M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

So as I walking through the Christmas section at Target this morning, I noticed these really cute Disney  baking sets (Disney princesses, Cars or Mickey Mouse). They came with cookie cutters, a mixing spoon, a cookie sheet & a plastic sheet to roll the dough out on. All of our cookie cutters and fun baking stuff is packed away in storage so I couldn't pass this up (plus it was only 7.99). Austin & Carson both like to help me in the kitchen and I knew they'd love to make Mickey Mouse cookies. I made the mistake of showing it to Austin this afternoon and of course he couldn't wait to make them.

Tonight turned out to be the WRONG night to play in the kitchen. Carson was tired and cranky & Austin was having a tough time listening and following directions (read between the lines: Mommy started WAY to late, was unprepared, unorganized and doesn't work well in a messy kitchen). SO after a few minor meltdowns (once caused by me accidentally smashing Austins fingers in the drawer) we successfully made some really cute, really messy Mickey Mouse cookies. Although they look nothing like Mickey Mouse after all the frosting and sprinkles got piled on top.

By the way I just used a simple sugar cookie recipe:

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

1 cup powdered sugar

10 tbsp sugar

2 eggs

1 tbsp vanilla

2 tsp baking powder

4 cups flour

-makes about 30 dozen cookies-

Soccer & School Pictures

He's growin' up way too fast :(

Suzy dogs

Well, thats what our family calls them. Named after my grandparents friend who had an Aunt Suzy that made them. Everyone else probably just calls them...

chili dogs 

Like I said in my post earlier today, these are nothing fancy and probably one of the most unhealthy dinners I can think of....but they are good!

Boil hot dogs. Fill a pyrex dish with hot dogs buns and place one hot dog in each. Layer with chili, chopped onions and then cheese on top. Bake for just long enough for the cheese and chili to get ooey-gooey. I know, precise (and difficult!) directions right? My boys aren't crazy about chili so I just made them regular hot dogs (haha Austin's not crazy about hot dogs either so he had a bun with ketchup). Its definitley not something we make often, but when I come home with hot dogs & buns from Costco, all the boys know whats for dinner!

This and That

We've actually had a relatively calm week so far so theres really not too many exciting things to talk about :) One exciting this is that we are going to be stepping up our house hunting soon, so wish in luck that department! As the holidays are approaching, I am really starting to miss all of "our" things that are packed away in storage. I really anticipated being in our new house by now so I'm starting to get kind of bummed and homesick (if thats possible when we don't even have a "home"!). I'm really not complaining because we are having a good time living with my family.  I am so grateful to be able to live here and without it, we would never have been able to save up and buy this soon. I'm sure they are ready to get rid of us though! :) I am anxious to pick out paint colors, arrange furniture, put the kids' room together, get Daisy (or dog) back & so many more things. I am trying to be patient...but its hard! I know it will happen when its supposed to and that God has the perfect house all picked out and waiting for us...we just have to find it :) So...I'll keep you posted as we start looking and making offers. I am hoping this is an easy process for us but I'm not going to be naive about either- we have so many friends who are in the same position as us who are having a terrible time trying to buy. Offers rejected, offers fall through, short sales that last months and months...all possibilities we could face, but I'm hoping that we have good luck! (and I'm excited that they extended the First Time Home Buyers tax credit a few more months!)

Ok enough about that, on to the pictures (the important part right?) Yesterday was my mother-in-laws birthday and we all went out to dinner to celebrate. She picked Pismos Coastal Grill, the new restaurant in Villagio. By "new", I mean opening day! We had a reservation and got seated on time, but thats about the only thing that happened "on time". It took her at least 15 minutes to get her drink delivered to the table, and thats with several reminders to our waiter.  I kind of got the feeling that they jumped the gun with their grand opening, they should have waited a few more days and prepared a little better.  When we finally got our food (an hour and a half later), we were all pleasantly surprised- it was wonderful. Everyone ordered something different and I think we all loved what we got. I will definitley go back, but I'll wait a few months until they get all the kinks worked out. Luckily Wayman ordered the kids' dinner right when we sat down so they got their food much sooner than we did. They did really good for having to sit there and wait so long. I didn't take very many pictures because it was dark inside, but I thought this one of Grandma and Carson playing peek a boo was pretty cute!

This picture is from breakfast this morning. I was cleaning out my purse as they were finishing their biscuits and Austin saw me take my camera out of my purse. He wanted me to "take pictures for daddy". So, here they are daddy!

After breakfast I had to run an errand for my grandma and then we drove out to Madera to have lunch with Wayman. I love this picture of them because you can really tell what each one of them is thinking:

Carson: Not now mom, I'm trying to eat my lunch

Austin: Lots of stuff in dads office to get into, no time for pictures!

Wayman: Really babe, do you have to take a picture?

Wayman took them into the gym and let them play afterwards, of course they loved it.

Austin cried almost all the way home because he thought daddy got to come home with us. They were both worn out and went right to sleep when we got home. Hopefully they take a good nap (since there was NO napping going on yesterday). We're having a family favorite for dinner tonight so if I'm feeling productive I might take pictures and blog about it (since its a family recipe I like those things to be on the blog and passed down to the kids). Its really nothing fancy and not the least bit healthy, but the boys (meaning my dad, Kevin & Wayman) have been anxiously awaiting it. I'll be back later with more!

Weekend Wrap-up

Another weekend has come and gone- flew by just like all the others! After a whirlwind day yesterday (Halloween) today we had a much more laid back day. I woke up feeling better, but not back to normal, and so we decided it'd be best to stay home from church and not spread our germs to everyone! After taking round-the-clock doses of Zicam since yesterday morning, I think I am finally 100% better. Sore throat is gone, congestion is gone and my body is no longer achy- thank goodness! Now I just have to deal with the tummy ache from all the candy I've eaten in the past 2 days :)

Today was the first day in months that we woke up with Wayman here and didn't have any place to go, it was heavenly! The boys loved having daddy home and enjoyed having someone other than me to play with! He took them out in the backyard right after breakfast and kept them outside until it was time for lunch. I got SO much accomplished inside the house and loved knowing that the boys were getting to spend some much-needed time with Wayman. Football is over now so I'm looking forward to having him home at a normal time during the week and most of all having him here on Saturdays!

Austin found an old fishing pole and had a great time fishing in the backyard. Wayman told me that it kept both of them entertained for quite awhile (and wasn't it cute that he took pictures for me? he knew I'd want to blog about it haha)

This evening we had my cousin's daughter Taylor's birthday party next door to my grandmas. Its times like this that I really like living so close, don't have to load the kids up to go anywhere, just have to walk across our backyard and through the gate! We had dinner and all the great-grandkids played in Nana's backyard for awhile.

I think this is a sweet picture- both of them had just woken up from their naps :)

 I swear Savannah will never just look at the camera and smile- silly girl!

Birthday girl blowing out her candles

The time change is throwing us off already, the boys were ready for bed by 6:00 because it was dark outside! We did our best to keep them up but ended up putting them to bed at 7:00. They went right to sleep so I'm sure they will be up bright and early in the morning!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a fun and safe night tonight!

We had a fun but exhausting day/night and I'm glad that that the whole Halloween hoopla is over now! Austin had his last soccer game this morning and then my parents took us to Chick-fil-a for lunch. The boys went down for a late nap and played in their beds instead of sleeping, so they were definitely not well rested when it came time to leave. We had to get them up from their naps early and Carson was one unhappy little pumpkin!

The first stop we made was Wayman's parents house. Its a half hour drive out to their house so Carson had some time to calm down and wake up a little. He still wasn't crazy about having a costume on (especially the hat) but he eventually forgot about it and had a great time for the rest of the night

Austin showing off his dino-moves

The secret to his happiness: Candy!

When Austin got hot, he just stripped down! (he did this at school during his costume party also!)

Biker pumpkin

The next stop was GG & Great grandpas house. I just love this picture of Carson walking up to the door

After we left GG's house, we stopped by Uncle Mikes house to see Nana and everyone else there. They collected their loot and then we moved on to the next stop: Rebecca & Jennifer's house. Rebecca got the boys the cutest little bag of goodies which was by the far their favorite part of the night. Dinosaurs, trains & candy...little boy heaven!  Their house was our final stop of the night before coming home to trick or treat!

Carson didn't understand the whole concept of trick or treating. He very willingly went up the door and flashed a smile, but he was hesitant to hold out his bucket and take candy. Austin was a seasoned pro this year and knew exactly what to do. He didn't even try and go into each house this year (last year whenever people opened the door, he would barge through the door and invite himself inside!). He was so proud to show off his costume and loved when people commented about it. When we came home from trick or treating, he came to the door to hand out candy and one of the kids recognized him as "the little dinosaur" who came to his house earlier...it was pretty cute.

So now we have two buckets full of candy and lots of other Halloween goodies that are tempting me on the counter. My little trick or treaters are in bed and I'm finally relaxing after a really long day. This cold is getting worse and worse and I'm afraid of how I'm going to feel in the morning. I'm off to enjoy my extra hour of sleep tonight!! Don't forget to set your clocks back :)

Preschool Halloween Party

Austin had a costume party at school this morning and it was so much fun. The kids all looked so cute in their costumes and they were so excited to see each other all dressed up. Austin's been waiting to wear his dinosaur costume for weeks now so when I told him that today was finally the day, he was thrilled! He's been telling me for the longest time that he was gonna be a scary dinosaur and "rawr" at all his friends, but as we got out of the car this morning he said "I'm just gonna be a friendly dinosaur today" haha                                        

  

Waiting for the "parade" to start with his class.

Austin's class with Mrs. Rodriguez and the aide, Mrs. Maurrice.

(Austin as a dinosaur, Bek as Harry Potter, AJ as Spiderman, Hunter as a policeman, Jack as a firefighter, Isaiah as an astronaut and Nevaeh as a doctor).

Before the party started

Getting ready to say their prayer before eating

Getting his snacks

AJ's dad made these mummy cupcakes, aren't they adorable?

We were in charge of bringing the healthy snack and so I brought apple slices, bananas, grapes and carmel dip (or monster goo as the halloween version was called).

Playing outside at recess (waiting in line for the swings). It was fun to be able to see him play with his friends

Austin and his buddy Jack

Tomorrows the big trick-or-treat day! I'm really hoping I get over whatever it is I have (achy, fatigue, sore throat) so that I can enjoy Halloween. We've got a busy day and I need all the energy I can get to keep up with my two little trick-or-treaters. I can't wait to post pictures of Carson in his costume, he looks so darn cute I just wanna eat him up!

Austin's 1st Dentist Appointment

Up until now, Austin has never been to the dentist before. He has come with me to all of my checkups (twice a year) and has watched, but he's never had his very own appointment.  His pediatrician said he didn't need to start going for cleanings and xrays until he was 3 (unless I noticed something wrong or he complained about his teeth). He has always taken great care of his teeth and is very willing to brush twice (or more!) a day when I tell him to. I know a lot of people freak about the dentist but I've gone every 6 months since I've had teeth and its really not a big deal to me. I've never had more than a cavity (a small one when I was 14) so I've never had a painful experience. I was hoping Austin would take after me in that respect, instead of after Wayman who is terrified of the dentist (yes babe, I just told your deepest & darkest secret). He hates it so much that I can hardly get him to go when he's supposed to! I am hoping that by taking Austin regularly and by making it a fun experience, he will learn to accept the fact that its part of life and nothing to be scared of (and maybe Wayman will learn in the meantime!) I did my research on pediatric dentists and found one that sounded good. His name is Dr. Leisle (pronounced Leslie) and let me tell you, this guy is the BEST! I cannot say enough good things about him, his office and his office staff. They were all wonderful and made a dentist trip FUN for Austin. I mean, how can a waiting room like this NOT be fun?

 

The entire office is decorated in a pirate theme an the waiting room is built like a pirate ship, ceiling to floor. There are fish tanks on the walls that make it look like you are sitting underwater. The pirate ship had a slide and lots of other fun things. It was so fun to watch Austin play and he was pretty bummed after we got called back after just a few minutes (another great thing- they are quick!) While he was waiting for his xrays the nurse gave him a picture of Buzz Lightyear to color, man does she know him or what?!

Getting ready for his xrays. I was so surprised at how well he behaved, its like hes a BIG KID all of the sudden. He did exactly as he was told, didn't wiggle and didn't complain about having it done. Here I was thinking I was gonna have to hold him down the whole time!

In the chair waiting to have his teeth cleaned. He even got to watch a movie while he sat there.

I could tell he was nervous but I am so proud of how he handled it. He amazes me more and more everyday!  (I know it sounds like I'm bragging about my kid....well, I am. He deserves it and I couldn't be prouder of him. Its my blog and I'll brag if I want to!)

The hygenist was so good with him and named each tooth after a different cartoon character ("ok, now I'm gonna clean Mr. Mickey Mouse, do you make sure you brush Mickey Mouse really good?!"). He never complained or got squirmy (shocking if you know Austin). I was also really impressed with how polite he was. He said "yes, please" and "thank you" (or "No, Thank you") whenever she asked him a question and it just made my heart smile. I hear so many rude kids who shout at their parents (or strangers) and demand things without asking nicely and I'm so glad my kid is not one of them. It's so easy to teach good manners, I just don't understand how some people don't!

Here he is picking something out of the goodie drawer after his teeth were cleaned (he picked a little plastic camel haha)

Austin and Dr. Leisle going over his xrays. His teeth look great and it was so neat to see his adult teeth under his gums. He could even guesstimate the order at which is baby teeth would fall out by the size of the teeth that were under his gums. Amazing! He said that he has a slight overbite and could possibly benefit from orthodontic work when he's older (no surprise, Wamyan had braces).

And last but not least, guess what Austin's now a member of?

That's right, the "No Cavity Club"!!!

Good job Austin, Mommy is SO proud of you and what a big boy you are becoming!

Pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling

Here's another pumpkin creation for all those interested in some fall baking! I made this for Wayman to take to work and it was a big hit (of course I could probably make those guys mush and it would be gone by lunch!)

Filling:

1 package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp flour

1 egg

Pumpkin Bread:

1 2/3 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 nutmeg

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 scoop flax

Preheat oven at 325. Grease a 9 inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the filling and beat until creamy. Set aside. In another bowl, sift flour, flax, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger & nutmeg. In a seperate bowl, mix pumpkin, vegetable oil, eggs and sugar.  Stir the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Pour half the mixture into the loaf pan, spread cream cheese filling on top and then pour the rest of the pumpkin mixture on top of the cream cheese layer. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Zoo Playdate

Tuesday is our new "playdate" day because both Austin and Abbie don't have preschool that day. We met at the zoo and then a picnic afterwards. I didn't take very many pictures but here are the ones I got: 

Waiting for Abbie outside the zoo

Looking at the monkeys

My little monkey trying to climb into the monkey cage. He stood at that fence and squealed "OOh OOh Ahh Ahh" (his monkey noise) over and over and over, it was so cute!

Picnic time!

Now that it's getting colder we're going to have to start having more indoor playdates. Any fun ideas? We like to try new things and are tired of the same ol things!

Pumpkin Carving

Sunday night was pumpkin carving night around here. I was in bed with a migraine for most of the afternoon, and still felt sick when I woke up so I just took a few pictures and let the boys have their fun! I eventually started feeling a little better and came back out and carved a few also. Austin had a good time but he did not like the "pumpkin guts" to get on his hands. Carson on the other hand tried to eat the pumpkin guts whenever he got a chance :) He sat in his high chair with a book and sippy cup and he was a happy kid. 

Wayman with some of our pumpkins

Playing peek-a-boo (with himself!!)

Making a Superman pumpkin with daddy

Carving out his "A" pumpkin

The finished product (we still have a few more that we haven't decided if we're carving or not)

Left to right: T-Rex (for Austin), Superman, "A"Austin, Scary face, "C" Carson and the last one is my happy pumpkin.

Family Pictures 2009

Just a warning ahead of time: There are TONS of pictures here!! I took over 500 so I'm still sorting through them all.

This was the second year in a row that we've taken family pictures with my mom's side of the family. My grandparents have had us grandkids' Christmas pictures taken every year since we were born but last year she decided she'd like the whole family in the pictures. Carson was definitely not in a smiley mood so he made things a little difficult (which why is he is mad or running out of every picture) Wayman's mom took them last year and they turned out so perfect (click here to see them). It was a little harder to plan and coordinate everyone's schedule this year so I ended up taking the pictures and my brother took the pictures that I am in.  I think they turned out pretty good but I'm not nearly as good at spacing and placement of people as my mother-in-law. Also, the sun poked through the trees for about 5 minutes during our picture taking (without anyone noticing) and so there are a group of shots that are pretty bad due to the glare. One of them is our whole family with my parents (the one my mom wanted for her Christmas card), its probably the worst one of them all though. Ironically, the same shot came out similar last year with the sun shining through. I tried editing the coloring and lighting but I don't think it can be saved.  Anyway, here are a few (actually a lot, but a "few" compared to the 500 that were taken)

I absolutely love everything about this picture-except for the fact that Carson is crying. This was my Christmas card picture but I'm not so sure now

I liked this one too but it looks a little grainy/fuzzy to me. Plus our white shirts are a little blinding!

The sweetest picture

The whole family

All the girls

All the guys

Oooooh what a day.

Man oh man am I glad this day is finally over. Its been a loooong one.

It started out with me over sleeping and having to rush around like a mad woman. I only had 45 minutes to get myself and the kids ready and out the door for Austin's 9:00 soccer game. We were in such a rush that we didn't have time to eat breakfast (well, the kids technically had time,  they just chose not to eat and pout at the table instead). So we left hungry, cranky and in a hurry- so much in a hurry that as I was backing my car out of the garage, I wasn't paying attention and slammed my passenger mirror into the wall (putting a HUGE dent in the wall and also popping my mirror off). Yeah, just great right? I could already hear the lecture I was going to get from Wayman (he had left much earlier for his football game which the WON!!!) Anyway, after re-assuring Austin a million times that we really were ok and the car really wasn't broken, we made it to his soccer game (5 minutes early, woohoo!). He had a fun time playing and actually played almost the whole time because there were only 2 subs today. He's back to playing with his hands over his eyes...goofy kid.

After the game, Coach Megan handed out their team pictures (turned out oh-so-cute!) and team awards. Instead of getting a trophy, they all got a new Children's bible (a really fun, colorful one that Austin loves!) I thought that was a nice idea and a lot more meaningful that a trophy. It has a sticker on the inside cover with the weekly bible verses that they have memorized for game day. 

So on our way home from the soccer game. I spotted a "yard sale" sign right down the street from our house. You know me and my bargain hunting, I just couldn't resist it. So we went and I'm so glad I did because I scored big time! I found detachable Pottery Barn bunk beds (heavy duty, solid maple) in perfect condition (mattresses included but I'll probably sell them and buy new ones!). She was selling the bed as a set so I also got a nightstand and a dresser with a hutch on top. I didn't really need the dresser, but it will actually work perfectly in their room (and it matches the beds) and I'll just use their dresser they have now for something else (maybe in the office/playroom for extra stuff). Anyway, it was easily over $1500 worth of stuff and I got it for $175. I am so excited to speed up this house-hunting process and set up their new room, its going to be adorable with their new beds and new bedding I found a few months ago. Austin's really excited to use the ladder and sleep on the top like a big boy. Carson obviously won't sleep in them for awhile but as soon as he's out of his crib, he's got a big boy waiting for him! 

So after that I took the boys home and made them some lunch. After they were situated at the table and eating, I went back out to my car to get my camera bag and the stuff from soccer. On the way back in, I managed to trip over something (probably my own feet!) and fell, face first, in the middle of the driveway. My camera bag went flying (not hurt, whew!) and I was literally stuck with a bloody elbow, scraped palms and a bump on my knee and forehead. I felt like the biggest klutz. My knee hurt so bad that I couldn't get up so I yelled for someone (anyone!) in the house to come out and help me. You would think with 4 people in the house, 20 feet away, that someone would have heard me. Nope! So I finally gave up and hobbled my way into the house. Talk about a bruised ego! Lots of salve, bandaids and ibuprofen and I'm feeling a little better. I'm so sore though and I know that I'm going to be worse in the morning. That was not the highlight of my day, for sure.

After the boys finished eating their lunch, I cleaned them up and put them down for early naps since we had family pictures this afternoon. I put them down at 11:30 and at 2:45, they were STILL awake. They cried off and on, argued and pulled each others hair, took blankies from one another and basically just made it a game to stay awake and make mom mad.  Any other day would have been different, but considering we had something important that they needed to be happy and rested for, I was very irritated.  So naturally they fell asleep at 3:00 and had to be woken up at 3:45 to get ready. They both cried and had fits as we got them dressed and I just KNEW that this picture taking thing was going to be a disaster.

They didn't turn out as bad as I thought they would (I'll post some of them tomorrow, I'm too tired tonight, plus there are over 500 to sort through- look on my facebook if you really want to see them!). Carson did not smile in one single picture, until Haylie (Kevin's "friend") stopped by. As soon as she picked him up, he was all smiles. Go figure. The rest of the time he just wanted GG (great-grandma) to hold him and had a cow if she put him down. I got quite a few good pictures but was disappointed with a few of them too. I didn't find one I liked of the 4 of us well enough to use for our Christmas card so I'm going to have Wayman's mom try again and hopefully she'll get some better ones of us (that will all depend on the boys' mood though!). In order for Austin to cooperate and at least look semi-happy in the pictures, I bribed with a trip to the pumpkin patch down the street after dinner. He sees the pony rides and airplane swings everytime we drive by and has been begging to go so the bribe worked perfectly. Is it bad that I bribe my kids? :)

No pony rides for Carson!!!!

So that pretty much sums up my day. I sure hope tomorrow is a little calmer (and less painful on my part). We are planning on carving all of our (twelve) pumpkins after church so I'm looking forward to watching the boys do that with daddy. Its just not my thing, I'll do my own little cute pumpkin but I'm not a pumpkin-goop-scooper-outer, thats what I have all these boys for :)

If you want a good laugh...

...go watch 3 & 4 year olds at soccer practice. I swear, so entertaining! The kids are interested in anything BUT soccer. These pictures are mostly for Wayman because he's not able to go to practice or games (darn football), but I'm sure they will make everyone else smile too :)

Carson- 18 months

Carson had his 18 month checkup today and it went great, as usual :)

Here are his stats from today, compared to Austin's 18 month stats.

Height: 33 5/8 inches (80%) Austin was: 33 1/4 inches (75%)

Weight: 26 lbs 13 oz (60%) Austin was: 24 lbs 10 oz (30%)

Carson's a much bigger boy :) Their head circumference (49 cm) was actually the same!

So Carson and I headed to the doctor while Austin stayed with Uncle Kevin and watched The Jungle Book. It's so much easier to concentrate and talk to the doctor when I don't have to chase after both kids (plus our pediatrician's office is notorious for running behind and its so hard to entertain both of them in a little room!) Carson and I had a fun time hanging out in the waiting room and he probably ate 4 boxes of raisins while we sat there

As far as the appointment goes, she was very impressed with both his fine and gross motor skills. She said he's very social and personable and she just loved his sweet disposition. He has 6 teeth still (hasn't got any new ones since before his 1st birthday) but she said she can see a couple on the bottom that should be poking through soon. He lost a pound but gained an inch since his 15 month visit back in July.  I'm sure the lost weight is due to how active he is. He is also starting to get darn picky like his brother eat a little less :) I had switched him to 2% milk awhile ago because he drank so much but since he drinks less now she wants me to switch him back to whole milk. He didn't get any immunizations beside his flu shot (big alligator tears).

 The only issue I had that I wanted to talk to her about was that he still isn't talking like I think he should be. She agreed, but said that she doesn't feel there is anything medically wrong with him.  She read a word book with him and asked simple questions like "show me where the duck is" or "where is the baby?" and he pointed to whatever she asked him to. She pointed out that he is very social, he can communicate by pointing/grunting/jabbering, he isn't behind in any other area, he shows affection and hes good at doing what I ask (bring me your blankie, put that in the trash, etc) and if there was some type of issue going on, at least one of those areas would be lacking in typical development. The first thing that most doctors want to test for when there is a speech delay is autism and clearly he has no signs of that at all (whew!). She still thinks he's just a slow talker and he'll get it when he wants to. I know I'm not supposed to compare him to Austin at this age or other kids his age but its so hard not to. I know he'll talk when he's ready and since there are no other issues going on, I feel slightly relieved. She set him up with a speech therapist just to be evaluated and to ease my mind, but she said if I wasn't so concerned she wouldn't have gone that route. I don't see any harm in having him evaluated and since our insurance covers it, we might as well.  Anyway, she made me feel a lot better about it and said she is 99% sure he's just a slow talker and that nothing is wrong. I never really suspected something to be wrong since he's clearly meeting his milestones and thriving, but I just hate to see him fall behind and I want to do whatever I can to help him out. We have the greatest doctor and I trust her completely, she spends so much time with each patient and really just hangs out and talks when she comes in the room. She noticed how clingy he was and what a mama's boy he is and said that he is showing signs of really healthy attachment. Really Healthy Attachement=I don't ever get to go to the bathroom by myself.  It makes it really hard some days but at the end of the day, its ok. I know these baby days will be gone before I know it and so if that means an extra little body trailing behind me and pulling at my pant leg 24/7, its worth it! I am actually enjoying him being needy at this point because Austin was so independent he rarely cared if I even left the room! Its nice to feel loved :) Anyway, here are a few pictures from while we waited:

On the evaluation sheet she gave me, here are the guidelines a typical 18 month old:

 Should be able to:

Understand simple commands: Check

Follow simple directions: Check

Walk well, stoop, climb chairs: Check

Feed self with fingers: Check (he feeds himself with a spoon and fork)

Listen to a story: Check

Indicate what he wants by pulling, pointing or grunting: Double check!

Can point to one or more body part: Semi-Check. He does it when he wants to haha

May even be able to:

Walk quickly or run stiffly: Check

Throw a Ball: Check

Has a vocabulary of 15 to 20 words: Not so much.

Uses a spoon and cup: Check

Shows affection: Check

Immitate a crayon stroke on paper: Check

Turns single pages in books or magazines: Check

  (So seeing all the "checks" makes me feel better) 

And talking a lot or not, my little boy is still perfect and just the sweetest thing ever!