Fit Girls' Challenge

So some ladies I know from church put together this challenge - exercise 40 hours in 16 weeks.  It's basically 30 minutes 5 days a week.  Not really that big of a deal.  We all put in $10 and the two with the most time get a prize with additional prizes going to pretty much everyone.  It started Monday and it had been fabulous.  On the days I haven't felt like exercising, I remember that all those women who are doing it and it gives me the added push to get it done.

Now, admittedly, I'm probably at the bottom of the totem pole for physical fitness of the women participating, but that's part of what keeps me going.  No offense to you lovely ladies, but I'd love to be able to prove that I can do it, too.  And I also have a lot more in the long run to gain that those who are just trying to become more physically fit rather than trying to do that and lose weight. 

I think it's a great thing to have a support system to help keep you moving.  So I want to thank Laura and Amber for putting this thing together!  Can't wait to see us all at the end!  I"m sure we'll all be even more fabulous than we already are!

Second Child

I'm a little frustrated right now.  I don't know if this is normal, but it seems like my second child isn't as special as the first and therefore doesn't get half of what the first one did.

When I had my first, I had two baby showers thrown for me.  For my second, no one even offered.  When my first was born, everyone came to the hospital and family flew in from out of state, bringing flowers, balloons, and a giant Winnie the Pooh that he loves.  With my second, half the people came, none from out of state, and he has not one stuffed animal for him to love.  When my first turned 1, everyone came to his party.  When my second turned 1, there was a quickly planned wedding that could have been scheduled for pretty much anytime, but "had" to be scheduled the weekend after his birthday, pushing off the party...that no one seems to be able to make.

I don't feel like I can scrapbook the first's baby showers because I don't want to have to try to explain to the second why there aren't any pictures because there weren't any baby showers for him.  Or even the pictures from the hospital because I'll have to explain why there are no flowers, balloons or anything celebrating his birth.  And now it's the 1st birthdays that will have to be left out.

My second, even if he is my second boy, should be treated as if he's just as special as the first was, but for some reason, he's not.  It's as if him being the second boy makes him not as unique or special or deserving.

Okay, enough of my rantings. 

Luke's 1 year check up

Luke went in yesterday for his 1 year wellness check.  I still can't believe it's been a year and neither can his doctor.  He checked out perfectly healthy.  His weight is a little low, but we figured that's because he does nothing but go, go, go all day long.  I'm so excited to officially move him from formula to whole milk and to be able to put him in a forward-facing car seat...as soon as we get one.  :o)

The only part of yesterday that I didn't like was that I had to take him by myself so that Clayton could take Andrew to preschool and meet the delivery guys who were bringing the boys' new beds.  So I had the enviable job of holding down Luke while he got a shot in the back of each arm, one shot in one leg and two shots in the other.  It is heartbreaking to know that you are causing your child pain, even for something that could keep him from getting sick later on!

I know you are all dying to know how Luke measured!  So, without further ado:  Height:  31 1/4 inches, Weight:  22lbs, 1 oz., Head 18 1/2 inches in circumference.  He's in the 90th percentile for his height, and the 50th or so for weight and head measurements.  He's my tall, skinny kid!  And he's just cute as can be...except the temper tantrums he's throwing, thanks to big brother showing him how it's done!

Love you kiddo!  Here's to another year of health and happiness!

My baby is 1!

I can't believe it has been a year since Luke was born.  It seems like it has just flown by.  The first few months after he arrived were hectic with Clayton finishing his Masters degree and gone or busy with school work a lot. 

He's such a happy baby...except for when he's not.  He has learned from the best (his big brother) how to throw a three-year old size temper tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants.  But when he does get it, he's all smiles.  His face just lights up a room.  Even his eyes smile.

And where he got it, we really don't know, but he's got the curliest hair.  Blonde curls all over his head.  It's funny to look back at pictures before it turned curly.  He doesn't look like the same little man.

He's walking like a crazy man now.  Almost running.  He started taking steps around Thanksgiving and by Christmas was moving around pretty well.  Now he's all over the place.  He only crawls to get to something to use to help him stand up, then away he goes.  And he's my climber!  He climbed into Andrew's rocking chair months ago.  A couple of weeks ago, I caught him climbing into the chair and up over the arm of the couch.  Man, I'm going to be in trouble.  He climbs on anything and everything he can.  I'm sure one of these days I'll find him on the fridge or something crazy. 

So, Happy Birthday, Little Luke!   We love having you in our home and in our family.  We are so blessed by you each and every day.  We Love You!