"Hi! I'm Preston, and I'm ELEVEN Months Old!"

CAN YOU BELEIVE IT??????  Preston is becoming a little man (um, and a terror).

Thinking back over everything this boy has accomplished this month is CRAZY to me.

1.  He is REALLY loving his solids- we're almost completely done with any and all pureed foods.  He loves to eat with his hands (and sometimes just his mouth directly off of the highchair).  Some of the REAL foods he loved include: shredded chicken, spaghetti, mac and cheese, any and every fruit (watermelon, mangoes, apples), green beans,  sweet potatoes, tomatoes (which I knew would happen considering I downed tomato juice throughout my pregnancy), eggs, grilled cheese, any type of bread (what can I say?  He's his mother's son), and SO SO much more.  He is really such a good eater and I REALLY REALLY hope that continues! 

2.  We have started transitioning him off of formula to whole milk.  He only gets about an ounce per bottle at this point (and usually has a total of (4) 5-6 oz bottles a day).  He LOVES him some whole milk.  I give him a little "straight up" in a sippy every now and then and he gets so excited!  By the time he is one, he will have completely dropped all formula and one of his four feedings!  I have no doubt that he will drop the bottle with no problem as well.  During the day, he is basically only on a sippy now anyway.  It will just be his nighttime bottle.  Lord help us because I don't like to change the boys nighttime routine because it ROCKS....

3.  He is a master "pull-upper" and furniture walker.  Yes, I said furniture.  He basically refuses to walk anywhere with someone hold his hands.  He's done it for Katie a few times- maybe 4 steps, but he is SO independent and wants to do it on his own.  I don't know when he will officially walk, and honestly, I'm not stressing about it.  For one, he can't get into stuff.  Second, how many normal functioning kindergartners do you still see crawling?  He'll do it when he's ready- just like his crawling!

4.  He LOVES to play in his bed before and after naps and bed time.  We just put him in there and he throws his pacis out, plays with his blankets, and loves on his giraffe.  When I go in the to get him, EVERYTHING is usually out of his crib and he is standing up just looking at his hard work.

5.  He still loves to wave, though he is still refusing to clap.  I just think this is so weird considering he was doing this when he was six months old.  Oh well- he'll pick it back up eventually.

6.  He knows the word "no" and sometimes follows my directions.  He has now started to shake his head back at me.  I use the word "no" only for very important things.  I try not to use it for simple things that could just be taken care of with a quick distraction.  I don't want to over-use the word and have it eventually lose meaning.  Recently though, I've been yelling "Jack no," outside because he barks constantly.  Preston now yells "Ah (jack in baby talk) n- n- (no no)" and shakes his head.  He copies exactly what I do- as long he isn't busy chewing on something or dancing!

7.  He can play peek-a-boo.  Sometimes the blanket doesn't even cover his face, but he loves to lift it up and down.  Sometimes he plays it by HIMSELF in his crib before or after naps.  Brad and I just watch him on his video monitor and it is HILARIOUS!!!! 

8.  He can put the rings on the pole toy thingy.  Whatever it's called- he concentrates VERY hard on getting them on there.  He does occasionally get very frustrated with the rings when they don't go on because his other hand is in the way, bur for the most part, he's pretty good at it and gets the silliest/ happiest look on his face EVERY TIME it goes on.  We're working on saying "yay" when Preston does something great, and I think this qualifies...

9.  He can open and shut the drain in the bathroom.  ALL THANKS TO HIS DADDY.  He thought it was cute, I think it's a pain- enough said.

10.  He can throw a baseball and is definitely figuring out what it means to "go get your ball."  Do I feel like I'm playing fetch with a dog when he goes and gets it and I throw it again?  Yes, but don't judge.

11.  He can stand up in high chairs (luckily not his because it's so fancy) and shopping carts.  And believe me, he does!  When we try to buckle him is, he screams.  It's lovely.  He doesn't like being confined to one place.  He wants to move.

12.  He HATES the sun shinning in his eyes while in his car seat.  I thought this was only going to be until we turned his car seat around at one, but after Brad read everything they are recommending about car seats, and I've done some research- it seems the problem is going to persist until he's 18 months to 2 years!!  So, turned around he will stay:)  He doesn't mind it as long as the sun isn't right in his face- even with our tented windows.

13.  He officially has no more "baby toys."  We've put a majority in attic (in case we ever have a moment of insanity and think we need another child) over time... no more swing, bouncers, exersaucers, play gyms/ mats, Johnny jump-up, so on.

14.  He's almost ready for 18 month closes.  He is amazingly tall for his age.  He's weight seems pretty average- I wouldn't even consider him being chunky- by for length in his abdomen and legs- 18 months is what we are going to be in.

15.  He loves his paci!  We are only giving it to him at night, nap time, and when we are out (Do you think we are THAT crazy?).  Honestly, when he is playing or up around the house, if he doesn't see it, he is perfectly fine.  I just hope it isn't too much of a battle to get him off of it for good.  I know if he doesn't have it during play time it won't interfer with his speech, but I want to also make sure it won't mess up his teeth (well, his two current teeth I know aren't an issue- but I'm hoping he'll get more at some point).

16.  He loves people.  He can entertain a room of people like he has known them for years.  He doesn't really seem to have any sort of stranger danger just yet.  If you're willing to hold the crazy kid, he's willing to hang with you.

I can't wait to see what else he is going to accomplish in the next month!  Oh my...

(11 month pictures to come soon- I planned on posting them with this- I just don't know if I'll ever find the time!!!)

SpRiNg BrEaK 2011: Party All Day, Sleep All Night!

Last week was my first Spring Break as a mom and Preston's, well, first Spring Break!  I had been looking forward to spending some quality time with my baby boy. 

To start the weekend off, we had a GREAT time with some GREAT friends.  Katie invited us along with our friends Brooke, Brian, and their little boy Logan over for a bar-be-que.  I got some great pictures of the kiddos- along with some of the big kids!

Preston and Caroline decided to do a little dancing during the shoot.  Brooke actually submitted one of the pictures of the three of them to the Mansfield Magazine- and they will have a staring role in the next issue under the "snapshot" section!  Look for Preston's first celebrity appearance!

Preston continued to dance!  This picture just cracks me up because it looks like Logan is thinking... "What the heck is that kid doing still dancing?"

Great group of friends!  Both moms and babies!

**________**

Sunday, Brad, P, and I had to run a few errands, but we snapped a few pics beforehand. 

**________**

My mom eagerly took the day off on Tuesday to spend with boo and I.  Unfortunately I didn't get any pics that day as we did a little shopping and errand running for Preston's birthday, but I did capture Preston the next day playing with his new favorite toy his Sissy bought him (along with several new outfits for mother (myself) and baby and few other unnecessary things, but that's what there here for... right?)

He LOVES to put the rings on and he gets SO excited EVERY time...

**________**

Wednesday, we did a little morning play room playing and then went to visit our three favorite people at work: Daddy, Sissy, and Aunt Candace!

**_________**

Thursday, we celebrated St. Patty's day with a crazy day of shopping with our good buddies Brooke and Logan!

Preston wanted to make sure Logan wasn't going anywhere!

Guess who was over pictures by this time?

**________**

AND before we knew it, Friday was here!  Daddy took the day off to spend with us.  We enjoyed a nice morning at the house with some yummy breakfast and, of course, a family trip to the Home Depot!

This is Preston's cabinet and he thinks it's the greatest thing.  In fact, he tries SO hard to get into all of the other cabinets- I wonder how long until he realizes it isn't going to happen?  They are all baby proofed to keep his grubby little hands off of the dishes and serving pieces.

He loved eating the scrambled eggs and watermelon.  By Sunday morning, he was skipping the hand and eating the eggs directly off of the highchair.

**________**

Saturday morning, Brad got out the little car Daddy Steve and Sherry gave us that Uncle Micah used to love!  Boy- do we see why!  Preston couldn't get enough of it.... he'd SCREAM at us every time we attempted to stop.

Saturday afternoon, our favorite Emerson's joined us for a late lunch. 

And on a side note I would like to point out that I officially have THAT child at restaurants- he CAN'T sit still.  He climbs out of his high chair, bangs loud toys into the table, wants just about everything he can't have and nothing he can, randomly screams as loud as possible, so on and so on.  Needless to say, there will be no more eating out with little Emerson for awhile.  It's not fare to him, us, and the quiet people trying to enjoy their meal.  He's just at the age where is wants to explore and move.  This is just another HUGE difference in boys and girls!  I don't ever remember going through this with Ava... but this kid has been crazy since he was floating in my belly! 

After lunch, we came back and had some great outdoor fun walking down to the neighborhood park!

This picture is PRICELESS to me.  I just love all of them SO SO much!

Ava is such an amazing big cousin!

Brothers and Cousins

This was Preston's first sugar free Popsicle- as you can tell, he was a fan!

<3

**________**

This Spring Break was BY FAR the most different, stressful, exhausting, sleepless of them all- but with all of that is was also BY FAR the best!  One of the best things about being a teacher is having the joy of being a working mom and a stay at home mom all in the same year.  After experiencing both, I can definitely say I have NO CLUE which one is harder.  Working all day and coming home to take care of my love, cleaning, and cooking (haha... yeah right) is tiring, but staying home and taking care of a crazy 10 month old all day is pretty much just as tiring.  This little dose of Spring has gotten me very excited (and to be completely honest- scared) for summer!  Bring on 11 weeks filled with play dates, zoo trips, swimming lessons, and so much more!  Until then, we will continue to have amazing weekends!

What's a Party Without Some Extreme Planning?

Because the months are flying by, and it will be April before we even know it, I have officially been consumed with Preston's birthday party planning (well, and because I'm a third grade teacher, the TAKS test, but that's not as fun to talk about)!!  If anyone knows me, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE planning things like this... down to every detail (which can be a bit much for some people).  If you have been around me at all the past couple of weeks or at least within talking distance, you know this is all I am talking about.  Let's just say poor Brad, Candace, Katie, Brooke, Mom, Brittany, (possibly my class- but we won't go there) AND anyone willing to give me a listening ear because that is basically all they hear about... BUT in my diffence- it is Preston's FIRST birthday party, and not only as his mother, but as a perfectionist at heart- I want it to be something we will remember forever.  Not only because of the cake, decorations, presents, etc., but because of the people that will make it such a special event for this little boy.  He is such a lucky little guy to be surrounded by people that love him dearly- and this is a time to get them all together in one room and celebrate what we all have in common- love for my little man:)  He has brought so much joy to so many peoples lives.  Nothing is going to bring him more joy then seeing all of the faces he sees so frequently all in one room all at the same time.  He's going to be in his element that's for sure. 

Now, because you chose to read this, you also get a little dose of my party planning mind.  Candace and I sat down last weekend to "map out" just about anything and everything we could think of when it comes to Party Day- which I should mention here will be on April 23rd (his actual birthday fell on a Saturday this year- couldn't have worked out better). 

Brad and I decided to go with a baseball theme for several reasons: 1.  I think it's a super cute "theme" (even though I'm not usually a "theme" person) 2.  It's boyish but not ridiculous like Toy Story Three, Shrek, etc (and no offense to those who chose those themes- I'm aware that people might also be turned off by the baseball theme- we all have our own opinions)  3.  There are some SUPER cute decorations to go along with this 4.  Food should be relatively inexpensive as the typical ballpark foods are nachos, hot dogs, and popcorn and last, but not least, 5.  Preston is pretty much terrified of any type of sporting equipment (including footballs, basketballs, big bouncy balls, soccer balls, volleyballs, etc) that are bigger than a baseball.  I still can't quite figure out why - but he hates them.  But give him some a baseball and a bat and he's in love.  I guess this means the boy is going to be a baseball player?!?!  I know that he we eventually grow out of his current sport ball phobia- but until then, at the Emerson house, we will just stick with  baseballs and golf balls.  I wouldn't be too upset if the baby turned out to be the next Ian Kinsler or Tiger Woods (minus the whole rescent family issues he's been surrounded by). 

We have decided to make (AKA have Candace help make) pretty much all of the decorations and the CUP CAKES.  Candace is VERY good at carrying out my ideas (which are sometimes overboard), but together, we will make them all come to life.  Baseball wreths, birthday banners, picture frame friend gifts, and so much more:)  We have some serious purchases to make and an entire weekend will need to be devoted, but I know we will get it all done.  Tonight, in fact, Brad and I practiced the cupcakes.  I was very nervous about this and, in fact, didn't even know if I just wanted to do cupcakes, but after several opinions, the consensus was yes on the cupcakes.  Brad and I decided to make them because we think it is something special we can do for Preston (and maybe, just maybe, it will save us about a million dollars due to the rescent obsession with cupcakes).  They aren't going to be perfect, but they are going to be made from the heart (and a box of Betty Crocker mix and icing).  I actually think they turned out pretty descent, but it has officially been decided that I do NOT have a steady hand, and I will NOT be creating the red stripes.  I will do the white icing and Brad will create the stripes.

This week, I plan on getting a lot the projects started... i.e. getting Preston's shirt made, planning his pictures, ordering the invation template, purchasing about 1,000 foam baseballs, laying out a budget (which we all know will be nonexsistant by the end of all of this), and so much more:) 

Keeping my mind busy with details, decorations, and presents does help keep my mind off of the fact that my son will be one.  I will no longer have an infant- I'll have a toddler.  SO- here's to a great party, with great people!  And here's to my denial that turtle is growing up !!

Fun at Aunt Katie's and Caroline's

Because we have the best "Aunt Katie" in the world, here are some precious videos she has captured of Boo and his bestie Caroline!!!!  We are beyond lucky to have such an amazing person taking care of Preston each and every day!  She is like his second mom, and he ADORES her and Caroline.  He is ALWAYS smiling when I drop him off in the morning.  (In fact, this morning, he reached for her right out of arms like he was ready to play!)  After seeing these videos, I know why he LOVES being there...

**And on a side note, sorry the videos are in two separate entries- I couldn't figure out how to get them in one...:)

Fun at Aunt Katie's and Caroline's (Part II)

Bye, Bye Billy Ray (Cyrus' haircut)

The time had finally come to get rid of the mullet.  Though it wasn't terrible, it had potential to get that way, and get that way quickly.  We decided to take Preston to my good friend and hairstylist, Laura, to get a new and improved haircut:) 

Did he sit still?  NO

Did he turn his head back and forth about a million times?  YES

Did she almost take out big chunk of hair because he was so crazy? YES
But does it look good?  YES!!!

Here is a before of the back.  (Notice it touches his back)

A few during the process:

And the after.  Not a dramatic difference (which is what we wanted), but just a enough to get rid of the "party in the back."

Just another memory in the journay of life. 

The boy's first haircut can now go down in the books with a checkmark beside it.