Not expecting a lump of coal!

Guess who I visited today in between screaming fits at the mall? SANTA CLAUS!!! Despite my cranky behavior this morning, Santa told me I had been a very good boy this year and that I would get everything I asked for. My list is pretty small this year. Last week, when my babysitter asked me what I wanted from Santa, I could only think of one thing... juice. I think Santa is relieved that my desires are few and my vocabulary is limited. Shoes, juice, cheese, socks... all easy orders to fulfill.
Merry Christmas, y'all!
Love,
Weston

Giving Thanks

On Thursday, I will finally be able to enjoy my first REAL Thanksgiving feast. Since last Thanksgiving, I have acquired 14 new teeth, two of which are my newly developed canines, or turkey flesh rippers as I call them. Mom thinks that's a bit much, but that's what your canines are for, right? I'm so thankful for my beautiful pearly whites and for the delectable food they allow me to enjoy.

I am also thankful for so many other things. Here's my top ten:

1. Outside- quite possibly my favorite place to be. First thing in the morning and even late at night, I'm asking mom if I can go "outside." She rarely obliges when it's dark outside, but during the day, I love to enjoy God's creation. This leads me to number two...


2. Sticks- a.k.a. "free toys." Mom rarely buys me new toys, so I have to find my own... sticks are fairly good substitutes.


3. Grandparents- need I say more?


4. Macaroni and cheese- or any cheese product for that matter; I don't discriminate.


5. Shoes- I love shoes... my shoes, mom's shoes, dad's shoes... it doesn't matter... I just love 'em!


6. Ms. Eva and my dare care buddies- my home away from home... a place where my angelic alter-ego takes over. Whenever I'm with mom, the devil in me comes out.


7. My furry friends Mr. Bear, Mr. Moose, Miss Kitty, and Simba- I didn't name them. The "Creative Genius," a.k.a. "Mom" came up with those descriptive titles.


8. Running!- the faster I get, the slower and older mom and dad get. It just proves that God really does have a sense of humor.


9. Maya- unrequited love... I will never understand why cats don't return the love of toddlers. And finally,


10. Loving parents- I guess the world really is a better place with me in it.

As you celebrate this Thanksgiving, please remember to count your blessings and thank God for all the wonderful things he has given you (especially your teeth, now go eat some turkey)!

Love,

Weston

A Tribute to Nana

It is with great sadness that I write this post. As you may know, my beloved Nana went to her new heavenly home on October 25, 2007.

Nana was with me from the beginning. I remember looking into her beautiful eyes almost immediately after I was born. She would look at me with such love... like I had given her a reason to live! I really got to know Nana those first few weeks of my life. She would change my diapers, fix my bottles, wash my clothes, and wake up at 2 am to soothe my crying. Now we all know, THAT'S true love!

My first trip to Nana's house was during Thanksgiving of last year. My first plane ride was uneventful, but when I arrived at Nana's house, my life seemed complete. She had set up a nursery for me, decked out with my own crib, duck mobile, toys, blankets, burp clothes, tons of clothes, and my own rocking chair! Mom and dad haven't even bought me a rocking chair, yet. The smells of Thanksgiving dinner tantalized my senses. Even though I enjoyed my bottles, it was a little disappointing that I hadn't started eating solid foods yet. Some of Nana's turkey and dressing would have really hit the spot.

It was hard leaving after Thanksgiving, but Christmas came quickly and I was back in the arms of my Nana once again. When mom suggested that I go to the nursery during the church service, Nana insisted that she hold me instead. If I got fussy, Nana took me outside and made me feel better. She shared all of her secrets with me and even told me some funny stories about mom.

Nana made a few visits to Texas the next year, but my favorite times with Nana were when I visited her house. Nana's house was my home away from home and in many ways it was better than home! By my visit in June, I had "matured" quite a bit. We went shopping, played together and ate lots of fun things. I remember going out and buying my very first pair of "real" shoes. That was a fun experience. Nana even gave me my first taste of sweet tea... the nectar of the gods! If it were up to mom, I wouldn't have tried anything like that until I was at least 20.

As diffiult as it is to admit, my last and best memory of Nana was on my birthday. Although she was in the hospital and feeling kind of yucky, she made my day special. I'll always remember sharing my birthday cake with her... Nana helped me eat it right off of my high chair tray.

While it seems unfair that I only knew my Nana for one short year, I know that it was a miracle that I even got to see her. And even though we didn't spend much time together, I already know that I'm a lot like her. I've got a vibrant personality oozing out of my every pore... that was my Nana.

Thank you, Nana, for loving me and for loving my mom. I know that I've made it this far only because you showed her what it's like to be a good mother. I look forward to seeing you one day soon.

Love,

Weston

-"Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever." ~Author Unknown

First Haircut!

I got my very first haircut on Saturday. Yes, I realize there wasn't much to work with in the first place, but what little hair I do have was sticking out all over the place. I was a perfect angel... I think the lollipop helped!

I've also learned to say "no," and use it in it's correct context, too. Example dialogue:

Mom: Weston, don't touch the coffee pot... it's hot!

Me: No, no, no!

Mom: Weston, don't pull out all of your daddy's cd's!

Me: No, no, no!

I've found it's much better if I say it with the cutest voice I possibly can. Whenever I say "no," mom always turns her back to me. I thinks she's trying not to laugh. Mom, don't you know this only eggs me on?

Love,

Weston

P.S. Enjoy the picture of mom and me sporting our new hair-dos!

My life... the tragedy

I've never gone through such a dark period in my life before. The past week has been absolutely dismal. I'm not sure if I can go on much longer. If you know me then you understand that for me, the bottle is usually half-full. Wait a minute... did I say "bottle?" I meant "sippy cup," and if the sippy cup and it's fullness is a metaphor for my wretched life... it is DEFINITELY half-empty.
You see, my mother, took my bottle away. My comforter, friend, confidant, and most important source of nourishment- certainly not mother, but the bottle... has been stolen from me. I'm not sure how much longer I can boycott the sippy cup (at least a little bit longer than the GM workers, I would hope). ***sigh*** What's a bottle-deprived boy to do? Other than scream and kick my legs when I see a sippy cup, that is.
On a more positive note, the past few weeks have been fairly good! I got to see my grandpa from Nevada. I flew to NC to see Nana and Papa for my birthday. And, most importantly, I turned ONE!!! It's nice to be quantified by a real number. It got really old being identified as x months. I've heard that one is the loneliest number... not true... it's the greatest number. Only twenty more years and I can drink whatever I want from whatever I want! I think I'll pick up the bottle again... but not in a bad way!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Love,
Weston <3

1st Birthday!

Labor Day Weekend

Press play to enjoy some pictures from my Labor Day weekend getaway!

New toy!

I have a new toy... actually, it's an old toy, but it's new to me! Mom calls it an office chair. I've never seen one at Babies R Us, so we must be on the cutting edge of baby toys if they're not sold at the toy stores yet.

We're heading out of town for the Labor Day weekend. I need a little peace and quiet... some rest and relaxation! Just kidding... I'm always ready to go, go, go! I hope I get to see some deer this weekend.

The Sunday after next, we are heading to the beach! I can't wait to feel the sand between my toes. Just as long as I don't get any sand in my swim suit... yuck! Maybe I'll catch some fish.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Love,

Weston

Just like dad

Don't I look like my dad, here? One day, I hope I can play the piano as well as he does. I mean, right now I've only perfected Chopsticks, but I hope to master Shostakovich and Mozart by next week.

By my hand positioning, it looks as if I may have mastered the theme from Jaws, as well. :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did, but I'm glad it's over. Mom and dad threw a big bash Friday evening and mom enlisted my help in cleaning the house and cooking dinner. Just kidding... I didn't help at all. In fact, I decided to forego my morning nap just to make things more difficult for mom. Isn't that what we're supposed to do?

Just in case you're wondering, it's only 17 more days until I'm ONE!!! I'm sure it's on everyone's calendars, but a little reminder always helps.

Love,
Weston

Monkey see, monkey do...

Separated at birth?

Bad hair day!

This is what my hair looked like when I woke up from my nap yesterday...

I'm channeling my "inner Billy Idol."

The NERVE!

Oh, the nerve of my parents! They went out to dinner tonight for their anniversary AND THEY DIDN'T TAKE ME!!! How dare they! I love going to restaurants (except for the one where I bonked my head). Mom always gives me a straw to play with and I get to eat off her plate... restaurants are fun!

I heard them bragging about what they ate. Mom had red snapper and lobster risotto. Dad enjoyed his pork tenderloin and perfectly whipped potatoes. I would have eaten those things! Mom told me that she didn't see a single high chair in the fancy establishment and that it would have been tacky to take me since I usually leave quite a bit of evidence of my presence (e.g. Cheerios under the table).

I had to stay at home and eat goldfish and some Gerber ravioli. I didn't even get dessert like mom and dad did... Grand Marnier creme brulee and chocolate cake. What's an anniversary anyway if you can't celebrate it with everyone? See if I invite them out for my anniversary!

I do have a little way of getting back at them, though. Mom has been trying to get me to clap for them for months now... nothing! I refuse to clap back. Well, yesterday, Eva let out a little secret that I had been clapping with my friends during music time at day care. Darn it! Now she's going to expect me to clap for her... oh, well. You can't keep secrets forever.

I hope everyone has a great Friday!

Love,

Weston

Guess what tomorrow is!!!

Tomorrow is my 11 month birthday! That means only one more month until my first birthday. It's hard to believe I've been alive for SOOO long. It just seems like yesterday that I first held my head up, rolled over, sat up independently, crawled, and took my first steps. If you think about it, we learn so many things in such a short amount of time.

I'm sure mom wishes she could learn things as aggressively as I do now. Heck, she can't remember what she had for breakfast (you had cereal, mom). I hope she's enjoying this time in my life where I am learning something new every day. I think she is... she doesn't know this, but, I know that she comes into my room at night and stares at me. It's kind of creepy, but I know she's just trying to absorb every precious second of my young life.

Well, the countdown is on for my birthday!!! I asked mom if we could register at Babies R Us, but she thought it might be a bit tacky. Plus, you can't register for a puppy at Babies R Us, anyway, so what's the point.
Have a great weekend everyone! Leave a comment... I love to read them!

Love,

Weston

Tough weekend!

This weekend was pretty brutal. It all started with our semiweekly trip to Target. Mom had the keen idea to go into PetSmart before heading to Target so I could look at the dogs and cats up for adoption. I thought this was a great idea, especially since mom has yet to get me the puppy she promised me WEEKS ago. Apparently, all of the dogs had already been adopted or either they had left for the day because there were no puppies at the store. Thanks a lot for getting my hopes up... I guess I'll just have to live with Maya the cat a little while longer. I don't understand what her problem with me is. She's so aloof and every time I try and pet her, she runs away. Mom tells me that petting and pulling fur are totally different and that Maya gets a little annoyed when I pull her fur. Whatever, mom! I need a puppy... I'm a puppy person... friendly, happy, and loyal.

After that, I was really looking forward to going to Target. It always seems like mom always goes through the toy ailse at Target... they have some great stuff, none of which mom ever buys for me. It's like a big tease every time we go. All I got to play with when I got home was a plastic shopping bag and a bag of paper napkins. Whoopee! Why did I get a cheapskate for a mom?

The weekend didn't get much better after that. After church, mom and dad went to lunch with some friends. Usually going to a restarant means that I get strapped into an uncomfortable wooden chair. It also means that I don't get to play with any of the fun toys just begging to be held (i.e. salt shakers, knives, forks, etc.). Mom thinks I'll poke my eye out. After about an hour of listening to mom, dad, and their friends drone on and on and on, I decided to throw a bit of a fit... works like a charm. Mom took me out of the torture chamber and held me for a while. What she doesn't realize is that I WANT DOWN!!! I tried to wiggle out of her arms and proceeded to bang my head on the table. It hurt! I even forgot to breathe for a while before I started screaming. Now I have a bruise on my forehead. At least the ladies like battle scars, from what I understand.

Being a baby is hard! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Love,

Weston

It's Friday!

Woo hoo! Wait a minute... practically every day is Friday for me! Today was pretty uneventful. Mom took me to Stroller Strides and boy was it hot outside! Thank goodness mom does most of the work. After class I got to go to the park. I must have been hungry because I decided to find myself a snack. Mom had some Goldfish for me, but I was tired of Goldfish. Luckily, there was plenty of tasty looking stuff on the ground. I shoved several handfuls into my mouth and proceeded to chew on this tasty new treat. Then, mom freaked out and explained that the "mulch" I was eating was unfit for my delicate digestive system. It just goes to show that just because something tastes good, it does not mean that it is good for you. I guess no more mulch for me... I don't want to see mom freak out any time soon.

I've posted a picture of dad and me reading a book. I love to read! I can even turn pages on command.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Weston

I have a new word!

"GO!" I have to say, this one really comes in handy. When mom is taking her sweet time at Target, I can yell "go, go, go" to get her to hurry up. When she's in the back of the line at Stroller Strides... "go, go, go." When she's going way to slow in the fast lane... "go, go, go!" Mom thinks I sound pretty bossy when I'm yelling "go" at the top of my lungs. She's really hoping my next word is "please."

I'm posting some pictures of myself at the Splash Park. I LOVE the water. Dad was sad because he thinks I look like a big boy and I'm not his little baby anymore. I'm almost ONE for goodness sake, what does he expect? I can't wait to be one.

Love,

Weston

Just a quick update...

Mom took me to the park today! She also got me something to chew on to alleviate my pain from teething... she calls them shoes. I don't understand why they have teethers that you strap onto your feet, but hey, whatever works. I had a blast at the park. I tried to eat some rocks, but mom wouldn't allow that. I never get to do anything...

Love,

Weston

I'm getting a puppy!

As most of you know, dad was a stay-at-home dad yesterday. Mom promised me that I could have a PUPPY if I behaved for dad. That's like asking a dog to bark, or a pig to oink, or Nana to "even out the brownies." Behaving like a little angel is my specialty, so of course I was good for dad. Mom hasn't mentioned the puppy again, but I can't wait to go to PetSmart this weekend.

Mom let me wear my swim suit to Stroller Strides today. I thought it was kind of odd, until I realized that she was going to let me go in the splash park after class. Boy, was it fun! Nana's upset that mom didn't take pictures (I can't say that I blame her). I think this means that I'll get to go to the splash park again on Friday. Mom promises to post pictures of me in my swim suit on Friday- you'll all be blown away by my buff physique. Today's picture is just a preview!

Mom also took me to Babies R Us today. If you haven't been, this place is a must-see! You cannot possibly imagine the fun things that can be found there. Mom didn't tell me this, but I have a suspicion that she was looking for my birthday present. Can you believe that we left that toy wonderland with just a bottle brush and a snack holder? No toys? Mom says she has no idea what to get me for my birthday. Is she losing her mind already? I saw plenty of things I would love to have. I think a "grandparent intervention" may be necessary...

Love,

Weston

Teething bites!

Mom got me some teething biscuits today. As the attached picture shows, teething biscuits are detrimental to my cuteness... but they sure do make my teeth feel better. The gunk hanging from my chin is squash. Needless to say, I went right from the high chair to the bath tub tonight!

Now you may want to sit down before I tell you this... I have some shocking news! Mom took me to Wal-Mart today! Oh, the horror! I guess she noticed my complaint about Target in a previous blog entry and decided a change of scenery would be good for me. I think I like Target better and I'm sure I'll be back there in a few days or so.

More shocking news... Mr. Mom, aka, Dad, will be taking care of me tomorrow so mom can go to work. Mom knows just enough to curb my trickery, so it'll be nice to have such a naive subject to tease and torment. I'm sure tomorrow's blog entry will detail all the wacky hijinx!

Love,

Weston

No turning back

I think I've discovered that I like walking much more than crawling. Yes, crawling makes getting from here to there much easier, but no one claps and yells when I crawl. For some reason, when I take a couple dozen steps or so, mom and dad clap and yell "Yea, Weston." I never got that with crawling, so I've decided that walking is my preferred mode of transportation. Of course, if I need to quickly escape them, I will swiftly go to all fours; but if I need my ego inflated... walk! Now if I could just convince them to get me a bike.

My teeth hurt today. Mom says I'm incredibly cranky because I'm getting my molars in. Ouchy, ouch, ouch. Mom has no sympathy for me. I think I'm going to call Nana and ask her what mom was like when she was cutting her molars. I bet she was a crank, too! She's still a crank, sometimes, if you ask me. She must be getting some new teeth in.

Thanks everyone for reading my blog. Papa- please tell Nana that I love her and I hope she gets well soon so we can share some ice cream!

Love,

Weston

I'm officially walking!

Just wanted to share the good news! I'm still a little wobbly, like a newborn foal, but I'm walking! I guess running is next! Yippee!

That's my only news for today!

Love,

Weston

I love Fridays

Today was a good day. I got to go to Stroller Strides this morning and see my new friend. I think I'm in love! There's a new girl in the class and I really enjoy my time with her. She's a bit older, though... thirteen months and I'm only ten months, but I don't care.

Mom thinks I'm in love with her because we're always talking to each other and exchanging goofy smiles during class. Plus, today I started babbling like she does. I must have her on my mind.

Today was also "Take Your Baby to Work Day." At least I'm assuming that's what it was because mom hauled me to her work today for an hour or so. She had a meeting and she got the go-ahead to bring me along. I didn't see ANY OTHER BABIES, so I made sure to show my sincere displeasure. Every time mom put me in the pack-n-play, I screamed and cried. I was even more wiggly than usual, too. Did the other mom's not get the memo?

After work, mom took me shopping at Target... again. I've been alive for a total of 312 days now, and I think I've been to Target at least 311 times!!! At least it was a different Target this time. I keep hoping that mom will forget to buckle me into the cart- doesn't she know that shopping is no fun when you have to stare at your mother the entire time. Note to self... when you are old enough to invent something, invent a shopping cart that allows the baby to face the opposite direction... you get to see much more that way!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I know I will... unless I have to go to Target again... sheesh.

Love,

Weston

Bleh!

Well, I got some not-so-good news today. Papa said that Nana was not going to be able to make her trip to TX to see me. Needless to say, I'm disappointed, so mom said she'd UPS me to NC for the week. I'm almost inclined to believe her, so keep a watch for the "man in brown." I miss you, Nana!

On a positive note- and momma's insisting that we stay positive- I got to eat some more mac-n-cheese this evening. I think I'm in love. It has my favorite ingredient... cheese, and it's just divine. I've attached a picture of me enjoying my new favorite meal. Mom's going to post a link to the recipe to share with everyone!

I also got to participate in Splash Day at Eva's. I just love the water and pretty soon I'll be perfecting my breast stroke.

Thanks to everyone for reading my blog. Mom says it's "cathartic." I have no idea what that means...

Love,

Weston

Say Cheese!

This is my first blog entry. My mom is pretty lame when it comes to writing things down and since I'm growing and changing everyday, I thought it would be nice to start my own blog... at least for her sake.

Today was pretty uneventful. I went to Stroller Strides this morning and to Eva's this afternoon. I've been taking a couple of steps here and there, so everyone's convinced that I'll be moving on to full-blown walking pretty soon. Really? Actually, I'm still partial to crawling and having my mom lug me around everywhere. Who needs to expend so much energy walking, when you can have someone CARRY you. It's much better than doing it yourself.

Everyone gets a kick out of hearing me say "cheese." I like the word, myself, but I wish mom and dad would QUIT SAYING "CHEESE" all the time just to get me to mimic them. Don't they know I have other words I enjoy saying, like "Hi Maya" and, well... that's about it. If I hear them say "cheese" one more time, they're getting some projectile cheese all over their fancy digs.

I did enjoy a sample of mom's homemade mac-n-cheese this evening, though. I can't wait to try more of mom's gourmet creations when I get a little older. Dad sure is lucky to have such a good cook in the house.

Thanks for reading my new blog. Stay tuned for more!

Love,

Weston