Baby is 18 months old!

I remember hitting the 6 month mark, and we were so PROUD of ourselves :)  This is like the 3rd anniversary of hth6 month mark.  Sounds confusing, but it makes sense to me.  Summer is getting funnier and more amazing every day.  I swear her sense of humor is approaching adult levels.  She's sarcastic and constantly trying to out-do me.  It's great! 

Where to start...

We missed a few important updates.  I'll start with Halloween!  Summer was a lamb, and the cutest one you have ever seen!  She loved her costume and left it on.  We attended the Boo Bash in downtown Camas - and she loved socializing.  We didn't do much Trick or Treating there.  On Halloween night, we went to a few houses with her cousins Kaylee and Rylan.  She was pretty terrified of Rylans Darth Vader costume, so he had to stay behind us - so she wouldn't see him.  Poor guy! 

For Christmas this year, our trip to see Santa was far less successful.  She did very well in line, but was incredibly terrified of the man in red himself. 



For Christmas she got a new car!  She also got a new stuffed giraffe from Santa (kind of an "I'm sorry we didn't hit if off" gift).  It's her favorite thing in the world when combined with her blankie.  She was much more fun and tolerant this Holiday season.  She played and visited without much fuss.  It was wonderful. 



Flu shot from H E double hockey sticks!

My Parenting Job Description:  Keep the baby safe, warm, fed, dry and happy.  Well - in an attempt to keep Summer safe we got flu shots on Monday.  She goes to daycare, and spends time with another child and I didn't want to risk a flu at such a young age.  Shawn and I were armed with Juice and cookies for after the shot - and everything went perfectly.  Until that night when everything went to H E double hockey sticks.  She was up all night with a fever, and upset as could be.  Nothing we did could calm her down, not even her bottle.  I tried to have her cuddle up and sleep with me, but she just wouldn't.  The look in her eyes was kind of a "why did you do this to me" look.  Followed by a "please fix it" look.  The most awful thing ever.  I ended up staying home from work with her the next day because her fever just wouldn't break and she was so sad and lathergic.  POOR BABY!  Then she poo'd all over in her new fort which we threw away after we scrubbed her down in the tub.  I can't wait until I can talk to her and help explain these types of things. 

What's a parent to do, I suppose trading happy for safe is just a choice you have to make from time to time.  If she gets the flu anyway this year, heads are going to roll!   And dose 2/2 is due in less than four weeks.  Oh joy, I can't wait! 

Happy Birthday Summer!

A little late :)  August 28th Summer turned 1 year.  She was adorable.  I baked her a #1 cake with cupcakes - it took me hours.  It was so much fun though, best $75 I ever spent on supplies.  Haha, next year maybe I can re-use something from this cake baking equiptment! 

Beach "Trip"

** Summer is walking! ** - It's very cute.  Now, on to the beach story:


Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have a saying "If you take your kids, it's a trip - if you go without them, it's a vacation".  I couldn't agree more.  We found this out the hard way this past weekend.  One year olds are NO FUN AT THE BEACH. 

Shawn and I were running around piling bags, bottles, blankies, toys, strollers, playpens, and baby carriers into the car.  We knew things were going to be hectic, but we were excited.  One night at the beach with baby!  Fun, right? -

We run into the house to grab Summer and pack her last but not least.  Immediately she starts screaming.  Jokingly I say to Shawn as we get into the car "YAY BEACH TRIP!" - little did I know. 

Long story short - we were back in the car by 7:00am the next day - packed and headed back home!  No fun was to be had that weekend.  Shawn was begging to go home.  We spent most of our trip driving Summer around in the car because she wouldn't nap otherwise.  No arcade, no ice cream, no shopping or dining (no, I'm sorry after waiting in line for an hour we did get to eat at a resturant - we took turns taking summer out for walks).  I didn't even set foot on the sand.  Haha.  Most un-successful beach trip in history... it has to be. 

We love you Summer Pants!  But, no beach for you!! I'm sure next year will be better... right?

PS.  Happy First Birthday in 4 days!!!  You are such a big girl already.  Mommy and Daddy love you. 

In addition to Summers 1st Birthday...

I also realized that our 4 year wedding anniversary is coming up :)  I swear we JUST got back from our Honeymoon.  Time is going by much to quickly. 

Baby is 11 months old today!

Summer is 11 months old TODAY!  I'm so excited to start planning her 1st birthday party.  I can't think of anything more important than celebrating the life of someone you love.  Birthdays don't signify getting "older", they celebrate the fact that we exist at all.  To think that only a year ago - my little Summer Vredenburg didn't exist in our lives amazes me.  She stormed in and just made herself right at home.  I already consider her one of my best friends... I hope that doesn't speak measures for my level of maturity :)

Happy 11 months my little moon!