corey + ashley = max, elle & holden

New Addition

2011-01-17T14:22:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the world little Holden. His full name is Holden Thomas Walker. He was born on December, 18th, just a week before Christmas and he was the prefect little Christmas present. Our biggest baby yet, Holden weighed 8lbs 9oz (no wonder I was so uncomfortable). He is doing great and our family is excited about this new addition.

Our first family photo after meeting baby at the hospital.

Proud big brother.

In addition to taking care of baby, we are still trying to keep up

with a super hero...

and a tiny dancer!

My favorite kiddos...

2010-06-24T20:44:00.008-05:00

World's Fastest Unwrapper

MY Cupcake! Why you touch my cupcake...

Wrapping Me around Her Finger

Birthday Treat Time

I wish, I wish, I wish...

Max with the ladies on his birthday

Soccer King

Easter Day

Busy Little Bee

Waking up

Best Buds

Tiny flirt

Hip Hopper

I'm One!

2010-03-21T21:11:00.003-05:00

Our Elle Belle had her first birthday last month and here are a few pics of the birthday girl on her big day (in reverse order). As you can see Elle loved her birthday cake. She wanted every last crumb and cried when I wiped off her tray because she was sad she couldn't eat those crumbs too. We love you Elle Marie and what a fun, albeit fast year it was.

Elle at one year:

1. She is a great eater. Just look at the pictures above. Some of her favorite foods are blue berries, pancakes, noodles, beans and chocolate. She often puts her toes on her tray during meal time too.

2. She talks a lot but we can't understand all her words. For the last couple of months she says "degupti" over and over and over again.

3. Elle started walking just before her first birthday and toddles all over the house with a baby doll under one arm and a match box car in her other.

4. Elle gives kisses now (mostly to the air) but gave her first kiss to Max when he was feeling sad and it cheered him :).

5. She is a mini with a lot of wild, curly hair. I put clips and bows in to tame it a bit but she thinks its her job to pull them out.

6. Elle puts her pointer finger to good use and it often pointing at something, someone or has it up her nose.

7. She is in awe of animals and calls almost all animals "woof woof."

8. Some of her favorite toys are doodling on the magna doodle, playing peek-a-boo in her princess tent and baby dolls but her favorites are remote controls and cell phones.

9. Elle loves to help unload the cupboards, unfold the laundry and empty my diaper bag. She loves to pull our shoes out of the closet and has been trying to put Corey's work shoes on. She also loves my glittery stilettos. Our shower is a new favorite hangout that I am trying to discourage.

10. She has a toilet obsession (unfortunately not potty training) but putting her hands and toys in the potty.

11. Like our Max, Elle loves to read books and some of my favorite moments during the day are of the three of us squished in the rocking chair pouring over silly, sweet, and sometimes spooky stories.

We love you Elle bug and your funny bunny ways!

Elle: 11 Months

2010-01-14T00:30:00.003-05:00

Our Elle Belle is growing up so fast:
1. Her hair is out of control but oh so fitting.
2. She has four little teeth. Two up top and two below.
3. Elle wants to hold my hand and walk all day long. She won't bend her legs when I try to sit her down. I am really happy she isn't walking just yet. She is growing up too fast so I'll take her holding my hand even if she is just using me for balance.
4. She is a parrot and will try to imitate anything you say.
5. We may have finally met a match for Elle: Miss Famous. Super funny pairing. They are about the same size and equally full of it. Elle is enamored with the dog. Ever since their meeting she has been saying "woof woof."
6. She loves walking with the toy lawn mower but hasn't got the knack of turning just yet. Max gently helps her after she has hit a wall.
7. Elle can clap but isn't that excited about it but loves to shake her head "no" and thinks its really funny.
8. She inherited her Mom's sleeping habits. Great sleeper.
9. She is a good eater but is still a mini.
10. Elle waves hi and good bye although its backwards so she is waving to herself with her hand straight up in the air. The motion is really funny too, almost like milking a cow.
11. Elle erupts in short bursting screams to get your attention when she wants something. Usually it is more food.
12. She loves to pull herself up and smack her little hand against our glass doors and low windows. As a result I have a lot of little hand prints all over.
13. She loves to ride on her Daddy's shoulders and pull his hair. She will pull it so he has to turn around and look at her and then smiles and laughs.
14. She pulls all clips, bows, bands etc. out of her hair and throws it down or tries to eat it.
15. Elle puts everything in her mouth. We have pulled out all sorts of foreign matter such as decaying leaves, wood chips, aluminum foil, a miniature sleigh bell, paper, fuzz, and basically anything she can get her hands on. Once it is in her mouth, luckily, she won't try to swallow it right away but sees her mouth as a safe harbor and clenches her teeth and fights to keep her treasure.

We love her and watching her and Max play together is so sweet and rewarding. Hopefully it will last a little longer.

Overheard Tonight

2009-11-14T00:04:00.003-05:00

Max is in the bath tub and I overhear...

Max: "splash, crash, watch out little boat, don't hit the boobies!"

Daddy: "Max, what are you talking about?"

Max: "The boat has to go super, super fast so it doesn't crash into the boobies."

Daddy: "What boobies Max?"

Max - pointing to several places in the water "here's a booby, and der's a booby, and the boat can't crash into tem - like on Little Einsteins."

Daddy: "Oh, you mean the boat can't crash into booby traps?"

Max: "Yep, it can't crash into boobies."

Also Overheard tonight...

Daddy repeats mumbling to Max over and over and Max says stop it Daddy several times.

Exasperated, Max walks up to Mommy, puts his hands on his hips, and declares: "Mom, Dad's bugging me!"

Max: Age 3-1/4

2009-11-08T22:48:00.005-05:00

Nicknames: M.A.X., Monster Max, Little Man, Max Man, the Boy, Stinky Dinky, the Super Dup (doop), Monkey, and Maxy.

Max at three and a quarter:

1. Since Max turned three he has been infected with the silly bug and we can't get rid of it. Silly and goofy are the name of the game with Max. He likes to gently tease, make funny faces, and laugh uncontrollably.

2. Max really likes being around people and his little sister is no exception. Sometime he likes it a little too much and a little too close.

3. Max wants treats constantly. He thinks I'm a vending machine.

4. He is very proud that he can use the potty by himself.

5. Max has recently developed a phobia of being in bed by himself and after a few terrible weeks of waking his sister up in the middle of the night his bed is now in our room.

6. Max is a toy monger. He also thinks he need to take at least one toy with him everywhere we go.

7. He loves to read books and look for letters he knows on the pages.

8. He has a wonderful imagination and my bed often turns into a rocket ship blasting off into outer space or the closet is a hang out for monsters (nice ones) or a pool of snapping crocodiles.

9. Taking after his father, Max loves anything with wheels. The louder and more obnoxious the better.

10. Max is all boy but one of my favorite things about him is that he is very sensitive and aware of how people are feeling.

11. He wants to do things by himself. "Don't help me Mom" is a constant now.

12. I don't know anyone who doesn't like Max and vice-versa.

Max is wonderful company and it is no wonder Elle follows his every move.

Elle: Age 9 months

2009-11-08T22:21:00.002-05:00

Nicknames: Elle Belle, Elle Bug, Little E, Baby Girl, Wee Marie, the Stritch Scratcher and Little Sweets

At 9 months:

1. Elle is crawling like lighting, eating anything she finds on the floor, and standing up and taking little steps while holding on to tables etc.

2. When Elle wakes up I walk into her room to find her in her crib standing on her bumper and smiling.

3. She loves to eat and is finally feeding herself finger food.

4. Her brothers toys are her favorite and she is often seen with a match box car in each fist.

5. Her hair is out of control and I don't do much to tame it.

6. Her pointer finger is always out scratching at something (hence the scritch scratcher).

7. For the past 6 months changing her diaper is like roping a calf.

8. She loves Max and is doing all she can to keep up with him.

9. Elle started saying Ma ma ma a few weeks ago and is now starting Da da da. Da da daddy is very pleased with this. She is still a screecher.

10. She is our little Houdini. She can work herself out of straps and restraints like nothing you've ever seen.

11. She is making up for her first 4 months of being a lousy eater and sleeper. She is so easy to put to sleep. She puts her thumb in her mouth, cuddles her lovey, and rolls over to sleep. So cute. She also loves eating although it doesn't show- she's mini.

12. She cut her first two teeth at six months and they are super cute.

13. Lately we've found Elle standing up looking at herself in the floor length mirror trying to eat her reflection.

14. Thing Elle hates most is having her face wiped clean.

15. She has to keep moving constantly when awake and is very aware of everything going on arond her.

We are all enjoying our baby girl and feel so lucky to have this beautiful little girl in our family.

The Many Faces of Elle

2009-03-08T23:39:00.005-05:00

First Meeting

2009-02-22T23:54:00.007-05:00

Big brother Max has stepped into the role and is very caring of his baby sister. He acted really silly for the first few days after we brought Elle home but now he asks where baby sister is first thing every morning. He was happy to meet baby Elle for the first time but over the moon about the new mechanized garbage truck his baby sister gave to him. Max also picked out a gift for baby Elle, a lambie lovey (like his doggy lovey) and his coveted fast, yellow match box car.

Bebe Walker #2 More Pics +

2009-02-07T16:12:00.003-05:00

Bebe Walker #2 More Pics

2009-02-07T15:49:00.003-05:00

Bebe Walker #2 Has Arrived!

2009-02-07T15:29:00.010-05:00

I just quickly ran home from the hospital to clean up but want to get back to Ashley and little girl so this will be commentary lite. Healthy baby girl born at 4:20 pm by fabulous doctor/nurses weighing in at 6 lbs 13 oz and stretching 19 inches. Momma and baby are happy and healthy. Ashley could not have been more perfect. Enjoy the pictures below. More to come in the next several days. Our best to everyone!

Playing Catch-up

2009-01-21T16:32:00.007-05:00

Clearly, I've fallen way behind on my blogging. We have been traveling, enjoying the holidays and preparing for baby sister's arrival in a few weeks and left the blogging behind. Here are some highlights of the past few months.

Playing on the beach in Hawaii in early Nov.

Making omlettes with Uncle G at Pamma & Doc's house.

In DC after our personal tour of the Supreme Court with Uncle Chris over Thanksgiving.
Asking Santa for "car toys" at the Santa House in Midland Dec. 22nd.

Happy little boy on Christmas morning!
Riding on the mower with Pops.
At Monticello with the family.

Mini James Dean

2008-10-12T21:47:00.003-05:00

Nana and Pops gave Max this bomber jacket and he has been wearing it all of the time. It is perfect jacket weather here so I'm glad he has had an opportunity to wear it. His favorite part of this jacket is the airplane zipper. Max gets compliments every time he wears it.

2008-10-09T14:07:00.002-05:00

Max is in a pre-school class once a week. One of his favorite days at pre-school was the day we learned about worms. Max loves bugs and couldn't wait to get his hands on them. Many of the kids were not excited about the worms but Max loved holding them and putting them in the dirt. It's official- his is pure boy.

Walking the Dog

2008-10-07T21:57:00.003-05:00

During a recent visit from Pamma, she and Max took the dog for a walk. They left with Max in the stroller and Famous on the pavement. They came home with a different arrangement. In the end Max loved to push and Famous loved lounging in the stroller (imagine that).

So Long Summer

2008-09-18T14:55:00.004-05:00

I feel like this was the longest and shortest summer of my life. Long because the morning sickness felt like it would never be over and short because I missed out on summer because of it. The leaves are turning color here and I've already had to turn on the heat. Michigan is cold already. Here are some pictures of Max from the summer. Sorry they haven't come sooner.

Eating lunch at Walden Pond.

Reading in his new chair.

Running and screaming at the spray ground.

Hanging out at the Tridge.

Max 25 Months

2008-08-05T15:42:00.003-05:00

1. Each month Max gets more fun.
2. Digging in the dirt in the back yard is one of Max's favorite past times.
3. Max loves reading his new book: What People Do All Day by Richard Scarry- he loves reading it so much that his parents have hidden it because they need a break.
4. He gives lots of hugs and slobbery kisses- I love it.
5. Max is doing all of his "pee-yews" on the potty. Mom is most happy about this.
6. When asked recently what he wanted for breakfast, Max answered, "Avacado and popcorn." A summer favorite is corn on the cob.
7. He wants to be outside every waking hour.
8. Friday Max and Daddy had a boys night out. Max came home beaming.
9. Max loves jumping on the bed.
10.His vocabulary kind of has a jamaican vibe because he say "da" instead of "the."
11. I was warned it would come and it has- in addition to his obsession with dump truck and diggers he is also into trains.

How old is Max? Two!

2008-06-23T21:03:00.003-05:00

Today Max had his second birthday. It was a soggy day in Boston for a birthday so we headed indoors for our Bugged Out Birthday Bash. This is Max blowing out the candles on his beetle bug cupcake. We had a great party with all his little friends that are still around Boston. I was surprised that Max understood so much about his birthday. He knew it was his special day, demanded cake and ice cream, loved opening presents and kept asking to open more and blew out his candles on cue. What else is there to it? He pretty much had it figured out.

Happy Birthday to my big boy. Two years have never been so fun.

2008-06-09T13:39:00.004-05:00

Max got to go up on stage and "help" Corey get his diploma. As he walked off they gave all the kids these little HBS Kids hats. Really cute. Max was a little taken back by the crowd but did pretty well in his moment of glory. As he walked around after the graduation ceremony he was doted on by his grandparents and great grandparents who were in town for graduation. He wakes up from naps asking for Nana & Pops.

Heavy boots

2008-04-01T23:18:00.004-05:00

It is March and I am still wearing my serious, cold, weather boots. So is Max, wearing my boots that is. I made the mistake of leaving them by the front door to dry and now Max insists wearing them whenever he sees them.

The first awkward step

Getting a closer look.

I love that they go right up to his miniscule little bum.

Watching "bobby" aka. Bob the Builder in the boots.

Sweethearts Ball

2008-02-23T14:39:00.004-05:00

Last week was the annual Crimson Kids Sweethearts Ball. I was slated with the party planning this year and we had a great time with music and games provided by a Children's D.J. We also had great decorations, cupcakes and last but certainly not least, pinatas, in the shape of red hot lips!

The party in full swing.

The "Hot Lips" pinata

The kids anxiously awaiting the fall of the pinata.

Virginia Vacation

2008-02-19T23:55:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the Walkers for hosting us over the weekend. We had a great time and Max loved playing outside with his Nana and Pops, looked forward to waking up to "woof woof" every morning and to playing with (and pestering) Chris, Holly and Ben each day.

Walking up the drive with Daddy

Sitting in his Tonka truck (a move he would later regret).

Hanging out with the guys on the patio.

Playing with Dig Dig.

Birthday Potty

2008-02-01T22:30:00.000-05:00

For my birthday present, Max decided to have first toilet time success, a real genuine pee-ew! Congratulations Max and thank you for the best birthday present a 18 month old can give- less dirty diapers!

Max Age 18 Months

2008-01-26T14:59:00.001-05:00

1. During diaper changes he holds his nose and says "pee-ew."
2. Max still loves dogs and pretty much any animals or aminals.
3. He wants to be outside every chance he gets (even though the average temp is 20).
4. Max still loves noodles (nunu) and he also loves avocado, berries, spaghetti squash, chocolate and new found loves- licorice and gum.
5. He loves his book, Dig Dig Digging.
6. Everywhere we drive, Max points out buses, trucks and diggers or "dig dig."
7. Max still sleeps with his lovey every night. Doggy and his toy bus have been added to the entourage.
8. When Max wakes up he throws everything out of his crib and yells for "Dada."
9. At 23lbs 10oz. Max is a skinny dude with big cheeks and a cute belly. He also thinks his belly button is funny.
10. Max is a friendly neighbor and loves to roam the halls of our complex with Daddy and knock on doors asking for Mama.

Cabin Trip

2008-01-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

Just after Christmas, Max had his first cabin trip. At first he was afraid of the snow mobiles but soon warmed up to them and kept pointing out the window saying, "Vroom, vroom." Now he points at everything with wheel and or a motor and sayings "vroom, vroom."

Max suited up for his first snow mobile ride.

Getting the snow mobile warmed up.

Going for his first ride with Daddy and Uncle Grant.

Playing with the neighbors puppies after the ride. It is hard to say if he liked the puppies or the snow mobiles more.

Holiday Hysterics

2008-01-14T00:09:00.000-05:00

Max enjoying the Christmas party before Santa

Max screaming his brains out on Santa's lap.

Luckily he liked Santa's presents better than Santa himself.

Safari Max

2007-12-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

While visiting his Grandparents in Virginia last month, Max visited the animal safari. At first he was afraid but then again so was I when 20 llamas charged our car seeking food. Then we all warmed up to the idea and had a great time.

Max and Karen with a zebra.

Max with a caribou like animal.
Max with a camel.

Max as a camel.

Our New Puppy!

2007-10-31T13:27:00.001-05:00

As per usual, playing with his ears

About to launch that little pumpkin

Hanging out with the gang

My brown-eyed little doggy

Playing with his reflection in the mirror

An uncanny fixation with the fire hydrant.

Top Ten Reasons Max is Puppy Dog for Halloween
1. He chose the costume himself. He pulled in off the shelf and "gave it loves."
2. The first thing Max says in the morning is "woof."
3. He loves to play with his reflection in the mirror.
4. First run of the costume at the Crimson Kids Halloween party he sat in a puddle.
5. Last night at the church Halloween party he rolled around on the gym floor.
6. Today before we went classroom trick-or-treating he kept hanging around the fire hydrant.
7. He enjoys chasing birds, squirrels, bunny rabbits and the resident turkey.
8. He becomes fixated on treats.
9. He escapes out the front door every chance he gets!
10. Without the dog costume Max is Dieter from Sprockets with his skinny legs and all black emsemble.

With Kitty

Max: Age 15 months

2007-10-17T00:09:00.001-05:00

Now for Max age 15 months:
1. Max calls every circular object a ball. Ironically he throws not only balls but remote controls, puzzles, books, food (especially food) and almost anything else. He winds up his little arm behind his back, pauses, then releases the object while yelling, "ball."
2. Not unrelated, but when Max wakes up in the morning the first thing he does is throw everything out of his crib.
3. Max is finally walking with confidence. He is also getting his first molar. He is getting so big!
4. Max is still unsure of the blender, which is a bit of a problem because he loves milk shakes.
5. A favorite past time is to go out on the balcony, point at people and yell in jiberish to innocent passers by. Followed by "byeeee."
6. When daddy comes home from school if he doesn't play with Max and instead gets on the phone or computer (not infrequent) Max bawls. Corey promptly picks up Max and gets a big hug and Max is once again a happy boy.
7. Max points at everything and nothing, raises his eye brows, and says "oooooooh."
8. There is a lot of oohing and awing over the resident squirrels, bunnies, birds and turkey. Yes, the HBS turkey.
9. Whenever we come home and Max is walking (not is stroller) he does an about face and trots off down the hall. I then chase him down and carry him back kicking and whining.
10. Last but not least, Max has clued in to the fact that his dad is a softy. When I'm gone and Corey is supposed to put him down I return to Corey and Max watching TV. Sucka.

Marathon training...

2007-10-07T13:04:00.000-05:00

Max's GG-ma and GG-pa Woodland recently invited him to join them at the 2008 St. George marathon. Max, of course, would love to make the trip and has already started a rigorous training program.

Physical training:
1) Pushing the mower around the "kitchen loop": 20 laps a day 2) Running out the door when left open and refusing to come back inside the apartment: at least 3 times a day 3) Chasing the resident puppies, birds, squirrels, and Turkey all around campus: once in the morning and once in the afternoon 4) Dancing back and forth and bobbing his head everytime mom's phone rings and plays music: once an hour 5) Acting like a monkey, making growling sounds and wrestling with dad: whenever mom is out of eye and earshot

Mental endurance training:
1) Having to endure mindless boredom watching Baby Einstein: everytime dad is trying to study and babysit at the same time (which Max usually interrupts by taking away dad's cases and hijacking his computer) 2) Learning how to use mom's phone to call friends and family, ordering her new ringers for her phone, and using her phone to take pictures of the rug, his nose, and action shots of his feet.

High performance diet:
1) Lots and lots of noodles 2) Leftovers! (not from the fridge but from goodies he finds stuck to his highchair...) 3) Anything mom and dad eat that he's not supposed to have (namely ice cream and milk shakes).

So, GG-ma and GG-pa Woodland, you can see that Max is very serious about making the 2008 St. George marathon and is soooo excited you invited him. But one word of advice from his parents - maybe you, yourselves, should start training now too so you can keep up with him when he visits - take it from us, he's a marathon himself ;-)

Standing on his own two legs

2007-09-10T12:44:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago at the beach, Max decided all of a sudden, to stand on his own. This is him pulling himself, getting his balance, and letting go. Once he had held his balance for a few seconds he claps his hand, cheers for himself and points both fingers to the sky.

This is my favorite of Max, standing alone, checking out the sea, cheering himself on.

Dinner Guest

2007-09-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

Max likes to eat and play with his food. His two hands were not enough to get the job done so he invited a new member to table. Can you see who is peeking through here?

Here is a better view.

Toes! Welcome to the table toes. We were baffled that he was able to get them on his tray and using them to play with his food. Max likes his toes. He loves it when I kiss them and tickle them and when I take off his shoes he sticks them out and spreads his toes to give them some fresh air. Hopefully his toes will love him back and help him start walking soon.

Max: Age 14 months

2007-08-28T20:52:00.001-05:00

1. Max says "hi" or "hiyeeee" to just about everyone and everything (like the wall).
2. For the past week and a half Max wants to be held mostly by his Dad. Mom's back is thankful for this development.
3. Going up and down and up and down the stairs is a fun past time.
4. Max Walker is not walker. He can crawl like the wind and loves to walk around holding your hands. If you even try to let go of one hand though he will sit down on the job. Two hands or nothing. Its a wonder he isn't walking.
5. Throwing balls around in the house or pool consumes about a third to half of our day. This is the only picture at the pool where his head isn't covered by a beach ball he is holding over his head.
6. Doggies are a big hit and when he sees them he says "woo" as in "woof." He loved being around Miss Famous although I can't say MF reciprocates the sentiment.
7. Max often says "oooohh" and points at something that interests him (usually a doggy).
8. When out at a restaurant with us Max isn't interested in being part of our table. He is craned around in his high chair interrupting complete stranger's meals. He has barged in on blind dates, romantic breakfasts, lunch meetings, family dinners, and many more. He is also a shameless flirt. Someone tells me "my baby is a flirt" about once a day. The thought of these behaviors increasing exponentially until he's a teen is TERRIFYING!
9. Too much attention is non-existent for Max. He loved being in Utah and playing with his aunts and uncles. His feet barely touched the ground the whole week!
10. Max is very friendly and sociable. He takes after his Daddy. He is always excited if there are other children near by. I think he is going to love nursery. I think I am going to love nursery (just 4 more months).

Evidence of the "ball-mania."

Toilet Trouble

2007-08-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

Max has discovered a new fascination- the toilet bowl. In his mind nothing could be funner than a bowl full of water. His dream come true is my worst nightmare!

Use Your Noodle

2007-07-31T22:07:00.000-05:00

Max decided to take the saying literally. He LOVES noodles and anything like it-such as spaghetti squash. He slurps and sucks them down sometimes without even chewing (I have diaper evidence). I pulled a package of Top Ramen out of the cupboard and decided to see how Max takes to these noodles and he went gonzo! This picture is tame compared to some of the things he was doing before I could grab my camera. Noodles were coming out of his mouth like streamers off a parade float. This Top Ramen incident reminded me that when I was a kid I also loved Top Ramen. For my birthday my parents jokingly gave me a huge box of Chicken Top Ramen. I guess this is at least one way Max takes after his Momma!

Max 13 Months

2007-07-23T09:37:00.001-05:00

1. At 13 months Max Walker is not a walker. Not without the aid of a push toy or his parents (my back aches).
2. Max dances whenever he hears music. It has been bouncing for the most part until lately he started stepping in place.
3. One of the things Max is worst at is holding still (especially during church).
4. Max LOVES to play with other kids and be around people. Not at all afraid of strangers and is a shameless flirt!
5. Throwing and chasing balls around the house is one of Max's favorite activities.
6. Going to the pool or even splashing in the bath is one of Max's favorites.
7. The busyness in this little body is so extreme that lying down to have a diaper change or put jammies on is too much. Max will take off, crawling at the speed of light, Nicodemus around the house to escape these necessary activities.
8. Max loves to "read" books. He points out all the special details (especially doggies) and loves to turn the pages, two or three at the time.
9. Tearing things apart is also a favorite past time. Spilling all the contents of the diaper bag, throwing the clothes out of the dirty laundry basket, rolling TP around the house, and tipping over garbage cans are a few of his "best" tricks.
10. Waking up to Max in the morning is the best part of my day. He is always cooing and happily playing in his crib. When I walk in he gets to excited he sometime claps and hugs me tight when I take him out of his crib. Then he quickly wants down so the busyness can start!

Second Fourth

2007-07-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

This is Max enjoying the fourth of July fireworks with his friends in Michigan. He was a little nervous about the firework display.

Kate, Max, Sam, Linsey & Sophie

Watching the fireworks, except for Sam who revealed his pyro tendencies at a young age. Couldn't keep his seat in his seat.

The whole gang!

More Max in Mackinac

2007-07-14T10:46:00.000-05:00

Max has his first boat ride over to Mackinaw Island.

Hanging out on the boat with Daddy.

Max at his post as 'keeper of the water bottles' during
our bike trip around the island. In actuality he couldn't keep his
little hands off the water bottles!

Max in Mackinac

2007-07-13T00:08:00.000-05:00

This is Max and his Pamma on the porch enjoying the beautiful view from our hotel. He loved sitting in the rocker with his Grandma and watching the passers by (especially if they were the four legged variety).

First Fouth

2007-07-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

Last year Max celebrated his first Fourth of July. He was only a few weeks old and this picture is making me miss our home in Texas so much. It is also making me think I am crazy for posting it because I am super chubba dubba. Happy fourth of July little Max! This year you can try some of that delicious jello mold!

Max: One Year!

2007-07-02T21:53:00.001-05:00

1. Max enjoys the company of others. He has been known not to go to bed for babysitters because he wants to hang out!
2. Max is getting his two top teeth. There is a large gap between them- so cute.
3. Although his only words are mama, dada, and sometimes burp, Max talks jibberish non-stop.
4. When Max doesn't want to eat something he throws it on the floor. Consequently, our carpet is peppered with vegetables.
5. Max splashes almost all of the water out of his toddler tub.
6. Recently Max found he can reach the power button on the TV. On...off...on...off...on.
7. Max is starting to take his blue blanky out of the crib and around the house with him.
8. Max is pulling himself up onto everything.
9. Today Max discovered milkshakes and gripped the cup fiercely with both hands AND feet if you tried to take the straw out of his mouth.
10. He loves to throw balls and chase them around the house. I recently found a stash he is keeping behind the toilet. eeeww.

First Birthday!

2007-07-02T21:34:00.001-05:00

We had a beautiful day for Max's birthday party at the "Sprayground." Here are a few pics of the big day. Max had a full day and loved the playing in the fountains, spending time with friends, devouring his two cupcakes, and playing with new toys. He slept well that night (as soon as he came down from his sugar high. ) Happy Birthday to our baby!

Swing

2007-06-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

We took Max out to the swings about a month and a half ago for the first time and he loves to swing. We keep going back now that the weather is nice enough. Here are some pics of Max's early play ground moments.

When I take you out in my surry with the fringe on top

2007-05-31T22:44:00.000-05:00

This is Max's first carriage ride in historic Lexington Virginia. We had a great trip and got to visit Grandma & Grandpa Walkers' new home on the range. Max loved the horses and the carriage ride around town but most of all he loved the attention. Thanks for a nice trip!

A Few Things about Max: Age 10 months

2007-05-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

1. Max loves to eat. He especially loves to feed himself. If I put 5 cheerios on Max's tray he will grab them and shove them into his mouth as fast as he can.
2. Loves to play peek-a-boo!
3. He will try to put almost any object in his mouth.
4. Max now locomotes all over by rolling & army crawling. At 10 months Max could very well be crawling (normally) or even beginning to act interest in walking but he prefers the previously mentioned forms of transportation.
5. Nothing stops Max in his tracks like the prospect of ogling a cell phone.
6. Still afraid of the vacuum cleaner (maybe even more so!)
7. Max loves other babies and children and scoots himself over to them at any opportunity.
8. Max has two teeth now. He accidentally bit my finger when I was feeding him kiwi. Ouch!
9. Corey & I gave Max his first hair cut yesterday. Corey was complaining about his ear locks and duck tail so we can them a little trim.
10. As his dexterity improves, Max has discovered his pointer finger and points at and touch things. The buttons on your shirt, the screw in the chair, any microscopic speck on the carpet, the freckle on my arm, and zipper on his jacket. Little things are big things for Max. He especially loves to be read to and points to all the pictures.

He is the cutest. We love having Max and his pointers in our family.

Some pics of Max: Age 10 months!

2007-04-24T23:39:00.000-05:00

Yes 10 months- it is going by so fast I want to cry!

Max as Stanley Kowalski

2007-04-05T17:14:00.000-05:00

For whatever reason these pictures of Max remind me of Marlon Brando in A Street Car Named Desire. It must be the sloppy white t-shirt (or onesie in this case).

Max Madness

2007-04-01T22:33:00.000-05:00

I snapped some pictures of Max this afternoon while he was playing on our bed. He didn't have anyone else or anything else to entertain him (no toys). This is just Max. Some of these faces crack me up and capture some of his personality coming out...with a vengeance!

First Class!

2007-03-31T00:57:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures of Max from his first first class flight. He enjoyed his flight and loved looking out the window until he felt drowsy and fell asleep next to me in our roomy first class seat. What a treat! I wish I would have put him in this T-shirt to commemorate his flight!

Little Hawaiian Hunk

2007-03-13T13:01:00.000-05:00

My parents brought this little Hawaiian outfit back for Max after their vacation last month. Luckily there was a beach party for the HBS kids last Saturday and Max was able to make his Hawaiian debut. He got to try is first taste of a snow cone, tangled his busy fingers in the mylar, palm tree decorations, and we got our picture taken with a 25lb, yellow python. He came home with a lei and angel fish sunglasses which he preferred to put in his mouth, not on his eyes. We tried to teach him "aloha" but he stuck with ba ba ba, goig-i-goig. Maybe next year.

In Only 30 Minutes...

2007-03-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

In only 30 minutes lots of things can happen. Max can visit with friends in the hall, have a juice snack, barf the snack all over himself and his mom, play in his crib wearing nothing but a diaper while his moms scrubs his clothes, get Max dressed again, this time in pajamas (why not, we're only a couple of hours away from bed time?) sit down to play with toys while his mom changes her clothes. Mom returns and picks up Max playing contently only to me met with a foul odor. Unzip the jammies- poop everywhere. Don't bother with the changing table- straight to the tub to carefully remove jammies and toss in sink and then get diaper off whilst not smearing baby poop all over ones self. Diaper off- directly to garbage, run naked poopy bottom under tub spout then soak baby bottom in baby bath tub. Scrub-a-dub then out of the tub into a diaper and pajamas #2 (outfit #4 for the day) nurse the baby and put him in bed. Back to the bathroom, poop all over the tub and sink, oops there's a spot- toilet too. Clean all the above and then to face the rank jammies. Eeeew, shouldn't have rinsed tub just yet. Throw jammies into soak with the barfy clothes. Clean tub and sink again and then clorox it all. Wash hands thoroughly and sit down to the computer. Write a little and then, baby starts crying... I'm heading back upstairs. Gotta go.

Afternoon Walk

2007-03-05T00:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first sunny day that we have had in weeks so Max and I took advantage of the warmer weather and took a nice walk to the market. Max had his first stroller ride sitting up, facing forward. He looks like such a big boy. He liked it and was wide eyed as he interacted with passers by. I, on the other hand, did not like it. I am so used to being able to watch him when he is in his car seat snapped into the stroller base. I couldn't tell what he was doing and I wanted to be able to see what faces he was making at people. He also threw one of his mitten out on our ride home and we had to back track where luckily I found it laying on the side walk in the middle of the bridge. Phew. I guess I had better get used to it but I miss him looking back at me on our stroller rides. He is good company.

February in Photos

2007-03-01T00:37:00.000-05:00

Just some high lights from Max (and Corey) during this last month. Max just turned 8 months old and it is killing me! He is growing up so fast. I just noticed his little feet in that last picture...awesome! The double cobra.

A Few Things About Max (at age 7 months)

2007-02-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

1. Max is learning to wave at people, it's a bit awkward though and he waves at himself more than the intended recipient (he also gets mesmerized by his hand during the wave and it loses some of its meaning :).
2. He enjoys eating and is very impatient if his food isn't promptly prepared & delivered! Mango dessert & sweet potatoes tend to go down the quickest.
3. Although I am super sick of it- Max loves Baby Einstein's, Baby Mozart. I feel like it is the background music to my life sometimes.
4. Max frequently does what we call "the head-banger's ball" he rocks back and forth in his Exersaucer and bobs his head up and down. We think he must have Metallica on the mind.
5. He sometimes whimpers when Corey leaves for school but smiles and coos when he comes back.
6. Max is obsessed with cell phones, computers, remote controls, and cameras. Cell phones take the lead though (taking after his Daddy).
7. He does not like "tummy time." This could delay crawling.
8. When he is tired he just wants to be held and will sometimes lay his head on my shoulder and hold on to me. I love it!
9. Max loves it when his dad holds him upside down. He giggles uncontrollably.
10. He likes it when I tickle his neck and under his little chin.
11. Max is his most contented self when he is sleepy and nursing. He is so sweet.
12. He loves to interact with other babies and toddlers. He is fascinated by them.
13. Max is afraid of the vacuum cleaner and the blender! Sticks out his bottom lip and then cries wildly.
14. We are now beginning the phase when he throws everything down. A super fun game for Mom & Dad!
15 His little ears still stick out like Dopey of the 7 Dwarfs- when he is tired he pulls at them (it can't be helping the situation).
16. Max is a good sleeper and generally a good natured little baby. He is pretty happy just sitting on a blanket and playing with toys. We love having him and still find it hard to believe he is ours!
17. Max likes to cuddle up with his little blue blankie and suck his binky when he falls asleep.
18. Teething is a super slobbery development. Max is starting with his first tooth, bottom, center right (Max's right that is).
19. "A perfect sphere" has often been used to describe Max's noggin.
20. A third to a half of Max's body fat is in his cheeks. Kissing them is like being in a marshmallow cloud of dreaminess!

MAX in the Morning

2007-02-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

Every morning Max wakes up and plays in his crib. I can hear him cooing and oodling in the other room which eventually turn into cries for food after which I feed Max we have a little play time and then he goes back down for a nap. I always keep Max in his pajamas knowing that he is just going to go back down so here are some pics of Max in his sleep sack, playing on our bed. Just a glimpse into our daily routine.

Camo!

2007-02-06T14:12:00.000-05:00

Has anyone seen Max? Anyone? I thought I last saw him on the sofa...

Sweet potatoes for our sweet potato!

2007-02-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

This is Max's new high chair! He loves to eat now and opens wide for strained peas, carrots, apples, pears, squash, bananas and his personal favorite, sweet potatoes! My back is loving the new high chair and Max loves sitting up at the table with everyone. This is his favorite "toy" to keep his hands busy during feedings. Max has a spoon and I have a spoon- its better that way.

Uncle Jeff

2007-01-30T23:40:00.000-05:00

Last week we were lucky to get a visit from Uncle Jeff. Unfortunately, Jeff was being trailed by foul weather on his cross country journey so the weather was a bit chilly. We went over to campus to the Spangler to get some warm food and meet Corey for lunch. Jeff was so cute with Max, I couldn't help snap a picture of them after a little snow fall. It was so great to see you Jeff , hope you come back with Carolyn next fall semester and stay for good!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2007-01-21T23:05:00.000-05:00

When we checked the temperature before venturing out yesterday it said 16 degrees but feels like 9. They weren't kidding. The one redeeming thing about the low temps is how cute Max looks all bundled up. He fell asleep in his stroller on the way home and I couldn't resist taking a picture of how stinking cute he is. I have to admit I envy Max in this weather- all bundled up in a cushy sleeping bag with cozy blankets, napping as we stroll around town. He's got the life.

A Little Ladies Man

2007-01-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

Last night we got together with Christy and Romney Evans & their daughter Ava. Max and Ava haven't seen each other for months and this time they were pretty excited about their reunion. Although Ava is an older woman by a couple of months that didn't scare Max off. He sat there and making pterodactyl sounds and flapping his arms wildly like some strange avian mating call while Ava giggled and crawled circles around him. When they started grabbing each others noses we had to break it up. A truly joyful reunion!

Makin' a Splash!

2007-01-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

Max officially grew out of his old tub (the kitchen sink) and even worse he started turning on the faucet all by himself. These actions yielded a new bath tub. He was unsure about it at first but within minutes he laid back and started kicking and splashing. Thanks aunt Jamie for capturing Max's first bath in his new tub while I did the scrubbing.

First Christmas

2007-01-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Max just survived his first holiday season. We had a wonderful Christmas in Vegas with the Walkers and then he brought in the New Year with a snore. We had a great time in Vegas and Salt Lake and here are some pics with the family.

Peer Pressure

2007-01-16T00:56:00.000-05:00

After months of pressure from all of my fans.....I mean my family, I have succumb to their pleadings and finally started my own blog. The truth of the matter is that they (my family) are no so much interested in the happenings of my life but that of my 6 month old side kick, Max. This is intimidating because I'm not a technical person by nature so figuring this blogging stuff out while my trusty sidekick is meanwhile trying to eat the computer will be a formidable challenge. Wish me luck!

....and yes I will soon post recent pictures- of Max that is.