Mabin's Place

First Pictures with Mommy and Daddy

2010-05-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

April 22

I look at these pictures and my eyes fill with tears of joy. These are the first moments we were able to hold our little girl.

Welcome, Ashlynne Grace

2010-05-26T13:00:00.001-07:00

Ashlynne Grace Mabin

April 22, 2010
1:14 AM
8 pounds, 2 ounces
21 inches

She has finally arrived. The big event came very fast. We arrived at the hospital at 11:30 pm and she was born at 1:14 am on Mom's birthday. I had no time to get an epidural but I only pushed for a few minutes. We weren't t able to hold her immediately because she had the cord around her neck and came out blue.....God was watching over us and taking care of us because she is perfect and healthy!!

I was in love as soon as I saw her...holding her was magical. It brought back memories of holding my sweet Michael. It is amazing how quickly my heart filled with love! Here are some shots of our sweet angel.

Easter Pictures

2009-05-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

These are the pictures we had done of Michael, Nolan, Katie and Robby. They really turned out pretty cute...maybe next time the photographer will catch a smile from Michael but the pictures were so much better than Christmas!

This year with Michael's Easter bunny photo, Mike and I had to get into the picture because Michael started to cry and was trying to get off the bunny's lap. :)

Easter

2009-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

April 12

Our Easter this year consisted of three Easter egg hunts, lots of candy, delicious food, lots of family, and chocolate Easter balls (compliments of Dave). The morning started out with Michael finding his Easter basket. The first thing he went for was a Cadbury Cream Egg(his new favorite). After that we had a little Easter egg hunt at home and then headed to church. We visited with the Mabin clan in the afternoon for another fun filled Easter egg hunt, and then we went to the Schanberger house for our third hunt and a beautiful dinner. All in all, the day was filled with happiness and love.

Dying Easter Eggs

2009-05-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Michael dying Easter eggs. What an experience!! In the end he ended up crushing an egg on the table.

April 11

Churchville Elementary Park

2009-05-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

April 10

Michael loves the slides at this park. Just look at his smile. The one slide is so high and fast that every time he slides down his cheeks jiggle and make me laugh. I love watching him have fun!!

Nolan's Trampoline

2009-05-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

April 9

Wagon Ride

2009-05-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

April 9

I took Michael for a wagon ride today around the neighborhood. This is one of the only times I am able to get close up shots because he is sitting still. Here are some of our little lovebug!

Nolan is 2

2009-05-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

April 7

Today Ashlynne and Matt had Nolan's 2nd birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese. I can't believe our little lovebug is 2. He is such an amazing little guy and we love him so much!

Corvette

2009-05-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

April 5

Recently, Michael has started being afraid of some loud noises. Here he is upset over Daddy's loud car. Only a few days later he got into the passenger seat and rode to the end of the driveway. It made Mike very happy!

Sharing a Drink

2009-05-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

April 4

Here are the two boys sharing a drink after running all over Grandma's house. I love the friendship they share. It makes me so happy that they are so close! Look at the way Michael smiles at Nolan!

Chuck-E-Cheese

2009-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

April 4

Robby's birthday was at Chuck-E-Cheese this year. Michael had a wonderful time. His favorite part was climbing in the tunnels and sliding down the slide. Nolan and Michael got up there together and for some reason they couldn't find the slide to come down so Ashlynne and I kept trying to yell and tell them which way to go. I think we looked like a bunch of nuts!!! Once they figured it out, Michael actually got down the slide without me noticing and was riding on the carousel with another family!! I nearly had a heart attack!! This is a picture of Uncle Dave and Michael up in the tunnels.

Handsome Boy

2009-04-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

March 27

Today, Michael tried on Nolan's tux for Jillian's wedding. He looked so handsome and adorable.

It was really funny because the pants were way too big and every time he walked around they would fall to his ankles and he would look down and start to laugh. Of course, I was snapping pictures and cracking up. The more I laughed...the more he laughed..the more he ran around the room...the more the pants fell down! Finally he bent over, took off the pants and sat on the stool and laughed with me!

Our Three Boys

2009-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

March 25

Today, Ashlynne and I took the three boys to the park. It was very challenging trying to keep up with all of them. They are so full of energy and it seems like they get even crazier when they are together. Michael loves Robby and Nolan so much...it makes my heart happy when I see them together.

Sweet Boys

2009-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

March 19

Clover injured her back foot and had to have surgery. When we dropped her off today, Michael went in the back to give her kisses and then didn't want to leave her. When she came home with her crazy collar, Michael and Nolan kept leaning in to give her kisses and love!! It was very sweet and Clover was thrilled to have so much attention.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-04-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Our Little Irish Lad

Sean's Birthday

2009-04-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

March 14

Today was Sean's 2nd birthday party so we headed over to celebrate. Mike was so excited because they have quads and lots of wooded area to ride through. We couldn't wait to take Michael for a ride. Michael was fascinated with the dirt bikes and quad but as soon as the engine started he was so scared. We were surprised because this is the first time he has shown any fear with loud noises. It probably didn't help that Mike took me for a really fast ride and I screamed the entire time :) G-Ma said she could hear me inside!!

Big Snow

2009-04-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

March 2

Today we bundled up to go outside and play in the snow. It was pretty deep and Michael was unsure at first. It was very cold so we only stayed out for a little bit. As soon as Daddy got home, we bundlled up again and headed out to pull Michael on his sled. He LOVED it!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2009-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

This year, Michael helped me make the cake. He loved putting sprinkles on top and eating the icing!!

Singing

2009-04-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

February 22

Michael has started singing along with his music while riding in the car. These are pictures of Michael singing with Mommy after dinner.

Valentine's Day

2009-04-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

For Valentine's Day, we took Michael to the Please Touch Museum. It was so much fun to watch Michael enjoy the fun activities. His favorite parts were the water tables, and the grocery store. Every time I tried to empty his grocery cart, he filled it back up again. He loved to zoom around that mini store with his cart and pick items off the shelf. It was very cute to watch.

The Joys of Potty Training

2009-04-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

February 12

Funny Glasses

2009-04-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

These are 3D glasses that Grandma brought over to the house. We've had lots of fun with them over the past week. Everyone seems to love to wear them!!!

The last pictures are of Michael jumping off the steps. He loves to jump off over and over again especially with Daddy!

February 1

2009-04-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Just some cute pictures of Michael...in the last one he is dancing around the kitchen. He loves to dance and has a few really great moves...it always makes me smile and laugh!

Potty Training

2009-04-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

January 30

I decided to start putting Michael on the potty once he turned 18 months old. These are pictures of his first potty experience. I really wasn't expecting too much. The first time he just sat on the potty and played with the toilet paper but the very next day he pee-peed and poopeed on the potty. I was so shocked and he was so thrilled at all the applause he received!

18 Months Old

2009-03-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

When Michael turned 18 months old, I could hardly believe it...it really feels like he just turned a year old. We are having so much fun and enjoying every moment with him. He is really such a happy little boy and it is very rewarding having him in our lives!!

At Michael's 18 month appointment he was 32 inches and 26 pounds, 4 ounces.

Kissing

2009-03-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

January 24

Michael is getting better at giving kisses. He will give us many kisses if we ask for them. Sometimes, he makes us chase him for a kiss which has become a game that he loves.

Snow

2009-03-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

January 19

It snowed late tonight so we snuck out right before bed so Michael could get to enjoy the snow for a few minutes.

Swimming

2009-03-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

January 19

Grandma was off work today and came to see Michael in swimming. He is really getting much better every week. He uses and bubble now and participates in class much more. He is also participating much more in music as well.

January 16

2009-03-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

January 13

2009-03-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today, Michael wasn't feeling well. He had a temperature and a cold. I thought it was very cute because he kept plopping down on the floor to sit between Clover's legs to drink his drink or just cuddle. Clover was very sweet and would just put her head on his leg and cuddle up really close.

Happy Birthday Mommy

2009-03-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Michael representing Penn State for my birthday!!

Chuck E Cheese

2009-03-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Chuck E Cheese for a birthday party. Michael and Nolan had an awesome time running around and dancing. It was fun watching the boys enjoy the party. Michael was afraid of Chuck E but Nolan would go right over and dance with him!!

It's a boy!!

2009-03-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

January 7

Today, Ashlynne found out she was having a boy!!! We are all so excited. It is such a blessing. Nolan, Michael and I all went to the ultrasound and the boys were so good. It was thrilling to see the baby. :)

January 4, 2009

2009-03-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Out for a swing in this adorable hat from Aunt Aimee. Michael still loves his swing...the faster and higher, the better...all smiles and laughs

New Year's Eve Celebration

2009-03-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our New Year's Eve was pretty low key this year because I had to work on New Year's Day. We had a little family celebration before Michael went to bed. He learned how to use these blowers and was very happy about it.

Sweet and Silly Boy

2009-03-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

December 30

December 27

2009-03-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Christmas was so much fun this year. Michael's favorite gifts are his kitchen set, spring horse, grocery cart and playhut. These are pictures of Michael playing in his playhut.

Christmas

2009-03-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve

2009-03-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Eve service was exciting as usual. It semmed even louder than last year (if that is possible)! Mom made bells for Katie, Robby, Nolan and Michael to wear. They all went to the front of the church for story time and Mom was giggling because Michael kept climbing up and down the steps through the group of kids. I ended up going to the front to watch the action and thank goodnes I did because Michael nearly knocked over a standing microphone!!

Penn Fab's Christmas Eve Party

2009-03-10T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Christmas Eve party was very fun this year. Michael's favorite part: sharing dessert with Aunt Jill!!!

December 22

2009-03-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Michaels favorite Christmas decorations this year are his singing animals. He loves to push the buttons and clap his hands while they sing. Sometimes, he pushes them all at once and this makes him giggle and dance!

Christmas Cheer

2009-03-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

December 19

This year has been lots of fun decorationg. Michael really enjoys his tree in his room. He has learned to point out Santa otherwise known as HO HO HO and also points out baby Jesus in our nativity sets.

Our Tree

2009-02-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

The tree looked very pretty in the front room this year. I really enjoyed seeing the lights in the front window when I pulled into the driveway. I put tons of lights on the tree and Mike surprised me and hung the ornaments this year. Every year, I love to see the ornaments because they all have special memories for me. This year, I think our tree looked extra beautiful because Mike and Michael both helped me decorate.

Reindeer Antlers

2009-02-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

December 16

Today we got the reindeer antlers out and Michael had so much fun with them. He kept putting them on my head and on his own head. After a while he started putting them on Clover's head and laughing. It was very funny to see him laugh at his silly game. Clover seemed very amused by all this!!

Two of a Kind

2009-02-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

December 15

Michael just adores Robby...he loves to rough house with him and loves to chase him. He really just loves to spend time with him...they have this special little bond. Today, Robby took Michael for a spin on his quad. I just loves these pictures. Aimee always says that Michael reminds her so much of Robby when he was little...I think Mom says he is Robby times two!!

Ashlynne's Surprise 30th

2009-02-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

December 13

Matt threw Ashlynne a surprise 30th birthday party and I really think she was shocked. We had a wonderful time seeing our family from Delaware and Michael was excited to play with all the kids. Michael fed himself his own dessert. Feeding himself is something that Michael is really starting to enjoy. It is very hard for me because I can't stand the mess but I know it is something I need to let him do more of. He really enjoyed his ice cream sundae!! Happy 30th Aunt Ashey!!!

Just me and my Daddy

2009-02-07T20:21:00.001-08:00

December 12

Photo Shoot

2009-02-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

December 11th

Today, I tried to get a few shots of the boys together on the rocking chair. Every time I said smile, Nolan would sit still and give me these beautiful, adorable smiles while Michael would jump around like a little monkey...suits their personalities perfectly!! Finally, Michael jumped right off the chair and the photo shoot was over.

Taking turns with Mommy

2009-02-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

December 9

Taking turns and sharing is something we have been working on for a little while. Michael loves to fill his cup with water in the bath tub and dump it on his belly. Now, when he gets in the tub, he finds one cup for me and one for himself. Then we take turns filling and dumping our cups. :)

Santa Claus is coming to town..

2009-02-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

December 6

Tonight, we went to the Warrington Firehouse to see Santa and to celebrate Uncle Dave beginning his journey to become a volunteer firefighter. We are all so proud of Uncle Dave!!!

Michael sat on Santa's lap for the first time..we were very shocked because he cried. Also, he was able to see the fire trucks and horses...but, the highlight of the night was definetly wearing Uncle Dave's fireman hat. Michael just adores his Uncle Dave..and this put a huge smile on his face!

Mommy's Helper

2009-02-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

December 2

I just got out this tall stool from the McGettigan family...it works perfectly in our kitchen. It allows Michael to wash his hands and help me in the kitchen. Now, whenever he wants to get something on the counter or to get to the sink...he just pushes the stool over and climbs on up. Watch out...here comes Mr. Independent!

Also, he has started to feed the dog by himself. When I caught him feeding her it looked like there was a large amount of food missing from the container...I'm sure Clover was in heaven!

December 1

2009-02-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Late night...ready for bed....kisses from Mommy.

Elmo

2009-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

December 1
Recently, we have started letting Michael watch a little bit of TV every day. His favorite show is Sesame Street and he just loves Elmo. We have several Elmo books from the Porco family and Michael pulls them out many times a day for Mommy and Daddy to read.

Thanksgiving

2009-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

It has become a tradition to have dinner at Mom's house...which we love so much! We had a beautiful and delicious meal...she made enough food to feed about 5 families for just Mike, Michael, Mom and me. She does it every year...but the leftovers are great! I was hoping Michael would eat some turkey but he spit out his first bite(he has become a very picky eater, especially with meat). Then, we went to MiMi and Pop's for dessert. Michael is feeding Pop cool whip in this picture. It was very cute...once he got started he didn't want to stop and Pop just went along with it all!

Dancing King

2009-02-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

November 27

Michael loves dancing. Mike, Michael and I have little dance parties sometimes at night before bed. Michael has some really great moves that include spinning around, stomping his feet and clapping his hands. It is so funny to watch him groove to the music. He has more rhythm than me...thank goodness!

Christmas Tree 2008

2009-02-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

November 23
We went to the tree farm today to select our Christmas tree. Michael had a ball running through the fields of trees and playing with Colin. He looked so adorable in his sweater and hat set. We found the perfect tree...we selected a smaller one this year. We decided to put the Christmas tree in the front room for the first time this year so we have more room for Michael's toys in the family room. I am just all a twitter about celebrating Christmas this year with Mike and Michael!

I wanna be just like Daddy....

2009-02-07T18:52:00.001-08:00

November 22

Pop's Birthday

2009-02-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

November 21

We went to PennFab today to sing Happy Birthday to Pop. Michael and Colin got the best seat in the house!

Snow

2009-02-07T18:41:00.001-08:00

November 21

This was the first snow fall this year. Michael was so fascinated...he just kept looking out the front door and pointing to the beautiful snowflakes. First thing in the morning, just before leaving for work, Daddy took him outside...it was very sweet to see him look into the sky and feel the snow.

Little Helper

2009-02-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

November 15

This was actually Aunt Ashlynne's idea. Unloading the dishwasher was always a difficult time with Michael trying to climb into the dishwasher and pick up glasses and knives. So, Ashlynne suggested having him unload all the silverware. He loves to help Mommy and it keeps him occupied. At first I thought it would drive me crazy to have all the silverware mixed up in the drawer, but, it actually puts smile to my face!

Heart Walk 2008

2009-02-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

As star walkers this year, Mike and I were able to take a tour of the Phillies dugout and club room. We were even able to see the lineup for the final World Series game. It was an awesome experience. Thank you to all our family and friends who contribute every year in memory of Dad!

Crazy Monkeys

2009-02-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

November 11

Today, Nolan came over and the boys happened to have on matching P.J.s. So, of course, I had to take some pictures of my cute little love bugs. After taking a bath together, I stuck them in the crib and they jumped around like crazy monkeys. This is one of the things they love to do together. Often, Nolan will ask to get into the crib and then Michael will soon follow...then the jumping begins!

Leaves

2009-02-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

November 9

Today, we went outside with Michael and Clover to play in the leaves. This is one of the really great things about having huge trees. Michael had a blast. He especially loved to run through the huge piles and throw leaves in the air!

Family Love

2009-01-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2008

2009-01-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

This year Michael dressed up as a dragon. In the morning we went to visit Daddy at work and then at niight I took Michael to the neighbors houses while Mike passed out candy. Michael's favorite part was helping Daddy answer the door when the trick or treators arrived. He greeted everyone with a huge smile...even the big guys with the scary masks!

At Michael's 15th month appointment he was 32 inches and 25 pounds, 15 ounces.

Pictures with Charlie

2009-01-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

Pumpkins

2009-01-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

October 30

Tonight, we carved our pumpkins. It was an interesting experience. Michael has a very sensitive gag reflex. My Mom says she takes after him. When I first cut the pumpkins, Michael gagged at the smell and then when I had him put his hands in one he threw up all over the place!! I really can't wait for him to grow out of that!! After he got over the initial gagging he was fine and enjoyed coloring his pumpkin and watching Daddy carve his pumpkin. I decided this wasn't the year to have him try toasted pumpkin seeds...maybe next year. All in all, our pumpkins turned out awesome!!

I want my truck!!

2009-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

October 29

Today when we got home from the store, Michael spotted his truck in the garage. He loves to play with this truck but it was really cold and wet out from the snow the day before. I told him we would have to play later and we went inside. Michael stood at the door and furiously signed for his truck and cried. I felt so bad that I brought his truck into our front room. He was happy as a pig in mud!!!! He played in the truck for days. I even put his popcorn in it a few days later and he ate his snack while sitting in it! What can I say, this boy loves his truck!!!

Snow

2008-12-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

October 28

Colin came for a visit today and we got lots of snow. The boys spent some time together looking out the front door at all the snow, ice, and rain.

October 25

2008-12-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

On the way to the Marconi Halloween Party

Trucks

2008-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

October 25

I am so happy because Michael loves to read books with Mommy and Daddy. He has started to go to his bookshelf several times a day and bring books for me to read to him. His favorite book right now is his truck book from his Godfather, Pete. He is absolutely obsessed with trucks and this book. I feel like we read it a million times a day. When I put it back on the shelf, I try to hide it but somehow he always finds it!

Coloring

2008-12-29T07:32:00.000-08:00

October 25

Michael has just started to enjoy coloring...especially with Daddy.

Tight Pants

2008-12-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Mike in my pajama bottoms being funny!

Wild Boys

2008-12-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

October 23

Today, Nolan came over for the day and we had this new car garage out from Grandma. The boys played with the cars for a few minutes and then figured out how to climb on top of it to slide down the ramp. All day long, I fought with the boys and continued to tell them not to climb on top. Mom and Ashlynne were over later and the boys tried to climb on top one time and, Ashlynne and Mom proceeded to cheer them on. Needless to say, all that discipline went out the window and the boys were pleased as punch!!

Love to Swing with Mommy

2008-12-29T07:08:00.000-08:00

October 22

Sesame Place

2008-12-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

October 19

Today, Ashlynne, Nolan, Michael, and I went to Sesame Place for the first time. The boys had so much fun. The highlights were the carousel and the huge slide! Michael also had a blast in the padded kids zone where he ran around like crazy! Ashlynne and I were exhausted after only a few hours of fun. Can't wait for next year to bring Daddy back.

Pumpkins on Parade

2008-12-29T06:29:00.000-08:00

October 18

Tonnight, we met Ashlynne, Matt and Nolan for a Halloween Festival. The boys picked out pumpkins, made scarecrows, ran through a scary maze, and played on the playground while dressed up as dragons. They were the cutest little dragons there and we had a great time!

Michael and Pop

2008-12-03T18:56:00.001-08:00

October 17

2008-12-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

Out at a restaurant with MiMi and Pop. This picture makes me laugh...Michael tasting a lemon for the first time. He's full of personality!!

Scarecrow Festival

2008-12-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

October 11

We took Michael to the scarecrow festival again this year in Peddler's Village. The #1 scarecrow was Horton this year.

I also posted these pictures of Mike and Michael walking together. I just love to see Michael kick his little feet up and start running!

Fall Fun

2008-12-03T18:31:00.000-08:00

October 5

We took Michael to a garden center today to pick up corn stalks and a hay bale. He had so much fun looking at the fish and pointing out all the pumpkins. He is now saying hi and bye-bye to people. He also loves the black Halloween cats and has learned to sign cat.

Fun with Nolan

2008-11-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

September 25

Pictures of the boys chasing each other around the back yard. It has become so easy to have the boys together because they entertain each other.

Look out... here comes trouble!!

2008-11-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

September 24

Looks like Michael has been busy having lots of fun!! This happened right after he threw soil from my plant all over the front room in the house!!!

Also, a few days ago, I went downstairs to put in a load of laundry and Michael somehow locked me in the basement. Thank goodness Mike was home to rescue me!!

Snakes

2008-11-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

September 23
Michael and I went to the Elmwood Zoo today with some friends. He is really interested in snakes right now so we picked up one at the zoo. I think it looks cute with his camouflage pants.

Michael also loves kisses and tickling. He likes to smell the flowers in the front of the house. He loves to help feed Clover. He has started coming to our bedroom door when he is done napping on our bed. It really surprised me the first time he did it. He also has started this new thing of laying down whenever he is tired. Aimee was at Robby's school with Michael and they were walking around outside. He laid down in the middle of the sidewalk!!

Blue Park

2008-11-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

We love taking Michael to the park. He is getting much better at climbing and running and exploring. He loves the tunnels and slides. Mostly, he loves to talk and wave to the other children and parents. It is very cute to see him interact with others.

September 22

2008-11-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of Michael playing with his Fridge Phonics. He has mastered putting the letters in and out to hear their sounds. When he is done with that he will usually put them into the bread drawer!

King of the Sand

2008-11-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Michael loves to play in the sand when we are at the beach. So, the Porco and Gerstberger families got him a sandbox for his first birthday. This sandbox is the most beautiful and biggest sandbox I have ever seen. Leave it to his Aunts to only get the best!! Finally, we set it up today. Here are pictures of Michael in his new sandbox.

The day has finally come....

2008-11-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

September 21

Mike has been talking about this day for as long as I can remember. He has been wanting to take Michael to PennFab to ride on the forklift. We went to PennFab today to pick up the sand for Michael's sandbox. It was actually perfect timing because Michael is just starting to love trucks. Of course, Mike took him for a ride in the big truck and the forklift. He really enjoyed the truck but was a little scared in the forklift at first. It was sweet to see Mike so excited.

Smiles

2008-11-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

September 14

Just can't get enough of those smiles....

Snuggling with Daddy

2008-11-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

September 14

Michael and Daddy love to snuggle with each other. Michael used to always fall asleep with Daddy on the couch. That rarely ever happens anymore because Michael is much too excited about what is going on around him. Every once in a while Michael will fall asleep sitting next to Daddy on the couch while they watch TV together before bed. This is a picture of Mike attempting to get Michael to sleep with him on the couch without success. It reminded me of this picture taken in August 07. What a difference!

Spetember 8

2008-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today we went to MiMi and Pop's house for a visit. We were so thrilled to see GMa and GPa. They gave Michael a Paddington bear from England. It was very cute because he kept running around the kitchen and coming back to the bear to give him kisses. This picture was taken after all the running. You can see Michael's hair is all sweaty. He is just such a little hot pocket!!

My New Sneakers

2008-10-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

September 7

I have been looking forward to buying Michael his first pair of walking shoes for so long. Of course, I wanted to buy a traditional pair of white walkers and somehow we left the store with silver and blue Nike sneakers!!! Mike felt strongly about buying these Nikes and I gave in. I should have known this would happen. Mike is such a sneaker nut!! It seemed very important to him and I figured I should choose my battles. Anyway, Michael can pull off any type of shoes...he is just so darn cute. He seemed to love the sneakers. When we first put them on him he walked around the mall looking at his feet and just kept smiling!!

My New Truck

2008-10-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

September 6

Grandma picked up this new yellow truck for Michael and he absolutely loves it. Here are pictures of him playing with it for the first time.

Peanut Butter Hair Gel

2008-10-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

September 3

Today, I gave Michael peanut butter toast for breakfast. He thoroughly enjoyed it as you can tell from these pictures. By the time he was finished it was all over his head and his hair was standing up. He kept touching his head with his peanut butter fingers and pulling his hair. What a mess!!

Already Cleaning

2008-10-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

September 3

Michael loves using cleaning tools so today, I gave Michael a broom and put him to work on the sidewalk. It entertained him for quite sometime. I have to thank Nolan for passing this on to Michael. Hopefully, this will continue for a long time.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend we went to Chincoteague with the entire family. I was really excited to take Mike for the first time. We had a wonderful time. Of course, Michael is still such a little beach baby. He loved the ocean even more this time. Highlights of the trip were definetly kayacking, mopeds, crabbing (Katie caught enough crabs for us all to have for dinner one night!), The Island Creamery, and the beach!

Walking!!

2008-09-22T17:59:00.001-07:00

August 27
Michael has been taking steps for a long time but has always seemed to prefer to crawl. Today, he seemed to forget about crawling and took off walking. Mike and I are so thrilled. It is a little funny to watch him wadddle along but it is so darn cute!!

Michael has also learned alot of other new things in the recent weeks. He is able to identify Mama, DaDa and Nolan in pictures. He waves hello and bye, bye directly at people now. He used to wave to people using the hand that was behind my back when I was holding him. He can sign more, dog, and drink. He can identify cats and dogs in his book. He absolutely LOVES dogs!! He loves reading and will bring me books to read to him!! I am so proud of this because I have been faithfully reading 10 books or more a day to Michael since he was born!! He has also taking on a liking to cleaning tools- (thanks to Nolan) he loves my swiffer, and my little vacuum.

He loves taking bike rides with Daddy and Mommy. He also loves to look at birds and airplanes. He spots airplanes before I even see them. It is funny because several months ago we were at Ashlynne's house(she lives very close to the air base) and we were trying to point out an airplane to Michael-The plane was literally circling the house and he didn't even notice it until it practically had landed on her rooftop!! He heard the plane but wasn't looking up high enough to see it!! Now he notices the tiniest little airplane way up in the sky...the minute he hears the engine. It always amazes me how quickly he learns and how much he takes in everyday. It is a wonderful blessing to see him take in the world.

August 26

2008-09-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Michael played with these maracas for a long time. He took them all over the house and tapped them on many different surfaces. He also placed them in and out of many different toys and drawers. This is one of his favorite things to do right now. He loves to take things in and out, in and out!! I often find things in the trash can, or the bread drawer. Sometimes I drive myself crazy trying to find something and then a few days later I find it in one of Michael's hiding spots!!

Big Boy!!

2008-09-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

August 25

This morning I let Michael sit in a chair for the first time to eat breakfast. He was so proud to be sitting like Mommy and Daddy. It was very sweet. I could tell he was excited and I was surprised he didn't try to climb up on the table!!

Last week at MiMi and Pop's house he identifed DaDa in a picture. I was very impressed because it was a picture he had never seen before with many people in it!! What a smart little guy!!