The Chronicles of Miles

New Year, New Blog!

2011-01-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :-)

It's unfathomable to me that in a few months Miles is going to be 3 years old. 3. I truly thought he would be a baby forever. There have been many moments lately where I wish I could freeze time, bottle it up. His cuteness, his energy (!), his passion for life, his love, his innocence. But time marches on! And sometimes we have to move on...

So, I am moving on...

TO A NEW BLOG!

My main purpose to move to a new blogsite is so that I can password protect posts. Not that there is anything top-secret to share, but I am starting to feel a little more protective of the images and info I put out there. Another reason is that I feel like The Chronicles of Miles is *all done*. It was originally meant to be a baby book, and it was just that! It was a great baby book, indeed. So now I will make some Blurb books out of it (maybe...someday...) and move on to other things. The new blog will be slightly more all-encompassing. More about our family as a whole. And the new name is...

Winfrey Whereabouts

http://www.winfreywhereabouts.com/

If you would like the password to read posts on our new blog please leave a comment (with your email address), or contact me through one of my five email addresses, Twitter, Facebook, cell phone, text, snail mail, telegraph, carrier pigeon or smoke signals.

Please know that this new blog is a work in progress. I don't know or get Wordpress yet, but I will eventually! Blogger....I get. Wordpress is like a foreign language to me right now. If anyone has any WP advice I am definitely open to it.

Thank you to everyone who has been a fan of The Chronicles of Miles over the past few years. I hope you will become a fan of Winfrey Whereabouts, too!!!

The Look

2010-12-27T21:25:00.001-06:00

This is “the look” …

The look he gets when he is concentrating on something. Really hard.

Mouth shut, very still, very serious.

We kinda love “the look”.

At this moment he was watching his cousins in the Christmas Program at church.

Next year HE will be in the Christmas Program. *sigh*

From Us to You, With Love

2010-12-22T12:26:00.000-06:00

Mr. Smiley Pants

2010-11-16T13:40:00.000-06:00

That's one of my favorite nicknames for him. And we have many. But that one seems to fit him best. :-)

♥ ♥ ♥

Photo by Catharine Bliss

Never Before Seen!

2010-10-22T15:06:00.001-05:00

I had to share these pics of when Miles was just a couple weeks old. I was going through his birth announcement photo shoot pics because I am having a canvas wrap made of one of them (none of the ones below, a different one), and several struck me as extra special, and share-worthy. These have never before been viewed by the public! :-) Taken by my very talented brother-in-law, Michael Cleary.

This one made me literally laugh out loud:

And these made me cry:

Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility. ~Kate Douglas Wiggin

My biggest excuse...

2010-10-14T16:14:00.000-05:00

...for why I have not been posting to this blog is that I have absolutely NO new pictures of our boy.

I mentioned in my last post that I don't have a camera that works well enough to take a decent picture, nor do I have the motivation to take many pics lately (except for the fact that the subject is SO CUTE). I also mentioned that he is mostly just a streak in pictures these days.

I think I *might* have understated that a bit.

The REAL reason why I don't have any new pictures of Miles is because he literally

WILL

NOT

STOP

TO

POSE

FOR

A

PICTURE.

It's not even really about posing. It's about the fact that he sees the camera and RUNS THE OTHER WAY as fast as he can.

And we all know how fast he is.

My brother-in-law, who is a professional photographer, could not for the life of him get a single picture of Miles after many, many attempts. Not one shot.

God help us when Christmas picture time rolls around. Actually, God help dear Catharine who has to take the pictures. We better schedule time for a drink afterward because we are all going to need one :-)

Mr. Miles, The Two and a Half Year Old

2010-09-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

We are just going to go ahead and pretend that it hasn't been TWO MONTHS since I last posted on here.

Okay, so it's a little hard to do that. Let's just say that between my new job and having not used my camera (that I hate) to take a picture in months I have not had the time and/or motivation to post. That, and if I ever did try to take a picture it turns out like this (taken on my phone)

because Miles is HURRICANE MILES most of the time, moving in all directions at once.

He is, quite literally, a blur.

What I really want to do is do an update post filled with all of the wonderful and amazing things that make up who Miles is at two and a half. So that, my friends, is exactly what I am going to do!

Just remember that it has been two months since my last post so this one might be a doozy. Get comfortable. Here we go:

MILES GABRIEL: The Two and a Half Year Old

Miles is a force to be reckoned with. I say that in both the most positive and, well, less positive ways imaginable.

Miles is spunky, determined, persistent, funny, sweet, stubborn, fast, strong, coordinated, handsome, smart, silly, crazy, energetic, curious, imaginative, cute, naughty, polite, tidy, fun, complex and loving.

And we literally couldn't love him more.

Photo by Catharine Bliss (Notice how even in this picture he is not sitting still? Yeah.....)

Some more details:

- He is rather tall (don't know his exact height), weighs 32 pounds, size 10 Wide shoes and is in 2T/3T pants and 3T/4T shirts.

- He is still one of the best snugglers on earth. One of his favorite things to do is lay on the couch with me (or Grant) and watch his favorite show, "Go, Diego Go!". He will say, "Lay down, mama" so he can curl up with me for a good snuggle. Kisses are only done on his terms. If we try to give him lots of kisses he will usually push us away. But if he thinks that one of us is hurt or sick he will plant a big one right on the mouth and then say, "All better now?" He can be so.darn.sweet.

- He is a sugar fiend. I have never seen anything like it in a child. If it's a cookie, brownie, cupcake, sucker, you-name-it he WANTS it. Our daycare provider says that she has never seen a kid with a sweet tooth like Miles has. He couldn't care less about actual food or eating breakfast, lunch or dinner ... but put a piece of cake in front of him and he will mow it down in 30 seconds flat, then ask for more. No BEG for more. CRY for more. It's one of our biggest struggles right now. We went cold turkey on fruit snacks and banned them from our house because it just got to be such a huge obsession for him--it's all he would ask for and would throw fit after fit if we said no. We try to keep sweets out of the house as much a possible but for God's sake....ugh.

- We can't really take him anywhere. Restaurants are out. Church is super, duper hard. But he loves to be outside. He loves to ride his bike. He loves to play any kind of sport, and frankly he is awesome at all of them: soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball. He rocks them all! His amazing balance coupled with his incredible hand-eye coordination make him honest-to-goodness great at most any sport he tries to tackle. He and Grant are always out doing something or other, collecting bugs or working with tools in the garage. It's a good thing he has such an active daddy!! (Oh, and another thing he excels at? Using a computer mouse. I will get video of it some time and post it. I forget he is only 2 when he uses a computer!!!!)

- He is quite verbal and usually talks in complete sentences now. "Don't touch my cookie, mama." "I want to go to the mall." and so on :-) My favorite thing is when he gets on a roll when he is telling us a story, especially when telling us about his day at daycare (Sharon's): "I went pee in the potty at Sharon's house. I hit Ryan. I get time out. We play with toys. I take a nap. ...." He likes to confess when he has been naughty at daycare, which we appreciate! That way we can process it with him and talk about 'being nice to our friends'. That's a phrase we say a lot!

- Speaking of peeing on the potty...Miles is doing amazingly well at that. He is pretty much teaching himself. We have never tried to push it, we have never asked him if he would like to pee on the potty. He just started asking to do it himself many months back and will consistently do it if he isn't wearing his diaper at home. He has never had an accident. He also started going poop in the potty just recently. Again, we NEVER prompt him. He always just says, "I have to go pee" or "I have to go poop". So it seems that potty training is in full swing. Honestly, I wasn't quite ready for it but he seems to be. We will start being more intentional about it in the next few weeks.

- He loves counting, singing the alphabet and saying the days of the week in order. He will point out letters everywhere, even if it's not really a letter. The other day there was a hose lying on the ground on a sidewalk and he said "Look mama, M for Miles!" (It did look like a M--but I would have never seen it!) He is constantly seeing letters and numbers and pointing them out. My dad discovered how great he is at numbers by pulling out a deck of cards and asking Miles to identify the number on it as he flips the cards over--he gets them right almost all the time! They are little sponges at this age and he is absorbing absolutely everything that comes his way. Nothing gets past him and his little brain is like a steel trap. He is constantly amazing us.

- And then there is the other side of Miles. (He is a complex personality, what can I say!?!) Like any toddler, he is moody. He pushes our buttons. He is naughty. He can be a huge pain in the ass. He is incredibly persistent. He will cry for hours over a cookie. He will throw his crayons just to piss us off. He will kick and scream over a diaper change. He is a horrible eater. He will not sit and eat a meal to save his life. He will not behave in public. But then he surprises us...like when we went to Sesame Street Live recently. He was perfect. So, I know he is capable of it! I always say, "He is two but he is trying not to be!" This will pass.

- Thank God he remains a good sleeper. He sleeps like a rock, usually. However, getting him to actually GO to sleep for bedtime or naptime has turned into an ordeal and a half. I can't even go into all of the details. It's the typical stalling routine that most kids do. But Holy Crap does it frustrate us. He is still in a crib and WILL REMAIN THERE for the time-being. No big kid bed for him until he's 10 :-)

- He was recently diagnosed with "mild persistent asthma". We are not too concerned but are going to do some treatments to help his little lungs out a bit. Lots of kids have this kind of thing, and many grow out of it. We are just rolling with it and taking the advice of our fantastic pediatrician.

- Right now we are really struggling with how to talk about his birthmother and adoption. I am especially struggling with it. He is just so very aware of his life and his place in it now. Every time I show him a picture of his birthmother I say her name and then say, "This is your birthmother." He will often get upset and say, "No, my mama!!" and hug me. Gulp. This makes me cry just typing about it. We are just trying to adjust to his level of knowledge and acceptance of these ideas, and will have to change our gameplan accordingly. We will move toward talking more specifically about what it means when we say birthmother, and what it means when we say adoption. I didn't think this would come up this fast, but it has. We are going to use books and photos and friends and family and any other resources we can to help him to understand what this all means. We are working on it. It's a lifelong process!

That is actually only just a fraction of what is going on in Miles' life right now but I think that's enough for now, don't you?? I didn't talk about his favorite books, songs, friends, etc.... for another post.

As much as the Terrible Twos can suck sometimes, I am really, really enjoying this age. He is so full of fun and life--there is NEVER a dull moment with our boy. I am loving it. The older he gets the more I am convinced that I am sooooo NOT a baby person :-) Don't get me wrong, I love me a snuggly newborn (like sweet Annika!) but I also love that we are out of that stage. On to bigger and better things, I say. For now we are enjoying the ride!!!

Can Someone Please Hit the Pause Button???

2010-07-19T21:14:00.001-05:00

I feel like the summer is absolutely flying by. I can hardly believe we are halfway through July already. [sad face] We are having such a fantastic summer I REALLY don’t want it to end!!!

Here is my attempt to post some pics before it’s too late:

[this one from the 4th of July made me LOL! this pic sums up the personalities of these 3. Sophia and Patrick are quietly and calmly looking at something, while Hurricane Miles is merely a blur in the background. faster than a speeding bullet, our boy…]

[the cute kids at Ty Ty’s first birthday party on July 10]

[Miles and Patrick hanging out at Ty’s party]

[some random shots of a fun evening of smores and campfire with the family recently]

Baby Annika!

2010-07-18T21:37:00.001-05:00

Here she is! The beautiful daughter of our dear friends Catharine and Ryan, and little sister of Miles' buddy Patrick.

And of course, Grant, being the baby hog that he is, had Annika in his arms as soon as he could for a good snuggle. He is happiest with a baby in his arms... I think they are rather cute together :-)

Miles is in love with little Annika. He is surprisingly gentle (which is a word we almost never use to describe Miles) and loving with babies. And he is certainly smitten with Annika! I stole this pic from Catharine’s blog because it’s too cute. Miles looks concerned in this picture because he knows that his precious baby Annika is about to be whisked from his arms. [Patrick, Shay, Alyssa, Miles and Annika]

[I have so many more photos to post to get this blog up-to-date! I’m so behind! More to come soon!!]

The Water Bottle

2010-07-01T08:18:00.001-05:00

We have been making it a habit of getting to our nephews’ baseball games this summer. And last night might have been one of the most gorgeous summer evenings that we will have this year! Perfect. So we packed a picnic dinner and headed out to the game with the entire family: Mama, Daddy, Miles, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, Uncle Michael, Shanie and the ball player of the day, Quintin. Such fun!

Of course, Miles doesn’t always pay attention to the game. Last night it was all about the water bottle. Whatever keeps my 2 year old entertained…I am good with it!

Like Peas and Carrots

2010-06-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

I took this picture about a year ago but it remains a favorite...maybe for what it symbolizes: The special, close bond that a father and son share. Especially these two. They are like peas and carrots, they just go together :-) Happy Father's Day to one AMAZING daddy!

Jekyll & Hyde

2010-06-10T09:55:00.001-05:00

Miles is a typical toddler: Moody.

So we either get this:

Or this:

I call him Jekyll & Hyde because one minute he can be happy, funny, giggly … and the next minute he can be angry, whiny, pouty.

Grant thinks he gets it from me :-)

Watch Out, World, He's Got Wheels

2010-06-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

Never in a million years did I think I would put my 2-year-old on a bike and have him ride off into the sunset on the very first try. But I should know by now to NEVER underestimate our boy. He is, well, beyond words :-)

We got this hand-me-down bike that was our nephew Shane's a while back. I guess I didn't think Miles was big enough/ready for this yet. But for some reason we decided to slap the training wheels on it, put a helmet on his big melon and plop him on the bike yesterday. And HOLY COW were we ever blown away! He took to it like a pro from the very first moment. He peddled himself around our entire block with minimal help from us. Didn't fall off once and even turned corners by himself. It was seriously one of the best moments I have ever had as a parent...it was so exciting! I saw Grant fighting back tears (don't deny it, honey!). I was in heaven. I kept saying that there is nothing this kid can't do, and do well. He is amazing. So much fun!

Here are some photos and a video from his first bike ride ever!! (The video is a bit grainy at first because I'm zoomed in really close.)

First Bike Ride June '10 from Anne on Vimeo.

It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See Ya Later

2010-05-16T22:03:00.001-05:00

I really hate goodbyes. So when at all possible I don’t say it. I just say, “See ya later.” And in the case of a good friend moving thousands of miles away I am definitely in the ‘see ya later’ frame of mind. We will miss seeing Stacy and Delaney enormously when they move to Arizona next month…but since I am already plotting a trip to go and visit them I feel a little better about it. A little.

We hosted a party so that we could all get together and give them a nice send-off. And it turned out to be a blast! The kiddos were all incredibly well-behaved. And the parents were, too. Sort of. We only got a little crazy. See picture below for proof:

[ Lina (who provided me with this hilarious pic that her daughter took), Shawna (in front), Jen, Jenny, Me, Stacy, Grant and Delaney :-) ]

I would like to note that this was not my idea (*cough* Shawna *cough*) but that Grant was a super good sport about all of the ladies wanting to hold him and … wait a second! Of course he loved it!!! LOL! I would also like to add that that’s MY hand between his legs, thank you very much. I was laughing so hard I could hardly hold him!

It was also extra fun because I FINALLY got to meet Lina and her awesome kids! After years of following each other’s blogs and adopting boys who are almost exactly the same age (9 days apart, I think) we needed to meet…so meet we did! What a sweetie she is! I love meeting bloggy friends in person because then they become REAL friends ;)

We were outside playing with toys and bikes and bubbles…and sidewalk chalk.

My two loves:

Here’s a good shot of Delaney, Sophia and Kina … the eldest of our little group of toddler friends.

Thanks for making some good memories with us, friends!

We love you, Stacy and D. It’s not goodbye….

To You From Miles, With a Round of Applause

2010-05-09T16:37:00.002-05:00

I think my church said it best in their Facebook status from this morning:

"God, thank you for those women in our lives we call mothers. Whether biological, adoptive, emotional or spiritual. Cherished and imperfect. So much of what we believe and know about you, God, finds its way to us through them. Let us honor our mothers and in the process honor you, the source of our life." ~ELCA

I am so grateful to have an amazing mother. I am so blessed to have other incredible mothers around me every day: my sister, grandmothers and friends. I am humbled by Miles' birthmother who fills my thoughts today, as she does most every day. But most of all I am so lucky to be this kid's mom. So very lucky.

He has a little Mother's Day message for all of you wonderful mothers out there today. Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, May '10 from Anne on Vimeo.

Snapshots from the Weekend

2010-05-03T22:03:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market

Music, water and blue sky

Hey, what’s down there?

Celebrating Patrick’s 2nd Birthday … finally!

Cupcakes as only a photographer mama can do them ;)

Another celebration on Sunday morning with Ji’Robert Tyler and family,

baptized by our good friend Pastor Siri

Not THAT Kind of Nugget

2010-04-25T21:49:00.000-05:00

I have been lazy about taking pictures lately. I promise to get better. I think I am in picture lull because my friends are all amazing photographers and do my dirty work for me. And I am coveting a new camera (that will be mine...someday soon), so I am saving up all my good picture-taking mo-jo for the new camera. Yeah. That's it. :-)

So instead of a photo how about a little story?

You know how you just say things and you don't really think that your toddler is absorbing it all ... and then later they suddenly regurgitate it and you are floored that they were actually listening to you??

Well, sometimes when we are changing Miles' diaper we have a little commentary about the goodies we find in there. Sometimes we find what we call "nuggets"--you know, the hard little ball-shaped poo. It happens.

So, when IT does happen we say, "You've got some nuggets in there!" Classy, I know.

Fast-forward to this morning. Miles was clearly doing some business, and when he was done he looked at me, put his hand on his little diapered buttski and said, very innocently, "Mama, chicken nuggets in there!"

No, not THAT kind of nuggets, honey.

Silly boy :-)

Puppy Pajama Feet

2010-04-22T08:04:00.001-05:00

He loves his puppy pajama feet.

I do, too.

VOTE!

2010-04-21T14:44:00.000-05:00

Will you all do me a small favor??

Please click on this link: Olive Avenue Photography

Scroll down to the bottom of the page (admiring entry #12 on the way).

Vote for #12.

Repeat for the next 5 days. (can vote once a day)

I have entered my photo (one of my all-time faves of Sophia and Miles) into this contest and hope to win!

THANK YOU!

Popsicle Party

2010-04-17T20:52:00.001-05:00

It was a perfect evening for an impromptu popsicle party with some good friends. They just built a fence so we were happy to come over and christen their new, enclosed yard!

Snuggling with Miles and Miriam.

The gang’s all here.

Grant is always in heaven with a baby in his arms.

Clarification

2010-04-17T13:26:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to clarify about the Minnesota Mom Bloggers network (see last post). The network is up and running so please join! Ning will be closing their free networks but they have not set a date for it--might be next week, might be next year. In the meantime, hop on over and sign up! I will take you all with me if and when I move the network. Pass on the word to other Minnesota Mom Bloggers, too. The more the merrier!

Join the Minnesota Mom Bloggers Network!

2010-04-16T09:43:00.001-05:00

Visit Minnesota Mom Bloggers

Hey Fellow Minnesota Mom Bloggers!

I have created a new network for those of us who happen to be moms, happen to blog, and happen to live in Minnesota! I am constantly amazed at the wonderful friendships that I have formed through this world of blogging. The Minnesota Mom Bloggers network will allow all of us to connect and meet each other via our blogs, and the best part is that because I have created this as a geographical area we *might * even be able to meet in person someday! :-)

Here's the deal: You won't get any SPAM by joining this network. You can set it up however you want, visit as little or as often as you would like. There really are NO strings attached.

I have also created a group within the network called MN Adoption Bloggers. So, if you fall into that category please join in! And feel free to create other groups, as well.

I am planning a blogger get-together for the summer! If you want to be a part of that then by all means please join the network so you won't miss out!!!

To my "out of state or out of country" friends: I love, love, love you. Sorry to leave you out of this one. Hey--if you feel like you might be a Minnesotan at heart or have a Minnesota connection by all means join!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MINNESOTA MOM BLOGGERS!

***EDITED TO ADD: Of course this would happen. Literally the moment I create this network Ning decides to close all free networks. Still, join in. Then if and when I migrate to a different platform you can come along. Crap. Here's the article.

'WE ARE THE TRUTH' DAY

2010-04-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

We Are The Truth – an adoption blogger day: To ensure the world knows about every successful adoption, on Thursday, April 15, 2010 blog about your adoption or the adoption of someone you know. It doesn’t matter if your adoption is with Russia, domestic or otherwise international. Let the world know your truth!

----------------

From Anne:
Most of you know our truth. I don't think that any of us in the adoption community (with VERY few exceptions) know anything but the truth of adoption....the beautiful, wonderful miracle that it is. YES, it can be hard. YES, things aren't always perfect. And YES many of us are deeply upset about the recent and unthinkable actions taken by one adoptive mother. That might be her truth, but it's not ours. My prayer is that the truth about adoption shines brighter than the negativity that persists right now.

If you don't know our truth yet, just scroll through our blog. Read Our Adoption Story.

Our truth is love. And his name is Miles.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Patrick!

2010-04-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, Young Love

2010-04-11T21:11:00.001-05:00

And I think it’s true love with these two. I really do.

*Sophia and Miles, Oxbow Park

Check out more of Shawna’s sweet photos from this morning HERE.

Spring Evening at the Park

2010-04-08T21:14:00.001-05:00

It was a little on the chilly side, but we braved the park tonight anyway. Addy and Miles ran around like the crazy toddlers they are, ~~threw~~ played with sand and had a good ol’ time while the mamas and Ty Ty looked on. There will be many more days of playing at the park ahead of us this spring and summer! Hopefully most of them will be warmer days :-)

Easter Memories

2010-04-05T07:57:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we were reminiscing about Easter Sunday 2008. We had just come back from Utah days before, we had this brand-new gorgeous bundle of joy in our arms...and we were completely shell-shocked!! I can remember bringing Miles to church on Easter Sunday morning two years ago and seeing people's stunned reactions. It had all happened so fast we had no chance to tell everyone! So the looks on people's faces were classic. Our church is our home, so we felt like we were introducing Miles to his extended family that day. It was wonderful.

And now, two years later, we take Miles to church on Easter Sunday: He played with his cousins, snuggled with his beloved Auntie and picked up a pencil to help conduct the Easter choir! He is a greater blessing than anything we could have ever imagined. We will forever remember Holy Week and Easter as the time that we got to bring our little miracle home. Such good memories.

Yay! I found my Easter eggs!

Check.Me.Out.

2010-03-29T15:56:00.004-05:00

Check

Me

Out

I am too cute. Too, too cute.

*Photography by Catharine Bliss

I Can’t Explain It

2010-03-28T21:05:00.001-05:00

Check out the looks on these two. What are they thinking? I have no clue. (But let it be known they are looking at Catharine…I’m just saying’…)

And what’s going on here? I don’t know. I can’t explain it. What weirdos. ;)

[Patrick and Miles, buds]

Jammies-n-Juice

2010-03-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

View Full Album

Click above to see the whole album of birthday party pics! Thank you to Catharine for giving us an amazing 2nd Birthday present for Miles…all these photos! The gift that keeps on giving, for sure.

We did something a little different for Miles’ party, and called it Jammies-n-Juice. We had everyone over the morning of his birthday (which luckily happened to be a Saturday) and asked them to keep their jammies ON! Seeing all the kiddos (and some of the parents) in their PJs was a hoot. We had juice, fruit and train muffins. (see pics for more details!) We were so happy to have my sister’s house to have the party because there is no way we could have fit all of these people into ours. Thank you to the best friends and family in the world for making Miles’ birthday so special!!!

Preview

2010-03-23T13:06:00.002-05:00

Here's a little preview of the birthday party pictures. I think he enjoyed himself. A lot. :-)

More to come soon!

What a Difference 2 Weeks (and 2 days) Makes

2010-03-18T20:41:00.003-05:00

Remember this picture I posted from March 2?

A mere 16 days later and POOF! No snow left!!!

HOORAY!!!

2 Year Appt

2010-03-16T21:21:00.003-05:00

29.3 pounds (65th percentile)

35.5 inches (75th percentile)

Still has a huge melon ;)

Our 2 year appt went really well today. I could not fathom the fact that we had not been to see Dr. L since he was 15 months!! We had a really good conversation about a wide variety of topics. But mainly it was just me firing off question after question. Between Grant and I we had like 8 things to discuss with her and then we kept thinking of more and more...and more. Poor Dr. L. But she is always so patient and kind...and understanding of neurotic first-time parents. We really like her. She is level-headed, to say the least. I need level-headed people around me. ;)

It's always fun to go through the development chart at his appointments. It was no surprise that he is developmentally on track or ahead of the game in all areas. Our main concern was about his, ummm, less than desirable behavior as of late (i.e. excessive hitting). She assured us that because he has no other areas of concern (he sleeps well, eats well, likes playing with kids, participates in activities, etc...) there is no reason to believe that this isn't just his normal development going on. I stress his because she reminded us that every child is different. Miles might be more aggressive than most, yes, but that doesn't mean that there is anything at all wrong with him. On the contrary, in fact. He is who he is (to paraphrase Dr. L). Not that we can't (and aren't) trying very hard to reinforce good behaviors and teach him to use his power for good rather than evil. But the fact of the matter is that he will grow up. He's a bright kid...and he will learn.

I had a friend tell me today that she wishes she could go back in time and re-do how she handled her first-born who was, from the sounds of it, very much like Miles. Spirited. Aggressive. Smart as a whip. A hitter. All of that and more. She said she wishes she could go back and not care about what the other moms were saying about her child, how they were judging her. She wishes she could have parented more with her gut, rather than her brain. I really take that advice to heart as we move forward with Miles. I need to quit worrying so much about the people who have no right to judge, but do anyway. I need to use my God-given motherly instincts rather than what is coming out of other people's mouths. I know my kid the best. The rest doesn't matter.

That's not to say that I won't continue to have Mama time outs and frequent trips to the liquor store. Because I will ;) He is terribly TWO, after all.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mr. Miles

2010-03-13T12:52:00.003-06:00

Jammies-n-Juice birthdays party pics to come...

March Melting

2010-03-06T13:20:00.005-06:00

I love this picture of Miles for so many reasons. One is because you can see just a wee drop of drool hanging off his bottom lip. This is how I will forever remember Miles in his early years...always the drooler. I also love it because he has his serious look on his face which I adore. He is such a deep thinker. I also love this picture because I just want to pinch his little cheeks when I see it, don't you?? A week from today he will be blowing out TWO birthday candles. I think I am trying to etch his baby face in my brain before it goes away forever. He looks a little bit older and a little bit less like a baby every single day.

And in other news... Look! The snow is melting! You can actually see parts of our yard! Yipee!!!

How to eat yogurt and applesauce…with your hands

2010-03-04T21:21:00.001-06:00

And now Miles would like to teach you all how to eat yogurt properly. Forget the spoon.

First you slap some on the table and fingerpaint. Isn't it beautiful?

Then you should rub it around with your hands and smear it a little bit.

For the next step you should definitely lick your hands. Yummy.

If you want to take your yogurt eating experience to the next level Miles would suggest using your nookie as a utensil. Start by just throwing it in there...

Then you can easily lick it off. See?

[and this is where the pictures stopped because the yogurt ended up on the floor, flung across the dining room and in every crevice of his chair]

And now Miles would like to show you his very sophisticated applesauce eating technique:

Applesauce, March '10 from Anne on Vimeo.

Still Winter

2010-03-02T08:06:00.003-06:00

Yep, still winter out there. Sorry, my love. Soon we will look out the window and see only green grass and birds chirping. I promise. Until then...

An evening to remember...

2010-02-28T20:40:00.007-06:00

What an amazing night I had last night. Those of you who know me IRL or are a regular follower of this blog know that Shawna and Sophia are two very special people in our lives. The story of how they came to be a family and how the three of us came to be a family is inextricably intertwined. We credit Shawna for leading us to domestic adoption, and thus to Miles. And in the process she and Soph have become a part of our family. So when she asked if I wanted to come and hear her speak at an adoption benefit gala this weekend I was IN!

[me and Shawna]

[me and Stacy]

Of course, when Stacy, Shawna and I get together there is always some fun to be had ;) But the bulk of the evening was spent in tears...in a good way. Shawna was articulate and eloquent in her telling of their story, and she had the entire room in tears. It was beautiful and I could not have been more proud of her. Then we also got to hear from a family who adopted a special needs child from China and a particularly home-hitting story from an amazing birth mother. It was an evening to remember!!!

Video: Miles Counts to 11

2010-02-27T12:58:00.003-06:00

Our Adoption Story

2010-02-18T12:48:00.004-06:00

I have added a page at the top menu bar called Our Adoption Story. I'm working on several other pages to add so look for those to come soon. But I wanted to have a place where those who read our blog can get the story behind the story, so to speak. We are not ones to divulge too much detail on our blog about the private stuff associated with our adoption (i.e. his birthfamily, etc...) because we feel that's not our story to tell. But we do love to be advocates for adoption, especially domestic adoption. And, frankly, we just get asked so often what our story is that I thought it would be a good idea to have a place to point to where people can get background on our adoption. I wrote extensively about the Vietnam adoption process (pre-switch to domestic) over at our old blog MN to VN. But since this site is dedicated to our current life with Miles I just don't focus on adoption-related stuff as much on here. In any case, click on the page to read our story if you don't already know it!

I am always, always happy to get emails and questions from people who are seeking to find out more about adoption. So please, keep 'em coming!

Choosing to start our family through adoption was THE BEST decision we have ever made (except to get married to each other!) and if there is anything we can do to help others get there we will bend over backwards to help!

Shades

2010-02-17T08:17:00.001-06:00

Miles would not take his shades off this morning.

So he went to daycare with them on.

Valentine's Day at the Children's Museum

2010-02-14T20:41:00.008-06:00

The three of us spent a very happy Valentine's Day with our good friends Stacy and Delaney. What fun we had at the Minnesota Children's Museum! This was our second trip up there, and it never disappoints. There is so much to do and see. It was busy but not so busy it wasn't manageable.

The best part was the kiddie karaoke--it's basically just a stage, lights, music, some fake instruments and a video screen. But it was HYSTERICAL. Delaney was workin' it. It was adorable. Miles was shakin' his booty, too, and they had a blast in there. Of course, I don't have a picture or video of it because my *bleep* *bleep* camera ran out of batteries even though I put brand-news ones in as we were leaving the house. I kid you not, I just about throw it in the garbage when "change batteries" flashed on the screen. UGH....but I digress....

The kids did exceptionally well, not a meltdown or a tear in sight. Just good times had by all. Another super fun weekend in the books. And once again I wish Monday would never come...

Stacy, Delaney, Me, and Miles in the dinosaur exhibit. It always looks like Miles is in pain but I promise you that's just his "smile for the camera" smile.

Miles and D in the Metro!

Peek!

Miles and a goldfish having a staring contest. I think the fish won. He was rockin' the red, white and blue today...we've got Olympics fever! Go Team USA!!!

23 ... and "Counting"

2010-02-13T20:40:00.001-06:00

23 months. This is the last time I will be able to count his age in months. EVER. Or, I should say, this is the last time that I am going to count his age in months. I just can't say "Miles is 30 months." That seems odd to me. 2 (or 2 1/2 in this example) seems much more reasonable an answer. You have to stop counting in months at some point, otherwise you end up with, "Hi. I'm Anne and I am 388 months." And now you know exactly how old I am! In any case, it's so bittersweet. My baby is no longer a baby. Cliche, I know. But it really does seem like just yesterday we were putting on his tiny newborn diapers and waiting for his umbilical cord to fall off. ;) *sigh*

Speaking of counting, Miles is a counting fool! He can count to 10, and likes to use his fingers or whatever else is around at the time to count on. And he counts s l o w l y. Ooonnneee. Tttwwwooo. Tttthhrrreeee. It's so precious. I wish I could get a good video of it but every time I try we get to about 3 and then he wants to play with the camera. Silly.

I have said it before and now I will say it one more time for the cheap seats in the back: Miles is athletic and fast. I've never seen anything like it in a one year old. Nearly every day when we pick him up from daycare Sharon says something like, "He has A LOT of energy." Ummm, yes, this is an understatement. Spring needs to get here and get here quickly so this kid can get outside and run off some of that steam.

Speaking of daycare, things are going so well in that department. He loves Sharon, loves all his little friends, loves the routine. And the best part is that Sharon loves Miles. She rejoices right along with us in his accomplishments and milestones. The other day when we picked him up she could not wait to tell us that he can identify which diapers are his (if she tells him to get get a clean one so she can change him) because she writes the letter "M" on each diaper (she has quite a few kids). She thought it was so great that he goes and picks his diaper by seeing the letter M on it, and will run over to her and say "M!!!" We could not ask for a better provider for him. That's not to say that Miles doesn't challenge her, because we all know how challenging he can be! But she is patient and loving and lets him be a KID. Imagine that.

We are working on many things with Miles, and hoping that someday all of our discipline efforts will pay off. "No hitting please" can be heard about 642 times a day in our house. "No throwing toys please" can be heard about 291 times a day. And now "No talking back please" is starting its run. He knows exactly where his timeout spot is, goes there with no arguments and sits there for however long we ask him to without trying to get up. But are the timeouts really working?? I have my doubts. We are trying to be super patient with him when he gets angry and aggressive. But the hitting thing is my HOT BUTTON issue, and that pushes me over the edge a lot of times. I often need to put him in timeout so that I can have a timeout, as well. Breathe. He is generally such a happy, fun, silly kid. But he is also persistent and has a short fuse. So, we are working on it!

He is a blessedly awesome sleeper (crap, I just jinxed it) and goes down easily for naps and night night. We put him down 100% awake and he does the rest! Naptime will last forever if we let it. Today I had to wake him up after nearly 3.5 hours. The first 11 months of his life were incredibly hard in that department so we've had our fair share of tears over sleep issues. (We had to do sleep training with him, which saved our lives!). We still have our rough nights and early mornings every once in a great while. But we've also kept the exact same bedtime routine and bedtime time since he was just a couple months old so I think that helps. I'm by no means patting myself on the back because he's gonna do what he's gonna do. But we have worked hard at sleep and fortunately it has paid off. Now, get back to me when we do the transition to the big boy bed and I might be singing a VERY different tune! Not doing that any time soon!!!

Right now he is really hit or miss when it comes to food. He's just not the best eater at the moment. I am switching him from whole milk to 1% (he drinks an inordinate amount of milk) to see if that will help him eat during meals any better.

As is the case with most kids his age his vocab is growing fast. I get most excited and proud when he uses sentences. His favorite thing to say right now is "where are you": "Daddy! Are you?" or "Nana (for nookie)! Are you?" I've said it before but I think seeing his language develop is one of my favorite things about this age.

He is a clown. This morning he burped after drinking his milk, then I said "Did you say excuse me?" He then said "muse me" (ha--cute). He then proceeded to FAKE burp and say "muse me" again. And then he laughed and laughed. He thinks he is hilarious. It's SO hard not to laugh. He also laughs when he toots. He is such a boy.

I wish I could get Grant to write a post on here sometime because he would highlight different things. He would probably say that he loves going to Home Depot with Miles. He would probably say that he loves it when Miles lets him snuggle (he is such a HUGE mama's boy, G gets the short end of the stick on the snuggle time). He would probably say that he loves it when Miles tries to sing along to songs at the top of his lungs. He would probably say that he can't wait for the summer when they can go out exploring together and do boy stuff like digging in the dirt.

I'm not going to apologize for this being so long since the monthly updates will probably cease after he turns two. So you won't have to endure my wordiness much longer. ;)

I will apologize for not having a good pic to post. I tried to get some this morning but my camera doesn't have a "catch the fast-moving toddler" setting. But there will be lots more of Miles to come in the future.

Thanks to all of my friends, family and bloggy buddies who read and/or comment!

Boy Buds

2010-02-10T20:28:00.004-06:00

We had a fun playdate with Addy and Tyler tonight, and it got me thinking about how important these boy buds like Tyler are going to be to Miles. We are blessed with many friends, most of which have girls. (With the exception of a handful of handsome young men like Patrick and Ryan.) Not complaining at all! We LOVE our girls!! But when another boy comes into the mix we are admittedly quite thrilled. Boys and girls are so different, and that distinction gets more and more evident the older they get.

I suppose it will get to a point, and all too soon, where Miles won't want to play dolls with the girls. That will be a sad day :-(

Addy and Ty-Ty are great buddies of Miles. Here are a few pics of the boy buds together. Sorry to leave Addy out!! But I had to share the pics of the boys this time. Miles was surprisingly gentle and sweet to him! Imagine that?!? They are adorable together.

[Ugh, Miles and his super cheese smile. Nice.]

I Heart MW

2010-02-09T20:15:00.000-06:00

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

2010-02-08T07:59:00.003-06:00

We HAD to get out of the house yesterday. No, it was not above freezing (it was around 28 degrees). Yes, we live in Minnesota and it's February. But sometimes you just get cabin fever and suddenly going for a walk sounds like a really good idea. It was fun! It was actually a really beautiful day, no wind and some sunshine.

It was our 7th Anniversary yesterday, as well, and we just felt like celebrating. A little winter walk was just what we needed!

Ever have such an amazing weekend that you literally want to cry when you wake up on Monday and realize...it's MONDAY? Ugh. That's how I feel today.

Only 5 more days until the next weekend!

Playtime

2010-02-04T07:55:00.000-06:00

Grant was on double toddler duty last night while the mamas got to go out for their favorite: Vietnamese food. (Shawna and I might be the biggest Vietnamese egg roll fans in the world.) So while we were dining the kiddos played. The report that we got from G after dinner is that they all had a blast. Thanks, honey!

What I love about the age that Miles and all of his friends are at is that they are starting to actually play together. Like, really play and interact. Of course, parallel play is also still happening a lot and they ARE toddlers so fights over toys are normal, too. But for the most part playdates are super fun right now. I remember distinctly when they were just babes that I couldn't wait until they started to play together and know each other's names. Now Miles absolutely adores his friends ("Pat-kick" for Patrick, "Pofia" for Sophia, etc...). He has a unique relationship with each one of them. It's so fascinating to see their little personalities developing, and how that shapes how they play together. So now it's not just that I want to see my friends, it's that Miles wants to play with his friends! As we were settling in to read books before nite nite last night, Miles looked at me and said "Pofia bub bye?" -- awwww!

Check out Miles' new haircut. It's SHORT. I am not a fan. I like his curls and want them back now. But since we were the ones who cut it I have no one to blame but myself. I can't wait until it grows back!!!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T08:32:00.002-06:00

[Miles thought his beloved "Lambie" needed a diaper...]

First Swimming Lesson!

2010-01-28T20:23:00.005-06:00

I could not be more proud of our little swimmer. He did so incredibly well at his first swimming lesson tonight! I don't know who loved it more, Grant or Miles. I didn't get in the pool. I acted as the towel girl/paparazzi/cheering section instead ;)

The good news is that he pretty much rocks at all of the swimming skills already: kicking (check), splashing (check), blowing bubbles in the water (check), floating on his belly (check), floating on his back (check). He also wants to take huge leaps off the side and into the water already. He has no fear. Not sure that is such a good thing when it comes to the water but at least he is comfortable, right? There was a poor little boy who screamed bloody murder through the entire class. I felt so bad for him, and especially bad for him mommy. I like their philosophy, though, of not pulling them out of the water right away. They keep them in the water, even if they are crying, for as long as possible. Who knows? Maybe next week he will feel a little bit more comfortable.

And his favorite part? Playing with the ball, OF COURSE.

The bad news is that although we thought Miles and his good pal Addy were signed up for the same swimming class, turns out they are in different groups (back to back). Addy is 2. Miles is not. But it never occurred to us that they would be in different groups since they are less than 3 months apart! Crap. Oh well. We get to see them as they are coming in and we are going out. It was sad to hear Miles say "Addy, Addy, Addy!" when he saw her, though. Boo. We might just have to join Addy's dance class ;)

The funniest part of the whole evening was the "lifeguard" (and I use that word lightly) who was no less than 90 years old. I thought I might have to jump in and save HER if she fell in. GEEZ.

Can't wait until next week to go back for more fun in, er...next to the pool!!!

Curious George and Curious Miles

2010-01-28T14:37:00.003-06:00

Just having a little fun with the PBS Parents Photo Factory!

If you've never been there, PBS Kids also has a great site. I love their shows, don't you?? Have you seen Dinosaur Train? FAB.U.LOUS. Adoption themes in there and everything. What 2 year old boy doesn't love dinosaurs and trains, but put them together and it's like a dream come true!! ;)

Handsome?

2010-01-27T21:59:00.004-06:00

Handsome doesn't even begin to describe this beautiful face, in my totally unbiased and humble opinion. ;) Catharine always captures it perfectly!!!

Pic by Bliss Photography

Delaney’s Party!

2010-01-23T21:31:00.001-06:00

Our good buddy Delaney turned 2 this month and today was her big party! Such fun, fun times with awesome friends.

First of all, here are some pictures that we never thought would actually happen. We got 7 toddlers (and 3 babies) to SIT STILL all at the same time. And it wasn't even hard! They all very happily and willingly sat on the couch and smiled for the cameras. WHAT?!? They must be growing up. We were stunned. We try and try to do this kind of thing all the time and it NEVER works. YAY! I love these pics. Aren't they just the cutest kiddos you've ever seen? ALL ADOPTED!!!!

There was pizza and the usual cheesy smile from Miles:

And there was cake:

And there were presents:

And of course Miles was VERY interested in the presents:

And there were hugs all around:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, D!!!!

RIP Changing Table

2010-01-23T13:02:00.003-06:00

This is what nearly 30 pounds of rowdy toddler can do to your furniture. *sigh*

Weekend Adventures at the Mall Playland

2010-01-19T07:41:00.010-06:00

2 Months 'Til TWO

2010-01-13T07:36:00.002-06:00

Oh, if only the batteries weren't dead in my camera I might have a picture or two to post :-( There is a running joke, mostly between me and Shawna, that I suck the life out of any battery I come into contact with. Especially the camera batteries. I swear I take two pictures and the batteries are dead. We have tried rechargables and those are even worse. But I can't stand going through so many batteries. I think there must be something wrong with my camera. It's not super old and it's a Canon, so I just don't understand! Frustrating! Anyway, that is my loooong apology for being a bad blogger and having no pictures whatsoever.

Miles is 22 months old today but has been acting like he is 2 for quite a while now. And by that I mean he is delivering some mind-blowing tantrums, hitting, being incredibly defiant ("Nnnnnnno!"), crying about just about everything and being generally whiny and clingy. How's that for honesty?? ;) We have a challenging one, for sure, but of course there are many moments of special snuggles and big giggles, too. When he is not pushing my buttons he is really fun, really bright and really charming...and I enjoy him! We love every bit of him but there are moments when I am sure I won't survive toddlerhood with him ;) My sister always reminds me that it's hard to raise smart boys (she has two of them) but it DOES get better. I am hanging on to that. Daycare is going GREAT. What a miracle that whole thing is. Thank God we found Sharon (thanks, Nicole!) and thank God he has adjusted so thoroughly and happily. We are going to start swimming lessons soon, so stay tuned for some pics of our little fishy in the pool! (That is, if the batteries will work. Sigh.)

We are planning his birthday party and I am SO excited for what we have up our sleeves!!! Should be really fun. I can't believe he is going to be TWO! What happened to the 6 pound 5 oz baby we brought home from Utah??? Time flies when you have a toddler?!? You betcha.

Hey Miles, Do Your Fishy Face

2010-01-06T20:07:00.002-06:00

2009...

2009-12-31T21:02:00.001-06:00

...was a good year. But I think 2010 will be even better!

Check out my other blog for some cute pics of Miles and his friends partying it up tonight: HERE

See you next year!

The Abbreviated Christmas

2009-12-30T08:37:00.006-06:00

As most of you already know, Christmas didn't really happen for us this year due to illness. But I did manage to get in a few quick pictures before we hightailed it from my family's house on Christmas Eve. The evening started out nicely with going to church as a family (Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, Uncle Michael, Quintin, Shane, Aunt Karen, us), and having our dear friends Shawna and Sophia worship with us, too. That was special. But the rest is sort of a blur. So, that's all I got, peeps. We didn't/couldn't leave the house on Christmas Day because we were so sick. Miles and his cousins got some good loot, though! Here's hoping I have more pictures and memories to post of NEXT Christmas. ;)

The Christmas Fridge: 2009 Edition

2009-12-23T20:14:00.003-06:00

I started a new tradition last year on The Chronicles of Miles. The Christmas Fridge. This year's Christmas fridge does not disappoint. It's full of faces we love, of family and friends, and SO.MUCH.LOVE. I adore it. Every time I walk by I have to smile. Christmas cards in the mail is one of those really simple pleasures in life that will never become mundane to me. We cherish the cards and pictures because we cherish all of you.

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.

The Obsession

2009-12-23T07:21:00.003-06:00

This picture (sorry, not a great one) was taken literally 2 minutes after Miles woke up this morning. I woke him up (a rather frequent occurrence on daycare days) and he marched right down the hall to put his boots on. With his footie jammies still on. One track mind? Yep. But sooooooo darn sweet.

The Amazing Mind of a Toddler

2009-12-16T09:29:00.004-06:00

I am loving this stage that Miles is in. Okay, so sometimes it's REALLY hard, too. Like when he throws himself on the ground in a fit of tears because I won't let him brush his teeth for hours on end. Or when he refuses to sit in his chair and eat dinner but then begs for crackers 15 minutes later. That stuff gets under my skin. But mostly this age (he's 21 months now!) is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. The lightbulbs that are going off in his head could light up an entire Christmas tree! I know people always say this about toddlers but they are truly little sponges. Since I have never experienced it first-hand I am just discovering the wonderful truth of that. His little brain is growing, growing, growing. And meanwhile I am losing brain cells faster than I am getting gray hair. But that's for a whole other post...

Just in the last day we have discovered just how fast his brain is assimilating information:

Example #1: Yesterday Miles pointed to me and said, "Dat my mama!" That might not seem that amazing because lots of 21 month olds speak in sentences. But it was a cool moment for us. Up until that point he had been saying things like "dada shoes on" and other 2 or 3 word phrases...but not a full, complete and correct sentence. I was just about in tears when he said it, not just because he said the sentence but also because I was absorbing the meaning of those 3 little words. Those were the sweetest words I have ever heard. A lightbulb moment, for sure.

Example #2: He gave himself two timeouts last night. This is good and bad. The good news is that, despite our doubts, he actually DOES understand what timeout means. The bad news is that I'm not sure giving himself timeouts is a very effective discipline technique. But, it was another lightbulb moment. Ding! He gets it.

Example #3: For the last couple of weeks Miles has been pointing to his fingers and saying "owie". We could not figure it out. We would search his hands and fingers for the smallest scratch that would necessitate him to declare that he had an owie, but no such luck. We would just look at him, puzzled, and say "nope! no owie!" or just kiss his little fingers and send him on his way. Until this morning, when in the course of a brief conversation while dropping him off at daycare, our wonderful new daycare provider told Grant that she has frequent eczema on her fingers. She often wears band aids on them. So Miles will point to her fingers and say "owie" and then point to his and say "owie". DING! Lightbulb moment. For us, that is ;) But again, it shows just how much he is absorbing and how nothing gets past him. Nothing.

I have this mental picture of the brain of a toddler: It's like a huge building, a skyscraper, where you can step back and see the lights coming on, one by one. And by the time all the lights are on it's a beautiful sight to behold. So cool to think about, isn't it? I am trying to enjoy these moments of discovery...and enjoy the lights coming on. One by one.

In Daddy's Boots

2009-12-15T07:51:00.003-06:00

This is often how we find Miles...in daddy's boots. The scary part is that in a few years his feet will be too big for these boots!!! Our boy's got some huge paddles, let me tell you... ;)

Piano Men

2009-12-11T10:45:00.003-06:00

Had to share this pic of Miles and his buddy Patrick (taken by P's mom, Catharine). They have had a couple playdates this week and are just too cute together!!

Sticker Man

2009-12-07T18:20:00.005-06:00

If a sticker is in his hand, it it very soon transferred to his shirt. Exhibit A. (Doesn't he look OLD in this picture???)

Rearranging the stickers. Quality control. Just like mama ;)

And then we of course need to eat the stickers because that's the thing to do, right?

My little sticker man, so proud of his sticker masterpiece!

It Must Be the Snow

2009-12-07T13:18:00.002-06:00

It must be the snow on the ground and more in the forecast, but I have some major Christmas fever. I am SO excited for Christmas this year! I think there will always be a part of me that will remember how sad and lonely we felt at Christmastime pre-Miles. 2006 and 2007, to be exact, pretty much sucked. Not that we didn't have a lovely time with friends and family ... but ... well, it just felt empty.

But now we get to celebrate another Christmas with our boy! Although we try and stress that Christmas is not about gifts, there's really nothing quite like seeing kids opening up their presents on Christmas Eve. This is the first year that Miles will really know what's going on, and might actually get excited for some of his presents. We aren't going overboard but I'm sure our family will spoil him rotten ;) That's what Grandparents are for!

We have decided not to participate in the "Yuletide Child Abuse" (as my bloggy friend Jenn calls it, hee hee!), i.e. sitting him on Santa's lap and taking a picture while he cries his eyes out. Our rule is that we don't sit him on Santa's lap until the words "I want to go and see Santa" come out of his mouth. Don't get me wrong, those pics are hilarious and of course classic. But I fear Santa would not appreciate the very loud and very high-pitched screeching that Miles has gotten good at. Nor would the mall shoppers appreciate it, either. Did you know that malls really echo?

We aren't anti-Santa (in fact, we have taught him to say "Ho Ho Ho" when asked "What does Santa say?"). But we do want to keep the true meaning of the season intact. Grant and I were amused/horrified that someone put Santa and Rudolph right next to Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in their yard nativity scene. Yep, those 5 clearly all belong in the same scene. Gah!

We've done quite a bit of Christmas celebrating already, including a fun party with 9 of Miles' buddies and their parents (all kids adopted except one) this past weekend. We put up the Christmas tree and Miles enjoys looking at the lights (no ornaments, due to a toddler who throws and/or eats every small object within reach). We've started to play Christmas music and watch things like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". He loves to see the Christmas lights on houses. Christmas is more fun, more magical, when seen through the eyes of a child. Especially your own child.

My rather round-about point is that I am feeling grateful for our 2nd Christmas together as a family. It will certainly be a holly jolly Christmas.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2009-12-03T07:56:00.006-06:00

Pics by Bliss Photography

Check Out The New Look!

2009-12-01T07:31:00.003-06:00

The Chronicles of Miles has a new look thanks to the work of my long-time bloggy friend, Jenna. (Serendipity Designs) What do you think???

Picture Withdrawl

2009-11-30T13:28:00.004-06:00

No, my camera has not gone into early retirement, although that's how it may seem. I have been taking almost no pictures lately. I have just gotten lazy, that's all. I promise to shape up soon. I don't even have a pic from Thanksgiving to post. Shame on me! But Shawna got this one of Soph and Miles on Saturday at our house and it was too cute not to post. I giggle every time I see this pic because all you can see are Grant's legs ;) They were fascinated with watching him while he cleaned leaves out of our gutters. Whatever keeps the kiddos entertained is cool with us!

Happy Birthday, Sophia!

2009-11-16T08:04:00.010-06:00

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sophia Grace!

Love, Auntie, Uncle Grant and Mr. Miles

This One's for the Iowa Hawkeyes Fans

2009-11-15T12:50:00.004-06:00

Miles wanted to add an accessory to his church outfit this morning.

So he did. I turned around to see this.

I told him to take out his nookie and smile.

And he did ;)

All of the Above Online, On Blogger

2009-11-12T09:15:00.000-06:00

I am not known for being indecisive, but I guess that's my middle name lately.

If you haven't already figured it out, my new blog is now here: All of the Above

There are possibilities for other changes but for now that's where it lives!

I am also slowly figuring out how to keep up 2 blogs. That's a tough one...

Better to keep up with 2 blogs than 2 kids at this point! ;) Now THAT would be something to fear!! LOL

Look at That Face

2009-11-09T09:34:00.007-06:00

I have yet another announcement about my new blog but I am just too lazy to explain it all today. It can wait ;) Stay tuned.

For now I think I just want to look at my sweet boy's face. Let's do that for a second:

This is just a glimpse into the amazing pics that Catharine got of Miles a few weekends ago. She does our Christmas card pic every year--I think there will be too many to choose from. Such hard decisions!

So, since Miles is going to turn 20 Months this week (eek!) I thought I would give a couple updates about what the little squirt has been doing lately:

-He has been busy increasing his vocab and has now ventured into two-word phrases. "More geese" was heard about a million times this weekend. We live in a city with a plethera of Canadian Geese so we have lots of opportunities to see them. Miles loves it. And he will say things like "Mama teeth" which means that Mama is brushing her teeth. And so on and so forth. The language development is much more exciting than I thought it would be! Yay for words and communication!!

-We are seriously amazed at his athletic abilities and how naturally it all comes to him. Want to talk about nature vs. nurture? Miles is a prime example of the fact that some people are just born with certain skills. We certainly didn't teach him! He can hit off a pitch. He can hit off his OWN pitch (drop the ball from his left hand and hit it with the bat in his right hand). He even has perfect form when shooting a basketball. We have college scouts coming to our house tomorrow and Nike will be here on Friday. Just kidding ;) We have to be very careful about the labels and stereotypes we put on Miles, though. The 'athletic black male' thing would be a very easy trap to fall into. And we are not about to put him into a box when he in only 20 months old. We are very aware that Miles is also incredibly smart, and we think his future is bright no matter what path he takes.

-Miles is a neat freak. This is one of those where I'm pretty sure it's learned ;) We have created an OCD child. Ooops. One of his favorite words is "back" which means that it either needs to be put back or he is in the process of putting it back--whether that be books or toys or my hairbrush or whatever. He likes things in their place. He never gets upset if something is out of place but he sure enjoys putting things "back". He likes to throw "ucky" (garbage) away. He loves to throw his own dirty diapers in the trash. He asks for napkins or paper towels if something is spilled. If he drops something on the floor while eating he says "Uh oh!" until said food or utensil is picked up. He doesn't enjoy having dirty hands. He is definitely OUR child!!!

-Some signs that Miles is growing up and these all make me want to cry: He wears 2T clothes and size 5 diapers. He no longer wants to sit in his highchair so we are going to move to just a booster seat. He has nearly all of his baby teeth, just waiting on the 2 year molars. He insists on feeding himself most of the time. He tell us when he poops. He tells me when I need to clip his nails (for real--that happened yesterday). He sat through an entire church service.

He is such a JOY. He can also be a complete pain in the ass ;) but mostly he is super duper fun! 20 months is way closer to 2 yrs than I am comfortable with. I feel like I am going to blink and he will have his driver's license. My goal for the holiday season is to take lots and lots of video and pics of him so when he is being sworn in as the President of the United States I can look back and say that, yes, he was once my baby... ;)

Scratch That

2009-11-05T10:02:00.002-06:00

After receiving council from a trusted friend, and after some thought, I have come to this conclusion: Screw it. I have just un-password protected all of the posts on my new blog. So read away, friends! As a wise women told me last night, "What have you got to lose?" So true. I'm not sure what I was trying to protect by passwording my posts. Probably my ego. Probably trying to shield my mom from that fact that I swear sometimes (sorry mom). But I have come to the conclusion that I can't have one foot in the door and one foot out. I am just going to jump and see where I land. With both feet. I want to have a dialogue on my blog and a wider audience is needed to do that. (Comments are more than welcome, by the way. I hate feeling like I am talking to myself.) I have come to realize that I am being drawn to doing this new blog for a reason. What reason? I have NO clue. But it's definitely an itch that I am going to scratch.

All of the Above

A New Project

2009-11-02T19:41:00.002-06:00

I have always toyed with the idea of going password protected on this site. There are many reasons to go fully password protected, but I just don't want to do that to this blog. I have gotten connected with so many wonderful people because of The Chronicles of Miles, and if it were password protected that would have been impossible. And to be honest I know how many people I would lose if I did that. I, myself, have a really hard time remembering to check the blogs that are password protected if they don't pop up in Google Reader. Call me lazy, but I just can't remember to 1) go there and 2) what their password is. But I digress...

The main reason I have wanted to go to a password protected blog is so that I could be more honest on here. Not that I lie. Because I don't. As it is with most baby blogs it's all sunshine and roses, none of the other stuff. I don't talk about what's REALLY going on. And why should I? This blog has been Miles' baby book, plain and simple. Nothing more, nothing less. A place to capture memories and Miles-stones. I never meant it to be anything else and love it for what it is. It will continue on as it always has.

However (and this is a BIG however) I am craving more. For a long time I have been wanting to find a place where I can explore my writing more fully and to also find a place where I can talk a little more honestly and openly about life as a parent, as a wife, as a woman. So, I have embarked on a new blogging adventure. One that I am excited and terrified of all at the same time.

Here is a disclaimer of sorts: I am giving out the password, but at this point only if I "know you" (either IRL or via the blog). I don't mean to exclude anyone but putting myself out there is scary enough already. The other thing I would like to point out is that there is no hidden meaning in all of this. I think the assumption is that if I am writing about all of the non-shiny, happy things in my life (along with the good stuff!) there must be something amiss. Nope. Not at all! In fact, I think it's the opposite. I feel free to explore this new blog and see where it goes because I know I have the love and support of my incredible family and friends. Life is good.

Granted, life has been stressful for us in the last month. I am coming out of a Blog Pause a changed person. I was nearly killed (ok, so I am being slightly dramatic there--but not by too much) by lightning on Oct. 1. For those of you who don't know me IRL or follow me on FB, I was sitting about 20 feet from where lightning hit our house, causing a major amount of damage to our home that we are still trying to deal with. I am lucky, so very very lucky to be alive. A few days later my dad had a triple bypass. He is doing remarkably well, but the day of his surgery was one of the scariest days of my life. Even scarier than almost being struck down by lightning. Seriously. And then there was a death in our extended family. So, all-in-all October was life-changing in so many ways. I think this is a great time to start a new chapter in my life, don't you??

Here is the blog:

All of the Above

Email me at anne_karis at hotmail dot com for the password.

Please read the posts in order (oldest to newest, bottom to top). It might make a little more sense that way. There will never be anything earth-shatteringly amazing on my blog. Just a place where I can expound a bit more on topics that interest me. I don't expect them to interest everyone. But it's a fun experiment nonetheless. Let's see where it goes ;)

Halloween: Then and Now

2009-11-01T11:26:00.004-06:00

Our Little Punkin' Last Halloween (7 1/2 months)

Our Little Tigger This Halloween (19 1/2 months)

The Group Shot Last Year (when they all sat still)

The Group Shot This Year (Sophia, Tyler, Addy, Delaney, Miles, Patrick, Kina and Nell)

Extreme Cuteness Times Two

2009-10-26T08:35:00.001-05:00

Sophia (23 months) and Miles (19 months)

Blog Pause

2009-10-08T14:40:00.004-05:00

I have been and will continue to take a little blog pause for the time being. There is too much going on in our lives right now to feel guilty for not keeping up with the blog! So, I have decided to take it off my guilt list for now.

For those of who aren't friends or family IRL, or don't follow me on FB: Our house was hit by lighting last week (everyone is fine, our house is another story...), my dad just had a triple bypass this week and there has been a death in the family. It's true what they say: when it rains it pours. So, stay tuned. I will be back with more fun from Mr. Miles soon!

Catching Up

2009-09-27T19:34:00.014-05:00

Miles and Patrick at Miles' new picnic table.

Miles loves this piano I scored on Craig's List.

Our trip to Iowa to visit family, including Miles' 4 Great-Grandparents. First stop was the farm to pick some apples! Grant is up in that tree somewhere...

Looks like he is going to take a bite of the apple but he is just showing me what he picked!

They have an awesome caboose that Grandpa gave Grandma--it's right in their backyard!

Miles and Mama by the "choo choo"

This is usually the smile you get when you say "smile!"

Driving the tractor (not really).

Grandpa waving by his gorgeous red barn.

All smiles while reading some books.

18 Month Pictures

2009-09-23T15:33:00.003-05:00

I am SO behind. Life won't slow down for me even though I keep pleading for it to just give me a brief respite from the craziness. I have yet to post pics of our weekend visiting the Great Grandparents. Miles has been sick all week and his fever has yet to break. Work is nuts (when I can actually get there). BUT ... a light in the storm! Jess (Olive Avenue Photography) just sent me the proofs from our 18 month shoot, and I'm in love! I seriously can't believe she got these shots in the midst of a full blown toddler meltdown. They are amazing. Miles is amazing. Life is amazing.

See the photos HERE.

Here's one, just for a preview ;)

One and a Half ... Through and Through

2009-09-13T21:37:00.003-05:00

Holy cow, we had another crazy packed weekend. We had the awesomely fun Chosen One Run on Saturday night, and I actually made it all 5k! Ok, so I walked it. But still, I made it!! The Chosen One Run was started by some friends of ours to raise money for that will eventually help go to assist families with adoption expenses. I probably wouldn't walk 5k for many other reasons, but this is a worthy one! ;) The pic below is of the poster I made for the event.

Then it was a full morning at church and then off to the cities. We got to spend time with some friends who we haven't seen in years: Kevin, Margaret, Henry (who we haven't seen since he was a newborn) and Joe (who we met for the first time today and is Miles' age). It was a wonderful time of reconnecting. Love them!

Then we had a very special photo shoot with Jess (Olive Avenue Photography). Jess and I have been following each other's stories/blogs for years now and I have always wanted to meet her in person. So today I got to do that! And as a bonus I also got to meet her husband and the adorable Phoebe! Such a cute little family they are. I am going to start calling Jess "Saint Jess" because she put up with my crying, whining child for over an hour. I kid you not, he was absolutely out of his mind. I have never seen him so upset over nothing in my life. He just wanted to cry and that was that. He eventually calmed down but man that was not easy for any of us. Granted, he was tired, hungry and in pain from his 4 eye teeth coming in. But he was terrible. But she is a pro and the pics will turn out wonderful, I am sure of it! Will have some to show soon!

On top of it all, and most importantly, we now officially have a 1 1/2 year old on our hands! 18 months....our boy is growing up!

I think I might dispense of the monthly updates from this point on and do more posting about milestones as they come. But for now here are some tidbits.

-According to the list on the sidebar, Miles has about 50 words. It's getting too hard to keep up with new words so I probably won't even try anymore. Gosh I'm getting lazy.

-Miles is an active, energetic, physical and athletic child. He likes to throw balls (ok, he likes to throw everything ... including food), swing a bat, run and jump (he gets some major air under his feet now). He does not enjoy being tied down in any way, and that means he still doesn't particularly like his carseat or stroller because it's too restrictive. But he does pretty well with both if he is in the right mood.

-Behaviorally Miles can be a challenge (see photo shoot incident above). He definitely isn't the hardest kid in the world but he isn't the easiest either. I can see that figuring out the 'right' discipline plan for him is going to take some effort. Right now the word that I most commonly associate with disciplining him is "impossible". It's gonna take some time and effort, but we are up for the challenge.

-On the other hand Miles is a lover. He can't leave daycare without giving everyone a big bear hug, and he can't say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa without blowing kisses. He is a snuggler and a mama's boy. He loves to sit on laps and read books.

-We hate teething. Teething sucks.

-Miles still especially likes music and dancing. He loves Elmo. Okay, he likes Barney, too ;) But his favorites are Sesame Street and Go Diego Go.

-We are dreading winter because our boy likes to be outside: playing at the park, riding in the bike carrier, helping us water the plants, watching dada mow. I really don't know what we are going to do with him when it's -20 below zero. We lucky to have so very many friends with toddlers who will be in the same boat. Lots of playdates will save us!

-Still takes a 2-3 hour nap in the middle of the day and goes down for night night at around 8:30.

Mainly, he is just all boy, through and through and we love him...through and through.

What a Weekend!

2009-09-08T07:57:00.016-05:00

We had probably one of the best weekends ever. It was filled with fun, friends and family. The weather could not have been more perfect. Miles was a complete joy. We spent nearly every moment together as a family--the 3 of us as a unit. It was just one of those moments in time that you wish you could capture in a bottle so you could open it later to enjoy again and again. The last hurrah of summer....boo....

I didn't have my camera with me for the first 2/3 of the weekend. And I am ok with that! I just enjoyed the moments without worrying about the camera. It was nice.

The weekend started out with a Saturday morning trip to the Farmer's Market (and a yummy lunch at Roscoes) with Jenn, Addy, Tyler, Jenny and Nora. The kiddos frolicked in goose poop (you have to live in Rochester to understand this) and had a blast just playing in the sunshine. Then it was home for a marathon 3 1/2 hour nap (for me, too). We spent the evening with our 'cousins' (Tammy, Andy, Jake, Ellie and Mason) out at their beautiful home in the country. They have a huge yard that most children could only dream of. We ate, drank, sat by the campfire and watched our kiddos play. Ahhhh....

The next day we had a morning at home and around our neighborhood. Grant took Miles on the trails at a local park and they had way too much fun. I think they were gone for over 2 hours--I started to get worried! But they were just exploring and being boys and having an amazing time. After naps we picked up Shawna and Sophia and headed out to Sherry and Yo's house. Again, a yard to die for. We grilled and chatted and cuddled their chubba twins Arianna and Brynn--they're getting so big! (another family who used our adoption agency) We also watched Miles and Soph fall on their butts in their kiddie pool (with their clothes on). A perfect summer night!

Yesterday we went to Como Zoo with Shawna, Sophia, Jenn, Addy, Stacy and Delaney. It was Miles' first time at Como and he loved seeing all the animals. Fun times with good friends.

Miles also got his first ride on a carousel. Confession: I cried while watching Grant and Miles on the carousel. (I put my sunglasses on and tried to hide it because I felt so silly.) It was just one of those moments I had dreamed of before I was a parent. I had been at that exact carousel 2 years earlier on Labor Day and cried very different tears then. That was an awesome moment--my boys on the carousel. Ahhh...

And the weekend ended with my whole family coming over for grilling at our house. Perfect end to the perfect weekend!

Ok, here's the good stuff--pics!

Chronic Problem or Redemptive Response?

2009-09-03T09:41:00.005-05:00

I was struck by the stark contrast in these articles on adoption that were recently posted on two separate blogs I frequent.

The first post is from the point of view of a mixed-African American adoptee. She envisions a world where there is no need for transracial adoption, or adoption of any kind. Indeed, this is a vision that we can all get on board with. In a perfect world my son would not have needed another home, he would be living with his family of birth. But her angle, in my opinion, is not only unhelpful but overtly insulting of the transracial adoption community which strives to do the very best with the REALITY of the world as it is. A quote from the article: "...shedding light on the chronic problem of removing children of color from their home communities and placing them in predominantly (foreign) Caucasian ones."

The second post is from a woman who works in a foster care home for kids with special needs in China. This is her take on adoption: "A close friend of ours who is both an adoptee and an adoptive parent says that adoption is “a redemptive response to a tragedy.” I don’t think many adoptive parents want to go there mentally. They want to imagine that the child experiences adoption with the same joy, satisfaction, and excitement as they do as parents. While I know that each and every child wants a mother and a father, getting a new set of parents doesn’t replace the void left by the absence of the biological parents."

This left me pondering....is transracial adoption a "chonic problem" or a "redemptive response"?

I know what my answer is. What's yours??

Four Little Munchkins

2009-08-31T11:17:00.001-05:00

Addy, Sophia, Miles and Delaney

Bonding with the otters at Oxbow Zoo on Sunday morning.

:-)

Mother and Child

2009-08-24T13:41:00.002-05:00

Bliss Photography

Poop

2009-08-18T14:05:00.001-05:00

Interesting how one little word can be funny and frightening, all at the same time.

Miles has suddenly started telling us when he has pooped. He will stop what he is doing and make sure we are looking him in the eye before saying a quiet "poop". This is usually followed by his sign for "stinky, pe-ew!" which is to wave his hand in front of his nose. And then there's usually a sly smile. Nice.

This is helpful, SO helpful, especially for days like yesterday and today where he is pooping every couple of hours. This is unusual for our boy who is generally like clockwork when it comes to pooping. I can set my watch by his bowels, I kid you not. He poops 15 minutes after getting his first diaper change of the day. NOT 15 minutes after he wakes up, but 15 minutes after he has his diaper changed. This is an important distinction. We call that first diaper of the day his "Poopin' Diaper". No, we really do. Then there is usually an afternoon poop just after his nap.

The ability to predict his poo patterns is a gift to us all, let me tell you. My "Mama Poo Indicator" (nose) sometimes fails me...

This newly formed need to communicate when he has a full diaper comes on the heels of 4 days of pure HELL when it comes to diaper changes. All of a sudden he started to yell, scream, cry and kick if we dared try to change his diaper (or put clothes on him--he wants to be naked ALL the time now). Grant and I would just look at each other this past weekend and say "Who flipped the switch on him?" He was out of control. Luckily we seem to have a bit of our calmer boy back now (but only if we sing to him while changing his diaper). He is still clearly not enjoying diaper changes and we might have many fights and tears ahead of us in that department. Ugh. But for now I am basking in the glow of having him willingly come in from outside last night, run to his changing table and say "up". Ahhh...the sweet sound of cooperation! ;)

One of my favorite books is this one:

It's just so true, isn't it??? ;)

Seventeen

2009-08-13T10:42:00.004-05:00

Dear Mr. Smiley Pants (that's your Auntie's new favorite nickname for you!) -

You are 17 months old today. Soon we will not be able to count in months so we are hanging on to each month's anniversary while we still can. We often talk about how much fun you are at this age, and how we wish we could freeze time. We want to remember that there was once a time in your life where the most exciting things were bubbles in the bath, seeing puppies and playing with the hose. We want this sweet age to last forever. For now we will just have to try and savor the moments.

Even at 17 months your little personality is complex and layered. You have a serious, cautious side to you that has been there since day one. You are a thinker and can often be seen studying objects to see how they work. But you also have a super silly side to your personality: you like to giggle and you especially like to make us laugh. Your smiles are the best. We live for your smiles. And your sweet little voice....makes us melt. And then there is the stubborn, determined side of you. You know what you want and have a mind of your own. We have decided you are too smart for your own good. Nothing gets past you.

We are also amazed at what an affectionate child you have become. Every time we give you a kiss you wave and say "bye bye" even if we really aren't going anywhere. You love to snuggle. You like to sit close when you are reading books or watching TV. You blow kisses. And you especially love to hug. Sometimes it takes forever to leave Grandma and Grandpa's house because you want to give everyone a hug--multiple times. You show your love in such sweet ways.

You are also Mr. Physical. We need to remind you that hitting and pushing are not nice things to do to your friends. You will learn soon enough. You love to run, jump (try to) and spin around. You have mastered the art of throwing a ball and hitting off a tee. You are also starting to like to kick balls, too. You like to be outside and go on bike rides and walks. You have come to be obsessed with slides--you call them "weee!". You are always on the move.

You are so loved by so many people. We love you with all our hearts. Happy 17 months!

-Mama and Dada

I Call Them...

2009-08-09T20:55:00.006-05:00

I call them my family,

my boys,

the loves of my life.

Buddies

2009-08-05T13:08:00.012-05:00

These are some great pics that my personal photographer, I mean, dear friend Catharine took when she and hubby Ryan met Miles and Grant at the park the other night (I was at bookclub). I always say Patrick and Miles are like the photo negatives of each other--Patrick with his blonde hair and fair skin, and Miles with his dark hair and dark skin. I think they are perfectly matched! And so adorable together. Miles couldn't ask for a better boy buddy. And these kiddos certainly couldn't ask for better papas!!!

And For My Next Trick...I Will Keep My Eye on the Ball

2009-08-02T20:34:00.006-05:00

And For My Next Trick...I Will Juggle

2009-07-27T20:31:00.003-05:00

40 Years Ago...

2009-07-26T21:10:00.005-05:00

40 years ago the world had just watched as man stepped foot on the moon for the first time and Woodstock was just weeks from making it's way into history.

AND my parents were married, too! ;)

July 26, 1969 - July 26, 2009 = Happy 40th Anniversary!

[I couldn't resisit getting these beautiful zinnias for them at the Farmer's Market yesterday]

We had a FUN celebration tonight. We looked at pictures of them on their anniversaries through the years, and what a trip that was! So cool to see how young they once were. ;) My dad was proud that tonight he was wearing the very same shoes he was wearing the day they were married. They looked great!

We ate squid, octopus, swordfish and lamb at our favorite Greek restaurant. YUMMY!

Then we headed to a nearby park to get some family pics. This one is of my parents with their 3 handsome grandsons. Notice Quintin in the cast...he broke his arm a week ago when he fell off his bike. But it sure hasn't slowed him down at all! Shane really wanted to wear his suit and tie to dinner (no kidding) but my sister convinced him that wasn't necessary. The boy loves a good suit, what can I say??

Here's to 40 more!

One Day, Two Parks

2009-07-25T22:13:00.006-05:00

Wordles

2009-07-16T13:14:00.005-05:00

I couldn't resist making Miles a couple of Wordles. I added these to the very bottom of my blog page, as well, but they showed up kinda small-ish. So here they are in bigger form. Aren't these fun? I am thinking of making something like this for a new blog header...when I have time...which will be never. So for now, enjoy!

Sweet 16

2009-07-13T07:46:00.001-05:00

16 Months, and how sweet it is! This is certainly a sweet age, full of fun and surprises.

A few highlights:

-This past month was a doozy in terms of language development, and I have to admit that it is getting harder to keep up with his new words...but I am going to still try!

-We are realizing more and more just how important his schedule and routine are. And we love it! We love the predictability, and so does he. It makes it harder because he isn't very flexible, but it is so dang nice to know that if he naps at this time and goes to bed at this time he will be a happy camper.

-He has crazy, mad athletic skillz. I kid you not. This boy knows how to swing a bat and a tennis racket with good form and can launch a ball across a room with ease and accuracy. Ever seen a 16 month old play ping pong? S.e.r.i.o.u.s.l.y.

-His love for matchbox cars is killing my feet. Those babies hurt when you step on them in the middle of the night. Ouch. But it's SO cute when he makes the car noises as he plays with them. He's such a boy.

-He likes to eat as many raspberries as possible from the bushes in our yard. I usually have to cut him off.

-First molar popped through this month. But will be constant stream of drool ever end?

-Miles is the greatest snuggler on earth. I am sure of it.

-Current favorite song is "If You're Happy and You Know It"

-Loves pizza, peas and pasta ;)

-His current favorite book is "Goodnight Gorilla". I read it to him 37 times a day.

-We are so grateful for his wonderful care providers ("Joanie" and "Uncle"). They love him and treat him as one of their own grandkids. He gets a homecooked meal every single day. He has made great friends there. We are so blessed.

-He is attached to his nookie, and frankly so am I. I am not ready to take it away from him, and as most friends and family know I am just not concerned about it in the least. I can promise that he won't take it to kindergarten ;) He is also getting attached to his blankie (a handmade gift from Joanie [the aforementioned care provider] when he was born) -- he likes to carry it around the house with him like Linus in Snoopy. Adorable.

-Miles also loves to hold hands. Take a look...

"Hi"

2009-07-08T10:41:00.001-05:00

I Just Called To Say...

2009-07-07T08:03:00.007-05:00

I love you! ;)

All Done!

Fourth of July Weekend '09

2009-07-05T20:54:00.023-05:00

We had a fabulous 4th of July weekend! Friends and family came over for a party and fireworks watching on Saturday, then we headed to our favorite local zoo on Sunday to see the animals and have a picnic. This is picture heavy so I will be light on words ;)

Grant and Sophia have a special relationship ... I think it was love at first sight for both from the beginning. You can just see it on their faces!

My mom holding the beautiful baby Nell.

Soph and Miles...yay!!

How cute are these 3 in their 4th of July outfits?? Delaney, Soph and Miles (with one shoe).

Cutie patootie Kim looking like a big girl in the chair.

Miles' toothy grin.

Love this 'smile behind the nookie' -- one of my favorites.

Kina acting like the big sister that she is with her friend Nora. Don't go in the street!

And now, on to the zoo pictures!

The prairie dogs are my faves.

Badger. I think these are mean little buggers.

Mama, look, a coyote!

Petting the cute little calf.

This deer got up close and personal and Miles wasn't scared in the least!

The New 'Do

2009-07-02T07:30:00.003-05:00

Here's a pic of Miles' most recent haircut. Thank you, Uncle Michael, who is now our go-to guy for awesome haircuts! We have committed ourselves to cutting his hair more frequently and not letting it get too long...it's so much easier to take care of and I think he looks so handsome with shorter hair!

Family Vacation!

2009-06-25T08:02:00.019-05:00

Our family has lots of reasons to celebrate this summer: My parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary as well as my dad's 70th Birthday are both coming up soon. So, we decided that a little family trip was in order!! We headed to the Wisconsin Dells, and had an incredibly good time. To say that I have an amazing family is an understatement--we are blessed to have a close-knit, loving and fun family. My mom declared that this vacation was so much fun it needs to become a yearly family tradition, and I couldn't agree more!!!

One of the many outdoor water parks at The Wilderness

Miles doesn't get any attention whatsoever from his cousins. Poor thing just gets ignored ;)

Part of the indoor waterpark at The Wilderness on the Lake, where we stayed. We took a shuttle to the larger waterparks on The Wilderness campus but there was lots to do right where we were, too!

The view from our condo

Grandma drying off Mr. Smiles after a little fun in the pool

Grant, Quintin and Shane thought this whirlpool in our condo was pretty cool

Auntie and the boys

Our Family: My sister, brother-in-law and boys, my mom and dad, and of course us!