11.16.11

I haven't written about you in awhile. There's much to catch up on. You love the music class we go to on Monday mornings. You like playing with an instrument, you sit down when they read a story, and participate as best you can. On fridays we go to reading time at the library. This is more difficult. You sit for one story and then you walk around or play on the chairs for 4 more stories. A few months ago you started jumping with both feet leaving the ground and now you jump off everything. You love eating your gummy vitamins. You still take one long nap during the day. Dad just cut your hair last night. I love it short. You look adorable. Many people stop me when I'm at a store. Their comments are one of two things that you are cute or a busy boy. Both are true and accurate. You seem to enjoy nursery i.e. they never come to get me or dad. I am looking forward to January when church starts at 9am and you're nap time is not affected. We've been sledding and playing in the snow now that it's been snowing a lot. You love to play in it and have us pull you on the sled. I've been flushing your pooh down the toilet in hopes that you begin to understand the concept of going to the bathroom. You love to flush the toilet and receive your "high five." Then you shut the lid, and run to the diaper genie to throw the diaper away. You still love to read books and insist on sitting on our lap to read. If Jordyn or Sydney are on my lap you push them off so you can sit on my lap. We love you Levi!

Halloween 2011

This was our first Halloween experiencing snowfall. After the trunk or treat at church, we went around our neighborhood with some friends. We walked around for 20-30 minutes before going home to drink some hot chocolate. Next thing I knew it was snowing. It didn't stop anyone because there were still tons of kids walking around until about 8:45. Another first was making a "halloween" dinner. It was easy and you loved it so I think a new tradition was born. Here are some mummy dogs.

Ghosts
Fingers
These are suppose to be mouths w/ teeth and we drank poison to wash it all down.
You loved exploring the insides of the pumpkin. The girls insisted on using gloves to pick the stuff out of the pumpkin.
Levi is are lil' stinker aka a Skunk

9.20.2011

My friend Carrie took pictures of you and our family. You are the cutest 1 year old boy I've ever seen.
Love kissing this boy and can't stop staring at him. Every feature (lips, cheeks, nose) are to die for.

8.23.11

I remembered a few more things about you that I had forgotten about. You usually wake up in the morning or afternoon nap crying. When you see sunlight right after you wake up, you always sneeze. You also love to get gently tickled. You usually pick up my hand and place it on your desired tickle spot, usually your tummy or arms. I think I can officially declare that you only take 1 nap now. Sundays are difficult. Church is from 1-4. On a typical day you go down for a nap at noon. This Sunday you finally laid down on dad the 3rd hour for about 20 minutes and that was your nap.

8.17.11

A week ago you and your sisters went to the pediadontist. It was your first time. Since you're so wiggly she  checked inside your mouth to see how your teeth are growing in. They give the kids sunglasses to put on while their checking inside your mouth. You had the sunglasses on and I said "Levi, say COOL DUDE, " and you said it! You've been saying it ever since, when prompted. This past Sunday you and I went into nursery for 30 minutes so you can see how things are. You did great. I could've left you (actually the week before dad did leave you in there for an hour) and you would've been fine. We played with the toys for a little bit and I taught the class a lesson, about the sacrament and then the class had snacks. You've caught on to folding your arms when we pray. It's pretty cute. You're a good listener and follow directions well. You put things away when I ask you to or throw trash in the garbage when we ask you to. I hope you always want to obey us and Heavenly Father, because when we are obedient, we're happy. You are easy to put to bed. I lay you down in your crib and say good night. You roll over with "woobie" in hand and we don't hear from you until the morning. You love to dance. When you dance you walk around the room in circles. When the music stops, you let us know that you're unhappy about it. When the music starts up again, you go back to walking and bobbing your head up and down. You like to make us laugh by doing funny faces where you smile really, really big.  My favorite is when you give us kisses. You love when I chase you around the house. Your giggle is so cute. We love you!

7.29.11

This past month we had visitors. Great Grandpa Gordon, Great Grandma Marianne, Grandpa Tim, Grandma Karen, and Uncle Tim. We had fun driving to Fairbanks, going to the North Pole, Chena Hot Springs, and Girdwood. You had a good time visiting w/ everyone. You travel so well in the car too. You just had a viral infection and now your sisters are dealing with the same infection. You still enjoy getting books and sitting on my lap for me to read to you. I enjoy this just as much if not more than you do. You love snapping buckles together, the ones on your high chair and/or the ones in shopping carts. You are a climber and have learned that you can pull a chair to wherever you want to climb on the object you want to get onto...mostly countertops, tables, and the pantry. You love swinging in the basement and going down slides. You have said mommy, daddy, bubbles, and ball. You are a smart little boy and we love you so much.

6.28.11

May 17th we flew to Las Vegas and Gammie and Grandpa picked us up. You did well on the flight thank goodness. We didn't get to Cedar City until about midnight. You woke up when we pulled into the driveway. That night you would not let me put you down do move luggage. You knew you were in an unfamiliar place. The next day you were comfortable with grandpa but it took you several more days to warm up to Gammie. We drove to Southern California to go to Disneyland and Seaworld w/ dad, your sisters, gammie and grandpa, and the Lamonts. You were such a good sport even though these were very long days for you. At disneyland you loved the Jungle Cruise and It's a Small World. At Seaworld you loved the animal show and afterword that show, Gammie and Grandpa took you to the stage and a Macaw sat on your shoulder, but we didn't get a photograph :(  You also saw other extended family. We stayed at the Rueckert's house (Luisa-dad's cousin, Marc, and their Jacob), we also visited with the your Uncle Jun, Aunt Shannon and their sons Luke, Matt, and Wes (5 days old at the time), Grandpa Tim and Grandma Karen, Great G-ma Marianne and Great G-pa Gordon, one day we drove to Fountain Valley and spent a few hours w/ Grandpa Murray, Uncle Ryan and Danny. We went to the beach and visited my brother, Grant's gravesite. We all had a great vacation. We stayed a few more weeks at Gammie's and Grandpa's. You loved rocking on the Tiger toy they had, going on the 4 wheeler, when grandpa fed you treats, feeding the cows, going to the aquatic center (they had a little slide that you did about 20 times every time we went), and playing outside. While we were there you learn to use a lot of signs: food, more, thank you, please, car, book, and milk. Recently you have signed Jesus. Now if you could just use them regularly. You also have a few books you love to read over and over and over. You come sit on my lap and hand me the book and expect me to read it to you. Of course I do, how could I refuse? Sunday we cut your hair very short. Tonight family come to visit for a week (g-ma karen, uncle tyler, g-pa tim, g-ma marianne and g-pa gordon). You're an exceptionally cute, little boy. I love you to pieces. 

 At sand hollow lake

                                          I bought you and dad matching ties for father's day.

This was taken at Bryce Canyon National Park

5.13.11

It's friday the 13th.

Even though you turned 14 months 3 days ago there is no reason why I shouldn't put you to work and earn your keep around here. That's exactly what you did. You actually did "go to work" today, I'm not lying. The work you did included playing with other boys and toys. It's not much work, but you did get paid for it ($75). You are going to be in some baby movie. I think it's called Baby Genius 3. It's these super hero babies saving the world. You don't have a main role or anything, it's more of being in the background. They shot about 4 scenes with you and two other boys playing at home and at a day care. You did great; but then again is playing with toys really that difficult? I think I had more fun than you did. It was so interesting to be on set, helping you, and seeing how a movie is made. Some things that surprised me:
1. a nurse on set for the kids
2. a sign that read $5 fine for every curse word said when kids are on set
3. a play coach (aka clown)
4. the dozens of people needed for this low profile movie
5. Levi needing to go in the costume design room (his costume consisted of diaper and shirt)
I had to sign a work permit for you stating that a 1 year old can only work 2 hours at a time. He worked every minute of it and after you fell asleep within seconds of being in the car.
If you're wondering how you got this little part.....it was kinda random. I saw a sign at Sydney's preschool saying that they were auditioning for this movie and needed a 3 year old. I took Jordyn to audition and she got a call back. When she auditioned in front of the director, you and Sydney ended up auditioning in front of the director as well. Low and behold the one kid that couldn't talk, you, is the kid they ended up picking. I find that hilarious. Yes, I'll have to sit thru 90 min. of a lame baby movie, but I can't wait to see how they edit it and see how much or little of you is in the movie.You're in the blue shirt


After a hard day of work.

4.28.11

I love that you go grab me books to read you. You like "Old Hat, New Hat" and a Clifford book. You hand me the book and then you sit on my lap. Usually I can barely hear myself reading because you are talking while I read. Since it's been getting warm, we've been taking bike rides everyday and this is another thing you enjoy.

4.21.11

Last Saturday you visited the zoo for the first time. The Anchorage zoo doesn't have as many animals as many other zoos because most animals can't survive in this climate. The zoo has all the Alaska animals you see in our backyard: bears, wolves, moose, fox, and eagles but there are a few exciting animals like the tiger, polar bears, seals, and the big hairy camel. Last Saturday was family day so we got in free. The girls got their face painted. All you wanted to do was walk around and climb in with the llamas, the camel, and sheep. We only stayed for a few hours but you loved it. Most pictures you weren't looking at the camera because you were staring at the animal behind you.

4.14.11

You're 13 months now. I just put you down for a nap. I think you're transitioning to 1 nap a day. The past few days you have taken about a 3 hour nap and sleeping 12-13 hours at night. We've been playing outside  now since the weather has been warm. When I say warm, I mean it's in the upper 40's. You've been learning a bunch of new things since playing and taking walks outside such as a tricycle, helicopter, and airplanes, birds, dogs, bikes, scooters, basketballs, grass, running and falling on asphalt, sidewalk chalk, and much more. You tend to gravitate toward the street so I keep a close eye on you. This morning Dad and I walked in on you in the bathroom. You had climbed onto the stool, were looking in the mirror while brushing your hair with my brush. It was pretty darn cute too since you were brushing your hair on the flat part of the brush instead of the bristles. When I say point to my nose, you point to it. You are a happy boy. You like to explore and are curious about your surroundings. I would also say that you are a good observer. I love catching you staring at something with serious intent and curiosity. Yesterday it was watch some boys bounce basketballs. You still love to cuddle. You refuse to eat bananas. Have you been talking to Aunt Shannon lately? The only 2 people who don't like bananas. When I take you to they gym I leave and you don't cry anymore. Dad just got home last night from a meeting in California. You were thrilled to see him this morning. That's a modge podge of what your life is right now.

3.29.11

Yesterday you had your 12 month check-up. You weigh 21lbs 4 oz. (25%ile), your height is 30 inches (50%ile), and your head circumference 47.5 cm (75%ile). Dr. Jeanette was surprised at how much you had to say wether it was to her, me, or one of your sisters.  You received 4 vaccinations: Hep A, Measles/Mumps/MMR, Hib, and Pneumococcal. She also prescribed some ointment for goopy eyes. You love to have me or the girls chase you around the house. Last night Sydney entertained you for about 15 minutes. She was throwing a shirt at the ceiling and screaming, and it made you laugh like crazy. You're on whole milk now and beginning to use a sippy cup. You have a blue blanket (wubie) that comforts you and you love to suck on a binky when you're tired.

3.26.11

You're finally done with your antibiotics. A few days after your birthday we went back to urgent care because you had been running high fevers. So in addition to your pink eye, you also had bronchitis and an ear infection. These days you're practically running now. Grocery shopping is more difficult since you don't want to sit in the shopping cart. You won't want to read this, but you've discovered your weenie. In the bath tub you were staring at it and pulling it.

First Birthday

You are ONE?? Yes it's true. 365 days ago we were at the hospital and I held my first son. It was a moment...a moment I wish lasted longer than just a moment. But a moment that will forever be close to my heart and a memory ingrained somewhere in my brain that I can recall at any time. We're such amazing creations, aren't we? We LOVE Levi. Sydney gets him out of his crib in the morning, he eats his breakfast. He usually takes a nap about 10:30 and another at 3:30. When you are awake you are usually in the kitchen playing w/ pots and pans or we're playing in the basement or upstairs in the girls room. So I tried taking pictures of you. Ad you can tell I got very little pictures of you looking at the camera. I have a new found respect for photographers.





Dad was in Oregon on your first birthday so we celebrated today. Actually we celebrated all we long. Sydney had spring break and since Dad was gone we LIVED it up. Let's see we went to the Imaginarium, went to a fun indoor pool place, played at Arctic Oasis, went to Chuck E Cheese, and had multiple play dates with friends.

Today we had a small birthday party to celebrate your first birthday. It was an Army theme party? The army and airforce are very much a part of our lives even though we are not a part of either. I thought for one day though that we could pretend to be american heros. I mailed out my traditional one year birthday announcements and asked family and friends to write you a letter that I will save in a box and have you open all these letters and other memorabilia from your first year of life on your 16th b-day. Here are some pictures from your army party.
When kids arrived they went to find a grenade (a camo easter egg) in the hideout. In the grenade was a dog tag and parachute guys. All the kids went to the top of the stairs and watched the parachute people fly down. This by far is the biggest fort I've ever made. I counted 8 sheets and 4 blankets that I used. The girls loved it.
We also had "target practice." I filled balloons w/ money and each kid had a chance to pop a balloon by throwing a dart (w/ needle at end of dart. There was definitely parental help here.) at the balloons and collecting their money. I also put camo paint on kids faces and then we got to the good stuff.....singing happy birthday and cupcakes.
You were the most aggressive w/ the cupcakes than Sydney or Jordyn was. You didn't touch it at first just dropped your mouth to the cupcake and took a big bite. One cupcake wasn't enough. You wanted more and ate another half of one. You were mesmerized with the lit candle and seemed to have a good time despite not participating in the "target practice" or finding the grenade in the hideout.

Poor guy, yesterday we had to go to urgent care and get you some eye drops. You had a bad eye infection with copious amounts of eye goobers. Your eyes were red and swollen today, but the eye drops are working its magic already and it is getting much better.

3.7.11

Last thursday, 3.2.11, you learned to clap. It's pretty dang cute. I've also noticed today that you point to everything. Again, it's pretty dang cute. That small, juicy, little index finger pointing around to everything. Technically you're not one, but I have switched you to the forward facing seat. I know bad mommy. But honestly the rear facing was cramping your long legs. You are the appropriate weight and height so yes, I switched it and you of course love looking out the window. You just stare at the cars and signs and everything else.

sick(ies)

I don't like when my kids are sick. It makes for good cuddling, but I feel bad I can't make you feel better. I thought this might be the first day in more than a week that you wouldn't have diahherea (however you spell that word) but this afternoon you once again soiled a diaper, your onesie, and pants. The smell is horrific. I think my olfactory nerves are becoming numb to it. Anyway it's your first sickness. You threw up on Friday and I just thought by now it would have passed through you. Your appetite is slowly coming back so that's a good sign. Let's hope you're good by next thursday, YOUR BIRTHDAY.

First Haircut

 after:

you and daddy

During your first hair cut.
Tomorrow my friend is taking Levi's one year pictures and so we thought it was time for a haircut. It was getting long and would go over his ears if I didn't tuck it back behind them. I was a little nervous to have Jeff cut his hair knowing he's getting pictures done tomorrow. Wouldn't you? Jeff has no experience cutting a baby's hair and a baby who is twisting his head every 2 seconds and lifting his hands to his head. Jeff talked me into letting him do it, this is when his salesman's selling tactics play in his favor. I succumbed and Levi now has a cute, little boy haircut. But it was a lot of work. Me and the girls' job were singing "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" and "book of mormon stories" and entertaining him as much as possible. Levi did great. Our work paid off and Jeff was even able to break out his clippers. Now our baby boy looks more like a little dude. Such a cutie!

2.14.11

It's a few days late, but I wanted to write since you recently celebrated 11 months. It's unbelievable how quickly time goes by and how much you learn and grow each and every month. Last month 3 teeth came through on top. Instead of taking a few steps and falling, you walk around like you've been doing it your whole life :) Crawling is a thing of the past, which I prefer. Crawling meant picking up every crumb on the floor and putting in your mouth, since walking, that has stopped. Your hair is growing. It is getting pretty long. I see a first haircut coming up in a few months. Your hair is blonde and curly. At this age, your hair is more curly than Sydney's or Jordyn's was. Your first word was "mama." I would say that it's still the only coherent word too. You are becoming quite the chatter box: squealing, rolling your "r" sound, anything audible goes. You're easy to put to bed and happy when you're awake. Two things you absolutely love: bath time and swinging in the basement. This past month you've started eating human food and have nearly stopped eating all baby food. We love having you in our family....I can't say it enough.

1.20.11

Yesterday you waved for the first time. You waved to the sister missionaries. Today you kept waving to me while I was feeding you while screaming, "HIIIIIIIIIIIIII." So sweet. On a not-so-sweet note, earlier today I just caught you in time as you were about to touch Jordyn's pooh in the toilet. She hadn't gotten around to flushing it yet. You had made your way to the bathroom with hand in the yucky pooh-filled toilet. Yesterday and today I watched you take 9 steps before falling. You are a busy boy, opening cabinets to pull things out and taking trash out of the trash can.

1.12.11

You came crawling to me in the kitchen with red drool dripping from your mouth and you were fussing. I got so scared that you were bleeding from your mouth. I opened your mouth and tried wiping, what I thought was blood, with a towel. I was happy to find out that it was a red Hot Tamale that you had found. The red dye had been sucked off and the spicy nature of the candy was what you were probably fussing about. I was relieved it wasn't anything serious because I was seriously scared that something bad had happened. You are starting to eat real food. Things like bread, scrambled eggs, chicken, fruit, and vegetables, and rice. The past 2 nights you have woken up with a slight fever. You are the cutest, little thing EVER!