Bubbles!

Ethan has started saying so many words these last few weeks! His lawn mower blows bubbles out the side when he pushes it around and he will keep saying it again & again! It is so sweet to hear him actually talk and make words! He wants to dress up in his daddy's motorcycle helmet and he says "Uhn- Uhn" He thinks all machines that make noises are "Uhn-Uhns!" and he almost shakes and gets very excited to see and hear them. He also has started saying " Bla Bla Bla BUG." and points to a bug- he is saying something really important before the word bug, but I just can't figure it out!

All his words are: "BUBBLE", "BUG", "HOT", "MAMA", "DADDA", "OUT", "LOOK", AND "LIGHT"

It is amazing to watch him understand so many of the things that we say.

"Let's go take a bath"- He runs straight to the tub.

"Let's go change your diaper" - Straight to the changing table.

"Do you want to eat?"- Runs to the highchair, holding his arms out to get up.

"Outside"- Always goes to the door, and cries if we can't go outside right away!

Put your shoes on. Let's go BYE BYE.

Where's your belly, eyes, nose, mouth, shoe, sock,

He also uses several signs to communicate: All Done, Please, More, Sorry, Thank You, Eat, and Drink. This has been so useful for him to let me know what he wants without screaming or whinning!

The Lonely Little Birdie

Today my mom, Ethan, and I visited Mema at her nursing home in Bryant. She was in good spirits, but still whispered when she talked. My mom brought the video camera and we recorded Mema singing "The Lonely Little Birdie" to Ethan. My mom & I were so touched to hear her sing to Ethan, especially that sweet song! My heart was filled with sorrow and happiness at the same time! It was heartbreaking because it’s difficult to see my Mema like this, but happy because she is not in any pain and she still is in good spirits. It’s also great that I’m still able to spend time with her and that Ethan gets to meet his Great Grandmother! My mom said that Mema sang this to her years ago when she was a little girl!

This is now my special song that my mom sang to me growing up and even now as an adult! My mom used to sing this song to me when I needed comfort or had trouble going to sleep. Even as an adult, this song is able to help soothe my most anxious moments and relieve stress! (My mom sang it to me the night before my wedding @ 2am when I was up having an anxiety attack!) And see...everything worked out wonderful! :0)

Buzz Buzz Bumble Bee

Ethan’s first trick-or-treating experience began in my parents neighborhood at 4:45pm. We were surprised how many candy givers were ready that early, just waiting for those cute & scary little ones to come asking for treats! We had a blast looking at all the yard decor and effort that poeple had made to make their house look the most creepy! So, it’s more than obvious that Ethan was a baby bumble bee and I was mommy bumble bee! …but it’s funny that only one person really paid attention to my costume & mentioned the mommy/baby bee scheme! They were all too engaged in making goo-goo faces at Ethan…naturally!! We went to Randy’s parents fall festival at their church and Ethan loved looking around at the other children in their costumes! Both sets of grandparents adored his bumble bee costume and enjoyed parading him around to all their friends! I know next Halloween, he will actually have an opinion about his outfit, so I thought Bumble Bee this year is perfect! Next year, he will probably want the BOYish costume…cowboy or superhero!

Play Date

What a great time to visit with friends! I'm also sure that all the babies get bored, just cooped up around the house. You just squealed in delight when you saw all the other babies! We met at Amanda Outlaw's house and the ladies were Tara, Tamara, Nitzia, Veronica, Amanda, Shelly, Paula, and me. In order of the above mom's names, there was baby Reagan, Ridge, Sara, Caleb, Grayson, Kayleigh, Tucker, and Ethan. You all played really well togther and it's neat to see all the crawling, almost walking babies.

Fun in the Sun

SSSOOOO HOOOTTTT!!!! I can't believe it is over 100 degrees this week. Randy & I were really hot yesterday, so we had to go swimming in my parents pool. It's always a treat to see Ethan in the water because he absolutely loves it! It will be fun to actually let him go under the water in a few months. He is already kicking his feet and splashing....one big bathtub! It was so refreshing to jump in the pool. I'm glad my parents live so close, otherwise we would have to finance a pool in the budget. I think the budget might allow a mini swimming pool only!

Taste of Sweet Potatoes

Look at that face! You didn't quite know what to think about those sweet potatoes. I guess you liked them because you ate them all and were still opening your mouth for more! I have been teaching you to keep your hands down while I'm feeding you, but it's still a mess sometimes!

Supposed to be sleeping

Of course, it’s true that parents will try anything to get their children to go to sleep. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes of difficulty to get Ethan to sleep, but he will usually go to sleep on his own. This day, no matter what...even Randy lying down with him didn’t work. No naps makes for a cranky baby & parents…..HAHAHAHA..I’m not going to sleep!!!!

Cousins meet for the first time

After the wedding, we stopped by Uncle Butch’s house and Christy was there with her son, 5 months. I think only 2 weeks older than Ethan. That would make you 2nd cousins. Christy also has a 8 year old boy, Christopher, and a 5 year old girl, Alex. They live in another state, so we would probably only see them on holidays.

Wedding Bells

What a handsome boy! We went to our 2nd or 3rd cousins wedding and we dressed you up in your finest tie outfit and stud sunglasses. It was a beautiful wedding, but I think most of our family was looking at how cute you were most of the time!