The Catching Up Game

Its been a while since I have posted anything, but I have plenty to write about.

Most exciting thing first! Last night, (Oct. 16Th) Neacel was chasing a balloon around the living room. All of the sudden Nick tries to get my attention. I look over at Neacel, and there he goes taking his first 3 steps! He did it a few more times and will only do it if Nick or I are telling him to come to us. I cried like a baby. He is really going to be walking soon, he isn't a baby anymore. He is growing so fast.

I'm also in the middle of planning his First Birthday!!! I've ordered the cake from a baker friend. Here is kinda what the cake will look like. Only its going to be a 9x13 and won't say "Happy Birthday Reuben." I'm also going to make cupcakes for the kids, and whoever else wants them of course!

It's turning out to be a big event, people that I wasn't expecting to come will be joining us for Neacel's 1st birthday! I'm just hoping the weather is nice. If it is then that morning a group of us (my mom, step dad, my dad, step mom, stepsister, Nick, Neacel and I and whoever else wants to join) will go to the zoo. If it's yucky then the aquarium. Then home for naps and baking/decorating cupcakes! I'm just so excited for the whole day. Neacel's big day!

What are some good gift ideas? I don't know what all to get him. He has a ton of toys and everything but getting new ones is always fun. Any "big hit" toy ideas for a first birthday!?

It's kind of sad to think the first year is already coming to an end. We will never go through this many milestones in one year with him again. I'm so proud of him though. He is a happy healthy boy. He loves to play and get into things he knows he shouldn't. He loves animals and loves playing with other kids. He has grown up so much. Neacel is definitely an independent child, but as soon as he wants your attention he will do anything to get it! I love him so much!! I love watching him play with Nick. Nick will lay on the ground and Neacel just keeps climbing over him. Sometimes Nick gets a knee in the face and a full diaper on his face, but he is a good sport about it. Neacel just loves spending time with Nick as soon as he is home from work!

Nick and I went on our first "date" since having Neacel. It was very hard on me, I'll be honest, I even cried a little. Nick got tickets for the BYU vs Colorado State football game, since I had never been to a game he really wanted me to go. I tried everything to get out of it so I wouldn't have to leave Neacel.

We left him with Nick's parents, but called a few times just to make sure everything was going ok. The game was a lot of fun, but BYU fans are crazy, loud and it's a lot to take in at your first game! I just felt so overwhelmed most of the time. Plus, the guy next to me was pretty annoying, that didn't help at all.

Nick bought me my first BYU shirt and bought himself a really nice BYU hat. I really enjoyed the game and time away to relax but was so happy to get Neacel back. I was expecting to walk in and him come crawling over and see us. Instead, we walk in and he is in the bedroom playing, Nick and I walk in there and Neacel just looks at us and continues playing. I wasn't too happy. He did well for the most part, wouldn't take a nap so Nick's Dad had to sit there and rock him to sleep. Neacel doesn't do well in pack-n-plays, he freaks out for some reason. Although it was nice to be without a kid for a few hours, we haven't gone out anymore since then.

October 10th was a fun day for us also. All 3 of us got up early and walked in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk. I was shocked that Nick got up. I was so excited to do this and Neacel was a MONSTER that morning. So we were only able to do about half of the walk then had to leave because Neacel was throwing a tantrum.

After, we went to Bradbury Cross for doughnuts, I didn't love them, but I guess everyone else does.

We came home took naps and then Nick had to go shoot his new gun. I hate guns, I hate everything about them, but Nick wanted to have one for when the world gets worse, he doesn't want all the "bad" guys and military to have them and then for us not to be able to protect ourselves. So he bought one and LOVES it. So we drive west of Utah Lake in the middle of no where to shoot this thing I hate! Nick loved it. I shot the gun once and immediately started crying! I felt like I was committing a crime and was going straight to hell for it. Nick was in heaven though. We were out in the middle of no where with other insane people with guns. I didn't feel safe at all. I was worried about some weirdo being out there with a gun and to start shooting at people. My imagination gets the best of me.

Since we were close to Thanksgiving Point we went over there and took Neacel to the petting zoo. He got to ride a pony and loved it. He loves animals, he was talking to them the whole time. He was having a blast. But I definitely think the pony ride was the highlight for him. He just sat there and was talking and smiling, and patting the pony on the head. Nick said when he first put Neacel up there that Neacel started growling at the pony (something he does when he is really excited). We had a great time though, I love taking Neacel places that he will enjoy!

Now the news I need help with. Neacel seems to have a temper, I have one too, but he is really starting to get mean. I'm hoping this is all just a phase he is going through. Lately, he will come over and just bite you! Toes, hand, leg, foot, anything he can. It hurts too! Those 4 little teeth are working just fine. He has started hitting other kids and when told "NO" he throws himself down on the ground and throws a tantrum. I need this all to stop before it gets worse. How do I get him to stop? Did your kid/kids do the same?