Buh-Bye

11 Months

One year is sneaking up quick, but thankfully still 29 days away. This time last year I was sweating out the last few weeks of just the 4 of us. I was eagerly awaiting a bundle of pink and had a closet full of pinks, purples, laces, frills, and bloomers washed and hung. Beautiful bedding was ordered and grand schemes danced in my head of what the girly corner of the kids room would unfold to be. Yes, God was chuckling at me. Though I was not given the baby girl I had dreamed about, I  WAS blessed with another wonderful little man to cherish. 

Daniel is busy these days.

I am...

Pulling up on furniture and cruising around without letting go.

Eating table food and baby food

Feeding myself... and the dog... and the floor

Putting EVERYTHING in my mouth

Drooling gallons upon gallons

Sporting 2 front bottom teeth

Drinking whole milk from a bottle but still nursing.

Spastic about bath time. Especially if I bathe with my brothers. I soak them relentlessly. 

My hair is curly on the ends, just like Daddy.

Love to lay on Dakota and swat the cat. They tolerate me.

Not much for snuggling. I'd rather be exploring the kitchen cabinets.

Pretty good escape artist... NOT FUN for mommy.

Can wave and say "bye-bye"

Learning sign language for "all done" and "more"

FINALLY sleeping through the night.

I am 11 months old.

8 Months and Spring Cuts

     Some days I swear the minute hand on my wall clock drags along in earnest time with the drudgery of scrubbing pots, wiping noses, kissing tears away( this of course is not so bad), and scrubbing crusty dried stains out of our Sunday best. However one glance at the calendar and I wonder what worm hole has sucked up my sweet baby and left me with rolls of chubby laughter and over-eager hands. 

***************************************

8 months and counting...

I can ALMOST crawl, but refuse to try.

I love green beans, even though my brothers never have.

I've discovered yelling gets what I want quicker.

I'm attached to mommy and mommy is okay with that.

I love tickles under my chin.

I'm fascinated by the cat. Mommy hopes to use the unsuspecting cat as crawling motivation!!!

 I still enjoy 2 naps a day.

No teeth yet.

Everything goes straight in my mouth for quality testing.

******************************************

Big brothers received their warm weather hair cuts recently, but I'm wondering if I lopped off their hair too soon. The cooler nights have returned, but there is loads of sunshine during the day to keep there heads warm and their browning hands busy.

Busy digging up worms and moving weeds. Busy kicking the soccer ball around and chasing after furry friends with wagging tongues. Busy digging in the cool sand scattered across my porch instead of in the sand box. Busy jumping on the trampoline and showing off new boo-boos. Busy being boys.

7 months

I am 7 months old

I can roll this way and that

I can reach for toys but refuse to crawl

I can laugh deep from my belly

I light up when my brothers are around

I love to eat whatever mushy surprise is set before me

I give open mouth kisses 

I love mommy's hair- OUCH!

I'm very attached to my blanket

My eyes are staying blue and my hair is downy soft and dirty blonde

I am sweet-tempered and not easily frustrated

I only cry when hungry or tired

I LOVE taking a bath with my big brothers

And splashing splashing splashing all the water out of the tub

I love to snuggle

I am mesmerized by the great outdoors

I put everything in my mouth

I am 7 months old

4 Months...

     Daniel Asher is 4 months old...ALREADY? Where has the time gone. Oh yeah I remember. I've been chasing a preschooler and a toddler. Learning the art of potty training, changing diapers and swiping gooey noses... oh and chiseling dried oatmeal off the kitchen table and the floor and the highchair and the chair-the-highchair-sits-in and the bowl that never made it to the sink. Next time I need a concrete slab poured, I'll just stop by SAM'S and pick up a box of instant oatmeal! So while life scurries onward and I slowly regain a few more minutes of sleep each night, my newest addition has begun to explore the world around him.

 IGNORE my face, focus on the baby smile!!!

 At 4 Months:
1. Mommy and Daddy can't decide what to call me still: Daniel, Asher, Baby Asher, the baby, him, yes that one, Baby Daniel... it will be official when mommy busts out the Modge Podge and decorates wooden letters to go on the wall.
2. I can roll from tummy to back.
3. I prefer to sleep on my tummy(no lectures) and don't mind playing on my tummy as long as I haven't just eaten.
4. I have chubby cheeks and one irresistible dimple on my left cheek. I have really chubby legs. SO.CUTE.
5. I smile anytime some talks to me.
6. I laugh and gurgle and cooh.
7. I reach for toys and make a bee-line to my mouth. My big brother David is already a good teacher in sharing. He makes sure I always have a toy next to my face or on my face if playing close by.
8. I'm already attached to a blankie and love to grab it or have it snuggled next to my cheek in the car seat.
9. I'm also my mom's best bud. Since I'm still a nursing baby I go where mommy goes.  I've been an excellent Christmas shopper. The sweet 'ol ladies go ga-ga over my smiles and the old men are quick to hold the door for my mommy!

Love. Cherish. Smother in kisses. Nurture. Scrub. Pamper. Nourish. Cherish. Love.

And baby BOY makes 5

   Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
   before you were born I set you apart; 

Jer 1:5

   For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD 

Jer 29:11

Welcome Daniel Asher Metcalfe born on August 23, 2011 at 2:10 am weighing in at 7lbs, 13 oz and a whopping 19.5 inches long.

Growing Pains

David is 18 months. He is still my baby, but making great strides in growing up. Today marked the beginning of a new era.

BIG BOY BED

I regretfully move my cuddly boy into his first big boy bed. With the approach of baby sisters' birth it's time to say goodbye to the crib. For now I'll stick with nap time. David is an early riser and I, nor Tim, am ready for our day to start at sunrise!! At the least the crib allows us a little more shut eye in the morning. David was quite excited for the change in routine and only got up once. When I went to put Samuel down for his rest time, I had to snap another picture of my wee babe all snuggled up with his quilt, blanket, and pacifier.

A babe of many words

My affectionate David is nearing 17 months. I'm not tedious enough to record milestones of my small children and I see them conquering many things these days.  Just on a whim I started jotting down words that David could say. I was pleasantly surprised.... Here are a few words along with their translations!!!

pwease- please      
tank u- thank you
cook- book           
hot
twaktur- tractor    
backhoe
doggy                     
kee-kee- kitty kitty
bite                         
dow- down
i cha- high chair     
ball
momma                  
go out
bye-bye                 
cwakuh-  cracker
0rsey- horse
choo choo
piper- diaper
aight- light

Samuel was such a LATE talker, (at least 26 months old) that it amazes me to hear how much David absorbs and then spouts it right back out. Not that we lack from Samuel now. He is my quiet absorber who stuns me with phrases like "oh my goodness" and "of course mommy."