daddy's boy.

i love my boys.

Just Mason Man, again :)

Just singing...

He is ball CrAzY.

They play ball together.

Parents As Teachers.

We started this program in April. It is a program providing parents with child development knowledge and parenting support. In other words, a lady who used to work as a school psychologist visits our house every 6 to 8 weeks. We go over what Mason is doing, things we are working on, and new ideas for things to do. This program is geared to help parents understand the child's development at different stages. The program offers different screenings for your child yearly...like hearing, visual, and developmental. I think this is great because a lot of times, children are tested at birth for hearing problems but then they are not tested again until school aged. Parents as Teachers offer music classes, playgroups, and other activities for you and your child to attend. I know some of the counties offer free sign language classes. Each visit we receive a free book from a grant from Target. (We love books!)...The lady gives me different handouts on items I should begin to work with Mason on or papers just on different topics like dental health. and all of this is FREE. This program is funded through your local school system. It is not a need based program or anything like that. It is a program to get parents involved in learning about their child's developmental stages and the importance of teaching your children...all to provide a great foundation to increase success in school and life.

We had our first developmental screening yesterday. I was a very proud mommy. Mason was considered premature, so when determining the results they usually place preemies a month behind. Our little guy was knocking their socks off! He was above average on the "normal" charts! I was very impressed with some of the items he could do after watching the lady. The majority of it we had worked on here at home or through Kindermusik & My Gym. This program just encourages me. I can say Mason is doing this or that, or that Mason hasn't done this or that yet...and as parents we wonder if we are doing the right stuff...then as I see the results like yesterday, it just encourages me to do more.

I am a firm believer that these years are crucial time for development....and as parents we need to be active in this time. I know that I had thoughts of when Mason gets older I will work with him on this or that...but I was wrong it starts at birth (or sooner!) I can get all technical...for example (in simple terms)...our brain has parts that open and close during these years...if they are not stimulated, those parts may be closed for good. It is sooo rewarding to watch Mason learn...he just takes in everything. Ah, just so amazing!!!

Just as this program encourages me, I want to encourage you. Be active in your child's life. Learn new things. As a parent, we can't stop learning either. Be creative...find new stimulating activities for your child...it doesn't have to cost money. Take time each day. Love and encourage.

throw up.

yes, that's right this post is about throw up. Good news there isn't any pictures! :) Our son has figured out he can make his self throw up by coughing. SO at bedtime or nap time, if he doesn't want to take a nap then (even though he is really tired)...he will start to cry...then cough...then cough some more...until he coughs it up. So then that means mommy or daddy will have to come in, Mason will smile, daddy or mommy clean up the mess, which gives Mason five or ten more minutes....If you don't think little ones are smart, THINK AGAIN. (Mason, we will remind you of this when you are older!!)

we love our little man.

He can now "bounce." A video of this will be posted shortly.

becoming best buds.

The fight for the bed is still going on. I put the bed on the couch for Maci dog, and Mason will pull the bed off and sit in it.

Wonderscope Museum

On Sunday, we decided to try out a place called Wonderscope. It is a children's museum, and it has a couple rooms for Mason to play in. One room is called Small Wonders...and it is set up so children from 6 months -2 years can "climb, play, and discover in an environment designed especially for them." The museum was alright, but at least we tried it out...and Mason was free, all mom's get in free on Sundays in May, so Heath just had to pay! Here are a few pictures of Mason playing.

jeans?!

I had to take a picture...I don't think I have ever saw my husband wear jeans! He usually has on dress clothes for work, Carhartt pants, or shorts. (This picture was taken at Dave and Katie's house)

First Mother's Day

Here is a picture from my First Mother's Day!

Kisses for Mommy

From mommy's view (haha)

ball pit.

I found this ball pit at a garage sale for $3.00! I was excited because there is not a lot of outside toys for Mason right now. AND if its raining, we can put this ball pit in our living room.

Playing in the ball pit with daddy.

precious.

new bed.

I bought Maci dog a new bed (5.99 at CVS). Well Mason thought it was for him. Mason would get in the bed...then Maci dog would try to get in....it was back and forth all day. We got a couple cute videos of them playing together in this bed. I will post the videos later.

Watching TV. (He is teething with a snotty nose,

so I let him watch some TV)

he keeps me laughing.

Mason is so funny. I love it that he laughs when he hears me laugh. Just the stuff he does makes me smile and giggle. I wonder what goes through his little mind. I was cooking dinner the other night. We usually keep the bathroom door shut, but I forgot to shut the door....and of course Mason comes walking out with something really cool (you could see the excitement in his eyes). The pictures are a little blurry from my iPhone with a wobbly walking baby :)

I think what made it so cute is right now he is doing the "mummy walk" so carrying the toilet paper just fits!

storm.

The weather in Kansas is just werid.

The weather can just change so fast.

These pictures were taken within ten minutes.

The first two pictures are of hail.

Like the storm never happened.