Kevin, Shannah, Liam, Lorelei & Delaney

We had a nice relaxing weekend--we did absolutely nothing for once, which was so nice. Figured we better take advantage of a low-key weekend since we have swim lessons, Liam's birthday and our vacation coming up. We did manage to go to a friend's BBQ on Saturday night, which was fun. The Cisnero's family always shows us a good time. They are such wonderful friends, we sure are going to miss them when they move to San Diego this fall. They won't be getting rid of us for too long though--we plan to try for orders there next! Monday we had quite a few visitors. Michelle, David, Natalie and Baby #2 came over for a visit. We had a lot of fun chatting and watching the kids play. Sure is an entirely different world now that Liam can walk and is more toddler-like than baby. The two cousins played very well together and I really enjoyed watching them interact with one another. After our family left, Liam caught a short nap and then his friend Caden came ...

Liam is having a crazy afternoon. He has been RUNNING (not walking) all over the house. Then, I found him kissing himself in the mirror and squatting up and down in front of it (playing peek-a-boo). He also decided to use his toes to climb the baby gate. And he's turned the box that his new high chair came in into a slide. All in one afternoon. I am rolling with laughter. Oh, I so ADORE this kid! He was really sliding before I got the camera out. And somehow he manages a front flip that I halfway caught on camera! HA! It never even phases him. NEVER a dull moment around here lately. NEVER!

Mr. Liam is definitely a walker now. It's still not his preferred mode of transportation (I'd say he's progressing to half crawling, half walking). And now he's not as shy about it (he even walked in front of his friend Caden, Mama Jenee & Rye the dog!). Speaking of our amazing new friend's... they brought us a yummy dinner tonight (and delicious cookies this weekend and more adorable clothes for Liam today!). I don't know how we got so lucky... Jenee is like my twin and Kevin really enjoys chatting with Derek. I look forward to seeing their entire family every day and am sad when we cannot get together. We are so blessed to have these amazing folks in our lives! We are so happy we made the move here... definitely found people we can relate to and friends (more like family) for life. Thanks Jenee, Derek, Caden & Rye for who you are and all you bring to our lives. But I promise, we'll still adore you even if you don't bring us gifts daily. I PRO...

Phew! So much going on here in the course of a day or two. I think Liam is just about walking! He will go from the sitting or squatting position up to a full stand and walk away (as opposed to Kevin or me standing him up and letting go). He made it about 10 steps yesterday before he fell down, stood up and took off again! He repeated this stunt over and over again yesterday and is back at it today! I have been trying to catch it on video, but when he knows he has your attention, he gets so excited he either reverts back to crawling or tries to run at you which results in him falling. I WILL get video soon though, I am determined! I'd like to mention a few things I forgot in the 11 month post. Liam is signing milk as he nurses, when he wants to nurse and as he eats solid foods. He certainly understands that sign means he will get something to eat! Liam has a new obsession with babies. He loves his friends baby dolls, so I bought him one. He also loves when I point to the photo o...

Liam went swimming today for the first time ever at a local indoor pool. About to get in We started at the water playground (literally like a playground type structure, but in water and w/ water slides, water falling from the sky, etc.). There were kids everywhere! Splashing, yelling, playing. Here's how Liam felt about that... Taking it all in Not too happy (he was so overwhelmed) So we headed over to the 4ft deep family pool. The family pool is heated and a calmer environment. Here was Liam's reaction to it... He loved it! At first he wasn't too thrilled with water in his face, but after he warmed up he began splashing around and enjoying himself. He swallowed water and got it in his eyes and did fine with it. We didn't put him under, as I think that may have ruined the experience for him, but he did dead man float (hated it) and laid the side of his face in the water. We felt that was quite an accomplishment for the day. We spent the rest o...