Baby sign

I have been teaching Wesley sign language since before he was one. I taught him a few signs but stoped for a while . He knew eat and drink. The important ones. Well somewhere along the way he thought the sign for a drink was more. We have been working to correct that habit. He can sign juice now. He signs more first, I will say no how are we supposed to do it, and he will do it correctly. I have also taught him stars. He loves to go outside at night and look at stars. I hope to teach him more so that we can get past some of the frustration of not understanding eAch other. Sometimes he gets so mad because I can not understand him, I am always looking up new signs to teach him after he has had a particularly frustratin time to tell me something. Before I had Wesley, and even when he was a newborn I didn't want to teach him because I thought it would inhibit his talking. But he definitely can talk so I think he can learn more signs until he can talk better. It's funny to see him try the signs and he gets so excited when I praise him for doing one right. Here is to learning more signs.

A Day at the Park

The Cutest Boy Ever.

We have had crazy weather lately. Some days are freezing, raining, hot, windy, etc. You just never know the weather. Last week we had some nice days. Carrie invited me to book buddies, which we missed because we were so late. But after we decided to take a trip to the park nearby. It was perfect, because I had brought my camera along to get some pictures of Wesley. It had been a while He is in the difficult stage because he never stops moving ever, and he hates to look at the camera.

Malachi was there, and Malachi and Wesley have a sweet love for each other. They love to play together, give hugs, and wrestle. Malachi is so sweet with Wesley, and always helps him out. I love the time they get to spend together. And Malachi will soon have a little brother, that I am sure he will love so much.

Tradition

When I was young, my parents did a lot of wood working. They are both very talented. Well I had the idea that I wanted to do some wood crafts for Wesley. Pass on the tradition. My dad always says, you have to make traditions. Well I have wanted to make Wesley some wooden toys. Over Christmas while my dad was home we started on the project, and I have slowly gotten closer to finishing. I still have a few puzzles left, but here are some for Wesley to play with now.

He has a little zoo of animals. Giraffe, elephant, pig, alligator and bear. The bear is extra special, because I remember growing up with a much larger version of that exact same bear. I used to make it sit just right and move his arm and legs. I was so excited to make Wesley one.

He also of course had to have some other fun toys. Every child needs a wooden train. And of course, of you have anything to do with my dad, you need a helicopter.

God Bless America

Huntsville had a Veteran's Memorial. I think it has been there for about a year now, I have driven past it many times but never really stopped and looked around. Well one Saturday, we had some extra time after a free day at the Museum. We packed our lunches and went ate at the memorial. It was kind of windy day. But it was really neat to see. .They had the words courage, sacrifice, and duty in a couple different places. I loved it. I thought it was very fitting.

Around the memorial, there were places for all the wars we've fought. A description followed, along with those fallen comrades or veterans that served from Huntsville. It was beautifully done. It was interesting to read about the different conflicts, a few things were new to me. I hope Wesley grows up with an appreciation of the sacrifice of the many soldiers, including those in his family. It's something that I have always had a lot of respect for, due to my father and his family. There is always a peaceful feeling at places like this. I have been to many sites, and it amazes oh humbling and grateful they make you feel. In May we are going up to Washington DC to see all the sights. I know Wesley will be to young to remember, and I am sure we will take him back some day, But it will be neat to go there with Kris. I can't wait for that trip.

Free day!

Last Saturday, the Early Works Museum had a free day. We took advantage, and went out on a family day. Kris was the ultimate dad and carried the backpack! We are living the dream! Family day outs with a backpack full of everything you could need! The museum was crowded but fun. Wesley wasn't too sure about all the people, I guess we should get him out more. He was especially scared of anyone dressed up or any inanimate object that was animated there, like the talking tree. He mostly walked around attached to someone's finger. .

He really enjoyed the kids room. They had water station, where you could wear an awesome cape. There were also little shopping carts with play food, puzzles, a fake cow (totally freaked out at that one), a fake garden, and a little grill that he loved to put food on.

Carrie and her boys also joined us, not for long, because it was close to lunch time, but they all sat up on a wagon they had for a picture to prove we were all there. The boys ran around, and Wesley enjoyed chasing. The boys also took him to a part that he wouldn't go earlier, but if they went it was okay. In the back of the museum there was a train table, huge blocks, and musical insturements that Wesley enjoyed playing.

3 Piece Tux

Not many one year olds own or wear a three piece tuxedo. Wesley does! When Kris and I got married, his nephews wore tuxedos to the wedding. Absolutely adorable. Well we get all of their hand-me-downs and this was in the lot. It doesn't get much better than that. Wesley always wears a white shirt and tie to shirt. Has since the first Sunday he went when we was nine days old .But now he can wear a suit! Its fantastic. He is such a little old man.

Keep calm

That's what I keep repeating in my head today. We are in between rounds of severe weather. My heart pounds, my musclese tense, it's a feeling you can't quite describe. At least my husband is home this time. He wasn't home on April 27th when we had the really bad weather. Today I made him come home after two tornadoes already touched down. So. This time I at least feel more prepared. Stocked up on my water, food, gas in our cars, 72 hour kit somewhat put together, weather radio working, and bathroom stocked with supplies and shower emptied and dry to take shelter. I also am showered, dishes done, laundry done, and sheets cleaned. My house is picked up and ready to go for days without power in case it comes to that. The tv is tuned into the weather channel and I friended all the weather people on Facebook so at least I can get updates at way. Wesley and kris are taking a nap right now. There is no way I could sleep. But keep us in your prayers, especially those who already have been affected. And remember. KEEP CALM!

Come Sail Away

For those who just want Wesley pictures, see next post below.

My SIL, Carrie, is going to have a little boy next month. I have been finishing up some projects for her. She is doing a sailboat theme, keeping it simple with navy, white and a touch of red. I sewed her up a really simple quilt with some adorable nautical flannel on the back.

I learned to use my mother's serger and made her a simple receiving blanket out of the nautical flannel. We saw a super cute mobile on etsy.com but there was no way we would pay that

price for it. So I attempted my hand at making one. Very easy. Maybe our next child will have a homemade mobile. Much cheaper than buying one at the store. It's made form felt, so with every little breeze it moves ever so softly. Wesley was definitely amazed at it. I made the top ring out of an old t shirt and felt. The sailboats were simple felt, and the beads were wooden that I just used some acrylic paint on to bring in more color. I still have more beads to add, but I wanted to let Carrie decide on the final look so I haven't put it all together yet.

I also saw a cute pattern for some baby hats. They were so cute I couldn't resist. I ended up making five. They were from old t shirts i had laying around so they cost me nothing! even better.

Here is the link for the baby hat tutorial: http://www.prudentbaby.com/2011/02/top-knot-baby-hat-tutorial.html

Spin and slide

Mr. Wesley could spin and slide all day long. My friend, Gloria, is moving. She gave us a little slide and swing. Having no yard or garage, and no extra space left in our tiny apartment, we decided to be a little ghetto and just set the slide up in the middle of the living room. It may be the best idea yet, I may be a ton more productive now. He loves to slide. He has a slide at grandma and grandpa driggers that he loves. In fact last week Kim was moving it from downstairs to the den so he could use it more. Wesley thought she was taking it away from him and threw a huge fit. Needless to say, we have already had hours of fun on this simple little slide. I even taught him how to make things roll down the slide, and now every toy has probably taken a trip down the slide.

For memory's sake.

Oh this boy of ours. He is wonderful (most of the time). Just a few things that he has done lately that will definitely bring a smile to your face.

Wesley has the most ferocious waves. He waves with his whole body. Hilarious.

He learned to say guys. He walks around saying hi guys. You can't help but giggle.

Many may know, he loves the itsy bitsy spider. BUT, he now loves row row row your boat, and he says row row until you start singing.

He "jumps" off of things two inches off the ground and gets so proud of himself.

Tonight at kristofers parents house the bigger boys were putting their plates in the sink. Wesley had to as well. He said please for his plate. Carried it to the sink, and stood on his tiptoes to drop it in.

The other day I had made some cookies. They were on the cooling rack on the counter. Mr. Smartypants pushed over a large food storage can, stood on top of it and was inhaling cookies, when I walked in he gave me his best smirk with chocolate smeared his face. I couldn't help but laugh.

He says words so cute, and is so serious when he actually says something. Tonight at bed we haven't read enough books according to him. And he kept saying boooook booook. Just so stinkin cute.

Tonight while putting him to bed, he pointed out most of his facial features. And them pointed out the airplanes. And said airplane.

Kris was changing his diaper, and Wesley yawned. Kris said someone is t I r e d. Spelled out. Wesley then "spelled" it out in Wesley language. Pretty darn close I must say.

He knows how to work the iPad, he can click to his games, And if he can't exactly what he might want he grabs my finger and puts it on the screen until I help him.

He wants to watch mooovies all the time.he can turn on the tv and sometimes the DVD player. He only wants to watch baby Einstein or baby hob. Nothing else qualifies as. Movie in his books.

Hopefully some pictures will be uploaded soon. I can't do that from my iPad it has to be a real computer.