Our little talker

Tyler is just starting to repeat things we say or ask him to say and even has surprised us a time or two by answering questions we ask him. Today Jeff and I were shocked when we were looking at a picture of Christ and asked him "Is that Jesus, does He love you?" and he nodded his head and said "Yes." I've never heard him say yes before so we were shocked. It was such a precious moment and I will never forget it!
He has also said:
EIEI-O when we read the book
"Hello?" when he picked up the phone
"binki" when I asked him what he wanted
"more bubu" when he wanted us to keep playing with bubbles
"dide" when he wants to go outside at 2:00 pm and I have to tell him, "too hot, honey. sorry."
"glock" and points to his clock every morning when he wakes up...maybe the ticking bugs him!

It has been so fun to hear him say things that I had no idea he even realized. I guess it is a good thing that I just walk around the house talking constantly. It's amazing what kids pick up without formally teaching them. My favorite thing is when I ask him a question and he actually answers me...finally!! a conversation :)

I got chiggers :(

Ok, if you have a weak stomach do not read on. Otherwise, here I go: When I first got to Texas, I heard about this crazy invisible bug called chiggers. They jump up your leg and bite you, then lay eggs under your skin and it hurts. People say never go outside without shoes on. I'm from California. I always go outside without shoes on. I got chiggers. The good thing is, the story about the egg laying is false. A common misconception. The truth is that these tiny bugs (1/150th of an inch in diameter-yes I looked it up) bite you and instead of laying eggs or burying themselves in your skin, they start to digest the dead skin cells from the bite. Because they are a host bug (like a tick) they stay there until you get them off. The problem is, reactions don't occur for 6-8 hours after the bite. By this time, I had bites up and down my legs. I was advised by everyone to apply clear nail polish (to prevent them from breathing and the eggs die) which of course isn't proper treatment since there are no eggs. But it actually did stop the itching for a few hours. Now my legs are ugly and itchy. I guess I'm lucky though. The website I read said one of the most common places for them to bite is in the crotch area. I guess it could be worse!!!!

Tyler's ABCs

A- Attached or Single: Tyler's just starting to make the transition into being independent. He used to tug at my legs while I did everything, but now he'll play quietly if he knows I'm nearby.
B- Best Friend: Mom and Dad of course!
C-Cake or Pie: He's never had pie, but he loves cake
D- Day of Choice: Tuesdays and Thursdays we have playgroup, or anyday dad's home a lot or we get to the park.
E- Essential Item (s): binki. But I'll tell him to give it to me when its not bedtime and he'll pull it out of his mouth and hand it to me.
F- Favorite Color: Dont think he cares yet, but he looks super cute in orange & blue
G- Gummy Bears or Worms: I don't think he'd complain about either one. oh real worms, he likes.
H- Hometown: Allen, TX
I- Indulgence(s): lollipops and popsicles (only in the bathtub or outside!)
J- January or July: JULY, summer time is the best
K-Kids: He loves playing with other kids
L- Loud or soft: Um, he's not too loud, and he's pretty good about being soft
M- Movie: Does not care about the tv for one second.
N- Number of Siblings: one on the way
O- Oranges or Apples: apples. or should I say appa appa yum yum
P- Phobias or Fears: He's not really afraid of much. I guess sometimes dogs and cats, funny though cuz he loves to see them and really wants to pet them and then when he gets close kinda chickens out.
Q-Quote: "tah tah" (hot hot) anytime the oven or dishwasher is on, we get in the car or I microwave his food.
R- Reason To Smile: balls, cars, juice, mommy, daddy, airplanes, birds: simple joys in life!
S- Season: Anytime he can be outside (maybe not summertime in Tx or wintertime in ID!)
T- Tag: Zach Foust
U- Unknown Fact About Me: He gives kisses and hugs on demand (if you're lucky, you know that)
V- Vegetarian or Meat-lover: He's always loved his veggies and has never turned down any meat
W- Worst Habit: He tries to suck on our toes.
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: huh? not sure what this question is asking but Tyler's never had an x-ray but he had a few ultrasounds when he was in the womb.
Y- Your Favorite Food: turkey, cheese, lil crunchies, pretzels, pasta, hotdogs, milk! or anything someone else is having.
Z- Zodiac: Pisces: Sign of the fish. Imaginative, kind, secretive...

Pay It Forward

I recently won on Megan's blog! She made me a super cute handmade apron: THANKS MEG!
So now it's my turn to Pay It Forward. If you would like to be included in my drawing simply leave a comment on this post within the next couple weeks. I will have the drawing for winners Monday June 30th! And if you win, just be prepared to Pay It Forward!

My birthday with mom & dad!!

As I was creating my birthday list this year, I realized all I really wanted was to see my parents. So they gave me the gift of them! :) I'm so lucky to get what I want. We had tons of fun relaxing, playing ticket to ride (which I never won- not even on my birthday, those meanies), eating yummy food and chocolate covered cinnamon bears, and ice cream cake! We didn't really get many pictures, but I loved watching my mom and dad play with Tyler.

Five years ago (holy cow!) Jeff gave me a rock for my birthday (a diamond!) This year I got one too. A live rock for our fish tank-it even has a clam shell on top. He also brought me 4 fishies! They are called chromis fish and if you only count 3 in the picture, its because Bilbo is gone. The only one I named! He is just missing. Where could he be? Oh well. There is a mommy, a daddy and a baby. So its perfect for now. We will see how long these guys survive before we buy super expensive ones, but so far the three are doing great!

Fun in the... styrofoam box!

We introduced Tyler to the simple pleasures of summertime! He loves being outside and he loves the hose. Everytime we go outside or walk by the hose he points and says "want dat".

The funniest part was when he realized we would jump out of the way when he "accidentally" pointed it in our direction. He started doing it on purpose!
and when he tried to take a drink but got it up his nose and everything. It was pretty funny.
Like I always say, he keeps us happy and having fun! Life has never a dull moment with tyler around!