The toughest stage

Happy birthday to my mom and happy anniversary to Brian and Kelli. During the time our computer was out, we celebrated Grammie and Granddad's birthdays and anniversary, too. Sorry we missed noting it on the blog.

Andrew is growing so quickly. I've always thought that the year between one and two was the toughest stage for me. It's totally hands-on. You have to be quick and alert at all times, no rest unless the toddler is asleep. Andrew is such a climber. He loves climbing on top of the dining room table and onto the couch. He runs from one arm of the couch to the other laughing uncontrollably. It's non-stop.

On the other hand, it's the most fascinating year of growth. Andrew's vocabulary had tripled - from "Mama" and "no" to "schock (sock)" "soo (shoe)" "Aye (hi)" and "Cheese" He is imitating like crazy - from trying to comb his hair, to 'clipping' his toenails to drinking from a big boy cup. He hates being left out of the things his brothers are doing. If they are all running outside, he will bring me his shoes and grunt at me until I put them on him.

Today, when he heard Scott's car driving up, he immediately ran to the back door and tried to open it. He waited patiently for Scott to walk in a few minutes later and could hardly contain his excitement. He loves giving 'five' and smooches for kisses.

He is still a wonderful little boy, but he's gotten much feistier in the past few weeks. He's really into screaming every few minutes when we are on long car rides. (boo to that!) If we can't guess what he wants (water, reading a book, a new diaper...) he screams then, too. He's just learning how books get read. He likes looking at the book but gets mad when anyone tries to turn the page. He'll even grab the book and fling it if he gets too irritated!

We just got our computer restored so I will be posting pictures soon. Sorry for the huge delay. Thanks for still reading!