4 month fun!

Mommy's lil man is growing so fast! At a lengthy 26 inches long, this lil guy is trying to be taller than mom and dad!

This has been a great month! Kyle and I both agree that out of our time with Andrew thus far, this age is without a doubt our favorite time! While it was great to snuggle with him as a newborn, you can't beat the interactions and animations our lil man presents us with everyday. Never mind the gummy grin that greets us every morning and throughout the day! He is making so many new sounds, wet and drooly sounds too, and best of all, laughing out loud! While he has giggled for awhile, he has the most contagious belly laugh! He seems to love to watch JD run all over the house and finds it quite amusing. He also is rolling over like a mad man and as a result, enjoys tummy time SOOOO much more! 

Andrew has also discovered his feet and finds them to be quite tasty! Next to his hands of course! I can't keep this kid's hands out of his mouth...YAY for teething! We think he is going to try and skip crawling all together because he puts so much weight on his legs when standing and is taking steps. In fact, he prefers to be "walking" than sitting in his bouncer. Even his pediatrician said we are in big trouble! Great! SLOW DOWN TURBO!

Andrew is such a sweetheart and Kyle and I are loving watching his little personality develop and shine through! He certainly has his quirks that we are discovering he has learned from his parents! Cranky like mommy when he is tired and super crabby like daddy when he his hungry! He also has a loss of interest in his toys, just like Daddy! He likes his bouncer one day and wants nothing to do with it the next day! I know, I know, that's typical of all babies! But I had to mention how much Andrew is like father with his "well, on to the next thing!" mentality! Fortunately, he seems to be most content snuggling with mama! It is the most amazing feeling and I love how much he loves his mommy! I love you right back my sweet little boy!

Happy 4 month birthday Peanut...you're not going to be a peanut for much longer!

Going Medieval

One of the great things about my school is that families are encouraged to attend the field trips, including those of the teachers too! So, of course when I was told we were taking our students to Medieval Times, I knew Andrew would love to go Medieval with my middle school students! Even though he slept through the entire show (how he managed to do this with all the fighting and banging from the swords and shields, I don't know!), he very much enjoyed his first field trip.

My students and parents were happy to finally meet the newest addition to the Wallace family! And to top it off, our Green Knight won the battle! Woo hoo!

Andrew enjoyed being King for the day...King of Mommy's heart!

Back to the Grind

So alas, the time had come for me to return to work! I must admit that I was experiencing mixed feelings on my return. I was sad to leave my little man but excited to see my students and engage in adult conversation with my friends and co-workers. I had practiced with "mini-work sessions" to try and prepare myself to what it would be like to go back to work. Andrew was right on schedule, walking up at 6 so that I could feed him before I left for work. I would feed him, pack up last minute things, and I would be on my way. Everything was going EXACTLY according to plan! Of course it would continue to be this way...right? Of course...NOT!!

On my first day back to work, Andrew decided that 4:30am was the perfect wake-up time. Nothing like the early bird gets the worm! But with those sweet blue eyes and gummy grin, how could I possibly be mad that we were up so early! So alas, he had an early morning meal and back to bed he went. So hmmmm, what to do with an extra half hour in the morning! I enjoyed a nice cup of coffee, watched the morning news...this wasn't so bad after all! And then 3:30pm rolled around and man, was this mama tired!!! Ahhh the sacrifices we make for our little loved ones. However, my first day back with my students was AWESOME! My kids were so happy to see me and I was happy to see them! We had a great day and I was so busy being "busy" that I didn't have time to dwell on the fact that I wasn't at home with my lil guy! My students welcomed me back with so much love and gratitude that I couldn't help but be happy to back at work.

I will say this though: Usually, I am the first to arrive and the last to leave! Knowing that I had Andrew at home made me pack the car after school lickety split! I was on the road in no time, by far a personal record for me!

Since my first day back, I have adjusted to the early (I suppose I should say earlier) mornings. But nothing beats seeing my handsome boy and his big smile when I walk in the door at night. It is amazing how a child can melt his Mommy's heart and how eager I am to return home. Don't get me wrong, rushing home to see Kyle was always a must but having a new little man in my life changes EVERYTHING! And Kyle would agree too! For years, I have called him the "King of Diddle!" He would diddle around the fire station, diddle in conversation, diddle, diddle, diddle. I would usually see him around lunch time or later on his first day off. But since Andrew captured his heart too, Kyle seems to be walking through the door much earlier these days!

Parenthood is a blast! Learning to balance work and being a mother is a new challenge for me! Fortunately, I had only 2 weeks to get back into the swing of the things and transition back to work mode and then WINTER BREAK BABY!! Two whole weeks to snuggle with my little man! Amongst the items to complete while on my Winter Break will of course be to indulge in and maximize my snuggle time with Andrew!

Peanut's First Thanksgiving!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

There was tons of food, laughter, love, and good GREAT times in the Wallace household this year surrounding our little man on his first turkey day! While he wasn't able to enjoy the feast, Andrew sat with 11 of his closest family and friends around the Thanksgiving table. My, my, my how our little family Thanksgiving dinner of 3-5 people has grown!

There is so much to be thankful for this year! I have a beautiful, healthy baby boy who just lights up my life every moment of the day. Mommyhood is something that I can't explain but truly something that is cherished in it's simplest form. I know all you parents out there can relate and I wasn't able to understand the joys of parenthood until I became one. Words cannot do justice and there is no greater love than that of a child! I feel so blessed and fortunate! I am beyond thankful for the blessings I have received thus far and the ones my little man will continue to give me.

On a family note, Kyle and I have one more blessing to be thankful for this year! It's just keeps a'comin! We found out that we are going to be an Aunt and Uncle as Kyle's little brother ("little," sorry Ross, you are a grown man I know, it's just habit!) announced that he and his wife are expecting a baby girl in April 2012. So in addition to the good news that I FINALLY have a sister, I can add to my resume that I am going to be an Auntie and Andrew will have a cousin so close in age! Good thing Aunt Tracey is okay with a little rough housin' because surely Andrew will have a playmate for life!

I am so thankful for the blessings that have come into our lives this year and the impact you, as my dear family and friends, have made in my life! Thank you for your unyielding and continued love and support you have given my family and I this year! I am truly thankful for you!

Happy Turkey Day!

3 months old!

He's talking (baby talk of course!), he's all smiles, he's squealing up a storm, he's melting mommy's heart, and he's 3 MONTHS OLD!!! I can't believe it!!!

Daddy Day Care

So the day is rapidly approaching when I have to go back to work and leave my little man in the trustworthy and capable hands of Daddy!! Capable, yes! Trustworthy....well...let's just say Kyle missed his calling in life when he decided to be a fireman instead of a fashion designer! In addition, I think Kyle found a playmate for life as Andrew seems to be involved in quite a few shenanigans while Mommy is away! I cannot even begin to describe the outfits Kyle puts together for Andrew! I will let the pictures speak for themselves!

Nice and cozy for the day!

It's 8am and Andrew is dressed in a tank top, workout shorts, and slippers! Not really quite sure what we are doing for the day with this ensemble!

This outfit actually goes together but couldn't resist how cute my little man looked! 

Yes, those are JD's toys that Andrew is laying in and yes, I am aware that our dog has way too many toys! But I will give you 2 guesses as to who bought the big dog bone...I am guessing you will only need 1! 

I wish I knew the thought process that goes through Kyle's head when he opens the closet door and disregards any and all sizes, whether they fit or not, as well as the color schemes. Lord help this child when he goes to his first day of school with Daddy fashion! I have to give the man credit though, at least he is putting Andrew in clothing as opposed to letting Andrew be the "nakee baby!" all day long! Ahhh, I just love the men in my life! I hope this gives you the same chuckle it gave me! Thanks for the laughs Kyle!

Trick or Treat!

Trick or Treat and Happy Halloween!! And what a treat it was....literally!! We ran out of candy after 45 minutes and had to be the party poop house that turned off the porch lights at 7:45. I spent $35 on Halloween candy this year and it was gone...perhaps that was our trick we played on the trick or treaters this year! Thankfully, we didn't have any smashed pumpkins or eggs on the house for being "that house" with the lights out!

This Halloween was a real treat for us in so many ways! Our little man had a very busy Halloween, thanks to the 3 different costume changes. Andrew was a skeleton, a fire fighter, and a pumpkin. Good grief! We decided to trick or treat around the neighborhood in the pumpkin costume since JD had a pumpkin costume to match! Mommy had a pumpkin costume too but a certain little man started to get a little cranky and wanted to start his trick or treating. We visited the "Aunties" of the neighborhood and after a whopping 15 minutes, Andrew was out! Obviously, too much fun and excitement for Mommy's little pumpkin! We are looking forward to next year when he can actually walk around to trick or treat!

Did somebody call 911?

Mommy's little fireman!

Let's get this show on the road! 

Really??

I'm ready!! Let's go!

Happy Halloween family and friends! Hope your day was "spooktacular!!"

Little Man in a Big Boy World

So get this momma a box of tissues because her little man is growing up too fast! After much debate, I decided that it was time for Andrew to sleep in his crib last night. Mind you, he has taken his daily naps in his crib before but he has slept next to me in his pack-n-play at night for the last 9 1/2 weeks. I would often wake up and check on him throughout the night and while he slept sound, I would still wake up for my own piece of mind.

Aside from waking up at 1:30 this morning to eat, he slept until 7. I feel like I slept well but I know I woke up a couple times in a panic wondering if he was okay, you know, with him being soooooo far away! (Said sarcastically as his nursery is literally 15 feet from our bedroom!) Obviously, Mommy has proximity issues! Gosh, such a worry wart I know! Oh, and in case you are wondering, don't worry, Kyle and JD slept great and are still sleeping great for that matter!

Needless to say, it felt so good waking up and snuggling that little man of mine. I missed him so much!!

Peanut and the Pumpkin Patch

Andrew decided to take his mommy and daddy to the Peltzer Family Pumpkin Patch in the Temecula Wine Country. Kyle and I visit a pumpkin patch every year in search for the "Great Pumpkin" but this year, having our little man with us made the experience so special. This pumpkin patch was very family oriented and had lots of stuff to do. While Andrew wasn't able to partake in all the festivities, he loved all the fall colors and orange pumpkins. He was fully alert the entire trip to take it all in. Heaven help this kid if he misses anything!! We had so much fun as a family and we know this will surely be a tradition in the Wallace family for years to come. 

Our little family!

Love my Daddy!

One pooped peanut! 

That's all folks! 

2 month adventures

So, all you parents weren't kidding when you said, "enjoy it...because it goes by so fast!" No joke!! Mommy's little peanut is already 2 months old and growing everyday! During his 8 week and 2 month birthday, Andrew had quite the busy week! On his actual 8 week birthday, we spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Ross and Aunt Tracey cheering for our Cowboys against Grandpa's team. Unfortunately, our Boys decided to do what we have been doing so well lately...lose the game! :( But at least, we had fun sporting our Dallas gear and spending time with the family.

In the middle of the week, we decided to surprise my students and co-workers at school. Andrew and I caused quite the scene and created pandemonium when my students saw me. It was truly so great to see them and for them to meet Andrew. I couldn't believe how different my students looked. Granted, I haven't seen them since June, I was blown away by how much they had grown and matured. Makes me think how precious this time with Andrew really is. If 2 months can go by this quickly, I better prepare myself for girls calling the house and Andrew texting up a storm like my students....yikes! It will be here before I know it!

Unaware that it was picture day at school, it was requested that I take my staff/yearbook photo. I agreed on one condition: Andrew would be in the photo with me! And he was! Hopefully, everyone will be staring at my cute kid rather than my sleepy eyes and my hair in need of a touch-up! :) Don't worry, I will upload that picture when I get it!

After we visited with my students, we packed up and headed out to see Daddy at the fire station! Having the luxury of still being at home, I can't imagine how much Kyle misses his little guy, especially for being gone a minimum of 3 days at a time. He was so happy to see Andrew and introduce him to his co-workers. We had quite the day and Andrew was so well behaved! Not a fuss at all! YES!!! Needless to say, he slept very well on the way home!

So, call me "Mother of the Year!" I say this sarcastically as I unintentionally scheduled Andrew's 2 month Doctor's appointment...yes the dreaded 2 month appointment where he gets his shots! Smooth move Courtnie! Poor little guy didn't see it coming! But he is a trooper and quite the tough cookie! And as a result, had 3 very studly looking Iron Man BandAides to show for his toughness! But on the brighter side, Andrew is 10 1/4 pounds and 24 1/4 inches. Still in the 90th percentile for height!! He just keeps growing, and growing, and growing, and growing!! Doctor Hurwitz said he is going to be one long and lean guy! She also said Andrew is quite alert and that Kyle and I are going to have quite the active kid on our hands...wonder which parent Andrew inherited that from??? Certainly, not his mother!

Andrew continues to impress me everyday and "melts me" as Grandma Eddie would say. He has been smiling up a storm for the last couple of weeks and is trying to verbalize the words Kyle and I speak to him. Who would have ever thought that an all gums smile would send us to the moon and back? He is such a smart little man and I just love him more and more everyday! Love you so much Andrew!!

Gotta stop feeding this kid!

So my little man is growing up too fast already! I can't believe he is already 6 weeks old!

Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Wallace Wedding

Andrew had his first big outing and attended his Uncle Ross and Aunt Tracey's wedding at the Mitten Building in Redlands! What a cool venue!! He looked mighty spiffy in his outfit and loved meeting all of his family from up north.

The wedding was loads of fun, from flying shark candies and mustaches for every guest. Of course, Andrew sported his mustache with the family, although he didn't particularly care for it. He tried to eat it!

Our first family photo!

The Wallace men

Ross waiting for his beautiful bride

I now pronounce Mr. and Mrs. Ross Wallace! WOO HOO!

The little man slept through the entire ceremony

Karen and Mike: Ross and Kyle's "real" parents!

Ron and Coleen

Looking good sporting the mustache Aunt Bobbi and Uncle Ed...oh wait, yours is real!

As you can see, Andrew is not ready to start growing a mustache yet. I'm not ready for him to grow up that fast! 

The Groom and The Best Man...a little suspicious looking if you ask me!

Mommy and Me

Hooray for the Newlyweds!

This is a miracle...we haven't had a dance since our wedding...5 years ago! Definitely a moment for the history books!

Aunt Bobbi is the best!

Eddie and Bobbi: Sisterly love!

Andrew loves his Grandpa Bill

Congratulations Ross and Tracey! We wish you a lifetime filled with lots of love and happiness! 

Hurry up...Andrew wants a cousin! :)