Mani/Pedi on the Porch

     This past weekend we had a little garage sale here in town at my grandparent's shop/storage area.  The storage area used to be a flooring store, so Tate had a pretty good time crawling around on the carpet and checking out everything on his level.  It was fairly successful, but obviously not the sale of the century, since Tate was able to have his run of the room. 
     But holy cow, we almost had  fisticuffs amidst the 25 cent rope lights, the dancing Santa and my old alto sax.  Although the two men weren't fighting over one of our fabulous items, they exchanged some words regarding some old family drama.  In defense of the "victim," he did nothing to invite this harrassment and the "attacker" was obviously not the brightest crayon in the box. I was enthralled in the drama, but my Mom instantly had a stomachache, like she always gets during confrontation. Anyway, no punches were thrown and the "attacker" left the sale.  (neither men bought any of our crap either)
    In other news, this was what our family did on this lovely Tuesday evening.  Tate is totally in love with watching his Daddy mow the lawn.  He was so enthralled with watching him I was able to do a mini mani/pedi and trim his finger and toe nails.  (Aaron would not like that I used that phrase regarding his son)  But of course after the trimming, he became antsy and needed to get closer.

And this is what we look like after most meals and this is actually not too bad.  I don't really know how he comes home from daycare eating two meals there looking mostly put together, but then we do supper at home, and it's a disaster.  He feeds himself for the most part so I'll blame that. 

    

Tate the Great

     It's hard to believe my little man will be 10 months old next week.  Here are a few pics of what we're so busy with everyday.

Tate has become quite an expert at pat-a-cake and so big!  Sometimes he jumps to the so big! part a little early.  He just gets his arms flapping and can't contain his excitement.

We've also discovered the cabinets and doors.  At first just getting his hands on the tupperware was treat enough, now the big thing is to slam the doors shut and open them, then slam/open, slam/open....

Most every evening we go on a coupe car ride or stroller ride, lots of "ooooh-ooooh" during the car rides.  But if we go too far in the car, all the vibrating from the cement kind of starts to lull Tate to sleep, so we either have to take him out or stop and snap him out of the trance.

And finally, lots of time pulling himself up onto the music center, ottoman, couch, doors, walls, Mommy's leg, anything at all.  He's getting a bit more brave and going one-handed, walking along things and transferring from one piece of furniture to the next.  Lord- help us, please.

We love Nana

Tate is a very lucky little boy to have such a great Nana.  Last night Molly came down to spend the evening with Tate and I while Mike had an appointment.  Nana fed Tate, played with him, took him on a cozy coupe ride, gave him a bath, fed him his bottle and put him to bed.  Not only did Tate get spoiled, so did this Momma.  Thank you Nana!  We love you!



Day one



10 days old

9.5 months old

Baby's First Independence Day



     We decided to stay home for the 4th of July weekend since Tate had an ear infection and cough.  Even though he was a bit more irritable occasionally, it was hard to tell he was sick most of the time.  And the little bugger still woke up early every-single- day and was ready to get moving. 

     Saturday we went to my parent's place, sans parents, to have a little pool time.  As much as I want this kid to be a fish, I think that the big pool is a bit too intimidating and cool right now to be his favorite thing.  After our little pool party, we stopped at Little Wall Lake campground to say hi to the Nessa clan.  I've lost track of the number of times I've asked Aaron if we can get a camper, but after witnessing the chaos of eight children 5 and under camping, I think I'll quit pressing the issue for a few years.

     Sunday was a nice day at home just relaxing, eating, napping and riding Tate's little cozy coupe car he got from the Truesdell family. 

     On the 4th we went to the farm again for swimming and sun with Grandma and Grandpa.  Then to Iowa Falls for Riverbend Rally parade with Nana, Papa, my parents, the cousins and their parents.  We got to enjoy a great parade, then grilled at Mike and Molly's afterward.  Ear infection and all, we had a pretty good Independence Day weekend.

Bright & early Saturday morning

Planning his escape



  

 

 

Comatose





Parade with Papa


 

 



Yummy fruit



Cool Whip!

     With this 100 degree Iowa weather, we decided to take a trip to my parents for a dip in the pool.  Tate usually loves the water but last night he wasn't the biggest fan. 

     He'd had a runny nose for a couple days, but his behavior hadn't changed at all, so we thought maybe it was just allergies.  Come to find out today, he has an ear infection.  Poor kiddo!  Amoxicillin-here we come.  Cold and ear infection, all the same, this kid doesn't slow down too much.   

     Although the pool was fun and all, I think the Cool Whip was the biggest hit.  Grandma said it was ok for him to dig in. (Of course she did, would Grandma ever say no?)  It was interesting to see how he approached this freedom, you'd think a baby would just stick his hands right in there, but Tate would just stick his index and thumb in, as if  he were trying to pick up just a little piece of Cool Whip.  After a couple minutes, he became a bit less apprehensive, hergo Cool Whip baby. We stuck that boy in the tub right away.