Aunt Megan... We Love You!

Auntie Megan came to visit last weekend and we had such a wonderful time with her. Meg has only had the pleasure to see Isaac two other times since he was born. So needless to say, Meg was a little shocked to see that the baby she once knew was now a little man! But now that he is a little man, they were able to play together, laugh together and play dress up in her clothes.
Saturday afternoon the four of us went to the Magic House (a local children’s museum). It is a wonderful place, with so much to do and see! Even though the Magic House’s target age group is 0-12, I can’t say who had more fun, Adam or Isaac. We kept loosing Adam because he was getting distracted by all the cool exhibits. The greatest exhibit of all was the “electrostatic generator”. As you can see from Megan's picture above, you touch a electic ball and your hair stands straight up!!!

Not only did Isaac have a wonderful time with his Auntie, but I also had a fantastic time with my little sister. She is someone I don’t get to spend a lot of time with, but when we do have time together, I love every minute of it! (even if it meant trying Sushi!)

The Eleventh Month Montage

Stats:*
Age: 11 months
Weight: 24 lbs 13 oz
Length: 31 ½ inches
Health Report: Battling a cold of course, but overall Isaac is doing well.

Isaac is beginning too… develop his fine motor skills, play peek-a-boo, put objects into a container and understand “no” and simple instructions (now as to whether he follows these instructions is another story. )
Isaac has mastered… pulling himself up to standing, cruise along the couch and walk with assistance, eating with fingers, drinking from a sippy cup, picking things up with fingers, and STAIRS!!!
Isaac loves… testing his mom and dad with the dog food, going up the stairs, cruising along the couch.
Isaac currently dislikes… nothing. Right now he is pretty happy!
Names we call him… I-man, Little Dude and Big Guy.
Proud Parents: Again, this month was so much fun! Isaac learned so much this month. He is jabbering a lot but there hasn’t been anymore words besides mama, dada and uh-oh.
Also, he is always practicing his new skills from standing, cruising, clapping, “touchdown”, peek-a-boo and blowing kisses. Unfortunately, now that Isaac is mobile it is much harder to get a good picture but we were able to get a few videos of his recent achievements. As you will see, we are still working on peek-a-boo. It has been a real joy watching him grow up and learn new things each and every day.

Laughter is the best medicine!

I-man's New Do

Isaac had his first hair cut since the death of the baby toupee. He went from looking like a little baby to a little man. When did my baby grow up? Here are some pictures from the big event!

Fight Club

Isaac and I are having our first fight and I am not sure who is winning. Isaac has recently discovered the dog food and he will do anything in this power to get to that dang dog bowl. It is actually quite impressive that he remembers exactly where it is everyday of the week. I know this because anytime you put him on the floor he starts heading directly for it. He could be in his room (which is at least 30 feet away) and he knows where exactly to go. Not only does he know where to go but as soon as he rounds the kitchen island and the bowl is in sight… he speeds up!!! So… over and over we have to tell him “No-No” but thus far this tactic does not seem to be working. Instead of listening, he does this whiney cry of disgust because his mean parents won’t let him eat the dog food. (of course, Oscar could care less!). Everyday we have this fight and started to think “Oh no… what are we going to do?” Luckily, I recently read an article that said the following:
“Your baby now understands simple instructions, though she may purposely choose to ignore you when you say "no." (To help the word carry a little more weight, use it sparingly, for setting important limits.) Even though your baby may not always remember tomorrow what you've said today, it's not too soon to set certain boundaries and start teaching her some important distinctions, like right from wrong and safe from unsafe. Her desire to explore is stronger than her desire to listen to your warnings, so it's up to you to protect and teach her. What seems to be defiance is just her natural curiosity to see how the world works.”
This article is what is keeping us going. Hopefully one day (soon) he will realize that we are not mean parents because we don’t want him to eat dog food and our first fight will be over!

Recent Discoveries

Isaac had become very attentive and inquisitive lately. He wants to see and learn about everything. His most recent discoveries are the kitchen appliances. Currently, he seems to very interested in the dishwasher and refrigerator…so much he is climbing into them!!!

3 Year Anniversary

Adam and I have now been married for over three years. So… to celebrate, I actually surprised him with a weekend get-away. Can you believe it? I actually surprised my husband for the first time in 9 years! The get-away was only to Kansas City but we had a wonderful time. We drove to KC on Friday night and stayed at my dad’s apartment. We enjoyed breakfast with my parents on Saturday morning and then we left the little man with Grammy and Papa for almost two days. (This is a big achievement for me!) Adam and I packed as many activities into two days that you possibly could because it isn’t often that we have the opportunity to go out as adults. So… Saturday afternoon we went golfing. To say the least, I was a little rusty. I hadn’t been golfing since before I was pregnant so I would say that my 55 wasn’t all too bad. We then headed over to the hotel for a couples massage. It was WONDERFUL!!! We both needed a little relaxation. Later, Saturday evening we watched the Huskers lose to Virginia Tech while enjoying good food and a few beers. We were even able to meet up with the VanAnne’s for a little reunion. (Brooke and Dax recently moved to the KC area… we were very sad to have the leave STL.) We returned back to the hotel later that evening to enjoy a little relaxation, or a.k.a. sleep!!! In our defense, we are old, we were tired… and we can do anything we want on our get-away weekend!
We were really excited to sleep in on Sunday morning and not wake up to a crying baby but that is exactly what we woke up to… IRONIC? The kiddo next door was screaming bloody murder. It was great! Sunday afternoon we spent in Arrowhead stadium watching the pitiful Chiefs beat Adam’s beloved Bronco’s. AB had a ruff weekend with his favorite sports teams! Even with the losses, we had a great time. We met my parents and Isaac for dinner. Everyone enjoyed the pizza and good conversation. After putting Isaac to bed, Adam and I caught a movie, which we haven’t been able to do for months… and luckily it was a great movie! We were so lucky to have my parents watch Isaac for the entire weekend. (By the way, we love you… thank you so much for everything!!!)
Although Adam and I had fun, I think Grammy, Papa and Isaac had an even better time. They ate, played, laughed and just enjoyed being around one another!

New Job for Adam's Dad!!!

Adam's dad, Roger, was just named the new Commissioner of Education for the state of Nebraska. After 37 years in the Public School system, including 23 in Elkhorn, Roger will now have the opportunity to impact the education policies of all Nebraska school districts. This job will operate mainly out of Lincoln so his commute just got a little longer, but they have no plans of moving out of their new house. We are very proud of Roger and all that he has accomplished in growing the Elkhorn school district into one of the state's finest. (it should be after producing stars like Sara and Adam) While we are still waiting on all the details, we want to congratulate Roger on this great opportunity - we know that he will do great things... http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10440098

The Tenth Month Montage

Stats:*
Age: 10 months
Weight: 23 lbs
Length: 31 inches

Isaac is beginning too… pull himself up to standing, cruise along the couch and walk with assistance.

Isaac has mastered… saying Mama and Dada, sticking out his tongue, waving bye -bye, regular crawling, eating table foods and pulling himself up to his knees.

Isaac loves… Oscar kisses (it is so gross), pulling himself up on things, taking the books and DVD’s off the shelves, exploring, taking baths in the big boy tub, his new bath toys, the new lego blocks set and throwing things on the floor (including his food and sippy cup).

Isaac currently dislikes… sitting still, being told “no”, changing clothes and diaper changes.

Names we call him… I-man and Big Guy.

Proud Parents: This month was one of those months where Isaac changed a lot. It was the month of knowledge because he learned a lot of new things.
This month he figured out his stealth like army crawl wasn’t the most logical way to get from here to there and it was much more efficient (and quicker) if he crawled on this hands and knees. He also realized that by modifying his crawling style he was much more capable to chase Oscar around the house. This has been quite interesting because for about a week Oscar would lay down on the floor, then Isaac would crawl over and try to kiss/pet him… so Oscar would get up and move to another location on the floor… then Isaac would again crawl to that spot. So Oscar then discovered that he must lie on the couch to escape from the little guy. Well…Isaac loves Oscar sooo much that he was determined to get up to the couch and about a week later, he was pulling himself up to his knees so he could just reach Oscar’s face. So again, Oscar moved farther away on the couch/ottoman… and about another week later… Isaac decided that if he stood up and cruised along the couch there was so escape for Oscar. So, much thanks to Oscar, Isaac has learned to crawl, pull himself up and cruise over the past month.
Also, this month Isaac’s vocabulary has increased. Not only is he always saying Mama and Dada (still not differentiating between the two of us) but he also said his first real word. And the first word was…..“uh oh”! Apparently we must say this word often in our house, because every time something drops on the floor… “uh-oh” comes right out of his little mouth.
It has been a real joy watching him grow up and learn new things each and every day.

Tami

Tami Lopez & Teri West

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sara’s Aunt Tami Lopez. She was diagnosed with cancer a little over two years ago. She was a strong person who never let this horrible disease get her down. She fought the fight until the bitter end. She lived in North Platte, NE and was 46 years old. She will be forever missed! With that being said, please keep the Lopez, West & Lanik families in your prayers as they grieve the loss of a beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister. Although her pain and suffering is over and she is with the Lord now, the pain of her loss will be with us for a long time. We love you Tami!

The Twins Second Birthday

The twins are 2!!! On Sunday afternoon we celebrated Lily and Grace’s 2nd Birthday (and Brynn’s 7th) with a family get together at Tyler and Bri’s house. The girls had a great time opening gifts the only problem was they would open one present and then be totally engaged in that and not want to open the others! Brynn (Lily and Grace’s cousin on the Bri’s side of the family) also had a wonderful time dressing up AB with balloons and toys! We had a great time and we so enjoy that we are around STL to watch these little ones grow up!

“Grammy, my first visit, no toys… my second visit, the closet?!?!”

The last weekend of August just Isaac and I (Sara) made the trip to Grammy’s. We flew (yes... we flew) out to the Big-O on Thursday night. With a two hour delay I can’t say that Isaac could have been any better. We were very lucky to sit next to a nice older gentleman that helped me with our bags and even played a little with Isaac. When we arrived to the airport and were walking up the terminal, we could see both Grammy and Grandma JuJu standing on their tippy toes peeking over the hill anxiously awaiting Isaac’s (I am not sure they even noticed I was there too) arrival. And luckily Isaac had a few smiles for them before eating and cashing out for the evening.
Friday we played all day with all of Isaac’s grandparents. In the morning, Isaac played with PaPa and Grammy. This time she had lots of toys, some old and some new. In the mid-afternoon GG & GG West arrive and Isaac played maracas. (Thanks for the gift… Isaac loves these things but I think AB and I like the more). Then Isaac and I headed over to Grandpa Roger’s office to have a little play time with the Breed’s. Isaac helped Grandpa answer important phone calls and read significant memos. Later in the evening, we got to visit with GG Lanik. It was a special weekend for me and I-man because it isn’t often that either of us get to see all of the grandparents! It was wonderful!
Saturday, Isaac spent the majority of the morning sleeping in the closet. Yes, he slept in the closet… a walk in closet… that we made into his own little bedroom. I think he liked it because he slept better in the closet than he sleeps at home in his own crib. Later that day, I-man and I attended Zach Thompson’s first birthday. It was a joy to see my best friend Karrie and some old friends from high school. Isaac also got a preview of what is soon to come….CAKE!!!
Sunday we vegged and played again before heading home to see daddy. AB met as at the airport and just from the expression on his face you could tell that he missed his little dude.

Welcome to the World, Olivia Jean

Our great family friends, Bobby and Kari Byers, gave birth to baby girl, Olivia Jean, this morning. She weighed in at 7lbs 14 oz with a length of 18 1/2 inches. The family is doing well and should be able to return home next week. We hope we can one day soon meet the new little girl!! Congratulations to the Byers Family! We love you and are so happy for you!

The Ninth Month Montage

Stats:*
Age: 9 months
Weight: 22 lbs …75th percentile
Length: 30 ¼ inches … 90th percentile (tall like his daddy)
Head Circumference: 18 ½ inches…80th percentile
Health Report: Isaac has a slight cold but nothing too serious.

Isaac is beginning too… pull himself up, feed himself, drink from a sippy cup, learn the meaning of “no-no”, crawl on hands and knees.

Isaac has mastered… the army crawl, getting to a sitting position from his belly, “Ba-Ba” and “Dada” (no mama yet)

Isaac loves… exploring by army crawling, pulling himself up to sitting, chasing Oscar, giving his toys to Oscar, beating up Oscar and “Little Einstein’s”.

Isaac currently dislikes… waiting for anything, changing clothes and diaper changes.

Names we call him… I-man, Munchkin and Big Guy.

"What you call a kitchen island, I call Tunnel Heaven."

Grant's Farm

Last Sunday afternoon the three of us spent the afternoon at Grant’s Farm. For those unfamiliar with this attraction, it was once the home of President Grant and later the Busch family but it is now a free wildlife conservation. It also serves 2 free beers at the end of the tour, a pretty cool amenity if I do say so myself.
Once again, I thought Isaac would just love this place (just like I thought he would love the zoo) because there is a section where you can feed the goats, llamas and camels. I think I liked it way more than he did. He was more interested in the other little kids running around feeding the goats. But overall, I think Isaac had a great time. See below for some pictures of our outing.

"What? This isn't how the other kids do it?"

Yes, Isaac really does ride around in his stroller like this!

Not a Fish but a Wonderful Baby

We spent Saturday afternoon at the VanAnne’s for some summer sun and fun. I (Sara) was extremely excited to take Isaac swimming in a big pool for the first time. As a child, I was a pool rat. I spent my afternoons swimming at the local pool, I was on the swim team for 10 years and a lifeguard in high school. So I can’t explain how disappointed I was when Isaac wasn’t all that excited about the prospects of being in a large body of water. I just thought he would be a little fish (just like his momma) because he loves his baths and baby pool. He didn’t cry or scream, he just didn’t seem to care all that much about swimming. I was so sad!
We spent the evening grilling out and letting the babies play together. While we hadn’t intended to stay after dinner, the VanAnne’s decided to buy the UFC fight. So…the VanAnne’s pulled out their pack n’ play and we did Isaac’s night time routine at their house. I wasn’t sure how Isaac was going to take to being away from his house with unfamiliar sights and sounds but he was sooo good. He went ride to bed! After the fight was over, we took him home and put him in his crib and it wasn’t a problem at all. He is so easy going, and we just love that about him. We couldn’t ask for a better baby! So while he may not be a fish, he is just a wonderful baby!!!

"It's Ok Oscar... I will come get you."

For those that needed an Isaac fix (I know you are out there) I finally got some footage of Isaac doing his army crawl. He will do anything to get to that puppy.

A Momentary Lapse in Sanity

Isaac is such a little man. In the course of the past couple weeks my baby has grown into such a little man. He is actively crawling all around the floor to explore this new world. (I will try to post a video soon.) And over the weekend, Isaac learned to get himself to a sitting position from his belly. We were quite impressed to walk into his room one morning and find him sitting on his bed, smiling because he was so proud of himself. (We were proud of him too!). But thru these growth milestones, I find myself sadly missing my little baby. The one that would stay put for more than 2 seconds, but more importantly cuddle for hours. I miss his sweet “new baby” scent. Of course, I mentioned this to Adam, how I just miss our little baby and that I would like another one…yes you heard me right… I said I wanted another baby! I obviously had a momentary lapse in sanity because while I miss our little guy, I would never be able to keep up with two.

Welcome to the World, Baby Anna

Our great family friend, Heather gave birth to baby girl, Anna Micheale Vigil on Thursday, July 17th. She weighed in at 8lbs 4 oz with a length of 20 inches and lots of hair. Anna is doing well and went home yesterday to her three siblings. Sara and Isaac are hoping we can one day meet the new little girl!! Congratulations to the Vigil Family! We love you and are so happy for you! (Aunti Kenzie is going to send me some pictures. I will make sure to post them!)

The Eigth Month Montage

Stats:*
Age: 8 months
Weight: 23 lbs
Length: 28 1/2 inches
Health Report: After all the testing and treatments it is safe to say that Isaac might have baby asthma but he has “no allergies what-so-ever”. YEAH!!! We are done (for now) with all breathing treatments, steroids and antibiotics. HALLELUAH!
* These were measured by mom and dad. We didn’t have a Wellness Exam at 8 months.

Isaac is beginning too… rock on hand and knees, indicate wants with gestures, mimic mom and dad, say bababababa (I think dada is in the near future) and have food preferences (not a huge fan of some of the new flavors).

Isaac has mastered… the army crawl( it is so funny looking), scooting, standing with assistance, looking for a hidden object, playing peek-a-boo, making motorboat noises, and making “Indian call” noises.

Isaac loves… exploring by army crawling, zerberts, standing, Hippo Head, his new Happy Frog baby pool, bath time and story time.

Isaac currently dislikes… when mom and/or dad leave the room.

Names we call him… I-man, Stinker, Munchkin and Big Guy.

Proud Parents… This has been the best month yet. Isaac is (what I think) at the perfect age… he sits, he plays, he laughs, he crawls, and he is such a little ham! He has kept us laughing from the motorboat and “Indian call” noises to the bob your head dancing. He is developing his own little personality which has been so fun to see evolve. We just love hanging out with our little guy.