Just some pictures...

We've had a busy and fun week!  We had a few play dates, I went to dinner and a play with some friends, Chris and I went to the Aggie game on Saturday, we went on a lot of walks, and we had our regular weekly things like ibloom, Little Gym, and small group.  I did a horrible job of taking pictures this week, but here are some from the weekend...

He has figured out how to move things to get on the couch. :/

Not a great picture, but a GREAT game!!

My mom said that Reid was obsessed with this umbrella stroller and did NOT want to get out.  

 

 Bath time is so fun!

Sweet boy before church this morning... 

I was planning on doing some Fall cleaning today, but this weather is making me want to take a nap.  I'm loving it though! :)

What I love about this age...

A few days ago I wrote about the challenges of 15/16 months, but just like every stage, there are so many things I LOVE...

I love that Reid still sweetly reaches up for my hand when he's taking a step up or a step down that he's not quite sure about.
I love that he is starting to clasp his hands together when we pray.
I love his "mouth wide open nose squished up" face when he sees me getting him one of his favorite snacks (currently craisins, goldfish, or a banana).
I love that he jumps in my lap when Annabelle is chasing him or when he's suddenly shy around another child.
I love his biting kisses.
I love that he can still wear footie pajamas.
I love the way he sings himself to sleep.
I love the way he laughs every single time I pick up his book to read before nap time.  Currently we read "Good Morning Good Night" before every nap time and bed time.  He has to pet all of the animals and tell them good night.
I love seeing his face break into a smile when I come into his room in the morning or after a nap.  I also love the way he stands right up and gives me a big hug.
I love that after several weeks of inconsistency, we've settled into a 1 nap routine of sleeping from about 12-2.
I love the way he still has that baby round tummy and chubby cheeks.
I may not always love the way he grabs onto me the whole time I'm cooking dinner, but I do love the way he's going through a major mommy phase (or maybe he's just really hungry).

My view at 5:30 pm...

I love Summer Fall mornings like these...

 Practicing his model face...

Happy first day of FALL!!! :)

Mommy or Daddy?

I've been recently going through all of our pictures, and I came across some baby pictures of Chris and I that I have on the computer from wedding stuff.  It's pretty clear that Reid is a mini Chris.  The funny thing is, that he really doesn't look like Chris' baby pictures.  Other than the blue eyed, blonde thing, he actually looks more like me as a baby (well, at least my mom and I think so)!  It's like he's a mini adult Chris.  

Case in point:

 Chris will not be happy with this picture, but I think it's funny. :) Twins, right?

Mommy and Reid...don't even look related.  

Now, here's a random picture of Reid from last week.

 Me (not exactly sure of the age, but probably around Reid's age)...

 Chris...

See what I mean? I really LOVE that Reid looks like Chris.  I just think it's interesting to compare the baby pictures! :) 

College Station, Round 2

We spent the afternoon in College Station celebrating my baby brother getting his Aggie ring! Thomas is the last Preston to get his ring (until Reid gets his, of course), so we wanted to all be there to celebrate! This was Reid's first trip to College Station!  It's safe to say that he is already sold! :)

Thomas, we love you so much and are so proud of you! :) 

Mr. Independent

Reid has really started wanting to be much more independent lately.  Today we went on a walk and then stopped at the park on the way home.  He didn't want to get back in the stroller after the park, so I let him walk home with me.  I couldn't get over how old he seemed just walking along next to me.  

To be honest, this age has been a little bit challenging for me.  The last couple of days weren't my best mom days.  I was feeling discouraged.  Today was SO much better.  I think that's just how it is when you're a mom.  You have good days and you have bad days.  I think what is making it challenging is that he wants to be independent and wants to communicate his opinions to me, but isn't quite there yet on some things.  I remember feeling this way when I could tell he wanted to be mobile but he wasn't able to crawl yet.  He got frustrated with things easily and I feel like that's what's happening now.  You can't exactly reason with a 15 month old.

I have been stressed about his speech.  As I've mentioned before, he makes noises and sounds all day long, but he isn't saying words.  I know he is still so young, but I am a worrier.  I called my dear friend last night who happens to be an early intervention speech therapist.  We talked for a while and she gave me some ideas (thanks Court)! :) One thing we discussed was the pacifier.  I have been wondering if the fact that he has it in his mouth 90% of the day could be hindering him from using words and instead just making little sounds and she said that it could definitely be affecting it.  So starting today he isn't having a pacifier during the day at home when he is awake.  I am letting him have it in the car and on errands still and when he's sleeping.  Soon I will phase it out of the car and then eventually we will work on the sleeping.

I am SO, SO grateful for a healthy and happy child.  If speech is my greatest concern right now (which I am probably making way too big of a deal out of and is something that can be worked on), I know I am VERY blessed! :) 

Sweet Home College Station

Chris and I spent the weekend in College Station while Reid spent the weekend with his grandparents!  This  was my first time to ever leave Reid overnight.  I knew I would miss him so much, but I also know it's important to have a little break every now and then.  He stayed with Mumsie and Popsie Friday night and Grandma and Grandpa Saturday night.  He had a blast!  We are so thankful that Reid has four wonderful grandparents that love him so much!! 

We had a great weekend!  We stayed at the La Salle in downtown Bryan and I have to say, I was really impressed with how nice downtown Bryan is now!  Lots of cute little restaurants and stores!  On Friday night we went to First Yell and Midnight Yell.  The concert (First Yell) was really fun and I hadn't been to a Midnight Yell in years so I was really excited about it!  On Saturday we spent all day on campus.  We met up with our friends the Kirklands and the Carrs, checked out the new MSC, walked over to ESPN Game Day, watched the Spirit Walk, saw the Bonfire Memorial, and of course went to the game!  Even though the day didn't end with an Aggie win, it was still a GREAT day!  I just love being in College Station. We were sure to go to our favorite places to eat while we were there, too! Blue Baker is always my top pick and Rudy's for breakfast is Chris' favorite.  

My mom was great about sending me pictures of Reid while he was there.  Here is what he was up to! :)

 I was SO excited to see him this morning!  Based on these pictures, I'm not sure if the feeling was mutual! ;)

Thanks and Gig 'Em! ;)