Cookie Making...

We made some delicious cookies last Friday afternoon.  Steven has been working crazy hours...leaving the house at 5:30am, not getting home til 9:30pm...it has not been fun.  So we decided to have a tasty little surprise for him to enjoy over the weekend.  James really enjoyed stirring the batter, patting the cookies down on the cookie sheet, shaking on the sprinkles, and of course...licking the frosting!  I was really surprised at how well he was able to help.  I think I'll have a permanent little helper in the kitchen from now on!  yay! 

They were yummy!

James: 19 months

James is just over 19 months now, and the time has flown by!  He is doing so many fun things lately, it feels like something new every day!  This blog has turned into my scrapbook, I print it off every year into an awesome book....so I want to make sure to document all  the things I can remember from this exciting stage.

Weight: 30.5 lbs
Height: 33.5 inches
Size: 2T-3T in shirts, 24mos or 2T in shorts
Shoes: Size 7
Diapers: Size 4

Actual words:
NO!  ya & yes, Da-Da, Mama, yo (yogurt), toast, peas, eggs, cheese, milk, meow (for cat), ruff-ruff (dog), moo, baa, shoes, door, ouch, juice, flag, book, throw, ball.  He has many more that I understand, but they're not really clear if you don't know his little language. 

His Favorite Activities:
opening and closing doors, books, blocks, swimming, bath time, showers, climbing on the dining room chairs, turning on lights...especially when he can climb and reach them himself, music in the car, movies (Cars, Finding Nemo, Veggie Tales), wrestling with his dad, building towers and knocking them down, playing outside, mopping the floors, eating, playing in the waves and sand at the beach, putting on his Crocs by himself, getting out his own cup, slip-n-slide, smiling for the camera and saying "cheese," riding in the stroller, walking up and down the stairs by himself, drinking from a real cup, using straws, eating all his food with utensils, throwing things in the trash for mommy, chasing, watching the helicopters fly over our house...he runs to the window and shouts with amazement every time, throwing anything and everything with a grunt of "throw" during the act,
He is so much fun! 

Struggles: 

• Double naps are becoming a thing of the past.  He used to sleep from 7:30pm to 7:00am and take two 2 hour naps per day.  He still takes a morning nap, but these past few weeks we've been struggling to get him down for his afternoon nap, which then turns into a major meltdown by 6:30pm.  ugh.  We'll figure it out eventually!
• Saying "no" to everything. 
• Frustration with communication.  James understands everything, but still can't tell us what he needs.  Very frustrating for him and us both! 
• Whining or putting on a show when he wants something.
• Staying in Time Out when we put him there.  not his favorite....
• Obeying the first time we ask.  We're having to use the 1..2..3...more than we'd like which he often responds to. If he still ignores us, it's time out or a quick swat on the tush which usually does the trick.

He is such a sweet boy, loves to give us hugs and kisses.  He still uses his binkey and squishy pillow but only in bed.  He is non-stop action all day unless the TV is on, then he's a zombie...we don't keep it on very much!  The hair is actually starting to grow and it's even getting a little scraggly around his ears :)  We can't wait to see what the next stage holds!  Love you, sweet big boy James! 

Watching out the window for Daddy to come home...it's a very exciting part of our day!

 He got into the pantry (he can open and close the door himself, yikes), cleared out the bottom shelf, and proceeded to build a tower.  I love this little progression of pictures and his pouty face when they all fall down!  Lacy was right there supervising and making sure no crackers were left behind! 

Visit from Grandma Sue

My mom flew down last week for a fun, four day visit.  We had a great time and James was spoiled rotten!  We kept the agenda full by going to the beach, the pool, some fun restaurants, a Savannah Trolley Tour, a visit to Forsyth Park downtown, good cooking, lots of play time, reading books, shopping and loving on sweet James.  Thanks, Mom, for spending your week with us, we sure had fun! 

 Fun in the sun at Hilton Head Island

 Informative, fun and hot trolley tour. 

 James showing grandma how his tape measure clips into his pocket.  He is so tall!  :)

 At Forsyth Park, downtown Savannah. 

 The beautiful fountain in the park

He misses them...

James had a blast with his two little girlfriends this week.  Claire and Ava play hard, non-stop, and James was loving every minute!  He played tea party, dress up, blocks, dance party, ran races, took rides in the dump truck, got his hair done...you name it, he was just happy to have some friends!  It really was awesome.  He smiled and giggled more with these girls than I've ever seen him before.  He misses them! 

 Claire blow-drying and putting barrettes in James hair. 

 James going for a ride in his truck.  Every time I see the picture below I crack up!  Claire was trying to get him out and this seemed like the best place to pull.  Hahaa!  Don't worry, grandmas and grandpas, we didn't let it go too far! 

Below, the girls were cracking James up at the dinner table with their funny faces.  He was laughing so hard...I wish I would've had video, it was hilarious! 

July 20th!

Happy Birthday, Dad! 

We are sorry we can't be with you today in Washington to celebrate, but we're sending love and hugs your way!  We hope your day is full of visitors and "Happy Birthday" songs!

Love you much, 
Steven, Jenae and Steven James

Beach Babes

We spent our first full day together at Hilton Head Island.  We all packed into Holly's SUV, three car seats, four adults, 105 degree heat, lunch, towels, and toys and headed to the beach.  We stopped first at a condo complex where Lisa's parents have a rental property, parked, and ate lunch at the pool.  We cooled off there for a bit before taking the very short walk down to the beach.  We found a beautiful spot on the beach and had a blast.  The kids played and played, buried holly in the sand, jumped in the waves, built sand castles...or sand holes :)  and soaked up some sun.

Afterward, we cleaned up a bit and headed to Lisa's parent's house.  They have a beautiful home in Hilton Head and were gracious enough to host us all for dinner!  I'm sure it was a little rowdier than they're used to with three kiddos running around, but it was good practice!  They're going to be grandparents in just a few months, yippie!  Thank you so much Sandra and Al for such a delicious meal and fun evening.  Hope we get to see you often!

 Al grilling up some amazing chicken!

 Claire looking for the alligators in the back yard.