thun-der.

During dinner Smalls couldn't stop pointing out the definition in his arms, so I thought it'd try to focus in on them.

[He was eating pizza, so he ate in just his diaper].

He was striped down, ready for a bath, when this sight caught my eye in the mirror.  The more I look at that thigh, the more I realize it's not the best angle for my sweet angel.  But his thighs are legit.  And that cheek? Clearly chunky enough to swallow half of a diaper.

super freak

Despite the snow globe I was driving through, I couldn't take my eyes off the Tapas Truck in front of me.  It sounded perfect for lunch … too bad I didn't have time to follow it.

Trick #1 of the day -- climbing up on the patio table.

Trick #2 -- playing Houdini.  This was what I saw when I got out of the shower -- Cali trapped under the quilt and Fenway sleeping on our pillow, completely used to the weirdness that is Cali.

We're still working on our sharing skills, especially when it comes to his cousins.

Despite the snow being annoying, it is pretty.

Yet another object to climb under.

I'm on top of the world

James and Pops taking a hike to the creek.  

The big finisher?  Climbing the hill with a Rocky victory pose at the end.

I may be stoked about new Scandal episodes, but double pink Starbucks?  Jackpot!

I swear this child does not need any toys.  Lately he is all about climbing through and/or under things. My parent's bar stools have been a big hit -- he'll go through as many as he can before he gets stuck. The other morning I had a drying rack in his room, putting away his clothes.  I looked down and saw two feet sticking out.  He was literally vertical -- front of his body completely engulfed in the rack with the bottom half sticking up in the air.  After I saw that he was OK, I couldn't stop laughing. 

eleven months

He's big on the splits, whether it's sitting or standing. 

Sweater is from Gap.

Pants, H & M.

Despite being half asleep, he loves his Daddy.

Love this little dude.

This is pretty much how all of our monthly photo shoots end -- him finding the sticker.

At eleven months we can't live without … (can be found on his ten month post since this was taken only a few days after that shoot).

hidden gems

Mike was holding the straw for him while he slurped away during dinner.  It's convenient that he doesn't need a sippy cup while we're at restaurants. 

I was on my way out this morning and literally stopped in my tracks when this beaut caught my eye.  I have no idea where she came from, but she's gorgeous.  She also gave me the idea to plant flowers along  our front sidewalk come spring (which I guess technically is now).  I wonder how long they'll last before the dogs dig them up.

(Ignore my creepy face-- attempting a selfie).  I tried to stretch out on the couch to catch up on Scandal.  At the top was my extra pillow, Fenway.

And nestled behind my legs was Cali.

here piggy piggy

We met Kristen, Caden, her mom and sister at Frying Pan Park.  

Kristen was kind enough to take a picture of Declyn and I petting the sheep -- he kept laughing every time he did it.

For some reason these two pigs, who were literally wresting, reminded me of Cali and Fenway.

Afterwards we stopped to get some frozen yogurt.  How funny is this progression of faces?

Far left -- his dad, far right -- me.

Sometimes I like to let his thighs breathe during naps.  Based on the way he sleeps (and snores) I can only imagine how wonderful it feels.

Super nosey -- checking out what's happening at the cashier.

Happy baby Brent, babbling up a storm.

This one fell asleep on our way home from Target (notice our latest purchase nesting in his lap?).  The wonderful thing about him is that he can fall asleep anywhere and all you have to do is pick him up and he will stay out.  Amazing.

ten months*

And we took his 10 month picture at 11 months - whoops!  At least it wasn't that far after turning 11 months. 

Instead of wearing the sticker tie, he decided to play with it.

Chatting and laughing the whole time I was taking pictures.

Top is from here.

Bottoms :: Carter's.

Socks are here.

If there's a pacifier in sight, this guy will find it and plug it right into his mouth.

At ten months we can't live without...

1.  the sheep sleep sound for night time (and nap time) and LOTS of books to go with our routine.  we started switching things up and also use this one -- it's more musically inclined.   However, we now turn it off before we go to sleep so that he's not sleeping with it through the night.

2. he rips his bibs off, so we're using these ones that snap, so he can't get them off. not to mention they're easy to wipe clean.

3. we are officially back to WubbaNub's but I try to only let him have them while he's' in his crib -- I think it feels good on his teeth.

4. toys, toys and more toys.  this month's trend? wooden blocks.

5. a baby monitor to watch him sleep, or in our case, walk in his crib.

6. these squeezable solids are fun for the road; we're not prone to a certain brand, yet.

7. a starter toothbrush and toothpaste. 

8. pajamas without feet and a nice pair of socks to go with it for bedtime.

9. a highchair for when he eats solids.

10. we're gearing more towards 'people' food, but we still carry cheerios with us and he loves mum-mums. blueberries are his absolute favorite. 

11. our nightlight that we love.

12. a breathable blanket for nap time and night time. for these chilly nights we have been doubling up with our comfy blanket. and we've also added one of his many jelly cat's to the mix.

13. now that he's taking steps, we've upped our game to actual shoes for him. velcro are a miracle saver.

14. a warm raincoat, northface, or toggle coat.

15. bath toys to keep him occupied. 

16. a sippy cup - this kid chugs water. we recently started one with a straw after discovering he could suck from a straw.

17. not a necessity, but a very nice bonus for parents -- a kneeler for bath time.

18. baby gates -- these ones from Amazon work for us.

19. outlet plugs are a must. we got these.

20. boogie wipes for all those runny noses he's been having, as well as a humidifier to sleep with. 

21. my brilliant brother-in-law came up with the idea of using snappies to carry formula in while needing to make bottles on the go. genius!

in lieu of locks for cabinets, my sister-in-law suggested thick rubber bands so that's currently what we're using.

buzz

After posting a picture on Instagram of Declyn's new haircut, Mike pointed out that he didn't think it looked quite right.  In all fairness, I may have panicked when he cut his hair, so I wouldn't let him touch the top, except for a trim with some scissors.  Clearly that did not match the rest of his clipper-cut hair.  Therefore, I left him and Declyn alone in the bathroom and waited patiently pacing outside the door for him to make it all even.

The result is below.  My little guy went into that bathroom a baby and stepped out a little boy.

Showing off the side view for me.

I don't know what it is about this face that just cracks me up.  But it's also a good portrayal of his fresh new look.  Clearly we still have some natural growing to accomplish to cover that patchiness, but overall I think it looks pretty damn good.

luck of the Irish

Casey sent me this picture of him and James all dressed up and ready to par-tay the weekend before St. Patrick's Day.  Doesn't James look fresh off the immigration boat and/or like he should be sitting at a bar stool in a pub in Ireland?  Maybe it's just me.

This picture is hands down my favorite one of my two nephews together.  I mean come on, how adorable?  Despite the fact that either boy will smile on demand, these smiles look like legit mid-laugh smiles.  Priceless.

We had St. Patty's dinner at CC and Pops, so of course they had their home decorated to the nines with party favors for all.  (There was even window decals on the bathroom mirror.)  This shot was taken while vinyl Irish records were playing in the background and these two were decked in Irish gear.

Top (and bottom - not pictured) set is here.

Bottoms :: Baby Gap.

Apparently St. Patrick's Day isn't complete without some snow.

Despite it looking pretty, I'm beyond over it and am ready for spring.

My sister-in-law sent me this number.  Just two bros hanging out in the cold snow.

fresh cut

Declyn got his first haircut … it was a sad day.  I know he needed a haircut, but that soft, baby hair will never exist again. It had a good 11 month run.

Baby Levi's are my favorite.

He already knows to point the remote at the TV.  Great.

Shirt :: different color is here.

Jeans are in a lighter version here.

Kristen got me these beauties.  Such a good friend, that one.

rock 'n roll 13.1

Despite having trained for it, a week before I was supposed to run the Rock 'n Roll half marathon with my hubs and some of our friends, I found out I couldn't run it.  Fortunately, I was still able to go and cheer them on.

Corral number 8 looking at the starting line.  I don't know the exact number, but there were 30 + corrals.  And I believe there were around 30,000 people running the race this year.  We've run a couple halves before, and Rock 'n Roll has always been my favorite.

Post-race celebrations.  Meagan and Kristen both rocked it.

Before/after.

Top left :: celebrating St. Patrick's day with car bombs, post-race.

Top right :: Mike wore my tag on his other shoe, as if I was running alongside him. :)

Bottom left :: the runners showing off their bling.

Bottom right :: Mike in the car ride home after a little Saturday afternoon fun.

I am obsessed with his hair, especially those natural highlights.

Post-race walk.  It was such a gorgeous day, we had to take advantage.