February already...

I cannot believe it is already mid-February. January just flew right by us... and I mean FLEW BY! We had so much going on and things are changing rapidly around here.

First... I am so excited to say that our house is almost ready to be put on the market. We are hoping to have it up for sale next week, so please pray for a speedy sale. We met with an architect last Monday and talked about what we want and what we don't want... what we need to have and what we don't need to have. He sent us a starting point... and we are already realizing that this is more difficult than we were hoping it would be. There are a few things that Jeff and I really want... and I mean REALLY want and at this point I'm just praying we can incorporate all the things we want without pushing our boundaries too much.

Second... I want to talk about this insane weather! 14 with a wind chill of -6!!!!!!!!! Really... it was 80 degrees on Saturday. I love Texas... but I really despise the weather sometimes. We took Porter out for his first snow pictures... not sure how he felt about it... but after the layers we had on him... I'm sure he was just happy that it was cold! What's funny is this, we're home every day and it never bothers us... but the fact that we couldn't go anywhere... is what drove me crazy. All I wanted to do was go to the grocery store. Not because I needed anything... just because I knew I couldn't get out. I'm glad all that craziness has passed. We took Porter for his first park visit today and he loved it. He was able to sit in the swing and we put in on one of the "horse" rockers and took a few pictures of it. Jeff helped him slide down the slide and then we decided to let him play in the dirt. It took all of 2 seconds for him to pick up and handful of dirt and mulch and go straight for the mouth. I think I was able to deflect most of it... but I figure it won't kill him if he eats a little dirt. He's going to sooner or later... right? I think we're going to make the park a weekly occurrence!

PLAYING WITH THE CHIMES

Third... and the reason for our little blog... Porter is such an amazing baby. I know I've said this before, but we are so blessed with such an angel for a baby. Don't get me wrong... he has his moments... but 99.9% of the time, he is just perfect. We've hit a lot of baby milestones in the last few weeks so let's get started. I'm going to start with Christmas and work up to now.

We had such a great first Christmas with Porter. Of course he had no clue what was happening, but Jeff and I really enjoyed opening all of his presents for him and watching his eyes go back and forth, trying to figure out which one to play with first. He received a laundry list of toys, clothes, and books and he loves all of his new stuff. Right now one of our most useful toys is his jumper. He will hang out in that thing for about 30 minutes at a time (as long as he is in the same room as me) and jump and play the entire time. It is wonderful! He also got this cute zebra (that is bigger than him) to play on. He likes to ride on its back and chew on its ears. He got a "Sophie the Giraffe" and I was amazed at how quickly he learned to pick it up and hold it and put it in his mouth. We are so blessed with such an amazing family that gave us so many fun gifts. But most importantly we were able to spend time with all of our family members during the most wonderful time of the year.

MID-JUMP

January has brought Porter a lot of new things to do. He started eating "big boy" foods the second week of January... and let me say this... I never doubted it for a moment... but that kid LOVES food! Any way he can get it... he loves it. We started off with rice and oatmeal and he definitely preferred oatmeal. I've heard that most babies take a little time to warm up to eating off a spoon... well our little man was trying to "help" us feed him his 2nd time to eat off a spoon. I don't think he's ever going to find a food he doesn't like.

NOT SURE ABOUT THIS MOM

We've been working on sitting up by himself and he's doing pretty well. If I get him in the right position he can sit up unassisted for about 20-30 seconds. It just depends on the level of excitement over the toy in front of him and the day. Sometimes he does really well... and sometimes... not so much. When he is lying down he tries so hard to sit up... it’s so cute to watch him and he gets so irritated that he can't do it. I feel kind of sorry for him when he is working that hard and not able to get it. I just keep telling him to keep trying and he'll get there. He's also decided that he doesn't need mommy's help standing up anymore... well at least when he's standing up next to the bathtub. Last week I was trying to get the bath started and I let him stand up next to the tub and he just grabbed on to the side and hung out! I was shocked! And he was so proud... he had this huge grin on his face the entire time. I keep trying to tell him he is supposed to sit up, crawl, stand up, and then walk... but I don't know if he is listening. I'm beginning to think he has a mind all of his own... not sure who he inherited that from.

I'VE ALMOST GOT IT!!!!

WHAT A BIG BOY

We had his 4 month appointment a few Fridays ago and it went really well... until the shots. Dr. Jones actually used the term "huge". He was in the 95% for both height and weight. He weighed in at 18 pounds and 26 1/2 inches long. (I'm still waiting for that leveling out period) We talked with the doc about starting on fruits and veggies and he said we were good to go and we could even start him on some proteins if we wanted. I can't tell you how helpful it has been to be able to feed him real food. I am making all of his food at home and I really enjoy it. So far we have tried... chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, peas, peaches, pears, bananas, and apples. He wasn't too sure about the bananas and carrots at first, but he likes them now... and he LOVES LOVES LOVES sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and apples. And he's definitely not a fan of peaches... takes after his Momma on that one! He didn't mind peas too much, but we're still working on the green veggies. I think his apprehension with them is the color. He always checks out what is on the spoon before he takes his first bite and I just laugh. I mean really... like he has a choice in the matter. He really likes chicken... but not turkey, which I find interesting. I don't think they are all that different, especially when they are just boiled in water. But he's definitely partial to chicken.

CARROTS AND SWEET POTATOES...YUM YUM

We've also finally made the transition to the big boy crib! YAY!!! And it only took 2 nights. We transferred him 3 Sundays ago and he did okay for about 2 hours and then woke and didn't want to go back down. So we brought his bassinet in from our room and he went right back to sleep. Monday night same thing. Tuesday slept in his crib all night... and hasn’t looked back. He sleeps in there everynight! I am so proud of him and how good of a sleeper he is. I think Jeff and I are actually sleeping less now. It was nice to have him right next to me because if he started coughing or waking up in the middle of the night I could just lean over and check him. Now... I have to get up and go to his room and make sure he's okay or get him to fall back to sleep. By the time I get back in bed it takes me a while to get back to sleep. I try not to get up when he makes noises... only when he has a little coughing fit or starts to wake up. We just have a loud sleeper... and those little noises that he makes all night long wake me up. But oddly enough... they didn't when he was in the room with us. Oh well... I'm sure it will get easier... but for now we'll just go to bed a little earlier every night to try and compensate.

Last Saturday we took Porter to the Stockshow and Rodeo for the first time. He had a blast. I don't think he's ever been so alert and interested in what was going on, at least in the Stockshow. He fell asleep for the better part of the actual rodeo... but when he was awake... boy oh boy! He didn't know what do with himself!

Happy Valentines Day everybody! Porter and I had a mini photo shoot to get Daddy's present ready! I think it turned out pretty good... considering we were using a self-timer on the camera!

Here are some extra random pictures of the last couple of months... just for you guys!

And finally... because I think it is hilarious... We decided Porter needed to start early... He was pretty excited.

Thanks for keeping up with us. Have a wonderful week! All our love.

Jeff, Erika, and Porter

6 weeks since my last post... YIKES

I know it has been a while since my last official post. The teaser post was just because I felt so bad. I really need to start setting aside some time to do this once a week. We'll see if that actually happens.

Things are blowing and going. Porter is getting so big and changes every day. He also surprises us with some new thing he does or tries on a regular basis as well. As I'm sure anyone with kids knows... having a little one consumes pretty much everything you do. (When does that stop???) Jeff and I adjust with what he needs and what he demands pretty well. Or at least I feel like we do. The dogs act like they are mistreated and I do feel sorry for them right now. We have had a very eventful 6 weeks... so lets get to business.

Porter is awesome. He is so much fun and has such a bright personality. I enjoy watching him during the day when he is playing... just to see what he will try. Here are some new things he has going for him...

1. He is weighing about 16.75 pounds and is around 25 1/2 inches.

2. He is wearing some 3-6 month clothes and some 6 to 6-9 month clothes

3. We bought him his first pair of baby tennis shoes... and he loves them.

4. His hair is finally filling back in from his cradle cap... YAY! No more receding hairline.

5. He has decided that his reflection is just about the coolest thing in the world.

6. He has figured out his voice and likes to hear himself talk.

7. Standing up is one of his favorite things to do.

8. His excersaucer has been a lifesaver for keeping him entertained.

9. Whoever invented the Bumbo seat is a genius.

10. He is doing pretty good at reaching and batting at objects. (We're working on picking them up)

11. He is a drooling fool! (I pray that he isn't an early teether)

12. He is the sweetest... most loving... most cuddly baby ever.

13. His facial expressions are priceless.

14. He is not a fan of tummy time... So he has learned how to ROLL OVER! Now it is a battle for tummy time. I've attached a video at the bottom. He's so cute when he does it...

15. He has his Mommy wrapped around his little finger.

16. And Daddy too.

Next... Jeff and I have some exciting news! (No I'm not pregnant again)

We're are officially owners of a nice little plot of land that we are hoping to build on sometime next year. It is in Aledo about 7 minutes from where we live now. We will be putting our house on the market sometime in late January or early February. Soooo... if anyone is interested! Here are a couple of pictures.

I am working on drawing up a house plan. And will hopefully have that wrapped up soon. We still have to find an architect to draw up our blueprints... so if you know anyone please let me know. We want to have everything ready to go in case we get lucky and sell the house sooner... rather than later.

Thanksgiving was wonderful as usual (I know we just had Christmas...that will have to be a separate post). We had a great time with Jeff's family on Thanksgiving day. The food was yummy and the company was even better. His Uncle Randy was able to come up this year and we were so excited for him to meet Porter. Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving day.

Porter and Nanny

Porter and Keith (he hasn't decided on a name yet)

Porter and Randy

That weekend my brother and his family came up from Montgomery and we had Thanksgiving with them at our house. It was so much fun to spend the day with them. Shelby and Wyatt are adorable as ever and Porter loved getting to meet everyone. Sadly... I didn't take any pictures of all the kids together... and my mom hasn't sent me any of her pictures... but I do have a couple of Shelby and Wyatt. I must say... other than my little man, they are two of the cutest kids ever.

Next we had our big family Thanksgiving/Christmas with the Pack side of my family. We have it at my Uncle Randy and Aunt Marion's ranch and everyone... except Justin was in attendance. While I missed him terribly... I appreciate that he didn't come and infect any of us with his sickness. Papa had kind of a rough start... but ended up having a pretty good day. My Uncle Duke dressed up like Santa Claus and brought toys for all the kiddos and they all took pictures with him. I was so happy that we were able to get a Santa picture with Porter without having to go to the mall... and I think it's pretty cool that his first Santa picture is with his great uncle. Porter was such a trooper and took everything in. He loved it so much he stayed up until after midnight. I finally had to rock him to sleep in the recliner and hold him the rest of the night so he would sleep. Let's just say it was a rough night. Here are a few pictures of that day.

Porter and Santa

The Pack Family 2010

The girl cousins... and Shelby with Santa

Porter loves Uncle Duke... and his Ninny

And this is a picture I am so thankful to have. Porter and his great-grandfather (aka: Papa) and myself. I was blessed with this amazing man as my Papa... and not a day goes by that I do not thank God for him and Mimi. I am so happy that Porter was able to meet him and spend a little time with him. Hopefully there will be many more opportunities for this.

Christmas is going to have to be on another post... I am all storied out! I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season and continues it with a happy New Year! Oh... and tune in Saturday to the Rose Bowl... GOOOO FROGS!

Love,

The Anderson's

(this is my first video download... I hope it works)

I know... I know

I'm horrible at this blogging thing. I really will try to get better! This is just a little teaser post... I am actually working on a new post about the last month (or so)... but it takes a lot longer now to complete one. We've had a lot going on... a ton of things to tell you... a few big news items... and Christmas in just a few days. I hope that I get the post finished before then.

But just in case... here are a few pics as a preview of what is to come.

Oh... and if you do actually follow this little blog of ours... become a follower. I like to know those of you that are keeping tabs on us. It's exciting to see that people actually read this.

Love, E...J...&P

Time flies when you're having fun

I cannot believe that it has been so long since I posted... and I do apologize to those of you who actually read this. We have had a lot going on... and our little blog hasn't even crossed my mind.

Porter is getting so big... when we weighed him yesterday he was at 13.4 pounds! Seriously... homeboy is gaining weight like it is no body's business. (The good news for me... the more he eats... the more I lose) EAT AWAY little man... eat away! I am pretty anxious to see how long he is at this point. Next week we will know!

He has his two month check-up next Friday and I am excited to see Dr. Jones and find out how he thinks Porter is doing... but I am so sad because I know Porter will be getting 4 shots. (insert sad face) I told Jeff if he could go into work late and go to the appointment with me it would be great. I think the shots are going to hurt me more than they will Porter. I am going to ask Dr. Jones about his little belly button. It seems to be a little tender and it is still pretty soft and sticks out. I just want to make sure that it is normal. Other than that... I think he's a super healthy little guy.

Halloween was great. We trick or treated at Nanny and G-Dad's (Anderson's) house and then headed over to Gammy and Pop's (Porter's). Jeff and his dad went to the World Series game and I didn't want to be alone trying to take care of Porter and deal with trick or treaters. So he and I spent the evening with my parents. It was fun to see all the kiddos dressed up and I even got to see some old friends from high school out with their little ones. Porter wasn't a big fan of his costume... but we managed to get a few cute pics of him in it. *Note to self for next year... when it says 0-6 months they really mean 0-2T... I swear my nephew could have worn this costume and he's a year and half. But we made it work.

(Halloween 2010... Monkey)

I am so excited that the weather is changing. I just hope this time it stays cooler. I love Fall... I love the changing of leaves... the cooler temperatures... the earlier nighttime... I watch in awe of God's art!

Oh and... sweaters... boots... tights... all of it! And... I love all the adorable cold weather clothes for baby boy... I can't wait to see him in all of it.

Some things we have done lately:

1. Hung out with Mimi and Aunt Debbie

2. Met Katie... Sarah... Ash and Lynton

3. Took family pictures... a little teaser pic...

(taken with Keith's camera)

4. Porter decided that his mobile is his favorite thing! No kidding... the kid loves his mobile.

5. He pays attention to stories more. So far Curious George holds his attention the best.

6. Met Kristin and was able to spend a lot of time with her... Mommy enjoyed having her around!

7. Started eating every 4-6 hours... instead of every 2! (If blogs had a "like" button... I would like this)

8. Has started cooing and sort of giggling.

9. Started noticing toys a little more.

10. Porter sitting in his excersaucer with a little help from a trusty blanket.
11. Got to meet Justin and Tarah... Justin is officially hired for babysitting duty anytime he is in town. Loved having them!

Some things we are looking forward to:

1. GOING BACK TO CHURCH... I feel so much more whole when I go to church.

2. Getting to see all my old co-workers (I really miss them)

3. Thanksgiving... Thursday with the Anderson Fam and the Saturday with the Porter Fam (especially getting to love on these two)

(Shelby and Wyatt going to the Zoo)
4. Porter getting on a normal schedule and sleeping through the night.

5. Getting some alone time with my hubby tomorrow night! Thanks Gammy and Pops!!!

And finally... pictures...

(laughing at my Mommy)

(looking at my reflection)

(Don't I look like my Daddy in this pic)

(chillin' in my excersaucer)

(Sweetest smile ever)

(Sleepy boy)

(Noticing my mobile)

(I seriously LOVE my mobile)

(Noticing the lights on my playmat for the first time)

(Mommy and I on Halloween)

(Sitting on Daddy's shoulder)

(We didn't let him stay like that for long... but it was too cute and funny to pass up)

Happy Weekend everyone!

Love... E