Getting Brave!

Our little man is getting to be very brave. In just the last couple days, he is starting to "let go" when he is standing by something. We make a big deal out of it, and he gets so excited! He smiles so big and raises his arms up like a cheer. We are so proud! I am hoping I am there for his first steps. I just know it is right around the corner, so we practice it every night. It is so cool to watch them learn and try new things. I can see his brain working, and it just makes my heart leap! I'll keep you posted!

No news on Graham's test or schooling yet. He has a plan B, just in case things don't fly this year. He has heard that it is a common thing to have to apply more than one year, so I am glad that he is at least thinking about next year. Otherwise, he is busy with school and work, and he always makes time for us. He has really gotten into exercising and eating healthy. He was frustrated with himself, but now feels great and is liking the results. It is fun to have another cook in the kitchen and help with grocery shopping. We are actually planning meals and saving money! What a treat!

School is going well. We had a late start yesterday due to the cold weather. The kids need to get outside and get the stink off them today. It is hard to have them couped up in here all day. Otherwise, I am trying to get on the exercise wagon, not quite there yet, but am thinking about it. That is farther than I have gotten lately! Eating right is easier since we are doing it together. It feels good to not remember the last time we ate McDonalds. For awhile there, we were their best customers. Sad, I know.

Have a great day and I'll keep you posted on the "walking!"

Done!

Well, Graham took his MCAT yesterday! His brain hurts, but he made it through. We are praying for good results and an interview to follow. He has done awesome, and he is already on the couch studying for some college tests. It never ends!

I am patiently waiting for my little man to settle himself to sleep, so then I can take a nap! He is busy talking to his animals and reading his books. It may be a lost cause. He was tired...

Have a great rest of your weekend. Our lives haven't changed too much lately! Just in first birthday planning mode. I have looked all over for a giraffe pan to make his first cake, and I finally found one today! I am going to try to be a "Betty Crocker," so we'll see!

Warm Thoughts...

It has been a crazy week at our house. Graham is busy with his last minute prep work for the big MCAT this Saturday. I have to say, that he has been easy to be around. I would've predicted it to be the opposite! Keep him in your prayers. He has worked so hard for this. He is striving to be above average and hopefully that will spark a Med School interview!

It has been a busy week at school for me. It is end of the quarter, so lots of testing to be done. Amazing how much we know about how our little first graders think and learn! It has really been cool to see what is working and where we need to pick up the pace. School is becoming so much more individualized which has been so beneficial for our students!

Sean is still crawling and walking behind his lion toy. It could be any day. My mom says that he'll just surprise us and walk around the corner some day...I just hope I am there when it happens! He is really into any drawers and cupboards that he can open. I have had to do some rearranging and Graham is in the process of making some areas "kid proof," totally bumming out his son. But life is one big learning lesson! Check out his new pictures at dinsmorephotography.com, click on "online proofs," then on my name, and enjoy! My favorite is the first one...

Hope you are all warm! We are praying for a heat wave, anything in the 20s would be great!

Haircut!

Our little man got his first haircut on Monday night. He was looking a little scruffy, so we brought him along to Graham's appointment. Lindsey took great care of him. He was so darn cute and curious. I saved his hair to put in his baby book. I can't believe he needed one already. Enjoy the pictures!

Where did the year go?

Our little boy is going to be turning one year next month. I ordered his birthday cards tonight. It is so exciting and a little sad all at the same time!

He is going through a new stage of experimenting and falling. We feel like horrible parents every time we look at his forehead. The poor kid has a huge bruise smack dab in the middle of it, and the worse part is, he continues to bump it! Ouch! I only wish I could take his pain. We were doing so well. He was steady on his feet and happy exploring and playing. Now, he has the desire to walk, but is getting clumsy again. I think he gets that from me. I have been known to take some good diggers a couple times a year.

Hope you had a great weekend. I just hate it when they come to an end. Someday I won't have to worry about it, someday.

New Years Resolution

My goal this year is to try hard to stay with things and not get so far behind! I uesd to give everything 110%, and once Sean arrived I wanted to continue on the same track, but am finding it impossible. I am not settling for sub standard, but I am becoming more realistic. I may not always be right on time, but I will be darn close!

Anyway, we are doing great! We survived our move into our new house. Graham did a fabulous job! We are slowly adding pictures to our walls and unpacking the rest of the boxes. I figure whatever I don't open before spring can go on the garage sale, because I must not need it if it has been packed away since July!

Sean is on the verge of walking! He is like Spiderman walking along the walls. He doesn't trust himself enough to let go...yet. We'll keep you posted! He is getting closer to his birthday, and what a day that will be. I am already in party planning mode. It has got to be a special one! He is keeping us busy with crawling around everywhere at the speed of light. He loves his puppies, and he tries to "pet" them every chance he gets. They love him, too, and are very tolerant of him. I am so proud of them! We are working on the bedtime thing. He has an ear infection, so I am being "easy" right now. As I type, 9:39pm, he is opening and closing the office door. I just hope he doesn't learn the finger lesson tonight! Oh, well.

I am doing well. It was hard going back to school after our two week break. Today was easier, and I know each day will get better. First grade is fun, the kids love me (can't believe they do after all our "talks" about right/wrong and good/bad), so I can't complain. I am trying to get back into exercising, but really need two more hours in my day.

Graham is anxiously awaiting his final semester at Mankato State. He is really enjoying school and is very dedicated. He is in the process of applying to Medical Schools and hoping/praying for a chance to interview. Please keep him in your prayers, because it will be a dream come true for him.

Otherwise, our families are doing well. Amy is pregnant and due in May. We can't wait to have that baby in the family! Christmas was amazing this year and we are looking forward to a great new year.