Life of Wyland

Life of Wyland & Sawyer

2010-10-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

Welcome, Baby Sawyer!

I haven't been posting much lately. I was in the midst of being pregnant, raising a toddler, and helping with Woody's campaign for Largo City Commission. It is amazing how busy that made me. And on October 20th, 2010, we were proud to welcome Sawyer Louis Brown to our family. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 22 inches long (a little string bean).

Everyone is in full adjustment mode. Woody is at the tail end of his campaign. So in between shaking hands and waving signs, he's helping with late night diaper changes and helping Wyland get acclimated to life with a sibling.

So far Wyland has been great. He is such a sweet boy, and to hear him squeal "Bay-Bee" is precious. But we have had some moments. Thank goodness Nana is here to help out. Soon I will have to figure out how to juggle the needs of my toddler boy with that of a newborn. I'm a little scared, but also ready to jump in feet first!

Keys to a Wonderful Vacation

2010-08-18T16:00:00.006-04:00

Family, friends, and food made the vacation...who needs sleep!

Road trip!

Woody and his catch.

Mmmm...fresh lobster.

Ricky's Blue Heaven - double mmmmm...

Wyland loved the butterfly garden. Of course, trying to get him & a butterfly in a good photo was impossible.

Feeding greenbacks to the tarpon at Robbie's.

Nana and Wyland. Thanks, Nana for all of your help!!!

Mum, no!

2010-08-18T15:35:00.004-04:00

Mommy looks pretty tired!

Ok, it is Wednesday, three days post vacation. We are all trying to get everything back to normal. Woody is back to work and the campaign trail. I am knee deep in laundry and cleaning (and wondering how the house gets dirty while one is not in it). I am also full-on list making...mostly all of the things that we need to do before October 25th (due date). And Wyland seems to have adjusted pretty well during the waking hours. We are active as usual, swimming, playing outside (hot), and playdates, etc. It is the night time that has become a bear for the whole family.

It all started while on vacation. I think that we got full nights of sleep 2 nights total. And one of those nights Woody and I were in Key West while the grandparents were with Wyland (and he slept all night??). The nights were filled with crying, limp noodle, pacing, reading books over and over again, Elmo and Thomas videos, pregnant lady on blow-up mattress...Woody and I were perplexed as to what to do. During our days we kept Wyland super busy. He took naps. We swam a ton. Our other guests commented on how tired he was and how he would sleep all night for sure. Yah, right!

Now that we are home the nights are not quite as sleepless, but they are still difficult. Bedtime has been later and there is a lot of struggle. Wyland's new favorite phrase is, "Mum, no." Ugh. It is hard to hear when you are trying to do the best thing for your child. I am trying to keep in mind that Rome was not built in a day. It will take time...but this is a project I am willing to take on. We all need our rest. For sure!

Cabin Fever

2010-07-05T13:53:00.005-04:00

After not raining for almost a month our lawn and garden were getting pretty crusty. Our rain barrel was emptying at a rapid pace. Everyday, I prayed for rain hoping it would moisten our landscape and cool us off.

Well those prayers were answered last week and it hasn't stopped since. Everything is starting to regain its green color. The rain barrel is overflowing. Also, the mosquitos are thriving and we have full blown cabin fever!!!

Wyland and I have spent some time at the library, at the mall, and just driving around the neighborhood. Our usual activities, swimming at the pool, going to the beach, and playing in our yard have been put on hold. Well, except for playing in the yard. I figured there is no harm in playing in the rain and puddles if there is no thunder and lightning. Wyland loves it, too. He finds the part of the patio where the roof pours off the most water and stands there with a huge grin.

But we've grown tired of the rain. (Make that, I've grown tired of the rain.) Now I am praying for sunshine. I'm running out of inside activities. I feel like the least creative mom when we are stuck inside. We've colored, played with play dough, played trains, read books...Woody and Wyland even had dueling pianos, which was awesome. I'm sick of everything feeling wet, dirt and muck being tracked through the house, wet dog, and frizzy hair (ok, that is a fact of life rain or shine). But we are ready for some sun!!! Do I sound desperate? I am...Sunshine, please come out tomorrow.

Dueling Pianos

Our Little Fish

2010-06-22T14:39:00.004-04:00

We spent last weekend visiting Jacksonville and spending a lot of time in the pool. We already knew that Wyland loved the water...at the beach, in the pool, bath, sink...he's not too particular. But since we don't have a pool, we didn't know how much.

Wyland swam back and forth between Woody and I, wearing a huge grin. Always surprised when his mouth and nose dipped into the water. But he wasn't scared. He had a "that was weird, let's do it again" look on his face. We were in the pool for hours...leading to pruney skin, hungry bellies, and tired babies.

It's nap time!

Busy Busy World

2010-06-14T15:03:00.003-04:00

So much has happened since the last time I posted on this blog. And it would be too hard to list them all. Life really does go by at a million miles an hour. I've been trying to keep my eyes open so I can absorb everything.

Wyland is now 20 months. Yes, only four months until he's two years old. Everyday is something new and different. When you have a baby they say to talk to them all the time, even if it's mundane and I did. Now I have to watch what I say and how I say it. I can tell Wyland feeds off my mood and my actions. If I groan, he'll groan (it's kind of cute). You can tell when his little wheels are turning. It's amazing. I can't wait for all that thought to be turned into words.

Wyland decided one day that it was time for a "big boy" bed. He climbed out of his crib like a Cirque de Soleil acrobat...once at nap time, then the next morning at 4am, we heard the pitter-patter of little feet in the dark kitchen. That's when we knew it was time for the transition. But it was not easy. Goodness, no one told us how hard that would be. It only took 10 days, and now, Wyland loves lounging, reading books and even playing on his bed.

Wyland is turning into such a little boy. And soon, he'll be a big brother! I'm sure anyone reading this already knows that...He'll always be my little baby...but now I have to change that way of thinking. Now he's my big boy...hard to believe.

We're working on Wyland, too. We ask him where the baby is and he just smiles. When I hold him, he likes to rest his legs and feet on my baby belly. I tell him, "don't kick the baby," which he thinks is really funny. He also likes to blow raspberries on my belly. I guess that is his first communication with his little brother (yep, another boy).

Home Alone

2010-03-28T21:47:00.005-04:00

This past weekend, I packed up the car and headed to Gainesville for an ultimate frisbee tournament. I haven't been playing at all, so I was really nervous that I was going to suck. But I was more nervous about being away from Wyland (and Woody) for the weekend. It was the first time I had been away from the little guy for that long in 17 months. And it was the first time Woody was with Wyland all day long (and night and day again...) alone.

I left early Saturday morning while Woody and Wyland were still asleep (Friday night Wyland was up 3 times, so everyone was tired). Arriving in Gainesville, I called to check in. All was good...they were at the hardware store.

My team played, won some games. I called, checked in...Woody sent pictures. And a couple of times Woody put Wyland on the phone. I thought for sure he would be upset to hear my voice and not see me. But I was wrong...I was the one crying. His sweet little voice saying, "hi" was so precious.

All went well for me at the tournament. I didn't suck too much. And Wyland & Woody survived. Actually things went swimmingly! I think I'll have to plan more Momma time. But not too much. It was really hard being away from my boys!

Fun times!

17 months and all is well

2010-03-11T14:01:00.003-05:00

I think I have fallen into a trap. So many people think that Wyland is older than his 17 months, that I have to remind myself of his age. I watch him perform tasks, say words, figure things out. It is amazing, he is truly a sponge. So when I think that he is 1 month shy of a year and a half it seems weird. I have to really squeeze my brain to think back to when he was a little baby (although he was never a little baby). Eons ago, really!

Wyland's newest accomplishments include learning to open the front door (yikes), locking the deadbolt (YIKES), helping water the plants, eating at the dinner table, drinking from a cup...OK, I could go on and on...he is amazing!

Please don't lock me out!

Similarities

2010-02-09T15:37:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we hosted a man from Japan. We didn't know much about Aki before he got here. We knew his age: 31, his job: city planner for the Kami City, Japan, and knowledge of the English language: minimal. That was about it. Another thing I knew for sure is that my knowledge of Japanese is limited to what I learned from listening to Styx. I reluctantly went to the airport to pick up our visitor, dreading the ride home and the potential for Wyland to be a fussy (high).

Once Wyland & I met Aki, I felt at ease. He told me in English that he has a son also. His son is 23 months. I imagined perfectly proper Japanese toddlers minding everything their parents tell them and also never crying.

I learned over the course of his stay that as parents we have a lot in common. He told me that his son likes airplanes and trains, watching TV and eating pancakes just like Wyland. I also learned that Japanese toddlers are just that, toddlers...This was learned on an especially long ride to the museum...Wyland crying the whole way. It made me feel a lot better when Aki told me that when his son cries he doesn't know what to do. We should form a club.

What a great weekend we had welcoming Aki into our home. And despite our difficulty communicating, I was able to learn a lot about our visitor, being a parent and about having a toddler. Thanks, Aki!

A Pirate's Life

2010-01-30T12:12:00.003-05:00

Poor, Wyland...he didn't choose to be a pirate. But he was born into a family of pirates. Peg-leg Woody and I have been pirates for some time now. Silly, yes. All in fun, yes. But we are also serious about our pirate-ness...we have a box full of pirate clothing, paper mache cannons and cannon balls. And at one point we considered dressing up and going out on the boat to attack the pirate ship that sails out of Clearwater Beach.

So it only seemed obvious that Wyland would have his own pirate clothes (thanks to Auntie Kristin & Jack) and that he would join his Daddy to celebrate Gasparilla.

Road Trip

2010-01-25T11:30:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, we left under a veil of darkness. It was 4am and we were on our way to Destin, FL. Ok, the real plan was to get on the road while Wyland was still sleeping. A great plan if that is actually how it worked...We packed the car, then tried to pack Wyland into his cars seat with little disturbance, still sleeping for the next, oh, 4 hours. That's not really what happened but it's still nice to have a plan.

Actually, the drive was a breeze. And we had a really nice weekend exploring Destin and Seaside. We walked on the beach (Wyland chased the birds), swam in the pool, ate some good food, and Woody spent some time getting his continuing education requirements. All and all it was a great weekend.

Wyland & Daddy at Baytown Wharf

Wyland enjoying a dirty roast beef sandwich!

Fun at the playground

The bird, the birds...

Back to Reality

2010-01-07T13:44:00.003-05:00

Mom & I at the Orange Bowl. Go Iowa!

Wow! The holiday season seemed really long this year. Like, really long! Thanksgiving, trip to Iowa, Christmas (with all of its preparations and fan fair), New Years, Orange Bowl (yay, Iowa!)...Wyland & I are finally home and trying to get back on track. And by that I mean schedules, eating right, exercising, organizing.

Woody is relentless about goal setting and I have to say, this year I am ready! It seems so much easier to say I am setting a goal, than to say I am resolving to do something. With goals, you can take baby steps to meet them. A resolution seems black or white and I am not to good with that. So the only resolution I have made is to set some goals!

Christmas - Year 2

2009-12-28T21:00:00.006-05:00

Wyland post gift extravaganza

No, Wyland is not 2 years old, but this year marked his second Christmas. Many things have changed since last year. Last year he was only 3 months old. This year he was a walking, talking toddler...but he still was not sure about this Christmas thing. He thought the tree was pretty cool and he rearranged the ornaments daily. But as far as gifts were concerned, he still wasn't sure.

One of the favorites

We certainly did not go overboard on gifts. On the one hand, I wanted to spoil him...at least a little. I realized early on that it would be so easy to go totally overboard. So we thoughtfully chose some toys, puzzles and books that we thought he would love. Compared to other kids Wyland's age, I'm sure he only got a fraction of the loot. But two things: he doesn't know and he doesn't care. I'm sure next year (and every year after that) will be different!

Stocking Stuffers Rock

New Year's Resolution #1: Update Blog More Often

2009-12-22T14:33:00.007-05:00

Christmas time is here...and I've started reflecting on the year that has past. Just a year ago, Wyland was only 11 weeks old. That is mind boggling in and of itself! To think that he was so small and delicate and all I could think at the time is: am I doing the right thing. Now at 14 months, he is still my baby, I still doubt myself a lot, but everyday there is something new to learn and explore. I hang on his every word...trying to comprehend what he is saying. I think I am beginning to understand a little. And it is crazy to think that he understands me, too.*

* at least he pretends to, which I can appreciate!

Time Flies When Your Child Turns One and Starts to Walk & Talk

2009-11-07T11:29:00.006-05:00

What a waste of a perfectly good cake...oh, hey, I can eat this...cool.

Put down the camera and play!

Mommy dressed me as the lion from the Wizard of Oz. It looks like I had no choice in the matter since Mommy was Dorothy & Daddy was the Tin Man.

Mommy also dressed me as a silly skeleton for Halloween.

Thanks for the horn, Patti!

Preparations

2009-10-06T10:47:00.003-04:00

Wyland has a busy week ahead of him. On our agenda we have planning, shopping, cleaning, wrapping and stressing out (oh, that's my to do list). Wyland probably doesn't think that this particular week is any different from any other. But it is!
He will be hosting his first party. Opening his first presents, and, oh, yeah, turning one! Yippee! We've done lots of research, gone to several 1st birthday parties. But this one will be his. When we get to that part of the song where we name the birthday boy or girl, this time, the name will be WYLAND!

Yawn...

2009-09-27T10:27:00.004-04:00

It's 6:23am and I can hear Wyland stirring...ugh. Why so early this morning? I think he remembers that we left him with a babysitter last night. He knows that we went out and had some mommy & daddy time and he misses us. Plus, he's so darn cute, why wouldn't we want to get up extra early to hang out and play?

Eleven Months...Holy Cow!

2009-09-10T11:06:00.003-04:00

We have reached the eleventh month! That means in one short month, Wyland will be ONE! That also means that we (Woody & I) have survived one year! At first it seemed like this day would never come, now that months are flying by! He is so darling, doing things that seemed impossible yesterday: pointing, standing, attempting to walk, giving his version of kisses. It makes me want to eat him up! That's not to say we've figured everything out (like what is he pointing at, why did he eat spaghetti one day and hates it the next, how do I put him down and hold him at the same time, how am I going to balance a 25+ pound child on my hip while doing x, y, z...). But we're working on it.

Everyday There's Something New

2009-09-01T09:53:00.005-04:00

It has been several days since I last posted and things are changing so quickly! Wyland is quickly approaching 11 months! I have already started to sweat the 1st birthday plans...who to invite, where to have it, do 1 year old need a theme...sometimes I think he is so little and won't notice the small details, but those seem to be what he really notices. He is pointing at everything, wanting everything. He wants to be independent while eating and playing, and then, in an instant, he's a permanent attachment to my leg, hip, etc.

I haven't been one of those moms that cries with the notion of their precious little one turning one. I have been anxiously awaiting that huge landmark. I guess as a sign that, phew, we made it. And in one piece, with few battle scars...but then I look at Wyland and think about my little baby...I guess no matter how big he gets he will always be my little baby boy!

My little boy...cell phone & all

My Little Gastronome

2009-08-19T20:33:00.006-04:00

Mealtime has not always been the most enjoyable time. At first anything that went in Wyland's mouth would be quickly spit back out. Now he is willing to keep his food in his mouth, but he's busy. And sitting in a highchair for 5, 10...15 minutes to eat a meal is not his idea of fun. Until I started letting him feed himself that is.

Who needs utensils!

It all started with a particularly fussy day; nothing could quell his angst. He wanted the spoon, the food, the bowl...So I gave them to him. It was not pretty. But I think he enjoyed it. The next day, he wanted my sandwich. So I gave it to him. Today I didn't even bother with baby food. broccoli, red and yellow peppers, hummus, pickles (dill and bread & butter), grouper, chicken are a few of his "new" favorites!

Sliced Chicken with Provolone, Avocado, & Mayo on Multigrain Flatbread!

2009-08-12T20:16:00.005-04:00

Phew! We survived yet another in-home play date. I decided to approach this one with a more relaxed attitude...so there is dog hair (who cares), so the house isn't completely kiddie proof (show me what needs to be done), so I didn't make the muffins myself (big whoop). It made the whole experience more enjoyable.

And it was fun. The little people ran, walked, and crawled around. Playing with toys, throwing balls, grabbing toys from one another. I need to figure out how to get Wyland to share. I know he is only ten months old, but at this point if you take something from him, he arches the back and cries. It's not pretty...we're working on it.

Living Room converted to play room.

Also, I always panic about one thing in particular when I have these play dates: are there enough toys. I know this is completely idiotic. The kids will play with whatever. But I still am drawn to the toy departments at various stores. I have had some success and many failures picking out toys. It is so hard...I think there should be a testing room (although I wouldn't want to think about the germs that would grow in that room).

It's a winner

2 Months & Counting

2009-08-10T09:55:00.006-04:00

The countdown has begun. In just two short months, Wyland will be 1! Can you believe it? I can't. About 6 months ago, I would have told you that he will never turn one. That time was creeping by soooo slloooowwwllyyy. But I guess all of those well-meaning strangers were right. Time does fly by.

Wyland & his cousins, Reno & Ayla

Wyland is officially ten months old! I have already started to plan for the big party*...or should it be a little party. Oh the decision to be made! If it is a small intimate party, the guest list will be easy: the grandparents, a few friends. But I can see how this could easily turn out to be a big birthday bash! Hey, you only turn 1 once!

* I was told just the other day that I was very organized, a true Virgo, to which Woody smirked.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2009-08-05T10:23:00.002-04:00

Woody turns 30, again.

Home from Homosassa

2009-08-03T15:54:00.005-04:00

This past weekend was our annual scalloping trip to Homosassa, FL (otherwise known as Scallopoloza). This year was different though, we had Wyland with us. Of course different in a good way. We were not up all hours of the night, consuming mass quantities of adult beverages. But I think we were always too pooped to do that anyway. Wyland was a trooper. We were out on the boat all day and he only fussed at his usual nap time.

Wyland is already accustom to the boat, the only thing that he doesn't like is the life jacket! He is like a little pig in a blanket, or if he's laying down, he's like a little turtle turned onto his shell. We spent a lot of time in the cabin of the boat, which is one area he doesn't have to wear his life jacket all the time. I know that Wyland is going to be a great mate!

Wyland & Mommy chillin' down below.

Ahoy, Maties!

2009-07-27T11:28:00.003-04:00

In preparation for our next adventure, Woody & Grandpa Tim spent the weekend getting the boat ready for Scallopoloza. That is our annual trip to Homosassa for scalloping. It is relaxing and great fun...that is if boats are working properly! So after putting several hours into checking equipment and replacing parts, the boat was ready for a trial run.

Poconos

2009-07-22T10:13:00.006-04:00

This past weekend we packed up the family and flew to the Poconos. Wyland endured delayed flights, missed flights, long lines, long car rides, even longer bus rides, and delays...Horrible travel experience aside, it was a fantastic weekend.

Won't anyone come take a picture with me :(

He also got to crawl freely on the grass. There aren't many situations here in Florida when I would let him do that. Besides the fact that the grass is just not the same - hard and scratchy instead of lush and soft. There are also critters in the grass...fire ants, etc. Maybe I'm just being overprotective. But up in the Poconos, we let Wyland crawl and explore, maybe even taste a few sticks and flowers. He had many firsts on this trip: Hike through the woods, deer watching, and wagon ride. It was a great trip!

Don't eat the mushrooms!

Preparing For Liftoff

2009-07-15T13:27:00.004-04:00

Currently, we are full-on preparation mode for our weekend trip to the Poconos. Lists have been made, piles started, laundry sorted, and worry mode engaged. Why the worry? This will be Wyland's second flight.

The first was at 6 months. The flight was early morning and short - to West Palm Beach. The whole flight took 50 minutes. This one, to Scranton, PA, has a total travel time of 5 hours with a connection! We might have to be one of those families that politely smile at the other passengers while their baby screams. I appologize in advance if you happen to be on our plane.

I know that is not an optomistic outlook, I guess I am just preparing for the worst.

In the mean time, I need to finish packing, take Wyland for his nine month check-up, and attend our last swim lesson....has anyone seen my camara?*

*no camara = no pictures :(

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-07-08T14:56:00.006-04:00

As Wyland has gotten older, I thought any day now, it will get easier to get "stuff" done. Wrong. Now he wants to play with the equipment I need to get "stuff" done. Would it be wrong to put a Swiffer on so that he could actually clean the floor?

Wyland is also pulling himself up on everything! It is amazing and scary to watch. He has no fear either. He gets up, looks around and lets go. Next thing I know, he's going to be taking a step or two.

Meet the Neighbor

2009-07-01T10:49:00.007-04:00

There is an adorable cat the resides in my parent's yard. It's the neighbor's cat, and it is friendly and playful...unlike Lightning, my parent's cat. I'm thinking of relocating it to Largo, I don't think anyone will notice. OK, except for Woody.

Here kitty-kitty.

To Grandmother's House We Go

2009-06-30T10:09:00.008-04:00

Wyland and I are on what some would call a mini-vacation. It is, in a way. We are going to the grandparents to spend time with Wyland's cousins from Iowa. In other ways it is a challenge to everything that we have learned and established while at home.

On the road again!

While we've been here, naptime has been thrown out the window. Independent crib sleeping has been replaced with co-sleeping with Mommy. Actually, it is nice since Daddy is at home working. I don't think Wyland minds either since he gets most of the bed. He sleeps soundly as I contort myself to accomodate his little body.

And Wyland's cousins, Jordan & Alex, are so good with him! Helping when Mommy/Aunt Jenny needs her hands free. A lot to ask for from two tweens on a weeks vacation.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T20:48:00.002-04:00

Separation Anxiety

2009-06-20T14:08:00.005-04:00

This week marked a very important milestone...our first playdate. Not attending, but hosting. I dreaded the event. The thought of people and kids in my house, scrutinizing my cleanliness, decorating style, and childproofing gave me heartburn. I was certain that I would be up all night, scouring the house for random dog hair. But I decided to let it go...breath in...exhale out. Let's throw a playdate.

Now with children (babies) with ages ranging from 4 months to 15 months converging in Wyland's room for some playtime, I didn't know what to expect. But, all and all, it went well. All of the kids powered through their regular nap time to burn some energy with very little struggle. And despite the fact that my house is not entirely childproofed, everyone survived!

Wyland prepares for the invasion

With that out of the way, I thought I would try the "b" word once again - a babysitter. This is something that did not work out so well the first go around. But since Wyland is 5 months older, I decided to try again. Don't get me wrong, the grandparents have watched Wyland and that goes pretty well. So I figured he'd be fine, right?

Woody left bright and early for a fishing trip (Happy Father's Day) and I had an appointment. I would only be gone a short time so Wyland wouldn't have time to miss me, I thought he would welcome the break...ohhh, I was sooo wrong! The poor little dude was not happy at all. I am not sure how to get passed this. Not that I am going to drop him off every time someone mentions happy hour, but it would be nice to be able to keep my dentist appointments, too. If anyone has any suggestions for this, please pass them along! Every once in a while, Momma's gotta get out, too!

Time Flies

2009-06-11T13:19:00.005-04:00

I don't know where the time has gone. Everyday, lately, I have been thinking that. Every time I look at Wyland's new front teeth, I think that. Every time I see Wyland try to pull himself up on something, I think that. Geez. Every time I look at my little cutie pie, I want to tell him I love him. And I do, because I can. (I'm not sure he'll be as appeasing to his momma when he's older...)

Little Fish

2009-06-08T14:31:00.007-04:00

Last Friday commenced Wyland's swim lessons. Needless to say he is a natural. Just like we knew he would be.

Wyland perfecting his butterfly kick.

Swim to Daddy.

Mind you, most of the babies at the swim lesson were not this happy!

We were proud of our little swimmer! I asked Woody if he thought we would be like those nasty, overly competitive little league parents. He said that we won't have to be.

Wild Blue Yonder

2009-06-03T21:06:00.015-04:00

When Woody & I found out that we were having a baby, people started saying things like "have fun now," and "oh, you can't do that (meaning fun things) anymore". We decided we would prove them wrong - we would still have a life. Uh huh...

Well, that's easier said than done. We've been easing into outings and public appearances. Until Monday that is, we decided it was time to take Wyland on his first deep sea fishing adventure. Technically, it wasn't his first trip offshore, I went when I was 6 months pregnant and all was good! This time involved way more planning and equipment. But, hey, have baby, will travel!

The night before, I went through all of the horrible scenarios in my head (like do babies get sea sick?)...Woody assured me that everything would be fine. Smoot, the boat captain, and his wife told me that they had even subjected their two (now grown) kids to this kind of adventure and they turned out fine...um, OK.

Sleeping schedule completely thrown out the window, we set out bright and early Monday morning. I have to say that they all were right (yes, you too, Woody). Wyland was his usual smiling self.

I'm learning that babies are pretty adaptable. And what could be better than eating and napping on a gently rocking boat. It was a beautiful day and I was happy to share it with our little angler!

Rest up, little guy...more adventures are in store for you!

Baby Proof

2009-05-29T10:38:00.000-04:00

Just when I thought it was OK to leave Wyland for some independent play time, he started rolling around. Now, we have full on movement! He amazes me everyday with his ability to traverse the floor plan of our house. Keep in mind that there is a 4 inch step just to get out of his room. He figured out that one pretty quickly. Imagine my amazement when I went to the kitchen to refill my coffee, leaving Wyland (just briefly) alone in his room to play, and came back to find him in the foyer. Holy S! I can not do that anymore, who knows where he'll go!
I have to admit it is pretty cool to watch what used to be a stationary object calculate every move. I can just see the wheels spinning in his head trying to decide a) where to go and b) how to get there.

Although we have bought the outlet covers, we have been putting off baby proofing the house. Somebody suggested inviting a few 2 year old kids over to see what needs to be done. Ya, I don't think I'm ready for that. For now, we keep a close eye on our little explorer. Everything floor level has become fair game. Needless to say, my cleaning abilities are being scrutinized daily, I think that Wyland has become a human swiffer. Sorry, little guy.

Oh, and then there is Stella...our 2 year old Australian shepherd. She used to be our spoiled little pooch. When Wyland was born, I kept saying that she would get plenty of attention once Wyland was moving around. Well, that time has come. Stella obliges with plenty of tongue action, which Wyland thinks is hysterical! Yesterday Wyland was chewing on Stella's kong toy...don't worry, it was fresh out of the dishwasher. Stella's expression couldn't have been more pathetic.

I think they are going to be best of friends, eventually.

New Frontier

2009-05-27T21:03:00.000-04:00

OK, I've been bugging Woody for some time about creating a blog. I haven't quite figured out what I'll write about. And I haven't figured out who will read it, but here goes.

About 7 months ago, we became parents to a bouncing baby boy named Wyland; He is awesome. I must admit, the road to get us to today hasn't all been smooth. I swear if one more person told me to "enjoy every moment, they go by so fast," I was going to poke them in the eye. Because those first days didn't go by fast. It was like Groundhog Day. Except instead of an alarm clock, I had a hungry, wet or hungry/wet baby calling me. Needless to say, it was a bit bumpy in the beginning, I guess that is what is to be expected for new parents. At least daily, one of us would say, "...I don't know I've never done this before..." Nothing could have prepared us for parenthood!

Fast forward to today...Wyland has grown from an tiny baby (OK, he was never tiny) to an interactive, crawling, exploring, teeth sportin', almost eight month old! Those annoying people were right, it does go by fast!

Everyday is a new adventure. I think our goal as parents is to maintain our sense of adventure and teach Wyland about the world. I hope I have something to teach him (with baby has come a whole slew of second-guessing). We're trying to just roll with it. Wyland is a sponge and we're giving him the chance to absorb life.