New Years Eve!

Spencer was the life of the party while Mommy and Daddy hosted some of our good friends on New Years Eve. For most of the evening, it looked like he might stay awake long enough to welcome in the New Year himself! He came VERY close, but just minutes before the ball dropped (according to the TV behind him, it was 11:59pm Dick Clark time) he fell sound asleep.

Spencer would also like to say thank you to Uncle Ralph, Aunt Karen, Beth, Jamie, Uncle Freddie, Aunt Karen, Anthony and Christopher for the Christmas presents he received tonight. He is anxious for Mommy and Daddy to finish the laundry so he can start wearing them!

Time To Work Out!

Mommy and Daddy were planning on pulling out the exerciser for Spencer to work out on as soon as they take the Christmas tree down (and there is more room). But, just for fun, while Grandma and Grandpa were over for a visit today - we let him at it to see how he would like it. Big brother Brian was right there offering words of encouragement and telling him how everything worked. "The elephant ears over here are great for chewing on.....and this round thing with the monkey in it - it spins like this...."

He seemed slightly overwhelmed at first but settled into it nicely and as soon as he realizes that he can bounce in it, we anticipate that he will use those strong little legs of his to see how high he can go in an attempt to launch himself!

Headed For Home (Day 2)

We used the same travel plan for our return trip as we did on our way out. We split the 12 hour drive into 2 days. So, by late afternoon on Friday we were back in Clear Lake Iowa and at Great Grandma Dorothy's house. Once again Mommy and Daddy explained to Spencer that Great Grandma wasn't there because she goes to Arizona for the winter. Frankly, we don't think Spencer believes that she ever really lives in Iowa. After all, this was the third time that he was been to "her house" and she hasn't been there once!

We arrived safe and sound back home by early evening tonight. We could have been home sooner I suppose, but big brother Brian was just having way too much fun at the McDonald's play land in La Cross WI again!

Heading For Home (Day 1)

It sure doesn't seem like it's been a week since we left for our South Dakota Christmas, but we needed to head back to Illinois today. We had a wonderful time and want to thank everyone, especially Grandma and Grandpa for letting us stay at their house! Hopefully we didn't leave too big of a path of destruction behind us! We got to see so many of our friends and family on this trip and even though our visits didn't last as long as we would have liked, we are thrilled that we got to see as many of you as we did!

Milestone Day!

Today we spent an action packed day at Grandma and Grandpa's house. (See Brian's blog for more details on some of the days action.) When things had wound down at the end of the day, Spencer got a bath from Grandma and Grandpa complete with.........

the signature move known the world round as "The Grandpa Shake". Grandpa perfected this move when he gave Spencer's big brother a bath and both boys get a "grandpa shake" at the end of each bath now!

Spencer waited until his brother had gone off to bed and he had finished up with his bath before he ended the day with a huge milestone. Spencer rolled over for the first time tonight!

The Holiday Traveler!

After spending yesterday at Grandma and Grandpa's "base camp", Spencer and the crew hit the road again, this time to see Great Grandma Irene!

We spent the day at Great Aunt Maxine and Great Uncle Jim's house. Our timing was perfect since Spencer got the extra special treat of being there at the same time as Mommy's cousins twin boys. Even though he wasn't big enough to get down on the floor to run around with them, Spencer still had loads of fun watching Barret and Brayden play!

My First Christmas!

Even though Spencer didn't wake up in his own house Christmas morning, Santa still managed to find him at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Later that day, Grandpa and Spencer got caught up on the happenings of our friends and family by reading their Christmas cards/letters together!

From Spencer and his family, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

A South Dakota Christmas

Spencer's first Christmas Eve was spent at Uncle Seth, Aunt Ann and Cousin Nolan's house! Good weather made for a pleasant drive to their house but Spencer will have to take our word for that since he slept through the majority of the trip there. Nolan was a wonderful host and playmate who had lots of hugs to share too!

Even though Spencer isn't a tiny baby anymore, he still offered Uncle Seth some "refresh your baby skills" time since he will be a new Daddy again very soon!

Christmas Comes Early!

Spencer got to start his Christmas celebrating early. We all piled into the RSV (red sport vehicle also known as our mini van) and drove to Mommy's cousin's house. We got to enjoy a yummy meal and catching up with our relatives. Spencer snuggled up to Kathy to give her a big thank you for letting us invade her house. We all had a lot of fun!

To Grandma's & Grandpa's House We Go!

The half way mark on our trip to South Dakota was Clear Lake Iowa where we spent the night at Great Grandma Dorothy's house. This was Spencer's second trip to her house and both times.....she wasn't there! Even though she is still in Arizona, we appreciated her letting us stay there! After skidding across a few roads the next morning in Minnesota, we safely arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Spencer was anxious to tell Grandpa all about the trip!

I'm 4 Month's Old!

Spencer turned 4 months old today. We celebrated the occasion by starting our trip to South Dakota for Christmas. On the way we stopped at a McDonalds playland - Spencer's first but I'm sure not his last! He didn't run around on the toys quite as much as his big brother did, but he enjoyed having Daddy feed him dinner there.

Jr. Toolman In Training

Thank you to our good friends Karen and Wayne who gave Spencer and Brian these fun tool ornaments! I believe this is the first (but certainly not the last) tool that Spencer has held. Maybe it's just me, but I think he likes it!

Looks Good From Here!

Spencer supervised Mommy as she baked some cookies today. He had a good vantage point from his Bumbo chair and as you can see, he was all smiles! Like his big brother, Spencer is such a good natured little guy. We are also happy to report that neither of the boys have had any negative effects since getting their shots Monday morning!

Guard Kitty

While Spencer took a "cat nap" in the living room, Jem the cat decided to stand guard over him! I am constantly amazed as to how well this ol' cat has adjusted to life - not only with a dog, but with a little boy, and then another little boy! Even though she has has had her fur and tail yanked on more than one occasion, she still keeps coming back for more!

SHOTS!

Even though Spencer won't officially be 4 months old until Friday, he had his 4 month well being checkup with the doctor today. Much to his dismay, immunizations shots were a big part of today's appointment. When we arrived at the doctors office, he stripped down to his diaper for his weigh in. Spencer is in the 85 percentile in weight at 16 pounds 10.5 ounces! He is in the 30 percentile for height at 24 1/2 inch's and in the 30 percentile for head circumference also at 41 1/2. The doctor said he looks wonderful and is growing big and strong (but we had already guessed that!)

Immunization shots are no fun for Spencer or for his Mommy but just like his big brother, he was a brave little boy! If you have to get shots (which of course, you do) I really like the way our doctors office does them. The doctor is on one side of him and the nurse is on the other side, and on the count of three they both gave him 2 shots at the same time. Within seconds, he had all four "pokes" and was done. By the time it registered with him what was happening, they were done and they were putting on the bandaids. The nurse handed him back to Mommy and as soon as the crying started, it stopped and he was all smiles and cooing again! This picture was taken when we got home. He sure doesn't look like a little boy who just had shots does he? He may have some discomfort in the next day or so, but for right now - a dose of Baby Tylenol and gobbling up some of his bottle seem to be the makings for a very happy baby!

Box Car Spencer!

With two young gentlemen living under the same roof, we go through a lot and we do mean a LOT of diapers! Big brother Brian is a big fan of getting rides in "diaper box cars" so Spencer decided he wanted to take a spin in one tonight!

Even Baby's Can Ride!

Spencer made his very first trip into the city today! We had to take some pictures as proof that he was there since he slept through large parts of the trip........staring with his train ride in!

Once we got downtown, we looked at this years window displays at Macy's department store. The theme this year was "The Nutcracker". After looking them all over (of which Spencer saw none of since he was all covered up in his stroller) we went into the store. The store has a beautifully decorated tree on the top floor which we like to go see each year. Spencer did wake up for this! With the tree behind them, he jumped onto Beth's lap and asked all the kids to get into the picture with them. When Spencer speaks, people listen so with Beth and Spencer are Jamie, Brian, Erika and Krista.

Should I Do It Again????

Spencer is looking very pensive this evening. He is probably pondering how late he should sleep tomorrow morning. Mommy and Daddy are very happy to announce that for the past 4 consecutive nights, young Spencer Paul has slept all the way through the night! After taking his last bottle somewhere between 8-9 pm, he usually falls asleep for the night. He might open an eye during a before bed diaper change but other than that, he has been sleeping until 7 or 8 am! This kid is definitely another keeper!

It's Guy Smiley!

Spencer has a thing for sticking his lower lip out. He has been told on more than one occasion that birds will land on it if he doesn't pull it back in! But, as soon as you start talking to him, the lip goes in and is replaced with a big grin.....just like this one!

Kiss The Cook!

Daddy made some cornbread tonight and he had lots of extra help in the kitchen! Spencer opted to sit in Brian's high chair since it gave him the best view of the kitchen. All chef assistants were required to wear a hot pad. Since he doesn't really have hair yet, he didn't need to wear a hairnet but the hot pad was a must! This one is bigger than his head but it still worked!

Dear Santa......

How weird is it that you will spend years explaining to your children how dangerous it is for them to talk to strangers. Then, once a year you set them on the lap of some man in a red suit and you think nothing of it! Such was the case for our family last week when we went to the mall to see Santa. Both boys were not at all scared and as you can see - they took a very cute picture of the threesome! Spencer only asked Santa for one thing this year.......he would like a neck for Christmas!

Sooooooooo Big!

This morning Spencer showed Grandpa how he likes to stretch and kick his strong little legs! Even though their visit this time was a short one, Spencer said that any time spent with his Grandparents is time well spent!

No Autographs Please

Following in his brothers footsteps, this year it was our little Spencer who played the part of Baby Jesus in our church's Boars Head Festival which took place this weekend. He did an outstanding job in both of the performances yesterday and today our little star had even more people there cheering on. Mommy, who once again was playing the part of Mary, Daddy who was an usher, Grandma D who was the costume designer, and Grandpa D who played one of the Wise Men. Also sitting in the audience today were Grandma and Grandpa H and cousin Krista! Spencer handled his final performance like a true professional and we were all extremely proud of him! For the moment, Spencer has requested that his Mommy and Daddy continue acting as his talent agents......which they are happy to do!

In Training

While Spencer was gazing at the lights on the Christmas tree today, he put on this fuzzy Santa hat to feel even more festive! How cute is this kid???

Kicks

Spencer is constantly watching his big brother......no doubt wanting to do all the things that he can do. Daddy thought he would give Spencer a taste of what it's like to wear big boy shoes, so he let him try on Brian's "shoe ball cover tops", also known as "kicks", also known as "shoes". They might be a little big, but it looked like Spencer enjoyed having them on!

Daddy Time

Since Spencer gets to spend all day with Mommy, he looks forward to having his quality bonding time with Daddy in the evenings! The only catch is that they have to get all their talking done prior to Spencer eating his bottle because once he has it.......he has a tough time keeping his eyes open for long!

My First Snow!

Spencer will have the opportunity for lots of "firsts"in the upcoming months and years to come. In fact, he had one such "first" today! Chicago had our first significant snowfall of the season overnight and when Daddy was done shoveling the driveway this morning, he brought in something for Spencer to check out.......a snowball!

Almost Maxed Out!

Spencer is the second resident of the cradle that Daddy made. If he continues to grow at the rate he is going...he won't fit in it much longer though! He does have his a crib all set up and ready to go in his room but for the moment, Spencer still sleeps in his cradle in Mommy and Daddy's room. Our thought was that he would sleep with us until he started sleeping through the night and he would move into his own room at that time. The day before he turned 3 months old, he slept through the night for the first time! He did it again two nights later! However, those have been the only nights that he has made it the whole night. His routine has been to wake up hungry between 4-5 am, inhale a bottle and then go back to sleep until about 7. So, he is very close to making it the whole night.....but he's not quite there yet!

Yup....We Are Brothers!

Spencer definitely knows who his big brother is. When Brian is close by, Spencer can't take his eyes off him and usually, has a big smile on his face too!

Another First!

Spencer has been talking (cooing) for several weeks now. He has a lot of things on his mind so he never seems to run out of things to say! This evening as Mommy and Spencer were chatting, he laughed! He chuckled a cute little belly laugh through most of our conversation which was absolutely hysterical! Who knew Mommy was so funny!

Let's Bond!

While big brother Brian was taking a nap, Spencer and Mommy took advantage of some "just the two of us play time". Spencer loves this kind of playtime and from the looks of it - Mommy does too!