Pastiche

The Rest of the Trip.

2011-12-31T21:32:00.002-06:00

We got a chance to play with Nana (and Papa)...

...see some good friends...

...work on our general cuteness...

and see some lovely Christmas lights.

Thanks for hosting us, PC! :)

Hueston and Dada.

2011-12-31T21:21:00.001-06:00

Looks like H might just be inheriting his mama's cheesy smile.

The Beach!

2011-12-31T20:37:00.001-06:00

Lovely afternoon with the family at the county pier.

I have no idea why, but this is one of H's favorite things to do.

Pretty sure H was saying "Go ocean!" and not paying any attention to the camera.

The process of getting down from the pier to the beach was lots of fun.

Sand!

Toes!

Cold!

There was lots of running - Part 1. Part 2.

E & H had a great time.

I still have no idea what H meant here.

ThanksMas 2011.

2011-12-30T20:52:00.001-06:00

We had a lovely trip to visit family at the beginning of December.

The adventure began in the airport.

H enjoys a little light reading in his very own window seat.

Introducing Papa to the epic tale of George and the chocolates.

Baby V is really excited about his jumper.

H has a newfound love of cars. Thanks for sharing, E!

Uncle Matt constructed a super cool racing ramp.

E helped us all understand the finer points of yard baseball.

It was an action-packed afternoon.

Everyone took their turn on the guitar.

On Sunday, we took the boys to Bethlehem Morning at St. Andrew.

E & H made stars in the carpenter shop, but they were a little less sure

about dressing up. This is H's attempt at a shepherd's costume,

minus the staff.

We found a great room where the boys could play.

The barnyard was pretty exciting...

...especially since it was inside the playground.

H also accompanied himself on the dustpan before breakfast.

Later that afternoon, we went to the beach - but that's

a subject for another post. Enjoy the videos!

Two-Point-Five.

2011-12-24T22:07:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning.

Most every day.

STATS:

BIRTH - 7 pounds, 5 ounces - 20 inches

2 DAYS - 6 pounds, 11 ounces

1 WEEK - 6 pounds, 9 ounces

2 WEEKS - 7 pounds, 3 ounces

2 MONTHS - 11 pounds, 4 ounces - 22.25 inches

4 MONTHS - 17 pounds, 10.5 ounces - 27 inches (over-measure)

6 MONTHS - 20 pounds, 10.5 ounces - 27.5 inches

9 MONTHS - 22 pounds, 12.5 ounces - 29 inches

ONE YEAR (plus a week) - 23 pounds, 7 ounces - 32 inches

15 MONTHS + 6 days - 24 pounds, 4 ounces - 32.5 inches

18 MONTHS - 25.6 lbs, 33 inches

TWO YEARS - 27.4 pounds, 34.5 inches

28 MONTHS - 28 pounds, 34.625 inches (unofficial)

30 MONTHS - 29.5 pounds, 35.25 inches (unofficial)

TEN YEARS.

2011-12-22T21:31:00.000-06:00

We Are Thankful for Video.

2011-11-23T21:11:00.001-06:00

Hueston singing the ABC song and accompanying himself on the piano.
And applauding himself. :)

Boys and their guitars.

The biggest slide so far - part one (updated 11/25) and part two.

Hueston reading his favorite book.

During our Fall Festival early preview, Hueston showed his brute strength.

Starts as the ABC song and progresses. :)

New Tradition.

2011-10-28T17:15:00.000-05:00

Hueston and David have started taking walks together frequently.
One day, David took along his trusty video camera.
This was the result.
Oh, and the reason you hear music and not Hueston's voice is that the mic was unplugged - hence, no audio. Technology...

2.3333333333333333333...

2011-10-26T22:31:00.001-05:00

I'm two and one-third this week!

I am 34.625 inches tall and I weigh 28 pounds.
My current favorite book is "A Penguin Story" by Antoinette Portis.
I love grapes, red bell peppers, ba-na-nas, guacamole, cheese, tortillas and honey, lemonade, apples, ice cream, yogurt, crackers, blueberries, milk, pickles, beans, carrots, and noodles.
I also love guitars, drums, tambourines, pianos, straws, walks with Dada, slides, music (especially Third Day songs), storytime, Pajanimals, mirrors and other shiny surfaces, the trash truck, reading books, and talking.

I love grapes, red bell peppers, ba-na-nas, guacamole, cheese, tortillas and honey, lemonade, apples, ice cream, yogurt, crackers, blueberries, milk, pickles, beans, carrots, and noodles.
I also love guitars, drums, tambourines, pianos, straws, walks with Dada, slides, music (especially Third Day songs), storytime, Pajanimals, mirrors and other shiny surfaces, the trash truck, reading books, and talking.
I celebrated my 2.333 birthday by climbing the ladder to the slide in my backyard all by myself. Today I went down a slide at the park that was higher than my house, and then I climbed the ladder to the slide at Grandma and PaPa's house all by myself!

Two videos.

2011-10-10T23:44:00.000-05:00

A walk with Dada, and a new kind of hat.

Catching Up a Bit.

2011-10-10T22:34:00.000-05:00

Our ever-expanding straw collection of drums and cymbals.

Inspecting the sprinkler.

Who knew a mechanic's tool set was so cool?

"Sleepy!"

Two apples up on top.

Smiley boy.

The highlight of a trip to the grocery store.

Funny face.

Dada's shoes.

Best pajamas ever.

"H - Hueston! Let's sing a song about you!"

This noodle is pretty hilarious.

I love blueberries.

Could I BE any cuter?


Up to no good.

Random Things.

2011-10-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

I bought a box of the new Newtons Fruit Thins (Cranberry Citrus Orange) the other day - I had two coupons, which made them semi-affordable, and I was really hoping I wouldn't like them. Oh, well. :) Hueston seems to like them, too.

This is the second day in a row in which Hueston has decided not to nap. *sigh* I do hope this is not a trend.

We went to Chick-Fil-A before the lunch rush and gave Hueston a chance to try out the playground on his own. I think he liked it. Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C.

Wednesday storytime at our local library includes poems, storybooks, a puppet show, and the highlight - an instrument parade. Hope you enjoy it as much as he does! Video 1, Video 2

Family resemblance? :)

Phantom Island Pep Rally.

2011-09-30T18:38:00.004-05:00

The books pre-release this weekend! Krissi is hosting a pep rally at www.krissidallas.com - interviews and other fun things will be appearing on lots of blogs. Krissi also shares the fascinating story about the transition from one self-published novel (Phantom Island: Wind) to two commercial books.
You can also order your own copies of WINDCHASER and WINDFALL at the online White Island Shoppe. The books won't be sold nationally until December.

Hue Rocks.

2011-09-30T18:36:00.003-05:00

Click here for another musical presentation. :)

Untitled.

2011-09-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

THINGS I CAN DO WITH THE HOUSE TO MYSELF:

Leave the dishwasher open and both racks pulled out so thedishes can finish air-drying
Decide to take a shower and actually start doing it, withinthe space of half a minute
Listen to my choral, Ella, and “popera” stations on Pandora
Do laundry in the garage or check the mail without explaining where I’m going
Finish blog posts that have been months in the making

VIGNETTES:

Two words: Superman pajamas.
My Scunci steam cleaner got put away an undetermined lengthof time ago (months? a year or more?) without being emptied or having thepressure released. When I took the cap off to refill it, itstill had some VERY HOT steam left inside. I left it alone for awhile.
Note to self: Make sure you are not going to drink any morebefore sharing your glass with a toddler.
Hueston requested a green (read: spinach) popsicle. Outof the blue. And then thanked me for it.
Juggling cracks Hueston up - at home or at "The Office."
Scotch Brite pads are incredible.
It's getting hard to keep up with the new things Hueston says and does. Combining words (not just repeating them) and using plurals and possessives correctly are some of the more impressive ones lately.
Apparently, I have a really good voice for a lion puppet from IKEA.
Saying "night-night" to things is an incredibly effective way to get them put away without a struggle.

Two Years.

2011-09-23T20:16:00.001-05:00

Or, Shamefully Overdue, Part Two.

THEN (June 24, 2009)

NOW (June 25, 2011)

THEN

NOW

THEN & NOW

NOW!

STATS:

BIRTH - 7 pounds, 5 ounces - 20 inches

2 DAYS - 6 pounds, 11 ounces

1 WEEK - 6 pounds, 9 ounces

2 WEEKS - 7 pounds, 3 ounces

2 MONTHS - 11 pounds, 4 ounces - 22.25 inches

4 MONTHS - 17 pounds, 10.5 ounces - 27 inches (over-measure)

6 MONTHS - 20 pounds, 10.5 ounces - 27.5 inches

9 MONTHS - 22 pounds, 12.5 ounces - 29 inches

ONE YEAR (plus a week) - 23 pounds, 7 ounces - 32 inches

15 MONTHS + 6 days - 24 pounds, 4 ounces - 32.5 inches

18 MONTHS - 25.6 lbs, 33 inches

TWO YEARS - 27.4 pounds, 34.5 inches

This puts him in the 50th percentile for now - it's been all over the map, though, so who knows how tall he will be when he grows up!

Birthday Extravanganza, Part Two.

2011-09-23T19:54:00.000-05:00

Or, Shamefully Overdue, Part One.
In which songs are sung, a candle is blown out, presents are opened, and much noise is made.
Three months later.

-----

Pizza with the fam.

Big birthday balloon!

Cousins.

Cupcake anticipation.

Birthday Song (video)

Cupcake (video)

Presents!

Harmonica.

Alphabet puzzle.

"Zaphone."

"Flute."

Parum pum pum.

Drums!

Infernal Din, part one (video)

Infernal Din, part two (video)

Singin' the Hues.

2011-09-04T18:49:00.002-05:00

Please enjoy this musical number. :)

RAIN.

2011-08-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

Praise the Lord.
That is all.

Birthday Extravaganza, Part One.

2011-07-24T21:28:00.000-05:00

Otherwise known as "Bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy fun fun fun fun fun!

On the Thursday before Hueston's birthday, we went to Going Apes, a bounce-house place near our house. I think he liked it. :)

Here is a series of videos.

Vignettes.

2011-07-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

Hueston now has his own YouTube playlist. It includes several songs by Third Day ("Gone," "Your Love Oh Lord," "God of Wonders," "Creed," and "Children of God") as well as Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace."
He can also sing each of these songs in some form.
When I'm not typing this post, I'm playing a spoon like a guitar. On command.
We are trying several new popsicle flavors, thanks to Nana's present of a popsicle mold a while back. So far: cinnamon/yogurt/applesauce, straight applesauce, strawberry/banana/blueberry/yogurt, strawberry/peach/yogurt, and (in the freezer now) banana/peanut butter/cinnamon. Yum!

Shoes.

2011-07-08T22:13:00.001-05:00

And THIS is the reason we will be taking the squeakers out. Thanks for the shoes, Nana! :)
The funniest part is that when he first stood up, he spent a minute or so walking in a circle, staring back over his shoulder, trying to figure out where the noise was coming from.

For Nana and Papa.

2011-07-01T09:17:00.002-05:00

The Red Guitar.

I'm Two Today!

2011-06-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-06-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

Fish Biscuit.

2011-06-12T18:12:00.001-05:00

One Fish.
Two Fish.
Biscuit (or, Two Minutes in the Life)

Picture Pages.

2011-06-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

It's an earring! Can't you see it?

Assorted Moving Pictures.

2011-06-08T00:20:00.000-05:00

Here are some clips from our daily life. Enjoy!

Basket

Close-Up

Cone

Plate

Ball

Chair

Hueston's Sunday Adventures.

2011-05-27T09:24:00.000-05:00

The nursery is a zoo. Exhibits A, B, and C.

Also, a ride on Pa Pa's tractor.

Twenty-Three Months (Slightly Overdue).

2011-05-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

Only one more month until it won't be appropriate to refer to Hueston's age in months. Boo hoo...

-----

Mama's old paintbrushes are getting a workout - but not with paint.

Old magazines, ready to donate to a friend's office waiting room - I keep pulling out the December 2006 issue, for some reason. Perhaps Mama ought to re-read it.

I love to pilfer the utensil drawers and open the dishwasher - and check out my cool new pjs!

Mama wonders if this foreshadows my future hobbies.

I love to say ball, catch, bounce, kick, throw, roll, and pass.

Who can resist this face?

I love to explore. Nowhere is safe.

I climbed into this chair all by myself.

I have discovered that I like Thomas the Tank Engine.

This isn't a pool, it's a hat.

Mama, I'm stuck! Why can't I pick it up? I only weigh 27 pounds!

Check out my amazing legs - evidence that I'm a perpetual motion machine.

Stay tuned for my second birthday - same bat channel!

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-05-25T07:44:00.001-05:00

Five Random Things.

2011-05-22T22:59:00.000-05:00

Hueston has begun to group words together. Friday while we were waiting for David, who was running a little late, he said "Dada... soon!" I replied "Yes, Dada soon!" and he said "Home!" Then, yesterday morning, he brought me "Ten Apples Up On Top" (a current favorite) and said "Apples... Top! Book! Read!"
I found a cache of old papers which had been left here by the woman who owned this house before us. She saved literally EVERY piece of paper associated with EVERY appliance or piece of furniture bought for the house - down to packing slips and all the little brochures and ads that come with instruction booklets. Should I save any of it? The warranties for the few things left behind have expired long ago, and I'm pretty sure I don't need the instruction booklet for how to operate my refrigerator.
I feel better about my status as a hoarder because of the above.
In one month, Hueston will have to move out of the baby nursery at church and into the toddler nursery. I'm not ready.
In the baby nursery this morning, the activity of choice was pushing the changing table around as if it were a cage. The things four toddler boys will do...

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-05-17T15:30:00.001-05:00

A Theme.

2011-05-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birth Day!

2011-05-17T12:58:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world, Van Leon Cowley! We can't wait to meet you, and we're glad that you're happy and healthy and that mom Sara, dad Matt, and big brother Emmett are all doing well, too.

I Am A Jedi.

2011-05-16T20:24:00.000-05:00

Manners.

2011-05-11T11:09:00.001-05:00

I read this article after seeing it posted on Facebook this morning, and I hope that I can instill things like this in Hueston. I'd probably do well to make sure I'm doing all of them myself, to set an example for him!
These are not the only things I hope he learns as he grows up, but they are excellent reminders of the importance of being considerate of other people, which is what manners are mostly about, right?
I'm copying the article here so it'll be easier to read, but here's the link to the place where I found it.

-----

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.

Manner #1 When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2 When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3 Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4 If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5 When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6 The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8 When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9 When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10 Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11 When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12 Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13 Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14 Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15 Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16 Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17 If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19 As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20 If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21 When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22 When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23 Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24 Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25 Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

Voice on Video.

2011-05-10T11:03:00.000-05:00

One. I thought this one might capture him singing the ABC song, but you only get a few bars and then he moves on.
Two! The focus is not great, but you can hear him talking, which is mostly the point.
Three. He has really been getting better at pronounciation, but on the newer words it's fun to hear him experiment with different sounds.
Four. He learns something new every day, at the very least.

Today.

2011-05-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hueston is taking a nap on the guest bed, surrounded by pillows. This happy development began when we were on our extended tour of Anderson's house in North Carolina last weekend.
I am cleaning my circa-1992 4-cup basket-filter Mr Coffee, bought for me when I was going to college by my grandmother Nanny. It will be going in the garage sale this weekend, so now it's getting a nice bath with white vinegar and water. I'm feeling a little nostalgic about it - it's made many a cup of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate since those first days in Gramley dorm!
While hanging up laundry, I came across some of the hangers from my 30th birthday party, for which Krissi instructed my friends to bring me 30 of something. Thanks, Jana! These were a great choice.
Facebook is a giant black hole with a huge gravitational pull.
David brought me dinner from Olive Garden last night - Pork Milanese! H and I will be eating the leftovers for lunch today. Yum!
H has now woken from his nap and is ensconced in his booster seat, happily eating peas and carrots.
It's lunchtime!

Fifteen Random Things.

2011-05-07T08:44:00.000-05:00

Today, caffeine is my friend. We're not usually that close - pretty independent - but today is different.
Sickness can cause disruptions in sleeping patterns. --> Toddler sickness is a beast. --> #1.
According to "What to Expect: The Toddler Years," Hueston is potentially learning a new word EVERY TWO WAKING HOURS.
His newest words are kangaroo and hangers.
H just picked up his juice and milk sippy cups, held them to his chest, and said "Hug."
He is also learning various sound effects. I suppose I should get used to this.
The list of whole numbers is as follows: wah, two, fwee, four, eight, ten!
Is it possible to overuse the phrase "This is not a proportionate response" with a toddler? :)
I love H's cloth diapers - BumGenius 3.0, Flip, and Econobum.
Line-drying is curiously satisfying. I got to use an actual clothesline when we were in NC, and the process of carrying the basket out with a bag of clothespins was nice.
Editing a book (or following the editing process) is interesting work, but it's far less painful when it's someone else's book.
When wet, cheap white paper napkins smell like petroleum or something equally nasty, and they leave the smell behind on your fingers. Ew.
Bounty paper towels really are better than the store brand. *sigh*
H has learned to climb. Nothing is safe.

My Mother's Day Present.

2011-05-04T11:20:00.001-05:00

David planned the project, picked out everything, and did all the work himself.
I didn't know a thing about it until I came home last night. :)

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-04-27T13:42:00.000-05:00

Easter.

2011-04-24T21:52:00.000-05:00

So after celebrating the REAL Easter at church, we proceeded to the "egg"-hunting part of the day at Grandma and Pawpaw's house (Pa Pa? I'm not sure how to spell it to distinguish it from Papa[razzi]).

Anyhoo...

GH&G, ready to hunt!

And here's a video...

And another video... Sorry this one's sideways, but it was cute!

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-04-20T06:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Papa!

2011-04-12T18:40:00.000-05:00

ZOO.

2011-04-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to the zoo on Thursday. It'll be even more fun once Hueston gets older, but at least there weren't crowds like the ones that prevented us going when Nana and Papa were visiting!

Watching the monkeys.

There was a big swan in the water just beyond this fence.

Hueston shows off his elephant trunk.

Checking out the baby elephant statue.

Taking a lunch break.

Zebras!

Hueston was mostly more interested in shapes on the ground, trees, fallen leaves, and trash cans than animals... but he still had a good time!

Up close and personal with the penguins.

There were otters playing in this area - you just can't see them in this photo.

There was an informational display about alligators with buttons to push and lights and sound effects.

We think Hueston was actually looking at the tree rather than the bear.

Enjoying the train ride back to the zoo entrance.

Look, Mom, a camera!

Conked out in the car on the way home.

All in all, a good day.

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-03-30T22:06:00.000-05:00

Nana & Papa's Visit.

2011-03-25T21:43:00.000-05:00

In no particular order...

Going into the Botanical Gardens (in lieu of the zoo, which was crazy crowded due to spring break)

We spent most of the time following Hueston's lead.

Playing in the backyard.

Hueston loves cameras. I love the picture-in-picture thing we've got going on here.

Hueston did NOT want to pose - he wanted to RUN.

Walking up steps with Papa

Getting wet with Nana

Tuckered out on the way home from the Botanical Gardens

Waving to the friendly men who took away our lawn bags

Helping Papa play his trumpet

And here's a trumpet video.

Riding in the car with Mama as chauffeur

Reading books with Nana

David pacing, going over his sermon while the rest of us play in the backyard

Papa's insulin pump is FASCINATING.

Learning to brush hair

Watching Papa work on the computer

Morning playtime with Nana

Enjoying spaghetti

Coloring - this was a collaborative effort

We also ate fried chicken at Babe's, built block towers, took walks, played Scrabble, read books, practiced letters, sang songs, and generally had a good time.

It was a really fun visit - and we hope Nana and Papa will come back soon!

One-and-Three-Quarters.

2011-03-24T20:54:00.029-05:00

Otherwise known as twenty-one months.

New skills:

identifying letters of the alphabet - we're up to 18 so far!

talking - we can understand about 80 words!

I was planning a long, witty post, but this will have to do.

We're just too busy learning and having fun!

Monkey See, Monkey Do.

2011-03-22T17:07:00.000-05:00

I think he may have seen us do this a time or two.
Click here for the video.

Please Brush My Teeth.

2011-03-21T12:32:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-03-16T22:28:00.003-05:00

Nana and Papa Are Here!

2011-03-12T12:45:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-03-09T12:09:00.000-06:00

2011-03-03T13:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Uncle Matt!

2011-03-03T07:38:00.000-06:00

Slide.

2011-03-02T22:24:00.000-06:00

And a video!

Post-slide snuggles.

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-03-02T08:53:00.000-06:00

Video.

2011-02-26T09:17:00.001-06:00

Here are two videos for your viewing enjoyment.

The first is Hueston vs. Dyson, filmed a while back by me with my camera. It's a little long, and unedited.

The second is by David, filmed and edited, and fancy. :) It's called Backyard Boy. It was filmed on Hueston's 20-month birthday!

And, yes, Mom, both have sound. :)

(Mostly-) Wordless Wednesday.

2011-02-23T07:37:00.000-06:00

Finally painted!

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-02-16T11:44:00.000-06:00

Ice & Snow.

2011-02-10T10:01:00.000-06:00

We had a few days of crazy winter weather (for Texas) last week and this week.

Schools were closed for four days in a row, and then again yesterday!

It wasn't so bad for us - David was able to do some work from home,

and Hueston and I just had normal inside days.

Here's a look at what we "endured" at our house.

Video Test.

2011-02-09T13:07:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-02-09T11:17:00.000-06:00

For this they close the schools.

2011-02-01T09:58:00.000-06:00

Catching Up... Nineteen Months!

2011-01-25T21:07:00.000-06:00

So I didn't manage an eighteen-month post...

Here we are at nineteen months!

Eighteen-month stats:

25.6 lbs, 33 inches

This was the first time he was weighed and his height measured standing up!

FAVORITES:

Books - Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy; The Cat in the Hat; Silly Suzy Goose; Go, Dog, Go!; Are You My Mother?; Curious George Visits the Library and Curious George in the Big City; My Many-Colored Days; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; The Big Hungry Bear

Foods - milk, water, Goldfish crackers, whole apples, bananas, pb&j, quesadillas, grapes, stir-fried zucchini (with kung pao or Szechuan sauce), peas & carrots, tricolor or whole wheat noodles with parmesan, extra-sharp cheddar, chicken nuggets; whatever's in your cup or on your plate

Words - no, hat, hot, dump, oh, shoes, this/that, hi-yah!

Animal sounds/signs - fish, cow, seal, elephant, dog, penguin, goose, lion, Eeyore

Activities - running; hugging; opening drawers, cabinets, and the dishwasher; holding phones in perfect texting position; finding and pushing buttons; putting things on his head and saying "hat"; putting things up to his ear and saying "hi"; stacking Legos; knocking over towers; drinking bathwater and splashing; listening to music; playing the piano; pulling things off the table/counters; growing too fast

I'm quite sure I'm leaving some things out, but we'll keep you posted!

2011-01-22T20:49:00.000-06:00

Basket Ball, Hueston Style

This is what happens when a toddler plays with pots and pans.

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-01-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

I am a Jedi, like my father before me.

2011-01-18T21:07:00.000-06:00

Crib.

2011-01-17T14:55:00.001-06:00

This is what happens when your daddy is an aspiring filmmaker. :)

[ETA: Sorry, I should have been more clear. The word "This" above is the link to the video on YouTube.]

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-01-12T09:48:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday.

2011-01-05T08:54:00.000-06:00

2011-01-01T17:29:00.000-06:00

ONE YEAR AGO:

TODAY:

Backyard.

2011-01-01T17:10:00.001-06:00

We had a fun time playing in the backyard on New Year's Eve.

Here's a video!

The modern businessman, hard at work.

2010-12-29T09:22:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

2010-12-25T07:44:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Video.

2010-12-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

A simple walk in the yard...

...turns into so much more!

Playing chase with Mama and Dada.

Running and flying...

There's a dog at the end of this one...

Playing with Harris.

Thanksgiving.

2010-12-22T22:10:00.000-06:00

A brief overview of our visit to Papa and Nana's in Panama City!

Eating lasagna, chicken marsala, and orrechiette with something... I can't remember... at Angelina's.

Helping Papa load the dishwasher.

Hueston and Papa

The library has Legos... Hueston is in heaven!

A walk in the yard turned into a run through the sprinklers.

Note the person-shaped wet spot on Mommy's shirt!

Hueston loves his Papa.

Emmett defending his territory.

Boys and their toys.

Staring contest with Uncle Matt.

Helping Aunt Sara look for something in the fridge.

There's a fun little playground in the neighborhood...

It's a great day for a run!

This swing is super-duper!

I can slide all by myself!

A cave of wonders...

Papa puts the finishing touches on his architectural masterpiece.

This is the closest we could come to getting the boys to stand next to each other!

Playing chase with Mama and Dada.

I love leaves!

I've found a new hiding place...

Hanging out with Harris and Donna!

Dada built a tower every night for Hueston to knock down in the morning.

Nana's $5 tent is really cool.

Watching the rain and waiting for our flight home.

Vignettes.

2010-11-18T21:03:00.001-06:00

Like son, like father...

New haircut... all ready to visit Nana and Papa!

Check out my teeth!

Ohhhhhhhh...

Muscle man.

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-11-17T13:30:00.000-06:00

Sunday Special.

2010-11-14T08:16:00.000-06:00

Wednesday.

2010-11-10T21:47:00.001-06:00

Answers.

2010-11-06T20:52:00.001-05:00

I can't seem to get my own comments to post, so in answer to Mom's question, "this" is Hueston bringing Corduroy for me to read. For three days, that was all he wanted to do.
Actually, today we read through most of the library books we checked out the other day - Dandelion and A Canary in the Library also by Don Freeman, parts of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, What Daddies Do Best, and another one I can't remember. We also read Oh the Pets You Can Get, which was a present from Grandma (which should be no surprise to anyone who knows Janet). Hueston also really seemed to like Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
We did also read Corduroy several times, but it was nice to have a break - especially now that I have it memorized (along with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Big Hungry Bear, and most of his Rhyme Bible Storybook).
Sometimes he hands me the book, waits until I open it, does a little happy dance when I turn to the first page ("Corduroy is a bear who once lived in the toy department of a big store..."), and then walks away as soon as I start to read. I've discovered that the best way to get him to come back from wherever he's gone is to stop reading. :)
I was glad for naptime, because my voice was getting a little tired. Hopefully, however, this means he will love reading as much as his mother does!

Lately...

2010-11-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

This happens about 73 times a day.

After a trip to the library to get some friends for "Corduroy," we walked across the street to the park.

Hueston was fascinated with the wall that encircled this piece of the playground equipment - I had to keep a close watch so he wouldn't tumble over it.

We drove to Cleburne today to get my car registration renewed, and outside the courthouse was this fun fall display.

We also got to watch two real fire trucks drive by, sirens blaring.

Hueston has played with this for a while, but he only recently discovered just how much noise it can make.
(It's popcorn kernels inside, and the top is super-glued on.)

Watch-Some-Video Wednesday.

2010-11-03T12:58:00.008-05:00

at the Lifeway bookstore near seminary

on the church playground

Primary Dentition...

2010-11-01T21:15:00.001-05:00

... is in full swing.

And these are just the ones that have definitely poked through!
As you may imagine, we are suffering a teensy bit of discomfort related to this process, although you couldn't tell it from the pictures.
Hueston's just a little more clingy than usual during the day, but his sleep, which had been showing signs of improvement, has taken a few steps backward.
We hope he'll feel better soon, once these chompers have come all the way in.

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-10-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm Sixteen Months Old!

2010-10-24T21:10:00.003-05:00

Hello? Lego Calling...

I can identify six of these cards!
Fire engine, green peas, dog, fish, cow, and elephant.

Mostly-Wordless Wednesday.

2010-10-20T22:18:00.001-05:00

The universal sign for "Sing the 'Itsy-Bitsy Spider' song!"
(accompanied by "Eeeeeeeeeeeee...")

A Narrow Escape.

2010-10-18T10:44:00.005-05:00

Well, my trusty toaster oven is no more.

This morning I put some bread in to toast, turned around to give Hueston some breakfast, and heard a sizzling sound. I turned back to see smoke pouring out of the toaster from all sides, and when I got closer, I saw there were actual flames!

I quickly turned it off, unplugged it, and pulled it into the sink. My huge container of baking soda was handy, so I opened the toaster door enough to throw a few cupfuls in, which smothered the fire.

No one was injured and no other appliances or belongings damaged in this incident. :)

Now Hueston and I are enjoying a breezy day inside, with all the windows open and all the fans going full speed ahead.

R.I.P.
Toaster Oven
(2000-2010)

Big Haircut.

2010-10-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

We finally did it!

BEFORE:

DURING:

Hueston sure does love the hair dryer...

AFTER:

It's not a huge change, but it's definitely different.
You'll get plenty more opportunities to see it in days to come!

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-10-13T20:34:00.002-05:00

Film Festival.

2010-10-11T21:00:00.006-05:00

Outside.

2010-10-08T21:52:00.003-05:00

Trying to lick an acorn before Mommy notices.

Evidence of the dire hair situation. :)

It's Nana's Birthday!

2010-10-07T19:24:00.002-05:00

What?

2010-10-06T20:29:00.003-05:00

Sad Day.

2010-10-06T20:23:00.003-05:00

Something's missing. Can you tell what it is?

What about now?

Now?

I'll give you a hint.

Boo hoo.

Wordless Wednesday.

2010-10-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

Sunday.

2010-10-03T22:41:00.000-05:00

Fifteen-Month Stats.

2010-09-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

Stats:
BIRTH - 7 pounds, 5 ounces - 20 inches
2 DAYS - 6 pounds, 11 ounces
1 WEEK - 6 pounds, 9 ounces
2 WEEKS - 7 pounds, 3 ounces
2 MONTHS - 11 pounds, 4 ounces - 22.25 inches
4 MONTHS - 17 pounds, 10.5 ounces - 27 inches (over-measure)
6 MONTHS - 20 pounds, 10.5 ounces - 27.5 inches
9 MONTHS - 22 pounds, 12.5 ounces - 29 inches
ONE YEAR (plus a week) - 23 pounds, 7 ounces - 32 inches
15 MONTHS + 6 days - 24 pounds, 4 ounces - 32.5 inches

I have six teeth.
I love to listen to music. Sometimes I dance and sing along.
Mama takes me to the library to get new books to read.
I can walk around the house all by myself.
I like to eat whatever is on Mama's plate.
Dada builds me tall towers, and sometimes I deconstruct them
before knocking them down.
I really like the alphabet song. Sometimes I even recognize some of the letters.
Want to know where your nose is? I can show you.
I like to play peek-a-boo, chase, and catch.
I splash a lot when I take a bath, and sometimes I try to drink the water.
I need a haircut.

Stay tuned... I do new things every day!