Touchdown GEORGIA!

Now that football season is in full swing, Wade is loving cheering on the Dawgs. And thankfully we've had good enough games to teach him how to celebrate a touchdown. He's a natural. Keep up the good work Bulldogs!!!
I think falling backwards was his favorite part A few weeks ago, Beau and I made it up to Athens for the Georgia vs. South Carolina game. I only had my camera phone so this is the only shot we got, but we had a great time. There's nothing like game day in Athens. (Wade stayed home with Nonna and G.G.)

Wade is 18 months old!

It's been a laid back month, but a fun month. We were home a lot more this month, so we did a lot more playing around the house. Lots of bubbles, slide, golf, cars, obnoxious lawnmower in the house, Noggin, and hilarious dancing.
(Erin and Kelsey came by for a visit. I know they must really like us - or at least Wade- because I wasn't even paying them to hangout with us this time;) Wade didn't even seem confused seeing that there are actually two of them!)
(Beau had his Fantasy football draft at our house and Wade could not resist the male bonding. He wanted to be all up in their business and only crashed 2 computers in the process)

Wade had his FIRST PROFESSIONAL HAIRCUT!!! It was quite a success. Nonna and I have been cutting his hair regularly (like weekly) for a year now, but I hadn't ever PAID for the real deal. It was getting a little scraggly so we ventured to a local kiddie place with every type of distraction you could ever imagine. And as you can see in the picture, it took a lolipop, puppy lovie, mom close by, and cartoons on the TV to make it through. I will definitely go back from time to time, but we'd be bankrupt if I took him everytime my little chia pet needed a trim. Wade is officially my child. He has learned to say "CHEESE" for the camera. I didn't realize I said it when I'm trying to get him to smile for pictures. But recently, he just looked right at me (with my big old camera in hand) and said CHEESE! It makes him do this crooked- dimpled-smirk instead of a genuine smile, but it's the cutest smirk I've ever seen. I picked up my camera to just move it the other day and he instantly started singing "CHEEEEEEESE" and then pointing. He actually thinks the word for camera is cheese. I laughed so hard. Wade know's how to make his mommy happy.

(standing in the highchair does NOT make me happy, but at least he's holding on?)

I feel like I'm living in the land of "B". Everything this child says has a B in it....book, bottle, bath, ball, Beau, bubble, BOO!.....Beau taught him the letter B and everytime Wade sees it he gets so excited and says "BEEEEE" over and over again. He's so proud of himself. Bubble is still Wade's favorite word, but mine is basketball. It comes out like "bita-ball". If I can get it on video I will share, because it's so stinkin cute.

The only way we make it through diaper changes is to play the body part game. I'll say, "Where's Wade's hair?" and he points to his hair, etc, etc. Well, it never fails when I say, "Where's Wade's nose?" here's what I get in response.

(I think we'll move on to some other body parts for awhile)

I've started reading a parenting and discipline book that my sister-in-law Michelle recommended, Parenting with Love and Logic. I'll admit I laugh as I read it picturing myself actually executing these techniques. But it has made me realize Wade understands A LOT more than I thought he did. I've put Wade in time out a few times for hitting and I just randomly chose a corner in the living room. Then the other day he did something and I just said, "do you need some time by yourself?" (a recommendation of the book instead of just saying GO TO TIME OUT). I about peed my pants when he stopped what he was doing and walked to the corner and sat down. He even scooted in real close so his head was stuck in the corner. I had to turn away so I wouldn't ruin all the good "learning" going on with my laughing.

Since it's rained for 17 1/2 days straight, we've spent a lot time inside. When we do head outside all Wade wants to do is play in the rain. And since his first introduction to puddles, he's been hooked.

Too bad he won't wear the adorable froggie rain boots I found. Darn.

Wade, you make me laugh everyday and we love you more than words could ever say.

We just want to keep watching you grow and learn and explore and laugh and surprise us and challenge us. Love you!!!

Lauren turns ONE!

Our sweet baby cousin turned ONE on September 7th. Lauren is the only girl in a sea of boy cousins, but she's doing a great job of holding her own (so far). She likes to kill 'em with kindness (and KISSES!). I have a feeling she'll be wrestling with the best of them one day soon...

For her first birthday party, we all gathered for a spaghetti dinner (her favorite) and a lots of pink cupcakes.


Spaghetti face...

Nanny entertaining Wade...

Mmm mmm GOOD!

Sharing a little frosting with Wyatt...

BEEP BEEP! Crazy driver on the loose!

Nate, Michelle, Wyatt & the BIRTHDAY GIRL

Nonna and her granddaughter

Lauren was so exicted to get some girlie toys. She's been playing with trains and balls for 12 months now, it's time for dolls!

In Daddy's Shoes

DOES

ANYTHING

GET

CUTER
THAN

THIS???

Wade's been in love with shoes for awhile now, but he usually brings them to me to put on. He particularly likes my satin hot pink bedazzled high heels and get's very mad when I take them off. So imagine my relief when he found daddy's golf shoes to put on (instead of the pink high heels). He stood in them for awhile (unable to move) and just grinned from ear to ear. One day soon he'll be able to play real golf with daddy. Until then, just putting on his shoes will do.

Fun with Finn

Robin and Finn stopped by for an impromptu visit on their way through town. It was so last minute I didn't even get a chance to find them an obnoxious matching outfit. But they do randomly have the same shoes, so we took that picture instead...he he he :)

Here's Wade sitting sweetly before Finn joined him. He likes his personal space.

Here's how Wade reacted to sharing his seat. He's obviously not good at sharing.Finn thinks it's hilarious that Wade is trying to push him out of the chair. What a good sport. We made a quick stop at the Chattahoochee Nature Center for a little toddler entertainment... Yes, Wade is headbutting Finn. And again, Finn thinks he's hilarious.

Still adjusting to school

Wade is getting more comfortable with school, but isn't completely convinced it's for him. It didn't help that he missed last Wednesday, then Labor Day meant no school Monday, so today it was like starting from scratch. He began the morning happy (picture to prove it). We played bubbles, watched Jack, and had a balanced breakfast. It was spirit day, so he wore his school shirt to show his support. But then as soon as I pull into the church parking lot, the lower lip begins to pout and panic sets in. He tries to hold it together until I actually hand him off to his teacher. That's when he loses it. I make sure he has a lovie (one of his blankies), apologize to the teachers in advance, and make a quick departure. I'm told that he eventually settles down and forgets all about me. Today they even had music class. Miss Angela said he LOVED music (big surprise) but had a melt down when it was time to give back the instruments (even bigger surprise). What can I say, he knows what he wants when he wants it. When Aunt Sheesha and I snuck back early to spy on him, he was frolicing on the playground. He was laughing, sliding, and running around like a maniac. So HA! He does have fun. But man do those crocodile tears begin to flow as soon as he sees me. Nice try buddy. I know you were having fun without me.

Words of the Week

Bye & Bubble

Wade is having too much fun with the word "bye", which he pronounces "bye-eeeeee". He says it to everyone that comes and goes, everytime he leaves a room, and thinks it's utterly hilarious. Sometimes he waves, sometimes he doesn't. But everytime he smiles.

We took our first Gymboree class today and he got really excited about the bubbles. He's always liked bubbles, but it was the soft yet excited way he said, "bubbles" that killed me. I just had to buy the "gymboree" bubble blower and take it home with us. He held the package all the way home and said "buh...bulls" over and over again. We've since had to blow bubbles at least eight times today.
(This isn't the best video of him saying "bubbles", but if you listen to him softly say it at the end you'll see what I mean. He says it like this every time. So sweet)


A day in the life of toddlerhood.

Let the Games Begin

I enjoy football.

I like to watch college football.

And I love the Georgia Bulldogs.

But can I say that the coming of football season is a little scary for me?! Labor Day weekend and all the hype is a little overwhelming. It's like going to class the first day, getting the syllabus with all the upcoming tests/projects/etc, and feeling like it's going to be a LONG couple of months. Don't get me wrong...I DO LIKE FOOTBALL. It's just that it seems that football has taken over every single night of television so there's no rest for the weary. What happened to a few games on Saturday....some NFL stuff Sunday....and then finish it off with Monday Night Football? Now with ESPN 1-7 and fantasy football leagues, I feel like all I will watch for the next 4 months is football. PHEW!!! I'm tired just thinking about it.

With that being said....GO DAWGS! :)

Wade watched the Dawgs' season opener with the Crawford boys. He had so much fun chasing them and being chased. I think they were trying the mimic the plays on TV. And even though we didn't win we had a great time. Joe Cox and the Dawgs ARE going to have a great season. Have faith!

(yes, Wade has his own jersey. he's a die hard fan)

Belated Birthday Wishes!

We spent last weekend celebrating some special birthdays. I somehow forgot my camera all weekend and don't have an photos to share, but I can still post without pictures, right? RIGHT!

Happy 4th Birthday Caroline!!!
Caroline is so special to us. Not only is she the daughter of my friend Melanie...but she loves me, thinks Beau is the coolest, and adores Wade. I'm sad I don't get as much one-on-one play time with her since Master Wade entered the world, but we still find some time to do girl things by ourselves. If I never have a daughter one day, I'll just pretend Caroline is my own!

Happy 30th Birthday Ace!!!
Beau's fraternity brother and friend, Ace, turned 30. Join the club old fart. His sweet wife Amy planned a small surprise dinner for him at One Midtown Kitchen. Ace walked in and was thoroughly surprised. At first I didn't know if he was surprised or pissed :) Men can't handle surprises. Good job Amy!!!

Happy 30th Birthday Bryan!!!
My good friend Kristin's husband, Bryan, celebrated his 30th with a BBQ and friends. They've just finished renovation their home and this was the perfect excuse to throw a party! It was great to see all their hard work complete AND wish Bryan HAPPY BIRTHDAY!