Shoes

When we're getting ready to leave the house, one of us usually asks: "Can you go put your shoes on, Adam?" We open the gate and let Adam down by the back door to pick out a pair of shoes and get ready. This week, Miles has started to get upset when Adam goes down by the back door. Maybe he feels like he's going to be left behind or something. Who knows.

So tonight, Jeff and Adam were getting ready to go pick up a pizza for dinner. Miles saw Adam getting his shoes, so he took it upon himself to go into his room and take his shoes from his bookshelf. He marched out of his room trying his hardest to say the word "shoe" and bending down to try to put them on his feet, only to have Jeff and Adam walk out the back door.

Poor Miles! He was so upset. It was as if he was saying: "Hey! Hold on a sec, I'll be right there. Here's my shoes, guys...I got them...now if I could just put them on. Wait. What? You left? How could you?"

I am so impressed he went and got his shoes like that...just proves he understands so much that we say around here, I guess!

And we're done...

...nursing, that is.

It's always difficult for me to stop nursing, and frankly, I admit it is harder on me than on Miles at this point. This morning, I was adding up the months and realized that I've been "growing" him in some way for 2 years. TWO YEARS!

So...this is night 2 of not nursing him before bed. Last night I wasn't home, and tonight I asked Jeff to put him to bed because I just couldn't do it (read: I was a crying mess when I thought about not putting him to bed after nursing him). He cried a little, but settled down after a few minutes.

Three cheers for all the nursing Mama's out there in blog-land. I'll have a drink for all of us tonight, mmmmK?

Walking and Winking...

In the last few weeks, Miles has been trying to perfect the art of walking. In the last few days, walking has replaced crawling as his preferred method of transportation. It's awesome to see him toddling around here and there, and he seems really proud of himself too. Yay for upward mobility!

Note: This is a relief for me, as crawling around outside isn't the best option - either for his poor bare knees OR for my laundry pile.

And I have to share that Jeff taught Miles how to "wink." Ask him to wink, and he'll close both eyes very slowly and dramatically. You just can't help but laugh when he does this, and of course, he loves the accolades. He'll blink, errr, wink over and over until he feels the crowd has had enough.

Such a ham, he is.

Poor sick bubba.

I should be thankful that between my two kids, we've only made TWO sick-child visits to the pediatrician's office. Today was Miles' turn. After a really rough night last night of him only wanting to sleep sitting upright in my lap, I figured his cold (which he will have had for 2 weeks tomorrow) had progressed into something more. He was so brave at the doctor's office...all smiles until his ears were examined. And sure enough - a diagnosis of a double ear infection and a sinus infection to boot.

Miles, who is normally cuddly anyways, has been even more so in the last 24 hours. While holding his feverish body last night, it made me happy to know that I was able to soothe him. Listening to the sound of his raspy breathing, I pondered at how small he seemed, thinking: "in a few short years, you'll be too big to do this." At the same time, I marveled at how big he has gotten, with his long legs dangling over the side of the rocking chair. Holding him close in the wee hours of the morning I was not missing sleep (although it would have been nice, believe me!), but lovingly reveling in the fact that in my lap, my baby was calm. Sleeping. At peace.

God has given (most) women the gift of being able to spring into action when needed. To comfort. To put together. To reach out. What a blessing! My prayer is that I continue to mature in this role as my children grow older, to be able to provide calm to them no matter what the situation.

12 Month Stats

Miles had his 12-month check-up today. He weighed in at 20.2lbs (20%) and measured 31.25 inches long (90%). Interestingly enough, he didn't even shed a tear when he got his polio shot. What a trooper!!! And of course, everything checked out a-OK...he's perfect in every way!

It's funny, because most people think he's bigger than Adam in weight, but compared to Adam's stats at that time, he's taller, but weighs the same as Adam did at 12 months. Interesting...it'll be fun to see who ends up being the "bigger" brother!

And, I'd just like to say that since having a cupcake at his birthday party, Mr. Miles thinks he's entitled to taste whatever I'm eating. He's figured out that he can point and screech, particularly when I'm eating something that he thinks he should be a part of. So, now I have to be extra sneaky when snacking on things that shouldn't be shared with little boys.

But boy, did he love his cake...

Happy Birthday, Miles!

How is it possible that an entire year has gone by? It truly seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you into the world.

When you were born, everyone thought you looked just like your brother - including me. Throughout the year, you've made it clear that while you may look a bit like Adam, your personality sets you two apart. You're feisty and determined - you go after what you want. You're a love bug - cuddly and sweet. Adam never wanted anything to do with sitting still, but you will sit on my lap and just be. I love being able to sit with you, smelling your hair and soaking up all of your baby goodness. You're very relaxed - not much sets you off, and you're a true joy to be around.

A year ago, as your due date got closer, I remember being worried and anxious. How would you fit into the family? Would Adam resent not getting all of the attention? Would I be able to love two children equally? On your birth day, all my fears were put to rest. How silly I was! The minute I saw your face, I was in love - a love that only a mother knows. You may be my second born, but you are never second in my heart.

Speaking of love, I love your deep blue eyes. I love that when you nurse, one hand holds mine, while the other covers your eyes. I love it that when you're tired, you suck on your two fingers and rub your ear. I love tickling your feet and hearing you giggle. I love how your eyes light up when you see your brother come into the room. I love how you have made our family brighter, better, more blessed. You are amazing.

So Miles, aka "smiley Miley," "Mr. Miles," and "little brother," I love you. We love you.

Happy Birthday, precious boy.

Happy Birthday, Miles!

How is it possible that an entire year has gone by? It truly seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you into the world.

When you were born, everyone thought you looked just like your brother - including me. Throughout the year, you've made it clear that while you may look a bit like Adam, your personality sets you two apart. You're feisty and determined - you go after what you want. You're a love bug - cuddly and sweet. Adam never wanted anything to do with sitting still, but you will sit on my lap and just be. I love being able to sit with you, smelling your hair and soaking up all of your baby goodness. You're very relaxed - not much sets you off, and you're a true joy to be around.

A year ago, as your due date got closer, I remember being worried and anxious. How would you fit into the family? Would Adam resent not getting all of the attention? Would I be able to love two children equally? On your birth day, all my fears were put to rest. How silly I was! The minute I saw your face, I was in love - a love that only a mother knows. You may be my second born, but you are never second in my heart.

Speaking of love, I love your deep blue eyes. I love that when you nurse, one hand holds mine, while the other covers your eyes. I love it that when you're tired, you suck on your two fingers and rub your ear. I love tickling your feet and hearing you giggle. I love how your eyes light up when you see your brother come into the room. I love how you have made our family brighter, better, more blessed. You are amazing.

So Miles, aka "smiley Miley," "Mr. Miles," and "little brother," I love you. We love you.

Happy Birthday, precious boy.

Clapping and Crawling...

Look out - my baby is on the move!

Woooboy. Things are going to get a log crazier around here, as he started crawling this week (10 months!). Of course, his motivation is to crawl towards the very things that he shouldn't have. The DVD player. An interesting toy of Adam's. Paper. Nonetheless, his determination sure does get him around the room - even if his crawl is a bit unconventional at this point (he tends to crawl for a bit, then "hop" forward with both knees, before finally lunging at his target). It's so awesome to see him fixated on something and moving his little body toward it.

And he can clap! So cute. He'll clap if you ask him to, or if you just simply say "yayyyyyy!" Of course, he knows he's Mr. Big Stuff when he does this, so he's usually smiling or scrunching up his nose and making his silly face.

Time for bed. My little crawler will no doubt be up at the crack of 6am, ready for new adventures. What will he get into tomorrow?

9 Months Stats...

Miles' 9 month well-baby check up last week went great. He's 30 inches long (95%) and 18lbs (15%). Long and lean! He was all smiles for the doctor, and would you believe he didn't even cry when he got his shot (just one this time!)? I was pleasantly surprised.

His top left tooth is now in, and so i'm certain the other one is not too far behind. Just when I think he's sleeping through the night permanently, he fools me. He slept 3 nights in a row, but then last night I was up with him for an hour - something wasn't just quite right with him, I guess. I finally crawled back in bed at 12:30am.

Regardless, he's my little lovie. He loves scrunching up his nose, thus making a silly face. He thinks he's pretty funny when he does this! He's discovered the exciting world of finger food - Cheerios are a hit! So far, he's not interested in cottage cheese or cheese in general. Can you believe that?

I cannot believe Christmas is next week...Adam is very excited! He saw Santa last Saturday and mustered up the courage to ask him for a "big monster truck." Of course!!!

Praying for a very Merry Christmas...