One Year Older...and Wiser Too????

Yesterday was my birthday...I'm a whoppin 23 years old.

Jerry worked the night before and the night of my birthday so I wasn't really expecting much. He already bought my birthday present, (and Mother's Day gift...an EOC from Saladmaster...I love it!!) However, he surprised me by waking up early, dropping they boys off at my mom's and taking me to dinner. Except, when we got to my favorite mexican restaurant in Pinetop El Cupidos, he felt in his pockets for his wallet and guess what??? It wasn't there. It was still in his lunch box on our kitchen counter. My wallet was in the diaper bag at my mom's house. We only had an hour left until he had to leave for work so we headed back to home. By the time we got back we only had 30 minutes to eat so we settled for Alibertos. He felt horrible and said he'd make it up to me. Guess what though??? It was a great date. #1 I was surprised by it all. #2 I got to spend 1 1/2 hours with just him. No telling kids to be quiet or to eat their food. #3 It's the thought that counts. So thanks Jer! It really was a good date!!

I spent the earlier part of the day with my mom and nephews at the park. Kaysen and Gage both had so much fun playing with Taron & Tanner. Kaysen loves those boys!!!

Kaysen must have known it was my birthday. He acted exceptionally well! He only got put in time out once. This was a major milestone!!! Lately, I've been having a really hard time with him. I've tried spanking, corners, taking toys/movies away and last of all soap in his mouth. Because he just YELLS at me. No matter what I do, he is still rebellious. I put him in time out and he tells me "No Mom. Take Mickey Mouse away." or I take a toy away and he says, "Throw it in the trash, Mom!!" I never seem to win. Some days I just want to throw in the towel...but I know I can't and I won't. My friend reminded me that "I need to pick my battles." This has really helped me out. I have realized that I don't need to freak over every little thing Kaysen does wrong. He is learning. I mean, he is being patient with me while I learn to be a better mom so I need to be more patient with him while he learns how to be a better person.

Gage also must have known it was my birthday. He slept for 10 hours straight last night!!! That is amazing. He has only done this a couple other times for me. Hopefully it wasn't just a Birthday present for me, and he will continue this good habit. That would be great!!!

Catching Up...

Gage had his 9 month check up! Luckily there were no shots on this visit!!

Here are the stats:

Height: 30 1/4" = 96 %

Weight: 23lbs 13oz = 90%

Head: 18 1/2" = 90%

His height and head shot up like crazy but his weight has actually started to level out. He is still a big boy and the Doctor still calls him moose man. I'm pretty sure that his weight will start to decline from now on, he his crawling everywhere and for the past 2 weeks he has been pulling himself up on the furniture and walking along it. He has a toy that is like a play table and he pushes that all around my house as he walks. It won't be long and he'll be on his own. It is crazy how fast the time has gone by.

Kaysen and Gage are starting to play so good together. Kaysen is constantly saying, "Come here Gage" and Gage just follows him all over. Nobody can get Gage to laugh quite like Kaysen can.

Here is my little copy cat. Jerry was welding/grinding the other day so here comes Kaysen. He lays under Gages table toy and starts grinding on it with the grinder that Santa brought him for Christmas. He is starting to get even more imaginative...I honestly didn't think that he could be any more imaginative than he already was but he has proven me wrong. I love watching all of the things he comes up with! There is never a dull moment with this kid around.