MeMe Comes to Visit

MeMe came to visit during the roughest point of my morning sickness. I was having trouble fixing food for Anthony, grocery shopping, cooking dinner--basically anything to do with food. I was so tired that I needed naps but often couldn't take the break as I was chasing after a 15 month old! MeMe came and saved the day! She cooked, cleaned, played with Anthony, made sure I ate when I needed to, and so much more--it was amazing and so helpful!

This one's blurry but so cute!

We blew up the pool that MeMe and PaPa got for Anthony's birthday...Here's a video clip from his first time playing in it!

Thanks, MeMe, for all of your help!!! You blessed us more than you'll ever know!

15 Month Checkup

Well, Anthony had his 15 month checkup at the beginning of June. Here are his latest stats...

Weight: 17-12 (less than 3rd percentile)

Height: 30 1/2 inches (30th percentile)

His development is right on track as he's functioning between 14 1/2 and 16 1/2 months. He's learning more words every day. So far these include: "uh-oh", "dada", "babbo" (Italian for dada), "hot" (or "ot"), "that", "bye-bye", "ball" (or "ba"), "wow", and "eye" (while pointing to the correct body part). He also says the word "ups" which is his own language. He has said this for a couple of months now. We're not sure exactly what it means, but we think he's using it to convey "here you go" (as he hands us something most of the time when he says it!) :)

He signs the words: more, please (his own version), all finished, milk, and occasionally eat and thank-you. He has started whining now a little more...I think it's just because he knows what he wants but doesn't know how to communicate it. We've been trying to teach him more appropriate responses.

He is walking now quite often but still prefers crawling. He's got great body control and has started climbing on everything!!! Just the other day I was in the kitchen, and he was playing with his toys in the den...or so I thought. He started saying "whoo" to get my attention, and when I looked over, he was STANDING on the ottoman waving his hands, so proud of himself! Did I mention this ottoman is right next to the fireplace???

He thinks it's sooo funny when he burps or has gas! Mario and I realized that we've been laughing at his bodily functions a little too much, so Anthony has picked right up on it. We are now in the process of trying to teach him "excuse me" (while we keep a straight face).

He loves looking at books and turning the pages. He points at the objects or animals and wants you to name them. He thinks it's really cool if he gets to look at a book with "real" pages (as in not cardboard).

He still loves water; still loves his baths. He's a big splasher. He's taken a couple of showers with his daddy, but he doesn't like that too much (we have really strong water pressure, so that complicates things).

He's definitely become a true "daddy's boy" over the past few months. Whenever he hears the garage door open, his face brightens up and says "dada!" as he races to the back door. He'll go to daddy's arms over mommy's most of the time. He LOVES wrestling and tickling and soaring and flipping and chasing and tumbling!

And almost more than anything he still loves music and moving his body to the beat. Maybe he's a daddy's boy because his personality is just like his daddy's!!! :)

He still has such a sweet spirit of obedience. He is sensitive and tender amidst all that rough and tumble...what a great combination! We always just say in amazement that he is such a good boy. What a gift this child has been to us! We couldn't feel more blessed and honored that God chose us to be his parents!!!

Fun in the Sun

Anthony received this big sprinkler ball from Grama and Grampa for his first birthday! We finally got the chance to see how it works. You just hook it up to the hose, and it has four spouts that spray water...Anthony LOVED it!

having a ball--no pun intended! ;)

this is awesome, dad!

whoooo-hoooo!

We'll enjoy playing with this all summer!

Seeing as we've been having 102+ degree days and no rain in over two weeks, we may be playing with this toy quite often!!!

Anthony and Brody

Here are Anthony and his buddy Brody playing together on Memorial Day. Brody might be walking, but Anthony can definitely still keep up with him!!!

Anthony and his PaPa

Anthony spent a lot of time with his PaPa while we were in Memphis for the birth of his cousin, Baby James. I just loved these shots of them out in the yard. They also had fun playing with the rocks (gravel) in the driveway. Thanks to his Mommy's "pregnancy brain," Anthony also got to take a nap with some of the rocks that I left in his pockets!!! :)

Thanks, Dad, for being such a quiet strength for Anthony. I can't wait to treasure more moments like these in the years to come.

Mammina #2

Okay, so some of you may have noticed my new ticker--yes, that's right--baby #2 is on the way! May as well keep the ball rolling, right? My due date is January 9, so Big Brother Anthony and his new sibling will be 22 months apart! I'll keep you all posted of my progress!

8 weeks

9 weeks

Introducing...My Sweet Nephew--Baby James

Isn't he precious!?! He was born on May 28 (to my twin sister Mandy and her husband Justin). Seeing as they live in Memphis, I won't be seeing NEAR as much of my little nephew as I'd like!

James William Payne

Is that a smile I see?

Anthony's not too sure what to think

Wonder if he knows he's been de-throned since he's not the only grandchild anymore?