Music to my eyes!

Luke helping Ms. Doris with the scarves...these were a lot of fun!

To my eyes you may ask? This summer Luke got to attend a Kindermusik class and loved it so much! Each week I so enjoyed watching him have fun dancing and bopping along. It's a great program that I wish we could do all the time, but we'll have to save it for special occasions. One week Ms. Trisha so kindly took Luke because I wasn't able to and I really didn't want him to miss it, so thanks so much again for doing that. Plus Luke absolutely adores Ms. Trisha so I'm sure he was happy to share that time with her. I'm so glad Luke loves music. He will usually stop what he's doing and dance for awhile anytime he hears music, or at least clap for it. It will be interesting to see if he appreciates it as much in the future, but for now we're having fun!

And for your viewing pleasure: Here's a clip of Luke breaking it down on a visit to Austin. You can also see how easily Taylor is pushed aside (literally)...oh but how I still love her! I apologize in advance for my loud voice, hopefully it won't interfere too much! :)

18 months

My sweet boy's 18 months have flown by oh so quickly! I was warned...several times, but it's going by in a whirlwind. I must say though, that we are having a blast right now. I love seeing how much he's learning and how much personality (good and a teensy bit of negative) is coming out. What year and a half old doesn't have their share of minor meltdowns?! :)
Here's the latest greatest news on our little man (sniff, sniff):

Weight: 28 pounds (75th percentile)
Height: 34 inches (75th percentile)

School: Each day is a little better. Luke just has a hard time going in to his room, but once he's there a few minutes all is good in the world. It's sad watching him just walk in like a little trooper sniffiling, but he's so brave and keeps going. (Heart break...here)

Socializing, Socializing, Socializing: A boy after my own heart. He loves to talk and hang with friends and talk some more. He enjoys watching big kids, as he thinks he's that big too, but loves playing with his friends his own age. He enjoys giving Avery a push every now and then, but she goes in for the hug and it's total bring down. Complete affection though, hopefully it will last a little while longer before a case of cooties sets in. One day Avery planted the sweetest kiss on Luke's cheek and the smile was from ear to ear...again heart break. :)

Currents Favorites:
Food: Mac and cheese (this ones in for the long haul), graham crackers, saltines (I always steal those prepackaged ones of two for the car rides), grapes, scrambled eggs, chocolate teddy grahams...the cubs aka "cookie", yogurt - which he insists on feeding himself, always. He's quite the independent feeder these days, which is nice, but can get a little messy too.
K9s: Taylor Jay. Oh what fun they have! He loves getting kisses and she loves giving them. It's a sure fire way to give him the giggles. He's doing really well at being "easy" with her, except for today when he thought about it and then stepped on her head. Poor beagle...but she's a trooper and nothing a treat won't fix.
Toys: Puzzles! Which I love that he loves. He's really good at some of them and has learned at least 4 shapes using them. He also seems really content just to sit and read sometimes which I also love. He's a music lover and we have a lot of fun playing band and he can really dance! And then there's the backdoor. With the nicer weather, he's been able to go in and out to his hearts content since there is no electricity wasted..and he and Taylor go to town. And he really just loves going outside and exploring which I think is great and enjoy myself now that the weather's cooler.
Songs: As mentioned, he loves music...a lot! When asked what songs he wants to sing it's usually either "row, row" "Jesus" or "wee wee" (This little piggy...technically not a song, but it helps me get those toes clean in the tub). A lot of times Ross and I just turn on some tunes and he dances for about 10 minutes...such a show off!
Football teams: Cowboys and "Aggies"...he's got that one down...now we just need to learn "touchdown"

Current Dislikes:
Haircuts. Hates them! Thankfully they only last about 6 minutes, so it's over fast.
Coming inside - see earlier note about loving outside
Taylor getting a little too feisty and jumping up on him, thus knocking him on his bum.
Holding my hand crossing the street, however, not an option my friend.

Everyday I am so reminded of what a blessed person I am, and Luke brings that all into perspective. His innocence is something I cherish so much for him and I hope that he will be able to seek the Lord through the same kind of fervor and passion as he does life in general at this age.

This is an exert from another blog, but it truly describes my heart for Luke and the Lord:

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him."
1Samuel 1:27

"most days I sing because He has given me this Joyful Song, this child who teaches me just how much I need my Father- and how insufficient I am to raise him. I am learning that He supplies my needs according to His riches in glory. His mercies really are new every morning. I could not do this without Him. And I thank Him for this precious gift He has given me. He has given me the desires of my heart."

Thank you Lord for the gift of an amazing 18 months and an amazing family. I am so blessed.

2nd 1st Day of School

Today was my 1st day of school for the 2nd time! I know I have many more "1st days" left, so we thought we'd start counting them now. All went well for mom and I. We both were a little teary (well, I had a semi-slight melt down) when I went to my classroom. Mom said she had to "buck up" so she wouldn't scare her little ones on the first day. We made it through though and although we were both exhausted it was a fun day. So one day down, 108 to go. (I know it's terrible to already be counting...but I'm type A like that...said Luke's mommy).


"Here's my backpack. I tried to put it one, but it was too heavy and made me fall backwards."

"I'll never let go...of you mom." Tis true at times.

No smile here, just telling dad how to work that camera.

Although a sad face, it makes me sad to see how big he looks. :(

Summer Lovin'

Had me a blast!
Today is our official last day of summer. Mom and I start back to school tomorrow, and as excited as we are about the fall, football, new classes and friends, we sure did have a great summer. Here's some highlights of our fun. Thanks to all our friends and family who made it even more fun with visits and playdates.

"Look out Michael Phelps...I've been practicing my butterfly stroke!"

My little old man...I can't help but laugh/cry each time I see this picture!

In the dog house.

My new found play house...perfect with a door and vents.

One of my many pool trips - this one with the new earplugs, so adios to that silly swim cap!

Splish-splashin' with Will...he's so fun!

And what's summer with out a little, I mean a LOT of ice cream.
It's a genetic trait from my dad.

Discovered: a love for ramps and anything that slopes that I can run down.

Chick Fil A fun...we had so many trips here, we are now friends with Miss Connie. She is so kind and always helps get my chair and placemat!

The boy in me couldn't keep away from rock climbing.

Even though I look sad, I really enjoyed sitting here next to the fish tank.

And as a special back to school treat, we had family night at Gatti-town!

Strolling in with dad, sporting our maroon out!

I loved the mac and cheese and just watching all the big kids run around...someday!

Riding my first virtual reality rollercoaster.

On the merry go round, but in a spin car.

"Don't worry, I'll steer."