Happy 9 Months!

Dear Little Bug,

You’ve now been out in this beautiful world as long as you were in my little oven baking. And, it goes without saying you’ve made the world (especially my world) a much better place.

This month, your personality transformed into something magical. You react and respond, and more clearly communicate what you like and dislike. For example, you LOVE bananas. You eat them by the spoonfuls, at any and all times I offer them. But, on any given day, you decide you HATE carrots. And, when you decide you hate them, you spit them out at me as quickly as I feed them to you.

Your new interest of the month? Restaurants. You love the colors, the people, the noises and all the smells. If you’re lucky, we even let you “taste” big boy food. You mingle with our dinner neighbors, and by the end of our meal, we most certainly have made new friends, courtesy of your sparkling, attractive personality. People are just drawn you.

In the last couple weeks, you’ve mastered the art of mobility. You roll like it’s nobody’s business, and skootch backwards with a look of confusion on your face like “why am I not going forward?!”

This months milestones include:

* Mobility * Drinking from a straw * Swinging * Trying your first McMenamin’s tatertot, sans the fried outside *  Playing catch with Lola*

We’re still waiting on those pearly whites to make an appearance. But, I’m happy to report that you are getting better at sleeping *almost* all the way through the night.

I love you, bug. I love that I wake up and go to bed with a smile on my face because I have you in my life. I love you for your giggles and screeches, and the way you borough your head into my neck when you get nervous around new people. I love you because you remind me of the goodness and beauty in this world.

Happy 9 months, little bug!

XO Mama

The Babe, BOD and BBQ

It was a fun-filled weekend with the BOD back together again, sans two of our favorites – Kiki and Dev.

Cinda drove down for the weekend and Matt & Tara hosted a great BBQ. Matt is a master BBQer. His chicken is phenomenal!!

Good times had by all!

Priceless

Happy 60th Birthday, Mom/Gammy!

Today marks 60 amazing years on this earth for my mom and Logan’s gammy. If you know my mom, you know she doesn’t look a day over 50…but in honor of her 60th birthday, here are not quite 60 things I absolutely love about my mom.

She’s straightforward and honest * She’s witty * She always takes my phone calls – even if it’s the 10th one in a day (no kidding!) * She loves coffee as much, if not more than, me * She is one of the most loyal people * She would do anything for her family, friends and even strangers * She’s the best gammy * She can turn a piece of trash into a treasure * She’s creative * She will drop anything to take care of her kids, dogs and Logan * She can dress up with the best of ‘em, and get down and dirty with the boys * She has an amazing ability to find good deals * She loves a good adventure * She worries for all the right reasons (and some of the wrong. haha) * Logan’s beautiful blue eyes – courtesy of my mom * She takes time to be friends with my friends * She will always go shopping with me * Logan lights up when she walks in the room * She reassures me that I’m a good mom * She makes me a better person * She has a unique/beautiful sense of style * She makes time to talk to her kids & siblings practically every day * She doesn’t take herself too seriously * She’s a harder and stronger worker than most men I know * She has a way with words * She’s forgiving and understanding * She created Logan’s amazing nursery * She cooks dinner for my dad EVERY night * I can tell her anything * She’s a great wife, mom and gammy * She always makes me feel more confident * She would rather receive a lawn edger than jewelry as a gift * She appreciates the simple things in life * She never arrives empty-handed * She has no reservations putting me in my place when I’m out of line * She can turn any bad day into a good day for me * She can yell at me and I know she still loves me* She knows more about me than any other person in my life * She’s 60 today…and looks absolutely amazing!!

Happy 60th, mama!!

Mother’s Day

What a great first Mother’s Day! I spent it with my mama and Logan – and it was perfect! We went shopping (for PJs for Logan) and ended our day with beers at McMenamin’s. Now, that’s what I call a great day.

Happy Mother’s Day, mama. I’m so lucky to be your daughter.

And, he’s on the move!

I was going about my daily routine on Friday, when all the sudden my sitting baby was no longer sitting where I put him. He decided it was time to get moving,  and he did just that. He’s not crawling very fast, nor is he up on all fours, but this boy knows how to shimmy his way around.

It’s definitely time to finish baby proofing the house!

Logan Henry showing Unckie Benny and Auntie Brooke his new moves.

Mom’s Birthday Dinner

On Friday we celebrated mom’s 60th birthday a few days early. Ben and Brooke cooked/hosted and everything was delicious!

More to come on mom’s birthday on her big day…

Taking Time to Be Grateful

It’s amazing the love and happiness Logan has brought me. This past week has been less than stellar and quite challenging, but walking through the door and seeing his smile and hearing his laughter wipes the worry and stress away.

I’m lucky. I’m grateful. And, because of Logan, I know that even on the worst days, things will be just fine. In fact, they will be amazing.

Intrigued by our flower tree.

 

Swinging with best friend Cynthi Jean.

Getting loves from Auntie Cynthia

Bath Time is still our Favorite Time!

Bath time has always been Logan’s most favorite time of the day. He loves being naked, splashing around and playing with his toys. This week was a big step in our bath time routine – Logan moved out of his baby bath and now takes a bath in the ‘big boy’ regular bathtub.

He loves it! More room to splish and splash!

Ronald McDonald House

There are many great things about my job. But, on the top of the list is that our leadership team encourages us to volunteer in the community, and provides us a set amount of work hours to do so.

Last Monday, my team volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland. We pulled up our sleeves, put our chef hats on, and made the residents a delicious chicken dinner.

It feels so good to give back. I need to remember that, and start doing it more often.

Logan Henry had a Farm E-I-E-I-O

And, on that farm he had a cow. E-I-E-I-O.

 

And, a couple dogs…

And, more cows. But, best of all…

He has his SWING!

Happy 8 months, little man!

Dear Bug,

This month has been a busy one. Hence, my delay in posting your monthly letter. The sun is FINALLY shining, and you finally get to experience the beauty of Oregon. You relish in our nightly walks, and have a fondness for playing in the grass. I think you will definitely be a lover of the outdoors.

With each passing month and day, you continue to find your voice. You sing your own songs and seem to enjoy talking to Lola more than anyone else. Speaking of Lola, you’ve finally figured out that she’s going to be your pal. You two are forming an amazing bond.

You still don’t have any teeth – where are those little whites?! But, you have been teething these past few days. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pop up in over the weekend.

I’m looking so forward to the coming months. Trips to the park. Outings to the farmers market. And, I think we will be heading to Utah to introduce you to your big, wonderful family there!

I love you, little bug!

XO Mama

Best thing about the sunny weather, you ask?

Long walks after work!

Sick Little Babe

Logan’s been dealing with a runny nose and cough going on nine days. He seemed to be on the mend, until yesterday morning. He woke up super congested, super tired, and unable to sleep unless in the upright position. For most of the morning, he and I sat on the couch and he slept on my chest. Although he was sick, I do have to say I cherished the snuggle time I got with him.

Since we were headed into the weekend, we went to visit Dr. Luckianga to be on the safe side. I’m glad we did. Seems that the little guy had a slight case of bronchialitis and a left ear infection. Dr. Luckianga wrote us a prescription “just in case” Logan got worse over the weekend.

I’m happy to report that after a few more long naps yesterday afternoon, he woke up happy and a lot healthier! He still has a slight runny nose, but not as much congestion. Phew!

On a side note, Logan weighed in at a whoppin’ 19lbs 12oz yesterday.

 

He’s a happy boy even when he’s sick!

Logan Henry’s First Easter

Logan’s first Easter did not disappoint. Auntie Brooke and Unckie Benny hosted a fabulous brunch at their house – and Logan enjoyed tasting a few of the treats! He enjoyed digging into his Easter Baskets – yes, he’s spoiled and recieved numerous baskets!! After brunch with the Wheeler fam, we headed to Sharon and Ron’s to watch the final round of The Masters. I have to say, for Logan’s first Masters, it was not the storybook ending I was hoping for. I was really pulling for Kenny Perry to win. Bummer.

On this very special day, I feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Happy Easter!

Logan Henry’s First Easter Basket

 

Logan Henry with mama and dad

Pappy and Logan Henry drinking their morning coffee

Uncle Scotty swingin’ Logan Henry

Auntie Brooke, Unckie Benny & Logan Henry

Pappy, Gammy & Logan Henry

Unckie Chad and his bubba Logan Henry

Grandma and Logan Henry with his new toy!

Grandma and Grandpa B. with Logan Henry

Aunt Karen & Logan Henry

Family Time is Good for the Soul

This past weekend was the absolute best. My aunts, Dotty and Wendy, traveled from Utah to visit us in Oregon – and meet Logan. It was a fun-filled weekend of shopping, dining out, walking and just good ol’ family bonding.

Logan loved his great aunties, and there visit couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m lucky to have such good family.

Bonding time with our Aunties

Great Aunt Wendy and Logan Henry

Great Aunt Dotty and Logan Henry

MS Walk 2009

For four years Katie and I have been participating in the MS Walk to honor her mama, who has MS. Some years we have a big group, some years we have a small group, but every year we have a great time supporting a great cause.

This year the walk was extra special because my aunties from Utah were in town to walk with us. Double bonus – this was Logan Henry’s first walk, too!

Milton-Freewater

Two weekends ago, Scott and I took Logan on his second road trip to Milton-Freewater – a small Oregon town minutes away from Walla Walla, Washington. It was a long drive, but well worth it. We went there for our friend Erin’s wedding, and we were able to see lots of friends we haven’t seen in months/years.

On the docket of activities was a trip to the Browns’ tasting room. They make the yummiest wine and cidar in Oregon. And, no, I’m not biased. :)

Unfortunately, my camera battery died shortly after our arrival, so I was unable to capture a lot of photos. :(

Hanging in there after 4+ hours in the car.

Tiah-Piah, Scott and the Babe (so happy to be out of the car!)

Our friends at the Browns’ Tasting Room

Tiah, me & the Babe

Logan Henry & Co.

As Logan gets older, it’s amazing to watch him interact and form bonds with our friends’ little ones. He finally reached the age where he realized Cynthi Jean (5 months older) is his buddy, and not someone to be afraid of. Now, instead of crying, he gives Cynthi Jean kisses and wants to follow in her footsteps, literally (she’s walking). And, when our friends Tara & Carl visited with their sweet newborn Preston, Logan learned how to be “gentle” with the younger baby.

 

Logan Henry & Cynthi Jean

Best Friends Forever

Logan Henry being “gentle” with Preston Alixander

Preston and Logan playing together