Dog Lover

Taft comes from a long line of dog lovers and it looks like he's falling right into that line. I am a liker of dogs, but not so much a lover. Seth can tolerate dogs, but I wouldn't classify him as even liking them. My sisters are very disappointed in both of us. I just need to find the right dog. One that doesn't bark much, comes house trained, doesn't shed, doesn't chew up things, and can take care of itself when we go out of town. At least we have a few years left to avoid the "Can we get a dog?" question.

I had a cute video of Taft army crawling towards a metal dog figure that my parents have and is saying "Oooh, Oooh, Oooh" but the video won't load. We think he's trying to bark because every time he sees my parents' dogs or my dad who plays with the dogs with him, he says "Oooh, ooh, Ooh".

Baby's First Christmas

And I only took like two pictures. We had a wonderful Christmas spent at the Bluth house. Grandma Shaw was there too and we loved have her around. We spent Christmas Eve the traditional way, eating sushi. Actually, our tradition is to have a big Thanksgiving-like feast on Christmas Eve, but unfortunately Taylor had to work until 8:30 that night. So we took Christmas Eve to her and ate at the restaurant she works at (Tsunami...really good). She was even able to join us for dinner. Later on Christmas Eve we opened our gift from the Elves (pjs). This was Seth's first year picking out my pajamas.We realized it's the first clothing item he's ever bought for me. He seemed really nervous about what he picked, but I thought he did a great job! My personal favorite pajamas were Taft's. He looks like a big candy cane. We loved spending Christmas with my family, but missed the Herway side of the family on this special holiday as well.

8 and 9 Months

Better late than never right? Believe it or not, this is the best 8 month picture I could get. I believe he is crying because I took away the paper from him (see crinkles on paper).

Today went much better. Taft is 9 months old today. We went to the doctor today and he's in 75th percentile for weight and height and 90th for head. Prolly cuz he has such a big, smart brain. :) He's a healthy boy and is happy most of the time. The doctor did noticed his soft spot is larger than normal so we are heading to Primary's for an ultrasound tomorrow. The doctor said she isn't worried, but doesn't want to miss something. Because he's on track for most everything, I'm not to worried either, but I'll feel better after tomorrow's appointment.

At nine months Taft:

Sleeps about 10 hours at night, with two 1-1.5 hour naps during the day.
Likes all food given to him, except Belgian baby food green beans...Haricot Verts.
Chugs 24 oz. of formula a day.
Does a worm/rolly polly bug crawl/scoot to get things he wants.
Hates being dressed/undressed/diaper changed.
Loves bath time.
Loves being read to.
Loves tearing up paper.
Says mama, dada, nana, and pff indiscriminately.
Tries to bite me if I give him a raspberry kiss on the cheek.
Belly laughs if you're funny enough.
Loves Monkey Friend. (stuffed monkey). We're not really sure if his name is Monkeyfriend (one word) or first name, Monkey, last name, Friend.
Likes to smile at strangers, especially girls.
Has two teeth.
Is one awesome razzer.
Likes to bop his head and rock to music.
Thinks it's funny to look in the mirror.
Will let you cuddle him if he's tired enough.
Still has way crazy hair.
Hates shopping in clothing stores, but can handle places like Target, Walmart, and the grocery store.

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

I married into this. I know, I'm lucky.

Audrey

I had to post this picture because it's just beautiful. This is Seth's grandma or Grandma Grape as the great-grandkids call her. This was taken by my sister-in-law's father at our Herway family reunion. This woman is incredible. She's well into her eighties and has more energy than most people decades younger than her. She always has a smile on her face and is always happy. This overall happiness Packer gene is one I hope our kids get and one that I'm sad I did not inherit through marriage. Seth's grandma, mom, and sisters are some of the most positive, genuinely happy women I know.

26 going on 50

I'm 26 now. My SIL kindly pointed out that I am now closer than 30 than 20. I'm slightly depressed about it all, but not too bad. I think I'm going to stop keeping track of my age. Like, when someone asks me how old I am, I want to have to think about what year I was born and do the math. I don't know why, I just do.


However, my 25th year was a really good one. Seth and I became parents. Seth and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. We got together with all of Seth's siblings and their kids (first time since our wedding). I passed a licensing test for social work. We went to Europe twice. We went to Morocco. Seth, Taft, and I were very healthy. (I did get the swine flu a few days before I actually turned 26, but we'll pretend it was after) Seth started being paid a monthly retainer from a company for doing absolutely nothing. I got to quit my job to stay home with Taft. 


I'm looking forward to my 26th year. At this time next year, we'll probably be living in a different state, Taft will be walking, Seth will be done with school, we'll have an income, and we'll be getting ready to go home for holidays. 

...

Do you think I could pull of saying "ya'll"? Because I really want to move to the South. Seth has been on his South/Southeast interview trip and I'm starting to get my heart set on going there. Here's why:

1. It's warm
2. People drink Sweet Tea. I know I can't drink it, but it sounds yummy.
3. Seth would be done by 3:00 each day at most of the programs.
4. Plantation houses
5. Southern hospitality
6. We could afford a house (not a plantation house, but one with more than one bathroom)
7. BBQ (I am an expert at BBQ thanks to employment at Joe Morley's and Goodwood)
8. Steel Magnolias.
9. Paula Deen.
10. I can find out what collard greens are.

Negatives
1. MSW programs are rare
2. Alligators
3. Rednecks
4. Hurricanes
5. Humidity

The possibilities are: Winston-Salem, NC, Birmingham, AL, and Jacksonville, FL

The Taftman

Remember when he was this small? I do. He was so sleepy all of the time. I would have to get him naked to feed him and then touch his cheek with an ice cube! Taft, my non-cuddling baby, is going through a phase of falling asleep while drinking his bed time bottle and then lets me snuggle him for as long as I want. Let's just say I'm not getting anything done at night. I was talking to Seth tonight and told him he needs to come home as soon as possible so he can start enjoying Taft's new bedtime snuggle routine. I can't think of anything better in the world than when your baby snuggles with you. Pure heaven.

Since Seth has been out of town for the past week and still won't be back until Sunday, I've had a lot of one on one time with Taft. I'm so grateful to be a mom and get to enjoy Taft while he is a baby. Can you believe he's going to be nine months old tomorrow? Next thing I know he's going to be 9 years old, then 19 years old. I don't like how fast time is flying.

How Cute Are These Boots?

Apparently I'm into YouTube today. Does anyone else love this commercial?

Dear Lara,

Remember when I was rude today and didn't thank you for the cute hair clip and pin? I'm just really ungrateful sometimes I guess. In an effort to express my sincere apology, I'm going to share your beautiful craftiness with the 5 or so people that read my blog.  I love, love this clip and the pin too! Look everyone, isn't it cute?!

My sister-in-law Lara gave it to me, along with some books I was supposed to send with Seth, and then I totally forgot but still got these rockin clips out of the deal. Thanks Lara!


Love,
Heidi

p.s. The books are in the mail as of 3:30 p.m. this afternoon. The book rate rocks...only 3 bucks to mail those things.

p.p.s. I forgive you for Dec. 5, 2008. But only because the clips are so cute. :)

Babies

I've always liked babies, but thanks to Taft I REALLY like them now. I can't wait for this movie.