Family photos!

Our great friend Mike is also a great photographer. So, we decided to *attempt some photos to document this stage of life and toddlerhood. And by this stage of toddlerhood, I mean the independent-can't-sit-still-will-run-the-other-direction-at-all-costs stage. Obviously, we needed a patient photographer who would still have to love us when it was all over.  :)

 

Shepard had a blast. Running free on the lawns of Winthrop...and I thought he was going to lay a duck when he saw the very cool water wall/fountain things. We had to drag him away several times, literally kicking and screaming "POND!!!!" We were able to sneak in a few good shots in the rare moments when he was still for 3 seconds. Here's a sneak peek at a few of my favorites.

My 'cycle

Shepard is growing up every day. He shocks me at least once a day with something he knows that I didn't know he knew. This week he picked up an "I" and a "0" in the bathtub (foam toys), put them together and announced, "TEN!" Whoa there, partner.
He has also been talking non-stop about a bicycle, which he still mostly calls a 'cycle. He spots them everywhere. So, in the decision about what to get him for his birthday...that was pretty much it. We're hoping he'll get LOTS of wear out of this. We went with a balance bike. It doesn't have pedals or a chain, but teaches the kid to balance and steer, and they power it with their feet and coast. Here's a video of another kid (different bike, but same concept) on his balance bike.

You should have seen how excited Shepard got when we were just trying on the helmet. It's like he knew what it was for! Here's some footage of our first ride. Apparently, for the first week or so, they just walk. Then they get more confident and sit on the seat and walk, then start to run a bit, and then start coasting. We'll see how he progresses. He must have said "My 'cycle" about 28 times this afternoon...

Happy Birthday (early), sweet little man.

Random Chat

We're having a sick day today. Last evening was a rough icky-sicky time. Mommy might have gotten barfed all over. Bless his little heart. He has bounced back after a good night's sleep. Here we are hanging out on the sofa this morning. I think he's on the up and up.

Shepard now seems to know almost all his basic colors and numbers by sight. What a fun age.

I LOVE...YOU!

Here's a fun new trick...just in time for Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to our special Gigi and Grandma. We love...YOU! And, just for fun, a special rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus."

All Summer Long!

Thanks to an early birthday present, Shepard will be playing his heart out all summer long. Jerod and Uncle Matt put in at least 10-12 hours on this. It doesn't look like it would take that long, but every step had 28 more steps, holes to drill, etc. I think there were 459 bolts and screws. In playset versus Jones Brothers, Jones Brothers win by a narrow margin. Humidity played a factor in day 2. But the Joneses are persistent. They don't get beat down by some rowdy wood and such.
Here is Shepard when he discovers his new backyard "toy."

Happy Birthday, Daddy! ~by Shepard

Today is my Daddy's birthday. Mommy helped me make a sign and decorate it since I'm growing and sleeping a lot and Daddy had to go to work before I got to give him a birthday hug. She put the picture on facebook and Daddy could see it at work. Daddy gets up really early in the morning and drinks coffee. Mostly, I don't get to see him in the morning, so I get very excited in the afternoon and yell "DADDY!" on the way down our street. On Saturdays, he holds me in his lap and we watch cartoons while Mommy sleeps until I go in her room and put shoes on her bed so she'll come watch cartoons too. My favorite cartoon right now is Dora and Boots.

I love my Daddy very much. He plays sandbox and cars with me, and he can reach up to the top of the playground and catch me and make sure I get down all the slides on my pockets and not on my face. He helps me a lot and makes yummy grilled chicken for me outside. He hugs me and tells me he loves me. Lately, Mommy and Daddy have been asking me if I love them. It's funny to say no, because they make funny faces. So I started to say "No-yesh" just today because I do love them a lot. I really love when one of them picks me up from school. One day I hope that I can be tall and handsome like my Daddy and a good cook too. I can't wait to drive his red car. He is the best Daddy and my favorite is on Saturdays when he gives me a banana to eat and I watch Dora. Have I mentioned I like Dora? She's my favorite. And Daddy. He's my favorite. And me. I'm my favorite too.