House Project update

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Need to finalize. 
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money-researched-no savings to be found :(
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage-Made Book instead
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor (decided not to), paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath (none for now)
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hang Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence!  
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

23 Months

Dear Cassius,

We are approaching your 2nd birthday! Wowzer!

You are an incredible little boy and I'm so grateful that you are my kid!

A few fun memories:
* Yesterday, we woke up together and you watched some videos while we all got the energy to get out of bed.  We watched a Sesame Street video about things being "fragile" and then later in the day, your Grandma asked you to be careful with something and you said "fragile."  Holy Cow!  You really connect things!
* Speaking of "Be Careful"... You told me to "Be Careful (it sounds like Car-full) Mama" when I got up on the step ladder the other day.
* You talk up a storm.  Most of the time we can totally figure out what you are saying but last weekend you started saying what sounded like a full on sentence of gibberish that ended with "up in the sky."  We have no clue what you were saying. 
* You love to sing.  You sing "Twinkle, Twinkle lill tar,""Pat Cake,""Humpty Dumpty sat wall,""ABCEFGLMNOP," and other little songs.
* You started to go pee on the potty!  We've had numerous successes this past weekend!  Every time we ask if you want to go potty, you exclaim "Jeyye Bean, Mama?"  (Translation: Jelly Bean, Mama?).  Yes, you get 2 jelly beans if you "make a 'posit" (Make a Deposit) in the potty.  Yesterday, you wore big boy underpants for the first time.  You wore them for about 45 minutes and you didn't have one accident!

I'm gonna post this now, and then add some photos in a bit.

I Love You SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Much!

Mama

22 months

Dear Cassius,

You are a whole lot closer to 23 months now but this is your 22 month letter.

It seems like life is just speeding by sometimes.  I can hardly remember what happened yesterday let alone the last month.

A few funny thoughts from our last month together:
* I've got you saying "Please Mama Dear" and it's super cute.  We were at a party and another guest commented on your manners.  Apparently you asked some one for "more water, please".  Good job, buzz!  You say "no, please" instead of "no, thank you" :)
* You mimic just about anything we say, which is hilarious.  You'll say "awesome", "dude", and all sorts of other things.
* You love our neighbors, especially Megan.  To hear you say "Hi Megan" is about the cutest thing.  You also want to hug, hive five or kiss her or Don (her grandpa).  They've started to watch you a bit and you love it over there.
* You love tools.  Drills, Saws, Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Weed Wackers, Garbage Trucks... you know the names of all of them and you still love to "blow".
* You love the skateboard that you helped Daddy build.  You love to help daddy with projects, like the ramp you built.
* Dad reports that you planted your first bean!  Yeah!  You are still scared of the chickens, but you love to collect the eggs.  We are batting about .75 for making it into the house without breaking the egg.  You know all the names of the chickens!
* We went to a U-Pick farm and you picked and ate plenty of peaches and plums.  You were a complete beast as we tried to eat our lunch and you didn't fall asleep the entire way home :(
*You started a new daycare at Miss Karen's and you seem to love it!  You love Miriam and James and Cameron and talk about them often.  Apparently, they even have you practicing on the potty!
* You like to do a lot of things yourself "my do it" and you often want "whole fing" and not a piece of anything.
* Just the past few days you started to enjoy "being a baby" so that I'll hold you and sing to you.  It's pretty darn cute.  You started singing quite a few words to "itsy" and also to "Happy Birthday". 
* When you wake up in the morning, your little voice says "Mama! Come here!" so sweetly it melts my heart every morning, even if I don't really want to get up.

Despite the semi-frequent meltdowns, you are so fun to spend time with.  I love being your mama!

Love you Cashi!

Mama Dear

Another House Project list!

It feels like we are constantly working on this list but only a little, little bit gets to be marked off.  Such is life:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests (for Matt, mine are done, then results).
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Paperwork filled out, just need to call.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hang Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence!  
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

House Project List update again

Cuz we've made some progress!!

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests.  Waiting on the guy.
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Paperwork filled out, just need to call.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hand Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence! 

21 months

Dear Cassius,

Wow!  Time is flying by!  We've done a lot since my last letter and I'm eeking this in just before you turn 22 months! 

We had a great trip to Witch Lake and you L.O.V.E.D. it!  Every waking moment of it.  You had so much fun playing "boo" with Andy and Georgie.  You weed wacked every day.  You played in the water (a bit) with your Gramma and you loved to watch the saws and tools while Papa and Keith worked (tool are sharp- you remind us!).  A few highlights from the trip:
* You got to see Uncle Brett cut down a tree, with a chainsaw!  You still talk about this! 
* You got to see your other Uncle Brett, Aunt Mikki and cousins Kinley and Karsyn.
* You had a blast with Andy and Georgie doing all sorts of things.
* You flew with mom on the way out and dad on the way back and you did pretty well... it wasn't easy but we made it!
* You got to sleep with us a few nights in the last month or so.  It seems that in a new place, you just like to snuggle.  I kinda like it!

Speaking of snuggle... you learned to say the word "nuggle" and will often request it, especially in the morning.  Your vocab expands every day and you are stringing words and thoughts together all the time.  A couple of days ago you said "uncle" "picture" "raccoon" "phone" "white car"... because the day (or two) prior, Jeremy (aka Uncle Jeremy) came over and showed you a picture of a raccoon on his phone. I can't really remember, but I think the raccoon was near a white car!  Holy moly! 

I can't remember if this is new or not, but you know all your colors! and you are learning to count.  You've got 1, 2, 3 down (especially since we frequently use that to prepare you for what's to come next) and can count aloud to get Daddy to run through the "spinklers" with you.

You love to play with the big kids and can easily get into what ever game they are playing, be it hide and seek, duck duck goose or red light, green light.

It's been a big month for us as we decided to make the switch with your daycare...so August 15th, you start up at a new daycare.  I hope you love the learning, and I think you will.

Oh... I almost forgot.  The temper tantrums have officially started.  Your first true tantrum was hilarious (to us).  You were S.O. upset because you couldn't hold the package of graham crackers.  You kept wailing "brown" (as in brown graham crackers) and "package".  Kicking, screaming, flailing, limp body, screaming and screaming for a good 20 minutes.  Then you got up, asked for a peach (and I gave it to you) and all was okay with the world.  Silly boy!

I know I say this every month, but you are the love of my life and a joy to watch.  I get excited for the times we share because you are just hilarious.

I love you,

Mama

20 months

Dear Cassius,

You are one incredibly smart little dude!  It's so much fun figuring out what you've figured out!  Here's a snapshot:
- You started to sing songs.  Robot Parade was the first... it's so darn cute "obot arade".  You also like/sing Twinkle (Twinkle Little Stars) and (Wheels on the) Bus.  You ask dada to sing Monkey (and the Engineer).
- You like to count, or rather, when we count.  Your favorite is counting the chickens!
- You wake up with mama!mama!mama!mama! or dada!dada!dada!dada! every morning now.  No crying or whining like you used to... you use your words!
- You seem to like timeouts or the "corner".  Always keeping us on our toes.  You only try to bite and hit me... and no one else.  I guess that is good.
- You love "more ketchens (questions)".  What does a cow say? What does a donkey say? This one is my favorite as your "heehaw" is so cute!)
- You know all your colors (blue, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown and black).  Just this week the answer is not automatically "lellow" (you would get it right on the second ask) but you're offering the color now and often with the object (white truck).   You are even getting two color combos!
-You love to help in the kitchen- from making food to washing dishes.  You love to be a part of the action.
-Your little voice is so cute.  Your intonation is so cute when you say "good girl" to Sibley or when you say "HONEY!" (as in Honey, I'm Home).

A few exciting things happened in May/June...
We went camping in the BUS! and we all had a great time.  You were hilarious with your saw, saw, saw, saw, saw!

Your dad picked up a bunch of lumber.  As usual, you were game to help! 

We had a foster kitten in the house.  Her name was Diana but you called her nanny.  It's been almost 3 weeks and you still talk about her.  You were scared of her when she would come near you, but you loved to watch her! I also had to bring a cat to the local shelter.  It's name was Toga and you still ask about "yogie" even though you spent all of 5 minutes with that cat!

You are one special little boy.  I am so proud you are mine and I am yours!

Love,
Mama

More updates on project

Some {very small, but still!} progress has been made, new projects have been added to the list.  Here's an update:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests.
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install moulding/trim,
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut! 
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed
* Hang House Numbers

19 months

Dear Cassius,

You said "I love you" unprompted for the first time this month.  I think my heart nearly exploded as I put you to bed and you said, so sweetly, "la laaaa lo mama."

You went to the doctor for your 18 month check up and you haven't changed a whole lot since your last appointment.  33.25 inches (or so) and 26lbs 5 oz (or so).  The doctor isn't too worried that you supposedly haven't changed much, especially since it's probably due to the fact that you aren't too thrilled about being weighed and measured, hence some kinda wonky measurements (PS.  That is a horrible run on sentence with lots of useless words).

You started to put sentences together this month.  Hello Dada was your first and the vocab just keeps coming.  Today you said "wawa on (water on)".  You are getting pretty good about playing by yourself.  You still play relatively well with others.  You love to help your dad in the garden and you helped me bake cookies for the first time.  It was quite a mess and you only helped for about 30 seconds, but you did help.  We made cookies for all the neighbors who have so warmly greeted us since our move.  You had fun handing out the cookies too, even though you weren't feeling well that day.  A few days after handing out the cookies, you point to the houses where we dropped them off and say "coooookies".

This last month you went to 2 zoo's: Happy Hollow and the Oakland Zoo.  You really love looking at the animals (and running around) but you're not fond of the carousel!

Speaking of under the weather, you seem to have taken on your father's drama queen moments while ill.  Granted, you did vomit once, but the rest of the time, you were whiny and full of drama.  Now that you are on the mend, it seems to be residing.  Yeah!

You had two cousins born this month, Chloe (Chris and Melissa) and Lucas (Bob and Sarah)!

We booked our trip to Witch Lake this month!  I can't wait.  You'll be flying up with me and back with your dad.  It should be a blast!

Not sure there is a whole lot more to report.  I love you so much.  Thanks for being an awesome kid!

Love,

Mama

To Do List 5/5/11

Some {very small, but still!} progress has been made, new projects have been added to the list.  Here's an update:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut! 
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed
* Hang House Numbers

An email from my hubby...

Hey babe, we're having a great time. Let's see...




Cash is hitting the ball off the tee and running around the bases.

The chickens got out to free range and ran back in when I called them

The new window looks great.

I got a grape planted.

We went to three garage sales with in 1 mile

I figured a way to stop the curtains from blowing in the wind

Cash and I are cleaning out the fridge for lunch

and....best of all....it's already 12:30, that means you'll be home soon to join us.



Love ya,



Dadda and Cash

18 months

Dear Cassius,

You are officially 1.5 years old!  Wowza!  The last few months have been so much fun.  Perhaps this is a little weird, but I'm glad you stil have 6 months before you are two.  Two is just too old, so another six months at one suits me just fine.  I have to say this IS the best age.  You are so inquisitive and you learn so much every day.  You are like a sponge and soak up all kinds of things... which reminds us daily that we have to watch what we have to say. 

Your vocabuary has exploded and is astounding.  You try to say everything... and you do a pretty good job.  You definitely have the syllables down and you mostly get the sounds right.  Some of the more impressive words (to me) are:  broccoli, your name (it's sooo incredibly cute), hoop, apple, orange, pineapple, belly button.

You love bike rides with your dada and the new swing in the backyard under our beautiful oak tree.  We got the swing for a steal at the P. Hill City Garage Sale, so we feel like rockstars.  You probably have already picked up on this but your parents are huge dorks for free and recycled stuff... so this swing was and continues to be a feel good piece to our little abode.  You rocked the slide, thanks to your dad.  You used to be a tad afraid of the darn thing, only choosing the very small slides to go down by yourself, but your dad helped you go down a bigger one at the playground next door and you continued to go down it, by yourself!  Way to go Buzz!

You actually celebrated your 18 month anniversary in Iowa.  We visited your Mimi, Vic, Elle, Mikki, Brett, Karsyn and Kinley and you had a great time.  Your auntie Mikkie bought you a little lawnmower which was just perfect as you just had become obsessed with the one your dad uses a week prior.  You loved pushing that thing around, but you actually loved pushing Kinley's pink stroller around more.  Occasionally there was something in the stroller, but you just really like to push it around.  You traveled like a real trooper and slept soundly through the night for the entire trip.

Another super smart and cute thing you do is "two."  As in more than one of something.  If you see two birds, you say two, if you see 10 birds, you say two... but you know when there is more than one of something!  You would love to have two loveys with you at all times, but we are working on that.  Speaking of working on things... you are d-u-n with the bottle.  We left it at Mimi's in Iowa and we were left with no choice and you've adjusted pretty well.  The first morning back you screamed for about 15 minutes, but after we explained to you that we left it at Mimi's you relaxed and were able to move on with your day.  It's kinda funny that you wanted your bottle the first morning home when you didn't use it at all in Iowa.  I will miss you requesting "joos" or "melk" in the morning but I'm glad to be done with the bottle and the cleaning of it!

Cassius, you are such a joy.  I am so happy you are my kid.  I love you!

Love,

Mama

17 Months

Dear Cassius,

Time is flying by!  We are pretty much settled into the new house and the bathroom is in the middle of a remodel.  I'm pretty sure you'd love to help with all the projects but we do those after you've gone to bed.  You love to help out whenever possible, or just hang around.  This morning your dad and I worked on various projects and you just wandered around with random tools.  You inspect things but you mostly just bang stuff around.  You love hearing the saw run, but from a safe distance and in mama's lap.

While we were playing today, you walked a ways down the court pushing your little cart.  It was so cute but scary too.  You are growing so much and your confidence grows every day.  Sounds are not as scary now, but you are a sensitive guy.

The other day at daycare, Lisa said that you totally understood the concept of musical chairs!  How kid? How?  You are doing great when I leave you at daycare now.  You were crying for a bit there, but now I put you in Lisa's lap and you wave good-bye to me.  She and I are both astounded at how cuddly you have become.   You even cuddled with me the other day to watch Supernanny!

Hmmmm.... Anything else fun?
* You helped Grandpa clean up his fence project the other day.  I guess you guys were cleaning for 1.5 hours and you just hung out, picking up nails the entire time.  Grandma says you need a drill of your own.

* Your dad took you to Buchanan Field where you got to see planes take off and land while playing with a few other kids.  How cool!

* You can throw quite the tantrums when you don't get your way.

* You still LOVE your lovey.  You squeal when you get to see it/hold it.

* You started singing the "Vowel Song" from They Might Be Giants DVD.  A- I- Y!

* You are obsessed with balls and bunnies... especially the neighbor's.

* We jumped in puddles when it was raining and had a blast!

* You sign and say "help" and it's the cutest thing ever!  "Hewp, Hewp"

* You still insist on your bottle of milk in the morning.  I would like to be a tough parent and take it away, your dad insists we keep it as it makes for a happier you and an easier morning.  For now, I'm conceding.

You continue to be the light of my life.  Keep up the growing kid!  I love you!

Mama

New! New!

I've been torn and unhappy since I started this blog.  I never felt like a blogger template really reflected me.  Tonight, through Trailer Gypsy's blog, I found a website with free! cute! templates!  Yeah!  Thanks Brooke's sister!

To Do List 2/23/11

I've had this to-do list running around in my head for quite some time... and I just realized that I could put it on my blog and not loose it!  Genius!

Maybe having in one spot will actually allow me the satisfaction of crossing things off.... (and I'm not actually sure how to cross it off).... anyone?

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed

Whew!  Let's see where this goes...

16 months

Dear Cassius,

I'm not sure I can come up with anything creative to begin your letter this month as all the usual expressions that come to mind seem redundant.  Of course, you continue to grow and amaze your dad and I and sometimes yourself too.

The best that I can usually do is remember little things about the past few days, so here goes....

Yesterday, a Sunday, we woke up (at 7am) and headed to Home Depot and you were cute.  Then we stopped for donuts and you were cute.  Then we came home and we ate our donuts but you didn't eat yours (we got you donut holes) but you were still cute.  Your dad was working on a chicken coop project with Manoa so you and I went to The Jungle in Concord.  You fell asleep on the way there and were cute as you slept.  We went inside and you were overwhelmed.  At first, you were interested in the big kid stuff but then you headed to the toddler section instead and cautiously explored.  We watched kids on the token machines (like the motorcycle and the car) and you sat on the motorcylce with out it moving and were loving it.  We went to go get you some tokens so you could ride the things in motion, but you preceded to freak out.  We left and came home and you hung out in your room by yourself for almost an hour before falling asleep.  I guess you just needed some down time.  After your long nap, you played and played and played outside and were cute.  You love to throw balls.  You enjoyed pushing your little cart around but got SO frustrated when it would get stuck on something.  You eventually figured out how to manuever it but not after much whining.  You enjoyed many of your morning donuts.  We all went for a walk down to the sushi restaurant while you looked really cute where you preceded to be a wild man which was not so cute!  I guess the donuts caught up to you because you were crazy!  You didn't like anything we ordered and threw everything on the ground-not cute. We got home, gave you a bath and you went to bed and were adorably cute while sleeping. 

Here's things of note:
You are a sensitive soul. 
You like to throw things.
You like to bang loudly on tables and floors and just about anything inappropriate.
You like being sent to the naughty step (clearly it's not working).
You are cute and I'm pretty sure you know it... as you smirk as you do the above naughty things.

You had your check up today and the doctor said that only thing we need to do is keep you safe.  I have to say, we actually do a pretty good job at that, but sometimes its a bit challenging.

You weighed in at 25 lbs (We had to weigh you and me together and then just me... you screamed on the scale and then screamed while the nurse held you while I weighed myself).  You measured in at 33 inches.

You say and sign new things all the time.  On Saturday, your dad and I saw you sign "guitar" while making little sounds (and looking at the guitars at work).  You learned how to flick your tongue when we ask you what an iguana says.   You kiss babies whenever you see them but you tend to hit other kids when they are in your space.  You love balls and balloons and can say each clearly.  You are fairly good about your thank you's and semi consistent with signing please.

I think I'll let the pictures say the rest... with the caption of CUTE!

 

Love you,
Mama

15 months

Dear Cassius,

You have now been "around" for 2 years for you were conceived on January 8th.  I'm sure you'll be glad to know that when you are 16.  :)

This month has been a fun one but also an incredibly stressful one for your parents.  A move is always tough but a move with a very active, very needy child is even more so.  We haven't always kept our cool but we're almost there.   You are actually really cool to hang out with right now, but time keeps on ticking and its tough to hang out with you and get stuff packed, fixed and cleaned.

Your vocabulary keeps expanding.  You've added bakbak while waving your arms appropriately for chicken.  Tonight you said cat.  Today your grandma taught you how to roar like a lion.  It's so stinkin' cute!  You can point to mama, dada, grandma, grandpa and yourself.  Your bottle/any liquid is "jooose".  You are obsessed with the chickens next door and airplanes.  You like choo-choos.  You adore vroom-vrooms (motorcycles).  You turn your head and any truck or loud car.  You are all boy. 

You are walking just fine and quickly too.  It's almost a run but you stumble a bit.  You try to jump.  You bend your knees but you can't get any air (there is a joke in here somewhere about Peters boys not being able to jump).  You climb anything and everything.  Judy, our stepladder, is not match for you. 

This month you had your first sit on the naughty step for touching the stove's knobs.  I had to put you there twice but you got it the third time.  You tried again the next morning and when you got set on the naughty step you moved your attention elsewhere.  You made me realize it's time to get some kind of parenting book- stat!

You love being rocked when/if you wake in the middle of the night.  It doesn't happen a lot so I cherish those middle of the night snuggles.

You love to read!  Well, you love to point out things you know in books...Elephants, dogs, cats, birds, airplanes, trains, pumpkins, Santa Claus, sheep, chickens, ducks, trees.... I'm so happy.  I didn't think you would like them, ever.  You're not big on the story persay but you do love the pictures.  Hopefully those words will intrigue you someday.

I better get to packing so I'm wrapping up this letter (good one, huh?).

Love you,

Mama