18 month portraits

We have an 18 month old!

Daniel had his 18 month check up last week.  He weighed in at 31.5 pounds and was 34.2 inches tall.  He has changed so much in the last month!  He is mimicing us a lot more, able to say several words, follows simple commands, and understands most of what we tell him.  He's a lot of fun, even when he tries to be independent! 

Last week, we walked around the block with him in his wagon.  About half the way around, he decided that he wanted to "push" the wagon.  I call this next video, "Iron Man, Daniel!"

This next one was taken tonight.  Daniel LOVES cars.  Everyday on the way to work/school, he points out the window and yelles, "cahhhh!"  Welles bought Daniel a new toy that races matchbox cars down a race track.  He loves the new toy and even uses sound effects.

Last night we went out for Mexican.  Somewhere along the way, Daniel has learned to feed himself with a fork.  Unbelievable--we had no idea until he picked it up and, well, started feeding himself!

Summer Fun

Daniel recently spent time at my parents house.  He loves their newly renovated back yard.  There is a pond that he loves to throw rocks into and dangle his feet into.

I used to play in my grandparent's pond, too...

It's funny how the simple things in life make the best memories -  generation after generation.

Uncle Max (Welles' cousin) came for a visit and as usual had his guitar in tote.  He sang to Daniel and attempted to teach him a few chords.  I love how patient Max is with Daniel.  Welles, Daniel and Max have a special bond - they all love "ROCK N ROLL!"

Another older woman

After dinner we took Daniel out for ice cream.  He fell hard for the girl behind the ice cream counter.  He smiled and said, "Hi!" the minute we walked into the door.  After we paid for our ice cream, we would hand him a bite with the small "taster" spoons.  He would literally walk as quickly as he could to her - show her the bite, eat it and then talk in gibberish to her.  She would smile and play along, that sweet little high school girl.  Then he would run back to our table for another bite and the whole drama would start again!  He had competition, though.  In some of the pictures you see an "older" teenage boy who was quite jealous of all of the attention this sweet girl was getting.  This kiddo keeps us in stitches, y'all!

Back in the Saddle

The couponing saddle.  I took a couple of weeks off...and we paid for it.  So, I went back to Publix with my coupons and deal list in hand and got the following items for $9.43.

4 Ronzoni Pasta
1 Publix Greenwise Toilet Paper (4 pack)
1 half gallon Simply Smart milk
2 Sargento Shredded cheese
2 Knorr Rice Sides
1 loaf of Sara Lee Bread

The bill should have been $27.  So - I paid 1/3...not so bad.  The sale at Publix went "live" today, and there were so many things "sold out."  I guess that's par for the course when you are a full-time working mama.  What I should do is get Welles to take Daniel to daycare while I shop first thing Wednesday mornings when the sale starts.  Not a bad idea if I do say so myself!

Movin on Up!

Today Daniel started a new class...we joke that he skipped a grade!  He moved from the Waddler's class to Little Bears.  The teachers are so nice and did a great job of transitioning them several weeks before today.
The first picture is of Daniel coloring before we left home.  He was in a great mood and ready to smile for the camera.

As soon as he got to school, he walked to the reading area and picked up a book - about a bear!  Coincidence???  Who knows, but we are very proud of our little buddy and everything he is learning at "school." 

After work and school, we met Welles' family at New York Pizza for dinner.  It's no surprise that Daniel's favorite part of the outing was the "game room."  He made some friends - members of our church. 

The Park and The Pool

We went to Homewood Park and Pool this morning and had a great time!  Daniel met his first playmate - born just a few weeks after him.  I think they will be good buddies this summer!  Aunt B joined us, and we got to see Grandmom, Cousin Heidi and Aunt Jill. Uncle David and Cousin Tyler were playing in the big pool.

Jack Nicholson Who?

I'm coming to get you!

or maybe I'll do a cartwheel?

Loving the water!

Waterfall!

Heidi smiles

Daniel and Charlie

Time for a snack

Fun with Aunt B!

Ready for fun in the sun!

On the way home--sound asleep!