Let the Wild Rumpus Start

Big Boy

Our friend's son, Patterson, is too sweet.  We came over to say hi and catch up.  Within minutes after sitting down with him, he was happy to pull out all of his toys and show us how they work.  I don't know what was more fun for him, making the mess or playing in it afterward.

 

Wading Pool

Today I went to Wilcox wading pool with my friend's daughter, Cosette.  At first she was a little timid in the water, but soon she was blowing bubbles and having fun. 

 

 

(Love the little bathing suit butt!)

After a long afternoon, Cose was kind enough to drive us home.  

It was so fun "making it rain" and jumping (one foot at a time) with her.  She is such a joyful three year old, it was a real pleasure to play with her. 

Nerdy Reunion

This weekend our good friends, Megan and Steve, visited from Grand Rapids.  It was so good to see them.  When we travel to Michigan, we have to split our time between many friends and family and can't ever spend as much time as we want with everyone.  It was so nice to have one on one time with them.  We spent many nights up late playing cards and catching up. 

We did the whole tourist Madison thing with the Union Terrace, State Street, Farmer's Market, etc.   It's so funny seeing your city through a visitor's eyes.  It's really refreshing.

We got a sitter and went to sushi at Ginza Tokyo and got a tea room.  A night and a meal without Liam was really nice.  I love the little man, but it's good to have a beer and a bite without a fuss.  

Steve and John went to high school together and are best friends.  I love seeing John with him because they have so much fun.  John has the best laugh when he is with his friends.  Together they taught Liam the important things in life, like how to record shop and make Kenny Powers jokes. 

They are so nerdy ...

 

...but I love 'em anyway.

 

Megan and Steve have a one year old and are so good with kids.  Some people are stumped about what to do with kids even if they have one of their own, but not Megan and Steve.  They are so great with their son Patterson and our little man, playing peek a boo and other games with him.  I'm sure little man will be missing them.  We really miss them already, but we'll be heading back to Grand Rapids soon and will see them soon. 

Thirty One Weeks

This week we're in Grand Rapids visiting friends and family.  It's been really great seeing everyone:



Uncle Dylan



Grandma Powers



Grandpa Shotwell



Grandpa Powers



Great Aunt Sharon and Second Cousins Max and Jo



Spunky the dog



And our friend's daughter Cosette

Liam had a tough time adjusting to the new people and surrounding.  For the first time he started having separation anxiety and only wanted to be around me.  It is so sweet and strange to be needed like that, to have someone want you only.  Liam has always needed us, but has never been able to express if like this before.  It is adorable and a little annoying at the same time.  Like when Little Man wants Mommy and only Mommy, but Mommy wants a nap because a certain boy wanted to get up and play/eat/cuddle four times a night.  During this time, John and I are remembering that children switch favorites over the years, and that we must be grateful for the extra hugs.  There will be a time in his life when he needs to fly away and I will miss this. 

This week Liam has also been having trouble nursing, not because he isn't hungry, but because he is so distracted.  The world is a fascinating place!  All of the noises, people, and lights draw his attention, so instead of a speedy ten minute nurse it is a twenty minute struggle.  He is also very interested in his new food obsession: 



Puffs!  How cool is that!!!

I found these really great organic, light puff circle that is made from spinach, kale, and broccoli.  Liam hated it when I put it in his mouth, but really took to it when he discovered that they stick to his hand and he can do it on his own.  That's our boy - he has to do it on his own even now. 

Speaking of doing it on his own, John was watching Liam earlier today and watched him for forty minutes as Liam worked on pulling one of John's school notebooks out of the bookshelf. (Note: We will have to move these soon!)  He tugged and tugged at this wire notebook, pulling at the bottom wires for a long time.  Not once did he cry out despite his frustration, he just kept working at it.  Finally he figured out that he could pull at the top wire and get it out.  What a strong, determined boy. 

We love you all.

Much love, more next week

Christmas and New Years - Weeks Nine and Ten

My friend Audrey observed once that children grow tremendously on vacation.   She thought it was the new sights, sounds, stimulation and people.  I believed her at the time, it made sense, but I had no idea how much Liam would grow and change until this Christmas break in Grand Rapids with our families.

It was unbelievable what Liam learned in those ten days. Many new things took place on what we deemed "the morning floor show" where, after many hours of long sleep, he would be happy and energetic enough to perform his greatest stunts.  During these shows, he  slithered on the floor two and a half feet, and focused on objects while tracing them.  On our last day of vacation he actually grabbed one of his new toys and took it to his mouth. Now he is almost completely supporting his head.

It was great seeing the Shotwells, Powers, Harmons, Fitzgeralds, and many many friends like Ann, Julie, Audrey and Frank,  Megan and Steve, Walter and Neele, Brendan and Nan, and many more.  Some of our close friends have children of their own, and it was nice to see them around each other.

We attended many parties and it was fun to see who I couldn't tear Liam away from! Uncle Dylan was one of these very helpful people, and I was able to enjoy full warm meals for the first time in many weeks!

We were happy to see that Liam could be his usual smiling self in a room of people he didn't know.  At one point during my Dad's party, Liam nodded off in Ann Gerke's arms and slept for an hour!

He met his great Grandmother Feeley over the vacation as well. She seemed very excited to see him.  It was amazing to see the four generations together.

It was a great trip.  When we left on New Year's day, Liam slept all the way home.  We made record time, and when we arrived and placed him in his bassinet for bedtime, we found that he had outgrown it! It's amazing what happens.

We can't wait for next year.  It will be an exciting time, with Liam walking and plucking the ornaments off the tree.  Maybe then we can start some traditions of our own.

Thank you for reading! More next week!