Drew-15 Months

Well, let's see if I can sum things up at 15 months of age. . . . .

Words he can say . . . Mama, Daddy, Nana, Papa, Clock, Duck, Car

Animal sounds that he can make . . . Cow, Horse, Kitty Cat, Dog

He definitely knows how the 4-wheeler goes and the tractor, and PaPa Richard; it's all buddin, buddin.

Foods he likes . . . pretty much anything. He really is a good eater. His new favorite food is shredded wheat cereal, the frosted kind of course. He loves fruit. For breakfast he usually eats a cup of mixed fruit and some yogurt. He will always eat the cherries first, maybe because they are red and they get his attention. On Christmas Eve at Ginny's house, he ate homemade vegetable soup, Lima beans and all. Tonight he and I shared pizza. He loves Goldfish crackers, graham crackers, and likes to share pop tarts with Uncle Brian. The only think he really doesn't seem to like is mashed potatoes. Hummmmmm.

This child loves music. Almost every time he hears music he will start "dancing" or wiggling to the beat. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny seem to capture his attention when they come on TV. In this picture he has a little "CD Player" that plays children's songs and he is dancing and singing.
He has started trying to feed himself and actually use utensils the past few days. He has eight front teeth and two molars. More molars trying to come in now. Poor little guy's gums are so swollen.
He has a 7:30 bedtime and usually goes to bed really well. He also enjoys bath time as he has really learned how to splash and splash big.

He will go into the bathroom and stand by the toilet and start "grunting". LOL. It is like he knows what you are supposed to do then you go to the bathroom. And sometimes he will actually mess his diaper. So Kayla bought a potty chair for him the other day. Yet to see how that goes.

He has started trying to blow his nose. That is hilarious. He will also wipe off his mouth or face with a paper towel. When he hears something cooking on the stove he starts blowing on it like it is hot. He is jabbering even more. Especially when he holds a cell phone up to his ear. He actually acts like he is talking on it. He now gives sugar; it's more like "smack" and he give such good hugs. He will hold out his hands when you say gone gone. And for some reason he is so taken by my cameras, maybe because one has been pointed at him since birth.

I have so enjoyed him the last 5 weeks and realize how blessed I am to have gotten to spend this much time with him. Kayla and Chase bought a house and closed on it this past Wednesday, December 29. They have started moving stuff the past couple of days and Drew was not here last night. I cannot explain how sad that made me. I am so going to miss this little guy! I am so excited for them and I know they want and need to get settled into some sort normal routine. Little Drew is going to love his new home. Why am I crying?

More Christmas

I really wanted to share some more pictures from Christmas.

Kayla and I went to the landing on Thursday the 23rd to finish up a couple of more gifts. Walked into Bass Pro and Santa pictures were free that day. We didn't think there was any way Drew was sit on Santa's lap. Well guess what, he did. He actually reached for him. So here is Drew at 15 months old with Santa. His first Santa visit.

In addition to a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, we also got Drew a Roller Coaster. He was really unsure about it at first but has grown to like it in the few days past 12/25.
Here is our serious boy. Trying to put a puzzle together.
Here is our happy boy, "dancing" to the Handy Manny Toolbox song.
This is on Christmas Eve. Drew loved his Santa hat and wore it most of the evening. Not sure what he is trying to help Hunter with.
This was first thing Christmas morning. When he came downstairs he saw his car, ran and got in it and pulled the steering wheel off! He was upset, maybe scared, maybe still tired. Still so funny.
Drew will be 15 months old tomorrow. Can't wait to post again tomorrow.

Christmas, Come & Gone

We had a wonderful Christmas. All of my children were here on Christmas Eve and spent the night under my roof. Of course Kayla, Chase, and Drew are still living with us and then Kristin and Brandon were here from Russellville. All was good.

We were at Jerry and Ginny's for her annual Christmas Eve "dinner". We just have soups and snacks. Then we exchanged gifts on Christmas morning here at the house. Christmas breakfast was at Shonna and Wes' this year and we opened gifts over there. I fixed Christmas dinner here at our house for my family and we opened gifts again. We are truly blessed.

We got Drew a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe! Needless to say, he loves it!

Scary

We had a scare last night. But after an ultrasound this morning, everything is okay for right now. Need to learn how to slow down and take care of our self. Pray.

Kayla and Chase made an offer on a house yesterday. Waiting to see how things go.

Kristin gets to go to Florida. She is super excited. I don't blame her. She has a school function/training to go to the last week part of January and the first part of February. And she is going to Orlando!

10 Weeks

Kayla went to the doctor again today. Got to listen to the heart beat again. 165 beats per minutes. And she gain 1/2 of a pound.

Kristin and Brandon got their Christmas present from his parents early. New interior doors for their home. She is in the process of painting them. Hopefully pictures to come soon. She called me today and actually got out of school early today. Her principal "took" the kids and dismissed the teachers early; another early Christmas present!

Wordle!

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Yuck!

First ear infection. Poor Drew. When Kayla picked Drew up from the sitter today, she told Kayla he had really been pulling at his ear. All around his right eye was very red and his eye was watering and he was stopped up. So she decided to take him to the doctor. She got right in and doc said he had just a little bit of an ear infection. So glad she caught it early. 10 days worth of antibiotics and hopefully we will be all better.

Hope to get to take some pictures on Saturday. Need to make Christmas cards!

New Stuff

I love this child so much! And feel so privileged to get to spend some extra special time with him. Kayla has started "brushing" his teeth or letting him do it, before bedtime. He gets to use her electric toothbrush!

Bedtime was always my favorite time with my children. So sweet and such special times.

Kayla called me yesterday to tell me she found a molar! Little Drew has a molar and we didn't even know it. It's on the bottom left. He has something, maybe another one, coming in on the top right.

He is really starting to talk. Jabbering a whole lot. Tonight I heard him say Dada and MaMa. And in just the one week that they have been here, he now says Brian! Of course it is not real clear but you do know that that is what he is saying. He when you ask him where Kristin is, he looks at her picture above the fireplace and says her name, again not clear but you know what he is saying. However, still doesn't say NaNa. Maybe soon. Why is that such a big deal to us.

When you ask him how a duck goes he will say "duck duck" instead of quack quack. HAHA

No Ordinary Sunday

Today was Pastor Thrasher's first Sunday back after being our for almost a month. He had surgery for prostrate cancer but got a wonderful report. Service today was really good. I felt that way for many reasons. One, Sunday School was a very good start and preparation for the regular service. We started studying the book Crazy Love. Today's emphasis was on realizing who we are really talking to when we pray and do we always reverence God as we should when we come into his presence. And then it was communion Sunday. I always feel so unworthy and always cry during that service.

Well, Chase, Kayla, and Drew have been with us for one week today. Things are different. I just know and feel like they need their space. Little Drew is so precious. He woke up at about 6:15 this morning. I went upstairs and got him so Kayla and Chase could sleep a little while longer. That time with Drew was so special. We just sat in the rocking recliner and stared at the Christmas tree all lite up. Obviously he wasn't totally awake yet. So fortunate and blessed that I get to share in little moments like that for a little while.

Random Thankfulness

I really liked my post of Random Thoughts because I am not a good writer and I don't have to think in complete sentences. So I thought I would do the same for this post and as I sit here thinking, list some of my many blessings and things I am so thankful for. Lord please help me not take anything for granted.

Christ! His forgiveness, His mercy, His grace, His love. My health. My husband. My children. Little Drew. The many freedoms that we have. The soldiers fighting for those freedoms. My home. Reliable transportation. Water. This beautiful part of the world we live in. Electricity. A job to go to everyday. That my parents are still living. My sense of sight, hearing, taste, feeling, and smell. (The apple pie in the over smells so good!) Nature in general; God's artwork is everywhere. Bibles. My bed. Ability to buy food. Extended family. Change of seasons. A garage. Tissue paper. My washer and dryer. Hot water.

To be continued . . . . .

Bananas!

This little monkey LOVES bananas! Drew was over on Saturday afternoon for a little while while Kayla and Chase ran to Branson. I had a couple of bananas lying on the kitchen counter and when he saw them, he had to have one. I tried and tried to get him to hold it and he would not. Kayla usually slices them and that is how he is used to eating them. Well I had taken the banana to the living room and laid it on a table while he was playing. I turned around and he had it! And had both cheeks full. Snapped a couple of pics real quick. He is so cute!

Almost 14 months old and still doesn't say words. He know what you are saying but he doesn't talk yet. When I ask him where Kristin is, he will point to her picture above the fireplace. He knows where his belly button is and his ears. Tonight I was reading a book to him and there is a frog that sticks out his tongue; I told Drew to "stick out your tongue" and he did! So funny.

Random Thoughts

So tired. So much to do. Need to start Christmas shopping. Don't know what to get anyone. Looking forward to Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for. Hate sharing. Gotta cook pies. Just not like it used to be. I miss shopping with my girls. So bad it hurts! So wish they could or would get along. Just grow up. Wish Brian could get his truck fixed. My heart still hurts for him. Want to put up my Christmas tree. Want to hang lights on the house. Can't get motivated. Gotta clean out the two bedrooms upstairs and get ready for extended company. Thanksgiving meal for the girls at work on Tuesday evening. So thankful for Jonesy! Little Drew can't poop and doesn't feel good. Love my husband. Need a humidifier. Got to address Christmas cards. Praying for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Getting baby birds on Monday. Thankful! How do you keep the holidays calm and relaxed and focused on what the true meaning is? Pumpkin pie, can't wait. Gotta back up my pictures on my computer! Would be absolutely sick if I lost them. What an external hard drive for my laptop. Waste too much time on FB :(. Need a friend. Want to make a another quilt. Want to scrapbook. Such a procrastinator. Hate that about myself. It's like everything has to be just perfect for me to start on something. or the time has to be just right. Or there can't be anything else that needs to be done. Grrrrr.

Kayla's Birthday

Absolutely does not seem possible that my oldest is 27 years old today. Happy Birthday, Kayla! I fixed chicken tacos for her tonight and made a chocolate cake, with no icing of course. She said Drew was in bed with then this morning (he woke up early) and he had his pacifier in his mouth. She said "Drew why won't you say Mama, that would be the best birthday present ever". At that moment, Kayla said he spit his pacifier out and said MA MA MA really loud and and assertive and then stuck his pacifier back in his mouth. That is so funny! I can just see and hear him doing that. That was enough to make her happy. She has not heard him say that again all day long.

It's Official

Well, it's official! We are expecting another grandchild in July! Kayla and Chase went to the doctor today and it was confirmed that she is 6 weeks pregnant. They got to hear a really faint heartbeat and got to see the baby. It is only the size of your pinky fingernail. That absolutely amazes me! God is so awesome. These siblings will only be 22 months apart; that is good though. Me and my sister are only 19 months apart and Kayla and Kristin are 25 months apart. I got to see the ultrasound pictures. Hopefully I can post those tomorrow night! So excited! This was the surprise I blogged about on November 1st. I just couldn't tell anyone. Nothing real exciting or special about the way she told me. I just rec'd this picture in a text message. LOL. Praying daily for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child!


Here are the promised pictures of Brian's project. It is a '46 Chevy and will be a "true" Rat Rod.

It amazes me at what this "child" can do.

Until later.

90

We celebrated Grandma Roberts' 90th birthday today. Kristin and Brandon got to come home for the weekend; Melanie and Jamie and their two boys came in from Pennsylvania; Aunt Carolyn was here from CA; Wendall and Maggie were also here, along with many other family and friends. Here are some pictures from today. . . .Drew and Hunter, Drew again giving him a hug.
Grandma Ginny and Drew. . . .

And we took the opportunity to take another five (5) generation picture today. How blessed my children and grandchild are to have so many grandparents and so much family that live so close. Here Drew is 13 months, Kayla will be 27 in two days, Richard is 48, Ginny is 67, and Grandma Roberts, of course, will be 90 tomorrow.

And feeding the goats.

In other happenings this weekend, Brandon and Richard both killed a deer, Saturday was the first day of gun season. And Brian has started working on another project. Maybe pictures of that "thing" tomorrow.

Educated

It feels so good! Tonight was the last night of my class and I did really good on the final! I am so glad this is over. I have been taking an HR Development class thru the University of Arkansas and NAC at the Durand Center. For the last 12 weeks I have been sitting in class for three hours every Thursday night. What to do next week?

Stess Reliever

Best break ever . . . . . Drew's babysitter had a doctor's appointment at 12:45 today, Chase has to be at work at 1:00, and Kayla had appointments until 2:00. So, I took my lunch hour and went to help. When I got there it was nap time. So I got to hold little Drew and rock him to sleep. Talk about a stress reliever in the middle of the day. It was so peaceful. Just sitting there in a totally quite house rocking and holding a sleeping baby. It kinda put things back in perspective for the rest of the afternoon.

Fall Fun

I got to keep Drew yesterday, Saturday, while Kayla worked. He absolutely loves the 4-wheeler. Here he is holding Brian's hand trying to climb up. Needless to say, Brian was on his way to the deer woods and didn't' have time for little Drew.
He got this little truck for his birthday and has just started playing with it. We went to visit Grandma Ginny and he was not going to let go of it. He was taking it with him no matter what. Here, doing what little boys do, playing in the dirt.

It was a little nippy even after lunch so here he got to wear his new coat. He had so much fun. Almost "running" everywhere.

Richard and Brian finished making some frames for Kayla's mirrors in the salon this afternoon so she came over to sand and paint them. And of course I was available to keep Drew. Now he can tell you how a truck goes and how a cow goes. And he is such a good eater. He ate 3/4 of a banana and some animal crackers for a snack. And then for supper, I baked some chicken,fixed some mac and cheese, and had some mashed potatoes. He ate all of his supper too! Right now he loves his toy popcorn popper. I didn't think he would ever learn how to push it but now he doesn't stop. So blessed to have in him in my life, so thankful they live close. I so miss Kristin.

Changes

Such a sad last few days . . . Boone county is now wet. Obviously not the way I voted or the way I wanted that to turn out.

Kayla sent me a text message tonight and said they have had an offer on their house. It has been on the market for the past few months. I am saying a special prayer. . . . I so wish it would sell if that is what they want.

As promised and way over due, below are a few our our vacation pictures from the Smoky Mountains. We were able to go the third week of October and had a wonderful time. This picture was taken at a rest stop and we are looking at Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smokys.
This picture is taken at Cherokee. This is one of my favorites pictures from our trip.

One Tuesday, we drove to Asheville, North Carolina to tour the Biltmore.

This picture was taken at Cades Cove.

All I wanted to see on this trip was a bear! Well we actually saw four bears! Two while we were hiking to Laurel Falls and then two more crossing the road on our way from Gatlinberg to Pigeon Forge.

Election Eve

I cannot believe it is November ! And I can't wait for all of these political ads to be over with. Tomorrow is a very big day for our county as the wet/dry issue is on the ballot. Dear Lord, please have your hand in this election and may your will be done.

I actually voted in the early election; one day last week. I left with a really good feeling. Can't say that I have felt that way after voting that I can remember.

Brian left for Memphis this afternoon and won't be home until late Wednesday night. Ramsey Motor Company sent him to the Chrysler Training Center for some additional training. Home was very quite tonight; it is just so different not having him here. I actually thought as I was pulling into the drive way that we need a smaller house. That will be especially true after he leaves "for good".

A very special person shared some news with me today, told me a secret. Let's see how good I am at keeping it. Dear Lord, I have an unspoken prayer for that situation as well.

Vacation pictures tomorrow night.

Lil' Skeleton

Drew was such a cute little skeleton! I had him for just a little while today and we went up to play in Grandma Ginny's yard. He loves to smell flowers but today it was a leaf.
This child loves bananas! So for his trick or treat bag, that is what I got him; 2 bananas, some animal crackers, a goldfish to keep his goldfish crackers in, and some yogurt treats.

He is walking, at a very fast pace, everywhere. And is a high stepper. Everything is bbmmm, bbbmmmm, bbmmm! He will stand at the french doors in the kitchen and look for the 4-wheelers. And then it's bbmmmm bbmmm.

10-10-10

It will never happen again . . . October 10th, 2010. There are probably thousands of weddings planned for today and how cool it will be for all of those babies born on this day.

Richard and I went to a "Stand Up For Marriage" comedy event last night in Springfield. We enjoyed it and haven't laughed so much together in a very long time. And he was the one that suggested it! That made it even better.

We haven't see little Drew since his party last week. We miss him so much. Maybe today.

We are still thinking about making a trip to the Smokey Mountains next week; Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. I have had an amazing offer from a friend that would actually make this doable for us. I would love to get some time alone with my husband. I just hesitate so because it is such a long drive. We will just have to see what happens.

Can You Say Party!

Yesterday, Saturday October 2nd was the official party day. I kinda think Kayla was as overwhelmed as little Drew. He was sooooo good. Let's see, who was here. . . . Kayla and Chase, Ninny and Papa Cobb, Tina and Skyler, Kristin and Brandon, Great Grandparents Ginny and Jerry, Great Great Grandma Opal, Lindsey and Hunter, Kim and Mark, Nana and Papa Blevins and Brian, Grandparents Peggy and Shannon, and Uncle Chad. And then friends, Heather and Amelia, Derek, Stephanie, and Ingrid, Cheryl and Bria, Barry and Kristin. So bless with a large family and friends!

Aunt Kristin got Drew some really cool books. Here she is reading Chicka Chicka ABC. He loved it!

In addition to his "official" cake, Kayla made him a really pretty chocolate cake for him to smash. I have often wondered why we do that. How did that "tradition" start? But none the less it is fun. Drew didn't quite know what to do with it. For the longest time, he just ate the sprinkles off of the cake ONE BY ONE. He was so funny. Kayla was trying her best to get him to dig in, she finally helped him and took his little hand and put it in the icing. . . . started whimpering, don't think he liked the icing on his hand. Here is the "official" cake. Kayla had Camille Curtis in Harrison to make it. So cute!

And here is his loot! The child is loved! Lots of toys and clothes. He got lots of books, a puzzle, a piano, a cell phone, a Buzz Light, balls, trucks, a Buzz Light Year riding toy, a Leap Year car that he can "work" on, and lots of other stuff.

Drew loves balloons. Kayla had 100 balloons in four different colors and we probably blew up about 75 of them. . . . yellow, green, orange, and green. They made it so festive looking. The party started at 10 a.m. and everyone was gone by noon. at 12:30, he was asleep and sleep for a little over 2 hours. He was exhausted. Christmas is going to be so much fun!

Happy Birthday Drew!

I cannot believe Drew is one year old! Where did the year go? Kayla and Chase took him to the Dickerson Park Zoo today in Springfield. His first zoo trip! I haven't got to talk to her but she said he had lots of fun. Can't wait to hear about their day.

Drew's birthday party is in just a couple of days! Can't wait but I have so much to do. Have to get the helium tank tomorrow, need to finish getting decorations, gotta make the "grown-up food", banana bread and pumpkin bread and need to get the house in order. Thank goodness for my house keeper, I should never do it without her!

I had class again tonight so Brian and Richard had a boys night out. They went to Branson; ate at Culver's, went to Wal-Mart and then Bass Pro. Bow season for deer hunters opens tomorrow and they are so excited! Just like little kids at Christmas.

Fortunate

Isn't that just a precious picture! Drew got to spend the night we me on Friday night and until about 2:00 pm on Saturday AND Kristin and Brandon came "home" this weekend. I am so fortunate and blessed. Drew was such a sweetie. His was in bed and asleep a little before 8:30 and sleep until 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. You can call that sleeping all night! Then we just laid in bed and played for about 30 minutes until I decided it was time to get up. He is getting a little spoiled I think, but so cute I couldn't help but laugh. This is what I am talking about. . . . here he had a piece of paper and when he started to put it in his mouth I would simply say "no" and he would start this fake crying whimpering thing. He is a mess!

Kayla and Chase attended a marriage retreat in Branson with their church. So glad they got to spend some time together.

Saturday night, we went to eat at Fuddrucker's with Kristin and Brandon. After supper, Kristin wanted to go to Target. She had saved enough money to buy another camera to replace hers that got stolen when their house got broken into. She was excited and I was happy for her.

Ready

Kristin and Brandon are coming "home" this weekend! So ready to spend some time with her. And, we get to keep little Drew overnight tomorrow night and until about 2 pm on Saturday! Can't wait! He hasn't spent the night with me in forever! So Kristin will be here to help me and I definitely need some help.

I am so ready to decorate for fall! I want to make some pumpkin topiaries for my front porch, need to get some square bales of hay, and get some mums. Kayla has informed me that Drew's birthday party will be here on Saturday, October 2nd! So excited for that too! She has the invitations, has ordered the cake, and has made out the guest list.

Hopefully I will have some good pictures to post on here by the end of the weekend.

He Let Go!

Well today was the day! Drew is officially walking. After almost three months of walking while holding on to someone or something or surfing around pieces of furniture, he finally let go today! At first it was only a few steps. But by the afternoon's end, he actually walked from the living room to the kitchen, and that is a long ways in our house.

Fun on the Farm

Kayla came out today to try and finish up on the house. She started painting it last weekend and it has turned out to be quite a job. Papaw drove Drew around on the 4-wheeler just in the yard. Not much expression from him. Couldn't tell if he liked it or not.
He and his Momma are sharing some ice cream, a vanilla drumstick. How do you teach a baby to stick out his tongue and lick ice cream? We haven't figured that one out yet.

I do think he liked the tractor though.

I think he likes Brian almost as much as Brian likes him. Love this picture. Seriously hope Brian realizes how much this child will look up to him or at least look at everything he does.

Lucy

My Poppa and his beagle puppy Lucy. He loves beagle dogs, always has. Lucy was a pup from Brian's beagles.
Is she just not the cutest thing!

Drew Afternoon

Today is Friday and I left work at noonish to spend the afternoon with my grandson! I don't do that nearly enough. And he was such a good baby. We watered the flowers together and he loved it. Drew would take one little finger and his thumb and try to grabor pinch the stream of water. He was so fun to watch.

He can't help but be a techie baby. 11 months old here and trying to talk on the phone already. So cute!
This child loves Apple Cinnamon Cheerios!

And he had just woke up from his nap in this picture. He has started doing this whimper, pouty, roll-his-lip-out and cry thing . Again, I think this is so cute but I don't have to be around it for very long at a time. That is one of the advantages of being a Grandparent! Love it! Poor thing, just look at him.

And then he and his Uncle Brian mimicking each other. Brian loves this kid. So amazed at how he acts or reacts towards him. Makes me proud. He will be a good Daddy someday!Kristin called Tuesday afternoon. The guy that broke into their house was caught! Brandon got his Grandpa's gun back. Such good news. And she called me again yesterday to share some more good news with me. She was accepted into the ASU's Graduate program. So very proud of her!