Micah obviously loves to make messes. Yesterday, we had not one but TWO big messes made by our cute toddler.

After dinner, Chris was distracted on the computer, and I was cleaning up the dishes while Micah played in our living room. I took his clothes off after dinner, because he got (surprise, surprise) pretty messy with his food. After awhile, Micah told us he was pooping, so we said, "OK," and then went back to finish what we were doing. Well, I guess Micah was really curious about what just happened in his diaper, because he took some poop out with his hands and smeared it on the floor! Chris then sniffed the air and said, "Man, Micah is really stinky." Well, the floor was, too! Surprisingly enough, Chris and I didn't get mad or upset that we had to thoroughly scrub Micah and clean up the floor. For me, frustrations came later on that night...

After I laid Micah down in his bed, I decided to see if he would stay on his bed and go to sleep on his own this night. (Usually, Chris or I will stay with him until he falls asleep.) Neither one of us heard him climb out of his bed, go into our room, find some Desitin, and smear it all over himself! Chris after awhile went to check on Micah. He thought Micah was still on his bed until he heard "Messy!" across the hall. The light revealed what I had mentioned before, Desitin everywhere! Now that I think about it, Micah was quite the artist to put the cream so delicately on his feet, pajamas, floor, and our mirror. Still, at the time, I was pretty upset by that point. Chris was still calm like before, being able to see (at least more quickly) the bigger picture. Micah is much more important than diaper cream on the floor. Yes, I was upset about the mess (especially since I thought he knew he wasn't supposed to play with the cream), but I can say that I didn't take my frustrations out on Micah. I just threw the Desitin in the trash really hard, like some people scream into the pillow. Chris was also good therapy for me; he gives the best hugs! So does Micah... (sigh) Oh, Chris later told me that Micah said he was sorry. How can I be mad after that! It humbles me to know that both Micah and I are learning together. I'm doing my best to teach him good behavior, and he is teaching me how to be a good mom. And, if Micah ever decides to put poop on the floor again, we know that the floor won't get a rash. :)

So, the nurse at the WIC office my last appointment said I should start doing a couple of things concerning how he drinks. First, he is learning now how to drink out of a regular cup. I give him a "shot" of water or milk at mealtime in a small cup. He still drinks water out of his sippy cup during the day when it's not mealtime. Secondly, I have stopped giving him his sippy cup of milk before naptime and bedtime. That used to work really well for me in trying to give him the calcium that he needs. I should probably concentrate on giving him more cheeses or yogurt to make sure he stays on track.

Well, there you go! Another adjustment and change as Micah grows up! It's fun for me to figure out just how to adjust and change as needed.

At the WIC appointment, they measured Micah's height and weight. He is 26 lbs. 11 oz. and (I think) 36 in. long. They said he is growing along just fine.

Micah has learned how to jump (with both feet at once)! He can do it very well now. It didn't take him very long to become a pro! He understands me and what I say a lot more as well; that makes it easier when I try to figure out what he wants or when I try to teach him what to do or not do.

Scary thing, though. Micah has figured out one of my weaknesses already! He knows that I am the most distracted when I am on the phone. So, as soon as I pick it up, he starts trying to get into things he knows he shouldn't, and sometimes he succeeds! Like today, Chris called me in the evening, and not too long after we started our conversation, Micah pulled off his pajama pants, something I have told him not to do many times before. It's frustrating, it's funny, and so I laugh and sigh at the same time.

Micah has started playing with his blocks in a more advanced way. He used to just stack single blocks on top of each other. Recently, he has figured out how to fit the little pieces onto the bigger ones. Something so simple brings me so much joy!

Micah moves in all sorts of ways; he's figured out how to walk on the balls of his feet! Now, he can get up from sitting down without using his hands. He's becoming bigger and stronger.

Micah's volcabulary has also grown. He can say some phrases like, "Yeah, boy!" or "See ya!". He also says, "Don't touch!" after I tell him to not touch something. Kids are imitators. That's why you have to be careful what you do and say around them. :)

I just wanted to start out by saying that my journal background is still appropriate since it is snowing today. We only wish it were spring!

Micah is progressing when it comes to his bed and eating. Lately, Chris or I haven't had to stay in the room until he is asleep. Micah has started to understand that bedtime isn't playtime on the bed. That is so nice! With eating, he has become independent to the point that I can give him his meal and then make my own without having to watch him the whole time! That is also very nice! It is so great to watch him grow! I just read an article in the Ensign (a LDS church magazine) about the joys of nurturing children. After reading it, I decided to be more conscious of making more happy memories with Micah, Paige, and our other future kids (instead of worrying about the messes.) Micah's messes are only temporary. He's already almost two-years-old! How can I worry about messes when he is growing too fast for my eyes to take it all in! OK, I'd better stop before I start crying.

Here are some recent pictures of him that Chris took:

















Oh, and it's my birthday today! Yea!

So, Chris and I decided to start training Micah to use a bed for his sleeping last weekend. So far, he has done pretty well. It's hard to get him to lay down at first, but once he settles in, it doesn't take too long for him to sleep. I just keep thinking (and hoping) it will get easier as time goes on and as he gets more and more used to it.

Micah woke up last night and walked into our room at around 4:00 a.m. I decided to just put him between Chris and I to sleep for the rest of the night. Well, he wanted to play and not sleep, so sleeping for us was practically non-existent. We learned it would be best to keep putting him back in his bed, even though it is not easy putting him back to sleep on a bed (as compared to his crib) since,right now, I have to make sure he is asleep before leaving the room. When I put him to bed in his crib, it was a simple process of milk, reading, and lights out. Not so much anymore...

Micah has acquired a congested cough, so we are going to his doctor to see what we can do. So far, the cough is the only thing to worry about. No fever, no throwing up, etc. He acts normal except for this cough. So, we are taking care of it now before it could become something worse.

a girl!!! Yep, Micah will have a little sister in July! I try to imagine sometimes the adjustments we will have to make to having two children instead of one. I guess we will just have to go with the flow. It's so cute...sometimes when we ask where the baby is, Micah will point to his belly! He is going to be an amazing big brother!

So, Micah is developing preferences on food, how we distract him, what he wants to play with, etc. It's cool to see how independent he is becoming, but sometimes I long for the little baby again. It was nice that I could hold him while dancing to my jazz, but now he can't stand to be held for too long. Oh, and Micah is 19-months-old today!

Chris and I find out the gender of the next baby this Friday!

Here in Rexburg, they have a Snow Fest every year at one of the parks. Chris was asked to take pictures of the event for the school newspaper. So, Micah and I went with him last Saturday to walk around and play in the snow. The event had bowling where you could roll a bowling ball down a hill to knock down the pins, and Micah got a spare! We walked around in the snow and had some hot chocolate. It was fun! Then, we had to leave, and Micah did NOT want to leave. He screamed in the car, calmed down, and as his feet and legs were thawing out, he screamed again. It was a fun and yet painful experience. But, I'm glad Micah had a good time.

Last Friday, Micah had his 18-month appointment. Here are his stats:

Height: 33"
Weight: 24 lb. 6 oz.
Head Circumference: 47 cm.
Overall Health: Micah isn't growing as fast as he used to. But, he is still growing properly, and the doctor was impressed with how he is using words and learning with enthusiasm.

Micah was very friendly but apprehensive about the doctor looking in his ears or down his throat. Still, his mommy is very happy about his progression!

OK, I haven't posted anything in a really long time. So, here is a catch-up entry about Micah and his developments.

Micah is a monkey! He loves to move around, climb on chairs, duck underneath the table, eat bananas, take books off and back on the shelves, throw balls (which is getting kind of scary now that he can throw well), dance, and run. He hardly ever walks; he runs everywhere! He is very active!

Micah is very loving (like I have said in the last November entry). He is starting to hug other people besides Daddy and me. Today, I was babysitting a little girl named Megan. She and Micah were trying to hug each other, but Micah leaned too much against her, so they both ended up falling down instead! It was still very cute, though!

Micah is just starting to learn how to feed himself with the utensils. You may think I have said that before, but Chris and I are teaching him how to be a completely independent eater. Before, Micah could pick up a fork or spoon of food after I had put the food on the utensil and feed himself. Well, now it's time for him to start learning how to do the whole eating process. And I'm afraid of the messes he's going to make, but I'll just have to get over it.

Micah is saying his words more completely. A few months ago, he said "boo" for "book". Now, he says the whole word. He says "up" instead of "uh". He says "ball", and the list goes on. He still prefers to make noises instead of saying a lot of words. For example, he knows several animals and the sounds they make, but he just likes to say the sounds instead of the actual animal. I don't worry about it, though. He'll learn. I know he is a very smart kid.

I am very, very excited to become a mother of two! I am starting to show a little bit, but I haven't gained a whole bunch of weight yet (and I'm trying to keep it that way). My doctor said I am a little low on iron, so I'm going to pick up a prescription for that later. Other than that, everything is going great. The baby looks and sounds healthy, so there you go. I'm sure I may be forgetting something I could tell you, but I'm also sure I'll think of it later. Until next time...

Wow! Micah has developed quite the personality lately. Here's what I have learned about him so far. He is very loving; every now and then, he will want to give us random kisses or hugs. He loves to make us laugh; whenever we are laughing at something he is doing, he just does it all the more. He also has a temper. He will let you know what he wants or wanted. Whenever he gets in trouble and is punished for it, he runs off and hides in a corner. It's kind of cute in a way.

He is a beautiful boy, but he is a boy for sure!

I'M PREGNANT!!! (My due date is July 2nd.)

Recently, Micah has experienced some separation anxiety at church.  When we drop him off at Primary, he seems all right.  But then, a few minutes later, he is brought back to us by one of the women watching the kids.  Next Sunday, we are going to stay with him for a little bit so he can become comfortably familiar with the surroundings, and then, we will try to leave.  If that doesn't work, I suggested that we have someone else we trust drop him off so that way he doesn't see his parents leave him.  We're just trying to think of ways to teach him that he is OK with the other adults and kids.  I really want him to be apart of this program.  It's a good opportunity for him to learn and have fun at church.

Well, Micah makes mostly noises still.  He is, however, starting to talk by saying parts of words.  When I ask him if he wants some cheese, he says, "eeze."  He says "cracker" like "cakr".  Instead of "up", right now he says, "uh."  Micah would much rather make the sounds of animals than memorize the names of the animals.  He runs everywhere now!  He can walk, run, spin, crawl backwards, dance, clap, stomp, and climb on the couch.  He is such a monkey!  As a matter of fact, a monkey is what he is dressing up as for Halloween!  He's worn the costume already, and he is so cute!  I need to remember to post some pictures of him in it.

Micah is really become more independent with feeding himself.  If I put food on the utensil, he can pick it up and put the food in his mouth.  He's an expert at finger foods.  I'm pretty sure he is weened off of the bottle.  I haven't used it in awhile; I give him a sippy cup to drink water and milk.  At first, I thought it would be hard to get him weened off and independent of the bottle.  It did have its challenges, but after I figured out how to help him adjust, it wasn't so bad.  I should have expected as much.  As a mother, you learn as you go.

I feel as though Micah isn't a baby anymore. He's a little boy. Almost a man! No, not really, but he is growing and learning a lot! He has recently figured out (with the help of his father) how to climb onto the couch! He has also learned how to set his toys down on the floor instead of throwing them! It feels good to be apart of his accomplishments, too! My son is so good, so wonderful! He gets compliments all the time on how fun he is, how cute he is, or even how well-behaved he is! Here is a story for you. Our church consists of three meetings: Sacrament, Sunday School, and Relief Society for the women & Elder's Quorum for the men. Micah is with us for Sacrament, but he is now old enough in our ward (congregation) to attend the Primary program during Sunday School. So, he went the last two Sundays to Primary and both times the women in charge of the program said he was great, "one of the most well-behaved 14 month-olds we've seen". He was so good that they are letting us keep him there for both Sunday School and (for me) Relief Society! I was very excited! Micah gets to run around and have fun in church while Chris and I are able to pay attention to the lessons and so on. It's an awesome step in a good direction!

I am very proud of my son! Last Saturday, Chris and I took Micah to a mini water park in town. At first, he was extremely apprehensive about the fountains and the splashing. But after I showed him that the water was OK to touch and play in, he got the courage to walk towards the fountains and water slides himself. He even let me hold him while going down a small slide! It was TONS of fun!

Micah has learned how to say 'bye-bye' and wave pretty well! He actually says 'ba-ba', but it's close enough. Right now, he prefers noises over words. One of these days and out of the blue, he's going to be speaking like crazy!

Micah used a spoon by himself for the first time today! Usually, I get some food on the spoon and have him hold the it with me while putting it in his mouth. Today, I put some food on the spoon and set it down on the tray. He picked it up and aimed it right into his mouth! It was the coolest thing!

I know Micah loves bananas. When I first started giving him those little Gerber juice bottles, he would only drink the banana-flavored ones for awhile. He also loves the banana cookies I give him. It's been fun to see what foods he enjoys now that I am introducing more adult foods (less formula, more milk). He seems to really enjoy broccoli and baked beans. He likes wheat bread. Hot dogs. He loves yogurt! Applesauce. Gosh, I can feed him just about anything now without worrying whether he should have it or if he will like it. He really will eat just about anything!

Micah loves to throw! Yes, he even throws his food. Wow, what an arm! I only worry that he will hurt someone (particularly other little kids). So, that's another thing I'm trying to figure out; how do I teach him not to throw toys at other people? And they say being a mother isn't challenging!

I'm debating on a piece of cake...gotta go!

Recently, I have been trying to teach Micah his facial features (nose, ears, etc.) I found out that babies around the age of one can learn these things. So, it's become important for me to help him. I know babies learn at their own pace, and Micah has accomplished so much already! He can walk backwards and sideways! He's taken up the art of dancing as well. Tonight, I have taught him how to kiss. As I'm holding him, I'll say, "Kisses!" and pucker up my lips. He will then lean in to "kiss" me with his mouth wide open. :) I have so much fun with him!

Yesterday, Chris and I were making Wok food for a couple of friends. While preparing for the fried rice, Chris cracked 3 eggs in a bowl. He set it down on the table to continue cooking the beef. Well, wouldn't you know it? Micah was able to reach up, grab the bowl, and pour the eggs on the floor! He used his fingers to smear it even further along. What a kid! What a stinker! He made his artistic mess right before our company came over, too. This is why it's an adventure to be a parent!

Micah is getting another tooth! It's kind of came as a surprise since he wasn't really showing any signs of teething.

He just woke up from a nap. I'd better go get him!

Well, the party was fun, although Micah wasn't happy the whole time. He has really developed a temper! He's still a good kid, though. We have made several friends since we've been here and since he's been born. He received more 12-18 month clothes, really cute outfits. :) (Chris' dad doesn't like the word "outfit" for boys.) Micah also got some fun toys. It was a good night.

Here are Micah's stats from his 1-year doctor's appointment:

Weight: 22 lbs. 4 oz.
Height: 30 3/4 in.
Head Circumference: 45 cm.
Other comments: Health is "perfect"!

Micah is in one of his tempers again, so I'd better go!