hi everyone i am 7yars old i love everyone out thar dear  fin ps: even my mom beces she is my best mom ever she is so butifil and so sweet

He started out only being able to read a few words, barely. Now he's sounding out every word he seeing on billboards or in the books he's checked out at the library (especially the Pokemon comics!). He has come a long way this year and we could not be more proud of him. Grandma Bobbi and Grandma Sherrill were able to come and enjoy the picnic with us!

Watch out world! He's officially a first grader now!!

Sometimes it is just the simple things in life. I am completely in love with the randomness of the following phrase:

"Momma ... I love you." 


This of course is followed with a giant hug to my legs. Sometimes I will catch his eye and he'll stop, stare back for a moment. Then, as though it was part of a screenplay, he will smile his big grin and proceed with the above phrase.

I love my little Irish-looking Doog.

First Trip to Dr Page

There are many "firsts" in your life, and this was just another one: Your first trip to the dentist. Dr Page's office is filled with tons of cool stuff and to be honest, it's one of Bubba's favorite places! After your visit they let you pick a sticker and toys out of the treasure box. Bubba came with you and wanted to take over the show!

He asked if HE could ride in the chair that goes up and down, and HE wanted to show you how the magic squirt gun worked (teeth rinser). You were a bit shy because all of the attention turned on YOU YOU YOU, so you hid behind my leg a little bit until you realized that Bubba just might get to take your thunder. You then hopped up like a pro to take the glory.

Dr Page counted your teeth and you were really happy when they put the Sponge Bob sunglasses on for you; that was just TOO COOL. Lorrie let you squirt the tooth rinser at her and you liked that. Next week both you and Maysen go back to have your teeth cleaned so that will be your real first "procedure". We'll see how it goes, but I think you'll do just fine.

As for everything else you are growing like a weed! You've grown about 6" since we moved into this house which was only 8 months ago. Now just a few inches literally separate you and your brother, even though you're 3 years apart! You're now potty trained, going to school in undies, and sleeping at night with nothing! You've only had 3 accidents at night so far and none in the last few weeks so you're pretty much there! (Shhhh, don't tell your brother you're just about better at pooping in the toilet than he is!).

You were registered for preschool the other day so you'll start that new adventure in the fall!

We bought our boat a few weeks ago (SeaRay) and just yesterday brought home our new Tahoe, so we're looking forward to turning you into a water dog this summer! Boy are you guys excuted! You got your new life jacket (thanks to Austin Glenn!) so we are ready for action once the weather turns nice!

Love you, Doobs.

As I sit typing at the computer, a naked-from-the-waist-down Griffy entered the office. He was attempting to climb the desk and piddle around. All of a sudden I heard a bare-butt fart come out of him. He stopped what he was doing aburptly and looked up at me.

Uh-Oh. Guess what, Momma. My butt burped.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

To my Doogs,

I can't believe you're 3 today. Maysen was just about this age when you came along and all I can see in you is that you're still my baby! You've gone through lots of new changes this year, so it's been a big year for you!!

For Christmas this year, Santa brought you a motorcycle bike with training wheels! It is red, silver, and black. At first you had a hard time pedaling because you kept stomping the pedal backwards and slamming on the breaks. You're sure getting the hang of it, though and even running that hummer off the curb. Grandma and Poppy must have known Santa was bringing you a bike because they got you a super cool red helmet to wear! Bubba even got a new bike. His has no training wheels, a "two-wheeler" he says, and it is lime green and silver. You two have a lot of fun riding and playing together on them.

Everyone developes little habits throughout their life and you have started one; you have a transient tic where you blink your eyes really hard but you alternate your eyes. Most people comment how you're "winking" but you can't help it. We don't draw a lot of attention to it as you can't "wink" if we ask you to, yet you do this subconsiously. It gets worse when you're tired or if you're upset. Laurie Carmichael, pediatric NP, saw you for your 3yr check and says that its not uncommon for kids your age to get something like this due to all social and developmental changes going on at this age. She says you'll outgrow it more than likely, but we don't care either way!

You are a very good eater, and it shows because of how tall you've gotten! You will eat just about anything. We like to sit together on the couch and eat yogurt. Our game is you see if you can get a whole blueberry and then you show it to me before you chew it. Its just silly but I sure do enjoy your cuddly time with me. You really have been a Momma's boy this year and I love it. I just can't believe how big you are.

In September, you got your first experience of school. You are going to 5Cs now in the Young Preschool class that Miss Thelma teaches. That was Bubba's teacher, too! You have some familiar faces in your class; Karaline is Austin's sister and just recently Skyler Anderson joined your class. You've really come out of your shell now that you're in a classroom. You can be shy at first and wrap your arms around my legs, but as soon as you get comfortable you're 100mph like the rest of them.

We went and visited Grandma Jo and Grandpa "Bob" (one day you just walked up to him and said "Hi Bob", so ever since Gr Dave has been Grandpa Bob) in Yosemite this summer. We drove down in the van and it was a long drive but you guys did really well. We got to see the National Forest and we did lots of swimming and playing in the warm sun. You absolutely loved Grandpa's golf cart and wanted to drive it any chance you could get!

I love watching you say your "S"s because you have a little cute lisp when you say it. So when you say "Perry the Platipusssssth" your little tongue dodges quickly to the right and out of the front of your teeth. It is so stinking cute!

 

 You have grown so tall over this last year. In fact, only six inches seperates you and Maysen! He is still your big brother though! You guys have found that you have more in common this year. You have a love/hate relationship like any other siblings but you are able to play together on the same page almost. Favorite things to do right now are Hide and Seek and playing Mario Kart on the Wii together. You've also discovered the game Cooties and have lots of fun with that, but you get upset when anyone mixes up the colors of the bodies and heads; you'd like them to match, thank you very much!

Our next adventure is getting you potty trained which should be successful this summer in which you will roam around with no pants on. In fact, if I do that now you are potty trained! If you are naked from the waist down, you will not go anywhere but the toilet. The second you have pants on? Forget it. So we'll work on that this summer.

In January after your 2nd birthday we started building our new house. We would go just about every night after supper to see what the new developments were. You and Bubba would run all over, play in the rocks, play hide and seek, climb on the bull dozers, and anything else little boys can get into. We had to be careful, though, because there were lots of nails and tools around that you were itching to get ahold of! We finally moved into our new house in July and you love going up and down the stairs! You sleep upstairs with Bubba in your Surf Board beds. You have lots of fun playing in your play room. You used to be deathly afraid of Bubba's dinosaurs, but at the end of this year you came around to kind of liking them!


Onward we go! Looking forward to all the adventures to come ...


I love you, my special Doogy Boy.

My buddy

Big brothers are usually good at many things. In our house, Mase is usually the fight instigator and bully most of the time. I know he really does love his brother but he likes to put Griffin in his little-brother-place. I bought the boys slippers for this winter, as I usually get "My feet are cold!" in the mornings getting ready for school. They love wearing them and have donned the phrase "Little Red Riding Boots". At the library last week, Maysen picked "Splat the Cat" and has been reciting the book over and over. On this night, sitting by the fire, Bubba asked Griffin to sit by him as he recited, word-for-word, Splat the Cat Goes to CatSchool. They really are good pals ...

Brotherly trouble

Oh my little Doogs,

I always knew that because mommy and daddy were so ornery growing up that someday you and your brother would be, too. (Did I really say that?). I have just a few recent stories for you that are just great (at the time, not so great).

Floating Boats
Last Friday I came home from work and Bubba said he wanted to play Legos. You and him built boats and all sorts of different objects, mainly just fighting over the legos. Just as soon as I thought about it, Maysen came around the corner - buck naked and wet. I asked him why he was wet and he informed me that it was because "I'm floating my Legos, mom". ... "Why?" ... "Because! Because I built a boat". Ah! I thought I'd better check up on this situation and when I turned the corner into my bathroom, I saw the soaker tub, filled to the brim and water still pouring. You were on the tiled ledge surrounding the tub and as I came in, you cannon-balled it off the tile and into the tub, the biggest smile on your face and laugh that said it all! I soon noticed my iPod was missing off it's "home" and when I asked Mase where it was, I got, "You mean Griffin's phone?" ... "No, not a phone" ... "Well, its in the toilet".

Hi Doog,

Its been a long time since I've updated! Mom has been a tad busy. You've grown leaps and bounds, almost so fast I can't keep up. Just yesterday we were driving to Grandma and Poppi's and I had Jack Johnson playing in the stereo and you said clear as day, "Momma? I like this song!" It was great.

We are back to naps because I didn't last long with you having no nap. We have a routine that we do and after lunch you and I go lay down and sing songs in my bed. You will shortly drift off to sleep, begrudgingly, and sleep for at least an hour or two, giving Bubba and I some time to do our thing. It's good you are taking naps because lately you have been getting up at 6:45, walking in bright eyed and saying "Hi!". If you crawl up into daddy's warm cozy spot you usually will fall back asleep for another hour.

Maysen can do no wrong in your eyes and as you can see in the photo above, whatever it is he is doing, you wish to be just like him. Right now it seems to be the backtalking, getting into things. I think it's Maysen that has taught you to find out where I am before you get into trouble. The other day Daddy caught you in our bathroom saying "Mommmmmma? Where are you!?" when I didn't answer or come walking in there, you started getting in the cabinets and make up. The newest "oh great" moment was just the other day. You asked Daddy to watch a show in the playroom and when he turned it on, out the garage you went - broom stick in had to use the handle to open the garage door. I found you riding your trike down 1st street.

We are almost done building our house and I can't wait to make new memories watching you grow there ...

Mr No Nap

So, when I get to the point I'm fighting you for 2hrs to nap, it's time to NOT nap. And that's where we're at. It's an adjustment but if you finally DO nap, you're up until 10:00pm and that is not an option for mommy and daddy time! So, by about 4:00pm you're absolutely exhausted but you catch a second wind from somewhere and make it until about 7:30. Total Catch 22. Nap and stay up until 10:00 and I'm frustrated and TIRED ... or push through until bedtime. And that seems to be winning right now.

But you're not so happy ... Love you.

First Broken Bone

Last night you broke your right collar bone. We were at the model house showing Papa and Grandma Sherrill the house and you and Bubba were upstairs and BOOM. You and Bubba ran into each other with Bubba landing on top of you. After your nap yesterday you woke up intolerant to using your right arm. We saw Dr Kordesch this morning and sure enough! You had xrays and it’s broken. Poor baby. Luckily your bones are growing so fast it’ll fuse within the next few weeks and “all” I have to do is try and keep you from being too rough with it. Should be easy … right? Right!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Roo.

The last few months have been a wild ride. Over the last few months, you have turned 2 and had your second Christmas. But when it was here, it was a great time. On 12/24/09 while daddy worked until noon we all 3 stayed in our “cozies” and made Christmas cookies for Santa. You liked eating most of the frosting.

After having Christmas at Poppi and Grandma’s we went home and you helped Bubba get the Christmas cookies out for Santa. You slept really good that night and by the time to open presents at our house, you didn’t want to! That’s OK because I told dad, “We can just open the rest for his party on Sunday.” Then I realized that I hadn’t set any gifts aside for your birthday, so it all turned out good!!

You turned 2 on 12/27 and we held your party the same day! Mary, my hairdresser, was to come at 3:30 and cut your hair for the party. 4:00pm came and she still wasn’t there so we moved ahead and Grandma Bobbi did the honors and cut your hair. She used to be a hairdresser years ago, so she knew what she was doing. MAN, how you changed with that one haircut!!

 The next day we headed out for our Winter Wonderland vacation. Daddy took the week off and we rented “the mountain house” and left for 4 days. Before we left town, we did stop off at where Bubba gets his hair cut and Cindy cut it “right” for you.

 You loved Eagle Crest and the 2nd day we were there, we got snow! You played with Bubba in it and had a ball. Last winter you went out but had no gloves and you HATED that. This year you had snow and all the stuff to keep you warm and you loved it.

Dad, Bubba, and you built a snowman but you were scared to touch it or even pose for a picture with it. No thank you! We played games and played toys, watched movies, and snacked and you had a lot of fun. One of the best parts for you, I think, was going swimming at the indoor pool. We put arm floaties on you and just kicked and flapped your arms, stuck your head under water and blew bubbles. Natural swimmer!!

 You jibber all the time and are starting to make sense now! Instead of “ooce” for drink, you say “ink” now. You can repeat just about any word that we say. “Why?” is a frequent question around here followed by 4 million “Momma, mmmmmmmommmmm”. You are my constant shadow these days. Naps are fading I fear. It’s a struggle every day, and you will go probably 2 days a week with no nap. Bubba can do no wrong in your eyes! You constantly have the “Monkey See, Monkey Do” thing going on, despite the injuries it might bring.

I can’t believe you’re TWO already and it’s been so fun to watch you grow. Can’t wait for many many more. We love you, Roo/Doog/Doogles/Rooble.

23 months, Crib Freedom!

The most recent happenings around here is that you have now graduated to not being in a crib! Last weekend (11-7-09) we took the front off your crib. You didn't like it one bit! I think it was the losing-the-security-wall feeling behind. You cried and didn't want left. You'd get out of your crib and get books, try to take your PJs off. Finally since we have a video monitor I just laid you down, turned it on and sat outside your room. When you'd get out of your bed, I'd go right in and when I'd leave I could see you on the monitor looking around like "What in the world?!...." But that was a week ago and you're sleeping like a champ now. We have to sing songs (I lay my head down) and you always con me into one more (holding your little number 1 finger up). Naps are only going to happen when Bubba's home. You won't nap if he's not around. So your naps now are from about 2:30 - 4:00.

This was your 2nd Halloween. Last year you were a dragon, but you didn't understand what was going on. This year you totally got it.

We put the suit on and you weren't happy about that. But we went to Soren and Lindsey's first and by the 3rd house you were right up there saying "Tank Too" and falling off their top step because you couldn't turn your suit around quick enough. You, just like your brother when he was 3, were the talk of the neighborhood.

Today Bubba had his 5th birthday party and I can't believe that next month you will be having yours because you are TWO! You loved watching all the kids and playing around. Wendy brought you a present too along with Maysens. A pack of 3 trucks, which Maysen HAD to have, so he gave you some of his others, which you were just as happy with. However, I learned today that you wrote all over the playroom's walls earlier with marker. Dad had to replaint part of that wall. Way to go, slick.

You are really starting to open up with words. You say: (the new ones) Oh man, up, down, yuice (= drink), Scooby Doo Be Doo, *shoulder shrug*, Bubba this and Bubba that, Dots, Daiey. Cute things you do now is squint your eyes up in a smile and say "NOooooooo" (like, "no, silly .. "), shrug your shoulders if you say something like "Where's Dots?". Also, you want to pee so bad on the toilet. But, everything is "poop". So you will grab your diaper and say "poop" and that means you want to sit on the toilet. You wish so bad you'll pee, but not yet! So we just keep trying ....

I think that's it for now! I love you, Roooby-Doo.

21 months

Baby Roo,

Life has gotten crazy lately so I am sorry there is no new pictures of you up lately except this one of you standing with Bubba on his first day of school. You love him so much and want to do everything he is doing right now.

You are growing so fast it's amazing. Your words have sprouted like weeds! You mimic just about anything we say such as, "All Done, Daddy, Bath, Bubbles, Dog, Cat (Meow), Bubba, Num-Num, Ossssh (outside), Show, Shoes, Juice, Momma (you pat your cheek), bye-bye, TOP (stop), OUCH, Nannas (banana), Owie (for everything you want attention to), Ball" and others but those are the main ones.

You went swimming while we took a family trip to Eagle Crest and you love it. We put the arm floaties on and you went around like you owned the place.

You love chocolate milk and bananas are a new favorite, but to be honest you'll eat just about anything. Naps are becoming shorter. You get up around 8:00am but won't nap until 1:00pm. Now that Bubba goes to school from 11: 30 - 2:15 you don't get much of a nap. NOOO! I'm not ready for no naps. We both need them.

You are Mr Attitude lately. When you don't want to come in you'll squeel at the top of your lungs, grab my shirt or try to pinch my cheek. That doesn't go very far because you get in trouble, but you try! You'll fall to the ground like you can't walk if we're coming inside and you dont want to. You also try and escape out the front screen door.

We are moving out of this house ... the house you were brought home from the hospital (twice) in. I'm sad that we are leaving those memories behind but I know that this is for the better of our lives. We are getting a bigger house and have hopes of building a house where you and Bubba can play and have more room to grow.

I love you, Little Roo.

19months

My mister Fin,

This last week Daddy and Maysen went hiking with Papa, Josh, and Jonas. You and I stayed home together and had a great time! The second the boys were out of the house, you clung to me like "Who's going to run and chase me now!?" You also soon realized that you didn't have to compete with your brother to speak so you started talking on your own! You spit out "uh oh, oopsie, woops, ouchie, wet, down, up, and more (while signing it)".

You had your 18mo check and all was well there. Nothing to add but you're doing great! Your stats were:
height: 32" (45%)
weight: 25.5lb (50%)

You continue to be Mr Independent. If you want to eat and I try to feed you, you won't eat. YOU have to be holding the spoon, thank you very much. And if something goes down you don't like, you throw a tantrum. They range from throwing yourself on the ground, to trying to hit us or Maysen, to running full speed into my leg or the couch for effect. Its rather comical.

You are very sensitive and become rather shy quickly. If you get put on the spot, you will put your finger in your mouth and tuck your head.

You love to be outside and will take any opportunity to sneak outside. Almost Hudini.

We stopped giving you the bottle at bed/nap. You seem to do OK with it but haven't been doing naps for Amanda when she is babysitting. You are offered a sippy cup at night but really don't use it (I'd rather you not ..) so that habit is broken! What a big boy ...

More to come, my growing boy ...

almost 18 months

Droob,

My my how fast you are growing! I can’t believe you’re in 24mo clothing and barely 18mo old. I can still remember your brother wearing most of the clothes you’re in. We should be taking your bottle away, but it works so wonderfully in putting you to bed. I am dreading that missing from our nightly routine, just because it runs so smoothly. But, this month we will do that. Your hair is still red, but getting lighter and your curls are continuing! I’m not sure when we’ll cut it but I’m enjoying them…

You are sure smart! When you and Maysen play chase you have started to anticipate his movements. This surprises even him sometimes! You still can’t make it up onto the couch by yourself so you now go get Bubba’s stool, carry it to the couch and hoist yourself up. At bedtime I will hand you your bottle and wave “bye bye” at me and walk to your crib for ni-night.

Our first camping trip with your cousins was last month. We went to South Beach. The wind blew like you wouldn't believe and you got cold quickly. Otherwise we had a great time! You loved the sand ...

Your words you’re saying the most these days are “bubba, stop, hot, cat, hi-yee,” you’ll wave bye-bye. We have gotten used to your grunts and groans that we know what you want and have made it unnecessary for you to talk, almost. You have us wrapped around your finger!! Monkey See, Monkey Do is the newest game. You’ll imitate anyone doing anything that looks fun.

When we try and feed you, you’ll have nothing to do with it. You want to feed yourself, thank you very much!! Favorites include beans, peaches/pears, chocolate milk, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Cheeto Natural, popcorn, Fig Newtons, peas. You hate bananas - I think it's the texture.

You love the hose and spraying it but you hate to be sprayed. Sleeping through the night is happening slower than it did with Maysen. You sleep from 8:30pm until about 7:00am. If you get a bit more bottlel then you’ll sleep until 9:00am. You get one nap, still (thankful you take one!) from about noon – 2:00pm.

Your big toenails fell off a few weeks back. You must have smashed them in the door or something because one day I noticed they were lifting up! You didn't seem to mind at all, so I just trimmed them way back and eventually they fell off. Weirdest thing. You're so "cool" though, nothing ever seems to get you riled up. I love you so much ...

AUNGH!

Grandma and Grandpa were here this last week. You had fun with grandma reading Green Eggs and Ham. She would hold your fingers and go "buzzzzbuzzzbuzz" on the mouse on each page. You loved it!

It took you awhile to warm up to Grandma and Grandpa but once you did, that was it. You wanted to be with them all the time. I hope we get to see them again soon!

You're quite the singer these days. You're approaching 17 months old and already my little singer! Anytime a song comes on in the car, radio, or even your singing books you'll start singing and you get your eye brows bushed up all serious like you are on Idol!

This is what you need to be wearing away from your brother these days - suit of armor!! He's a little rough on you but something tells me you'll be getting him back one of these days.

Mr Attitude is back - you will walk around and "Aungh!" your way through whatever you want. Somehow it's just annoying enough to give in to what you want so we don't have to hear it anymore! However, I'd rather brave through it long enough so that you will learn your words! You actually did start saying "Momma" more than just when you were angry crying.

Mr Scoot - You will throw yourself down about 5 feet away from any door and scoot-scoot-scoot your happy fast way to the door to try and get out before you come and haul him back in.

Indian Giver - You cart things around with you and you'll blow up to the first person you see, hand it to them and walk about 3 steps back. Then you'll turn around and demand it back ... you guessed it, by the AUNGH!

Playing chase is a new-found love in this house. You will chase your brother around while he screams. You love it when he screams (Goody....).

You still get a bottle. That's going to be my hardest thing to break with you. I put you to bed with it and I hear nothing but peace. I will miss the peace once I take it away. Darn.

Almost 16 months, past Easter

Happy Easter, Roo.

You found eggs and put them in your basket. You even ate chocolate for breakfast! It was a fun day and you liked the ball and tractor in your Easter Basket. (not to mention candy)

What a little attitude you have these days. You’ll come and yell because something’s not going your way. If you’re mad because I picked you up, you’ll scratch my chest then look at me. Your brother pulled my hair when he didn’t like getting picked up. You have thrown a couple of tantrums by throwing yourself on the ground. If you want to hold something yourself vs someone giving it to you or doing it for you, you’ll turn away and run off like you’re too good, usually including a grunt or a holler. Grandma Sherrill gave you a good tantrum the other day and you watched her like “what a crazy lady”.

You can say: Ball, basketball, hot, cat, dada, bubba, dog, bite, hi. Singing is something you like to do and will go “La La La La” and bob your head around while dancing when you hear music. You’ll give kisses (open mouth), blow kisses, wave bye-bye. You still get a bottle when we put you to bed and you have 2 bottom teeth coming in. The one on the right bottom is swollen, bruised, and raised up waiting to come in. It’s no fun, that’s for sure!


You love being outside. You’ll try and sneak your way out if there’s an open door. You’ll sit down real fast and scoot to the door but you sit down about 5 feet away from the door! Right now the weather is warming up and you squeal when the water is going and love to run your little feet through it.


Off you go following your big brother around ….