Mark's 12th month!

Mark :: 11 months

He won't open his mouth to eat unless he has his scepter in hand. i.e. a whisk, wooden spoon, or something else equally appropriate. Once he's got it he's waving it around, smacking it on the highchair, and demanding orders in baby babble.

His two front teeth on the top have arrived! I was so happy to still be nursing to comfort him on those nights he was in too much pain. It calmed both of us down. :)

Climbing everywhere. Stairs, furniture, through the too small space under the coffee table, anything to offer a challenge. Good thing we anchored everything larger than a toaster. Come to think of it, I might do that too. :) (We had quite the scare with Elizabeth, more on that later.)

Likes to cross his feet, as shown above.

Is so giggly and ridiculously fun to tickle that the poor kid gets tortured into laughing attacks on a daily basis. He he, it's my favorite!

Fits perfectly into this vintage romper that I've been saving to put him in until month 11. Well done Marko.

Enjoys swinging at the park, chasing after his sister, and listening to me make up songs while I try to get his pajamas on.

Has eyes the color of mine but shaped like his Daddy's.

No longer has watering tear ducts but still has his strawberry birthmark (hemangioma) on the right ankle. In face it's larger now as it will grow proportionate to his size.

He's practicing drinking from a cup (while Mommy holds it) and also standing while holding onto something.

Bedtime couldn't be any easier at this point with him. I pop in the Binky, lay him down, walk out and close the door. He even sleeps through the night, although wakes up  at 6:00 AM. He's my alarm clock. :)

Mark :: 10 months

Hello separation anxiety! Wow, has to be held every waking moment. No toy or distraction will suffice, just mommy.

Crawling!!! All over the place and like an Army man.

Turns his wrist round and round all the time. Just like E did with her ankle when she was a baby.

Can eat his weight in Mac and cheese (which he slurps down whole) and sweet potato pie. 

Kicks his legs all the time, so happy and excited.

His arms swatting my hands away while nursing.

His favorite time of day is bath time with his sister. 

Not interested in purred food, only wants real good in tiny pieces that he then picks up and chews with his gums.

Has big eyeballs that exude (and evoke!) feelings of love.

Mark :: 9 months

Runs his fingers through his hair while nursing

Has a tiny blonde mustache 

Has the most kissable nape of the neck

Sees the iPhone and tries to scoot toward it

First teeth arrived! Two center bottom and fangs coming in on top 

Rolled off the bed and got a bonkers. Sorry buddy, Mommy is sorry.

Elizabeth said...

"Moroni is on top of the temple. Moroni loves me. And Jesus loves me and God. Jesus is at the temple When I go to the temple ill say, hi Jesus!"

Very obedient for a 2 year old. Loves to has dance parties and asks for Musica. She must have on a pink dress or tutu to begin, and loves wearing shoes so she can balance up on her tip toes and say, "I'm a ballerina!"

While talking to a stuffed pig said, "That makes me sad when you hit Barbie. That's a sad choice. Sit right here and have a timeout."

On our way to pick up Richard at the airport, "Daddy's coming. Daddy's coming to see me. That's what the airplane said, that's he's coming."

Anther baby said tosh tosh tish , then her mommy said, yes the tish tish is downstairs. Then Elizabeth looked at me and said, "they're speaking Spanish!" As of late, anything she doesn't recognize is deemed to be Spanish.

Post nap she was so grumpy and was yelling at me, "Take off your pants! I don't like them, they're too small. Take off those pants!!!" It was random, didn't make any sense, and hilarious.

"I want to go peepee in the toilet." (This only happened the once. )

Grandma gave her a piece of gum and then said, "Mmm, you have fresh breath!" Elizabeth replied, " I don't understand."

She said berry when trying to say very. I had her practice saying va va va very. Now she can say very. 

She sang to her baby doll, tucked her in with a blanket, then said,  "Have dreams of lions, turtles. Fish. Dolphins. Dinosaur.  And cows. Night night. I love you."

Caught her talking to her baby saying, "Can I have some? Oh sure. Here ya go. That's yummy. Thank you."

We give each other a certain long look in the eyes and always end up having a laughing attack. While driving the minivan up the canyon today e kept fake laughing over and over to trigger m into laughter. Mark and Elizabeth kept making each other laugh round and round. 

When sitting on the bed said, "I'm careful of the edge."

"You holding stuff so can't hold my hand?" (while walking down stairs)

To a random kid 5 y old girl at the park, "I want to show you something. Come over to this slide, while pointing."

a whale of a tale at 8 months

When Mark turned 8 months old a couple weeks ago, he also turned up the charm. I'm smitten with this little bundle.

Some big changes and little milestones have been happening in his life and as a family. I feel like I'm just trying to keep up with what life has in store for us and to keep my panic moments to a minimum. Marks sugary disposition does help with that, I will admit.

He loves his binky still, thinks Elizabeth is the most wonderful thing in the world, and has discovered an affinity for playing peek-a-boo.

People comment on his huge eyes, his blond hair that has a tinge of red to it, his large hands and feet, and how his temperament is sweet and happy.

Mark in Istanbul! When we made the decision to move back to the States, we knew their was one more destination we just had to see before we left this region of the world. So many people have recommended Istanbul to us, and did not disappoint! Elizabeth stayed in Abu Dhabi with some friends and Richard, Mark and I were there for 4 days and 3 nights. It is the only city in the world the borders two continents, Europe and Asia. It seemed like an amazing mix of Rome and Arabia. Loved it. 
When Elizabeth was 7 months old we took her with us to Jordan and Israel, now with Mark getting to go to Istanbul at the same age, we think we're going to have to keep up the trend and go somewhere fun with our future kids when they each are this age. Any excuse to travel really!

His body is long and a bit leaner, he must be going through a growth spurt. He sits, can rotate 360 while on his tummy, pushes off with his legs and is close to crawling.

He has two bottom teeth!

Babbling is common now, mostly vocalizing baa or daa with the rare Mmm or Maa in there. He also does this awesome sound when he's excited where he screams and takes in a breath through his mouth simultaneously making a high pitched yelp. It usually makes someone in the vicinity jump which makes for good times.

Loves bananas, not a fan of carrots. Also eats oats, rice, potato, apple, pear, peach, spinach, peas, yogurt, and more. Yesterday I gave him some Nalley Chili and he was all over it! That's how you know he has Spencer blood. He is still breast feeding a ton, which is good and what works for us right now.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner...

Some big things have been happening around here. We have been sorting through our thoughts and options, but now I'm excited to tell you that we're moving! In 10 days!

We have decided to take an awesome position at a tech company in LAS VEGAS, BABY!  Richard will be the General Manager of a "The InNEVation Center," a brand new initiative of a company called Switch.  His day to day responsibilities will range from selecting new business startups for funding and support to organizing a new Angel Fund for Nevada and California.

About the timing. . . we're in a whirlwind over here.  We just got back from a last minute trip to Istanbul, and now we're packing a container to ship the contents of our house, and flying out of the UAE on the 19th! We don't know where we will live, where the best schools are, none of that yet. We still have bags to pack and half of the earth to travel before we get to those minor details. ;)

Richard and I feel strongly that this decision is not only endorsed but facilitated by Heavenly Father.  We are sorry to leave Abu Dhabi and we've had an incredible experience here over the last four years, but we're thrilled to be taking a position that puts us so much closer to home, family, and friends. Hurray!!!  The life experiences we've had over the past 4 years have been so incredible. Living in the United Arab Emirates has brought us unique challenges and blessings. Two of our biggest blessings -  the birth of both of our children. Here's a quick list of love it and leave its that I want to remember...

Highlights:

:: 2009 :: 

Moving to Al Ain, UAE

Living in the Hilton for 10 weeks
Having Richard home so much (no more consulting hours)!

Exploring the natural oasis, historic forts, and traditional Bedouin culture

Al Ain Branch Relationships / Callings as YW president and Primary president

Primary Program with Evander, Ianna, Kai, and Jonah was one of the most tender moments of my life

Traveling through Europe for 6 weeks with Richard pre babies = epic!

:: 2010 :: 

Elizabeth's healthy birth and my healthy birthing

Playing Carcassone with Richard all. the. time.

Elizabeth's first smile and laugh

Walking around Bawadi Mall with Elizabeth in the Bjorn

Staying in Grand Millenium al Wahda, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Wild Wadi

Walking along the Corniche

Finding the most amazing food at the hole in the wall restaurant, Nadeem

Our dear friend Nasim from Peshawar, Pakistan

:: 2011 ::

Elizabeth first steps

Elizabeth talking and learning colors, counting, and so much more

Being pregnant with baby boy

Trip to Israel and Jordan with Richard, Elizabeth, DeAnn, and Harold

Our family of three adventure to Sri Lanka (Hikkaduwa Beachhouse, Kandy, Sigiriya)

Ras Al Khaimah trip

Being so involved in the Abu Dhabi Ward with callings in Primary and the Relief Society Presidency

Strengthening friendships with other young Mom's in Abu Dhabi: Shoni, Ngoc, Lula, Amna

Tutoring and getting to know Amna, my Emirati friend

Laughing at all of the funny things Elizabeth says and repeats like, “hot dangit!”

Dance parties with Richard and Elizabeth

Weston and Julianne Visit - crazy National Day celebration on the Corniche

Travis, Ryan, Tyler, and Adam Visit

Amazing Arabic and Indian food (butter chicken, daal makhni, tikka masala)

Furnishing and decorating our apartment with handmade rugs and hatta pots

:: 2012 ::

The birth of our son, Mark Richard

Enjoying friends; Ngoc, Shoni, Lulaa, Uzma, Amna, Bates, Sneha, Kera, Cheshma, Cate, Katie, Karen Marie, Gemma, Julietta, Michelle, Audrey, ...

Weather perfection during the winter months

Success with homemade Chicken Biryani and Hummus
4 day trip to Istanbul with Mark sans Elizabeth (Thanks again Kofoed's)

:: Not my fav ::

the HEAT and humidity
My back injury
Elizabeth's Colic with no family around to help - ya kiddin' me?

Standing on the hot, crowded train for hours while pregnant and with toddler in Sri Lanka

Pregnant with the stomach flu while Richard was also sick and entertaining guests

The scary water man who almost got me (long story)

Elizabeth and Mark's Tuberculosis Vaccination and Subsequent Scar

*written by Rich and Cat*

Our little guy is 7 months old

First of all, check out that spread with his toes! Impressive right? Yep, he got it from me. ;)

Notes this month:


No more eye boogers! I guess his tear ducts are normal now :)
My milk supply is diminishing. Dang. I need to eat more oatmeal, right Julie? ;)
He is the most pleasant baby. ever. no contest. no battle. personal jinx.
He will still happily be held by strangers. last week sister Belnap rocked him to sleep during Relief Society, it was the best!
Sitting unassisted!
Transitioned from a tight full body swaddle to both arms out to no swaddle
Still loves the binky but only gets it while sleeping or long car rides, or if he's really fussy ;)
Smiles and anything that moves. Even smiles when I use the nosefrida to suck the boogies out of his nose
Tolerates bath time but not as into it. now he's all about the lotion afterwards.
Hair is coming in nicely and looking straight so far
Likes to eat: rice cereal, oats, pears, bananas, spaghetti, chicken, biryani rice
Not a fan of: carrots or anything when he's the least bit tired.




I really enjoyed doing this month's photo shoot with this mini antique rocking chair that my parents have at their house. My mom is quite fond of these and has a few that she has collected or inherited. Look at him in it! I find it so charming. :)

Mark is 6 months and cute as ever

looks at his hands
chews fingers like he's teething, although I don't think he is

ticklish when putting on onsie
can hold on and be pulled to sitting position
nursing like a champ and will also take a bottle if really hungry

screeches and babbles for attention
can escape my professional grade double swaddle, but now we've adapted it to work again
hates loud noises, like the yells of excitement often coming from his sister
shares a huge smile when anyone smiles at him

startles easily
rarely spits up
so ticklish everywhere and mommy can't help but do it to see his darling reaction of squirming and laughing.
is happy to be held by different people
chubbier than Elizabeth has ever been, especially in the thighs! Those rolls are yummy!

his latest trick is sputtering his lips
his strong little toes grab things and pinch. ouch!
says and extended ahhh or ooh ooh babble as he is falling asleep, just like E used to do :)
starting to get a few patches of eczema, also just like E. boo.
i kiss his neck and cheeks and he cracks up laughing

got to bless him with both sides of our family there
i stopped eating dairy a few months ago to relieve Mark's painful gas
discovered sucking on his big toe. the best part is that it tickles him so he's laughing at the same time. hilareous!

A two year old's communication with God

Elizabeth wanted to pray without any help, this is what she said,

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the food, thank you for Mommy, Daddy, Elizabeth, Papa, Mommy, Jacob, Matthew, Adam, Joshua, hotdog, mustard, oats, the fun time, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."


And here are the kiddos at a friends BBQ recently...

Pictured: Harvey Watson, Elizabeth Ethington, Ollie Larson, Cameron Reese, Henrey Larson

Pictured: Harvey Watson, Elizabeth Ethington, Ollie Larson, Cameron Reese, Henrey Larson

What a character, I love it!

Mark Richard the 5 month old

Mark:

smiles, laughs, and is so very ticklish
can bear weight on his legs
can grasp a toy
rolls from tummy to back
smiles at anyone who will look at him
plays with hands an feet
recognizes own name and responds with a smile
relaxes in the bath
hates cold water
has big hands and feet
separation anxiety is beginning
turns toward sounds and voices
jabbers, yelps, and combines syllables
still swaddled during sleep
is fond of the binkie
adores any attention from his sister
Has chubby thighs and neck
always falls asleep in the car
started eating rice cereal mixed with breast milk
has a calm, sweet temperment
is growing a blond hair do that sometimes has a tinge of red to it
constantly munches on his hands or whatever he can grab
still has clogged tear ducts in both eyes
is a dream boat baby

Elizabeth is 730 days old!

Happy 2nd birthday Lizzy!

 

Funny things she says:

While stuck in and trying to get out of a chair, “you can do it Elizabeth.”

“That's berry, berry spicy. We don't touch it, we don't eat it!”

"Maybe actually a different one please."

"Hot dang it!"

Things to remember about her at this age:

Took off clothes and diapers – naked in her crib

Got her first bloody lip while playing chase around the house with Mommy. She tripped on the edge of a rug and cut her bottom lip on a tooth. She's a tough little girl physically, she only cried for a second. (I say physically because emotionally she is a delicate flower, just like her Mommy :) I hugged her and made light of it saying she was okay. When she pulled away and say blood on my shoulder she said, “Oh no, lots of red!” She's never seen blood before so it was funny to me. I just explained we would wash it off, and that was that, she was over it.

Take a breath – When she's really upset crying, I tell her to take a breath and she does. She deep inhale and exhale and it calms her down. I'm still shocked that it actually works.

Discovered the Hide and Seek game on her own and loves it

Gives me one kiss on each cheek just like the French do

Sings herself songs

Loves to help me make pancakes 

Thrives on being active and finding adventure

 

Independence. Has to put on her shoes, shorts, etc by herself

Imagination. Takes to her stuffed animals, gives them naps and has them dance

Dance parties with Daddy

Evening walks

Our sweet friend Rhonda taught Elizabeth the following nursery rhyme:

Round and round the garden,

Like a teddy bear,

One step, two step, tickle tickle there!

It has simple actions that she loves and the best part is that she says it in an Australian accent just like Rhonda does. 

Loves her brother