Happy 7 months Tanner!

I just realized Tanner turned 7 months old today. Good grief time goes by fast.

We have backward movement and sitting up!

No I didn't say bowel movement and spitting up, although we have those on a daily basis...they aren't really blog worthy. I said backward movement and sitting up. Tanner is now pushing himself backwards on his hands and knees. Which means, no more hanging out on mommy's bed by himself until he learns that falling is a bad thing. (um...which is how we found out he can move backwards in the first place! Sorry about that Tanner, at least there was no permanent or visible damage.) Our prediction is that he will be crawling within a month.

He is also sitting up by himself for little bouts of time. I love watching how much he learns so quickly, but the down side is I now have to make sure Lana's small toys and her snacks aren't lying around for him to choke on. Good times!

Tanner's first haircut

This is Tanner pre-haircut, the front is so long that when wet it actually reach his eyes! At this point in Lana's life, she was still bald. Isn't he just so cute??!

Lana and I got our hair cut today as well, but Paul insisted on taking Tanner to a male barber, refusing to let his son get his haircut in some sissy girly salon. Many of you know that Lana actually took a pair of scissors to her hair a few weeks ago. Luckily she didn't do major damage, she just created some bangs. I took her to a professional to have her even it out and clean it up. Nothing really major, it just looks a little better than before. I'll try to remember to take pictures tomorrow when we look better. Currently we are all in a post-swimming state and are looking rather scraggly.

Birthday

So to say that Lana is excited for her upcoming birthday is an understatement. She is constantly talking about her bur-bur cake (birthday cake) and that she wants to eat it. And despite being shy, she is willing to tell people how old she is now and how old she will be when her birthday comes (complete with correct number of fingers in the air as well). She also names off all the people she wants at her birthday party. Unfortunately not all of them will make it to the 2 parties we will have for her. I can't believe my little girl is going to be 3 already! (sniff, sniff)

A little service makes everyone feel better

So I've been feeling a bit under the weather for the last few days and yesterday I had a headache that seemed to hang around from 8am to 6pm (kind of like icing on the "I don't feel good" cake). The day was not a total failure though because I was able to do something really nice for someone who really needed it. I had posted our old car seat and stroller on craigslist, hoping just to get rid of it. A few days later I received an email from this girl who said she was a single mom and in need of other baby things for cheap. She left her phone number and I called her back letting her know I had a few other things she could look at and purchase if she was interested. She sounded very young and sincere in her need for baby things (I'm always apprehensive selling things online to strangers). She stopped by yesterday looking about 6 months pregnant and I think I was an answer to her prayers. She looked to be about 20 years old, she's in the middle of moving and still had a bunch of her stuff in her car. She had NOTHING for the baby. I pulled out some leftover diapers I had from Tanner, the bottles Tanner doesn't use, the formula samples I got in the mail, the bouncy seat, swing, stroller, car seat with 2 bases and some clothes that we never used. I couldn't have asked for a more grateful recipient. I could see the relief in her face. She even asked for a hug when she left. How grateful I am that she didn't turn out to be one of those "crazies" looking to kill me and take my babies, but that I was able to make her day a little bit better yesterday by off loading some baby stuff we can easily buy again when we need it.

how does this tagging thing work....

Ok, so I have been looking at our blog today, and then I looked at other peoples blogs and I noticed that these things seriously lack testosterone. So I decided to copy this tag thing my wife did, and I will do it myself.

1. What time do my kids wake up? I don't know about weekdays, but during the weekends, normally after I get up so it doesnt matter.
2. Bedtime? Lana, not too late, I get to play with her and protect Tanner until around 9ish. Tanner 8pm.
3.How long have I been a Dad? see Michelle's answer, she is the keeper of important dates.
4.What is my favorite kids show? Is A-Team a kids show? I watched it when I was a kid.
5. I don't know what happened to queston 5
6. Least favorite kids show? See Michelle's answer below
7. Favorite chore?Mowing the lawn. Nothing like 6.75 horsepowers of self propelled peace.
8. Favorite meal to cook? Does cutting a watermellon count? If not then it would have to be Filet Mignon.
9. What meal is cooked most often? When I cook? filet.
10. Kids favorite meal? I agree with My wife on this one.
11. What is my favorite thing my wife does with the kids? Take care of them in the dead of the night, sing with them, read books with them.
12. 5 things that make me smile about being a dad: Lana reading books, homecoming kisses, bedtime stories, playing with lana in the pool, Watching Lana be my number 1 fan on the guitar.
13. Where do you want to take your kids someday?Mexico
14. When was the last time Michelle and I went out? Last month to a murder mystery dinner theater.
15. 1 thing I said I would never do as a dad? be a softie....Lana messed that one up for me.
16. Favorite past time with my kids? Walks around the block, falling asleep together on the couch.
17. Favorite quality MY mom has? Her ability to keep up and in touch with all the kids, if each of us feels as special as I do, she is doing a great job.
18. Advise for new dads? Don't work too much, Spend as much of the time you can with the childrens as they growed up fast!! (poor grammar on purpose)
19. Scary or heartbreaking moment you have had? the first time lana biffed it and drew blood, it was going out the front door.
20. When was the last time your kids said I love you? Lana, Last night. Tanner never
I don't tag anybody because I don't know how this works.

Tagged by Jenn

1. What time do my kids wake up? Lana, anytime between 7am and 9am. Tanner, wakes up at 5:30am but only for his paci and then falls back asleep until 7 or 7:30

2. Bedtime? Lana, wayyyy too late for my taste, but Paul works late. between 9-10. Tanner 8pm.

3.How long have I been a mom? 3 years on July 2

5.What is my favorite kids show? Handy Manny, the tools on there are actually pretty hilarious.

6. Least favorite kids show? Barney, Teletubbies, Thomas the Train, Spongebob Square Pants (there are actually quite a few more that are tied for first too, but I'll stop there)

7. Favorite chore? I really hate chores, no matter what it is.

8. Favorite meal to cook? Anything quick easy and yummy

9. What meal is cooked most often? Lasagna

10. Kids favorite meal? Lana, chicken (all meat is chicken to her). Tanner, Baby Oatmeal Cereal (I swear he'd eat the whole box if I let him)

11. What is my favorite thing my husband does with the kids? Things he does to make them smile. Play the guitar (he's not that musically inclined which probably why the kiddies love it), read them stories in a funny voice (he has an amazing "professional voice"). Let's Lana play with things I normally wouldn't let her play with (ie. moon sand in the family room - of course he is the one cleaning it up).

12. 5 things that make me smile about being a mom: Kiddie laughs, smiles, hugs, kisses, watching them learn something new.

13. Where do you want to take your kids someday? Disney World

14. When was the last time Paul and I went out? Last month to a murder mystery dinner theater.

15. 1 thing I said I would never do as a mom? I would never make them eat their green beans and force them to stuff them under the kitchen chair cushions.

16. Favorite past time with my kids? Reading books and swimming

17. Favorite quality MY mom has? Her immense love for her mo'opuna's (grand kids).

18. Advise for new moms? Sleep when you can, let other people help, sit back-relax-and enjoy your baby(ies).

19. Scary or heartbreaking moment you have had? It hasn't occurred yet, but Tanner will have to have outpatient surgery in August and that is pretty terrifying for me.

20. When was the last time your kids said I love you? Lana, last night when she gave me good night kisses. Tanner, I'm sure he thinks that every time I feed him (the little porker).

I tag Julie because she's usually tagging me first!

Ward (anything goes) Pinewood Derby

Ladies and Gentlemen you are looking at the "3 Legged Princess", 2nd place finisher in the derby. (I did not think we would make it past round 2, oh me of little faith!) Paul and Dave did most of the car, I glued a piece of wood on and Lana was the decorator. Paul called and told me that we were going to have the ugliest car there because they finished it last minute and didn't have time to paint. I told him to go get Lana some princess stickers to stick all over the car. It was mainly a joke, but lo and behold when I got to the church I found the 3 legged princess all prettied out with stickers chosen by Lana.

Here is Lana with the car. She was pretty upset that "her car" kept winning because she wanted to play with it, not watch others play with it. (Can't blame her) Overall it was a very fun activity, Paul did a great job being co-mc for it. Some of the cars entered were pretty funny.

Here's just a few of the cars. No your eyes do not decieve you...there is a live fish in the green car.

Peek-a-boo!

Okay, this totally tops the cute-ness scale. Possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen, but you'll have to be your own judge. I am an extremely biased one. I find the arm flailing quite funny.

Two bottom teeth...

...equals one unhappy baby! He was so cranky this morning and Paul said he's probably getting another tooth. Sure enough, an hour later I saw that 2nd bottom tooth poking out the gums. You can see the left (your right) tooth really well and if you zoom in really close you can see the right (your left) tooth just peeking out. Baby orajel is my best friend today! (Don't you just love his expression in this picture?)

The Bug Guy

So our "bug guy" came yesterday for the first time. Let me first just say how relieved I am because it is bug season in Mississippi and it's disgusting. Anyway, our new bug guy was pretty funny. He was telling me stories about one of his co-workers who kept calling him because he'd been at this old lady's house pounding on her door for an hour because her screen door was open but locked while the door behind it was wide open. He was about to call the police thinking she might be dead. I don't think I'd want to be the one to find the old lady whatever her condition may be, but atleast the orkin guys are looking out for the old folks. Then he told me about why he wears a hat all the time now. Apparently after one particularly nasty job, he'd gone home and his mom sees something crawling in his hair. She gets in for a closer look and it's a black widow! (pause here for the hee-bee-gee-bee dance) He then tells me that he may be the bug guy, but he doesn't do bugs. (yeah, it confused me when he said it too)

Indoor camping

Me: Lana, where's Tanner?
Lana: Sleeping.
Me: Sleeping where?
Lana: In the tent.



My two (3 if you count the cabbage patch) babies playing so well together!

Just so dang cute...

Personal Assistant

What an excellent helper I have! However, sometimes she can be a hinder more than a helper...

Tooth!

Tanner's first tooth has made it's initial poke out of his gums. I have been feeling his gums for a few weeks now anticipating the arrival, but nothing popped until today. That may explain his waking every 2 hours last night and his not-so-great sleeping habits the last week or so. They seem to be hit or miss.

Sorry for the severe lack of posts the last week. It was my turn to teach the Relief Society lesson on Sunday and I pretty much immersed myself in it's planning. Yesterday afternoon I felt as though the haze had been lifted and I could breath easier. I didn't realize how much it had stressed me out until I looked around the house and saw how lacking the tidying was.

Saturday we took a short trip to Geyser Falls, a water park on the indian reservation. They have a bunch of different areas to play in, but Lana's favorite (and mine quite honestly) was the beach area. It's was so nice to get out, to sit in the water and relax. Even Tanner enjoyed hanging out, splashing in the water. We totally forgot the camera though, so you'll just have to imagine a nice white sandy beach attached to a nice pool for wading in.