I have a hickey!

Don't worry, this is G-rated! I was inspecting my face in the mirror today after my shower, when I noticed this slight, purplish bruise on my chin. I tried in vain to remember doing anything that could have caused the bruise to no avail. Then, it hit me. MJ's new favorite thing is to grab my face with both hands and suck on my chin (always right after his naps- weird). I realized that he had given me a hickey. On my chin. From my son. This photo doesn't do it justice, but I think you can see it just enough!

7 months... a little late

I know, I know. I have been so bad at blogging lately. I'm sorry! We have had some very busy weeks- lots of church activities, family activities and even a trip to the ER for me (don't worry, I am fine :) ). So MJ's 7 month birthday passed and I missed it here! I have no idea how big he is now- suffice it to say, he is growing. He is wanting to crawl so badly, but hasn't been able to get that tummy off the ground yet. He's playing much more independently, laughing and talking and even sleeping through the night- sometimes. He has two teeth now and continues to love to eat. I took a bunch of photos of him today, and can't decide which ones to post, so I think I will just post a couple each day for the next few days! Enjoy!

Sorry!

Been a long time since I last posted. Here are some recent pics (note the blurriness- it is becoming harder and harder to get this boy to sit still :) ). I will write more later- we have been busy!

Embarrassing moment...

Those of you that know me know that I do quite a nice job at embarrassing myself on my own. Well, welcome to motherhood, where now my kid can embarrass me too! Today, after church, I was standing in the courtyard holding MJ and having a wonderful conversation with a member of our church whom I had JUST MET for the first time. We were enjoying getting to know one another when my son projectile vomitted everywhere. Not just anywhere, however, but all over this poor woman's jeans. Mind you, I was the one holding him. He missed himself, missed me, and nailed a complete stranger. I was mortified. I didn't even know what to say. Thankfully, she is a mother herself, and hopefully has empathy for spitty babies!

I dare you...

to find something cuter than this boy in this outfit with these pumpkins.

Pumpkin Patch

We took a trip to Schilter Farms yesterday to enjoy the pumpkin patch and petting zoo! We had a great time. It would have been fun if it was just Mark, MJ and I, but what really made the day super special was having Abu, Papa, Uncle Boo, Auntie Dawn and Katie there too! It was so fun to all be together again, and know that no one will be getting on an airplane to go home! It was super fun to watch Katie and MJ. She knows his name, and constantly throughout the day was saying "Markus". She was hugging and kissing him and helping him drink from his sippy cup. I know it delighted my parents to no end to see their grandbabies playing together and to see their kids enjoying their families together. At dinner we realized that our family dynamics really have changed- there probably won't be another quiet adult meal for a LONG time... but the kind we enjoyed last night, with giggly, loud kids, laughter and sharing were better than any we shared before.

PS- The photo of the three of us plus the two other kids... while we were taking our family photo, these two kids came over and just sat down and smiled at the camera! Too cute!

Tipping the scales at...

17 pounds and 1 ounce (still just under the 50%). 25 and 3/4 inches tall (in the 30%). My big boy. Was a total trooper at the Doctor's office today- we were there an hour and a half. He is now sacked out in his crib- when I left him he was sucking his
thumb :).

Happy Thursday!

He's growing up so fast...

Want proof? He cut his first tooth today. He was a total trooper- hasn't been fussy, no fever, etc. We have noticed his new favorite pasttime the last week or so has been sucking on his bottom lip, and I wondered if that was an indication of what was to come. Today, after his nap, he awoke and started sucking on my finger. That's when I felt it- this new little ridge on his left front bottom gum. His first tooth!

Sippy Cup

Lately MJ has been very interested in us when we are drinking. He wants to hold our glasses and doesn't take his eyes off of us until we are done sipping. On his six month birthday, I decided to give him his own sippy cup. I handed it to him, and he immediately brought it up to his mouth. Every once in awhile he is able to tip it enough and suck hard enough at the same time and actually get some water out. Regardless, he loves to play with it and look like a big boy. He's growing up so fast!

Birthday Suit

Here he is, at 6 months old, happy as a clam in his birthday suit. The baby that once hated to be naked is now happiest sans clothes. I hope to have some more six month pics this week sometime. We find out on Thursday at the good Doctor's how big this boy of ours really is- stay tuned!

What a great few days...

We have had a great few days with Mr. Markus (actually, all of our days with him are great, but the last few have been extra special).
On Thursday, MJ and I had the opportunity to get together with a dear old friend of mine, Tami, for coffee. We had a neat time of fellowship and catching up, and MJ was a champ while we chatted and drank coffee. After our coffee date, MJ and I headed to a doctor's appt for me in Seattle (no, I am not pregnant :) ) where, even though we waited for 40 minutes to get back to see the doctor, MJ was happy as a clam. He was in the Bjorn, and I think he smiled at every person we walked by. I can't tell you how many people at the hospital commented on what a precious and happy baby I had. My doctor even called in another doctor and staff member to see him. After our appt, we headed to downtown Seattle (my favorite place) to walk around in the sunshine and shop. We bought daddy a present and MJ some winter things. All the while, MJ continued to smile at every passerby. Again, many people commented on MJ and his happy disposition. I realized what a ministry of encouragement this little dude of ours already has, and it warmed my heart to no end. After a great day in Seattle, we returned home to welcome the Clay family for dinner and games. They are a delightful family that we grew close to in Lynden and miss terribly. We had an awesome time passing MJ around (he got lots of hugs and kisses) and catching up on life. This is a family that I look to as a model of what I would like ours to be like. The siblings esteem and encourage one another and respect and love their parents. They are a family that LOVES to be together and really prefers each other. Their daughter, Cami, a high school freshman, stayed us while the rest of the family headed to a hotel. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to have breakfast this morning with a young lady that 1. is pursuing the Lord and 2. calls her mom her best friend. It was a delight to chat with her and fall in love with her and her family even more. The rest of the family joined us for more fun and games and hugs and kisses and cuddles after breakfast. Jim and Megan are two people that really get what it means to serve the Lord and serve their family, and they are a tremendous encouragement to us. Their boys are super fun too, and it was fun to watch Mark enjoy them and know that he will enjoy Markus like that too when he is older. We were sad to see them leave. After they left, MJ took his second of two TWO HOUR NAPS today- this in and of itself is a miracle. When he awoke, he was super smiley and we had some wonderful M, K and M time together. It's amazing just how much joy this little man brings to our home.
I leave you with a few photos of the little guy sitting on his own-he is doing so well with this! Thank you Auntie Anna for the adorable outfit! Also, the pic of him sleeping with Mark is very grainy because I took it in extremely low light and then photo shopped it so you could actually see it. I just really think it captures a precious moment between the two of them. Tomorrow, MJ turns 6 months... it's going so fast.

Just sharing some photos...

The kid loves his tongue. On Saturday, he started trying to "blow raspberries". Very cute, unless he is eating cereal. Then, not so much.

The last couple days, he has been all about holding his legs up in the air. Today, for the first time, he was attempting to grab at his feet. I'm still not sure if he knows they are there.

He can stay like this, unassisted, for about 15 seconds. Then he begins to weeble and wobble again.

I know it's blurry, but doesn't it look like Sam is trying to play the "I got your nose" game?

Someday, they will hate us for this photo. Or talk to their therapists about it. Or both. But for now, it's adorable. MJ and Sam, best buddies already. Just like their mommies.

He's growing up!

My little boy is growing up. He still loves to play under his Einstein gym, only now he is actually grabbing at the toys that hang above his head- and he laughs at them.
We started him on rice cereal last weekend... no surprise, he loves it! Cries when I take it away. As if there was any doubt that this kid was going to be a good eater!
Do you see him all dressed and ready to watch a Cowboys game (thanks Drams for the quilt and Uncle John for the outfit and Abu for the paci!)? We watched the game at the home of another Cowboys-fanatic family, where promptly upon our arrival I was given a glimpse into my future. When we arrived, their 3 1/2 year old little girl was on the porch steps. I called out to her "Hello Ellie!" thinking that was her name. I was corrected instantaneously with this response, "My name is not Ellie. It's Little Roy!". Mind you, she was wearing Cowboys jersey #31- Roy Williams. When we entered the home, with everyone but me in their Cowboys gear, she asked me "Where's your Cowboys clothes?". I informed her that I was wearing Cowboys colors (navy and white) but that did not suffice! Welcome to my future in this Cowboys household.
Today we are looking foward to an overnight visit from Auntie Beck and Sam. I'm sure there will be pics to post later! We enjoyed a wonderful few days this last week with Abu while she was in town- we sure do miss her and Papa when they are gone!

It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Super Hawkeye!

Markus and daddy are ready for the big game today, proudly wearing their black and gold! Thank you to Grammie, Papa W. and the McKims for the cute (albeit a little big yet :) ) outfit! Markus only lasted 10 minutes in it, but it's in the wash and should be done for the second half!

5 months!

Okay... so I'm a little late in celebrating MJ's 5 month birthday on the blog. Sorry! He continues to delight our hearts and amaze us daily. We love having him in our family and can't believe how fast the last 5 months have gone by. He is starting to play better on his tummy, trying to sit up on his own, grabbing toys and putting them in his mouth, giggling and loving his play station. He is a very social and happy boy- even with (what his mommy thinks) are short naps! We recently enjoyed a visit from our dear friends Shelley and Andrew (8 months) fron Lynden. Markus was facinated with the way that Andrew could move around and I think a little jealous. Andrew couldn't understand why Markus wouldn't crawl with him! I don't know how much he weighs or how tall he is- but I think you can tell by the pics he sure is growing! Enjoy! --Kels

It's the little things...

like these flowers, that keep the spring in my step. Thanks to my husband, who knows that these little pretties are my absolute favorite. These, along with a beautiful card, warmed my heart to no end as we celebrated four years together on Wednesday. My prayer for us is that we will never forget how meaningful the "little things" are in our marriage, and that we will be able to teach Markus the same through our example.

A great weekend

We had a great Labor Day weekend with Grammie and Papa from Iowa! We enjoyed lots of playtime with Markus, as well as some beautiful weather and fellowship. Sunday evening the adults were treated to an amazing meal at the Melting Pot while Markus played at some friends. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend- just too short of a visit! We love you and miss you already Grammie and Papa!

Cake Day!

Hello family & friends!

I wanted to take a few moments and write to you while my parents weren't looking. Yeah, that's right, I can fully function with a computer even though I'm a few days shy of my 5th month birthday. Don't tell them though...it's much more fun just smiling at them pretending I really don't understand grown up language.

I'm so excited about this weekend of celebration we are going to have at our house this weekend. I was elated to see my Grammie and Papa W. arrive this morning right after my mid morning breakfast. Can the day get any better? Mommy and Daddy kept saying they were coming and now they're here! This means I will get to be in loving arms all weekend long. Who wouldn't want that?

I can't wait to celebrate some special events in my family's life. We will be celebrating Grammie and Papa's 40th Anniversary, Daddy's Birthday (31...wow, that's old!) and Mom and Dad's 4th anniversary all in 3 days. Mommy and Daddy keep talking about what a difference a year makes for this anniversary.

Mom and Dad kept telling me Grammie and Papa were coming out on an airplane so that got me to thinking about the plane ride my daddy and grandpas took when I was only 6 weeks old. It was in this plane on their way home from Alaska. Do you see the Salmon on the side of it? Pretty cool, if you ask me. Daddy kept talking about it so I thought I would let you see it for yourself.

I love you all and can't wait to tell you about all the fun we had when the weekend is over. I must go now, before someone sees me.


Markus Sparkus