Photo Series: 10 Months!

Cruising, standing, teething, giggling, exploring, talking, climbing, and these are only a few of the things we are busy with this past month! Our little dude has 3 teeth and more coming. The past few days have been rough on the teething front and hopefully this next one pops through soon. It is not fun seeing my little man so uncomfortable.

Frankie has developed such mischievous tendencies: always going for Kirby's water dish, the stairs, the carbon monoxide detector and the blinds on the patio to just name a few. This week Steve and Jim got the fabric put on the fireplace and as soon as he could, Frankie was climbing on it! He is quite quick on the stairs as well - after one day of finally showing interest in them, we had to put the gates up since he was getting too quick.

We have explored the world of water tables and both boys love it. Frankie loves splashing and Kirby loves his new giant water dish. On warm days/evenings, it is a great escape for both boys. When we aren't spending the evening at the water table, we tend to get out for nice walks (or runs). I have been adventuresome in trying to go running with both boys - it has been a learning experience to say the least but also fun to get out there with both of my boys.

In other news, Frankie is slowly becoming more willing to try new foods. Graham crackers are a favorite, along with Cheerios and raspberries/strawberries.

At the beginning I mentioned talking, I use that term loosely.  He talks but it is still mostly babbling. For a while he favorite was "ma-ma" which totally melted my heart but then after a few days we move onto a new sound. Don't worry, "da-da" has been spoken fairly frequently too but so far these have only lasted a few days before he tries to conquer a new sound.

Steve and I couldn't be more excited with how our little dude is growing (and he is getting long!) and learning. Crazy that it has almost been a year since he made his grand entrance!

Our photo sessions are getting harder and more involved, it takes at least 2 of us and Kirby to get smiles and good photos. Not sure how next month is going to go!

 

Dad is a great ladder

Kirby & Frankie have minimal personal space
from each other

Grandma Visits!

My Mom is amazing. She is so willing to help when we are in need and since May is crazy plus Steve had a training out of town, Mom to the rescue! It was nice to have her here since I was starting on my late nights and plus she got some quality Frankie time (as well as a little time over with the twins!). Before she left I did manage to snap a couple photos - they were quite the pair by the end of her stay.

Night Out

Before the crazy of May began, Steve and I managed to have a day/night for just the two of us. The day started with our first Twins game of the season, enjoyed a rooftop dinner in the middle, and ended with seeing Jim Gaffigan. 

So thankful for family and friends who are willing to help with the little dude to let Steve and I to have date nights. We are truly blessed. 

Surprise! Party.

This is a little behind, but during the month of March Frankie got to experience his first surprise party and hibachi grill all at once! Steve and I were slightly concerned about this since the party was in St. Cloud on a Friday night and we haven't had much experience with Frankie in restaurants. We managed to make the timing work with feeding, etc. and got to the restaurant early (which is amazing for us getting off work, traffic, driving, a baby, etc.).

The surprise was a success! Dan had no idea and a great group of his close friends enjoyed a delicious hibachi grill. Frankie wasn't a huge fan of everyone yelling surprise - he started screaming. However, that was the most upset he got the whole evening and he was fine after a moment. His favorite was when the hibachi grillers started the grills on fire, the kid loved it! He just stared. Well, the fire and the plates; he entertained himself with the plates for a while.

We couldn't stay for the full evening but were able to celebrate for a short while. Frankie wanted to stay and party but was getting quite sleepy - he quickly crashed on our drive home. It was such a fun time and even though we were a little anxious about the evening, it turned out to be so wonderful. Our little man surprised us and handled the new, loud, crazy environment like a champ.

The guest if honor & his beautiful fiance!

Easter 2014

Frankie's first Easter! We kept everything pretty low-key this year. My family was spread around but we were able to spend time with Steve's parents. Saturday, Nancy come up and joined Frankie & I as we went to see the Easter bunny! I thought I was going to have to be in the photo but he sat on the bunny's lap just fine. Well, we didn't really get any smiles but we also didn't get any screams! I will call that a success in my book.

That night we went to the Easter service at church. I love the music at Easter. I can't quite put down what it is but I just love it. Growing up, we would even make it to the sunrise service which was always a great way to start a beautiful day. With Frank, we were glad to make it through the service. He continues to amaze us.

For those who don't know, I love breakfast food. It is my favorite. So the fact that the country club has an Easter brunch - count me in! We went last year when I was pregnant and it was AMAZING! This year was no different. I love being able to eat to my hearts content. We met up with Jim and Nancy for brunch. All the workers loved seeing Frankie - they hadn't seen him for a few months. Steve and I managed to hand off the babe to grandma and grandpa and get in 9 holes of golf. It felt good to get on the course and be active. Looking forward to spending some quality time golfing this summer (if the babe allows).

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Waiting for to see the Easter Bunny

First time feeling grass on his feet - he wasn't too sure...

9 Months & Mother's Day!

We can't believe it has been 9 months already! It seems like it was just yesterday we were bringing Frank home from the hospital.

The kid is constantly changing/growing/developing. His first teeth have finally popped through. Many more seem to be on the brink. This results in quite the hefty competition of who can drool more: a teething baby or an 80 lbs chocolate lab. Frank is not only crawling at a near Olympic pace, but he is also standing up and walking alongside things (such as his dad and the couch). In no time he will be sprinting after Kirby in the backyard giggling incessantly.

His appetite seems to be growing as quickly as he is. He is always willing to try things at least the first time. He also is not afraid to show his displeasure when he encounters a food he does not care for (e.g. peas). Some of the highlights of the items he has liked are Hawaiian rolls, ham, and melon flavored frozen yogurt. His love for frozen yogurt really melted his mothers heart as it seems his love for dessert appears to be genetic.

Amanda spent the first part of May working long hours so our monthly photos were taken at my parents house with the assistance of my Mom instead of in my Grandpa's chair at our house.

You can tell they are close - they even have the same "look"

For Amanda's first Mother's Day, we were able to spoil her for a couple hours before she went back to the office. The first part of May is her super busy time and none of us had really seen her in about a week so those few hours were great. Amanda managed to get Frankie down for a nap, although, he didn't want to sleep, he just wanted to spend time with his Mama. After his nap, I quickly strapped him into his car seat and away we went to MCC to meet up with Grandma for brunch. The little man was an all-star at the country club. He never ceases to amaze me.

Amanda and I got to take Frankie to his first Twins games a couple weeks ago (the first of many). For only being 9 months old, he made it until the 7th inning and we left not because he was crabby but because we knew he would be if we stayed the whole game. He was a trooper and his favorite part was hanging out in center field standing and watching the game. We all had a great time and the Twins even pulled out the win! I am hoping to cultivate a Twins fans and maybe future baseball player.

Oh the random continued...

...I think by the end of these, we are up to March!! And March was exciting!

Not sure what we were trying to feed him, maybe bananas, but Frank was clearly not impressed. 

We tried the bumbo seat too late in the game, thankfully, our dear friends the LeRoys, didn't need their floor seat at the time and allowed us to barrow it. The little man enjoyed the seat for a few weeks until he started to figure out how to move, then nothing could hold him back!

We try to keep the boys from taking each others toys but I couldn't resist Kirby's attempt to use one of Frank's balls as a head rest. It must have been a "ruff" day for the pup! :-)

Frank quickly figured out sitting and love it! 

You know he is down for a good snooze when the pacifier falls out. I love my snuggle times with my babe. I try to take advantage as much as possible since I know there will be a time when I won't have the opportunity. Kirby usually partakes in our nap time snuggles as well (he is on the couch in the photo on the right). 

When I try to take pictures of Frank, he doesn't always cooperate so I end up taking a lot of photos that look very similar! But he always tries to grab the phone or camera! I have to get creative on how to get pictures before he lunges at the phone/camera. The result during this photo op, was Frankie's first selfie. :-) Or so it appears. Also, Frank and Kirby have a special relationship, even at such a young stage in life. I love capturing little moments like this.

March began with Steve's birthday! I will admit, I forgot to plan ahead for a cake. Good thing, DQ didn't let me down. They had an America flag cake already made and ready to go. Steve thoroughly enjoyed the cake and I think the American flag made up for the fact I didn't plan ahead. :-)