Party Like It's Still Your Birthday!

Since our family has so many birthdays all lumped together at the end of the month of August, we decided to take advantage of all those birthdays and have a big "celebrate every ones at once" party! Even though he didn't dive into his smash cake, Spencer still enjoyed playing with it and licking the frosting off his fingers!

Entertainment was provided by Jeff the Balloon Guy and he out did himself with some of the balloon hats he made for everyone! As you can see, Daddy's was very subtle and dignified.

One of the other birthday's celebrated today belonged to Spencer and Brian's cousin Nolan. He turned 6 yesterday and posed with Great Grandma Irene (who will be celebrating her birthday in a couple more weeks!)

Parties can really take it out of a guy and Spencer is no exception to that. After playing, having cake and ice cream, playing, opening gifts, and playing some more, poor Spencer was done in! Big thanks to everyone who came for the party, we hope you had as much fun as we all did! We also want to thank Grandma again for all the extra work she did in putting this shin-dig together! Also, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa's church for letting us use their fellowship hall for the party (and the floor space between the church pews for naps!)

Another Day - Another Fair!

Over the past few months, Spencer has been exposed to several fairs - local and state. Today's fair experience was conveniently located just down the street from Grandma and Grandpa's house in South Dakota! Spencer was really looking forward to today because he has heard that we would get to meet up with Grandpa and help him campaign at the Republican building. Even though Spencer didn't know exactly what campaigning meant - he was sure he could get the hang of it - and that's exactly what he did!

When Spencer wasn't charming the folks at the fair, he and his brother took in some of the other sites on the grounds. One of their favorites was the Future Farmers of America barn. In addition to all of the animals that they could see and touch, there was a big "corn box" that they could play in! We won't be surprised to find Spencer's smiling face in some FFA advertising since they were taking lots of video of him playing in the corn! We also send big birthday wishes out to the boy's cousin Nolan who is turning 6 today!

On The Road Again......

We sure had fun with Uncle Corey, but it was time for us to begin the next leg of our journey. Our next destination was Grandma and Grandpa's house in South Dakota so we needed to get up, organized and on the road as soon as we could. When we were about 70 miles from Grandma and Grandpa's house, we all started getting restless and we needed to stop and stretch our legs for a little bit. We stopped at the campus of South Dakota State University which is located in Brookings and did a little exploring on the campus green.











After the boys checked out the steps of the Campanile (a landmark on the campus), we walked over to the SDSU Dairy Bar for a scoop of the yummy ice cream that they make right there! I hope Grandma and Grandpa are ready to be invaded because we are on our way!

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Spencer's big brother is celebrating his 2nd birthday today. We started our day off by taking a little tour. Even though Uncle Corey is officially on vacation, he agreed to show us around the office where he works. Spencer especially enjoyed this little tour because he got to flirt with some of Uncle Corey's co-workers. He is our little ladies man!

To make it an even more special day, the state of Minnesota got together to throw him a little party! They called it the Minnesota State Fair but it sure looked like a big birthday party to us! After spending an afternoon at the fair, Spencer was more than ready for a snack - even if it meant he had to feed it to himself!

We had a lot of fun at the fair but it was nice to get back to Uncle Corey's house and relax. Spencer sends out a very happy birthday wish to Brian and his apologies in advance for the fact that he has every intention on playing with any and all toys Brian receives as birthday gifts!

Look at all THOSE Birthday Candles!

Today, on our first day of vacation with Uncle Corey in Minneapolis, we all headed off to spend the afternoon at the Minnesota Children's Museum, Spencer was only 2 months old the last time we were here so he got a little more out of the experience this time around! One of Spencer's favorite exhibits was an area specifically designed for kids toddler age and younger. He crawled right up the steps and ramps throughout the room but did need a little assistance getting down them again.

Another area that both Spencer and his brother Brian enjoyed was an exhibit on water and lakes. This picture was taken by a "stream" and both boys loved putting their hands into the water and splashing around in it!

To top off the day, we went out for dinner to celebrate Mommy's birthday today. Happy Birthday Mommy - we love you very much!

Pack Your Bags!

Spencer and his family loaded up the RSV (red sport vehicle) and headed out on their vacation this morning! Our final destination will be Grandma and Grandpa's house in South Dakota but we are going by way of Uncle Corey's house! Even though the boys are both very good little travelers, they still needed a break in the 6 hour drive to stretch their legs for a while. We stopped off at a nice little town along the way and visited their city park. They had some great stuff to play on and Spencer got a big thrill out of riding down the slide with Daddy!

Spencer's 1 Year Checkup

Spencer had his 1 year well being checkup with the doctor today. Unfortunately, the visit also included getting a few shots but being the trooper that he is, once he had his 3 "pokes", the tears dried up and his smile quickly returned. As for his the results of this visit, Spencer's head circumference is 47 which is in the 75th percentile. He is 30 inches tall which is in the 70th percentile and he weighs 24.13 pounds which is in the 75th percentile. The doctor (and his parents too for that matter) are very pleased with with how well Spencer is growing and developing. The doctor told us that he is right on track with where they would like him to be.

The Back Yard Bash!

Spencer was the guest of honor at his "Happy 1st Birthday" back yard bash party today! We were thrilled that so many of our family members could be here to help us celebrate. After everyone had lunch, it was time to settle in and watch Spencer dive into (quite literally) his first birthday cake. Everyone sat on the edge of their chairs wondering how long it would take for him to be covered with frosting, including his brother. Shortly after Spencer shoved his hands into his smash cake Brian came over to Mommy and handed her a washcloth while pointing at Spencer and saying "hands".

Spencer got into the idea of unwrapping gifts within moments of having his first gift handed to him. All afternoon he treated his guests to his smiles and laughter as well as happily clapping his hands as he continued to enjoy himself.

By the end of the afternoon Spencer was running out of steam but fortunately, he had a spot all of his own where he could sit down, kick his feet up and relax. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for this great lawn chair and thank you to everyone for not only being at my party but for your very thoughtful gifts!

I Missed It???

Daddy had every intention of taking Spencer and his brother to a local back to school event that was happening in our neighborhood this morning. Unfortunately, the event was only from 10am - 12 noon and Spencer was taking a nap when it was time to go so only Brian got to go. It wasn't a total loss though - Brian brought Spencer home a fire fighter helmet just like the real fire fighters wear! Daddy borrowed Brian's helmet for this picture - like father like son right?!?!

Do I Need A Drivers License?

We will be celebrating Spencer's first birthday with a few friends this weekend and although he wanted to, Uncle Corey will not be able to be here on Sunday. He told the boys that he had mailed them a birthday gift and while the boys were taking their naps this afternoon, the gift arrived.

When Spencer looked at the 10 foot long roller coaster toy that was sitting in his living room, he was apprehensive to say the least. He was willing to let Mommy and Daddy assist him on a couple rides on this new toy but for the moment, he was more interested in "riding the rails" and just hanging out ON it!

Thank you Uncle Corey! See you in a few days!

I'm One Year Old Today!

It doesn't seem possible but our baby Spencer is 1 year old today! After breakfast, the boys went outside where they discovered their joint birthday gift. The expressions on their faces said it all but if there was any question, the sounds of the giggles and laughter that filled the yard as they tried it out confirmed that they love the new swing set.

Looking at Spencer, it was hard for Mommy and Daddy not to remember that day one year ago today. If you will all allow Mommy a moment to get sentimental.......

One year ago today, with the date scheduled with our doctor, Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital bright and early in anticipation of meeting our new baby boy. However, it appeared that nearly every pregnant woman in the tri-state area had all come into the hospital to have their babies that morning! Since Mommy wasn't officially in labor yet, the other Mommies to be needed to go first. Mommy and Daddy went home anticipating that they would go back to the hospital the next morning but.......Spencer had other plans! Shortly after they got home, Mommy and Daddy headed back to the hospital and almost as soon as they found a room for us, we got to meet baby Spencer! It was a day that we will always remember and Spencer has been an amazing blessing to our lives and to family. Happy Birthday Spencer Paul - we love you very much!

Where Did He Go???

When Daddy got home from work tonight he got into a game of hide and seek with the boys. He hides in the hallway, just around the corner from the living room. Even though the boys see where he goes to hide, when they go to find him, as soon as they peek around the corner and see him - hysterical laughter from all parties!

Out of His Way!!!!!

Spencer's walking skills continue to improve each day but when he has a push toy in front of him - he can practically fly across the room! Tonight as he was pushing this toy down the hallway, he was almost running behind it! Granted, some of that is because he is just trying to keep up with the toy, but the fact remains - he kept up with it!

Shhhhhhh!

"Shhhhhhhhh, be very quiet please because my little brother is sleeping."

Spencer's afternoon of playing finally got the best of him. He finished his dinner but he couldn't keep his eyes open a minute longer and while still in his high chair.........he fell asleep!

On Hands on Pool Deck!

Since the pool water was a little too chilly for Spencer today, he opted instead to hang out on the deck and catch some rays with Aunt June! Grandma, Aunt June and Mommy got to Grandma and Grandpa's pool a little late today because they went to a baby shower for Daddy's cousin Bill and his lovely wife Kristin. We are all very anxious to meet their little bundle of joy in a few more weeks!

So That's Where The Driver Sits!

Even though it's a couple days before his first birthday, Spencer moved into his brand new forward facing car seat today! We went on a very exciting trip to the post office and then the grocery store and he kept looking out the window like he was seeing everything for the first time! Of course, in a way, he WAS seeing everything for the first time. Until today his car seat faced backwards so aside from having a good view of his brother, he didn't see much else.

Big brother Brian supervised Spencer getting settled into his new seat.....















.........and when Mommy looked in the rear view mirror, this is what she saw!

MEAL!

This morning Spencer and his brother got something new to cook up in their kitchen. Mommy donated her empty oatmeal box (or "meal" as Brian refers to it) for them to use.

On a side note, Spencer's bruise from yesterday's fall is coming along nicely don't you think?

Walking Wounded!

Mommy and Daddy had been talking about bringing Spencer in to have his official 1 year pictures taken. However, given that he got a nice mark under his eye yesterday and thanks to a run in with the kitchen table, a big bruise on his forehead today - I believe we will wait awhile!

Hide & Seek!

Spencer and his brother continue to interact and play together more and more. At breakfast yesterday Brian invited Spencer to play in a game of hide and seek. Brian would lean back behind Spencer's high chair so that he couldn't see his face - wait a few seconds.........

.......and then pop back up in front of Spencer. This was followed by a chorus of giggles and laughs (from both boys)!

Lets Pray!

Spencer has been working on his table prayer technique. He doesn't keep his hands folded for the whole prayer every time, but he is getting better and more consistent each and every day!

These Shoes Were Made For Walkin'......

Now that Spencer is spending so much time on his feet instead of his knees, it was time to invest in a pair of "hard shoes" for him. When we were at the store, he wasn't real excited about Mommy putting them on his feet, but once he was able to get down and walk around with them on, he was good with it all. When we got home, he tried them out on the steps.....













....and then he tried them out walking down the sidewalk. He gave his new shoes a thumbs up rating (at least until the next time Mommy or Daddy has to put them on his feet again!)

Change of Plans!

Today was a beautiful day - the kind of day that is perfect for making a trip to the Brookfield Zoo! Unfortunately, about every other family in the tri state area had the same idea. The line just to get into the parking lot was down the block so instead of waiting it out, we opted to pay a visit to someone who doesn't live too far from the zoo - Grandpa! He was doing some work outside when we got to his house and the boys were anxious to see if there was anything they could do to help him. Pulling weeds sounded like an excellent project so they got right to it. Hopefully Grandma will like how everything looks when she gets home in a few more days!

Grandma? Are You There??

"Hello Grandma? Are you enjoying your time in Iowa? We miss you here and between you and me, I think Grandpa REALLY misses you! We had dinner with him tonight to make sure he wasn't getting into trouble at home by himself. Before we went for dinner, he asked if we could stop by the new Harbor Freight Hardware store that opened over by our house. It was a very nice store and I believe Grandpa even bought you something - but I won't ruin the surprise and tell you what it is! Give Great Grandma, Aunt Judith, Uncle Dave and Aunt Karrie all big hugs from us and we will see you soon!"

The 29th Olympiad

Tonight Spencer and Daddy snuggled up on the sofa together to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics - at least until it was time for bed!

Go Team USA!!!!!!!

Cute Boy!

Spencer is walking like a professional now! He loves this new method of transportation so much that about the only time he sits now is when he needs to take a rest or catch his breath!

Good Bye Friend - You Will Be Missed!

Some of you may have noticed that over the past few days, Mommy has been a little slow in getting the blog updated. Unfortunately there has been a reason behind this delay. Sadly, today we must say good bye to our trusted and true friend, Walter the dog. Walter has been a presence in Spencer's life from the beginning. In fact, one of the first faces that Spencer saw when he arrived home from the hospital had big floppy ears and a wet nose! Walter was an incredible dog around kids, especially Spencer and his brother Brian. So today we will say goodbye to our good friend Walter by taking a little stroll down memory lane.

We love you Walter - you will be missed!

Adopted 9/2000 - 8/6/2008