Happy 1st Birthday Spencer!

Spencer,
Happy 1st birthday sweet baby boy! What a fun year it's been! You are truly a delight to everyone you meet and its your mission to win them over with your big smile. every. time! I haven't done the best job of sending out updates for the past couple months, so here's a little recap of all your milestones along the way.

9 months:
-Your first sound/word was "Mama" and I actually got it on video to prove to your Daddy!
-Still not a huge fan of food and textures, you have a big gag factor so finger foods are your enemy. But you hold your bottle all by yourself, which we love!!!
Dr. stats:
Weight: 18.6lb - 20%
Height: 28.5" - 75%
Head: 17.5" - 25%

10 months:
-You started saying more sounds like "Da-da", "ba-ba"
-Still prefer your bottle over food, any kind of food...we haven't really found any that you're super jazzed about. You eat any kind of fruit in baby food form, veggies & meat depend on the weather. :)
-You are crawling super fast and standing and cruising around more.
-You still love baths, being tickled, laughing and tussling with your dad & Marshall.
-Your favorite way to snuggle is cheek to cheek with you mommy, it's my favorite time of the day!

11 months:
-Your first tooth came in this month, actually two at the same time....finally! The second one was impatient since the first one took forever.
-Right after your teeth came in, the following week was a biggie for you. All in one week you started clapping, standing independently from a sitting position and saying "uh-oh"...a big week for your brain!

12 months:
--I've started calling you Bird because you are quite the picky eater, you don't have much of an appetite for anything AND you love the two most prominent watering holes in our home - Maggie's water bowl and the toilets! Yep, that's right, you're THAT kid...the one that plays in pottys. YUCK! You love water so much you obviously don't care where you find it. I've found you multiple times having a ball in an unflushed toilet. Ever since, our entire family is constantly checking to make sure the toilet seats are down and doors are closed. I really hope you grow out of this phase soon!
--Back to the eating...you definitely turned a corner within the last week and have started enjoying more finger foods. Until then you were content to continue eating baby food and drinking your bottle. At this point, the only thing we've found that you love so much you eat more than 5 bites are pigs-in-a-blanket, YUM!
--I'm sad to say you definitely got your father's immune system, sigh. You've been sick this first year of life far more than your brother ever was. You've been quite snotty for the past 6 months and have had two ear infections. But it doesn't seem to affect your mood, you're still happy all. the. time!
--That thumb of yours...yup, you still adore it. It's a permanent fixture in your mouth but it does make you sleep like a champ! We NEVER have to go in your room at night, you have slept through the night without a peep ever since we put you in your room at 3 months old. We know it's that thumb of yours we have to thank so I will give credit where credit's due. You are currently sleeping 12 hrs a night and take two naps a day...you like your sleep!
--You aren't walking yet, but you actually took a couple of steps towards Daddy on your own the day after your birthday, very exciting!
--Here are the "words" you're saying so far: Mama, Dada, Baba, Uh-oh, Na-Na (for night-night), you are also great at signing "all done"
--You absolutely ADORE your big brother and he's pretty smitten with you! He calls you baby Fencer and is quick to introduce you to anyone we meet. You play really well together and you constantly crack each other up. We pray it stays this way!

Dr. stats:
Weight: 20.8lb - 20%
Height: 30-3/4" - 75%
Head: 18-1/8" - 40%

Spencer Craig, we love you and adore you with all our hearts! We are so blessed the Lord put you into our care and we're excited to see the little man you become and all the joy you will bring to this world. You make our hearts smile and we constantly pray you will become a courageous man of God. We love you to the moon and back!

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Love,
Mom, Dad and Marshall

Just an average day in a dog crate with your brother...

"Mom, I'm so glad this is my last picture with Gordo!"

Enjoying your 1st piece of cake on your actual birthday, in your grandpa's high chair.

Checking out your 1st snow.

Having a ball at your party, thanks Miss Betsy for the delicious cake!

Happy 8 Months!

 

 

Spencer, you're 8 months old and what an absolute joy you are! You are one smiley little boy and on the move...yep, you started crawling on your 7 month birthday, sigh. You're in full swing now and have even been trying to pull up on things lately. I keep telling you to stop....take it easy, there's no need to rush into all this activity. But just like your brother...you aren't listening!

You've also become more of a food fan and although you still adore the bottle, you think this stuff on a spoon has its perks. So far you've had: squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, applesauce, bananas, peaches and pears. Honestly, the two that give you the food shivers are green beans and pears, it's funny to watch. But you have yet to reject anything, so we'll see.

One nickname you've earned is "Handsy" because you are a grabber...of everything! You are constantly pulling hair, jewelry and you love to grab faces, lips, cheeks, necks. It's like having a baby kitten with all your scratching.

Things you love:

--Anything paper or plastic that makes a crinkling sound

--Bath time: you love to splash, splash, splash

--Being tickled: you laugh all. the. time. And we LOVE it!
--Your Thumb: no comment....

Not such a fan of:

--Nose sucker: you get anywhere near it and lose your mind.

--Certain men: if you are startled by certain men, you will make the biggest pouty lip face, EVER. It's so cute, yet sad. We've yet to catch it on film because it's quite elusive. You've done it to Grandpa, Papa and your cousin Stephen, to name a few. It's just such a departure from your happy, chill nature it makes everyone around you laugh...although we know we shouldn't.

Gosh, we adore you so much...you are such a precious gift from God. You make my heart smile, kid.

Love,
Mom

 

You love your cousin Austin

Your first pumpkin patch...I couldn't get that thumb out of your mouth!

You loved your first trip to the Arboretum

The famous pumpkin hat your Grandma made

Handsome boys!

8 Month picture with Gordo

Your 1st time eating cereal...not too sure about it

Your fan club: Aunt Freida and cousin Katy

 

Happy 1/2 Birthday Spencer!

Spencer,
Happy 1/2 birthday, sweet baby boy! Ever since we had your brother, I realized that 6 months is one of my favorite baby milestones because from here on out, it just gets more fun with each day...and you are no exception! Your personality is in full swing and you are one happy little boy! You are busy and have become very aware of your world, like when mommy leaves the room or you aren't near the dinner table when we're eating. You demand to be included and are happy to see when mommy comes back.

We had your 6 month check-up and here's your stats:
Weight: 17.7lb - 50%
Height: 27-7/8" - 90%
Head: 17" - 35%

Eating - you eat four times a day and are still breastfeeding, but we introduced formula last month since your appetite far surpasses your mama's supply. You took to it like a champ and now you enjoy both.

You had the pleasure of spending a long weekend just with your daddy, while I went on a girls trip to Destin and you brother stayed with Gana and Papa for a little bit. It was a good time for you to bond with your daddy and he reaped the fruits of your sleepiness. :)

I took this right before I left for Destin, melt my heart...

You and Marshall are starting to interact much more, you think he's hysterical!

You still love your thumb, even if your paci gets stuck in it



My boys

You got to meet your Uncle Adam for the 1st time last month, you would drool right on cue!

 

Christmas in July with your penguin jammies!

6 month pic with Gordo

You are up on your knees all the time and it sends your mother into a panic - STOP IT!! I fear we will have another early crawler, sigh.

busy, busy, busy

Spencer, you bring us tremendous joy and we just adore your easy, friendly nature! It's a pleasure to be your mommy and I am so thankful for a happy, healthy little boy...you make my heart smile!

 

Love,

Mommy

 

Firsts...

Before the summer slips away, I wanted to post a couple of "firsts" Marshall has experienced in his short 3 year life!

Potty training! He did great thanks to the "3-Day Potty Training Method"

First time hanging a shelf with daddy

His first "last day of school" - he LOVES Ms. Jackie!

And ADORES Ms. Lucy!

First time learning how to catch a baby frog

and how to let them go...

This wasn't his 1st Smore, but just too cute to pass up!

First time playing with sparklers

First time to stay up and watch the July 4th fireworks (with our community group friends)

The kids were in awe of the fireworks
(Andi, Camryn, Marshall & Allie)

It's been an amazing summer and we're excited about getting back to the school year schedule. Marshall will be going to Mothers Day Out 2 days a week this year and will begin the children's program at Watermark during my women's bible study. I can't wait to see how much he learns and grows, sweet little boy!

Spencer - 5 months old!

Spencer,
Five months old, already!!! You look so grown up with more hair coming in and your chubby cheeks disappearing, so sad! I want time to slow down so I can soak in your babyness...a mom can dream!

When you're playing, you prefer to stay on your tummy these days and take in the world. You can roll onto your stomach both ways, but haven't quite mastered getting to your back again. The way you occasionally move your feet and knees in this position make me realize we are on borrowed time. You'll probably be crawling in a month or two like your brother...I need a moment....

You smile all. the. time. It's a true joy to anyone you meet...you just beam at them like they are your new best friend. It's precious! You love to laugh and your brother can really get you going anytime he comes near. You are crazy ticklish, and the laughs that come from it melt our hearts. The absolute joy and ease that you possess are sweet treasures to us.

Things you like...anything that crackles, sleep, your thumb, Maggie and being outside.
Things you don't like...being startled (you are kinda jumpy,) dirty diapers and being hungry.

This past month you got to meet your Uncle Andy for the first time, sorry I didn't get a picture. But you gave him the crazy infant "no blinking stare" that he loves to much...it was obviously love at first sight! You get to meet your Uncle Adam for the first time this week, I know he's really excited about all your drool. :)

5 month pic with Gordo

Mom, should I be snuggling with this gorilla?

My little mini-me

Spencer's 4 months old

Spencer,
You're 4 months old and things are starting to get more fun in your world! A couple of things have happened in the last month...you found your feet, your voice and you rolled over for the first time!

You are a little smitten with your feet! Every time you catch a glimpse of them you either start panting or "clucking" as you reach for them...you are a man on a mission. You've also become quite the screamer whether you are happy or sad. It's funny to see you find your range and sometimes you surprise yourself with how loud you can squeal. So cute...for now.

You rolled over for the first time at 3.5 months when we were out at the farm house with Gana and Papa. You were on the floor and we were all busy painting the living room when Papa found you on your tummy. We rolled you back onto your back and you quickly rolled to your tummy from your left side. Initially you weren't too thrilled with your new position, but you've been doing well with tummy time ever since. The little play mat is one of your favorite spots and you are quite the aggressive grabber of what's near by...a toy, someone's face, hair, etc.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all this thumb sucking!?! It makes your mama crazy!

Your 4 month stats (basically the exact same as your brother at this age, crazy!)

Weight: 15lb 13oz - 75%

Height: 25-3/4" - 80%

Head: 16-3/8" - 30%

We love you buddy!
Love,
Mommy

4 month picture for Gordo

"Look how much I've grown!"

Zoos make me sleepy...

Your usual position...thumb in mouth, cuddling a blanket, sigh.

An action shot after you rolled over for the first time, just a little stressed out!

3 months old

Mr. Spencer,
Well, look who's 3 months old!?! My how you've grown...you don't have a well baby appt so I don't have any stat updates, but I know you're growing because you can't wear any of the 0-3 month stuff anymore, tear.

You are still sleeping like a champ, you're up to 12 hours a night 8am-8pm. This makes your daddy VERY happy! We also transitioned you out of sleeping in the swing at night and now you're sleeping in your crib for naps and nighttime! You have started tracking everyone in the room much more and your brother is always your favorite target! You always give him big smiles and a few chuckles. When you laugh it literally fills my heart, so adorable!!! You are definitely a social butterfly, always asking to be in the middle of things. We sit you in the bumbo seat on top of the kitchen table when we eat and you are in heaven, smiling at everyone and watching how this whole eating thing works. Speaking of eating...you are turning into a picky bottle drinker, meaning you aren't a huge fan of them. You usually come around because you're hungry, but you definitely show your unhappiness in the process. Mom can't be around all the time, so you better snap out of it! ;)

We love you Spenc, it seems like you've been in our lives forever! Our family is definitely complete now that you're here!

Love,
Mom

3 month Gordo pic

It's already begun...they knew I wanted a shot of them in their brother shirts and this is what they do, sigh.

Ta-dah! Big Bro/Lil' Bro shirts!!!