21 Months

Sydney is 21 months old today, and I caught some quick pics before we left the house this morning. She was laughing so hard at her pants. This was the first time she's worn them, but of course not the first time she's worn colorful things. I have no idea what was so funny but she kept laughing and saying "My pants, my pants!"

 

 

 

At 21 months, our sweet Sydney:

• has an ever-growing vocabulary, and strings together lots of phrases and sentences.
• is hit-or-miss with drop-off at school. When she does "cry" it sounds pretty fake :)
• still prefers adults over new kids. She does like the kids in her class very much, especially Gavin and Spring.
• says "baby brother" and pats my belly - the sweetest thing ever.
• closes her eyes when she's done interacting with you. It is HILARIOUS.
• still is crazy about books, and still would live outside - in her swing or on her slide.
• loves to see her mommy and daddy in the morning. She puts her hand on daddy's face when he holds her --- sweeeeet!
• goes to the potty quite often at school, but has yet to go for us at home. She just likes to play like she's going and then flush. :)
• is the easiest toddler in the universe to put to bed. 
• will ask to be rocked now, even though we rarely rocked her as a baby. I think it's sweeter that it's requested and not needed.
• loves to sing and dance.
• is still teething. I will be so glad when they are all in.
• only has her pacifier for naps and bedtime, but we're hoping to find the strength to pull the plug soon.
• wants to go for walks where she is actually walking instead of riding, but still enjoys the wagon and stroller.
• is shy at first, but warms up.
• is still in some 18-month clothes, but she's getting more into her 24-month clothes in the last couple of weeks.
• is going to be such a special and sweet big sister in less than 4 months. :)

Randall's Birthday Bash

As you probably know, on Sept. 15, I (Randall) turned the big 4-0. I know a lot of people struggle with hitting this milestone, but I feel like I have so many things to celebrate, I was really looking forward to it. The evening did not disappoint. Danielle planned a wonderful birthday celebration at a local pizza joint, and 40 of our closest friends made it out for the event. It was a great night from beginning to end, with great friends, good food, and spirits galore. On top of the wonderful party, I was spoiled with many gifts from my friends, mostly of the brown liquor variety (my fave). Even though friends and family from back home were sorely missed, my wonderful wife and the local gang made it a birthday celebration I won't soon forget...or perhaps I will, I am 40, ya know!

This was the room upon arrival, before guests

The cake was awesome and my favorite part was my wife's clever slogan that adorned the cake: "Fore Tee and on to the back nine"

My wife, a fan of the dramatic, insisted on 40 candles, and as you see, it took two to complete the task.

 

 

 

 

 

These are just a few shots from the night ... good folks having a good time. And on a school night, no less.

 

Getting so many goodies made me feel like such a kid again. But no 13-year-old ever had a bar stocked like mine is now!

Again, I want to thank my lovely wife for making this such a memorable birthday. She knew a big party with close friends was right up my alley, but if I had to pick one person to celebrate with for the rest of my life, it would be her. (And no, she didn't make me write this.)

Better with time!

I know I feel like my life just keeps getting better and better, and I feel pretty safe in assuming Randall feels the same way. Today is the last day Randall can say he's thirty-something, and I can only imagine how much better (even still!) his life will be into his 40s.

Here's one of my favorite pictures of Randall and Sydney (was she really ever that little?!). The way he looks at her just melts my heart. He is exactly what I hoped my kids' daddy would be. She loves him to pieces, and I love the look on her face when she sees him every morning. I feel very lucky to be building a family with the greatest guy I know!

New England weekend (Lots of pics!)

This post has a lot of pictures, and it was even hard to pick these favorites from our wonderful long weekend in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for my cousin Justin's wedding to Ashley. We had lots of time with my dad's side of the family, and my grandparents were able to meet Sydney for the first time in-person as opposed to on Skype. We had perfect weather and got to enjoy a lot of activities around the area during non-wedding time. New England is just beautiful this time of year. The wedding was also beautiful and tons of fun! Here are some favorites from the vacation. It was hard leaving!

Sydney and Grandpa (who she called Papa all weekend) at the zoo.

 

 

Beautiful Newport

The prettiest wedding guest, for sure :)

 

 

Sylvia and Laura at the wedding, with a 20-week-pregnant Danielle :)

Special time with Oma and Opa

Cousin Alex, who served as her brother's "Best Man"

The two sweet heart-breakers of the event - Sydney and Isaiah

Colt State Park

 

It's a BOY!

We had a very eventful day yesterday --- finding out the sex of baby #2. We were shocked and excited to learn that Sydney will have a baby brother in January!!!! I have been looking at nursery ideas for both, and now it will be so fun to focus our efforts in the BLUE direction! I was, for some reason, convinced we were having another girl, so I almost didn't believe the ultrasound tech, but the pictures were as clear as can be. It is definitely a boy! Today, it has settled a bit and I am really looking forward to having the ideal "one of each" family. I have three brothers, and Randall is one of two boys, so getting adjusted to boy world is not an issue at all. :-)

We are heading out of town today - to Rhode Island for my cousin Justin's wedding. Sydney will get to meet two of her great-grandparents this weekend, so we are really looking forward to that! Just hoping for a peaceful flight with an active 20-month-old!