Banana's Are Healthy Mom

Neacel knows that we eat healthy snacks in the house and I love it. I love that he runs to get a pear, apple, banana anything healthy. He is so excited that fruits and veggies are the one thing we don't put a limit on. This boy can eat by the way. So yesterday he was eating a banana and the top fell off, because he is picky he freaks out and won't eat the top. I keep telling him to and then he turns around and says "No mom you eat it" I told him no and that I didn't want it. He wasn't taking no for an answer. "Mom, eat this banana, its healthy and good for you. Its so yummy your tummy will be happy" I kept telling him no thank you and that I wasn't hungry, he told me I was hungry. So I told him that banana's make me sick (Im allergic to them when they are raw) he looks at me puzzled and starts laughing telling me that they can't make you sick because they are healthy. I just told him that they do make me sick and that then I wouldn't be able to play for a while. He then puts the rest of his banana down and says "Yeah they make me sick too" Oh dear! Luckily, he ate one this morning and forgot the whole thing. Hopefully he doesn't remember that conversation.

Friday is an exciting day in our home, its Neacel's first friend birthday party. We are doing a Toy Story theme and he brings up his party daily! He is so excited!!! What he doesn't know is that on Saturday he will be recieving the BIG Buzz Lightyear he has been begging for. We told him that if he used the potty all the time he could have any toy he wanted, he picked the $40 Buzz, luckily, while Nick and I were in Columbus this weekend we found an even better Buzz toy at the Disney store for $25!!! We are done potty training!! Leaving the house is still tough and he did pee in isle 5 looking at Car stuff in Part City, but accidents happen. He has been great lately, his moods and attitude have improved. I can't believe he is going to be 3 on Sunday!!!!

A Christmas Wish from Neacel

Merry Christmas family and friends, from Nick, Mandy, Neacel and Broden.

Neacel's Check-Up

I had to take Neacel in 2 weeks early for his 15 month check up, Dr Palmeiri books up fast! Well, Neacel is doing great and growing quickly!

Weight: 25 lbs (55th percentile)
Height: 30 1/2 inches (35th percentile)
Head: 19 1/2

She is impressed with how much he is talking and how active he is. He is doing well and she said that he is about where an 18 month old is mentally! YAY! She did say that it is recommended to have Neacel rear facing in his carseat until he is two. I simply told her NO! She laughed and said ok. I explained that I'm not going to give my son freedom and then take it away from him. That isn't going to help anyone in the end.

Well, I would make this longer but Neacel is throwing a tantrum :-(

Our Little Gabber

We are so proud of Neacel and how fast he is learning things. Yesterday, he had 2 new words! "Hi" and "Nana." I've been trying to get him to say Nana for my Mom since she lives in Ohio. Well, yesterday he finally said it! Then last night we went to Cafe Rio for dinner. We were sitting by the door and tons of people walked in, I thought I heard Neacel say "hi" but I shrugged it off. Then I asked him to say it and sure enough with a big cheesy smile he said "hi." Then on Sunday, Neacel started to say "Nick." Neacel now has 12 words:

Mom
Dada
Baba (bottle)
Ball
Book
Puppy
Dog
Punky (Grandma and grandpa Burt's dog)
Hi
Nana
Uh-Oh (I love when he says it!)
Nick

Nick wants to to get him to start saying "Jazz," so hopefully that will be the next one. I found that if I keep asking him to say a new word for a few days, he catches on! Such a smart boy! We will get it on camera as soon as he isn't camera shy and not being stubborn.

Neacel's First Hair Cut

We finally got rid of Neacel's mop! His hair was way too long and getting in his eyes. We took him to Cookie Cutters and that is by far the best place to get your kids hair cut. They had TV's at all the little stations and your kid can even sit in a car while their hair is being cut.

We were prepared for the worst with Neacel; we figured he would scream, cry, kick and throw a tantrum since this was something new and Nick was going to have to hold him still. Instead, Neacel sat there the whole time watching Elmo! He was a little curious and would watch in the mirror then we would point to Elmo and he would stare at the TV again. I was so impressed. I can't say the same for myself, I bawled like a baby the whole time; the girl even looked at me at one point and asked if I was crying, I replied with a sobbing yes. Nick found it funny that I was that upset over it. I just felt like I was getting rid of his babiness, like he was going to suddenly grow up. I have a little baggie full of his hair. He does look so much more grown up, but he is still my baby!

Here are some pictures

Before





After



He is such a little man! We can't believe how fast he is growing! I love his hair like this though, he looks so much older. Pretty soon he will be talking a ton and getting into even more trouble! Is that even possible?

Neacel's First Birthday!

Happy First Birthday Neacel!

I know his birthday was over a week ago but this is the first chance I've gotten to go thru pictures, edit them, and get them on here!

*Warning, this post is going to be long due to a lot of pictures!*

For Neacel's birthday we kind of had a monkey theme ("Little Monkey" is one of the names I call him); plus, if you know him you know he is full of energy and into everything. The cakes were made by my friend Michelle and I love the way they turned out! If you need a cake made seriously look her up! (http://www.cornellcakes.com/) It was chocolate cake and blue icing. Mmmmm so yummy! I made the cupcakes because I was afraid that I invited too many people and wouldn't have enough cake. We ended up having more than enough! But the cupcakes were a BIG hit with kids.

Neacel got tons of new toys: A Leap Frog play table that sings 123's & ABC's and everything in between, blocks, a classic Fisher Price telephone, a puppy hat and gloves, a Mickey Mouse plane (one of those sit and stand toys), a helicopter that counts and has random things on it, a tool set, a car, some farm soft blocks, books, flash cards, clothes and tons more! He loves everything he got. Every morning he can't decide what to play with first! Also, those of you who got us loud toys, thank you, those seem to be the favorite toy, first thing in the morning! Just wait till your kids turn 1; we are already on the hunt for loud toys for you! Haha!





Neacel loved having his own cake. He was only able to eat half of it. It went something like this: shovel it in as fast as he can, slowing down, bottle, shovel, slowing down, slower, slower, bottle, a few more bites... ugh can't handle anymore sugar. He was even grabbing the fondant and eating that. He didn't care, he was thrilled that he had his own cake and we weren't telling him "No."

Thank you for everyone who came to celebrate with us. It means so much to us and Neacel. He had a great time with all of his cousins and friends. I can't wait for Christmas with him this year! He kind of understands the whole unwrapping presents thing, but at the same time he just loves the paper!

Also, I took Neacel to the doctor on his birthday. I know that was mean but it worked just fine; he doesn't get cranky or anything from shots so I wasn't worried. He weighs 22.14 lbs, I think he was 29 inches but I'm not 100% sure and I can't find the paper. I just remember he is no longer short, and chunky with a big head. He is now medium in height and weight, with a big head! He needs to get off the bottle, especially at bed time, so we are working on that. She was impressed with him walking and his balancing skills already. Then came the shots. I had to hold him on my lap and hold his arms; I hate doing that. I thought I had him well enough but apparently I didn't because the first shot he grab and ripped it out of his leg giving him a good size scratch from the needle. I felt so bad, so the nurse helped and we got the other 2 done quickly. He was having a fit, but we gave him his much loved bottle and he was fine. He slept for a while and then it was PARTY TIME! I'm so proud of him and yet I'm sad at how fast he is growing up.

Now for some pictures!

I tried putting them in some sort of order.























He was completely done at this point, with everything! People (including mom and dad), food, other kids, and toys. He was on such a sugar high, yet so tired that he had a hard time getting to bed that night. We finally had to just let him scream and cry himself to sleep.

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Neacel! Mommy and Daddy love you so much <3

9 more days!

Neacel is going to be one in nine days! Can someone tell me where time has gone? This is crazy! It feels like just last week I had him. In what seems like just a week, he has started crawling, eating everything, walking and quickly became my little monster. And yet, next week we will celebrate the BIG #1. I'm so proud of Neacel and the little boy he is becoming.

Fun facts about Neacel:

• He loves his red bouncy ball that Nick got him at the dollar store.
• He loves giving stuffed animals, Mommy and Daddy, big, sloppy kisses.
• He adores Nick.
• He loves to wrestle with Daddy. Nick just lays on the floor and Neacel crawls all over him.
• He loves SpongeBob SquarePants.
• He has now has 5 teeth, with two more soon to cut through.
• There isn't 1 food out there that he doesn't like.
• At 5 everyday he gets whiney and sits at the door until Daddy comes home.
• He loves getting into everything he isn't supposed to touch.
• He loves the vacuum, when it's off. He plays with the attachments, and tries to eat it.
• He loves pulling all of the toys out of his toy box, but doesn't want to play with any of them.
• He loves being outside, and playing in the dirt.
• He growls when he plays, or when you growl at him.
• If someone is in the kitchen, he will beg for food until you give him something.
• He already enjoys watching sports with his Daddy, even though he has no idea what is going on.
• He is just an all around boy, growing and eating everything!
• He now sleeps with a big boy pillow, and loves it.
• His favorite foods are cheese and fruit.
• He weighs over 24 pounds.
• He can say da-da, ma-ma, and ba-ba. He has no interest in learning anything else.
• He loves animals, especially dogs and monkeys.
• He likes to go shopping with Mommy and Daddy. He will turn sideways in the shopping cart, with one leg propped up on the seat, one arm on his backrest, while looking forward.

Here is an invite for anyone that I haven't sent one to. I'm getting them in the mail today for those that I have addresses for otherwise you will get one Sunday, or by e-mail.

Anyone is welcome to come.....

Neacel's One Year Old Photos

Neacel's birthday is November, so Mandy had her friend Shelli take some pictures of Neacel. They turned out great. Just click on a photo to make it bigger.

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?

Goin' Up!

Yesterday, we were at Nick's parent's new home and there are about 15 stairs to get up to the home. It's a little townhome that's all one floor but it's on the second floor. Well we were in the garage looking through Christmas stuff and Neacel was crawling around and getting to be a mess. When Grandma left, to go up stairs, Neacel wanted to go up too. I just sat that watching him, as he stood at the bottom stair hitting his hand on the next one. He never has tried to go up so I didn't worry at all.

Then all the sudden, there he goes crawling up the stairs! As he went up, he would hit the next stair with his hand, everytime. We joke that he was just making sure it was there and sturdy! We don't have stairs in our home for him to learn and we keep him away from stairs because he will just crawl off the edge, literally (he has done it before)! So it was a shock to see him go all the way up.

I had just read earlier this week that kids this age can go up the stairs, and I thought Neacel will be behind on this because we don't have stairs in our home for him to learn. Yeah, he proved me wrong! We are so proud of him and how independent he is. He is full of energy and has a huge personality. Not to mention his temper or hitting, throwing tantrums and pinching! It is usually over wanting our food or not liking being told 'no.' But that's something we will share another day!

9 Months

My growing baby boy isn't such a baby anymore! Neacel is doing great, growing like crazy though. We went to his new doctor today, Dr. Palmieri (thanks Jessica, btw she says hi, and was asking how Sophie is doing); she is an AMAZING doctor, everything I have wanted for Neacel and more. The clinic she is in has everything, plus it's close to home. She sat there talking to Neacel and I and made sure every question of mine was answered. When she was checking his tummy and other areas she sat there singing to him. How perfect is that? The office is super kid friendly, nurses were great, everything was organized and quick.

Neacel is growing a ton in some areas and slowing down in others.

Weight: 20 lbs 6 oz (47%)

Height: 27 1/2 inches (21%)

Head: 46.6 (84%)

So basically, he is chunky, short with a big ol' head! That's my boy!

She is guessing that he will be walking by the time he is one. He is at the developmental stage of a 10 month old! That's why she thinks he will be walking soon, her guess was 10 1/2 to 11 months! That's fine with me. I left happy and comfortable with her. We were going to go with her before but the drive wasn't worth it. Now I don't care and wish we would have been going to her since the beginning.

Some of Neacel's 9 month achievements:
-Eats everything (no more baby food, well hardly any).
-Stands up and is cruising

-Says 'Momma' and 'Dad'

-Looks when we point at something

-Talks all the time, even though we don't understand him. But he will have a conversation with us anyway.

-Tries to crawl upstairs but we stop him, I'm not ready for that.

-His newest thing, THROWING A FIT! This includes screaming, hitting, throwing toys, bottle etc, shaking his head no and so on.

-He now has 4 teeth, his top ones still have a little way to come down but either way they are out and being used!

Mommy and Daddy love you Neacel, we are so proud of you and the little man you are becoming!