Beginning of 2010

So, it's been a few weeks since i've written an update on Austin, but to say the least, it's been a bit busy around here. Between visiting friends and family, Austin has had a cold or is teething again also. I haven't figured out which of the two it is, because he won't open his mouth for me. That being said, he's had his fingers in his mouth an awful lot, which is why I think it might be more teeth. Who knows, only time will tell.

Austin got to play in the snow for the first time a few weeks ago. He wasn't a big fan of it yet. His mittens wouldn't stay on, and I think he got cold. He got a sled from Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas, so hopefully that will make it a bit more enjoyable for him. At first he thought the snow was kind of fun, but I think he got cold, so we came inside and played.

Austin is getting quite good at feeding himself. He's started using a fork and spoon for mostly everything, and even started to hold his cup by himself a few weeks ago. I remember when he was 4 months old and the doctor told us to start offering water and juice out of a cup, I thought they were crazy. How can a baby drink out of a cup. Well, turns out, it's not that difficult after all. He still spills quite a bit, but he's getting there. Luckily, he still hates all forms of juice, and will only drink water and milk, which makes the clean-up pretty easy. He enjoys putting his food in the cup sometimes, and his forks and spoons also. He thinks that's pretty funny, andI just laugh and try to correct him. He'll catch on at some point, he always does!

Austin painted Christmas ornaments for a few people, but he didn't paint them for everyone. The task was a lot more difficult and expensive than what we thought it would be, but we still had a great time. Austin mostly slapped paint on things, so we helped him out a bit. He also made Cinnamon Scented ornaments for people (since painting the plaster ones were a bit more difficult than we expected), which smelled amazing. This picture still cracks me up though. It pretty much summed up the time at the painting place.....messy! And of course, Jared and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Christmas was such an exciting time this year. Austin got to see his cousins, great grandparents, aunts and uncles, and even his Uncle Ben! It was nice to visit with everyone, and to watch Austin with his cousins. I love watching him interact with other kids. He jumps right in and observes and tries to play right along with them. Around a lot of adults, it takes him time to warm up, but around kids, it's a completely different story. Hopefully this attitude with other kids stays throughout his childhood, because he's bound to be a great playmate for others!

Above is a toy that he got for Christmas from My Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim. At first, this toy scared/made him mad. It vibrates and then takes off. He's recently started to like it a bit more, but it made him cry at first. It was too cute!

This is Austin's first reaction to his second Christmas. Santa came and brought Austin a race car ramp, and a basketball hoop. He loved Christmas this year, and is continuing to love it! He's enjoying all of the wonderful toys that everyone gave him. He's been very occupied and overwhelmed by them, to say the least.

He knew exactly what to do with his new toys from Santa. The basketball hoop, he picked up the ball right away and tried to get it in the hoop. He still needs some help, but I think by the summertime, he'll know exactly what to do. He also enjoys pushing his cars down the racetrack. He also got a guitar, play phone, clothes, books, a PDA, a learning computer, drum set, blocks, even a puppy that says his name and favorite items....so many toys I can't hardly remember what all he got. All I can say, he loves them all and we are so blessed to have so many people in our life that cares so much about Austin. Thanks to everyone!

After Austin opened all of his presents at our house, he had one left. A big bag of books! And of course, he gets all of these wonderful toys from us, and the first thing he goes after, the books. Go figure! When I say the kid loves books, I mean the kid loves books. It's really been one of the first words to come out of his mouth!

This is a car that Austin got from my parents for Christmas. It will be an outside toy, but my mom and Uncle Ben set this up at their house. Austin had a blast pushing and riding around in this thing. Now, if he can just figure out how to get his butt to stay in place on it and his knees not drag on the floor, I think he'll love it even more.

Austin got to see his Aunt Kristin and Uncle Chris this past week also. He had a blast playing with them. He really enjoys being around them, and playing and having them read books to him. Uncle Chris was all over the floor playing, and Aunt Kristin helped feed and change Austin when he needed it. He loves it so much. So far, it hasn't taken Austin much time to warm up around them, which I can only hope that continues. They love him so much! We got to see many of our friends around Christmas time, which makes things crazy! We had so much fun though visiting with everyone, catching up, and playing games with everyone. We even got to play Pictionary Man, Dominos, and Phase 10, and a new game called Quelf with Matt and Drew. It was too much fun! It was so great to see everyone, just like old times. I love how when everyone comes back, we can all pick up from where we left off. That's what it's all about!

Austin also recently started to say a few more words. He calls dogs "oafs" which I think stands for Woof. But if you ask him where and "oaf" is, he points to the dogs. He started saying "Bye Bye" and "hello" and "Kitty" also. Mama, is still his favorite though, in my opinion :) Tomorrow, he has his 15 month checkup, so we get to see how big he is and make sure he's on the right track! Hopefully life starts to slow down soon. As much fun as it is to be in the fast lane, it's always nice to get back on track with things.