Some new Luke developments

Luke spent the night at Grandma Debbie's last night. It was my first night alone without Luke since his birth last year, and it was pretty nice. I worried that he would do all of his new bad behaviors with Debbie (screaming for milk/off-limits things, waking in the middle of the night), but he was "an angel."
Julie brought Russell over this morning and I found the two boys playing together in the living room when I arrived. The boys play really well together. Whatever one does, the other wants to do. Here they are climbing on furniture and gazing at the fake fish lamp. :)

(Luke cheesing at Debbie through a window)

(Luke puts anything and everything into his mouth now)

Luke took his first steps on Friday the 17th. I was cooking dinner and out of the corner of my eye I saw him let go of the stove and take two steps toward one of the dogs. I cried and hugged him. I've tried encouraging him to take steps toward me, but he'll only take steps when he's launching himself in between pieces of furniture.

12 Weeks

12 Weeks Pregnant

Today, baby and I turned 12 weeks pregnant. This first 12 weeks has been marked by morning sickness, which wasn't bad (as long as I ate) and didn't happen with Lukas. It was quite a surprise. I haven't felt nauseous in a week or so, and I'm anxious to feel the baby move for the first time though I know it'll be awhile. The other thing I felt was super super tired allllll the time. I'm finding those symptoms alleviated now and being replaced by other fun ones :)

Anyway, I feel great now. My belly is starting to pop and the really fun part is about to begin.

Iron Kettle Farm

(Luke loved the baby goats, I did too!)

Today we visited Iron Kettle farm with Becky, my neice Natalie and nephew Thomas to check out the sweet baby animals. Luke's favorites were the goats and the roosters when they would go "cock-a-doodle-doo." I loved the chicks! I picked up some real NY Maple Syrup then off we went to Becky's for lunch and Blast From the Past. Becky and I think that Brendan Frasier and Justin are alot alike, but that's a story for another day...

(Luke would NOT sit back he was so amazed by the animals)

(The one on the top right is taken!)

(Luke @ Grandma Debbie's on Sunday)

Summer is speeding by

For the past 5 weeks, Lukas, the dogs and I have been staying in NY with our immediate family while Justin deals with all of the details of our imminent move to Washington, D.C. Over this time, Luke has learned to do so many things. Grandpa Taylor has taught Luke to wave "Bye-bye" and Luke is now saying "stop" in addition to his previous "uh-oh," "da-da," "ma-ma," "wow," & "dog." He tries super hard to immitate and is getting great at copying actions (like clapping) and sounds (we do "wheee-ewww" together).


Lukas stands unsupported now and this morning he stood up from squatting while holding a toy. Each morning he wakes either whining or saying "mom, mom, mom" over and over again. It's neat seeing how he will say this word to me whenever he needs to eat, sleep, or just cuddle. Luke has also started wrapping his arms around me to cling when he's unsure or doesn't want me to leave him for a nap. My amazing boy has just turned 1 and all of these changes are making me realize just how fast this time goes.


The movers came last week and packed up all of our things. Since the house is empty, Justin is staying with our friend Kevin until it's time for him to leave Germany. We've both been calling Kevin his "wifey," since Kevin will cook in my stead. Thanks Kevin! Justin's been having a great time pretending to be a bachelor. :)

Justin enjoying all-you-can-eat Sushi in Trier with Kevin yesterday

Luke has so much fun hand-feeding the dogs! Notice the tomatoes on the ground.