I knew it!

Babies really do talk to each other!  Luke watched this video this morning and he started laughing and saying "da da da" too!  So cute.

{FOuNd}

I entered a contest here to try and win one of these beauties

 But if I don't win, I think I'm gonna go ahead
 and purchase one for myself.  

Or at least put it on the birthday wish list/you could
buy it for me as a random,

 "I LOVE you more than anything" gift.

(hint hint wink wink, babe)

Go ahead, you can enter too... I won't get mad.

Mmmmm Puffs!

There's somthing fishy going on here.... Why are you taking my picture?

Where did that Puff go?

I love Puffs.  Puffs are my favorite.

The Craft Corner.

The trees are blooming here in Nashville and the temps made it to the low 70's!  Alas, our good fortune won't be sticking around for the next few days which means some more indoor time. But, I am going to make the best of it by attempting to make the inside of my house reflect the spring weather that is to come.  Here are two Spring Crafts I will be attempting this week.... exciting I know :).  I'm hoping to use one of these for our entrance area and one for the living room above the fire place.

This fun one is from Martha's Blog.  If Martha says it's cool, it is.

I found this one here.  She will require lots of time, so if Luke doesn't have a good nap it's not happening.  In fact, let's just be honest it's gonna be a while before this beauty is finished... but here's hoping :)

What inspires Spring in your home?

Oh Happy Day!

They're here!  

Anyone else feelin' me on this one?

Welcome baby Charlotte!

My beautiful sister-in-law Sara, had her 4th child on Saturday March 5th.  Baby Charlotte weighed 7 lbs 11oz and 20 inches long.  We cannot wait to hold that little peanut in a couple weeks!  She is so precious!  We thank God for a healthy and beautiful baby girl!!!

Congrats Walz family!!!!!

Dear Luke, 8 months

Dear Luke,

SLOW DOWN!  I know, I say this in every letter, but this time I'm not referring to your growth.  You have been crawling for 2 months and this month you've become....  fast!  I often refer to you as the "bulldozer" when watching you travel from point A to B.  I have quickly learned it doesn't matter what is in your way- you will crawl over it, through it, and/or around it.  Did I mention you are fast?  

Yesterday while I was sitting on the couch I heard this strange noise.  I looked up to see the high chair moving all by it's self.  I jumped up from the couch and found you underneath it pushing the legs across the floor.  You are one busy kid.  Unfortunately for you, I have had to do many creative things to keep you contained in one area.  We have used all kinds of objects in an effort to barricade you in, most of which do not work.  You have become aware of this "barricade technique" and often get very frustrated when you notice what we're doing.

(first attempt at stair climbing)

This month you have climbed the stairs, ripped your mobile down from the side of the crib, and learned "Houdini magic moves"when getting your diaper changed.  You can twist, turn, and backbend out of ALL diaper changes.  It is pretty incredible.  You are babbling a lot more this month, screaming, and saying da da da and blah bleh blah with your tongue out- that one always makes us laugh.  You give Dad a HUGE smile when he comes home from work and chase me down with your fastest crawl when you want a snuggle.  You like to suck your bottom lip in when your just hanging out and puff your cheeks up with air when your getting ready to spit.  

You LOVE to explore the house and are curious about anything that crosses your path.  It seems the most interesting things to you are sharp corners, electrical wires, and outlets.  If any of these things are in the tri-county area you will find them in mere seconds.  Which leads me to our newest adventure.... discipline.  Although we love your curiosity and determination, there are some things we will simply not let you do..... 

In which case you said to us, "Welcome to Parenthood" 

And then we responded with, "Say hello to the word "No"  

I think you get the concept of "no" because most of the time when I say "No Luke"(in my most stern voice) you stop, look at me, usually smile, and then continue on with what you were doing.  I can see we might have a challenge ahead of us, so let's just get this out of the way now-  

Luke, I want you to explore, to try new things, even do some things that may make me nervous.  

But

Sometimes I will say no.  I'll say it for many different reasons, but right now all you need to know is I love you and I am doing what is best for you.  I know as you get older (like teenager older) we'll have more discussions about this word.  However, the main concept I want you to understand is: Mom said, "NO"so I will OBEY :).  If we can get this down early, life will be that much easier for both of us :).

This stage has been a lot of work, but so much fun!  One of the sweetest things I've ever experienced is when I come down the stairs in the morning.  As soon as you see me, your little body will crawl as fast as it can take you to my pant leg.  You do this adorable panting noise when you really get moving and ahhhh! It gets me every time!  I realize you won't always be scurrying to give me a hug, so I truly savor each and every time.  

These are such good days with you.  We are so blessed.  I love you so much sweet boy.

Big squeezes, 

Mom

Mommy's Favorite Things

I've been thinking of some things I use most everyday I'm really thankful to have.  

The items making this list have made life just a little easier.  

Here we go... Favorite Things Part I

The Flip cam.  We use this guy all the time.  Luke has lots and lots of video b/c it fits in my pocket and I can bring it anywhere.  It's great to have with me all the time just in case we have a moment that has to remain memorable. 

I know, the thought of mini vans conjures up all kinds of 

scary soccer mom stereo types.  

But wait! 

 Before you go there, consider the blissful CONVENIENCE of them.  I cannot tell you how much I love love LOVE the automatic doors.  My arms are always full of all things baby in addition to my actual baby, so the push of a button makes life oh-so-easy when getting ready to go.  I could tell you many other things I love about the mini, but you'll just have to get one for yourself to understand. 

Don't be afraid... 

you'll LOVE it :)

The Chicco Key Fit car seat.  No I'm not paid to endorse this product, I am mentioning this guy because soon Luke will be moving onto the next size car seat and we will be saying goodbye to him.  This car seat is incredibly easy to use and I feel it made me that much more confident as a new mom because I could use it correctly!  It has traveled everywhere we've gone since Luke's first car ride home from the hospital.  Definitely a must have on this favorites list.

PUFFS!  The snack of champions.  Admittedly, Luke has had all kinds of puffs- organic and non-organic.  He LOVES them and I love whoever thought of this genius food for little people with no teeth.

The Antilop Highchair from Ikea.  This was a gift from some sweet friends that already knew how cool this product was.  This is a GREAT travel high chair.  The legs come off and we have brought it to many places for meal time.  Right now it resides at Nana and Papa's house so baby Luke always has a seat at the table.  Perfect high chair for at home and on the go.

Mary Kay eye makeup remover.  When the only energy you have left before your head hits the pillow is  to brush your teeth and take off the only applied makeup of the day, it's nice to know this little product will do the trick quick.  No evidence left even after showering.  

She works well.

Please do share some of your favorite things!  

I would love to add to my list.

Roomy's again... at least for the weekend :)

There is nothing like filling an entire weekend reminiscing about the good ole days with college roommates. 

 So. Much. Fun. 

Sarah and Rachel flew down from Michigan for a fun-filled-weekend in Nashvegas.  I have been looking forward to this weekend for months!  We of corse, talked about all the ridiculously silly things we did back in the Arbor and made some new memories together too!  The three of us packed a lot in our short weekend in Nashville together, but my most favorite part was sitting on the couch in our comfy pants talking until the wee hours of the morning.  Nothing like great friends and a little guy named Luke to make a perfect weekend.  Thanks so much for coming girls!  I can't wait for our next adventure!

 XOXOXO!!