tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23417564395251719262024-02-06T20:45:16.593-06:00Down By The Bayoumariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-74423987770587091482012-05-07T10:36:00.001-05:002012-05-07T10:36:49.493-05:00The Zoo<br />
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So this past weekend we decided to go down to New Orleans to take the kids to the zoo. My first plan was just to go into Baton Rouge to the festival going on downtown, but when we thought about it, the kids would probably have more fun at the zoo in New Orleans. So, we packed the truck up and headed down there. It was exciting to think of all the animals the boys would get to see. I asked Dakota before we left what animal he was wanting to really see and he had said the giraffe. Of course, I was a little shocked at first because I had never thought he knew what a giraffe was. We got to New Orleans and of course, we couldn't remember where we had to go. So, we started from Canal street and drove down Magazine street until we found the zoo. Good thing Cliff looked at the map before we left. :)<br />
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As soon as we got into the zoo we were greeted with the flamingo's. We made a quick trip through one of the exhibits and quickly realized we needed to head back to the entrance for an overpriced water and something to eat. On our way through the next round, we saw a large tortoise being walked through the one area. The zoo was more than the zoo. They have a small water park and several play areas for kids. I was amazed at it all. The last visit I had to this zoo was when Cliff n I first started dating.. and I don't remember seeing all those there then.. but then again we had no kids.<br />
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We found the cool little sprinkler areas that were such a relief with the heat we were in.. and of course, I never once went through one with the boys.. lol.. Me being the one that cannot handle the heat decided to opt out on this cool little treat, but rather take the picture of the boys and their daddy enjoy the mist of water. Still not quite sure why I chose this.. lol..<br />
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We made our way through the animals stopping and looking and explaining to Dakota what the animal was. He was pretty interested. Now, Kyan had other plans. Every time I let him out of the stroller so he could stretch his little legs, he decided he wanted to go the way that we came instead of follow where we were heading. It was an endless game of catch and carry throughout the zoo, but he still had fun.<br />
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Finally we found the giraffes. It was our lucky day, The zoo was allowing the public to feed the giraffes. Cliff picked up Dakota and asked him if he wanted to feed one and of course he said he wanted to. So, Dakota picked up some lettuce and Cliff held Dakota until the giraffe came and ate his lettuce. The giraffe managed to get his little food as well as lick Dakota's hand. When Dakota felt the giraffe's tongue, he quickly responded by saying, "We. Go. Now!" The highlight of our trip was this. It was priceless and I am more than proud to say that not only did he get to see what he wanted to see, but he also had the opportunity to feed them. :)<br />
The zoo was a great day and not long after we got into the car, both boys were out cold. It had been a great day with many memories to hold onto. We will return there again and hopefully we will get another chance to feed another animal.<br />
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</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-25976768846334221802012-03-29T12:25:00.000-05:002012-03-29T12:25:17.488-05:00School Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-1JD2EWyrGmTieH-_OHb0hctPpwwqEx3RONq8VyXIDEdAAAer1_7EgZOJbkEN0ZqvP3We_sB-BrA1w2x40WCikOM1DhvYfCtNdzdM5rZ65Kfik1FaBVcKQZSQO4MAfFlsh2ExQ0gk93G/s1600/DSC01519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-1JD2EWyrGmTieH-_OHb0hctPpwwqEx3RONq8VyXIDEdAAAer1_7EgZOJbkEN0ZqvP3We_sB-BrA1w2x40WCikOM1DhvYfCtNdzdM5rZ65Kfik1FaBVcKQZSQO4MAfFlsh2ExQ0gk93G/s320/DSC01519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My growing little boy. He gets to attend this school twice a week. He is so excited to just be able to attend school. This morning he woke up with the biggest smile on his face and was all excited to go. He got dressed by himself and brushed his teeth. Somewhat ate his breakfast and even helped his little brother get his shoes on.<br />
Off to school we went. Once again, he walked off with the teacher and not a tear in his eye as I said goodbye to him. He seems to be coming more out of his little shy shell. I am one proud mommy.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-33133608796007288492012-03-07T14:25:00.000-06:002012-03-07T14:25:44.141-06:00My growing boys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8XhaTfmjB_MMDyznYzT_Q0IyntJfInT2wmrDs_2af3yCY9DPBMVG3PfsLLu9KyB4hou_0fLqiibEYWp6mNkJkvGH_4RMakhayVOLNdyeCZ-XclkyrX5G-usC_81sCdmL2fiYZ1hClyPM/s1600/DSC01429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8XhaTfmjB_MMDyznYzT_Q0IyntJfInT2wmrDs_2af3yCY9DPBMVG3PfsLLu9KyB4hou_0fLqiibEYWp6mNkJkvGH_4RMakhayVOLNdyeCZ-XclkyrX5G-usC_81sCdmL2fiYZ1hClyPM/s320/DSC01429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My little Kyan. He is growing so fast. Lately his thing is trying to be just like his big brother. Following Kota everywhere. Eating everything and then some that his brother has. Walking and now even running. He is growing way too fast for me. :(<br />
I have started the process of potty training this one. It has just become the new idea Kyan has grasped. I have put him on both the baby potty and the big people potty. Either one seems like just a new toy for him to sit on. No success in anything being left, but he sure smiles a lot just sitting there. I really hope that he is just as easy to train as his big brother was.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo_-1t5Kr8Hi1cLbwISOnBwiNYTLgIAjQ2d2j3c9plYUmjCZ5FsB5CB-r2SOv3K8HmcmW2FB_62ReTwac-B6mGr9ssi36W9ypRSHqendVoMkkt-ayYjf5SxUUFCmHfVL4xfK8AzVl9RXJ/s1600/DSC01430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo_-1t5Kr8Hi1cLbwISOnBwiNYTLgIAjQ2d2j3c9plYUmjCZ5FsB5CB-r2SOv3K8HmcmW2FB_62ReTwac-B6mGr9ssi36W9ypRSHqendVoMkkt-ayYjf5SxUUFCmHfVL4xfK8AzVl9RXJ/s320/DSC01430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>When I ask him what his name is his response is "Tota Bear". He is my big growing boy. Learning new things everyday. He is officially a big boy now. He is fully potty trained. No more diapers what so ever.. not even at night!! He has been a very easy child to train.<br />
We have been waiting patiently to hear back from the school about when Dakota will start. My guess is that he will start during the new school year seeing as how school lets out in just a couple months. Dakota has been improving on his speaking. He has learned quite a few more words, and is making sentences. His counting is wonderful, if six and seven weren't numbers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo7kOPWI17q88sQE5nttMHbdhhUjjZMHB__0MUHvMTi7X51geyPADvhMiu2qywUmfxcjPCMquSc6TLZQK8bhQFU-szzZkiRZ1U1hcEsYqkVNIsJ3yeyn4VUIt8ZfG0c21Aw-XC8jmCPxA/s1600/DSC01384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo7kOPWI17q88sQE5nttMHbdhhUjjZMHB__0MUHvMTi7X51geyPADvhMiu2qywUmfxcjPCMquSc6TLZQK8bhQFU-szzZkiRZ1U1hcEsYqkVNIsJ3yeyn4VUIt8ZfG0c21Aw-XC8jmCPxA/s320/DSC01384.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>My two energetic boys. They are the cutest little things to enter my life and I am thankful everyday to have them. Watching them grow and learn new experiences are a blessing any mother is grateful for. I can sit and stare at them figure a toy out or watch them play cars with each other and be in heaven. The greatest gift I could have ever been given is these two.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-80447090678134286592012-02-01T11:56:00.000-06:002012-02-01T11:56:28.100-06:00Hoo Shoo TooThere is a lot of little areas around here with nice big beautiful houses. I am constantly in awe at the size of these homes. Hoo Shoo Too is a road that has some new big homes. Of course they are in a gated community so I couldn't get better pictures of the sheer size.. lol..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoi4-eqrsBzTXeqMf-Ox6srk_n-WhaSEhyphenhyphenewQtJq5-QZ2A2AIPB3ZNDV4laVP6FBwaPDFTAO6DuxzIcNONcBr7SlV2usLtnXzYVUvIsdxXZDXA4DlLE-4z1mE6V4nU0dFDWkURVEZ2ppl/s1600/DSC01368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoi4-eqrsBzTXeqMf-Ox6srk_n-WhaSEhyphenhyphenewQtJq5-QZ2A2AIPB3ZNDV4laVP6FBwaPDFTAO6DuxzIcNONcBr7SlV2usLtnXzYVUvIsdxXZDXA4DlLE-4z1mE6V4nU0dFDWkURVEZ2ppl/s320/DSC01368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I fell in love with this home the moment i saw that it had stables right close.. oh and the paved road from the stables to the field. This one is my favorite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbP5DjlyUnMpPnMOlvTCViaQuHQFIbkadtJsDmmrjsVAekLN9FvtJ2jiaJIILWjSBNPcm2WQhfMVeAnOBCABtg7T6RUjnMaCb5PlO8LdDrBTxbjnA1wFlXtFvJ1X3nJ1_Spluf9Aqu1Yn/s1600/DSC01364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbP5DjlyUnMpPnMOlvTCViaQuHQFIbkadtJsDmmrjsVAekLN9FvtJ2jiaJIILWjSBNPcm2WQhfMVeAnOBCABtg7T6RUjnMaCb5PlO8LdDrBTxbjnA1wFlXtFvJ1X3nJ1_Spluf9Aqu1Yn/s320/DSC01364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Another big beautiful home. I often wonder how long it takes for someone to clean something this large. I am sure they have people that do the cleaning for them, but the thought of one single woman/man cleaning these...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBw0LpFiERKCH2CqaFAkdUfxQFATYJuIa684GC7hDkdJ85ft77E32hpGa-4WCeyslz3npTyh4tkS63rZkvJbuJYNF_ZUAlNPm2uvFNgFmXTU4x39HYVr1eO2F4dDy03LQCY0FUUIvKTEG/s1600/DSC01367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBw0LpFiERKCH2CqaFAkdUfxQFATYJuIa684GC7hDkdJ85ft77E32hpGa-4WCeyslz3npTyh4tkS63rZkvJbuJYNF_ZUAlNPm2uvFNgFmXTU4x39HYVr1eO2F4dDy03LQCY0FUUIvKTEG/s320/DSC01367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>yes. That is one house. I am sure there is more garage and roof than actual house, but I still think these ginormous homes are beautiful.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-89854810324622009132012-01-17T11:26:00.000-06:002012-01-17T11:26:42.921-06:00Outside my window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnt1Pb9akKwduu_EzCS0f0oRciI8zYIohAFxyY_7PcRVBsdRzVxEl5-0xU4mElMamzBGTPYsONJvcLbWC4v46wOWrGASyd0JX_VomucGOmO5Ykve8xnjfSnDCljd87tWijphOz9EPGt8I/s1600/DSC01319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnt1Pb9akKwduu_EzCS0f0oRciI8zYIohAFxyY_7PcRVBsdRzVxEl5-0xU4mElMamzBGTPYsONJvcLbWC4v46wOWrGASyd0JX_VomucGOmO5Ykve8xnjfSnDCljd87tWijphOz9EPGt8I/s320/DSC01319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dakota loves to be outside and this time of year it is absolutely beautiful outside. This is the time of year I love to live here. The weather isn't hot and humid or cold and rainy. Perfect for the toddler that loves to play all day outside in a t-shirt and jeans with his little friends. He loves to share his toys with them when they come over to play.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIX7q5MAa0O3MRSA1SY8e_fwo9iCSxwyjt76TAiLQ3iMQonAOGTh_MnooTb1PUhfKFVfIxAjF1aSPgfQS4sgMEyXv69mdXBxsWYZcE36dzwe0_MbhDJZcy52PBc0ywkXDk8pMi_-lYuFf/s1600/DSC01323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIX7q5MAa0O3MRSA1SY8e_fwo9iCSxwyjt76TAiLQ3iMQonAOGTh_MnooTb1PUhfKFVfIxAjF1aSPgfQS4sgMEyXv69mdXBxsWYZcE36dzwe0_MbhDJZcy52PBc0ywkXDk8pMi_-lYuFf/s320/DSC01323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The little girl that lives down the road. She is a sweetie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZVdTRzxEgV0vPBWsoyr1j-BjuG1cOhCqdeADzTb5hKCzNOhJZy3zqL6qnO1yzLmN3r16mUrmuBsDYte7T1Tp56FEQw10pWExQ67_Qu9iPNW1E24Gn0cnd66QNQQ5Esb-h9LKU57qIUOF/s1600/DSC01325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZVdTRzxEgV0vPBWsoyr1j-BjuG1cOhCqdeADzTb5hKCzNOhJZy3zqL6qnO1yzLmN3r16mUrmuBsDYte7T1Tp56FEQw10pWExQ67_Qu9iPNW1E24Gn0cnd66QNQQ5Esb-h9LKU57qIUOF/s320/DSC01325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dakota is getting to be so good at this driving thing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC92Nz3gx3VsJFwvZWEiVGKyF0se36OzMarcO3bU-KyxVbLWx2KToBdk3hWDuMDtzJB67jVCTLBAsKmFkW8e8rFZpnDPYKPAGCcOmzg1nVZxiPqogM6GaNS7iWaOXSUxCDJNsgtJZ9453p/s1600/DSC01327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC92Nz3gx3VsJFwvZWEiVGKyF0se36OzMarcO3bU-KyxVbLWx2KToBdk3hWDuMDtzJB67jVCTLBAsKmFkW8e8rFZpnDPYKPAGCcOmzg1nVZxiPqogM6GaNS7iWaOXSUxCDJNsgtJZ9453p/s320/DSC01327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Of course, big brother has to help his little brother drive this thing. Kyan is looking at me like, hey I got this. Dakota loves to help his little brother play. The new little boy that moved in across the street from us. He likes to be a little too hard on Dakota's toys. I have to keep an eye on him when he comes over. He is playing with Dakota's new Christmas toy here and kept driving the car into the back of the four wheeler.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IMrlcwhfQgCrpu53HbpMy1KLqjAhFfNKDclO7OyChizsYoclTBzq8BcdxbD-2Erb4HVHP5Lr9mhIxAZbe2UhYiLFaSghkFRP8sjS17CsUAbKC6MhyF6fUWdFd64A_2aWnQ5W7DPQ3Nv8/s1600/DSC01331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IMrlcwhfQgCrpu53HbpMy1KLqjAhFfNKDclO7OyChizsYoclTBzq8BcdxbD-2Erb4HVHP5Lr9mhIxAZbe2UhYiLFaSghkFRP8sjS17CsUAbKC6MhyF6fUWdFd64A_2aWnQ5W7DPQ3Nv8/s320/DSC01331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> This is the horse I believe Kota thinks is cows. I had to constantly tell him they were horses because he would say, "look mom, cows!". It would make me chuckle. He is so precious and cute when he talks. He knows they are horses now. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-K-DyucbenGL7JYBr7fhaThdNWtJz0aCfljsilsQHxOiIqPi4z4c4TsYT3nLBdo27ngGQtj7PdwhWbfWmFb1RfQQqPXYUoDUX7ydDYGHAi2Qpz2yVzaYGsrA-gozXo6R-zoKb8jog0ya/s1600/DSC01333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-K-DyucbenGL7JYBr7fhaThdNWtJz0aCfljsilsQHxOiIqPi4z4c4TsYT3nLBdo27ngGQtj7PdwhWbfWmFb1RfQQqPXYUoDUX7ydDYGHAi2Qpz2yVzaYGsrA-gozXo6R-zoKb8jog0ya/s320/DSC01333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ahh. yes. The back of the beautiful house I love to look at. They own the "cows". I think Dakota and I counted six or seven horses one day.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-65318981431798002212011-11-26T16:42:00.000-06:002011-11-26T16:42:25.771-06:00Halloween This new area we live in is definitely a great new experience for both boys. We have been used to living out in the country with no kids around that they can get to know. The first weekend here Dakota already made new friends. He still is excited to go outside and play with his friends. Even when the neighborhood kids aren't around, Dakota still enjoys going outside to ride his bike.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mpWCofI15xVKvw2-mvNXtMjcRzQci8b8gg35OkKEj_-hZppdsZ6vp9CfbRQ7gPge2s-iVTBy-ZK9XdHz_IeDpVjFAwXjokxR6KMbALwWD7m5xBM0giQ5iydUdrUub9E4Ldd1wdfEM85q/s1600/DSC01106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mpWCofI15xVKvw2-mvNXtMjcRzQci8b8gg35OkKEj_-hZppdsZ6vp9CfbRQ7gPge2s-iVTBy-ZK9XdHz_IeDpVjFAwXjokxR6KMbALwWD7m5xBM0giQ5iydUdrUub9E4Ldd1wdfEM85q/s320/DSC01106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dakota got himself all ready to go outside. He is so proud that he can dress himself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmmWBOzBt9LF2EiVPGd001fJoa4IFV5XWyZCKCs_oxUPH9JZckO45sNAN5ClLUmvUUCnG5fayo9T_mwKY7-B4rz-cA1xU4DIZ43TX29exWQIprLVhsI5iIx2UTqjHFmla3G0K3kTgsoal/s1600/DSC01109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmmWBOzBt9LF2EiVPGd001fJoa4IFV5XWyZCKCs_oxUPH9JZckO45sNAN5ClLUmvUUCnG5fayo9T_mwKY7-B4rz-cA1xU4DIZ43TX29exWQIprLVhsI5iIx2UTqjHFmla3G0K3kTgsoal/s320/DSC01109.JPG" width="243" /></a></div> My little pirate. His earring isn't exactly on his ear, but it is close. He scored quite well in the candy department! Once he got the idea of what he needed to do to get candy he was all for it. His first year this year walking up to the houses and actually "trick-o-treatin" . ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Lg8FYW9z6nCl_GBmUMxUjIZVIPj199QPKsPsTNroClBlnaNKm0GsC97jvlucVX-CL2baA8knLX0myKuhWUwTZO7IsRD64tIsmTg-cX-tja1JjBSV3GNUGifb_c43zDbHYudGO3bAhBTR/s1600/DSC01114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Lg8FYW9z6nCl_GBmUMxUjIZVIPj199QPKsPsTNroClBlnaNKm0GsC97jvlucVX-CL2baA8knLX0myKuhWUwTZO7IsRD64tIsmTg-cX-tja1JjBSV3GNUGifb_c43zDbHYudGO3bAhBTR/s320/DSC01114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Kyan the walking, flirting, baby spider. ;)<br />
Now that Halloween has come and gone we can prepare for Kyan's first birthday and then the holidays.<br />
I cannot believe that my little walking baby Kyan will be a year old in just a few weeks. It definitely seems like just yesterday I had found out I was expecting. The milestones have just begun with this boy. His little personality is coming out strong. He is my little chatterbox. Always jabbering and I must not forget his little dancing moves he has begun to show.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-20435410283089452302011-09-19T08:54:00.000-05:002011-09-19T08:54:01.696-05:00It's party time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dakota turned three on the twelfth of September. We decided that this year we would try to have a gathering at our place the following Saturday. So, with a lot of stress about the theme we came up with Phineas and Ferb, Dakota's new favorite cartoon. Dakota talked about having his party all week and friends coming over. It was real cute to hear him get so excited for his party. He would ask every morning about his cake and I would have to tell him how many more sleeps. The morning of his party he was so excited his little face was beaming. He kept saying, "today. friends. party". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGaA7Duk6dkaXbvwoJGu4ARh8ZAa4leXHFIJH87csdw8LO0ME2cRCESkTzdb5v1X0r8YtX0pRKtlyw2qqhCkIoIM1DWhLDOgnzzyCXn2J3sGb-EpK3aqUhPp-deyu0GW5Ecxb8-0gJ3ln/s1600/DSC00979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGaA7Duk6dkaXbvwoJGu4ARh8ZAa4leXHFIJH87csdw8LO0ME2cRCESkTzdb5v1X0r8YtX0pRKtlyw2qqhCkIoIM1DWhLDOgnzzyCXn2J3sGb-EpK3aqUhPp-deyu0GW5Ecxb8-0gJ3ln/s320/DSC00979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The party people all hanging out. It was a beautiful day to have a party. Couldn't have asked for a more breezy sunny day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqbiem4rB4qIwpUc0S_idXPVRMTFp0H3wZpnDHzunhBaf106x7bcYlYryXFnFU2L10FuoCD1kVBT2U09rFTBd7eN6I0afjlG-wfhJd66Zom6b5BYE7LybBMxsZKT8h1V7uZt90ZBFDE1q/s1600/DSC00972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqbiem4rB4qIwpUc0S_idXPVRMTFp0H3wZpnDHzunhBaf106x7bcYlYryXFnFU2L10FuoCD1kVBT2U09rFTBd7eN6I0afjlG-wfhJd66Zom6b5BYE7LybBMxsZKT8h1V7uZt90ZBFDE1q/s320/DSC00972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dakota and his new friend, Jaiden. The boys all had a blast in Dakota's truck. They were driving that all over the yard. His truck was the main toy all the kids loved. He shared his truck and didn't get upset at all when he wasn't able to drive it. I am so proud of him. He definitely has a great personality. Love him to death. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyZjK9ycpGXsfLKt8ebcGzX-Pb6QmFDa45-EMJhcDX5X3f58TxIn0dp8YnlObwoXBO6M8fKHNw-GxBzQnU5noGvY6peh4HjfumJLWPKNYJu1O6J0mRbJ8EG8yVmZc8rOu2xPSA9TQtNfi/s1600/DSC00973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyZjK9ycpGXsfLKt8ebcGzX-Pb6QmFDa45-EMJhcDX5X3f58TxIn0dp8YnlObwoXBO6M8fKHNw-GxBzQnU5noGvY6peh4HjfumJLWPKNYJu1O6J0mRbJ8EG8yVmZc8rOu2xPSA9TQtNfi/s320/DSC00973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Playing one of the games. The kids had to wrap each other up like a mommy and run. Dakota was the last to get wrapped. He stood so still and let Jaiden wrap him up. These two were so cute. Even though this was the only game the kids played it was cute to watch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDIp2tubUrzPwPRrDspypYlZI54_6tjWcGgcy1AXDRM0fnvZWpzJdwTl3oiy9kR7d4djxP4PJX8XYf-Ev5q4BprxhjH8L702yLPMlG1Y9vNdEv2YKI4YAcxNlkW0jMFPw_ncCn3Fz_OYw/s1600/DSC00977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDIp2tubUrzPwPRrDspypYlZI54_6tjWcGgcy1AXDRM0fnvZWpzJdwTl3oiy9kR7d4djxP4PJX8XYf-Ev5q4BprxhjH8L702yLPMlG1Y9vNdEv2YKI4YAcxNlkW0jMFPw_ncCn3Fz_OYw/s320/DSC00977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> One of the presents Dakota received. Him and Ryder checking it out. It is a Vtech computer. Hopefully now he will use this one instead of my laptop. Hopefully.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGyzMlCNzVKH4Fn9gEjcuF7dGn-jDcejtkemHGuPDXyh5XZS6UOferyH2TWs3sJ94VS59KZDMuPgTvkDxrT75ikDwxqORg08Ka1Oe_beTlTYRwYa9XjKs1pmORYWSswiKfRfESFT6KqiI/s1600/DSC00980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGyzMlCNzVKH4Fn9gEjcuF7dGn-jDcejtkemHGuPDXyh5XZS6UOferyH2TWs3sJ94VS59KZDMuPgTvkDxrT75ikDwxqORg08Ka1Oe_beTlTYRwYa9XjKs1pmORYWSswiKfRfESFT6KqiI/s320/DSC00980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The birthday cake. Phineas and Ferb. It was marble cake with butter icing and it was so yummy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBwm8K-zkvT2MoF41EU_4r_Zfp_5L2976X0-60ONDHDh0JNBHjvlcPpQpUnaITNST5fyY3eYUBZfFJflqDiEruyqEn7s9r_pQUzv1Jj1ZO0mVq4WzYnGrMux5Wb7kqE9pCE8x24UfWDba/s1600/DSC00984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBwm8K-zkvT2MoF41EU_4r_Zfp_5L2976X0-60ONDHDh0JNBHjvlcPpQpUnaITNST5fyY3eYUBZfFJflqDiEruyqEn7s9r_pQUzv1Jj1ZO0mVq4WzYnGrMux5Wb7kqE9pCE8x24UfWDba/s320/DSC00984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Justin actually smiling, but Halle making the funny faces. First picture I got with Justin lookin nice. I love these two so much.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPwQBQVxqa9q3MIYvRNoVbNL1BkFexN6LBU748vNfMh9UZrUTX0HqXHTEqKSBZ5d-XvWj1XeRt6ReKGz6wXWGHSnzjpCD7Xnf6HgpT56P6GAmkTEHN7s_xuSHdOObOnmbFgmheK6gfI7x/s1600/DSC00985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPwQBQVxqa9q3MIYvRNoVbNL1BkFexN6LBU748vNfMh9UZrUTX0HqXHTEqKSBZ5d-XvWj1XeRt6ReKGz6wXWGHSnzjpCD7Xnf6HgpT56P6GAmkTEHN7s_xuSHdOObOnmbFgmheK6gfI7x/s320/DSC00985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Pretty Hayden. Such a cute little girl. So happy all the time. Love this little girl!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoydWSozooM6wVhlTEFoMPMhhZxnpfkQbKRH1ZKIp9A8KLIqA0qhOGT4Paztk6QVejnvUMqw_zdKHDSQCVYwRCCL5MocdjZXZqgi-JavEQT0kBH2GRV_fiR7w6WAT3jEp5__vUkEUFaKFV/s1600/DSC00987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoydWSozooM6wVhlTEFoMPMhhZxnpfkQbKRH1ZKIp9A8KLIqA0qhOGT4Paztk6QVejnvUMqw_zdKHDSQCVYwRCCL5MocdjZXZqgi-JavEQT0kBH2GRV_fiR7w6WAT3jEp5__vUkEUFaKFV/s320/DSC00987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kyan decided to climb into his walker all by himself. Even though he is backwards. So proud of himself!!<br />
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The party was a success. Even though we didn't play all the games I had planned, just having people over to help us celebrate Dakota's birthday was all we wanted. Now that we know we can do this, we think we will try again next year. Dakota is still talking about his friends and his party. To see the joy and smiles light up his face is the best feeling a mommy could have. I love being a mommy!mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-26006084080458354132011-09-04T16:09:00.000-05:002011-09-04T16:09:43.755-05:00Tropical Storm Lee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have really been lucky to not have a hurricane or tropical storm in a couple years. I didn't know about Lee until he was almost here!! Turned on the weather to hear that there was a storm in the Gulf. Boy, did I almost freak out!! Then I saw it was a tropical storm. Still a little worrisome when there is a lot of wind involved. All that night the rains and the wind came. Fortunately we didn't have too much damage... other than Dakota's toys blown all over the yard and back by the pond. We had to make a trip into Gonzales to get groceries so off we went. I decided to take the camera just in case we came across any thing interesting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvv64A_AqgIKqigDz1UfQAP4c8ONTnMf5FM_BocThI2zPRw1-bS0uzPYoebXcjsF510_HSCccRJumzuV84t9wqkLir-0fz331ik2uIZtTbY6kexJDzOLKOICSF6jxMWNloEsrs1fRhluhZ/s1600/DSC00899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvv64A_AqgIKqigDz1UfQAP4c8ONTnMf5FM_BocThI2zPRw1-bS0uzPYoebXcjsF510_HSCccRJumzuV84t9wqkLir-0fz331ik2uIZtTbY6kexJDzOLKOICSF6jxMWNloEsrs1fRhluhZ/s320/DSC00899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>and we found this!! tree took out the line.. just the lines. poles a little slanted.. but no injuries..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6DgwsVJy_ASLyFSE47Ts-dKLmv1VFCF87U1CpoiIqEokUzBw-NQqWNam4yhp0UbqngfyVO59p3lawCWYFG4fgVwe-NGogq57mdp1bGGfympVMeoW0bbk4_UV8iqaZ8G-zeaT4SkbhCp1/s1600/DSC00902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6DgwsVJy_ASLyFSE47Ts-dKLmv1VFCF87U1CpoiIqEokUzBw-NQqWNam4yhp0UbqngfyVO59p3lawCWYFG4fgVwe-NGogq57mdp1bGGfympVMeoW0bbk4_UV8iqaZ8G-zeaT4SkbhCp1/s320/DSC00902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulvxA6XfvFz1lpnjuPHi894C708fkE1TPaK3lWy5yDQwkCXPd_97i1qr7tGc0ZXYDHShQvCd9X_t2pBw3h8Pmk3K297qQUihjJJ-PYe3qU_OLghNR3cu9xQEGpjZNi1CMWqf_g5vOTXJ9/s1600/DSC00905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulvxA6XfvFz1lpnjuPHi894C708fkE1TPaK3lWy5yDQwkCXPd_97i1qr7tGc0ZXYDHShQvCd9X_t2pBw3h8Pmk3K297qQUihjJJ-PYe3qU_OLghNR3cu9xQEGpjZNi1CMWqf_g5vOTXJ9/s320/DSC00905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The water is up, but not flooding the road.. yet.. as of Sunday (today) our road was shut down because of flooding.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtHgiG98ea4izhsApXSDvTfiD4YTgkIMZtqdVauRoVHYwfQkI7RNNTUgKDxnfT3g9ZGBo214xPN_JLW6_4pfZuSXfEm0O3v5kLGTPYtUFIS_6sYk3jw-UxTfh5YjDysoyIsnhlZnIKYZM/s1600/DSC00907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtHgiG98ea4izhsApXSDvTfiD4YTgkIMZtqdVauRoVHYwfQkI7RNNTUgKDxnfT3g9ZGBo214xPN_JLW6_4pfZuSXfEm0O3v5kLGTPYtUFIS_6sYk3jw-UxTfh5YjDysoyIsnhlZnIKYZM/s320/DSC00907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Flooding on the island.. Head of Island is what it is called. we know the owner and he wasn't home. good thing he put his motorbike on his porch! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCp12j_p74LbO6-tTkbJiCOAEsnCgRtfSaoPRoeWagEIw5-0WiRvcrhaLoAtaUoGnwnVX2WgfZd4AQPcpK6qeHFgXiK3QaIbZtvmfKHjBpLOOpkQp9MV8D-2fLBsaAb4upZLY0bmolVVW/s1600/DSC00908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCp12j_p74LbO6-tTkbJiCOAEsnCgRtfSaoPRoeWagEIw5-0WiRvcrhaLoAtaUoGnwnVX2WgfZd4AQPcpK6qeHFgXiK3QaIbZtvmfKHjBpLOOpkQp9MV8D-2fLBsaAb4upZLY0bmolVVW/s320/DSC00908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Apparently this man was smart when he built his house.. put a levee around so when it rains he doesn't flood. there is usually just grass there.. It is all around his property.<br />
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We still have the rain falling and every once in a while our television will get that tornado siren warning us of tornado's. Haven't heard any touch down anywhere close to us which is good. I don't like tornado's or anything that sounds remotely close to one. The greatest is that we still have power. So we are thanking our lucky stars and hoping this storm will pass over.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-48907552764212840302011-08-25T15:48:00.000-05:002011-08-25T15:48:45.178-05:00Morgan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So the boys have a new little cousin. It is hard to believe that little Janet has a baby. I am still trying to grasp that she is married and now she is a mommy. The little bundle, Morgan, arrived into this world August 11, 2011. She was a healthy girl weighing in at 8 pounds 7ounces. Smaller than what Dakota and Kyan weighed, by only a few ounces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr_amkWn2fuwiGqz2FSK-3VRKMJUrQ44GveIq6dUbBTgD8X0KVMxnhd7g0y02HmsUl52hbCf8KiS_7JrInerVMdbRLYNgGCYgTpICmNqCIIyZ6JZQnm2sRfyWUSMLW1OIpiLK4qvfWq8K/s1600/290319_10150286221162726_533572725_7757650_4524732_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr_amkWn2fuwiGqz2FSK-3VRKMJUrQ44GveIq6dUbBTgD8X0KVMxnhd7g0y02HmsUl52hbCf8KiS_7JrInerVMdbRLYNgGCYgTpICmNqCIIyZ6JZQnm2sRfyWUSMLW1OIpiLK4qvfWq8K/s320/290319_10150286221162726_533572725_7757650_4524732_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Janet and Morgan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, now that baby has arrived and all I think we need to make that trip up to Michigan so the cousins can meet. I think the boys will get along great with her. After all, they are all close in age. We live so far away it is hard to make the visit as often as I would like. But, hopefully in the future we can make those trips or have them come down here for christmas vacations or summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-81307598145101272142011-08-08T13:23:00.001-05:002011-08-08T13:23:40.100-05:00Chunky MonkeyMy little baby has grown quite a bit and has finally conquered crawling. He crawls like a speed demon! I chuckle watching his little behind wiggle back and forth as he darts through a room with eyes set on a toy. He also has begun the process of standing by himself and walking. He will stand by the door and try to reach his little fingers to the doorknob only to be just a few inches too short. With assistance he is able to make a few steps but that is it. He would much rather crawl for the time being. I am more than happy to see him continue crawling until he is ready to make it to the next milestone.<br />
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</div><div>The speaking has begun and I hope he won't fall into the same rut that his older brother has. I am not saying a speech delay is bad, just that it could make things a little more difficult. Hearing the babble he says on a daily basis seems to make one wonder how the concept of repetitiveness is acquired and learnt, but then again without repetitiveness one couldn't learn the basics like speech. For now Kyan is learning "maa maa" and "naa naa". He will sit and play while he says those over and over. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The cuteness in a baby giggle is precious and my Kyan's is pretty darn cute. We will play tickle monster just so mommy can hear him giggle. His face lights up and the love that pours out his giggle is priceless. The two little teeth that he does have just makes the huge open mouthed giggle more cute. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The joys of being a mommy just gets better and better with each day. There are better days than others, and as each day ends and we close our eyes to go to sleep we hope that the next day will bring new challenges and growth.<br />
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</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-18146364248619222882011-08-08T13:23:00.000-05:002011-08-08T13:23:21.169-05:00Kota BearMy first born child is growing and learning everyday. I love watching him experience things and learn things for himself. We have started to say the alphabet and to hear him try to say the letters is just an experience every parent can understand. All a parent can ask for is that their child does their very best in each and everything that they do.. talking included. With how the complicated language english really is, I know my child will be an exceptional talker in his own way. He is my flesh and blood, after all. His latest is making a clicking sound at the end of words he uses. I chuckle each time he does it because it is just so cute to hear him try to pronounce the word correctly. I really love how he has made his learning fun.<br />
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He loves to play with all his toys. And that does include dumping his whole toybox out on the floor just to walk away from them distracted by a toy that was out the whole time. His favorite would have to be his cars and trucks or as he calls them "vroom vroom". When we go into town to pick up his daddy from work he loves to look at the big trucks in the yard. His daddy has even taken him up in the boom truck. Of course, me being terrified of heights almost passed out when I saw them both waaaaayy up in the air. Dakota also loves to drive his little 4x4 truck around the yard. He looks so proud to be in control of where he wants to go. I know he will love to drive his little brother around once Kyan gets old enough to ride in it. So, in the meantime he has the joy of trying to drive over his dog, Chief. Lol, now that may sound cute and all but I have to get after Dakota for trying to drive over the dog. If he does this to the dog, I don't want to think about what he will do to his little brother! All the cars and trucks he has to play with inside he will line them up in a row and call them his "choo choo".<br />
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Kota loves to be an older brother, but I am noticing more and more the jealousy of being an older sibling. I am trying to let Dakota know that being an older sibling can be fun. They will crawl around the house laughing and giggling and having fun. I really do like to see their smiles when they play together. And I am sure other new parents feel the same way with their children. Dakota and Kyan are well on their way to being the best of friends and I couldn't have asked for a better two boys than these two. Of course, they are also at the stage of hurting each other just to get a rise out of me or their daddy. Dakota has a habit of pushing or sitting on his brother. And Kyan will pull Dakota's hair. Those are also just the beginning of many more tears that will come.<br />
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Another big step for Dakota has been his ability to let water run down his face. He would scream at the top of his lungs when water got on his face while he was in the tub. His scream is a piercing one so being in an room that echo's just makes it hurt the ears even more. Within the last week his daddy has let him into the shower where he has had to make the adjustment of water on his face. I can hear him laughing, so I guess the water falling tickles his face. It is quite the big difference than hearing that piercing scream I was used to hearing.<br />
He also has his favorite television shows that he loves to watch. His favorite is SpongeBob Squarepants or as he calls it "Bob bob". There is something about that show that will always make me laugh. Dakota will make crabby patties and serve them. He is growing a little collection of spongebob toys that he likes to play with including his latest, a Spongebob hat that he likes to wear around. I am happy to say that I will never know the entire Spongebob song, hopefully. Maybe he will grow out of this phase and move onto another cartoon like Spiderman or Batman.<br />
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My toddler has grown so much and this is just the beginning of many more experiences for him. I am excited to continue to watch this sweet young boy grow into a strong man. I just hope that he will remember how much his mommy loves him.<br />
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mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-65145261092469340092011-08-03T12:57:00.000-05:002011-08-03T12:57:25.236-05:00not much but a little<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Where do I begin? My two sweet boys are growing up before my eyes. Dakota is learning his numbers and alphabet. He still has a hard time pronouncing but with time and help I know he will get a grasp of this complicated English language. Kyan is crawling like a little pro and is learning to pull himself up to his feet. He will stand by himself for a few seconds and when he realizes he is standing he will smile. </div><div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The hot and humid summer weather has not been pleasant. This is the one season I really dread living in Louisiana. The humidity is so sticky I really don't find it fun to be outside. Dakota will play outside every once in a while but then when he comes inside he is sweating so much. So, our days are spent inside until the sun isn't so hot. </div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We have decided to leave the alligators alone. From time to time Cliff will go back there to see if any are in the pond, but he hasn't noticed anything for sometime now. I just hope that if there are any they will stay there or move onto some other pond. My understanding is that just down the road from us there is an alligator farm so, there will always be alligators around this pond. I have also learnt that the alligators like to eat dogs. Not a nice thought seeing as how our dog Chief likes to run around back there and he has a vision problem. I have seen him roaming around that area a few times, so hopefully he knows. If not, I guess there is not much I can do about it. He refuses to be tied up and we don't have a fenced in yard. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have been trying to get motivated to get my body back into shape. It is nice that I finally fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes, I just wish that I was more toned than I am. I have started and stopped with my exercises more times than I can count this year. One of these days, hopefully in the near future, I will get it right and stick with it. </div></div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-52782011729930905582011-07-14T15:52:00.000-05:002011-07-14T15:52:31.162-05:0080-year-old lady married for the fourth time<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #1b0431; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just got married for the fourth time.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband's occupation. "He's a funeral director," she answered.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Interesting," the newsman thought.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her early 20's, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40's, and a preacher when in her 60's, and now in her 80's, a funeral director.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">She smiled and explained, "I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div></div></div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-53474548050853545272011-06-01T12:03:00.000-05:002011-06-01T12:03:57.212-05:00Memorial weekendWe didn't have plans for the weekend at all. Then cliff caught one of the alligators again with some bait and a hook. Once again we had one ready to be taken care of and no one to help us. Of course, all the legal issues are a big deal here so it is understandable that no one will step up to help kill and skin the gator.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSL4Lfqf0t-gIzRoKW6dE0fGnoKjFMc0uNk9G2Yxu5BHbXPosO7fnDVPs98Qv24cQMuoOAb_fgXvLqqr-W0qXsGJCWmu5hzclDTMitbeZJm-LGPBxQvZSKlP33qn1apg7h55RjYRHjnVp/s1600/DSC00691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSL4Lfqf0t-gIzRoKW6dE0fGnoKjFMc0uNk9G2Yxu5BHbXPosO7fnDVPs98Qv24cQMuoOAb_fgXvLqqr-W0qXsGJCWmu5hzclDTMitbeZJm-LGPBxQvZSKlP33qn1apg7h55RjYRHjnVp/s320/DSC00691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here he is. He has the bait and hook in his mouth. He was not a happy camper. Cliff was only a few feet away from him to get this picture. The alligator was hissing and snapping until cliff cut the rope. Then the alligator slowly went back into the water. He was so dry from the humidity.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN7oN8dyMUmFQbI_QOQQRPum7zCUexxwJZQRbRXPpEW6nBwpCbNk052O3PSpi1NCYt8-2BLxL2WwW_rlpr4TzVhhjqevEEvHUo0I5BoAVvc9DXkb1wiscQoxheeYEgXMOwPq2FzM9eF41/s1600/DSC00678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN7oN8dyMUmFQbI_QOQQRPum7zCUexxwJZQRbRXPpEW6nBwpCbNk052O3PSpi1NCYt8-2BLxL2WwW_rlpr4TzVhhjqevEEvHUo0I5BoAVvc9DXkb1wiscQoxheeYEgXMOwPq2FzM9eF41/s320/DSC00678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dakota fishing over at our friends place. He has definitely mastered the fishing. I am so proud of my little boy. He acts so grown up sometimes. Makes me wanna cry. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92bPdiC0hpM-TU4ruTP22E3oeHt_dQHRD1KQvOnXC9CCtV2r558eUVH9PcuSE22F8mg3nnxCfehnddJBxmjY4sz6Irb1hDmlVc0RLQ-5HJOSOU7Kf_jsaQB4MKxoaihir6T0kfkgz_O5G/s1600/DSC00681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92bPdiC0hpM-TU4ruTP22E3oeHt_dQHRD1KQvOnXC9CCtV2r558eUVH9PcuSE22F8mg3nnxCfehnddJBxmjY4sz6Irb1hDmlVc0RLQ-5HJOSOU7Kf_jsaQB4MKxoaihir6T0kfkgz_O5G/s320/DSC00681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Just some of the people visiting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-e2sZ-XGqh0c9KXUQov_Sr_hRH2yfz_IVP20nqPE8Gb_4NhdOAtysThWUbKj6jGI57Mfx1UUCWoUhms1mCg-AHhCG69eIyR3HbVQnx1gUyEZF2CCy0vql1yEMclbLTZiwS8i67OnXUIY/s1600/DSC00683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-e2sZ-XGqh0c9KXUQov_Sr_hRH2yfz_IVP20nqPE8Gb_4NhdOAtysThWUbKj6jGI57Mfx1UUCWoUhms1mCg-AHhCG69eIyR3HbVQnx1gUyEZF2CCy0vql1yEMclbLTZiwS8i67OnXUIY/s320/DSC00683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Crawfish! mmm. and so tastey too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nmNOnoGmW6lrGHarSWszvQkQi4mUgVDsLjRxgQgl_NeWVEinjf5RKHfUDudb3fnPCWoPm9kEKnAgIK0PVuCCz7_5PNXfCiydVOk5WmOH-fbiSZgMAK8j8G0xiEOVJPqwgCGZrOwyj9ct/s1600/DSC00686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nmNOnoGmW6lrGHarSWszvQkQi4mUgVDsLjRxgQgl_NeWVEinjf5RKHfUDudb3fnPCWoPm9kEKnAgIK0PVuCCz7_5PNXfCiydVOk5WmOH-fbiSZgMAK8j8G0xiEOVJPqwgCGZrOwyj9ct/s320/DSC00686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Kyan all tuckered out from a long hot day. He slept for a good long while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLjFxmA4ekEyFL1RJADbzBKifzpvrW0B4njgrpuzeP779g04Ot5Yqe5EEtmxCG6yDv7SnKSnrqFTqszobJIpCsLC-b0fx1lGmSREn9ddZopuimUuj7UwGSCXQM5AzI5cnbKw9GDVmLNRw/s1600/DSC00688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLjFxmA4ekEyFL1RJADbzBKifzpvrW0B4njgrpuzeP779g04Ot5Yqe5EEtmxCG6yDv7SnKSnrqFTqszobJIpCsLC-b0fx1lGmSREn9ddZopuimUuj7UwGSCXQM5AzI5cnbKw9GDVmLNRw/s320/DSC00688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Dakota and his new friend Riley.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11vM-fIENcX3-ATo1p4Qp_kmCm3qEHh21hAuUTflf6G3YIMoNlJDlxt8nPiJvCip_AYr532Y9WQ1ceVfEyCjI6jd8Ptx-lj7gs6drk-FCc-_n12Wyw3rUjdb-Ms25eQCm4rhpv27pPBbM/s1600/DSC00689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11vM-fIENcX3-ATo1p4Qp_kmCm3qEHh21hAuUTflf6G3YIMoNlJDlxt8nPiJvCip_AYr532Y9WQ1ceVfEyCjI6jd8Ptx-lj7gs6drk-FCc-_n12Wyw3rUjdb-Ms25eQCm4rhpv27pPBbM/s320/DSC00689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Riley the pro at peeling crawfish. she would peel them for dakota. What a sweet girl.mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-48214051948708332092011-05-14T10:58:00.002-05:002011-05-19T14:56:23.784-05:00Swamp People<i>We live in the area where the new television series Swamp People has been filmed. How locals hunt for them gators that has been done for many years here in Louisiana. </i><i>I have to admit that since moving out into the country where there are actual alligators I have come to enjoy watching that show.</i><br />
<div><i>Last year was the first year I have ever been close to an alligator in the wild. It was definitely an experience to remember. I would lay awake at night thinking that I had alligators living in my backyard. What a nice thought to think just before going to sleep. We had called Wildlife and Fisheries to help with the "nuisance" animals. I thought that rather weird because those ginormous animals weren't a nuisance to me, they were more of a "oh my stars! how can my child play outside knowing there were prehistoric animals in that pond?" </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWTmN6uKlIQAMhdgI8E78BjrwOOIWms2o7Zq6NZImlgfpSG_WLgBVdxzJsxUlraorKGavuRhBKxPHCJsL5XbtX3moOh7awKNWTHVYs1DbolWb_N5K6OcbPkSGMRvruWFd5CuC7ggnuehk/s1600/DSC00217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWTmN6uKlIQAMhdgI8E78BjrwOOIWms2o7Zq6NZImlgfpSG_WLgBVdxzJsxUlraorKGavuRhBKxPHCJsL5XbtX3moOh7awKNWTHVYs1DbolWb_N5K6OcbPkSGMRvruWFd5CuC7ggnuehk/s320/DSC00217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>How cool is that knowing those live in your backyard? It was scary to know these prehistoric animals were there, but yet it was exciting. Growing up in Canada, this is not a childhood experience, so I am a little thrilled my children will experience this.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRp1O-mq_8itdk8jZIFYZUWjwRMCFWAjXxn6AJMKgrpeiU4Rk6oTIXNhZhSZGPfnNcEdSFA0j3wztkcNouX3MkPs1aq_8htYW7_r7h7u2_7-fvI4L6gI3wgzUz6Ukv3d-JgJsxYfbS53U/s1600/DSC00245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRp1O-mq_8itdk8jZIFYZUWjwRMCFWAjXxn6AJMKgrpeiU4Rk6oTIXNhZhSZGPfnNcEdSFA0j3wztkcNouX3MkPs1aq_8htYW7_r7h7u2_7-fvI4L6gI3wgzUz6Ukv3d-JgJsxYfbS53U/s320/DSC00245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><i>It took a little while to catch the first alligator, but when we did it was exciting. This was a smaller one. My little Dakota was so eager to touch it. I think this one was just over six feet long. They say one can measure the approximate length of an alligator by looking at the eye stumps. The width between the eyes is the length. Or something along those lines. I am not too sure.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uo-SZOtW5-Vz9c3Lne9UhbzOZ4nqdCYrFb7Ho4CWiRkLR9adjDjPv4OuUEzms9yeX3H3BCsd___SO8I59OI9_pYxi6qgBS1BgEWHw-OiiXgYOrg_FSqmPuw4FTagmgD_BIucpZH3TJyS/s1600/DSC00274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uo-SZOtW5-Vz9c3Lne9UhbzOZ4nqdCYrFb7Ho4CWiRkLR9adjDjPv4OuUEzms9yeX3H3BCsd___SO8I59OI9_pYxi6qgBS1BgEWHw-OiiXgYOrg_FSqmPuw4FTagmgD_BIucpZH3TJyS/s320/DSC00274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>The last one caught in our pond. He was still alive when I took this picture. Quite a bit larger than the other one? Thanx to wildlife and fisheries, those "nuisiance" alligators were taken care of for the year. </i><br />
<i>So now once again, we are on the hunt for alligators. Not quite sure how this year will turn out. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIVaTWQrVVzgY1a38K1Q48duuf6ELzBPMcQgPK6vwuzAH9MjnNFWaWVJGQLgjo7OTuOG-RWiAXh8BINs5UjV4qrrmiaocMwNxoUqc5c_zfpqmCKajs9mj9iV6h8Hckj7Z4FaHt8YNVIqA/s1600/DSC00617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIVaTWQrVVzgY1a38K1Q48duuf6ELzBPMcQgPK6vwuzAH9MjnNFWaWVJGQLgjo7OTuOG-RWiAXh8BINs5UjV4qrrmiaocMwNxoUqc5c_zfpqmCKajs9mj9iV6h8Hckj7Z4FaHt8YNVIqA/s320/DSC00617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>This is the only one we have seen so far. If you look closely you can see a white spot. Look to the right of the white spot and that is the alligator. He is definitely a sneaky one. </i></div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-62715661370162332752011-04-23T16:29:00.000-05:002011-04-23T16:29:11.898-05:00The little things in life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMMlqnjptxnaEL0hyG7xNjOvx2W6iqvPProoyZ-rWp5ksx1XPQIZ66hxQC5SbKcE34lSu6MRRHQFR619vi3PXHN2cVeDcbUS9dj7j4yJ-Nt6H3VJmjyv4dKXEsA6TmnzPWJoBy3zwa855/s1600/DSC00537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMMlqnjptxnaEL0hyG7xNjOvx2W6iqvPProoyZ-rWp5ksx1XPQIZ66hxQC5SbKcE34lSu6MRRHQFR619vi3PXHN2cVeDcbUS9dj7j4yJ-Nt6H3VJmjyv4dKXEsA6TmnzPWJoBy3zwa855/s320/DSC00537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our little Kyan sure is growing fast!! He is now 5 months and growing. The little things he does to bring a smile to my face. His smile. His laughter. Love this little chunky monkey! :) </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsuhwP5Jv-Wpc0WaWurcheybvfxgOtUYXGlxNjI336Tpdq6oDUiziWtwsR_2xn7ETzVMWJwZ4gCY8qVli51BWu1kLXOvR-8DUfKFv5VJjU1TA_m779tjk7Omht4_NSUNLS-76vv2NAuwy/s1600/DSC00540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsuhwP5Jv-Wpc0WaWurcheybvfxgOtUYXGlxNjI336Tpdq6oDUiziWtwsR_2xn7ETzVMWJwZ4gCY8qVli51BWu1kLXOvR-8DUfKFv5VJjU1TA_m779tjk7Omht4_NSUNLS-76vv2NAuwy/s320/DSC00540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dakota playing with his toy boat and Chief, our dog, by his side. My little boy growing so fast. Makes me smile to see how much he has grown. Learning something everyday.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNizufTDgePwjMXu5hzu93jfiSDC-U6zrzDWW1lD769VfQZvdCFQ1Rb3HjRps5g__BCY1TCSZyejX7iwIzRFVjxQSaT3W6kf7PtZG9UOcemOK7CpADwikVXke9Soji2zs0V1Ox4F6a6xK/s1600/DSC00547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNizufTDgePwjMXu5hzu93jfiSDC-U6zrzDWW1lD769VfQZvdCFQ1Rb3HjRps5g__BCY1TCSZyejX7iwIzRFVjxQSaT3W6kf7PtZG9UOcemOK7CpADwikVXke9Soji2zs0V1Ox4F6a6xK/s320/DSC00547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dakota taking his little brother for a pretend cruise in his truck. I am foreseeing a lot of fun and mischief these two will get into one day. And yes, the bad too. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS2uQ7Vq3lQms6VZFg1zIQ9WLYBnYd5ewFRoA3N7GafpTgHSbnpZEodIdBBWj5196WibnH9qmXLY7q8bkhgUOvsjBEYmlKKf8p_2smKXubYDCyxRDcKC_ECE8fue9FoWShZeGFktLdwru/s1600/DSC00550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS2uQ7Vq3lQms6VZFg1zIQ9WLYBnYd5ewFRoA3N7GafpTgHSbnpZEodIdBBWj5196WibnH9qmXLY7q8bkhgUOvsjBEYmlKKf8p_2smKXubYDCyxRDcKC_ECE8fue9FoWShZeGFktLdwru/s320/DSC00550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our little indoor surprise.. A chameleon that found it's way into our home. I hope he keeps his distance and I will do the same! He can eat the mosquito's or other little bugs that decide to invade our home. Dakota has named him 'Rex'. </span>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-72501302212946859202011-04-12T13:10:00.001-05:002011-04-12T13:18:39.749-05:00Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>So spring has finally arrived here in Louisiana. The flowers are well on their way to blooming and everything around us is a bright green. I love this time of year here. </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize7hV7xDfsA07FJmeUAGq_7UaL9e5UXZ_ogu0on7mg97LalilomvAkWTf-6hQt7W3HJwj-bn-34VkYAHYrCHS7igaX8xVLdUccq-JC8pF1yLJzQ68tASrEmTy21ewplv4cPr3-RtbOQxR/s1600/DSC00501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize7hV7xDfsA07FJmeUAGq_7UaL9e5UXZ_ogu0on7mg97LalilomvAkWTf-6hQt7W3HJwj-bn-34VkYAHYrCHS7igaX8xVLdUccq-JC8pF1yLJzQ68tASrEmTy21ewplv4cPr3-RtbOQxR/s320/DSC00501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>I thought this was a cute picture of Kyan actually sitting in a chair. He has his big brother's hat on. Dakota wouldn't wear it but kept putting it on Kyan so here he is. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay2Zhgfzqo7SWZSnpkCREKNJyyX-XoCha-oJOzvzSb6-tpU-JRHVf-TAHFV5ErebF46EBHeZvp5F4VR9Ftr4_4ShCnLAbMG70PHShmiXRbTaFw28lMctBrBtnt5xNnfGqejqot9mbD29a/s1600/DSC00520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay2Zhgfzqo7SWZSnpkCREKNJyyX-XoCha-oJOzvzSb6-tpU-JRHVf-TAHFV5ErebF46EBHeZvp5F4VR9Ftr4_4ShCnLAbMG70PHShmiXRbTaFw28lMctBrBtnt5xNnfGqejqot9mbD29a/s320/DSC00520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>The only flowers I have.. They were given to Dakota from the neighbors. I am surprised I actually remembered to water them on a regular basis and keep them in the sun. After this picture was taken Dakota decided to take all the petals off the smaller flowers. So, now we are down to one flower pot.. I hope the others will grow back. If we can give it plenty of love they should. Maybe I will start a flower bed. I saw a cute way to make a little flowerbed at the flea market this past weekend, so I think I may just want flowers!!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxVpPiVnLJ3y_QNDibcveNAfkhJxe9sAPdYwyLjB-VPF1epyLMAhQFjukzjwrWu3J2XR4hzRiSIcW1YkhWjUUFnvAwrqk9Pa-N9gkMnOcUX9s93KoO5PaHHQLCZD1XSYeGIP9saYXUTc7/s1600/DSC00525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxVpPiVnLJ3y_QNDibcveNAfkhJxe9sAPdYwyLjB-VPF1epyLMAhQFjukzjwrWu3J2XR4hzRiSIcW1YkhWjUUFnvAwrqk9Pa-N9gkMnOcUX9s93KoO5PaHHQLCZD1XSYeGIP9saYXUTc7/s320/DSC00525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Chief. Our wonderful dog. He is cross-eyed. We don't know what happened to him but he seems to manage. It is cute to watch Dakota play with Chief at times. Other times Chief will get in Dakota's face and then I hear the screams and crying. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N99SJ4oqp1dNoT9BR9uG0shv1_v2GrNfGrZq4rDJpcKPeKj7wehaLP97rdv6WX49NglFjSsz6qLU5XZ6Q0SVKfOsInOwNe3BVz5BaQz-x5IOb8TJjECDEztXLGxSDm9H92zsTj9MVfH5/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N99SJ4oqp1dNoT9BR9uG0shv1_v2GrNfGrZq4rDJpcKPeKj7wehaLP97rdv6WX49NglFjSsz6qLU5XZ6Q0SVKfOsInOwNe3BVz5BaQz-x5IOb8TJjECDEztXLGxSDm9H92zsTj9MVfH5/s320/DSC00530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Dakota showing his cuteness. He loves to play outside. I don't think I know a child that doesn't like to play outside. Well I do, but I won't gripe on my blog about that. :) </i><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A picture of our neighbors garden that is just outside our property line. He grows a lot there every year. He is such a nice older gentleman. This year it looks like he has strawberries, potatoes, green beans, and green onions. I am sure he will plant more throughout the season. He seems to have eased up a little this year as far as tending to daily. Not to worry though he has plenty of family in the area to help him out. Plus we are always here willing to help when he needs.</i></div><i><br />
</i>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-67647407411099102282011-03-21T10:04:00.002-05:002011-03-21T11:12:29.000-05:00A day at the Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We were told about this cool new park that we had to check out. So we took Dakota there and he absolutely loves this park. There are so many more things to play on and way more children attend this park. The only downfall I have seen is trying to get Dakota to leave! From the moment we arrive at the park Dakota has a big smile on his face. He really enjoys climbing the wall up to the slide and has perfected this all on his own. I have yet to see another toddler his age climb the wall by themselves. He seems to have the climbing gene. No, not from me. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rG0qKzcroJ8sDZLHTrHmrSA6f7FbdNPFpeXjObvZanNuI1iYymdbS3DtB0EzF8S0vc1HmkgZJpeba_Nbbly_DQONrmIqBEYaejs8UjETCEmKCho_Y5M75jkyQ02Vg82jIxHWE8CMSwNk/s1600/DSC00467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rG0qKzcroJ8sDZLHTrHmrSA6f7FbdNPFpeXjObvZanNuI1iYymdbS3DtB0EzF8S0vc1HmkgZJpeba_Nbbly_DQONrmIqBEYaejs8UjETCEmKCho_Y5M75jkyQ02Vg82jIxHWE8CMSwNk/s320/DSC00467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Just hanging out! He can dangle there for quite a while. Such a strong boy I have!!! This apparatus seems to slide back and forth. Dakota seems to like it somewhat. If daddy stands there holding him he will swing back and forth for as long as his little arms can handle.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlABDhaq9F5a_9rCl0bwfZhi8FIdv0diiwVCv7Zv_6_hcKPAFX3cZeYEvLnSmFZHbJVRsAChdFtMZeSI8Lh4d1gWiIFdFufiiHmGdeell_-0UA52IQq9qMZUZJ9IO9C601d6-vfmVRbm2y/s1600/DSC00468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlABDhaq9F5a_9rCl0bwfZhi8FIdv0diiwVCv7Zv_6_hcKPAFX3cZeYEvLnSmFZHbJVRsAChdFtMZeSI8Lh4d1gWiIFdFufiiHmGdeell_-0UA52IQq9qMZUZJ9IO9C601d6-vfmVRbm2y/s320/DSC00468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <i>A snail that he enjoyed riding on. He doesn't seem to stay on this too long when he sees there is another that he can ride.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rVPn7_eGa0vV7r1BsXpUD5d-XGY90iU1qslomrVnBxJM2JhlzDNHhOwwZFMI-Ip05f-UbpronZI2olJox4b5ILWkzjyemZ1lvxAAhaupGYOFuwJ2YB8rfuxZrv80cyUrVPklEcrfo-_W/s1600/DSC00471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rVPn7_eGa0vV7r1BsXpUD5d-XGY90iU1qslomrVnBxJM2JhlzDNHhOwwZFMI-Ip05f-UbpronZI2olJox4b5ILWkzjyemZ1lvxAAhaupGYOFuwJ2YB8rfuxZrv80cyUrVPklEcrfo-_W/s320/DSC00471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <i>The grasshopper. Liking this one a little more. Smiling away because he can rock back and forth. There is also room for one more.. One day his little brother can ride with him. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK15Hw2f9n5tE6-ogNKRwnsi8DWzKq5zCvajhismKMjpGv2JubrpLipl6kkWCWk0sHa30wZavJPBKOHLFTfw5BSCQv_nZFqEk5NPcDiG_dSrjjFGxj6X_DViEn8dc_QuTKJd5_PbwKNEDb/s1600/DSC00479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK15Hw2f9n5tE6-ogNKRwnsi8DWzKq5zCvajhismKMjpGv2JubrpLipl6kkWCWk0sHa30wZavJPBKOHLFTfw5BSCQv_nZFqEk5NPcDiG_dSrjjFGxj6X_DViEn8dc_QuTKJd5_PbwKNEDb/s320/DSC00479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Discovered sand. He wasn't too sure at first about this, but eased up a little. Dakota seems to like to walk like a little soldier back and forth. Have no idea where he gets that from. It is cute though.</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs9207yqtdeps3D16BgzHhAjJTDOYPIfv8OPUDLF28Nz6gNDlucES20t6xChYeAcVXGrjjDnTONuGCHKL95vcKfV-PJbyu68fu8M8t5B9Ncgpmg9fmGRmBXxnMVO7XIjHVTKvPAzoin7v/s1600/DSC00482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs9207yqtdeps3D16BgzHhAjJTDOYPIfv8OPUDLF28Nz6gNDlucES20t6xChYeAcVXGrjjDnTONuGCHKL95vcKfV-PJbyu68fu8M8t5B9Ncgpmg9fmGRmBXxnMVO7XIjHVTKvPAzoin7v/s320/DSC00482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <i>Kyan even got his share of sand. It seemed like he enjoyed the feel of the sand on his feet. He sat there and watched the sand. I think he was waiting for the sand to do something. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWlDLVtuNpzud_L7inhVeHjo-waMuMShAjKxxBBTgpZX9uD0BA0_qNFMv_NOuEMq0bgj_UMki5-jsxXeXvEd_kUGFU3d1yDLZWM8VC1p7ZmKozNeokBQ6E1Oi6J5IGnQKIhLirkAjCZBp/s1600/DSC00483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWlDLVtuNpzud_L7inhVeHjo-waMuMShAjKxxBBTgpZX9uD0BA0_qNFMv_NOuEMq0bgj_UMki5-jsxXeXvEd_kUGFU3d1yDLZWM8VC1p7ZmKozNeokBQ6E1Oi6J5IGnQKIhLirkAjCZBp/s320/DSC00483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <i>Dakota playing with Kyan, putting sand on his feet. Kyan was too busy watching daddy's boots to realize what big brother was doing. Or he just noticed he had a monkey on his wrist.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdBiWMz1yOrmD8Z7zt1KM1TgFWtjfHnDQbMNmBPY8V-ISQ-UKefyEoNliG-Fj9eVCSKjgw3eP_rvUEvIsDKrqCfLaRj50h67_qU2ADgHKlDyNUq3dwaj4NOFVtX7LawgohpPETT85dkNg/s1600/DSC00485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdBiWMz1yOrmD8Z7zt1KM1TgFWtjfHnDQbMNmBPY8V-ISQ-UKefyEoNliG-Fj9eVCSKjgw3eP_rvUEvIsDKrqCfLaRj50h67_qU2ADgHKlDyNUq3dwaj4NOFVtX7LawgohpPETT85dkNg/s320/DSC00485.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <i>Kyan once again. He likes to eat his little hands and wrists. </i><br />
<i>There are so many other mother's that are there to chat with and so friendly. I even ran into a girl I had met when Cliff and I first started dating. Such a small world. We chatted for a while and then went our separate ways. Hopefully we will run into each other more often. It has been ten years since I had seen her and now we both have kidlets of our own.</i><br />
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</div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-5284795179510958552011-03-07T16:39:00.004-06:002011-03-16T08:05:19.891-05:00No more diapers?<i>We have decided that Dakota is well on his way to being potty trained. It has been a game of trial and error for the past few months but I believe he is getting the idea. At first when we bought his potty he just played with it listening to the music it played. Pushing the button over and over to hear the wonderful sound effects it had. He had even went potty in it once but my excitement pretty much scared him into not attempting it again. We had even bought his first set of big boy underwear with Cars the movie logo on them. He wore a pair once and when he hurt himself while wearing them he didn't want to even go near them for the longest time. I would ask him over and over if he wanted to be a big boy and wear his big boy underwear but he would just walk away and say "no". So, once again I felt like I was back at square one in the training department. </i><i>So we patiently waited and waited for the time to be right where he would decide he was ready to try it again. He eventually decided he would sit on his potty and even use the toilet paper, of course with his diaper still on. So the timing was getting closer and closer to where we would see if he was ready. He would tag along with his daddy to the bathroom at home and even when we were out and about. Holding his daddy's hand and being a big sport watching what needed to be done. Finally this past week I had decided that I thought he was showing more and more signs that he was ready to try it again so I asked him if he wanted to show his baby brother what big boys do on the potty. He went to the bathroom and grabbed his potty and brought it out. I helped him take his diaper off and he sat down. The next thing I hear is the most wonderful sound.. the sound effects of his potty saying he had just went. This time I didn't react as ecstatic as I had previously done. He showed his baby brother and with a smile on his face we went to empty it. He was so proud of his accomplishment that he had decided he needed to go over and over in his potty for the next hour or so. He was awarded with a nice sugary treat and the potty training phase had begun. He decided to wear his big boy underwear and wears them proudly. Even running around the house saying "Vrrrooomm". </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPGGcn5xKR9_NQJRhPtxRHCH3A1M2NR4lYkJoOSWAOtG4mwUphuc1n8Xvo091okP9fQ1OVWu_FCHgVdd1c62dkvFY8Gaix-RCGLBJb1Yt_B1wYRyf332f1dF50egPhuJ5c-XLW9gmWQj6/s1600/DSC00437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPGGcn5xKR9_NQJRhPtxRHCH3A1M2NR4lYkJoOSWAOtG4mwUphuc1n8Xvo091okP9fQ1OVWu_FCHgVdd1c62dkvFY8Gaix-RCGLBJb1Yt_B1wYRyf332f1dF50egPhuJ5c-XLW9gmWQj6/s320/DSC00437.JPG" width="293" /></a></div><i>Notice how his underwear is backwards! haa. He is so proud of himself I couldn't resist capturing this moment. A smiling boy proud that he put them on himself and being such a big boy. Love this kid!! </i>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-6152343967881427142011-03-03T08:19:00.000-06:002011-03-03T08:19:31.627-06:00My baby boys<i>My baby boys are both growing like weeds and I still cannot believe that they are mine. I love them dearly. Dakota is learning to say more and more words each day. We were worried for a while that he had a learning disability.. he wasn't talking by his second birthday. He was evaluated and diagnosed with Developmental Apraxia. There was a speech therapist that was in the area that came out to our house and evaluated him as well and she had said that Dakota is a smart boy. He understood beyond his age group but just was not grasping the talking stage. When she came back the following month to give the final results of his tests I had realized Dakota was beginning to speak more words. So, Cliff and I decided Dakota did not need the speech therapy we had previously thought he needed. Since then, Dakota has learnt many more words and is finally speaking. He has slowly come to realize that words gets him more than pointing and grunting. </i><br />
<i>Kyan is now a 3month big boy. He is growing so much. He can now hold his head and is learning to roll over. He will roll onto his side from his back but hasn't grasped the rolling over from his tummy. When he has his floor time he will move around in a circle under his Baby Einstein gym. He talks to the octopus laughing and giggling to it as he moves. </i><br />
<i>We have discovered a couple alligators in our pond again. So it looks like it is going to be another few months of alligator hunting. The meat that we get from the alligators is so tasty. This year we are going to hunt for them ourselves. I am hoping that we are successful. We have quite a few friends that are willing to help with the catch and the rest of what is done with them. How exciting this will be for the boys to grow up doing. I am thrilled that Dakota and Kyan will get to experience the excitement of alligators. </i>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341756439525171926.post-37457915497473586872011-03-02T12:54:00.004-06:002011-03-15T13:20:28.238-05:00Friends forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkhXPg7CSHUvIfphNFytmMTR29pA0sk3pg8yy5C2rZj_hrCtrRAm3NQv009YM9dLb531Z5b5rKsEi0Nhr1aofVHWixGqxl5ruwbjyVLi6f44tS3RnPdcBK671rtDP1RMn5etix50XlWvg/s1600/DSC00419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkhXPg7CSHUvIfphNFytmMTR29pA0sk3pg8yy5C2rZj_hrCtrRAm3NQv009YM9dLb531Z5b5rKsEi0Nhr1aofVHWixGqxl5ruwbjyVLi6f44tS3RnPdcBK671rtDP1RMn5etix50XlWvg/s320/DSC00419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These two boys will always be friends. Dakota loves his little brother. He is always playing with his feet and hands making Kyan giggle and laugh. Dakota likes to help Kyan getting his toys when they fall or just helping mommy. Life with two boys is definitely an adventure. The more I am around these two the more I fall in love with them. I will always put their needs first and be there for them no matter what. They have definitely shown me the true meaning of love. Pure love. Unconditional love that cannot be broken. </div>mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18153971370415972392noreply@blogger.com0