But we have been busy, and tired! At the same time, our hard drive crashed, and we lost many, many pictures... Back up your hard drives, people! We haven't tried to recover, yet, so we don't know what (if anything) we might still have.

This summer, we have had lots of new and exciting stuff. Max moved up to the Orange room, which is the 2 year old classroom at school. He moved up with quite a few of his friends, and also gets to be with some slightly older friends. It's all very exciting. In his new class, he is potty training (very exciting for Mom), and swimming twice a week (very exciting for Max).

We have been swimming out at a lovely (and, more importantly, cool) swimming hole called Krause Springs, where we also went for our very first camping trip. It was awful for Clint and I (loud, obnoxious neighbors and the twin air mattress instead of the queen), but Max had a good time. Next time, we will go on a less busy night, but probably not until, oh, October, when the highs are only in the 90s.

Max went to visit Grandma and Grandpa at the end of May, but he only stayed for a few days. He got to take lots of rides on the tractor, play in the pool, and see the cows, but he missed his Mama, and came home early. I was happy to have him home! Last month, Max went to visit Mimzy and Pappy and stayed for the week. He was busy, playing with cousin Bella, going to the beach for the first time, going to his first Astros game, and so much more. He didn't want to come home...but I was pretty sad without him!

Max is making such fun strides in his thinking and play. He is really starting to play much more imaginatively. He is also really in to movies, right now. He asks to watch a movie just about everyday. During the very, very hot weekend afternoons we have been having recently, I have been happy to indulge him!

He is also definitely going through his terrible twos. He can be obstinate, bossy, refuse to listen, and throw tantrums at the drop of a hat. All compounded when he is tired (which is almost every night after school). But he can be oh-so-sweet...at moments.

Every year for the Fourth of July, there is a fun parade at school that Max finally got to participate in this year. We don't have a bike, yet, for him to ride, so he got to borrow his Uncle Bill's (a friend of Clint's) skateboard. Max was in heaven, as he thinks Uncle Bill is super cool, and loves the skateboard. I think his teachers were less-than-thrilled, but he managed to come home all in one piece.

Alright, enough words for one night. Coming soon... pictures!

Easter, Birthdays, and Grandparents

2009-05-02T15:27:00.002-06:00

Alright, enough of poop being the top post. We have been very busy bees, with Max's birthday, Easter, and visits to and from Grandparents. Fair warning: serious backlog of photos in this post! For some reason, I don't think I'll hear any complaining...

Max's school was closed for Good Friday, so Max and I went to Mason to visit Grandma and Grandpa for Easter (Papa had to work on Saturday, so he didn't get to go). After a string of really nice days, it was overcast, cold, and cloudy for our visit. :( But, we still got in an egg hunt!

A serious hunting face.

Max found lots of eggs!

We played in the sandbox that Grandpa built for Max. And, of course we rode on the tractor. When Grandpa decided the tractor needed a rest, Max played on the tractor and with Grandpa's "glubs."

"If I could just get this key turned..."

"I wonder when Grandpa will take me for another ride?"

There were also adventures with Grandma & Grandpa's neighbors, Mark and Sandy, and their dog, Cinco the Chihuahua. Cinco and Max entertained each other by fighting over who got to sit in the little chair! We came back to Austin on Easter Sunday, and Max's birthday was the following Monday. For his birthday, he took cookies to school and we made pizza for dinner!

Clint and Max share milk and a cookie.

We were supposed to have a big party for Max's birthday the next weekend, but it got rained out. But Mimzy and Pappy still came to visit, and brought with them Auntdrea, Aunt Ree, and Cousin Bella! Max got a cool alphabet floor puzzle, rubber fireman boots, new books, and clothes. But more importantly, he got to see and play with everyone, especially Bella. Bella and Max had so much fun together at our house and the park!

The kids play in Max's bed.

Rockstar Max

Rockstar Bella

Auntdrea and Bella on the slide.

Max shows Aunt Ree his teeth.

Walking home from the park.

Then, after all that fun, Grandma and Granpa came to visit, and delivered Max his very own sandbox for the backyard! This has quickly become one of Max's favorite things, and promise of playing in the sandbox in the evening has managed to keep him out of trouble for an entire week at school. Behold, the mighty pwer of sand.

Poop-a-palooza

2009-03-16T17:41:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, instead of taking a nap, Max decided he was going to have his own little festival in his room. He must have been inspired by SXSW going on in Austin right now. Max decided to call his festival Poop-A-Palooza and, instead of featuring new music, it featured poop. And a steam cleaner.

I won't go into all the gory details...OK, who am I kidding? You didn't have to smell it or clean it, but you will get to hear about it. Max was supposed to be taking a nap-something he'd been revolting against for a good 2 hours. I had gone outside to work in the yard, and Clint had followed me out for a moment. When we came back in, we were both trying to figure out who had stepped in poo... I kicked my shoes off in the tile kitchen, and decided to go check on Max, who was being awfully quiet...Had he gone to sleep?

That was when I discovered that no, he had not gone to sleep. In fact, he had decided to dig through his trash can and remove several poopy diapers that he had strewn all over his room. The carnage required the removal and washing of all bed linens (including a pillow), the steam-cleaning of carpets, and the washing of almost every other surface. And two washings of the child. You could say it wasn't a big hit.

On to something cuter... Max fell asleep reading a book, back before he decided naps were for chumps:

Overheard

2009-03-10T20:46:00.003-06:00

A few funny things Max has said recently:

At church on Sunday night, I was changing Max's diaper and he was whining because he had a bit of a diaper rash. I asked him if his bottom hurt, and he mustered his most pathetic voice and said "Yes, Mama. Kiss it."

We keep a hat that Grandpa gave Max in the car for entertainment during drives. On Monday morning, I put the hat on Max's head, closed his door and sat down in the driver's seat. I turned to look at him and he beamed at me and told me "I look cool, Mama."

Last night, I got a catalog in the mail and was looking at it on the couch. I set it down and walked into the other room and Max jumped up and started to flip through the pages, talking to himself. Clint overheard him exclaim "It's so expensive!" Hrm. Wonder where he got that from?!

Busy Bee

2009-03-07T13:08:00.004-06:00

Max has been keeping us very busy, lately, and by the time it is all finished, we are utterly exhausted! He speaks more and more every day, and is really loving puzzles, books, and being outside. Max loves to sit in the front seat of the car and tell me "I drive, Mama!" He also likes to "go fast." One night, I was leaving the house for a run and Max told me "Go fast, Mama!" Here are some pictures of what we've been up to, lately:

Clint, Max, and the neighbor cat, Annie, sitting on the front porch.

Max loves to 'help' by sweeping or vacuuming.

He also loves to play with our shoes. Here, he is shuffling around in mine.

Max will no longer let me help him eat. He looks like this a lot more after meals, now; especially if they involve a spoon.

Max wearing his "scarf" aka, the belt to Papa's robe.

Max and Papa cuddle on the couch before bed.

"Say CHEESE"

Yes Sir, That's My Baby

2009-02-17T21:20:00.002-06:00

We aren't sure where he learned it, but Max's catch phrase the last few days has been 'yessir.' His answer to any yes/no question and everyone is 'yessir.' I never thought I'd say it, but the formality of it kinda creeps me out a bit...

Once again...

2009-02-15T08:11:00.003-06:00

So it seems I have left this blog un-updated too long, once again. We are so busy chasing Max these days that I rarely have a moment to sit down here and collect my thoughts. Here are a few of things that we have been up to, recently:

Max has taken to announcing himself as "Naked Boy!" whenever we start to change his clothes or diaper, or takes his clothes off for bath time. He curls his little arms up at his chest with his elbows sticking out, twists from side to side and says loudly "Naked Boy!" It is hilarious. This is just one of the constant stream of funny and amazing things that is constantly coming out of his mouth. Sometimes Clint and I wish he would just STOP talking for 5 minutes just so we can have some peace and quiet! But then I remind myself that someday he will be a teenager and I will be complaining that he NEVER talks to me anymore... (I hope that doesn't turn out to be true!)

We have moved, again, for the last time for at least a year and a half, we promise. If you need our new address, let me know and I'll send it to you. Max seems to have gotten used to moving; the transition went much more smoothly this time. He is also used to having his own room, so I think that helped a lot. Max loves the new house. There are several cats that live next door that he loves to watch, chase, and pet if he can get his hands on them!

That's all for now, as Max has finished his breakfast and is off getting into trouble. It is hard to have boxes! Full of stuff! around that you aren't supposed to get into... I will post a picture, later, of Max after breakfast-he refused to let me help him eat his oatmeal this morning.

And so potty training begins...

2009-01-12T21:18:00.002-06:00

This weekend, Max announced to Clint and I that he wanted to go poop in the toilet. After trying to balance himself on the big toilet, we went out and bought him a little seat for the toilet so he can sit on the big potty by himself. Over the weekend, he would tell us when 'He had poop' (meaning he needs to go to the bathroom, not that he has a dirty diaper). He sat on the toilet a couple of times, but nothing happened.

But tonight, after dinner, Max said he had to go...and he did! Clint took him to the bathroom, and he used the toilet for the first time! I'm so proud of him, and so excited that he's interested in trying the toilet.

The latest and greatest

2009-01-11T10:31:00.003-06:00

First of all...Max wants to wish his cousin, Bella, a very happy first birthday! We love you, Bella!

I was reminded in my post about Max's sayings that I left out a very important phrase that Max says... When we went to visit Mimzy and Pappy for Thanksgiving, the girls got to go see Twilight while Pappy and Uncle Adam watched the kiddos (Papa was unexpectedly occupied with helping Uncle Kevin). During the 3 hours we were gone, Max had two blowout diapers. During the second blowout, Pappy taught Max to say "Have Mercy!" The funniest part is that he says it with perfect emphasis, and in the proper context (unless he is prompted to say it.) Most recently, he has added a "pappy" on the end of it, so the phrase is "Have mercy, Pappy!"

Yesterday, we took Max and Papa to the barber shop and Max got his first barber shop haircut. Max did great! He was a little upset, but he warmed up pretty quickly, and he sat mostly still until the barber started tickling him while trying to clean up the hair on his neck.

This morning, Max has been re-named 'crash.' He fell in our bedroom, banging his head on a chest of drawers, in his bedroom, breaking the wagon to his new tractor, in the living room, after which he walked straight into a chair, and again, in the office/guest bedroom, banging his head on the corner of guest bed. This is after coming home both Thursday and Friday with bumps on his head...

And finally, some pictures from Christmas:

puzzles!

blocks!

tractor!

I'll Hold You

2008-12-30T19:58:00.002-06:00

This morning, I was trying to get Max out the door-on time, for once-when he stopped, turned around, and wrapped his little arms around both of my legs. When it's cold outside, he doesn't like to walk, he wants me to carry him. But this morning, as he was clutching at my legs, he looked up at me and said "I hold you?" What he was asking for was for me to hold him, but the sentiment was so sweet I couldn't resist, despite an armful of his lunch, my lunch, purse, and coffee.

Max's Sayings

2008-12-29T21:01:00.002-06:00

I know I seem to say this every time I write, now, but Max has picked it up another notch in the speaking department. Here are a few little stories about what Max is saying right now:

I'll Get You
We went to my parents' house for Christmas, and Max got to spend lots of time wandering around with Grandma, Grandpa, Mama, and Papa outside. At one point, Max took off running and so Grandma started chasing him, saying "I'll get you!" Well, Max started repeating it, of course, as he was running. And now, he'll start running away and say "I'll get you!"

Concern for Papa
When Papa is walking away, or doing something that Max doesn't understand he'll look at me with his little brow furrowed and ask "Papa going?" or "Papa doing?"

Papa's Cup
We are very concerned these days with what belongs to who. Max saw a picture of Miller High Life the other day and points to it saying "Papa's cup." Ahem.

Yay! Applesauce!
Max loves applesauce. If you ask him what he wants to eat, it's guaranteed to be on the short list. As we were walking into Target on Saturday afternoon, somehow the subject of applesauce came up, and Max started saying very loudly "Yay! Applesauce!" over and over. Clint and I were almost dying laughing.

Ashey, Ashey
Apparently, Max has learned Ring Around the Rosie at school. Yesterday, out of nowhere, he started singing "Ashey, ashey, all Fall DOWN!" in the car. Extra loud emphasis on the 'all fall down.' Other favorite songs include "ABCD," (the alphabet song) "Twinkle, Twinkle," (...little star) and "Elmo," (Elmo's Song, of course).

An Update, Finally

2008-12-24T08:19:00.007-06:00

Word to your mother. (note: he did this on his own as I was taking pictures because he put the hat on himself)

Ok, so 'A bit' turned out to be a little longer than anticipated, but here I am! We are all doing well and getting adjusted to living in a new place, with a new person, and with Chaco, Max's favorite dog ever (and she is pretty darn great). But I was begged to update the blog by Mimzy so that she "will have some link with reality." Here you go, Mimzy; we'd hate for you to start swimming toward the deep end...

Where to start? We began moving in right after Thansgiving, and it's been hectic. Max now has a big boy bed, and he is just loving the freedom to get up and roam after bedtime. It has really turned both bedtime and naptime into a battle. I'll take any advice anyone has on keeping a kid in their bed, because bedtime has now melted down into a sometimes 2-hour process that is not-so-slowly chipping away at my sanity. Last night, after he got out of bed for about the 5th time, I asked him if he wanted to sit in the corner, the supposed worse alternative to staying in bed, and he said 'yeah!' So much for that idea...

Max's vocabulary continues to grow, and he is talking all the time. He is the youngest kid in his class, now, and most of the other kids speak well and often. He is really picking up their speech, which is mostly great. Except when he comes home and starts telling me to 'go away,' his new favorite phrase. One morning, he was laying in bed with us, and he wormed his way into my spot in MY PILLOW and then told me to go away... But he is also saying 'I love you,' and 'I'm sorry,' and so much more. Recently, with the colder weather, I have heard 'it's cold outside!' frequently. And he is repeating just about everything, now, which is bad news for Papa, to whom I've bestowed the honor of speaking to Max's teacher the day we get the call about what Max said at school today!

Alright, on to pictures, now that we have found the cable to the camera AND recharged the battery!

'Auntdrea' reads to her favorite niece and nephew during Thanksgiving.

Future trouble.

Watching Elmo with Aunt Ree and Bella.

Uncle Kevin helped us move, and Max loved playing with his 'sunnies' and hat.

Why you should never leave your undergarments on the floor.

Max and Papa exploring the Asian market down the street.

Fooling around before bed. The camera died before we could get a good one with all 3 of us in it.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Back in a bit

2008-12-04T19:50:00.002-06:00

Hello all! We've been away for Thanksgiving and are now in the process of moving. Currently, our computer is not even at the new place, so I don't know when I'll update again (borrowing one, now). But we'll have some cute pictures from Thanksgiving with the Claytons (including plenty of trouble with cousin Bella), and more of Max's antics, soon!

Trying to Keep Up

2008-11-19T10:17:00.003-06:00

(editor's note: I began writing this post while sick at home on Wednesday, until my keyboard batteries died. Just now finishing on Friday)

Life is moving at lightening speed over here, and most of the time I just feel like I am trying to keep up. I am home sick, today, so I thought I'd take a chance to write a bit (since I can't seem to sleep anymore, right now). Max was home sick with Papa on Monday, and me, yesterday. I was 'Grouchy Mama' because I didn't feel good and, despite his fever, he was wired & inspired (as Grandpa would say). Needless to say, he went to school today.

Max is talking up a storm, starting to string words into sentences and continuing to mimic Clint and I and pull new words (seemingly) out of thin air. With the frequency that I hear the cry "hun-ny" (hungry) around here, you'd think the kid was starving to death, though one look at him will quickly ease your fears. He is still obsessed with our cell phones, even telling me over the weekend "I WANT PHONE" when I would not give him mine. It is very cute to watch him take the phone and say "Hel-lo. Hello, Papa." Sometimes I even let him call Papa to hear him say it! He knows Elmo and constantly wants to watch Elmo's Song on Youtube. He even sings along, and the cuteness of it makes the 15th time almost bearable.

Max still loves books and reading. He gets new books all the time from his grandparents. A few favorites, right now, include Go, DoG, Go! (which he 'reads' as Go Max!), Ten Friendly Fish (a counting book Mimzy gave him), and some hide-and-seek animal books that he knows almost all the animals in. It is still just mind-boggling to watch his face as I read to him and see him just get it. Words and ideas click and it is indescribable to watch them take hold.

Being a mom only gets more and more fun, and I am so honored that this kid is mine. Even on the worst of days, or in the most awful of moods, he can put a smile on my face. Whether it's the little things, like the smell of his head, or bigger ones, like when he comes to me for comfort, sometimes my heart swells so much I truly think it might burst mid-beat. In the middle of stressful times, he reminds me what it's all about.

Overdue

2008-11-05T22:25:00.005-06:00

Max's newest past-time, coloring.

So, I just downloaded 107 pictures from almost 3 weeks ago, when we went to Mason, Halloween, and Max coloring at the house... We had a great time out in Mason, visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Max loved being outside in the country, and especially sitting on Grandpa's 'tractor' (it's really a riding lawnmower, but we won't tell Grandpa, ok?). One afternoon, Max spent half an hour sitting on the tractor, pushing every button, pulling every lever and desperately doing everything he could to make the tractor 'go, please.' Nothing worked, so when Grandpa walked out, Max took one look at him, stuck his hand out and said 'keys?' Then he and Papa went for a ride on the tractor.

Max loves to be outside. He 'climbed' this tree.
He spent lots of time right here.
Forget beer. This is what coozies are for.

For Halloween, Max was a bee. He was not very into Halloween. He still isn't really sure what it's all about, and I think he was a little disoriented by all his friends in costumes. His costume was also pretty warm, and it was a warm night. After walking to houses for about 30 minutes, he looked up and signed "all done." He'd had enough, and was ready to go home, so we did.

Max, the bee.

Our friends from church, ready to trick-or-treat!

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

2008-10-22T20:22:00.002-06:00

This morning, as I was dressing Max, I discovered something new about him (as I do regularly, he changes so fast!)... He pointed to his nose and said, well, "nose." Max knows his nose! He also knows where his eyes, mouth, ears, and hair are. Yet another thing he has learned at school. Clint and I regularly name these parts when we talk to him, but he doesn't usually repeat the names. It is so exciting to see him learning new things. I asked him, again, in the car on the way to school. I tried, again, at small group tonight, but he was distracted by the goings-on of the people around him (and Naomi and her toys).

Giving Up on The Wild Thing

2008-10-21T20:30:00.002-06:00

We unintentionally did a lot of shopping for Max last weekend. We got him some more pants and a couple of sweaters for the upcoming winter, new shoes, and a Halloween costume.

I can't get over tiny little boy sweaters. Most of the time, the girls have the most adorable baby/toddler clothes, and walking through the 'girls' section of most stores makes me immediately want to have more (female!) babies. But sweaters for little boys? Really, I think they take the cake. They are *almost* worth moving somewhere cold over. Ok, I lied on that one. But, I did used to joke when I was pregnant with Max that you would always know my kid, because he'd be the one in the sweater, even in the middle of a Texas summer! We got Max one little argyle sweater that I love (of course, because I love anything argyle)! It's a tan color, with little buttons on one shoulder and a 3-diamond argyle pattern in the middle. The best part? The diamonds are appliques of classic patterns, like houndtooth! We also found him a delightfully 80's style blue & creme sweater.

Next, we got Max some new shoes because his were becoming tattered. I was hoping to find some that he couldn't remove, so I bought some that laced up. I foud out the very same day that he can, in fact, get them off. It's not quite as easy, though. The next day, I discovered he can untie them. They are also larger and wider, since Max takes after his father with his FAT FEET.

Finally, we got Max his Halloween costume. We originally wanted Max to go as Max from Where the Wild Things Are, but OMG do you know how hard it is to find plain, white, footed pajamas for an 18 month old? Yeah, close to impossible. So, Max is going to be a bee. Not so creative, but he does look adorable in the costume. And we had a lot of fun looking for a costume, running around the store and trying on hats of all kinds (look out, we're a crazy bunch!).

Pictures of Max in sweaters and bee costume, soon!

18 months

2008-10-13T18:33:00.003-06:00

Max is 18 months old today. A whole year and a half. Where the heck did that time go to? He continues to 'go!' all the time...he never stops. We were at a friend's house last night and he observed "I don't know how you guys do it..."

Max is also talking up a storm. We were in the car, this morning, on the way to school, when Max heard 'cash' on the radio, listening to NPR. He said 'cash, cash, cash' all the way to school. As far as I know, he's never even heard that word before! He also says 'stop' and last night he learned "NOooooo!" from Papa watching football. Papa thought it was funny, but I have a feeling he'll regret it soon enough.

Max is staunchly planted in toddler-hood. He is sometimes very sweet and sometimes willful and determined to get his way. He loves to give hugs, but also thinks he can get out of being in trouble by hugging (just a weeee but manipulative). He is sitting at his own table, now, to eat, but only for about 2 bites at a time. Then we have to chase him down to make him return to the table.

Max has become attached to Clint and I being with him, together. If Clint is not around, I hear "Papa, papa, papa?" But if Papa shows up and I try to leave, it's "Mama, Mama, Mama?!" He's still Papa's boy, though, constantly hugging, kissing, and asking about Papa. When Clint walks into a room, Max goes running for him, arms open.

As challenging as he is, Max is such fun and a joy. I look forward to the next 18 months, 18 years, and beyond, watching him continue to learn, grow, and love.

Trip to the 'Fe

2008-10-08T19:40:00.003-06:00

Last weekend, we took the chance to go see all the family down in the Houston area. Max was very excited to see his grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncle, and cousin for the first time since July 4th weekend. Mom was a little worried before we left that he would not do well with his Cousin Bella, because Max tends to not understand he's bigger (and, therefore, other kids are smaller and younger), but he did great! He, of course, loved the attention from the family, and he was pretty good with Bella. He even gave her sweet hugs and kisses, completely unprompted! Bella loved watching Max move and play. We had a pretty uneventful, relaxing, and fun weekend, just hanging out with the family! We hope to do it again, soon. Here's a picture Aunt Ree got with her phone of Max hugging Bella at the grocery store:
Aren't they so sweet together? I can't wait to watch these two grow up together. I can already see the trouble they are going to be...My son in the lead, of course...

Mr. Personality

2008-10-01T07:49:00.002-06:00

Max has been really funny this week. Despite his often challenging toddler will and mood swings, he has been generally happy, talkative, and just flat-out funny. Monday morning, we were getting ready for school and Max happened to follow me into the kitchen. He noticed himself in the reflection of the oven. He started talking to himself, and then he leaned in and kissed his own reflection! I started laughing so, being the ham that he is, he had to do it about 6 more times!

Also, on Monday, I dressed Max in an Elmo t-shirt. He has never before expressed an interest or preference in his clothing, but he apparently has learned about Elmo at school and LOVES him. He was so excited about his Elmo shirt, walking around and looking at the front of his shirt. He also happened to take a particular interest in the Elmo bib that Aunt Ree and Uncle Adam gave him at Christmas time. When we got home that evening, and tried to take the Elmo shirt off for bedtime, Max got very upset, repeatedly asking 'Elmo? Elmo?? Elmo!!??' in a progressively higher pitched tone bordering on hysteria. He slept in the Elmo shirt that night.

Finally, Max has been jumping in his crib as of late. It is so funny to see; he gets this huuuuge grin and start bouncing while holding on to the rail. It is his immediate reaction if you ask him if he's excited. I can't help but laugh every time I see him do it.

Crazy Boy

2008-09-27T19:49:00.004-06:00

Max's new haircut

The last week has been rather crazy. Max and I were both sick all weekend last week, and we've been really busy this week. Max continues to amaze us with his learning and curiosity. He has reached that point in his speech development where he is repeating everything we say and consistently saying things that cause Clint and I to give each other the 'Where the heck did he learn that?' look. For instance, last night at dinner, Max was trying to climb into his chair at his little table, but got stuck. He looked up at me and said 'help me.' Um....ok, sure kid! He has also learned how to say his name in the last week, and it is so cute to hear him say it! Other things I've heard him say recently:
-puppy
-stuck
-fall down
-Papa do? (as in, What's Papa doing?)
-chicken
-play

Max's trusty steed, courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa. Clint is trying to teach him 'ye-haw!'

Max has also learned how to take off his shoes and socks, a trick that drives his father crazy to no end (I pick my battles, and I prefer food throwing and manners). I can pretty much guarantee that within 2 minutes of putting him in his car seat, Max will have removed his right shoe. He knows how to 'kick' his shoe off, by stepping on the side of it with the other foot. At least he tells me once the shoe has been removed ("Shoe?!"), so we don't, say, accidentally leave it on the floor at the grocery store.

Max sits in his new 'Poang' chair. Thanks, Aunt Fannie!

We are desperately trying to get Max to sit and eat at his little table, but it usually requires me sitting down with him in my lap. He doesn't want to sit; he wants to eat a little, and then play, cruising by the table to grab more food when his mouth is empty. It's a tough battle, but I try to remind myself that he is now saying please, after several weeks of battling over it.

Spaghetti dinner-one of the last in the high chair.

Max really likes to brush his teeth. I think it's probably the strawberry flavored toothpaste, but-hey-whatever it takes! When he sees me brushing mine, he reaches for his little tooth brush and starts saying "Please, please..." over and over. Ok, if you insist, but can I rinse my mouth, first?

Clint teaches Max the joys of lighted head-gear.

Poor, Neglected Blog

2008-09-17T20:34:00.005-06:00

(picture by Aunt Fannie!)

Ack! It's been a very long time since I've posted. I know this, but in my defense, it's been a very busy couple of weeks. This last weekend Max's Aunt Fannie and Uncle Boogie (otherwise known as our wonderful friends, Annie and Bob) were in town taking refuge from Hurricane Ike. And the weekend before that was very busy with trips to the park, and the Austin Zoo, and a visit from Grandma that involved lots of shopping! And I have pictures of...the first trip to the park. And the second one (thanks to Aunt Fannie). Yes, I forgot my camera for the zoo, Grandma AND Annie and Bob. I know, I'm terrible at this 'mother' thing.

But before the pictures, updates! Max has been very good with saying 'please,' and he is even using sign language for 'more!' We also got a little table and chairs, and he is starting to use a plate and fork at all his meals, now. Most of the time he just bangs the fork, but sometimes he uses it. His biting is also much better-he hasn't bitten anyone in a week (knock on wood).

Papa has been home in the evenings, and Max is really loving seeing him on a more regular basis. Clint takes Max out to check on the chickens, and last night he showed Max worms. Max wasn't sure what to think about the worms, but he sure was fascinated! We had a good time at the Austin Zoo-Max got to pet goats and see another rooster (just like the one at home! He thought it was very funny when it crowed). We also saw tigers and monkeys and a big bear.

Last week, we took Max to the doctor because he has been stumbling and falling a lot. And the verdict is...Max is big. He's still gaining about a pound a month, and weighs in at 27 1/2 pounds, now. The doctor thinks he's stumbling for the same reason Clint did as a teenager-he's just growing too fast for his sense of balance to keep up. And now on to pictures...

He's become very attached to his cup-which he can say-and wants it whenever we are out places.

He found rocks at the bottom of the slide, and Papa at the top!

He's so big...what happened to my baby boy?

Getting burried by Papa-what fun!

Loving the swing!

Here's another by Aunt Fannie. You can see the big tear on Max's chin...that's because about 3 seconds before this picture was snapped, he was crying and screaming bloody murder because he had dropped his cup on the ground and his mother-some horrible woman who will remain nameless-refused to give it back to him covered with dirt. As soon as Aunt Fannie grabbed the camera, though, he was all smiles. What a ham...

Max's Antics

2008-09-02T20:36:00.006-06:00

Max has been running wild through the house, and really pushing his limits, lately. He has learned the word 'no,' and its context from hearing it so often. One of his favorite activities (aside from pulling all his diapers off the shelf and hauling them to the opposite end of the room) has been climbing in & out and up & down. Here are some pictures of him climbing into a big blue bin we keep around for hauling laundry to the laundromat:

He only looks innocent. Behind that angelic facade is TROUBLE!

Eying the prize.

In he goes! (Don't worry, there's padding down there.)

What are you laughing at? I totally meant to do that.

This is when I put the camera down...

And here's one of Clint reading 'Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?' to Max before bed. We've started reading a book before bed every night. Max loves books, and will bring them from his play room over to us to read to him constantly (and then take them back!).

Completely Gratuitous

2008-08-25T20:50:00.003-06:00

Just because he's a cutie, and we finally got he battery for the camera charged!

Dog Bit

2008-08-18T20:57:00.002-06:00

We had an overly exciting day on Sunday. We went over to see some friends for a BBQ on Sunday evening, and Max wound up getting bit by their dog! He's OK, though, and seems to have no fear of dogs afterward.

When we got to their house, Max met Barlow, and pet him, but didn't seem overly enamored with him. Barlow licked Max, and seemed fine with him, but wasn't seeking him out as a playmate. Max chased the cat, explored the house, and played with the seemingly endless supply of toys that single guys tend to accumulate. Barlow laid down on the rug and chilled, sometimes getting up to go outside, but otherwise, out of the way and calm. I guess Clint and I relaxed, as neither of them seemed to have much interest or concern about each other.

At some point, Max was wondering in Barlow's vicinity, making his way towards the backdoor. I turned my head for just an instant to speak to someone and I heard growling and a shriek. When I turned around, Max was face-down on the floor with Barlow standing over him. We are lucky that Max was not seriously hurt. He was bit, but since he was face-down, there wasn't much to bite. It looks like Barlow got his top jaw on Max's ear, which looked a bit bruised, and his bottom jaw put a small puncture wound in the back of Max's head. It bled a bit, but doesn't amount to much today. We think that Max accidentally tripped over Barlow's paw. Apparently, Clint knew there was a 'thing' with his paws.

After a little time, Max and Barlow both seemed fine. Max even wandered over to Barlow again, though with me right there this time. He didn't seem disturbed in the least by the incident. I'm not sure how I feel about that.... While I don't want him to be traumatized by it, I do want him to have an understanding of dogs and to know that not all dogs are friendly. We'll have to work with him on that.

The Battle Continues

2008-08-12T20:55:00.004-06:00

We are still battling over the word 'please' and general 'table' manners.... For some reason, this seems to be one of the few issues that just pushes my buttons. I like to think of myself as a pretty laid-back mom, for the most part, but sohelpmeGod, if I almost break my neck on another blasted green bean or grape, I am going to completely lose it.

I'm not sure why Max's table manners seem to be such a sticking point; my parents were not necessarily sticklers for table manners, and I'm not typically concerned with adult table manners. But the high-pitched screech and the constant 'thud' of food or cups hitting the floor (not to mention the stooping to pick it all up) has turned me in the the meal nazi.

And it is such inconsistent and slow going. Most times, when Max picks up a new word or behavior, you almost can't get him to stop saying or doing it. Not so with 'please.' I know he can say it-just this weekend he said 'Pease dat!' when I got out some blueberries, without even being asked (Clint was there for this one to verify that I am not always nuts when I swear our child can say things)! Yet, the last two mornings have been absolute battles over breakfast; and tonight he looked straight at me when I told him not to throw green beans and he threw them, anyway. I think it's probably safe to say that it's the fact that I know he is trying to push my buttons that sets me off.

leSigh. Otherwise, he is darling as could be. We have some great pictures from the weekend (Clint is standing by his assertion that no one actuall reads the blog, you just come for the pictures, and is on a mission to increase the number included). However, our camera battery died, and it has to be charged to that we can get said pictures off the camera. Check back soon!

Smiley Boy is Back

2008-08-07T17:48:00.003-06:00

Max is feeling much better and went back to school today. He is back to his normal self, being all smiley and chatty and mischievous. This morning, when I dropped him off, he was the first one in his class to arrive. Ms. Bertha had him sitting up on the changing table, talking to him and filling in his arrival time on his daily report. She was writing and talking to him, telling him that his was his report, it belonged to Max. And then Max pointed at himself. She said yes, this was Max's. So, he pointed at the paper and then back at himself. This was the first time I've seen him do this, to identify himself in some way other than respond to his name being called.

Rough Day

2008-08-05T18:02:00.002-06:00

I got a call at 11:00 this morning to let me know that Max had run full-steam into the corner of the changing table and now had a massive lump on his head and he seemed fine, but did I want to come take a look at it? And so I made trip #2 to the daycare for the day. He did seem fine, other than the lump and being a wee bit clingy. His pupils looked fine, he knew what a ball was, he called me 'papa,' and he danced. Everything was good, so I went back to work.

My phone rang, again, at 3:00. Now, Max had a fever. Though, when I arrived at the school for the 3rd time today, he was out on the playground, going just as strong as ever. I thought that it might just be teething (only 100.3 when I picked him up), but it seems he might have another allergy/sinus/respiratory bug. Poor kid can't seem to catch a break today.

In addition to all that, I do know he has a molar coming in that seems t be giving all of us a tough time. I will be sooo happy when we are done teething!

Greek Boy

2008-08-01T17:40:00.002-06:00

No, I am not laying awake at night dreaming about the day my child will carry on a legacy of fraternal keg stands...

Max just finished dinner, and I realized that we are ready for a trip to the Mediterranean...my boy likes Greek food! He had turkey, spinach, olives, garbanzo beans, grapes, and bread! Max has started to 'request' the food I am eating, and that is how we have stumbled upon some new foods, including olives and garbanzo beans (which I put in salads). I have yet to win him over to tomatoes, but give me time!!

Row, row, row

2008-07-28T19:33:00.002-06:00

Max really is talking up a storm these days, and I love listening to him talk-even when I can't understand what he's saying (or when I'm the only one who understands!). He is repeating everything we say, now. When I picked him up from school today, his teacher told me that he was starting to sing 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat,' which they sing everyday in his class. Today, he started walking around saying 'row, row, row.' He even did it for me!

--M--

My latest crusade has been to try to get him to say 'please.' Max has a terrible habit of screeching when he wants something (a behavior I'd imagine is not uncommon in his age group, but nevertheless drives me up the wall). So I have been desperately and unsuccessfully trying to get him to say 'please.' He said it for his Grandma, but has refused to say it since, until this evening. Tonight, he started making that noise and pointing to the refrigerator. I didn't know what he wanted, but I made an educated guess at watermelon, since it seems to be his favorite thing on the planet, right now. I asked him if that's what he wanted, and he tried to say 'watermelon.' Then, I pulled the container out of the fridge, and he got excited. I opened it, and then told him 'say please.' He made a couple of random mumblings, but after I said it three times, he said 'please' clear as day... That's what I thought. Now if I can just get him to quit throwing food...

--M--

Now, I know everyone who reads this will call me nutty, but I swear Max told me to 'stay still' this weekend. I would think so, too, except the kid said it twice. Max was in his high chair Sunday morning waiting while I got his bagels and milk out for breakfast. I was standing next to his chair and he grabbed the front of my shirt and held it out as I turned away from him and told me 'stay still.' I turned back to look at him and he looked at me and said it again, 'stay still.' He proceeded to examine the print on my shirt (Clint's 'squid in a bucket' t-shirt) and then he pointed to the squid and said 'this?'

Picture Update

2008-07-27T18:58:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures we've taken recently of Max playing and eating with his new fork:

Papa's accessories are so fun.

Forks are tricky!

Kisses for Katie

2008-07-25T18:02:00.002-06:00

Max has been a little less stingy with the kisses lately, and it is so special to watch him understand affection and express it. On Wednesday night at our small group, my friend, Trish, was making a 'fish face' at Max (sucking in her cheeks to make her lips pucker out), which he has thought was funny from the time he was very little. This time, though, I guess he mistook it for a pucker, and he walked over to her and gave her a kiss!

But today was the cutest thing that I have seen in regards to the kissing. I took him in to school, and was leaving so I squatted down to ask for a hug. Well, Max was busy playing, and was not interested in hugging me goodbye. But his friend, Katie, was! She walked over to hug me, which made Max jealous. So he walked over for a hug, too. Then Katie motioned like she wanted to give Max a hug, so I asked Max if he wanted to hug Katie. Except Katie puckered her lips, so Max leaned over and kissed her! It was the most adorable thing, and they did it twice more before I left! Max is taller than Katie, so he wound up kissing her on the nose! It made my day.

Introducing Tooth #8

2008-07-22T18:52:00.003-06:00

Max spent 4 or so hours in the middle of the night Sunday screaming bloody murder. He finally fell back asleep sometime between 6 and 6:30, and didn't wake up again until 8:45 (I called in late to work for lack of sleep). I was a bit worried that maybe he'd caught a bug while drinking river water on Sunday morning, but then during breakfast Monday morning I spotted it: tooth #8. He now has the four front on both top and bottom, if anyone is keeping track. We've had a particularly hard time teething this last go-round. There's been biting and ear aches, and crying and it's seemed to go on and on and ON. I can't wait to see what molars hold for us...

Busy Weekend

2008-07-20T18:06:00.002-06:00

Of course, I forgot my camera...but we went to see Grandma and Grandpa (Alex's parents) this weekend in Mason. We left Saturday morning and arrived around noon. Max screamed, more or less, the entire two hour drive...NOT music to our ears. When we reached the house on Peter's Creek, he was ready for lunch and a nap.

While Max napped, I snuck away to get a haircut (yes, I got my hair cut in Mason and I love it!), and when Grandma and I returned, the boys were running around behind the house. It seems that Max remembered the yellow garden wagon from his visit in April, and excitedly began wagon rides, and pushing & pulling it around the yard! Grandpa (and everyone else) was impressed, because this is no Radio Flyer...this is a Heavy-Duty country 'werkin-wagon' and it weighs a good bit.

In the heat of the afternoon, we decided to break out the kiddie-pool, and Max had a blast! He splashed and poured the water, stuck his face in, and got out to push the wagon when he got too cold. At dinner, he pointed to Clint's fork repeatedly, so Clint gave it to him. And-surprising us all-Max started to use it! Fairly clumsily at first, but he was getting the hang of it! It often amazes me what he is ready for and how quickly he develops! This evening, when we got back into town and were running errands, I bought him a toddler fork and spoon, and he used his fork for dinner.

Today, we went out to the garden, and Max helped Papa and I pick green beans. He tried a cherry tomato (which he promptly spit back out and threw on the ground...More for me!). I was pleasantly surprised to see how carefully he walked in between the rows and didn't step on any of his Grandma's plants! Then we went to the Llano river, and Max played and threw rocks. He had such a fun time sitting in the water with all of us, and moving the rocks around. I'm so happy to see him enjoy the water!

Max is talking up a storm, now. He has learned 'uh-oh' from the kids at school, 'this,' 'that,' 'go,' 'up,' 'down,' 'hot,' 'cold,' 'blue' and this weekend he started saying several things, including 'meow' and 'please!' He is starting to mimic so much of what we are saying, and understanding even more. After bathtime tonight, I wrapped him up in a big towel and told him that he was a baby taco, and he started saying 'taco' (granted he was pronouncing it 'paco')!

Max got a phone of his own, this weekend, that he loves...he spent all weekend opening it and closing it and pushing the buttons.

The weekend was finished off with a drive back to Austin which, thankfully, included a pretty content and quiet backseat passenger.

Sweet Boy

2008-07-13T12:48:00.002-06:00

Clint and I have recently been working with Max on kissing. He was still kissing open-mouthed, and sometimes it was hard to tell if he was trying to kiss you or bite you (though, we still have this problem since he likes to blow raspberries, too). So, several weeks ago, we were teaching him to kiss with a pucker, which is really cute to watch him try to do! He will sometimes give Clint or I a kiss when asked, but most often his answer is a vigorous head shake 'no' and a devious smile.

This morning we were playing, and Max noticed my hair clip. He pulled it out and played with it on his own for a while, but then he started trying to put it back in my hair. This meant he was really just combing my hair with it, since he isn't strong enough to open the spring in the clip. He was standing behind me doing this, and then he hugged my neck. When I turned around, he gave me a kiss all on his own! He did this, again, a minute or so later, but I couldn't turn enough to reach his face, so he made a little kissing noise at me! So sweet!

Naked Baby Photos

2008-07-12T11:43:00.006-06:00

Who doesn't love naked baby pictures? Max got to take a bath with his adorable cousin, Bella, last weekend, when we went (last minute) to Santa Fe for the 4th of July. Here are some of the pictures Clint took while they played in the tub:

Max loves to splash

The wonder of the faucet...

Bella and Max had such a good time together!

Isn't she just beautiful?!

Awww....look at the love!

4th o' July

2008-07-04T10:40:00.003-06:00

It's been a long time since there has been something new up here, and Max has been a busy boy. Just today, he had a tooth pop through on the bottom (yay for more bottom teeth!), and he has 3 more (another on the bottom and 2 more up top) coming in. As usual with teething, we've had a it of a rough time the last 2 weeks-a little extra whiny and some biting. But hopefully, that will all be over once these other teeth make their appearances.

Max also had his first pool experience, and it didn't seem to go over well. This was the week that Clint spent in the hospital and Max was a little upset at not having seen his Papa, and all of the strange goings-on. He clung desperately to me in the pool, and he accidentally stuck his face in once or twice and didn't like the results. It took a while afterward to get back to being able to take a bath without screaming...We'll keep trying-I'm hoping he'll get used to swimming and enjoy it, or we have a long road of hot summers ahead of us!

We have had a lot of fun recently going to the grocery store. Max loves all the color and things to see, but he is really enamored with all the people he gets to flirt with, talk to, and otherwise charm. He has this little attention-getting laugh (used only when flirting) accompanied with a wide grin that always seems to rope people in! He cracks me up!

There's much more to tell, but I have other things I have to get done today...more on what Max is up to, soon. And I promise it won't be a month, this time!

Working Our Way Back to The Usual

2008-06-18T21:25:00.002-06:00

We have been slowly heading back towards 'normal' after our dramatic week last week, though Clint is not yet back at work. Max has been very glad to see and spend time with his Papa, again, and he is back to his happy-go-lucky self. We went swimming for the first time in deep water (deeper than the knee-deep stuff in the Llano with my folks) at the hotel Mimzy and Pappy were staying at last Saturday, and Max wasn't too certain about it. He was very clingy (esp. for him!), and didn't want anything to do with anything that was not IN MY ARMS. Of course, he had just had a very odd week, and was in a strange place with a new experience. He did warm up to the idea of being in the water a little bit, and I think he will be a swimmer before too long.

I will hopefully have more updates and pictures, soon, once life slows back down a bit more.

At Home with Papa

2008-06-08T19:24:00.003-06:00

So Max's school called me on Thursday around 11:00 to tell me they thought he had pink eye...GREAT. So I went to pick him up and brought him home to spend the afternoon with his Papa, since Clint wasn't at work, yet, and I had just started my new job. Clint also stayed home with Max on Friday... Max learned how to say 'poo poo' (and does that honestly surprise anyone?), how to eat a whole apple (not in it's entirety, just whole), and they (um, Clint) built a 'fort' out of the many extra boxes we had around the house. Pictures, below. I didn't get a picture of the fort before Max destroyed it (in less than 24 hours)...but he had fun!

Poor red eyes...Clint said this actually looked good compared to what it looked like when he got up from his nap...but he is loving that apple!
Mmmm!
"Oh, Hi Mom...Um, nothing. I'm not doing anything..."
It's hard to see, now, but the long piece to the left was a tunnel, and the part Max is sitting in was actually on the top, where the big hole in the box is at the top of the picture. So, it was a long crawl tube with a spot where Max could stand and look out at the end. I could tell Clint had so much fun making it and showing Max how to use it. It just wasn't sturdy enough for him to climb on. Oh, well. There will be plenty more boxes!

Max's eye infection cleared up pretty quickly, so he'll be back at school tomorrow!

Movin' on Up

2008-06-02T21:02:00.002-06:00

Today Max moved up to the next classroom on his way to world domination. Really, it's only the second classroom amongst maybe hundreds that he will see in his lifetime, and maybe he knows this because the change didn't seem to phase him much. He was all 'Sweet! New Toys!' and got right to the business of playing. There were empty diaper boxes to push around! He was having great fun as I left, and doing about the same, 'driving' a truck upside down, when I came to pick him up.

In his new class, they get to go outside in the mornings (and sometimes in the afternoons, if it's not UnGodly hot...), and he only takes one nap! On a cot! I am so not ready for only one nap...Apparently he did pretty well not sleeping in a confined space. His teacher said he only got up a few times, until she went over to pat him to sleep. I think she was being nice. I know that kid. My bet is she meant 'sat' on him, and I just misheard her...

Anecdotal

2008-05-31T18:14:00.002-06:00

On the way to drop Max off at school yesterday morning, I heard a lot of babbling from the backseat. At a stop light, I turned to see what all the chatter was, and Max was pointing out the window and 'talking' about what he saw.

***

Max has always loved our cell phones, mostly because they light up and make noise when you push the buttons. But, recently he's figured out what they do. When my phone rings, Max will hold his hand up to his ear and say 'hi!' He's even started talking into the phones, themselves, and when he plays with them, the first thing he does is hold the phone to the side of his head (he even did this with my parents' portable phone in Mason). I've even noticed that when he wants one of our phones, he will hold his hand up to his ear and look in the direction of the phone in question.

***

Max's word of the moment is 'shoes.' He know what shoes are, what his shoes look like, and which shoes are Mama's. He even says shoes, pronouncing it sort-of like 'shus.' At our small group on Wednesday, he found Holly's shoes and started playing with them, and even tried Emily's on.

***

He can also say 'dog,' 'woof-woof,' 'ball,' 'balloon,' 'book,' 'bird,' 'mama,' 'papa,' and 'pa-paw.' He has his own word for 'glasses,' which is 'gah.' Today he pointed to the cup of milk in one of his books when he was thirsty, and I find that he is finding other ways to communicate to me his wants and needs. It's so exciting to watch him figure out how to tell me things!

***

Max loves music and loves to dance, but his favorite music is hip-hop. I'm guessing because of the very distinctive beats. Sometimes he will dance to other types of music, but if hip-hop comes on, I know he is dancing away in the backseat. His little Ray Charles-esque groove has been refined to a more distinctive head bob. Sometimes, if he's standing, he will bounce. And I've even noticed what I think might be a bit of singing...He's even starting to get the clapping with 'If You're Happy and You Know It.' Not in the right spots, but he knows that he claps.

***

Our little guy has finally gotten the hang of how to get off of things (the bed, the couch, chairs) by flipping onto his stomach and shimmy-ing off feet first. It's really cool to watch him do this! I also noticed that he can reach forward and pull himself onto things, if they are narrow enough for his arms to span (like a bench or a chair that's lower to the ground and not too deep)!

Bark-a Lounger

2008-05-22T15:00:00.003-06:00

A boy and his mom's friend's dog...Miss Chaco and Max, being buds. She really is so good with him.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

2008-05-22T12:54:00.003-06:00

Max is FINALLY sleeping through the night! This event has occurred every night this week. Can I get a 'hallelujah'? Wait, wait...I don't want to celebrate too much, for fear that word will get back to him that Mom might like this (despite the fact that he does wake up between 6:30-6:45 every morning)...now if only I can get used to sleeping through the night, we'll be set.

"Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?"

2008-05-13T18:06:00.005-06:00

Last night, Clint came to bed 'early' (look! It's not even 1:00, yet!), and curled up next to me to cuddle, as he often does before retiring to his side of the bed. He asked me to scoot over, so that he wasn't hanging off the bed, and as I did this, I noticed the silhouette of a little head pop up. Max was in the bed with us...

Now, this is not, in itself, so curious as I will often bring him to lay with me when he wakes up at night. The only problem is that neither of us can figure out exactly how he got there last night. I cannot remember getting up to get him from his crib, and I never fall asleep with him in bed-partly due to paranoia, and partly due to the fact that he WIGGLES and keeps me awake. He woke up at 9:30, long before I went to bed, and I don't remember holding him after that time.

People, it has been YEARS since I last sleep-walked (slept-walk? slept-walked? What is the past tense of that?)...I am not the lightest sleeper ever, but any sound Max makes wakes me up. I highly doubt that I would have gotten up asleep and brought him back to bed with me...but this seems to be the only logical conclusion. I know Max. There is NO WAY that if he climbed out of that crib we would ever keep him in there again (Lord help us when that day comes). And, for this reason, it took me a solid hour to fall back asleep, and I was convinced that every move he made was him trying to shimmy back up the bars. After an hour of crib-watching, I knew that he had not 'escaped.'

This evening Clint asked me 'So, do you remember getting him, yet?' No. No, I don't. Maybe he is Max, Baby Genius, and he created the first ever teleportation device that he tests out only when he thinks everyone else is sleeping (and here is where the joke in the title comes in, for those of you who never saw Pinky and The Brain)?

Yeah...I guess I did get up at some point last night...

Indeed, It Was...

2008-05-12T14:16:00.003-06:00

I got a text message from a friend last night at about 11:30 wishing me a happy mother's day. I read it, and then looked down at the sweet bundle of blond little boy curled in my arms. He had woken up a few minutes earlier, and we were now lying in my bed, him curled in the crook of my arm, looking into each other's faces and smiling. He put his chubby little hand on my face and told me a story in a language that my mind doesn't understand, but my heart does. It involved liberal use of the word 'papa,' and many dogs barking. We cuddled, and talked for a few minutes, and then I put him back to bed, thinking that I could have never imagined a love so all-encompassing.

B is for Bah!

2008-05-07T09:45:00.004-06:00

Max is talking up a storm, and recognizing more and more words. It's really cool to see him understand what we say. He knows Mama and Papa, ball (bah!), book (booh!), bird (bir!), dog (dah!), and he barks! If you ask him what sound the dog makes, he first looks around for a dog, and then will say 'Woo...ooo!' Sometimes there's a bit of an 'f' on the end, but not often. He will also make this sound any time he hears a dog bark. There is a mylar balloon hanging (out of reach of kiddos, no worries) in his classroom, and he knows that it is a 'balloon.' He also makes lots of other sounds, and understands 'No,' 'sit down,' 'stand up,' 'you're alright!' and, of course, much more than we give him credit for. But it still always amazes and excites me when I realize that he just understood me, or verbalized something new.

You're Late

2008-05-07T09:37:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I was the latest I've ever been to pick Max up at school, and he somehow knew it. His teacher said he seemed sad. He's only one and he already knows me well enough to understand that I'm so neurotic about being late that I'm always early...If I was late, there was something wrong!

I hugged him and apologized and asked him 'were you missing Mama?' His immediate response was 'Papa papa papa...' Oh, thanks. It was as if he was telling me that he knew we'd already missed Papa's dinner time, when he comes home from work to see us. Well, sorry kiddo, but the laundry doesn't fold itself...

Max's First Shiner

2008-05-02T17:37:00.005-06:00

And I don't mean the beer. Take a look at what the boy managed to do to himself this morning:

Eye, meet window...ouch.

And I know this one really hurt because he howled for a while. Normally, when Max hurts himself, he might give one or two really good shouts, and then he's done. And only if it really hurt. I've seen him bust his lip open and only give about 3 really good yelps. But this time he cried pretty hard for a good while. Poor little guy...he inherited the genetic crossing of my 'grace' genes with Clint's...there's no hope for him.

And I finally uploaded the pictures from my camera from the birthday bonanza. See? All it took was a black eye.

A local brewery called Independence Brewing Co. does a free tour & sampling the first Satruday of every month. In April, it was also a fundraiser for a mixed-breed rescue in Austin. So...lots of doggies. This pup happened to belong to the brewery. Max was in heaven.

Max, eating his muffin at his school birthday party. Can't tell that the boy likes to eat, can you?

Out in Mason on his bday, brainwashing the kid early. He even got a couple of John Deere books for his birthday...

Max and Grandma found a butterfly.

Max likes cucumbers...

With his Great Grandpa Gene and Great Aunt Edith. You can't tell that Max came from this gene pool, can you?

Grandpa. Or is it Pawpaw? Mimi...? My vote is for Gramps.

Mimi and Gramps. We took about 50 and this is the best shot we got...Kids.

Max & Mimi.

Oh, my...

2008-04-28T20:43:00.000-06:00

How it has been a long and crazy few weeks since I last posted. Since then, Max turned ONE, I left him with his grandparents for a Week while I traveled to San Francisco, we took a trip to Santa Fe, and I lost my job. All in a little over 2 weeks. Nuts.

And, in addition to all that, life keeps moving on, and Max is full-on WALKING, waving constantly, throwing about any toy he can get his hands on (thanks, Granpa), getting into trouble, and being his social, dancing, loving self. He is displaying his personality and likes & dislikes more and more often, and starting to throw fits, now, when he doesn't get what he wants. He really understands what we are telling him. Generally he is such a good sport, and so fun. And the last year has been so indescribably amazing... I have always been able to imagine myself as a mother, but never could I have guessed what it could feel like to love someone in this way or the dimension of love it would bring to my marriage to see my husband as a doting father... I really can't imagine my life any other way. I can hardly remember life before the last year!

Here is a bit I wrote about Max on his birthday, April 13th:

As I write this, my (little) big guy is *hopefully* sleeping soundly at his Grandma and Grandpa's after a big day of bbq and exploration. We got up, loaded up a week's worth of baby gear, and headed out to Mason for some food, fun and gorgeous weather. Max also gets to stay in Mason for a few days while Mom is in San Francisco next week and Dad is working odd hours. It was so very hard to leave him there, but he didn't fuss at all, and I know he is in very capable hands. I just hope he doesn't eat too much ice cream...

Max tried smoke sausage, and black olives, and Grandma's beans, and ice cream today! All got his winning seal of approval, especially the sausage and ice cream. Max also got to swing in his swing, walk in the grass, look at the garden (and help cover plants), and play in the dirt.

It is just so amazing to me that he is doing these things...That we have a child and that he is such a lovely little person. Max has accomplished so much in the last year-growing from an eating, sleeping, pooping ball of cuddly-goodness to an independent, opinionated, mobile and active personality. He is this little sponge, absorbing and soaking in the world around him. He does new things everyday! He is learning to communicate-through noises, words, banging, motion...he has something to say (be it 'I want MORE', to 'I love you') and he is going to find a way to make sure you know what that something is!!! Max bangs on his tray when he wants more to eat (granted, his table manners leave something to be desired), he hugs his Papa and I, he shakes his head 'no' and so much more. He is always surprising me these days with how much he knows; 'answering' rhetorical questions, identifying his Papa when I mention Clint in conversation, and saying 'bye bye.'

Max loves music. Unfortunately for mom, it seems he much prefers the music on the radio to the talking on NPR. But he is one of the very few that appreciates my singing! He loves to dance. He dances to every kind of music, with a Ray Charlesesque head sway that never fails to make me laugh! He even dances when there is no music. He loves to bang on things. Loudly. All things. Clint recently fashioned him some 'drum sticks' and has decided that he will be a rockstar. And he is pretty darn good at beating anything within reach with them.

Max also loves animals. He is always ecstatic and curious about dogs. He loves our dogs, and will bang on the window in our bedroom to try to call them. Sitting in this window, watching for the puppies is one of his very favorite things. Second, of course, to dropping food off his high chair for them when they are inside. He also loves Miss Chaco, Trish's pup. We are working on being gentle, but sometimes Max gets so over-excited! Chaco is very gentle and loving with Max, bathing him with kisses and patiently allowing him to climb on her and pull her fur. She has even presented Max with her tug toy, one the highest forms of Chaco-affection!

Dogs are about the only thing this kid will drop food for-he loves to eat! Max took to solid food like a penguin to an ice cap, and hasn't looked back, since. Max even has a food dance that he does in his high chair when he is eating something he really likes. He eats ton of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, meats... He even likes uncooked tofu. Recently, he has begun trying more seasoned foods, as I mentioned above. Most everything has gone over well, so far, with the exception of cottage cheese, raw onion (he insisted I let him try it), and raw bell pepper. I very much look forward to Max starting to eat a wider variety of food. I also dream about him helping me in the garden and teaching him to cook...but we'll see!

Coming Soon

2008-04-21T20:04:00.002-06:00

Hello all! Max had a great time with all his Grandparents and I have some updates and lots of pictures. But I haven't had the time to sit down and write about him at 1 year old with the concentration and attention that I want...so it will be coming soon. Once we get settled back in and into the swing of everyday life, again.

Let the Festivities Begin

2008-04-11T16:30:00.000-06:00

Max's birthday bonanza started today with a small party at school. I took in some banana muffins, which he and his friends ate for a snack, and then he opened a few presents from his teachers-some colorful balls, bath toys, a book, and a cute outfit. The bonanza will continue on his birthday, Sunday, when we will go to Mason to see Grandma and Grandpa-with whom Max gets to stay for a whole WEEK while mom is in San Francisco for work. Then, next weekend, we get to go to Santa Fe to continue the celebration with our grandparents, there. I may not get too much posted between now and the end of all this birthday madness, but I will try.

Also, a very happy Second birthday to our friends, Little E and Big E!!! Sorry we can't come to the party, guys! Have a blast!

Missing Papa

2008-04-02T19:48:00.002-06:00

We had a great weekend together last weekend as a family, doing mostly nothing. This was really nice, as Clint and Max had not seen much of each other the week before. Clint's new work schedule is 1 PM - 10 PM, and last week he was unable to take Max to school. Max really missed his Papa! At night, when he would wake up, he would finish his bottle and then immediately climb across the bed to lay with his Papa. It was both very sweet and sad. And this weekend, he was all about his Papa. He only wanted Papa to hold him and play with him. They had the best time at the grocery store. While I did the shopping, Clint and Max explored the food, holding fruits and vegetables and learning about them. And then a sweet little older woman asked if she could touch Max and told him (as she patted his head) that 'they will call you blue eyes, like Frank Sinatra.' This week, Clint has been able to take Max to school before he goes to work, so they have been able to spend much more time together.

Solitary

2008-03-30T08:29:00.002-06:00

I was cooking and eating breakfast this morning, with Max in his Pack n' Play in the living room. I kept hearing this 'UUHhhhhh...' "UUHhhhhh....' coming from him, followed each time by a smack. I looked over to see him sitting in the middle of his pack 'n play, scowling, and repeatedly throwing half of a plastic Easter egg into the side of the pack 'n play across from him. It reminded me of The Great Escape, when Steve McQueen gets sent to 'The Cooler' and spends his days fielding his baseball off the wall...It was hilarious! (If you haven't seen The Great Escape, stop what you are doing right this instant and go out and buy it. No, you don't need to rent it first. Just go buy it. C'mon, it's Steve McQueen-how could you go wrong?)

Springtime!

2008-03-29T08:47:00.004-06:00

A weekend or two ago, my parents came into town to stay with some friends, play some tennis, and get some stuff done in 'the big city.' Saturday afternoon, before they left, we went over to visit a bit and Niki took these pictures of Max.

Bear crawling for the first time...we think he didn't like the feel of the grass.

Max and Grandpa.

Mom? Grass is not so yummy...But the Dandelions are good!

Hats are fun! Especially sweaty, stinky ones!

Ok, Grandma! Back to playing!

Ouch.

2008-03-26T20:53:00.002-06:00

Max took his first big fall today. We were at small group tonight, and he took a header off of the slab of Kristin & Ian's patio. The moment I looked away, he fell face-first into the dirt, scratching up his cheek and eyebrow. :( I know he's a boy and I am going to have to get used to it...But I don't think that I ever will.

Gimme Three Steps

2008-03-25T11:02:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, when I picked Max up from school he took three steps to me! Heaven, help me! I am so not ready for this kid to walk... As much as it is exhilarating, it is doubly terrifying. Our house is so not child-proofed for this...

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T08:42:00.002-06:00

Happy Easter everyone! Max is being dedicated at our church's Easter service this evening! He actually just missed this ceremony last year by less than a week (Easter was in April last year)... Sorry to any family that might have wanted to be here for this-we didn't completely decide on participating until the last minute. But we will have lots of pictures to post!

Bang! Bang!

2008-03-17T19:09:00.002-06:00

Bang! Crash! Smack! These are the sounds you will hear emanating from Max's play...By far, the most important attribute of any toy right now is it's ability to bang...How does this toy bang? is the first question I can see run through his head when handed any new object. Is it loud? Can I bang it on the ground? With my hand? With another toy? This boy loves to make noise.

We also discovered this weekend food that Max will not eat. This is the first time that Max has flat-out refused anything. The first was a sweet pepper. Max doesn't usually eat any food raw, and so the texture might have been the issue, here. But he got such a reaction to the funny face he made, he's continued making it...a scrunched nose and squinty eyes. Max also does not like raw broccoli (I think because it's a little spicy) or cottage cheese. Luckily, he loves cooked broccoli, and almost everything else!

One Month Closer to College: 11 mo. Update

2008-03-12T18:24:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow, Max turns 11 months old. That means that one month from tomorrow, he'll be a year old. No, I have not started planning a party and forgot to tell you. In fact, I have not started planning a party at all.

The las week or so we have seen amazing leaps in Max's activities. Last weekend, he decided he missed waving, and that it might be OK to wave at people other than Sunny. Sorry, Sunny. Now, Max waves bye-bye all the time, and sometimes, just for the heck of it. Also, he is really working at standing on his own. Often, now, he will practice balancing and standing on his own. And if he catches his balance long enough to get brave, he'll even take a step. I hope to get a picture or video of this, soon!

Max loves bath time. We have a pirate ship that he loves, along with some of his other little plastic toys that float. He loves chasing them around the bath tub, and splashing, and making waves!

In the last week, Max has also started to get a little clingy to Mama. He wants me to be near, or holding him, if he knows I am around. He hasn't had a problem with me leaving or when I drop him off at school, yet, he just doesn't want me to set him down. I know that in a few short years (or, more likely, months), I'll be whining because he won't let me hold him at all, but it makes it really hard to get dressed in the morning with an almost-toddler glued to your side!

I am so excited about the coming summer and spending lots of time with Max doing outdoor activities-especially once he is walking! We have lots of fun Grandparents' houses and land to explore, Farmer's Markets, parks, back yards, zoos, and more! Clint just started a new job (yay!), and has mornings off, so I'm even envisioning swimming lessons with Papa! The guys have really been enjoying their 'boy time' together.

That's all I've got for now. I know that this post is going to get me in trouble with multiple sets of Grandparents who have not seen their grandson in far too long...I'm sorry! We'll come visit soon, I promise!

Meeting Aunt Sunny

2008-03-08T10:20:00.002-06:00

One of my very best girlfriends quite unfortunately (for my sake) happens to currently live in South Korea. Sunny and I met the first day of our Freshman year at UT, thanks to a lovely little program called FIGs (Freshman Interest Groups), and hit it off from the beginning. We had three classes with each other that first semester, and several more thereafter until Sunny decided to fast-track her college career and graduate in three years. Yes, you read that right. I said THREE. Most college students struggle to graduate in five years, and Sunny did it in three. That tells you a little bit about how special this lady is, right there.

Anyway, Sunny is originally from S. Korea, and moved to the states in middle school with her older brother and her mother. After graduating from UT, she moved to Tokyo for two years, and then back to Seoul to spend time with her family. I have seen her exactly twice since June (or July?)2004, the last time being Thanksgiving 2005. Before we moved to Houston. Before I got pregnant. So, this trip was the first time that Max got to meet his Aunt Sunny. And boy did they hit it off. Max waves only for Sunny. Honestly. I knew the boy could do it, but couldn't ever get him to wave to me (or anyone else). But Sunny? No sweat. Sunny wanted to take Max back to Seoul with her-for just a few years. You know, to teach him Korean. I declined, thank you. She had to settle for spending too much money on him while she was here. And, as usual, I didn't take enough pictures.

We love you, Sunny! We can't wait to see you, again, whenever that may be!

Pacifier Wars

2008-03-01T11:53:00.002-06:00

Clint and I were playing with Max last night right before his bedtime, and Clint started a game that he and Max play regularly. Clint takes Max's pacifier and puts it in his own mouth. Then, Max takes it back. And they go back and forth stealing the pacifier (side note: this little game has turned Max into a pacifier-stealing bandit at school. I walked in just yesterday to find him with his pacifier in his mouth, and friend, Katie's, in his hand...thanks, Papa).

But last night, Max added a new aspect to the game. Last night, once he stole the pacifier back and had successfully put it back in his mouth, he did a Victory Dance! He would wiggle his little body in joy right in front of Clint. It was hilarious to watch him gloat a little bit-until his Papa stole the pacifier right back.

Max Goes to 11

2008-02-23T12:33:00.002-06:00

Max has been testing the high-end of his volume control the last week. Well, maybe 'control' is being generous...He has discovered that he can 'turn it up a notch' (or 10) whenever he wants. Yay. He will do this when he is upset, frustrated, trying to exert his will, bored, or perfectly happy & just feeling like being LOUD.

I can't remember exactly when he started doing this, though it was definitely within the last two weeks. But I do remember with distinct clarity when I realized what he was doing...and that's because it was in church last Sunday. Now, we haven't been to church regularly since Max was born. There are a number of reason I could site for this, but it mainly boils down to laziness. But we decided to go last Sunday. Our church now has a nursery, and I got to sit through most of a service & actually listen to what was being said. At Communion time, I went to go pick Max up from the nursery, so I was holding him as our community Pastor, Sam (who happens to be a Dad himself), got up to make a few announcements and pray to close out the service. It was right about then that Max decided he was bored. So, he yelled. He must have thought it sounded cool, because he decided to do it three more times just during the announcements. We had to retreat back into the nursery during prayer. So, I almost made it through an entire service...

He's also decided that the car is a great place to yell, too. Another unfortunate location, if only for my ears' sake. I guess, since I am the mother of a boy, I am going to have to get used to all this noise. And since Max is Clint 'the Loudest Man on the Planet' Jurek's son, I'm bound to be doomed to two loud males in my house from now on. Sigh.

Dancing Shoes

2008-02-17T21:21:00.003-06:00

We bought Max a pair of shoes this weekend because he is the master sock remover. They are brown, flexible leather shoes, similar to the Robeez brand. We have an awesome pair of these, with pirates on them, in a size 18 mo. that we got from Sarah. I cannot wait until Max can wear them! They look something like these, but in different colors:

Arrg. Also, Max started Dancing this weekend!!! Friday night Max and I were playing on the bed while Clint was at a friend's house. While we played, I started singing to Max and he started dancing! He was bobbing his head side to side and kind of bouncing his body. It was the most adorable thing. Since then, he's done this all weekend-dancing to music playing in the house, dancing and clapping to 'If You're Happy and You Know It,' and, dancing to the music in his head, I suppose. So maybe those shoes will turn out to be his dancing shoes before too long! I've got rhythm, I've got music...

Getting Big(ger)

2008-02-16T10:34:00.006-06:00

Max is 10 months old now, as of February 13th. TEN. Whole. Months. I cannot even fathom this. We are now less than 2 months away from a first birthday. I had another parenting first where I suddenly realized that my baby boy is soon going to be a little boy. And then a big boy. And then a young man. And there is NOTHING I CAN DO to stop it. This seems to be one of life's strangest ironies. As much as you want your children to grow into healthy, happy, caring adults and you want them to experience all that this world has to offer, you also wish that you could slow that process down and hold on to THIS moment-this one, the one where he is laughing and smiling and looking up at me with those adoring eyes-for just a little bit longer.

As has been true for the last 9 months, Max has continued his blistering pace of learning and growing. Just this last week he learned how to clap! And we clap all the time about everything , now. He claps when I say 'Yay!' I am hoping that clapping will soon replace his more-common form of expressing excitement, which is to slap with both hands whatever happens to be in front of him-whether that is the table or your face. He also spent about 2 weeks almost exclusively making a ppptthhhbbbb! noise with his lips. It was ppptthhhbbb! all the way to school and pppttthhhbbbb! while we played. Over. And Over. And Over. And Repeat. And now? Now he won't make that noise at all...I guess he pppttthhhhbbb!ed himself out.

As I've mentioned before, Max loves books. He loves to open them and look at the pictures, and turn the pages by himself. But the problem with books, when you can't walk, is that they are hard to transport. Max discovered the solution. He opens the book and puts one hand on either side of the pages. Then, he crawls using just his legs. He can propel himself forward, sliding on the hard surface of the board book! He learned this trick all on his own.

We took our first family trip to the park last weekend. We decided to test out the swing, first, and Clint and I were surprised to find that Max was a little uncertain about swinging. While I want him to love the swing and I know one day he will, I was a little relieved that there is at least ONE activity involving fast movements and high places our little daredevil has some trepidation about. Up until now, he's been more likely to try and throw himself off the couch (or your lap, or the bed...). After the swing, we spread out a blanket under a tree and explored the grass, ball moss, sticks, leaves, dandelions, rocks....

And Max is now exclusively eating finger foods. He is so independant and wants to feed himself. He still loves most everything that we put in front of him, but you can absolutely spoil the child with grapes. He loves grapes. And I love that he is on cloud 9 eating something that is healthy for him. He also eats:
squash, green beans, sweet potato, white potato, peas, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, bananas, pears, applesauce, mango, peaches, wheat bread, tofu, kamut puffs (cereal), rice, black beans, pinto beans....and much more that I can't remember right now. He also loves his sippy cup and is Finally drinking water regularly with meals.

Having four teeth makes eating solids a bit easier. I was hoping that after the teething that we went through with the first four, we'd get a decent break. But no. After about 2 weeks, Max started teething again. And just yesterday his first lateral incisor came in (his second tooth on the top left). The one on the right is still working it's way through.

Here, you can see Max's firs 4 teeth (click the picture to blow it up).

Playing with Papa. Max is actually in Clint's messenger bag, on his back.

I wear my sunglasses at night...

Swing uncertainty.

Spanish ball moss

And I was there, too.

Happy, Healthy Boy

2008-01-23T21:13:00.001-06:00

Max is back to health and was happy to be back at school this week after having spent most of last week at home with either Mama or Papa. Today, as we entered his classroom, all of his friends looked up at us in greeting, and we had a note this afternoon on his sheet that he played with his friends, Katie, PJ, and Arina. This is saying quite a bit for kids at the age where getting around is a challenge. It is so fun to watch Max interact with other kids, like Naomi at small group tonight. I've heard from his teachers that he loves to pull the socks off all the other kids, and that he and Katie spend all day stealing each other's pacifiers.

Last weekend we went to Houston to see Cousin Bella for the first time. And wouldn't you know it?, we forgot the darn camera! She is just beautiful and lovely and Tiny! I can't wait to watch her and Max grow up and play together at Mimsy and Pappy's. Unfortunately, Max couldn't get too close to Bella because he was just getting over the nasty-high-fever virus, and because his signs of affection are still lacking in subtlety and grace (the most common form being either leg kicking or throwing both hands over his head and then bringing them crashing down). Mimsy and Pappy did take some family photos, and I will post them as soon as I get copies of them (hint, hint...). Until then, here are a few from Christmas...

Max loves books, especially this one of real animals, because it has dogs in it.

Kind of like this pony that Mimsy & Pappy call a 'dog,' Sonny.

Christmas morning bath time in the big bathtub!

Merry Christmas, Uncle Kevin!

The twins kept begging to hold Max-too cute!

A very special gift from Grandmommy & Granddaddy.

Four Generations of Jureks!

9 months, 4 Teeth, 2 Haircuts, 1 Cousin and a Celebratory Trip to the Hospital...

2008-01-13T19:41:00.000-06:00

Today, Max turned 9 months old. And to celebrate, he decided to run a 103.2 degree fever, which prompted a trip to the Dell Children's Medical Center. A $100 dose of motrin later, we were sent home with a rambunctious and giggling child and instructions to 'watch him.' We were told it's probably viral, in which case they could do some uncomfortable testing, only to tell us that there was not much they can do...and so we opted out of scream-inducing testing. But the doctor was really nice, the hospital prompt (and close, and new), and our fears allayed, and so I think it helped squelch the sting of feeling ripped-off.

Max has been getting harder and harder to keep up with these days. Not just his locomotive abilities, but also the rate at which he is learning new things. He is 20 lbs and 12 oz (perfect timing on that new car seat!!), crawling like he was born with the ability, pulling up, walking behind push-toys, and even testing his balance standing-but only on the bed. I think he knows it doesn't hurt if he falls on the bed. And this very evening he waved at someone in the hospital for the first time! Max 'talks' all the time, still, with an ever-expanding repertoire of babble. Some of it is even starting to sound like actual words. And the laughter...It's true that babies' laughter is the best sound on Earth, but when that laughter is your child's...Words cannot describe the overwhelming joy that envelopes me every time he laughs. And he laughs so often. Even with a fever.

As you might have read in previous entries, Max got his two bottom front teeth right before Christmas. In the last month, his two top front teeth have been working their way in. They have almost broken through. These seem to have taken much longer than the bottom pair, but I think that's just because they have been so much more obvious. His poor gums have been swollen with two teeth-shaped lumps for weeks! Either that, or he has the largest, rabbit-esq front teeth ever to be seen on an infant coming in!

And Friday night, Max got his second haircut. This time, Clint wisely chose to use the hair clippers on our little animated shag carpet. The results turned out much better, and my baby looks so much like a little boy I almost expect him get up, walk across the room, tap me on the shoulder, and ask me if he can borrow the car tonight. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but can someone figure out how to freeze time already? I meant to take pictures today, but I got side-tracked with panic. Sorry.

Last, but only because we are saving the best news...Max has a cousin! Clint's sister, MaRee, gave birth to the first grandaughter of the family, Bella. And let me tell you, I can not be more excited! Little Bella was born 1/11/08, weighing 6 lbs, 14 oz. I'm not sure how long she was or the exact time of birth because I was talking to the proud Pappy, and well, insert male stereotype here. Look, look at how beautiful she is:

Welcome, Bella! Max can't wait to play!

All I Want For Christmas...

2007-12-12T13:11:00.000-06:00

Max's second bottom tooth came in on Monday! And let me tell you, those little things are sharp! I don't know how soon he'll be able to wish you a Merry Christmas, but we are definitely moving in that direction. We hope that all of your holiday preparations and activities are bringing you joy! I certainly hope that we get to see each and every one of you very soon!

1 Down, 19 to Go...

2007-12-01T13:46:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not referring to the number of years until Clint and I are FREE...(just kidding, sorta). This morning, Max got his first tooth! Or rather, sometime between last night and this morning. And after at least 3 months of crankiness and face rash and drooling and 'should I give him tylenol or does he just need a nap?' we finally have an honest-to-God tooth. It is a small thing, but it feels like such a victory. Go Team! and all that jazz. I would post a picture, but I've never been a fan of pictures of the inside of people's mouths...That, and I don't want to encourage Max's taste for consumer electronics (he particularly likes to try to eat the camera).

But I promise, some more pictures coming, soon.

Shhh....They're Sleeping

2007-11-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

My boys are taking a pre-church nap, and so I will take this moment to post some of those pictures I've been talking about...

Clint & Max at the good ol' Kerbey. Max can use high chairs now! Yay!

Post bath-time fun with the mirror. (please ignore the toothpaste)

And fun with tupperware!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T10:40:00.000-06:00

Alright, I know it's been over a month since anything has been posted here...Once again, I'm sorry. And I have tons of adorable pictures and videos that I am dying to post-and maybe that will happen sometime in the next 3 days that I don't have to be at work. But not today.

Despite our best efforts to the contrary (and the gloomy, chilly weather) the warm fuzzies of the holiday have gotten to us, and we are very Thankful today. And we have much to be thankful for, on Max's first Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the blessings of our friends and family who have seen us through the wild ups and downs of the last two years. It's hard to believe that this time, 2 years ago, we were not even contemplating moving to Houston, yet; and that this time, last year, we were already back in Austin and I was 5 months pregnant with Max... We have many, many blessings in our lives, but we count you all as number 1.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving,
Alex, Clint & Max

Puppy Love

2007-10-28T10:29:00.000-06:00

Last night we went over to Trish's and played with the many puppies she has over there right now (hers, Chaco, and a few friends' she is dog-sitting). It reminded me that I hadn't posted the pictures of Max and Winston, Mimi & Pop's dog (Clint's Stepmom &Dad). Max loves Winston & his kisses, but it appeared that Winston really only loved the attention that Max was getting from everyone else! Here are a few more:

Fall Update

2007-10-27T09:10:00.000-06:00

I have really missed blogging in my busy-ness, and I find myself remembering things I forgot to put in my last post while I'm supposed to be doing other things. Like working. Max is doing so much these days, and seems to be developing new interests and skills at a lightening-fast pace.

He is still working on the crawling, but is able to combination commando-crawl and lunge just about anywhere he wants to get to. In addition, he is now pulling up into a kneeling position and, once in a blue moon, into a standing position. After getting into his shelf of supplies (read: diaper cream, Tylenol, nail clippers, clothes etc.) AND pitching himself onto the floor, he has now officially graduated to a crib. He loves to use these skills in combination to climb all over Clint and I, whenever possible! He especially loves to climb all over Clint while he's trying so sleep.

And Max is now sitting up! Max can hold himself up to play, and even push himself into a sitting position every now and again. This makes shopping much more exciting, as he now loves to ride in the shopping cart and see all he sights, instead of being cooped up in his carseat. He is so proud of himself and excited when he gets to ride in the cart! His adorable & huge grin of pride sweeps across his face, and I can't help but laugh.

Max is mischievous and curious. He loves to examine faces, hair, and hands. He will grab one of my hands by two fingers (one in each of his own hands), and examine it thoroughly. Then he will hold up his own hand and compare the two. As I mentioned before with his shelf, he is getting into anything & everything he can. He loves my cell phone and watches, after Uncle Ray (Clint's Uncle) showed him his watch with a lighting face. He is always looking at my watch, examining the face intently.

And, of course, everything goes in the mouth, because he is teething. And boy, is it making him cranky. But those teeth will be worth it as we slowly work our way towards chewing foods. Max is now eating oat cereal, yams, bananas, and peas. He seems to have liked everything so far, though it took a while to get used to the texture of the smooshed bananas. Frankly, I can't blame him. I'm not much of a banana fan, myself.

But the best thing Max is doing right now? Kisses. As long as you don't mind slobbery, snotty, open-mouthed kisses, that is. And babbling. He has several consonant-vowel combos down now, including ba-ba, um-ma, and others, along with lots of spitting & razzing. But the most common is still 'mamama.' I'm not complaining. :)

PS-Happy Birthday, Daddy!!! Clint is 24 today.

Phone Improvements

2007-10-25T15:40:00.000-06:00

While standing in line with Grandma (Alex's mom) at Home Depot, I called Clint and Max took interest in my cell phone (which he has been doing quite a bit recently). So, I handed it to him. And then the checkout girl got this half-amused, half-horrified look on her face:

"Is he teething on your phone?"

"Yep, it looks like it."
Without batting an eye.

But then, I saw that coming. Oh, how my life has changed.

Kicking & Screaming

2007-10-21T11:03:00.000-06:00

I just listened to Max scream for an hour. He was crying so hard that his voice was cracking and I can still hear his sobs subsiding from the other room as his diaphragm regulates his breathing. What, you might ask, was he so upset about that he would spend an hour screaming bloody murder? What could possibly be worth leading the neighbors to think that, indeed, we might be child abusers? Nap time. NAP TIME. I want to return to an age where a nap was the worst possible thing someone could do to me (instead of the best words in the English language)...

Good to be Home

2007-10-18T20:51:00.000-06:00

Chicago was a blast. Really, a very cool city with some amazing food. But, I must say, it's really good to be home. And in a new home, at that. It's messy and full of boxes and other randomness right now (and not looking like it will anytime soon be less so), but it has so much potential, and it is ours.

And then, of course, there is Max. My sweet boy seemed so much different when I came home last night. Bigger with rounder cheeks. And oh, what he is doing now...My baby boy is getting so very big & strong & smart. He and his dad had such a great time without me that I was a little worried my little one might have forgotten me-until I got The Grin. You guys know the one. It makes my heart melt.

Max is almost crawling. He can get about one knee/arm combo before he lunges and goes back to his commando crawling, which he has got down. He is all over the place. Clint bought one of those semi-permanent fence/pens to put in his room so that we can get some things done around here without having to worry about what he has gotten himself into under our very noses.

And last night he pulled himself up in his cradle! Clint and I were lying on the bed, heads toward his cradle, talking about my trip, when Clint looked over and said "look at him!' And there was Max, holding on to the rails of his cradle, standing with the Biggest Grin You Ever Did See on his face. So very proud of himself. He couldn't figure out how to do it a second time which, to be perfectly honest, is just fine with me. Slow down!

And he talks and babbles more and more. Some of my favorite times are when he randomly starts 'talking' to me or even to himself in the car. This evening he was saying 'mmammammammammammamma' with very exagerated mouth motions (emphasis on the mmm...imagine trying to eat your lower lip) and food in his mouth, and I just couldn't help but crack up every time he started back up. He didn't want to stop. It was a riot. And he has really started figuring out that his tongue will move in different ways. He seems to always have it hanging out of his mouth or rolling around in his lips. In addition to putting everything in his mouth, he has decided that he likes to lick. Especially faces. And noses? Oh, noses are the best.

Then there is his little personality. He is still such a happy boy, but becoming more aware of what he likes & doesn't like. Such as toys he wants to play with and that you should not ever, under any circumstance even think of taking away. He knows when you think it. Or, of course, the ever-dreaded bed time. Why sleep when you could be playing? Even when you are so tired that can no longer hold your little body up and so cranky even the toys can't amuse you anymore... And dogs. We heart dogs. Any kind, big or small. As longs as they have fur and tongues and will run around and be excitable.

There is so much more that lack of sleep will not let me remember. So, instead, I will leave you with a picture or two from our trip to see family a few weeks ago.

Really? It's October?

2007-10-04T19:00:00.000-06:00

I can't beleive it's October!?! This year is just flying by (and I hear it only gets worse as you get older...). I haven't posted much recently because we have been so busy with the house and working. Last weekend we made a long-overdue trip to see Clint's family in the Houston area. We had a great time and managed to only take about 200 pictures. I will post some of those, along with a lengthy update about Max, probably after I get back from Chicago on the 17th. I have so much I want to share about my almost-6th-Month-Old, it's really hard not to do it Right This Instant, but if I don't start packing the house, we will never get moved and that will be a really bad (and expensive) thing. Until then I will leave you to contemplate the fact that there are only 81 shopping days left until Christmas...

On Being A Mother

2007-09-15T19:36:00.000-06:00

A friend sent this to me, and I thought it was worth sharing...

We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family". "We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations...."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a souffle or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is alright.

I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years - not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to know that a caesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor. My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I finally say. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.

This blessed gift from God . . .that of being a Mother.

Too Close

2007-09-12T20:30:00.001-06:00

Max has been slowly, but surely, working on crawling. He's gotten to where he can get his knees up underneath him, and he can kinda scooch short distances. He turns around a lot, and is very determined to get somewhere. Anywhere. But most of the time, he's still on his elbows, or in a face plant. Just recently has he been starting to get the idea that he's got to get up on his hands.

But then, there was tonight. After the nightly diaper change and pajama wrangle (it is difficult to clothe someone intent on constantly rolling and wiggling), he got up on his hands and knees...and then began to ROCK. Back and forth. Like babies do right before they crawl. He only rocked about 3 times before he fell, but it was pretty cool.

New Friends

2007-09-09T08:08:00.001-06:00

Max has a couple of new friends (and several more on the way)!

Miss Ada Love Myrick was born on Aug. 16th (yeah, we're a little behind) at 2:33 AM. She was 7 lbs, 14 oz and 21 in. long.

Isn't she darling? We haven't met her, yet, but we can't wait!!!

And, more recently, Chris and Jenny had their second little girl, Soren Litten Margrave. Soren was born September 5th at 12:02 AM. She weighed in at 6 lbs, 10 oz and was 18.5 in long.

Another pretty girl joins the Margrave clan!

I can't wait to meet these lovelies and hold an infant-sized baby, since Max was never this small!

We're still waiting on at least 5 more new friends from all parts of our lives, and one cousin!!! It's a baby bonanza...

His Father's Son

2007-09-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

In the last blog I mentioned that Max is into everything that he can get his little hands on, especially as he becomes ever so slightly more mobile. I know this may take some of you by surprise, but he gets this from his father. (I swear, I was an angel child...)

I give you Exhibit A:

This is Clint, circa 1984, in his walker which he has tipped over while pulling on the vacuum cleaner.

And here, Exhibits B and C:

Last night, Max decide that the jumper alone just wasn't doing it for him. He wanted to play with the jumper AND the playmat. I'm thinking this wasn't quite what he was going for:

Long Weekend

2007-09-01T11:36:00.000-06:00

I have Max all to myself for 3 whole days! Clint will be around but working (both at work and on the house), so I'll have him more-or-less to myself. I'm very excited. This morning, we went to the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market. I fell in love with farmer's markets on a trip to New York one spring, and we are very lucky to have one of the best in the country right here in our own backyard (though, it will never touch Union Square). Max, in perfect form, slept almost the entire time. And I, in typical fashion, brought the camera but forgot to take any pictures. I can't wait until he is old enough to share the excitement and wonder of the farmer's market, and the joys of growing food. Regardless of whether he shares my interest in sustainable, local agriculture, or my excitement in watching life spring from the ground, he will know that food does not come from 'the grocery store.'

The rest of our long weekend will likely be much less exciting. I need to go to the grocery store, do copious amounts of laundry, and start packing. And, of course, enjoy Max. He is now into everything. Well, as much as he can be without yet being mobile, so anything that comes in his direction. He now pushes, pulls and reaches for things he wants or doesn't like, including his Dad and I, and grabs anything he can get his little hands around (the envelope a piece of mail came in the other day that I was holding). He loves glasses, hair, beards, and faces. He has figured out how to pickup large objects with both hands. And, of course, everything goes straight into the mouth. Or gets licked. He has figured out how to lick things now, and gets you when you least expect it. He has also learned how to pull his pacifier out of his mouth (beyond just knocking it out, which he would do before) and is trying to figure out how to put it back in. Max loves 'eskimo kisses.' He gets this huge smile on his face, and then usually tries to eat my nose or steal my glasses.

And then, there are the latest 'steps' on his way to crawling. I don't think that I ever thought about the process of crawling before I had a child. Every new movement is one step closer. Now Max can get his little behind up, and almost get up on his knees, but his upper body is still fairly weak-he usually winds up with his butt in the air in a face-plant. But he never stays in the same spot I put him down, anymore.

I call this shot 'Mmmm....Butterfly.'

New Blog Up!

2007-08-26T12:12:00.000-06:00

We closed on the house Friday. Our new blog is here (link is also to the right under 'our other pages'). Go check it out & vote in the poll.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2007-08-25T14:57:00.000-06:00

Max is! So, as some of you may already know, I am an Aggie. Except for that minor 'blip' in my record where I spent 4 years at that 'other' school, I was raised an Aggie. My Dad was in the Corps of Cadets. I think my first words were 'Gig 'Em.' Ok, they weren't. But it would have been cool. Anywho...This is a fact that some of our friends can't stand. They have to go and do ugly, ugly things, like buying Max this:

But luckily, Larry is a fair guy, and he also bought Max this:

Much, much better, Unlce Larry. You can see on Max's face how excited he was that we were having a fashion show today. He also seems to have his handsigns mixed up. We're going to have to remedy that problem. Much thanks to Grandma, who bought us the 'Teasips Chap My Hide' diaper cover. See Mom, told you he'd wear it...

My Baby is Sick :(

2007-08-22T11:17:00.001-06:00

Not still but again. This time with a stomach bug that is apparently going around in his class. Talk about inoculation...Poor guy. But I did find out that it is true, what they say about sick kids; it's different when they're your own. It's not any less gross, but the ickiness is overshadowed by concern, empathy, and helplessness.

The Most Amazing Thing...

2007-08-20T18:39:00.000-06:00

Isn't he? I mean, come on.

Part of this blog is my search for words to describe how much I love this little guy. So far, they just don't exist. But I'll keep trying.

It's been a big week. The top two pictures are from last Tuesday when Max tried cereal for the first time. You might not be able to see the goo all over his face, but it's there. Despite the big grin, the jury is still out. We haven't tried again, since Max has had an ear infection, and is Not in the Mood-to do much of anything, let alone try new things. Though, he's been better today.

And....(drumroll please)...we're buying a house! It needs a good bit of (mostly) cosmetic work, and we are ~~probably~~ crazy, but also very excited. We weren't *really* looking for a house...I emphasize really because Clint is always looking for houses (or, rather, investments)-even if just for fun. This time he happened to find one we could kinda afford at a time when it's almost feasible for us to move. We should close sometime this week (much thanks to Mimi, Judy for help with the down payment!!). You, my dear readers, should probably question our ability to raise a child in light of such Obvious insanity. You'll see what I mean when Clint creates a blog about the house. You can check back on the right side of this blog-I will post the link to the blog for Casa de Jurek as soon as it exists.

But really, the most amazing thing is how blessed we are. We have a beautiful, happy, & healthy child, good jobs, an incredible community of friends and family (who have always been there, despite whether we always count them in our blessings), and now, a house.

What? I can't hear you.

2007-08-17T14:10:00.001-06:00

Max has an ear infection AND an eye infection. Therefore, I am unexpectedly home on a Friday afternoon. 2 weeks in daycare and he's already sick. Max is definitely in a cranky I'm-tired-but-I-don't-want-to-sleep mood, but we're hanging in there. Unfortunately, I think this means we will be missing most of Mosaic's (our church) Grand Opening festivities this weekend. :( But, Max did finally make it to the doctor. And we discovered that our little drool monster weighs in at 17 lbs, 4 oz. I knew there was a reason my arms hurt...

Slobbery kisses to all of you out there in Max's Fan Club.

The Big 4-(m)o.

2007-08-13T21:11:00.001-06:00

This is kind of how the last week has gone...but it's been good. Max is 4 months old today. We are adjusting to Mom working and daycare. He is all smiles for his teachers who (claim to) argue over who gets to hold and feed him. And I am enjoying my job and being back in the working world. Max is just getting bigger and bigger. Yesterday we broke out the 6-9 mo. onesies! They are still a bit big, but many of his 3-6 mo.s are too small. Movin' on up! Max has also figured out how to roll over inside of his sleep positioner. Yes, that fancy magical mix of foam and cloth is no match for my little boy. I now have to listen when he wakes up in the middle of the night so that I can distinguish between the on-the-back whines and the on-the-belly whines. And more big news today...we have a girl-cousin on the way! Aunt MaRee and Uncle Adam found out today that they are expecting a little girl. We can't wait to meet you, Bella!

Alright, time for bed! More on a night when I have a chance to sit down in front of the computer before 10!

Big News

2007-08-01T14:01:00.000-06:00

Next week, Max starts school! Mom got a new job, so starting Monday, Max will spend Monday-Wednesdays at The Elsass Academy. He will get to have 'Daddy Days' on Thursdays and Fridays, while Clint is off (and 'Mommy Days' on the weekends). We're all very excited (hence, the smile on Max's face), but the next few weeks are going to be a big transition. Bear with me if there aren't many posts for while...I'll try to keep up!

Go ahead and Jump

2007-07-27T09:40:00.000-06:00

Max is having the best time with his new abilities & toys. We recently decided to get out the 'Jumpster,' probably more commonly known as a 'Johnny Jump-Up.' While he's technically not supposed to be able to use it yet, he can. And he loves it.

I mean, just look at this smile:

And, as promised, here is a picture of Max grabbing his toes:

This was taken before he could grab both sides at once, which I think is much cuter (and more impressive).

He's also learning how to play 'Peek-a-Boo' with a rag/burp cloth. He usually has one of these in his hands, because he likes to suck/chew on them (or pretty much any cloth he can get into his mouth-his shirt, your shirt, a collar, blanket, etc.). So, I started holding one up in front of his face to play p-a-b, at which he giggles his little head off. Then, I noticed last night, that he was doing the same thing to Clint-repeatedly pulling the cloth up over his face and then dropping it. I don't know if he really knew what he was doing, or just mimicking me from earlier, but it was fun! Of course, as soon as the camera came out, he was done.

New Tricks & Fun in Mason

2007-07-21T16:00:00.000-06:00

This was supposed to be 2 individual posts, started on 7/21, but the first one never got finished, so it'll probably end up rather long. I know Max's adoring fans won't mind...

Max has a few new tricks since the last post. He now does what Clint calls 'blowing bubbles.' I guess it's kind of like what some people call blowing raspberries-a wet, spitty 'razzing' noise he makes with his lips & tongue. He loves to do this and now does it more than babbling. He's almost always sporting a wet spot on the front of his shirt from it. Clint calls it 'baby slime.'

Max has also discovered his built-in pacifier, a.k.a. The Thumb. He will sometimes opt for all fingers in the mouth, but more often than not, now, he is just sucking on his thumb. Although, he hasn't figured out what to do with his other fingers yet, and they usually wind up poking him in the eye. He doesn't seem to mind.

Also, he has started to grab his foot & big toe. He will sit and hold his left big toe (or whatever part of his foot he can manage to grab) in his left hand. And he does it, or tries to, all the time- while riding in his carseat, while eating, while lying in his cradle, while I'm trying to change his diaper...I guess it's just a matter of time before the foot winds up in the mouth, too. Update: He can now grab both feet at once. This is really cute. I'll have to get a picture.

Finally, Max has started grabbing & holding many other things. He has some little plastic linking rings that he can hold onto and likes to try to get into his mouth while on his belly. He also loves burp cloths, blankets, and any type of fabric that he can manage to get into his mouth. And, he has become a master at glasses-snatching, to our dismay.

And now, for the good stuff. Some pictures of our recent visit to see Grandma & Grandpa in Mason:

some pics after our hike down to this:

The creek that runs behind my parents' property.

'Aunt Brenda,' my folks' neighbor & good friend, and Shadow, one of the new babies.

Cutie boy, playing on his blanket outside.

A Budding Personality

2007-07-15T11:02:00.000-06:00

I never had any idea, before cracking open 'What To Expect The First Year,' that babies had so many developmental milestones. It's no wonder kids crack under the pressure to succeed. But that's a topic for an entirely different blog...

Max has already surpassed every developmental milestone that he 'should,' 'will probably,' 'may possibly,' and 'may even' accomplish by the time he reaches 4 months old. Thus, I have to say he's pretty amazing. Of course, one might argue that I am slightly biased. Ever the Proud Papa, Clint has already declared that Max will be crawling next week. I certainly hope he's wrong.

All that being said, the most incredible part of motherhood is watching Max develop into his own individual. He is starting to express his very own personality, complete with likes and dislikes. For instance, Max likes:

rolling over: He will not stay on his back when placed on the floor, now. He's so proud of himself! I've had to impose a '30 minute' rule between eating & playing...
his Dad: Max gets a huge grin on his face every time he sees Clint-it's adorable!
'standing': We have to support him for balance, but that's about it-he can hold almost all of his own weight on his legs.
'talking': Max will babel on and on to any engaged audience.
grandparents: But then, who doesn't?
eating: obviously
smiling: Mas has learned not only how to smile, which he practices often, but that when he initiates smiling, he will get a smile (and usually a coo & a cuddle) back.
kicking: And, particularly, 'dropping his feet' in his cradle-a little trick he taught himself for entertainment while in, what I think he considers, solitary. He raises both legs up and then drops them, either together or separately, crashing down onto the mattress. He doesn't fuss in his cradle at night (unless he's hungry), but does this little trick to entertain himself until he falls back to sleep. Clint thinks it's brilliant; I might agree when Max gets his own room.

Max dislikes:

The '30 Minute Rule': He likes to move, especially when that movement is all on his own.
sleeping: Naps have become a process, as he has started fighting hard. I hope he gets over this in the same manner that Eli did (who now tells Darby when he wants to go 'nai nai.' Everyone together now, 'Awww....').
The car seat: Or, rather, being strapped into the car seat, esp. if it is not moving. He's usually OK once he is being carried or driven, unless he starts falling asleep (see above).
Not being the center of attention: So, babies tend to be a little narcissistic, and Max seems to particularly hone in on any time Mom is doing something that doesn't directly involve him (like eating...).

Things he is still unsure about:

dogs & cats: He has had many a curious nose in his car seat (belonging to the furry children of our family & friends), but the jury is still out as to whether wet noses & tongues are fun.
other babies/kids: Max occasionally likes the baby in the mirror, but hasn't shown much interest in any actual little people, yet.

It has been so much fun to watch Max develop and learn to express these interests; much more so than charting whether or not he can 'hold his head up 90 degrees' or 'focus on an object the size of a raisin.' I can't wait to teach him more about the exciting & beautiful things in this world. I love to think about his future and what he might be like as a child, adolescent, and teen. And I am trying not to get too attached to dreams about what he might show interest in someday, just in case he likes soccer & David Beckham more than baseball & Brad Ausmus (heresy). I will love him no matter what, but no son of mine...

Happy (early) Birthday!

2007-07-12T17:06:00.000-06:00

Max is three months old tomorrow. I took some pictures of him, yesterday, and thought this one turned out particularly well. I think he almost looks like a toddler with those shoes on!

All Boy

2007-07-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

WARNING: The following post contains subject matter about bodily functions. If you are extremely squeemish, or just can't find the humor in a poop joke, turn back now and wait for the next post.

Max has peed on me. He's an automatic sprinkler, er, I mean boy. He spits up on me almost daily (it seems I never have the burp rag in quite the right spot). But this morning we reached the nadir of 'accidental' bodily functions. This morning, Max pooed on me. And I don't mean he pooed in his diaper and it leaked (that's happened on multiple occasions). I mean he Pooed ON ME (and himself, and the blanket, and the bed...). Mid diaper change. Straight from the source. Just like those pictures you see about 'the joys of having a boy.' I spared you photos (actually, I didn't even think about pics until just now...), but this one is indelibly burned into my memory. In slo-mo.

Ya'll, I have not had enough coffee for this one. And I know that, IN THEORY, he doesn't have the mental capacity yet to 'plan' or 'scheme.' He, SUPPOSEDLY, doesn't understand 'humor.' Whatever. I'm tellin'ya (read with a Tony Soprano voice), the boy thought it was funny.

Now, I'm going to go make pasta salad for our church picnic. Yes, I've washed my hands.

How We Roll

2007-07-06T13:07:00.000-06:00

This is the position you are most likely to find Max in now. That's because he learned how to roll over last night! Well. actually, he's been working on it all week, but last night, around 9:30 (he's a night owl...), he finally got it down. At first, he had his arm pinned underneath himself, but he second time around, he figured out how to free his arm, and propped himself up. I got the second attempt on video, which I will have to wait to post, as YouTube is not cooperating with me... :(

Rolling has been all he has done today. Playmat schmaymat. And once he gets over on his belly, he starts kicking his legs like he's going somewhere. I fear that this is the beginning of the end for any semblance of free-time I once thought I had...

Bored Dad + Long Haired Baby + Scissors = Trouble

2007-06-26T10:47:00.000-06:00

Poor Max got his first haircut Sunday night. I came home to Clint with a pair of scissors in one hand, and my baby in the other. It's not pretty. The pictures don't do it justice, but you will laugh with pity for the poor boy when you see him in person. At least he doesn't have to go to school...

Max's opinion of his new 'do.

A little uneven in the back.

The flash reflecting off his bald spot on top...

To All The Dads...

2007-06-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

Happy Father's Day!