Liam flew to Illinois this past weekend with Daddy and brought a little East Coast (Jersey Shore to be exact) to share with Surabhi and Uncle Jake in the car...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
19 Months Old
Liam is 19 months old this week! He had his 18 month check-up a few weeks ago and survived another round of vaccines. He lost a little weight since his 15-month check-up, but since he is a pretty serious eater, we'll chalk it up to how much he runs around. He's in about the 70th percentile in weight at 27 lbs 13 oz and in the 80th for height at 33.5 inches. His big ol' melon is in the 90th percentile :) No surprise there-- this kid goes through ball caps like it's his job! Thank goodness for his adjustable Phillies hat!
He still isn't talking much, if at all, which of course has made us a little concerned. He is very expressive and has no problem understanding what is said, but his "words" just don't make any sense yet. He's interested in words themselves-- and insists you tell him the word for everything he sees-- but he just isn't interested in repeating anything back. We got a referral for a speech therapist, but Uncle Sam (who is one!) has reassured us that all the building blocks are there-- especially with regards to how good his comprehension is-- and he'll talk when he's ready. So I guess time will tell! We're so glad that Uncle Sam is able to work with him informally whenever they're together, and we know he'll tell us if/when it's time to call to get him regular appointments.
So while he's not saying much, he is... um... "expressing" himself in other ways... mainly with some GROSS incidents of "finger painting" with the contents of his diaper! He has become very concerned with his diaper over the last couple of weeks, and yes, this includes some exploration of the yucky stuff. It only ever happens if he has a dirty diaper while he's sleeping (and most often as he's waking up from a nap) and if he has somewhat easy access to it. Needless to say, this is one of the most foul things a parent could encounter. The clean-up is quite an undertaking, including scrubbing crib rails, washing every piece of fabric in the vicinity, and a major bath! So GONE are the days of sleeping in onesies or in just a diaper, Mr. Liam-- you are officially only allowed to sleep in footed pajamas!
The good news, though, is that with his new-found interest in the goings-on in his diaper, he has also been interested in actually using the potty! By no means a regular thing, but in general, Liam will sit on the toilet whenever he needs a diaper change and will actually go! No #2 yet, but there have been plenty of #1s to celebrate (which is clearly his favorite part. Again, no one is prouder of Liam than Liam!!).
On to some photos....
Liam had a blast playing with his good buddy Brigid during an ND game the other weekend. These two make such good pals!
Saturday morning, 7 am. Liam running around in only a diaper (refused any other clothes). Wanted to go outside, so he grabbed his hat and his mower and headed for the door. Hold up, buddy! Missing some key elements!
We enjoyed a fun visit from Nana and Grandpa this weekend. We spent some time at Linvilla Orchards for their music and arts festival on Saturday. Liam and Grandpa checking out some of the animals:
He still isn't talking much, if at all, which of course has made us a little concerned. He is very expressive and has no problem understanding what is said, but his "words" just don't make any sense yet. He's interested in words themselves-- and insists you tell him the word for everything he sees-- but he just isn't interested in repeating anything back. We got a referral for a speech therapist, but Uncle Sam (who is one!) has reassured us that all the building blocks are there-- especially with regards to how good his comprehension is-- and he'll talk when he's ready. So I guess time will tell! We're so glad that Uncle Sam is able to work with him informally whenever they're together, and we know he'll tell us if/when it's time to call to get him regular appointments.
So while he's not saying much, he is... um... "expressing" himself in other ways... mainly with some GROSS incidents of "finger painting" with the contents of his diaper! He has become very concerned with his diaper over the last couple of weeks, and yes, this includes some exploration of the yucky stuff. It only ever happens if he has a dirty diaper while he's sleeping (and most often as he's waking up from a nap) and if he has somewhat easy access to it. Needless to say, this is one of the most foul things a parent could encounter. The clean-up is quite an undertaking, including scrubbing crib rails, washing every piece of fabric in the vicinity, and a major bath! So GONE are the days of sleeping in onesies or in just a diaper, Mr. Liam-- you are officially only allowed to sleep in footed pajamas!
The good news, though, is that with his new-found interest in the goings-on in his diaper, he has also been interested in actually using the potty! By no means a regular thing, but in general, Liam will sit on the toilet whenever he needs a diaper change and will actually go! No #2 yet, but there have been plenty of #1s to celebrate (which is clearly his favorite part. Again, no one is prouder of Liam than Liam!!).
On to some photos....
Liam had a blast playing with his good buddy Brigid during an ND game the other weekend. These two make such good pals!
Saturday morning, 7 am. Liam running around in only a diaper (refused any other clothes). Wanted to go outside, so he grabbed his hat and his mower and headed for the door. Hold up, buddy! Missing some key elements!
We enjoyed a fun visit from Nana and Grandpa this weekend. We spent some time at Linvilla Orchards for their music and arts festival on Saturday. Liam and Grandpa checking out some of the animals:
Nana and Liam dancing to some tunes:
Liam was a riot feeding the chickens-- was equally scared and excited by the little pinch when they'd peck the corn out of his fingers!
Climbing a tree:
Monday, September 13, 2010
Labor Day Weekend in Milford
Hi everyone! I know it's been a while, but after some traveling and some hectic work stuff, we're back in business!
We had an awesome weekend in Milford for Labor Day-- it was so good to see so many friends and family members! Thanks to all who made an effort to get together over that weekend. We arrived on Friday, and were very, very relieved that the plane ride was without incident (read: biting), as it was obviously much easier to keep Liam entertained for an hour and 45 minute flight!
On Saturday morning, Mom and Dad snuck out before dawn and trekked over to South Bend to see the Irish WIN in their season opener against Purdue! It had been many years (8 for Dad, more for Mom!) since we'd been back in the Notre Dame stadium, so it was really great to get away for the day. We also got to see several of our college friends-- and their babies! So much has changed since our college days for sure.
While we got away, Liam stayed in Milford for a fun day with Grandma, Papa, Uncle Andrew, Beth, Toni, and Aidan. They all took great care of him and he had a blast! He was a little confused at first:
But he warmed up fast. This, by the way, is Liam's "Antonia look". She makes the exact same face, and they look just like each other when they do it!
Liam enjoying some AM fun with Toni on the Aerobed:
Later that morning, they all went to the Hoopeston Sweet Corn Festival Parade to see fire trucks, marching bands, and more! It was chillier than we'd expected that morning, so thanks to Grandma for supplementing Liam's wardrobe :) Liam watching the action with Uncle Andrew:
On Sunday, Grandma and Papa hosted a party for Aidan's 8th birthday, and we were excited to see lots of family and friends. Liam helped Papa prepare for the party by hammering in a stake for the tent:
Aunt Vicki got Cousin Drake and Liam these adorable Illinois t-shirts-- they didn't have a "Thing 2", so they are both "Thing 1"s! Can't believe how much these two have grown!
Liam discovered a new interest in football-- good timing! And nice spiral, little guy!
Liam got to put his new football skills to use all day in an exciting and sometimes heated backyard football game. Granted, he insisted on being carried through the action for most of it-- but who could blame him? The thing went on for hours!
And being carried meant he was always right in the middle of the action!
Another new love-- the fist bump. Knuckling up with Bill after a good play:
(As a side note... at Costco yesterday, Liam held out his fist from his stroller and was fist-bumping total strangers up and down the aisles. So funny!)
Chugging some H2O with Grandma after the game:
Liam also got to hang out with his little buddy Owen, who has really grown since last we saw him! How cute are these two?
Liam trying to make a getaway in German's van. Nice try, dude. Look at that devilish look!
We had an awesome weekend in Milford for Labor Day-- it was so good to see so many friends and family members! Thanks to all who made an effort to get together over that weekend. We arrived on Friday, and were very, very relieved that the plane ride was without incident (read: biting), as it was obviously much easier to keep Liam entertained for an hour and 45 minute flight!
On Saturday morning, Mom and Dad snuck out before dawn and trekked over to South Bend to see the Irish WIN in their season opener against Purdue! It had been many years (8 for Dad, more for Mom!) since we'd been back in the Notre Dame stadium, so it was really great to get away for the day. We also got to see several of our college friends-- and their babies! So much has changed since our college days for sure.
While we got away, Liam stayed in Milford for a fun day with Grandma, Papa, Uncle Andrew, Beth, Toni, and Aidan. They all took great care of him and he had a blast! He was a little confused at first:
But he warmed up fast. This, by the way, is Liam's "Antonia look". She makes the exact same face, and they look just like each other when they do it!
Liam enjoying some AM fun with Toni on the Aerobed:
Later that morning, they all went to the Hoopeston Sweet Corn Festival Parade to see fire trucks, marching bands, and more! It was chillier than we'd expected that morning, so thanks to Grandma for supplementing Liam's wardrobe :) Liam watching the action with Uncle Andrew:
On Sunday, Grandma and Papa hosted a party for Aidan's 8th birthday, and we were excited to see lots of family and friends. Liam helped Papa prepare for the party by hammering in a stake for the tent:
Aunt Vicki got Cousin Drake and Liam these adorable Illinois t-shirts-- they didn't have a "Thing 2", so they are both "Thing 1"s! Can't believe how much these two have grown!
Liam discovered a new interest in football-- good timing! And nice spiral, little guy!
Liam got to put his new football skills to use all day in an exciting and sometimes heated backyard football game. Granted, he insisted on being carried through the action for most of it-- but who could blame him? The thing went on for hours!
And being carried meant he was always right in the middle of the action!
Another new love-- the fist bump. Knuckling up with Bill after a good play:
(As a side note... at Costco yesterday, Liam held out his fist from his stroller and was fist-bumping total strangers up and down the aisles. So funny!)
Chugging some H2O with Grandma after the game:
Liam also got to hang out with his little buddy Owen, who has really grown since last we saw him! How cute are these two?
Liam trying to make a getaway in German's van. Nice try, dude. Look at that devilish look!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
18 Months Old
Liam turned 18 months old last weekend, and he is growing into one funny little kid. Some of his current loves:
1. Playing hide and seek. He's terrible at it, but it is super funny! He even puts his hands over his eyes and pretends to count. Get ready to find him in the exact same hiding spot every time, though (most often behind the couch or in the bathroom).
2. His bubble mower. This was a gift from Nana and Grandpa this weekend, and it already makes the top of the list. He brings it into every room with him and insists on even hauling it up the stairs, bringing it into the bathroom when he takes a bath, etc.
3. Speaking of stairs... Liam likes to go both up and down the steps like a big boy. He wants to hold the railings and even alternate feet. Just make sure you leave plenty of time before you need to actually get anywhere, because while precise he is definitely not fast!
4. Eating with a fork and spoon, and drinking out of a regular cup. This he is actually pretty good at! He also really likes helping Mom cook dinner at night.
5. Pillow fights, tickle fights, and whenever Mom or Dad jump out of a hiding place to scare the daylights out of him. The more surprised he is, the more he loves the game!
He also has some serious pet peeves:
1. Being left out of anything the big kids or grownups are doing. He doesn't care what it is, he just wants IN.
2. Whenever one of us leaves the house and doesn't take him with us.
3. On the other hand, he is guaranteed to throw a fit if you try to take him somewhere/make him do something he doesn't want to do. This requires some major creativity at times-- especially if you need him to get in his carseat!
4. Getting his nails clipped.
Luckily, however, he has chilled out a little with the biting-- so the tantrums are a little easier to manage :)
On to some pics...
Our parish hosted a community carnival a couple of weeks ago, and Liam had a blast. Here he is waiving to his cousin Cait riding the ferris wheel right before we got on:
Sure enough, his ferris wheel ride did not disappoint!
Liam and I were playing chase one day, and here he is coming after me!
Playing ball with Nana this weekend:
Liam taking his bubble mower for a spin:
After he "mowed" Nana and Grandpa's lawn, he took off down the street-- perhaps it needed some maintenance? Or maybe it was time to see if the neighbors needed their lawns cut?
After a busy afternoon of yard work, the boys enjoyed a cold drink on the deck-- Cheers!
Enjoying a little snuggle with Nana:
1. Playing hide and seek. He's terrible at it, but it is super funny! He even puts his hands over his eyes and pretends to count. Get ready to find him in the exact same hiding spot every time, though (most often behind the couch or in the bathroom).
2. His bubble mower. This was a gift from Nana and Grandpa this weekend, and it already makes the top of the list. He brings it into every room with him and insists on even hauling it up the stairs, bringing it into the bathroom when he takes a bath, etc.
3. Speaking of stairs... Liam likes to go both up and down the steps like a big boy. He wants to hold the railings and even alternate feet. Just make sure you leave plenty of time before you need to actually get anywhere, because while precise he is definitely not fast!
4. Eating with a fork and spoon, and drinking out of a regular cup. This he is actually pretty good at! He also really likes helping Mom cook dinner at night.
5. Pillow fights, tickle fights, and whenever Mom or Dad jump out of a hiding place to scare the daylights out of him. The more surprised he is, the more he loves the game!
He also has some serious pet peeves:
1. Being left out of anything the big kids or grownups are doing. He doesn't care what it is, he just wants IN.
2. Whenever one of us leaves the house and doesn't take him with us.
3. On the other hand, he is guaranteed to throw a fit if you try to take him somewhere/make him do something he doesn't want to do. This requires some major creativity at times-- especially if you need him to get in his carseat!
4. Getting his nails clipped.
Luckily, however, he has chilled out a little with the biting-- so the tantrums are a little easier to manage :)
On to some pics...
Our parish hosted a community carnival a couple of weeks ago, and Liam had a blast. Here he is waiving to his cousin Cait riding the ferris wheel right before we got on:
Sure enough, his ferris wheel ride did not disappoint!
Liam and I were playing chase one day, and here he is coming after me!
Playing ball with Nana this weekend:
Liam taking his bubble mower for a spin:
After he "mowed" Nana and Grandpa's lawn, he took off down the street-- perhaps it needed some maintenance? Or maybe it was time to see if the neighbors needed their lawns cut?
After a busy afternoon of yard work, the boys enjoyed a cold drink on the deck-- Cheers!
Enjoying a little snuggle with Nana:
Liam has his 18-month checkup tomorrow morning... wish us luck!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Visit from Grandma and Papa
Grandma and Papa came to visit us last week! Liam just loved having a whole week with them while Miss Doreen and Uncle Sam were away, Daddy was working, and Mommy was busy, busy, busy training her staff. We sadly didn't get many photos (we all know who the shutterbug of this family is... and it isn't Dad!), but we did get a couple of the highlights.
On Tuesday the 10th, our softball team had its first playoff game. Finally a cheering section!
Daddy had an all-star night, hitting not one but two homeruns (one of which ended up on the roof of the school!). What a show-off for his parents! High-fiving the team:
And getting an enthusiastic round of applause from Liam!
We won the game, but sadly didn't make it past the next round of the playoffs. Better luck next year, Screwballs! Later that week, Daddy took off work and took everyone for a fun day at the Zoo.
The Zoo has a really cool Lego exhibit going on, but Liam just wasn't into monkeying around:
On Tuesday the 10th, our softball team had its first playoff game. Finally a cheering section!
Daddy had an all-star night, hitting not one but two homeruns (one of which ended up on the roof of the school!). What a show-off for his parents! High-fiving the team:
And getting an enthusiastic round of applause from Liam!
We won the game, but sadly didn't make it past the next round of the playoffs. Better luck next year, Screwballs! Later that week, Daddy took off work and took everyone for a fun day at the Zoo.
The Zoo has a really cool Lego exhibit going on, but Liam just wasn't into monkeying around:
So in other funny news, Liam is becoming quite the little neat-freak. Last week, he was eating some dry Cheerios in the living room and accidentally dropped a handful on the carpet. Before I could even react, he ran to the closet, grabbed the broom, and started sweeping them up! And sure enough, once he gathered those Cheerios into a little pile, he stooped down, picked them up... and shoved them in his mouth. Well, he at least started out in the right direction! Daddy informed me that when he dropped an ice cube in the kitchen yesterday, Liam grabbed the broom again and swept that up too (to my relief, he did not eat this one-- he put it right in the sink. Success!).
We can't thank Grandma and Papa enough for taking care of Liam (and really, all of us) last week. We love you and are looking forward to our visit to Milford over Labor Day!!
Friday, August 6, 2010
On the Move
Liam's been out and about lately-- "out" is no surprise, since that is where he is happiest; but the "about" part has been getting more interesting! Daddy picked up a bike seat and helmet so for some father/son bike rides. Liam seemed a little confused at first...
but has definitely been enjoying seeing the world from this new perspective!
Last weekend, Mommy and Liam enjoyed some QT together while Daddy was away. We helped celebrate Marc's 35th birthday, and Liam had a blast with Marc and Cathleen's nieces and nephews. His favorite part was trying out little Sean's scooter and playing with the "big kids"!
"Maybe if I stand extra-tall, they'll think I'm a big kid too!"
So fun!
I've a few days into staff training at work and am not getting much time at home, but we're excited for Grandma and Papa to arrive on Sunday, who will be taking care of Liam for the next week while Miss Doreen and Uncle Sam go on much-deserved vacation. Safe travels, Grandma and Papa! See you soon!
but has definitely been enjoying seeing the world from this new perspective!
Last weekend, Mommy and Liam enjoyed some QT together while Daddy was away. We helped celebrate Marc's 35th birthday, and Liam had a blast with Marc and Cathleen's nieces and nephews. His favorite part was trying out little Sean's scooter and playing with the "big kids"!
"Maybe if I stand extra-tall, they'll think I'm a big kid too!"
So fun!
I've a few days into staff training at work and am not getting much time at home, but we're excited for Grandma and Papa to arrive on Sunday, who will be taking care of Liam for the next week while Miss Doreen and Uncle Sam go on much-deserved vacation. Safe travels, Grandma and Papa! See you soon!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Les Voyages de Liam
We returned on Sunday from an awesome week visiting Aunt Erin, Uncle Thomas, Sarah, Pierre, and little cousin-to-be (!) in France. Despite the l-o-n-g flights and the major time change, Liam was happy as could be to be with his cousins and to explore his new surroundings. Thank goodness for Aunt Erin and Uncle Thomas, who have done this trip countless times with kids and helped us to know what to expect as Liam adjusted (one day for every hour of time change! He finally figured it out by Friday, and we left on Sunday!). But it was worth every bit of it to be with our family and enjoy some very special time together.
Some of our favorite moments from the trip:
Liam decidedly not sleeping on the flight to Frankfurt. He finally gave in about 4 hours later.
Arrival at Chez Hantz, and it took Liam about 4 seconds to find their sandbox on the terrace. Score!
On Sunday, we celebrated both Uncle Thomas and Aunt Erin's birthdays in Ohlungen. Lots of space for the kids to run around (and a pool! and another sandbox!) while we ate loads of tarte flambee.
Liam doing some sight-seeing in downtown Strasbourg.
The gang in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral. In the evening, we got to check out the light show projected onto the cathedral-- it was awesome!
Despite Pierre's teeth-mark-tattoos compliments of our sweet but ferocious little boy, he was kind enough to share his glace with Liam downtown. (Seriously, if anyone has any good tips for dealing with biters, send them my way!!)
Walking through La Petite France. We took this same picture over 2 years ago-- but with Pierre in the stroller instead!
We stopped for a drink (thanks Mom and Dad!) and some playtime:
Liam helping out by mopping up the terrace. Some things never change!
We spent a fun day at the Ecomusee d'Alsace where we explored a village of authentic Alsatian rural homes from the 19th century. It was really like going back in time! Liam and Sarah chasing a stork in the parking area:
Storks are a popular symbol of Alsace (they're everywhere!), and here you can see them in their nests on the roof:
Liam LOVED the little ride at the Ecomusee!
Pierre, on the other hand, could do without it:
It was a really hot day, so the kids were thrilled to find this little stream of water to play in:
Back in Schiltigheim, the boys head out for a bike ride. (PS- we are on the hunt for a seat to put on Daddy's bike here at home for Liam. He had a blast!)
Cooling off at the lake nearby:
Yahoo for more sand!
Liam enjoyed his first popsicle with his cousins and Teo, the little boy who lives upstairs:
Sarah, Pierre, and Liam invented this little game, which basically involved Liam standing still, and Sarah and Pierre running in from another room yelling "LEEAM!". Lots of giggles ensued! Check out this little video-- and pay attention to the end, when Pierre finally gets some revenge on Chompy McBiter.
We had a couple of rainy days, so we took the kids to a cool indoor play park so they could work out all their energy:
Thomas's parents had us over for dinner before we left, and the little guys had some fun playing in the curtains:
Dancing in the kitchen to Micha's championship soccer song:
Family bath time!
Liam finally sleeping (albeit briefly) on our return flight. He was about 5 minutes away from outgrowing that bassinette!
Erin, Thomas, Sarah, and Pierre-- we love you guys and can't thank you enough for taking care of us last week! Miss you lots and can't wait to see you next year!
Some of our favorite moments from the trip:
Liam decidedly not sleeping on the flight to Frankfurt. He finally gave in about 4 hours later.
Arrival at Chez Hantz, and it took Liam about 4 seconds to find their sandbox on the terrace. Score!
On Sunday, we celebrated both Uncle Thomas and Aunt Erin's birthdays in Ohlungen. Lots of space for the kids to run around (and a pool! and another sandbox!) while we ate loads of tarte flambee.
Liam doing some sight-seeing in downtown Strasbourg.
The gang in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral. In the evening, we got to check out the light show projected onto the cathedral-- it was awesome!
Despite Pierre's teeth-mark-tattoos compliments of our sweet but ferocious little boy, he was kind enough to share his glace with Liam downtown. (Seriously, if anyone has any good tips for dealing with biters, send them my way!!)
Walking through La Petite France. We took this same picture over 2 years ago-- but with Pierre in the stroller instead!
We stopped for a drink (thanks Mom and Dad!) and some playtime:
Liam helping out by mopping up the terrace. Some things never change!
We spent a fun day at the Ecomusee d'Alsace where we explored a village of authentic Alsatian rural homes from the 19th century. It was really like going back in time! Liam and Sarah chasing a stork in the parking area:
Storks are a popular symbol of Alsace (they're everywhere!), and here you can see them in their nests on the roof:
Liam LOVED the little ride at the Ecomusee!
Pierre, on the other hand, could do without it:
Who knew it would take going across the ocean to find the RED (and right) kind of tractor! Just for you, Grandma!
Liam and Pierre watching a blacksmith at work with Uncle Thomas:
It was a really hot day, so the kids were thrilled to find this little stream of water to play in:
Back in Schiltigheim, the boys head out for a bike ride. (PS- we are on the hunt for a seat to put on Daddy's bike here at home for Liam. He had a blast!)
Cooling off at the lake nearby:
Yahoo for more sand!
Liam enjoyed his first popsicle with his cousins and Teo, the little boy who lives upstairs:
Sarah, Pierre, and Liam invented this little game, which basically involved Liam standing still, and Sarah and Pierre running in from another room yelling "LEEAM!". Lots of giggles ensued! Check out this little video-- and pay attention to the end, when Pierre finally gets some revenge on Chompy McBiter.
We had a couple of rainy days, so we took the kids to a cool indoor play park so they could work out all their energy:
Thomas's parents had us over for dinner before we left, and the little guys had some fun playing in the curtains:
Dancing in the kitchen to Micha's championship soccer song:
Family bath time!
Liam finally sleeping (albeit briefly) on our return flight. He was about 5 minutes away from outgrowing that bassinette!
Erin, Thomas, Sarah, and Pierre-- we love you guys and can't thank you enough for taking care of us last week! Miss you lots and can't wait to see you next year!
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