Today after I got Andrew all settled down, fed and ready for the day I flipped on the TV (for some background noise--I don't like it when it's quiet)and Sesame Street happened to be on. Andrew hasn't really ever watched TV, well..every now and then he'll catch a glimpse of a cartoon or funny commercial and it will make him laugh a little, but I've never prompted him to and I try not having it on too often in the day so we've never really explored it. Anyway, so I turn on Sesame Street and Andrew suddenly stops dead in his drool and looks up to the sound of Cookie Monster crunching cookies and gobbling cake. The kid bust up! Andrew has never really been a laugher, he does this cute little chipmunk giggle things but has only rarely done a full out belly laugh. Well, maybe it was the fuzzy, blue face or the silly chomping sounds but Andrew's new favorites are the Sesame Street characters.
I took this video to try and capture the laughing. It's not the best, he was laughing harder before but you can still get the idea.
We sure love this boy!
(P.S. Just ignore the mess...you know how it is. :-)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Some West News
Oh, so it's been a few weeks and I thought it was time for a bit of an update. So, here it is: not much.
You know how when you talk to someone whom you haven't seen in awhile and you eventually ask the inevitable question, "What's new with you?" and they respond by simply saying, "Not much." Cricket chirping follows and it's all awkward? Know what I'm talking about? Well, that's kind of how I feel our response is right now, I mean really, not much is new or 'happenin' but I don't like the lame-o, response of "not much" because I think the little things are interesting and fun so I have conjured up a few little experiences over the last few weeks to share. Sorry if it's lame, but...better than nothing, I say.
First off...I am very grateful for Mike! I mean, let's be honest I love him he is such a hard worker and great hubby/father but these last few weeks I was/am especially grateful to him. Here is why. I have been continually doing my daily Turbo Jam exercises that include punching, kicking and a lot of hideously awkward bouncing (I wrote a previous post on this if you want more info) anyway, I feel super comfortable with this workout now-a-days and have gotten much more energetic in my performance. So...the result (other than embarrassing jumps and dancing) is rib issues. Well, due to that and the fact that little Andrew is fast becoming heavy Andrew. See, I noticed a nagging pain in my back about a month ago and it never really went away and then one day a couple weeks ago I was doing a work out and just as I was throwing a nasty hook punch into the face of my imaginary foe I felt a sharp crackish kind of pain in where the nagging one had previously been. Luckily Mike was home. I went to him and starting trying to explain what I was feeling--like a roll of quarters were stuck in my back and boy, did it hurt to breath! Well, seeing as he is an awesomely smart and dashing athletic trainer he knew what was up and calmly told me to "relax, put some heat on it and then I'll pop it back in."
Me: "Excuse me? Pop what back in?"
MIke: "Oh, your rib is out. No worries, I can pop it back in."
Me: Gulp...
So I heat it for about 20 minutes and then Mike tells me to lay down on the floor, so I did. He then proceeded to curl me up into the fetal position and then roll me onto my back and then, CRACK, after a sickening sound and even worse popping feeling, the pain suddenly was gone. He popped my rib back into place, just like that. No doctor appointment or chiropractor fee. It was oober sore the next day but after that it's been like new. I am sure grateful he knows how to fix things like that, and I'm even more grateful that he's my own personal fix-it dude when it come to those types of injuries. HAH!
Another thing that we have done this last week is, well...enjoy the weather! It's been great and I sure hope it's staying! We have been on lot's of walks, played in multiple parks and/or just sat outside on the porch to enjoy the warmth. If you haven't taken advantage of this yet, I highly recommend it, even if it's just for a few minutes. It will definitely lift your mood.
Mike has applied to a PT school in Scotland and we are awaiting their response. We will most likely not hear anything for a month or two but it's fun to at least get the ball rolling on the grad school front. He can't apply to any schools in the states yet, so we'll keep you posted when those go out.
Andrew is a grower and a learner. He is just a little over a month away from his first birthday! I can't believe it! Some days it seems like I just got back from the hospital, but others feel like he's always been here. He can clap and climb on furniture and even stand without holding on to anything (although once he realizes what he's doing he gets scared and falls over) but I don't think walking is too far away. He still has no teeth though. Should I be worried? Everyone tells me no, but c'mon there is nothing there, just a cute, gummy, toothless grin. There was once when I thought I say a tooth. I really did, on the top...Mike saw it too and I even called my mom to tell her it was finally there. However, when I woke up the next morning it was gone. What?! Yeah, seriously I don't get it, we now refer to it as the phantom tooth, but that is not normal, MIke and I swear we both saw it. Obviously we were mistaken but I that was more than a month ago and I thought for sure there would be some sign of teeth by now. Who knows? And I have heard they make baby denchers...how funny would that be, just imagine! But other than the no tooth thing Andrew is a cute, thriving little mess maker and we sure love him!
That's it for out update. Hopefully it helps you see how regular our lives are. BUT regular is good, I like regular and I'll take it any day! Hope everyone else is doing great and I would recommend you update those blogs, even it you think there is nothing note worthy. We always love to make sure your doing well, even on you regular days! :-)
I am going to leave you with some funny pictures of Andrew (I thought they were funny, anyway...Mike might kill me for doing this) I like to call it, "Will the real Andrew West please stand up?" These are some pictures we have taken since his birth and you decide which one depicts the real Andrew. :-)
This one?
How about this one?
Or...this one?
Is this the real Andrew?
What about this or....
This?
Just joking! I really do have carton loads more of cute pictures than un-cute pictures, but then again I am extremely biased. :-)
You know how when you talk to someone whom you haven't seen in awhile and you eventually ask the inevitable question, "What's new with you?" and they respond by simply saying, "Not much." Cricket chirping follows and it's all awkward? Know what I'm talking about? Well, that's kind of how I feel our response is right now, I mean really, not much is new or 'happenin' but I don't like the lame-o, response of "not much" because I think the little things are interesting and fun so I have conjured up a few little experiences over the last few weeks to share. Sorry if it's lame, but...better than nothing, I say.
First off...I am very grateful for Mike! I mean, let's be honest I love him he is such a hard worker and great hubby/father but these last few weeks I was/am especially grateful to him. Here is why. I have been continually doing my daily Turbo Jam exercises that include punching, kicking and a lot of hideously awkward bouncing (I wrote a previous post on this if you want more info) anyway, I feel super comfortable with this workout now-a-days and have gotten much more energetic in my performance. So...the result (other than embarrassing jumps and dancing) is rib issues. Well, due to that and the fact that little Andrew is fast becoming heavy Andrew. See, I noticed a nagging pain in my back about a month ago and it never really went away and then one day a couple weeks ago I was doing a work out and just as I was throwing a nasty hook punch into the face of my imaginary foe I felt a sharp crackish kind of pain in where the nagging one had previously been. Luckily Mike was home. I went to him and starting trying to explain what I was feeling--like a roll of quarters were stuck in my back and boy, did it hurt to breath! Well, seeing as he is an awesomely smart and dashing athletic trainer he knew what was up and calmly told me to "relax, put some heat on it and then I'll pop it back in."
Me: "Excuse me? Pop what back in?"
MIke: "Oh, your rib is out. No worries, I can pop it back in."
Me: Gulp...
So I heat it for about 20 minutes and then Mike tells me to lay down on the floor, so I did. He then proceeded to curl me up into the fetal position and then roll me onto my back and then, CRACK, after a sickening sound and even worse popping feeling, the pain suddenly was gone. He popped my rib back into place, just like that. No doctor appointment or chiropractor fee. It was oober sore the next day but after that it's been like new. I am sure grateful he knows how to fix things like that, and I'm even more grateful that he's my own personal fix-it dude when it come to those types of injuries. HAH!
Another thing that we have done this last week is, well...enjoy the weather! It's been great and I sure hope it's staying! We have been on lot's of walks, played in multiple parks and/or just sat outside on the porch to enjoy the warmth. If you haven't taken advantage of this yet, I highly recommend it, even if it's just for a few minutes. It will definitely lift your mood.
Mike has applied to a PT school in Scotland and we are awaiting their response. We will most likely not hear anything for a month or two but it's fun to at least get the ball rolling on the grad school front. He can't apply to any schools in the states yet, so we'll keep you posted when those go out.
Andrew is a grower and a learner. He is just a little over a month away from his first birthday! I can't believe it! Some days it seems like I just got back from the hospital, but others feel like he's always been here. He can clap and climb on furniture and even stand without holding on to anything (although once he realizes what he's doing he gets scared and falls over) but I don't think walking is too far away. He still has no teeth though. Should I be worried? Everyone tells me no, but c'mon there is nothing there, just a cute, gummy, toothless grin. There was once when I thought I say a tooth. I really did, on the top...Mike saw it too and I even called my mom to tell her it was finally there. However, when I woke up the next morning it was gone. What?! Yeah, seriously I don't get it, we now refer to it as the phantom tooth, but that is not normal, MIke and I swear we both saw it. Obviously we were mistaken but I that was more than a month ago and I thought for sure there would be some sign of teeth by now. Who knows? And I have heard they make baby denchers...how funny would that be, just imagine! But other than the no tooth thing Andrew is a cute, thriving little mess maker and we sure love him!
That's it for out update. Hopefully it helps you see how regular our lives are. BUT regular is good, I like regular and I'll take it any day! Hope everyone else is doing great and I would recommend you update those blogs, even it you think there is nothing note worthy. We always love to make sure your doing well, even on you regular days! :-)
I am going to leave you with some funny pictures of Andrew (I thought they were funny, anyway...Mike might kill me for doing this) I like to call it, "Will the real Andrew West please stand up?" These are some pictures we have taken since his birth and you decide which one depicts the real Andrew. :-)
This one?
How about this one?
Or...this one?
Is this the real Andrew?
What about this or....
This?
Just joking! I really do have carton loads more of cute pictures than un-cute pictures, but then again I am extremely biased. :-)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
When I went to get Andrew this morning....
Here is what I saw:
(I couldn't get a good picture of his back...that was the worst part, poor kid!)
Getting better (notice all the laundry in the background, YIKES!)
MUCH BETTER!!! :-)
I guess I've learned not to feed Andrew Oat Cereal before he goes to bed for the night.
(I couldn't get a good picture of his back...that was the worst part, poor kid!)
Getting better (notice all the laundry in the background, YIKES!)
MUCH BETTER!!! :-)
I guess I've learned not to feed Andrew Oat Cereal before he goes to bed for the night.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Just feelin' grateful!
I don't quite know what it is, but for some reason over the last few days I have just been feeling extremely grateful. Grateful for EVERYTHING...for family, for friends. I just can't seem to find one reason to stay unhappy or sad. Sure I've had a few frustrating moments here and there but it isn't sticking.
Maybe it's the beautiful weather that is finally hinting of Spring or the fact that Mike continues to do exceptionally well in his busy classes AND I have gotten to see him more than we originally thought. Maybe it's because Andrew keeps growing and learning and making me so proud to be his mother! Maybe it's because I have been able to take peaceful strolls in the park and watch Andrew laugh as I push him in the swing. Maybe it's because I have recently run into several old friends or because I still keep in contact with so many others I love. Maybe it's because we finished our taxes and got a nice return. Maybe it's because my grandpa tells me the most colorful stories about training horses and winning races. Maybe it's because I am finally on top of dishes and laundry or perhaps it's because Andrew has been taking better naps.
Maybe it's because Costco is so handy or the woman at the check-out was so nice to me. Maybe it's because I have a sister-in-law on a mission and such fantastic in-laws and family members who are such great examples. Maybe it's because Mike actually bought me a flower (he hates flowers) or that he got me 'Charlie' and the Tarzan soundtrack for Valentines day. He remembered those things have a special meaning to me.
Maybe it's because I have so many fond memories in my life to keep my mind busy if it ever needs to wander. Maybe it's because fruit smoothies taste so good or because it feels so great when I finish Turbo Jam for the day. Maybe it's because I got to sleep in a little this morning or because Mike took out the trash on his way out. Maybe it's because I got some new mascara or because I have meals planned out for the rest of the week. Maybe it's because I did my visiting teaching this month and mine also came to visit me. Maybe it's because there are so many books to read and stories to tell or maybe it's because Andrew likes to bop to music. Maybe it's because of Josh Groban and John Schmidt or the small keyboard in our living room, where I can practice playing hymns.
Maybe it's for alarm clocks or imagination or the color green or freshly roasted vegetables, or for positive attitudes or kind words or conference talks or prayer. Maybe it's for blogging or away volleyball games or silly children songs or soccer, or for horses or hiking or for new goals and anticipation. I guess the point is that there are just so many things to be grateful for that I can't seem to keep from smiling. I'm glad this feeling has been with me and you know what, I think I'm going to invite it to stay.
Maybe it's the beautiful weather that is finally hinting of Spring or the fact that Mike continues to do exceptionally well in his busy classes AND I have gotten to see him more than we originally thought. Maybe it's because Andrew keeps growing and learning and making me so proud to be his mother! Maybe it's because I have been able to take peaceful strolls in the park and watch Andrew laugh as I push him in the swing. Maybe it's because I have recently run into several old friends or because I still keep in contact with so many others I love. Maybe it's because we finished our taxes and got a nice return. Maybe it's because my grandpa tells me the most colorful stories about training horses and winning races. Maybe it's because I am finally on top of dishes and laundry or perhaps it's because Andrew has been taking better naps.
Maybe it's because Costco is so handy or the woman at the check-out was so nice to me. Maybe it's because I have a sister-in-law on a mission and such fantastic in-laws and family members who are such great examples. Maybe it's because Mike actually bought me a flower (he hates flowers) or that he got me 'Charlie' and the Tarzan soundtrack for Valentines day. He remembered those things have a special meaning to me.
Maybe it's because I have so many fond memories in my life to keep my mind busy if it ever needs to wander. Maybe it's because fruit smoothies taste so good or because it feels so great when I finish Turbo Jam for the day. Maybe it's because I got to sleep in a little this morning or because Mike took out the trash on his way out. Maybe it's because I got some new mascara or because I have meals planned out for the rest of the week. Maybe it's because I did my visiting teaching this month and mine also came to visit me. Maybe it's because there are so many books to read and stories to tell or maybe it's because Andrew likes to bop to music. Maybe it's because of Josh Groban and John Schmidt or the small keyboard in our living room, where I can practice playing hymns.
Maybe it's for alarm clocks or imagination or the color green or freshly roasted vegetables, or for positive attitudes or kind words or conference talks or prayer. Maybe it's for blogging or away volleyball games or silly children songs or soccer, or for horses or hiking or for new goals and anticipation. I guess the point is that there are just so many things to be grateful for that I can't seem to keep from smiling. I'm glad this feeling has been with me and you know what, I think I'm going to invite it to stay.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Go Andrew!
This was fun so I thought I would quickly post it. Over the last few days I have worked at teaching Andrew how to pass the ball. So...here, for your viewing pleasure is Andrew and Daddy playing his new favorite game, "Pass the Ball." :-)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Go Away!
So I woke up this morning and this is what I found outside the living room window.
I know that I am being selfish, but I am DONE with the winter. No more snow! I'll take rain, I'll take hail, but PLEASE no more snow!
At least Andrew thought is was fun...
I know that I am being selfish, but I am DONE with the winter. No more snow! I'll take rain, I'll take hail, but PLEASE no more snow!
At least Andrew thought is was fun...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tori, Tori, Ecuadory! (Plus a little for the Grandmas)
Hi! So, I felt the need to share my love for an item I have had in my possession now for oh...maybe 5 years or so. Has it really been that long?!? Sheesh! Anyway, I obtained said item whilst I traveled Ecuador as a "little" humanitarian clear back in 2004. There are many treasures I gained during my stay. Por exemplo, It helped me to establish a stronger sense of moral character, I learned how to be more charitable and selfless, I became good friends with some of the best people in the world (shout-out Quito chicas, "callate y besa me, tonto!, and I learned to LOVE deeper than I could of otherwise. However, of the monetary treasures, I still have a few things that are special such as: a small nativity set, a cool yellow Ecuador shirt (which I once wore in front of Mike during the world cup as England played Ecuador--BIG mistake), some crazy knitted slippers AND, the coolest, most amazing of them all--the item which has inspired me to write this tribute--the Tori Pants. (Umm..honestly I don't know if I am spelling it correctly, but oh well, continuing on...)
Tori pants, for those of you who don't know, are spectacular! They are spun out of wool or llama fur or Alpaca (I think) and come in all sorts of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. As far as the style, think MC Hammer with a little clown pants. Yeah, how awesome is that?!? They are stylin'! AND practical, I wore these babies when I was pregnant with my baby and at nine months I still had room to spare! Oh yeah! AND I continue wearing them. You tell me how many of your regular ol' sweats or jeans can do that?!!
When I first arrived home from Ecuador I owned about 4 pairs. Unfortunately, since then, time did catch up to some and 3 have since met their maker. BUT, good news for me, I still have the coolest and most comfortable pair, and they don't appear to be wearing down anytime soon. No sir...these are resilient! They are rainbow with two big pockets on each leg and (as is typical of tori pant fashion) they have the oh-so-miraculous draw string at the waist (of course) as well as on the pant cuff at the bottom. RAD? How could it not be?
Tori pants are great and I am not the only who thought so. They were ever so popular amongst us volunteers--our equivalent of the Louis Vuitton handbag! Did the fine Ecudorian citizens wear them? Well, not really...but no matter, more for us! And I'm sure they thought we were the coolest walking around the streets of Quito as Albino as they come sporting the "native" clothing!
Anyway, so here is a picture of these fabulous pants. Aren't they great?! I sure think so... :-)
On to other news...It's been awhile since I have posted anything about Andrew or what's been goin' on around our house. So, for the sake the grandmas I decided to post some pictures. As far as what we've been doing...nothing too exciting. Mike is still busy as ever working for the MTC, putting in hours with the volleyball team and going to class. If her ever has spare time, he plays with me and Andrew (well, he always makes time for that) or else plays a little Fifa! I am busy with our little munchkin. He is growing so fast and I can't believe is already 9 months! He crawls everywhere and has even been attempting to stand on his own! YIKES! He has had a few bouts with a cold, but nothing very serious. He likes to play patty-cake and is great at clapping! He can definitely say 'Dada' and mean it...I think 'Momma' is there too, but it could be debated. Still likes to put EVERYTHING into his mouth, and his laugh sounds more and more like a chipmunk. Seriously so funny! I've been trying to catch it on video but have been unsuccessful so far. Here are some recent pictures. Enjoy!
Andrew having fun in his play pen!
SAD! He was not feeling well so I made him a little bed on the floor. He seriously sat there for about 45 minutes without moving. Proof of how bad he was feeling that day!
Tsk, tsk...got into some tissues while my back was turned.:-)
Tori pants, for those of you who don't know, are spectacular! They are spun out of wool or llama fur or Alpaca (I think) and come in all sorts of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. As far as the style, think MC Hammer with a little clown pants. Yeah, how awesome is that?!? They are stylin'! AND practical, I wore these babies when I was pregnant with my baby and at nine months I still had room to spare! Oh yeah! AND I continue wearing them. You tell me how many of your regular ol' sweats or jeans can do that?!!
When I first arrived home from Ecuador I owned about 4 pairs. Unfortunately, since then, time did catch up to some and 3 have since met their maker. BUT, good news for me, I still have the coolest and most comfortable pair, and they don't appear to be wearing down anytime soon. No sir...these are resilient! They are rainbow with two big pockets on each leg and (as is typical of tori pant fashion) they have the oh-so-miraculous draw string at the waist (of course) as well as on the pant cuff at the bottom. RAD? How could it not be?
Tori pants are great and I am not the only who thought so. They were ever so popular amongst us volunteers--our equivalent of the Louis Vuitton handbag! Did the fine Ecudorian citizens wear them? Well, not really...but no matter, more for us! And I'm sure they thought we were the coolest walking around the streets of Quito as Albino as they come sporting the "native" clothing!
Anyway, so here is a picture of these fabulous pants. Aren't they great?! I sure think so... :-)
On to other news...It's been awhile since I have posted anything about Andrew or what's been goin' on around our house. So, for the sake the grandmas I decided to post some pictures. As far as what we've been doing...nothing too exciting. Mike is still busy as ever working for the MTC, putting in hours with the volleyball team and going to class. If her ever has spare time, he plays with me and Andrew (well, he always makes time for that) or else plays a little Fifa! I am busy with our little munchkin. He is growing so fast and I can't believe is already 9 months! He crawls everywhere and has even been attempting to stand on his own! YIKES! He has had a few bouts with a cold, but nothing very serious. He likes to play patty-cake and is great at clapping! He can definitely say 'Dada' and mean it...I think 'Momma' is there too, but it could be debated. Still likes to put EVERYTHING into his mouth, and his laugh sounds more and more like a chipmunk. Seriously so funny! I've been trying to catch it on video but have been unsuccessful so far. Here are some recent pictures. Enjoy!
Andrew having fun in his play pen!
SAD! He was not feeling well so I made him a little bed on the floor. He seriously sat there for about 45 minutes without moving. Proof of how bad he was feeling that day!
Tsk, tsk...got into some tissues while my back was turned.:-)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
We all know that kids say the darndest things…well so do adults.
Have you ever heard, or been part of, conversations that sometimes make you think, "What did he just say?" or "How come that came out of my mouth?" I know I have! This last week it seems like that happened more than usual and I kept track of the different comments made by those I associate with. I promise, NONE of them were meant to be mean, etc...it's just funny how things can stumble out sometimes!Enjoy! AND, please, if you have any you’d like to share, feel free!
“She’s a nice lady but her face is like a can of worms.”
“Emily, go over there and hand me that fustaris.”
“What’s a fustaris?”
“It’s whatever I want it to be.”
“Do you mean this thing?” (Said while holding up a spatula)
“Yeah, that’s what I said, a fustaris!”
“Mind if I take a chew?”
(Said when one lady asked another if she could try her cookie)
“Before you know it there is going to be black game show hosts and black TV announcers…all because of Barak Obama.”
“Listen, it’s not about how the spider kills the centipede, it’s about how the centipede chooses to deal with it.”
“She’s a nice lady but her face is like a can of worms.”
“Emily, go over there and hand me that fustaris.”
“What’s a fustaris?”
“It’s whatever I want it to be.”
“Do you mean this thing?” (Said while holding up a spatula)
“Yeah, that’s what I said, a fustaris!”
“Mind if I take a chew?”
(Said when one lady asked another if she could try her cookie)
“Before you know it there is going to be black game show hosts and black TV announcers…all because of Barak Obama.”
“Listen, it’s not about how the spider kills the centipede, it’s about how the centipede chooses to deal with it.”
Thursday, January 15, 2009
BONK!
A couple days ago Andrew was busy exploring our bedroom as I was putting away clothes in our closet. I swear I was keeping an eye him and, as usual, I had placed pillows around the varying "alert zones" in the room. Well, as I was putting away the last of the clothing I noticed that Andrew had crawled over to our dresser and was attempting to climb such an insuperable obstacle. No big deal, I had placed pillows in that area seeing as sharp corners were near. Well, about 3 seconds later I hear a little thump immediately followed by wailing. I knew he had hit his head but I didn't know on whatbecause of the pillows. I thought it was pretty secure. Well as soon as I picked Andrew up I noticed the largest, nastiest looking bump on his head and was shocked by how quickly it was swelling up and protruding from his already large forehead. At the center of his bump was a perfect purple dot, indicating that he had hit something small and somewhat pointy. Then I realized he had hit one of the iron handles on our dresser. It's insane, in order for that to have happened he had to hit it just right and I FELT (and still do) HORRIBLE! Seriously, what kind of a mother am I when I'm that close to him and he still gets such an outrageous injury. Poor little guy, he only cried for a minute and then acted happy again. I think I actually cried more than he did because of guilt and the fact that it looked so bad! He really is such a trooper but he sure looks like he's been to battle!
The culprit :(
The bump
The culprit :(
The bump
Thursday, January 8, 2009
We are on the move...and I owe Mike dinner
That's right we are moving! WAIT...no, not what you think. Err--we are still living in the same place and plan to for a while longer (are we ever going to get to grad school--to the land where kitchens abound and toilets don't run?) What I actually meant is that Andrew is crawling! YEP, HE is on the move, quite literally, all over the place--ALL OVER. He actually started little "doggy walk" just two days after he turned 8 months on December 26, and now he is the expert!
At first he did the wobbly, unsure and little "Holy-cow-what-the-heck-am-I-doing" thing as he would amble directly into walls (like a mini suicidal steam train), bump his head and then look at me as his big eyes welled up with crocodile tears and said, "Mom--how could you let this happen to me?" ("Said" through facial expression and body language, of course). Needless to say this is what has spurred me into a "mover" phase as well. Yes, yes I do let Andrew bump a little here and bonk a bit there for the sake of learning how this all works, BUT I have to be near him! Especially as he seems to find great pleasure in taunting me with the idea of ramming himself into sharp coffee table corners or picking up little bits of gross or chokable (that have somehow eluded the vacuum cleaner-TWICE)and try them out as a mid-morning snack.
It is getting a bit better though, I mean I am a little surprised at how quickly Andrew is picking things up (no, not just the fuzz on the floor). He has now been crawling for about a week and a half and he has already figured out how to climb the first few stairs (nearly giving me a heart attack--we will be buying a baby gate now), and how to pull himself into a standing position using the couch or, his personal favorite and my personal hate it, sharp cornered coffee table. As you can imagine this recent talent has also produced some battle wounds such as a few scrapes across the face, a bump on the back of his head and a very sad looking bruise above his eye. But the good thing (or the bad thing, I'm not sure yet)about Andrew is that he is a very easy going little boy and he stays upset from the bumps and bruises for about .5 seconds and then he is off for a new adventure. Great resolve but Mom notices a little daring streak in there which makes her a little nervous. (Please don't be one of those kids that wears a superman cape and tries to fly down a flight of stairs!)
Anyway, we are definitely on the move here at the West household and it is a lot of fun. Plus a great way for me to burn those holiday calories (one of my new resolutions is to be more positive). I have attached some video footage of Andrew showing off his new antics at the bottom of this post.
The last thing about this whole experience is that, much to me chagrin, I now owe Mike dinner. See, we had a bet about when Andrew would begin crawling and my guess was the first week in January and his guess...the last week of December. So, Mike, I have swallowed my pride and you win. The deal is that I now have to find a restaurant we haven't tried and take him to it. Any suggestions?? I know he likes sea food and Indian food.
Here is Andrew Crawling:
This is a funny little video of Andrew in his Johnny Jump-up. He has never really got into the whole bounce aspect of it, but that hasn't stopped him from having fun. This clip is pretty short but it shows how Andrew likes to run around instead of jump and I find it pretty cute!
At first he did the wobbly, unsure and little "Holy-cow-what-the-heck-am-I-doing" thing as he would amble directly into walls (like a mini suicidal steam train), bump his head and then look at me as his big eyes welled up with crocodile tears and said, "Mom--how could you let this happen to me?" ("Said" through facial expression and body language, of course). Needless to say this is what has spurred me into a "mover" phase as well. Yes, yes I do let Andrew bump a little here and bonk a bit there for the sake of learning how this all works, BUT I have to be near him! Especially as he seems to find great pleasure in taunting me with the idea of ramming himself into sharp coffee table corners or picking up little bits of gross or chokable (that have somehow eluded the vacuum cleaner-TWICE)and try them out as a mid-morning snack.
It is getting a bit better though, I mean I am a little surprised at how quickly Andrew is picking things up (no, not just the fuzz on the floor). He has now been crawling for about a week and a half and he has already figured out how to climb the first few stairs (nearly giving me a heart attack--we will be buying a baby gate now), and how to pull himself into a standing position using the couch or, his personal favorite and my personal hate it, sharp cornered coffee table. As you can imagine this recent talent has also produced some battle wounds such as a few scrapes across the face, a bump on the back of his head and a very sad looking bruise above his eye. But the good thing (or the bad thing, I'm not sure yet)about Andrew is that he is a very easy going little boy and he stays upset from the bumps and bruises for about .5 seconds and then he is off for a new adventure. Great resolve but Mom notices a little daring streak in there which makes her a little nervous. (Please don't be one of those kids that wears a superman cape and tries to fly down a flight of stairs!)
Anyway, we are definitely on the move here at the West household and it is a lot of fun. Plus a great way for me to burn those holiday calories (one of my new resolutions is to be more positive). I have attached some video footage of Andrew showing off his new antics at the bottom of this post.
The last thing about this whole experience is that, much to me chagrin, I now owe Mike dinner. See, we had a bet about when Andrew would begin crawling and my guess was the first week in January and his guess...the last week of December. So, Mike, I have swallowed my pride and you win. The deal is that I now have to find a restaurant we haven't tried and take him to it. Any suggestions?? I know he likes sea food and Indian food.
Here is Andrew Crawling:
This is a funny little video of Andrew in his Johnny Jump-up. He has never really got into the whole bounce aspect of it, but that hasn't stopped him from having fun. This clip is pretty short but it shows how Andrew likes to run around instead of jump and I find it pretty cute!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Sorry this is a bit late but we just wanted to tell everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS! We love you all and hope that your day was as fantastic as ours! Here are some pictures of the day...Andrew really enjoyed all the attention and presents! :-)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Just for some laughs....
So…we haven’t had much to post about for the last couple weeks. Everything has been “business as usual” really—nothing out of the ordinary or exceptionally exciting to report. But this morning as I was doing the dishes I let my mind wander (as usual) and I remembered something pretty funny so I thought I would blog about it.
For the record, the reason I thought of this was due to some of our good friends, Amos and Julie. Last week they took us out to dinner at Outback Stake House (thanks, you guys, again…it was great!!!!) but it got me to thinking… I had only ever been to this particular restaurant one other time before and it was definitely something I would never forget. Just thinking about it made me get those bad-memory-body-chills and grunt a little in agony. I am sure many of you have had experiences similar to this…you know remembering “that one” incident which stretches your social politeness to its outer limits and makes every minute that goes by like a tiny hammer beating against your temples. OR the boredom and awkwardness can’t seem to get any worse and then out of the blue, your date does something that miraculously takes it to the tenth power. Maybe you know what I am alluding to, but if you haven’t figured it out, I’m referring to my worst date ever! I have honestly been pretty lucky in the dating arena but this one was a huge exception. The story goes like this:
It was the summer before my senior year of high school. A guy I had met a few times at large social gatherings (we’ll call him Bob) got my number and asked me out for the next day. I said yes. From what I knew of him he seemed like a pretty cool guy…it might be fun. Well, the next day came and I was ready to go by 5:30 (as he requested) even though it did seem a little early. BUT this made it interesting, surely with a time set so early in the "date hours" there would be a great plan in place! I was anxious to see what it was. Well…here came the first (although minor) red flag. After he picked me up and we got in his car, he turned to face me in his seat and asked, “So…what you wanna’ do tonight?”
(Quick note: these words are not verbatim—my memory isn’t that good—but it is pretty close)
Me: “Oh…I get to decide, huh?! Well, I don’t really mind, why don’t you tell me what you were thinking
Bob: “I wasn’t really thinking actually.
Awkward silence…
Finally, after what felt like at least a minute I replied uncomfortably, “OK…ummm…let’s think…” (In my head I’m saying…WHAT? It’s 5:30 and you don’t have anything planned? Are we just going to sit and stare at each other all night?)
Bob then proceeded to sit the drivers seat, without turning the key to start the engine, while creepily eyeing me and not saying a word.
By now we had been in my parent’s driveway for about 5 minutes. I swear I saw my mom peek through the window with a confused expression
Finally, I responded by saying, "Well, I guess…if it’s okay with you, we can go get some dinner or something?” I was hungry—again, with the time being what it was—but I hated having to suggest it. I felt bad, but I figured we are all nervous on first dates, it’s alright. I though that surely it would get better.
Well, he agreed dinner seemed like a good plan so he suggested we go to Outback Stake House. I said it sounded great…I had never been there, so we began driving to Provo. He turned on some Coldplay, which I love, and I thought that maybe this isn’t so bad after all…just an awkward start. Not a big deal. As we were driving I started the conversation by asking him what he was planning to do in school. (He was a year older than me and would be going to BYU in the fall). That part went like this:
Me: "So, what are you planning to study at BYU?”
Bob looked at me and smiled. Didn’t say anything and then looked back to the road. Thinking that he didn’t hear me right, I asked him again.
SMILE
Alright…I guess he doesn’t like to talk, or …something. After about 10 minutes, still in silence, we finally made it to a stop light. Once the car was stationary Bob suddenly flung his hands off the steering wheel with his digits outstretched in true “spirit finger” form and waved them wildly around his head.
WHOAH! My gosh...what the...
Looking pleased with himself, Bob then said, “A neurosurgeon, that’s what I want to be.” I was so confused…what the heck just happened?! Then Bob says, as he puts the car back in gear because the light turned green, “See what I just did with my hands?”
For the record, the reason I thought of this was due to some of our good friends, Amos and Julie. Last week they took us out to dinner at Outback Stake House (thanks, you guys, again…it was great!!!!) but it got me to thinking… I had only ever been to this particular restaurant one other time before and it was definitely something I would never forget. Just thinking about it made me get those bad-memory-body-chills and grunt a little in agony. I am sure many of you have had experiences similar to this…you know remembering “that one” incident which stretches your social politeness to its outer limits and makes every minute that goes by like a tiny hammer beating against your temples. OR the boredom and awkwardness can’t seem to get any worse and then out of the blue, your date does something that miraculously takes it to the tenth power. Maybe you know what I am alluding to, but if you haven’t figured it out, I’m referring to my worst date ever! I have honestly been pretty lucky in the dating arena but this one was a huge exception. The story goes like this:
It was the summer before my senior year of high school. A guy I had met a few times at large social gatherings (we’ll call him Bob) got my number and asked me out for the next day. I said yes. From what I knew of him he seemed like a pretty cool guy…it might be fun. Well, the next day came and I was ready to go by 5:30 (as he requested) even though it did seem a little early. BUT this made it interesting, surely with a time set so early in the "date hours" there would be a great plan in place! I was anxious to see what it was. Well…here came the first (although minor) red flag. After he picked me up and we got in his car, he turned to face me in his seat and asked, “So…what you wanna’ do tonight?”
(Quick note: these words are not verbatim—my memory isn’t that good—but it is pretty close)
Me: “Oh…I get to decide, huh?! Well, I don’t really mind, why don’t you tell me what you were thinking
Bob: “I wasn’t really thinking actually.
Awkward silence…
Finally, after what felt like at least a minute I replied uncomfortably, “OK…ummm…let’s think…” (In my head I’m saying…WHAT? It’s 5:30 and you don’t have anything planned? Are we just going to sit and stare at each other all night?)
Bob then proceeded to sit the drivers seat, without turning the key to start the engine, while creepily eyeing me and not saying a word.
By now we had been in my parent’s driveway for about 5 minutes. I swear I saw my mom peek through the window with a confused expression
Finally, I responded by saying, "Well, I guess…if it’s okay with you, we can go get some dinner or something?” I was hungry—again, with the time being what it was—but I hated having to suggest it. I felt bad, but I figured we are all nervous on first dates, it’s alright. I though that surely it would get better.
Well, he agreed dinner seemed like a good plan so he suggested we go to Outback Stake House. I said it sounded great…I had never been there, so we began driving to Provo. He turned on some Coldplay, which I love, and I thought that maybe this isn’t so bad after all…just an awkward start. Not a big deal. As we were driving I started the conversation by asking him what he was planning to do in school. (He was a year older than me and would be going to BYU in the fall). That part went like this:
Me: "So, what are you planning to study at BYU?”
Bob looked at me and smiled. Didn’t say anything and then looked back to the road. Thinking that he didn’t hear me right, I asked him again.
SMILE
Alright…I guess he doesn’t like to talk, or …something. After about 10 minutes, still in silence, we finally made it to a stop light. Once the car was stationary Bob suddenly flung his hands off the steering wheel with his digits outstretched in true “spirit finger” form and waved them wildly around his head.
WHOAH! My gosh...what the...
Looking pleased with himself, Bob then said, “A neurosurgeon, that’s what I want to be.” I was so confused…what the heck just happened?! Then Bob says, as he puts the car back in gear because the light turned green, “See what I just did with my hands?”
Me: Yep (HOLY COW!!)
Bob: “It’s so amazing that all I had to do was tell my hands to do that, and in one instant they respond. It’s so cool…that’s why I want to be a neurosurgeon.”
Me: Cool (Good gracious…)
Bob then proceeded to tell me about brain waves and electrical impulses…I was desperate to get to Outback Stake House and was so relieved to be out in public once we got there. The dinner part wasn’t terrible considering all that had happened in the car. The conversation went all right, mostly him talking about his mom and his plans for BYU. He occasionally performed the “finger trick” (which is what I now call it) and laughed like it was an inside joke between the two of us. At one point he did it as our waitress brought some drinks. She asked him if he had seen a bug or something.
After dinner he asked what I would like to do. It was only about
Bob had other plans.
He asked what I would like to do after mini-golf and I told him I needed to get home soon...I told him I had an early morning the next day or something. He seemed disappointed but agreed. However, he asked if we could stop at his mom’s office before we left
When we got there, his mom was sitting in a tiny office with a desk that took up ¾ of the room. There was one chair sitting right next to her and book shelves taking up the remainder of the space. As soon as he saw his mom, Bob immediately plopped himself down on the chair and gave his mom a greeting (which, to me, was the most disturbing and shocking thing that had been imprinted on my mind up to that point in my life.) He literally gave her a kiss on the mouth that, I swear, lasted for at least 3 seconds. Count it out: ONE-ONE THOUSAND…TWO-ONE THOUSAND…THREE-ONE THOUSAND.
It’s just not...natural.
He and his mom then proceeded to go into a tirade about his good-for-nothing father and how she needed to speed up the divorce somehow. It lasted about 15 minutes, during which time I wondered the hall of the building, all the while thinking about the different medieval torture methods that didn't have jack squat compared to this. I eventually found a vending machine and bought myself a root beer for something to do. After that I went back to the office and as Bob was getting ready to leave, he finally acknowledged my existence and introduced me to his mom. We waved cordially to each other and then Bob and I were off again. This time the conversation in the car was mostly about his dad. I uncomfortably sipped my root beer.
As we were nearing American Fork he decided it might be fun to show me his new car “toy”. It was one of those police scanner thingies but his could actually make siren sounds.
Bob: “Want to see what happens when I turn it on?”
Me: “Not really”
Bob decided I didn’t really know how to have fun so he turned it on anyway and started surpassing the speed limit by about 20 miles. The sudden jolt made me spill the root beer down the front of my white shirt. Bob continued to giggle freakishly at his game. Well, thanks heavens that only lasted for about 5 minutes and, although I was scared for my life, it did help us reach American fork sooner. As we neared my home I got increasingly more animated at the thought of being safe within the confines of my room but he interpreted this as enjoyment and decided to stop at McDonalds. For dessert, so I thought…
Bob: “Mind if we go in and see some people I work with?”
Me: “Oh! You work here? No, that’s okay, I’ll stay here.”
Bob: “It’ll be just a minute.”
Me: “I have root beer down the front of my shirt.”
Bob: “I’ll get you some napkins.”
Me: Ugghhhhhh
We walked in and he then proceeded to tell his co-workers to gather round. Once they did, he introduced me as his date and asked what they thought. At this point I started looking around for the cameras, surely this couldn’t be real. I HAD to be on some local hidden camera show. No such luck…instead his co-workers just stood there as awkwardly as me. I could see the pity in their eyes.
Well, I don’t know exactly how but eventually I got him to take me home and during the doorstep scene he asked if he could ask me out again. I told him I didn’t think it was a good idea. He smiled and said he’d give me a call in a few days and...he did. I, at that point, had gathered enough gumption to tell him in no uncertain terms that, although I appreciated his efforts, we would not be going out again…ever.
So, that was my worst date ever! It is definitely fun to walk down memory lane sometimes. It sure makes me so grateful I am done with that scene. It also makes me love my dear husband so much more...I am eternally grateful to you for saving me from horrid date nightmares and unpleasant courtship rituals! Hope some of you enjoyed that and maybe it brought some not-so-fond, but somewhat humorous memories of your own. I’d love to hear them if you have them.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Mike is learning
As i have my name attached to this blog i decided that it needed to be more man friendly. For all you men out there that have a hard time with looking at pretty things like flowers or butterflies. Here is one of the best British footballers and he is also very ugly.
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