Ellie's 1st birthday

Ever since Andrew's 2nd birthday, this little boy has dramatically changed almost daily. From his vocabulary to his interests to shoot, even his height, he is growing and changing! He is also surprising me by all of sudden deciding to participate in activities that in the past, generally showed NO interest in.
This weekend, Andrew and I went to Ellie's 1st birthday party. Daddy had to work so he didn't get to go. When we arrived, Andrew's best buddy Jakob was waiting in front of the house with his hands on his hips and yelling at Andrew to hurry and come "jump." Mind you, in the past, Andrew has wanted NOTHING to do with the bounce houses. Literally, he will stand 10 feet away from them or find something else to do. They terrify him! Until today! Andrew and Jakob had the entire bounce house to themselves. Andrew gradually made his way up the step and into the jumper. And from then on, I could not get this little boy out of the bounce house. I desperately tried to get video and pictures but he was a bouncing maniac but if you look closely, you can see his facial expression and it pretty much says it all!
We finally got the boys out of the bounce house to join the rest of the party. Dallas was playing and seeing as how we were at a party composed of mainly Dallas fans, the wives and the kids were outside and the men watched the game. Ellie's mommy had done a great job of putting together such an adorable Minnie Mouse themed birthday party. This little girl is so sweet and seriously, the happiest baby I have ever seen! Andrew loved calling her "baby, baby, baby" the entire party. I am not sure if he was identifying the fact that yes, she was a baby or if this was a term of endearment for this sweet lil lady. Hmmmmmm!

Happy birthday sweet little Ellie!

It won't be like this for long!

The beginning of the school year is by far the busiest time of year for me. I am usually a walking stress case, powered and fueled by caffeine and the energy of my teenage students. This year, my life is fueled and empowered by my sweet little boy! He absolutely is my whole world and the meaning of my being. I have done a terrible job at updating you with all of his amazing growths and developments, so get comfy, grab a snack and enjoy the wonderful world of Andrew from the eyes of his number 1 fan...his MAMA!!!

1. This little boy embodies everything a little boy was meant to be. He is rough and tough but sure knows how to turn the key to my heart. He exemplifies what it means to be a "Momma's Boy!" His new favorite thing is "Hug!!" said with arms held out wide reaching for a recipient of by far, the best bear hug you will ever receive! I just can't get enough of these.

2. He is talking a mile and a minute. Surely, he must take after me. His vocabulary has expanded and developed, literally over night. He is talking in complete sentences and asks questions in complete sentences. As an educator, I am so proud. As a momma, SUPER proud! It is so fun to have conversations with my little guy and know that he comprehends what I am saying and is able to communicate back with me. He has recently felt the overwhelming need to repeat and yell "MAMA!!" While driving in the car, sitting in his high chair, or while mommy is busy plugging away at emails throughout the day, he let's me know he is need of my attention. "MAMA!!" Secretly, I love it!

3. He loves putting on his own shoes. This might seem like a simple task to some but to already know which shoe goes on which foot and close the velcro straps or pull up the sandal strap, he is ready and rearing to go!

4. He is absolutely obsessed with The Sandlot and Finding Nemo. His facial expressions and the statements he vocalizes throughout the movie crack me up. I love that he loves The Sandlot. It is a classic. Andrew is particularly in love with Wendy Peffercorn! That lovely lady comes on and all he can say is "girl, girl, girl, girl!" Apparently, his father has taught him well.

5. He is obsessed more than obsessed, with Fire Trucks...SHOCKER!!! Everything is a fire truck...everything! Semi truck, moving truck, ambulance, lifted truck, you name it, if it's a truck of any kind, it's a fire truck! He loves to visit Kyle at the fire station and even though he has sat in the driver's seat for the hundredth time, it never gets old. The whole way home til about the time we are getting off the freeway, he has said, "bye bye fire truck! Bye bye Da Da!" I have a sneaking suspicion he wants to be just like his daddy.

6. "Trash truck" Tuesday is a VERY big deal in the Wallace household. He can hear them arrive in the morning and don't you worry, he is propped up on the front room couch and standing guard. Heaven help the person who tries to stand in the way of moving him from this spot during trash collection!

7. **This one is my favorite but also makes me so sad** Over the last month, Andrew has gained quite a sense of independence. Don't get me wrong, as a Wallace, this little boy has independence streaming through his veins. But recently, he has decided that he will let me know when he is ready for "nigh nigh," both nap times and bed times. And he has the routine to go with it. He collects several of his favorite trucks, heaves them into his crib and stands and waits for a boost. He rearranges his stuffed animals, blankets, and toys and sits down in bed. It's amazing that he actually has room to sleep. Once everything is in place, he tilts his head up to me and puckers his lips and waits for a kiss. I say "I love you" (we are still working on him saying this with perfect diction) and then this is the part that kills me...he says, "nigh nigh Mama!' and waves! I say it back to him and then he raises his hand and waves good bye again. UGH!! Everytime, I can't help but put my hand over my heart and chest because I literally am so emotional and it takes my breath away.

I wish I could share with you all of the delightful experiences I am honored to live through being Andrew's mommy. He is becoming such a big boy and one glimpse of that sweet little grin, all the cares and troubles in my world just disappear. I am learning to savor every moment because I am discovering that it won't be like this for long!