HAPPY 21 MONTHS!

Austin, you are such a sweet and loving child. Mommy and Daddy are so happy to watch you grow and learn new things. You have such a strong spirit and full of energy. Here's a list of the new things you are doing.
NEW WORDS: You surprise us all the time because can say almost anything! You are putting 2 words together and now starting to say some phrases. You are very expressive with your needs and wants. You tell mommy when you want a snack as you say, "SNACK MOMMY!" or you will bring me what you want to eat. You also tell mommy when you're wet or if you have done a stinky. You are a great listener when you want to be. You can follow a two step command and you do that pretty well unless you get side track on something else. My favorite words you are saying are luv you, especially, when you say, "luv you, mommy!" I think it is the sweetest!
YOUR LOVES: You love to pray and say the blessing. You like to watch DVD's and can tell mommy when to press play. You still love Veggie Tales, Pooh, The Wiggles, and Imagination Movers. You like to carry your own set of keys. You dance all the time. No matter where we are if you here music you start dancing. Your too cute! You enjoy reading books and before bedtime we must read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Good night- Gorilla, It's Time for Bed, and How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? before you go to bed. Daddy and I love reading to you. You LOVE LOVE TRAMPOLINES to the point we think you have a serious obsession!! If you see a trampoline you'll say, "UMP! UMP! UMP, MOMMY!" You still enjoy playing outside even in freezing old weather. You usually play nicely with other children. You like to share with children, but not with Emily. You get REAL EXCITED and usually act silly when you meet a new friend. You still have your pacifier, but we hope soon to break you from it.
NEW THINGS: You know when a DVD is over. You can identify people in pictures. You know and can say three colors: blue, orange and yellow. You understand the difference between HOT and COLD and STOP and GO. You enjoy swimming in a heated swimming pool. Last summer you did not enjoy swimming too much. We're thinking it's because you prefer heated water as supposed to cold. You must brush your own teeth as you say, "Mommy, I do it, or Mommy, TEEEEEETH!" You just started playing and interacting with Max. You even let Max pull your socks off your feet when you guys are playing together.
FUNNY THINGS: You will put yourself in TIMEOUT. When you are tempted to do something you know you're not suppose to do. You will say, NO! NO! and then, sometimes you do it anyway. You do not like toys that have fur and moves. You like to fall down and say "O-U-C-H," which is hilarious to you! You back up to your Elmo chair or your recliner before you sit. You like to hide behind a couch, jump out and say, "BOO!" You love to play chase, I think it is hilarious to watch you! You run as fast as you can while you're laughing, and sometimes you run into things because you're not looking forward or you can't stop. You are adorable and your funny ways are so unique! You love piggy back rides and doing HAY STACKS! Your couisins: Jessica, Mattie and Emily taught you how to play Hay Stack! Mommy likes to play too!

OUR DARE DEVIL

Yes your eyes are telling you right! Austin insisted on jumping on this trampoline. Our purpose going to the mall tonight was to see Santa. When walked up to Santa's station, Austin starts pointing and running, but the opposite way of Santa. I soon realized he wanted to jump on the trampoline that throws you up extremely high in the air. I told Austin he couldn't do it as I thought he was too small. He started kicking, screaming, crying, yelling, "UMP MOMMIE! I WAN UMP!" (translation: JUMP MOMMIE! I WANT TO JUMP!) and pointing to the trampoline. The worker said Austin could do it as he weighed enough and most kids his age love it. I'm thinking I've never seen a child Austin's age jump on this thing, and I honestly, I didn't think he would do it. We decided that maybe if we put the harness on him he would decide himself he didn't like it and then we could focus on Santa. That plan didn't work as planned! Austin started jumping immediately and had a big smile on his face. At first, I thought I was going to have a nervous break down just watching him. The worker lets Austin bounce for a few minutes on his own, and then, lifts him a little higher (his feet were at my stomach), and then, a little higher (I couldn't reach his feet, but the worker could), and then, before I knew it he was so high that you could see him from the Food Court. Well at least that's what a lady told us. Austin had an audience as he was the entertainment...FORGET SANTA! :O) Everytime Austin would go way up he would hold his arms up and yell, "Weeeeeeeeee!" or "Wooooooh!" and he waved to everyone! He jumped for about 8 minutes. He loved it! He is such a fun and sweet boy!

WATCH OUR LITTLE BOY FLY!

Austin is warming up here in the video. Our camera ran out of memory space so we didn't get Austin jumping extremely high, but you get to see him jump at the beginning.

DIXIE STAMPEDE

We went to Dixie Stampede Christmas show today with Leigh Ann and Emily. We arrived early to see the Carriage Room Opening Act which was a juggler who kept Austin's attention throughout show. The juggler had good music playing during his acts. Austin loved it! He danced, cheered and clapped for the juggler. His enthusiasm was contagious! Then, we went to the Arena for the show. If you haven't been you need to know the Arena is divided into two sides north and south. We sat on the south side. The food was good and very messy as you eat with your fingers- no utensils allowed. Dixie Stampede was fun filled, action packed and great entertainment! Austin loved it especially all the animals. The Christmas show was definitely worth seeing and I think it's great for children.

I must share something funny that happened to Ty and me! Our sweet waitress asked Ty and I at the beginning to participate in a couples race during the horse race competition event. You know me, I was all over, but Ty doesn't like to get in front of crowds so he wasn't too sure, but we agreed to do it. So, when it's time to go down into the Arena, we are given instructions what we are suppose to do. The south side had two couples, Ty and myself and another couple, and the north side had two other couples competing against us. At this point , I could tell Ty was about to kill me! We walk out in the Arena, I'm waving to Emily and Austin thinking this is going to be so much fun! The guys in the race were asked to chose a horse they wanted to ride during the event. Ty walks up to the horse across from us with a pretty lady sitting on it. Ty said she asked him if he had ever ridden a horse before. Ty told her yes, and then, she said back to him "this is going to be the ride of your life." Then they asked the guys to walk to the middle and they said to them, "you didn't think you were going to ride a REAL HORSE, DID YOU?!?" Funny!! Then comes out four rain deer on broomsticks. I start laughing thinking to myself what have I done! Our new instructions were given to us to race with the other couple on our side in and out of the snowmen barrels beating the north side. I could tell Ty was getting excited. He puts the rain deer between his legs and I do it too. I immediately grab him around the waist thinking we could go faster if I hold on to him, BUT Ty told me not to hold on to him. I'm thinking, okay I have to hold on to something because I could tell Ty was in "winning mode" and I knew he would leave me behind if I didn't stay close. I grab the stick from behind and pull it up giving myself a weggie. I'm thinking great! Before I could tell Ty that idea wasn't going to work the guy yells GO!!! Ty takes off like a WILD MAN (I'm not joking!) and I grab whatever I could which was his sweater. Ty is running so fast and slinging me around. I am laughing as I'm thinking to myself, "Ty, you better not throw me in the dirt in front of all these people!" Then, I noticed Ty's head was down because he was pulling me around the snowmen. That was just hilarious to me! I was happy how involved he got, but shocked at the same time. I didn't think he would really get into the competition like he did. Ty wanted to win so bad, but he blames me because I had on boots and should have wore tennis shoes. MEN! Ha! Ty did a great job! We had a lot of fun together!

PRAY FOR "D"

My mom, we call her D, has had some problems going on since August of this year. We didn't think much of it as she went to the doctor and did everything they said to do. The problem kept reoccurring and the pain got more intense each time. This past weekend mama began to swell around her belly area and just felt terrible. She went to the doctor this past Friday and they referred her to a specialist, but as you know she could not be seen until Friday, December 12th. My parents decided yesterday not to wait and they went to the ER just to have some tests done to see what is causing all her pain. What they found was a mass the size of a softball above her bladder, which is causing the strong pressure and awful pain she has been feeling the past few months. Now, we are waiting to meet with Dr. Steven Metzinger, surgeon, on Monday, December 8th at 9:30am to find out what this is and how serious it may be. My mom is doing okay, but naturally worried as we all are for her. So, I am asking you all to keep her in your prayers. D is my best friend and I love her dearly!

JUST TAKIN' IT EASY!

Ty is very proud of himself finding this adorable recliner for Austin today. He was so excited that he couldn't wait for Austin and I to get home to show him his recliner like his daddy's. When we walked in the living room, Ty and I were saying, "Austin LOOK! Look at your new recliner!" He smiled at us like this is the big deal. Ty couldn't wait to sit him in the chair. When he did Austin started saying, "WOOOOOOOH! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" I guess because the chair sits up high and he didn't know what to think about it. Now, he climbs up in it and sits on his own. He loves his new recliner! Ty you did a great job! My boys are precious to me!

2 FUN BIRTHDAY PARTIES & ANTHONY THANKSGIVING DINNER

We went upstate to celebrate two special boys birthdays and to spend family time with the Anthony gang for our family Thanksgiving feast. Our weekend was busy, fun and eventful to say the least. On Saturday, we went to Caden's 6th birthday party. He had a climbing party with tons of friends and family there to celebrate his big day with him. We all had a blast as we climbed a rock wall, bounced on various jumpers, ate pizza and cake. Austin had a blast climbing and that's one of his favorite things to do.

Later that afternoon on the way back from Caden's party, Austin took a short nap (thank goodness) and then we went to Cade's birthday party. We had a great time at Cade's party as well. Cade was adorable with his own personal Cocky suit as he wore with pride. Cade's face was priceless when the real Cocky came out to celebrate his special day with him. He was shocked, but was very excited to see Cocky! We all had a great time with Cocky and took turns taking pictures with the number one MASCOT.

On Sunday, we went to the Anthony family Thanksgiving dinner at Grannie's house. We had a wonderful time catching up with everyone! It's always interesting getting everyone together considering it's mostly boys and you never know what you will hear or see. I love them all! I will post family picture we made today soon. Here are a few pictures of our weekend upstate.

Stephanie, Caden and Andy...Who hoo Caden's 6! Caden and Ty racing up the wall. It was close, but Caden won! :o)
Papa Tommy and Austin climbing up wall. Go Austin GO!
Daddy and Austin going down slide.
Mommy and Austin eating cake...yummy!
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY CADE! Serious Gamecock fan!
COCKY and CADE...too cute!

Austin LOVES Cocky! Austin laughing at Cameron making funny faces!

HAPPY 20 MONTHS!

Austin,
Daddy and I can't believe you are 20 months today! We are amazed you are only 4 months away from 2 years old. We are enjoying watching you grow. You are our entertainment and we adore you so much. Here's a list of the new things you are doing.

You are very independent as everything you say is "I DO!, I WANT!, and I HELP!" You are definitely a boy that must do everything on his own. We are so proud of the big boy your are becoming.

You are starting to show your bashful side to others. You use to talk to anyone or go to them, but now you are more hesitant. Even though you are shy you are still one of the sweetest boys and most loving boys I know.

You are wearing 18 months to 24 months clothes and size 5.5 or 6 wide shoes. Woo hoo! Yes, I said wide. You have a very wide foot. We can't believe how much you have grown over the past month.

You are still a dancing machine. I love it because mommy also likes to dance. When you hear music you like to dance, sing and play your guitar. It's so much fun to watch!

You are talking and saying so many words. I love to hear your sweet voice. You also giggle all the time. You are a happy and friendly child.

You ask the blessing during meal times and say your prayers before nap and bed time. You just melt my heart!

You understand the difference between hot and cold. You will tell me if something is hot and you will blow on it to cool it. When you drink a cold drink you will tell me cold.

You like to march when you're walking. I guess that came from preschool or music class. It's hilarious to watch you because you take the biggest steps to march. You are so proud of yourself that you giggle when you march.

Mommy and Daddy are so thankful that God blessed us with such a sweet and special little boy. You are special to us and we are so grateful to have you in our lives. Always remember how much we love you and how proud we are of you. You are a joy! We love you! Mommy and Daddy

HALLOWEEN

Halloween was great! We started our Halloween fun with Snow White (Emily or "E" if you ask Austin) at Broadway at the Beach. Austin and Emily had so much fun Trick or Treating together! Austin was full of personality! They both were super cute!

Austin ready to go Trick or Treating...

This is a cute picture because Austin said, "CHEESE" to get candy instead of Trick or Treat... We had to stop and smell the pretty flowers.
Austin having a good time dancing to music.
My cute Carolina football player and me.
Austin throwing his USC football to daddy.
Happy and Excited BOY or maybe just a SUGAR HIGH!
After we left Broadway, we went to our good friends Britton and Jason's church carnival and had a blast there too! Austin loved all the different games he played. He even insisted on playing some twice. Emily had a good time, too!

Austin throwing a bean bag into the whole. He loved this game! I think it's because he sees his parents and neighbors playing Cornwhole all the time.
Austin wasn't too sure about this game. He grabed a duck, looked at it and then throw it back in the pool. The whole time he was saying "QUACK, QUACK". Finally, he gave the lady his duck so he could get his prize. Then, he tried to get in the pool to go for a swim. He is such a Funny Boy!
Basketball Toss with Daddy. Austin loves basketball!!
This game I didn't get a picture of him doing it because I was afraid he was going to cry. What you do is sit on a balloon to make it pop. Then, you get the number that is inside the balloon to claim your prize. Well, lets just say Austin is not afraid of popping balloons! He loved it and wanted to do it again and again. He did win this adorable stuffed ZEBRA!
We ended the night at Papa Lee and Nana's house. Austin standing at door peeking in saying, "NANA...PAPA...NANA DOOR!"

I took this picture before preschool on Thursday (day before Halloween). Austin enjoys his school so much that when you say it's time to go that's all that matters. He did not want to stop and say "cheese" for a picture. He said, "No Mommy! Go Mommy!!"

This was the Monday before Halloween at Emily's dance class Halloween party! Austin had a great time watching the girls dance. He even tried to dance with them. Ha! We had a great time at the party, too!

HAPPY 19 MONTHS

My Sweet Austin,
You bring so much joy to me in so many ways! You have been such a blessing to your daddy and me. We are so thankful that we have been blessed with a sweet, loving, smart and cute little guy like you! It breaks my heart to say you are no longer a baby, but instead you are a toddler that keeps me extremely busy! You definitely keep me on my toes to say the least! You amaze me everyday how much you can do and say that it's hard for me to list them all, but I am going to try.
In the mornings you wake me up calling my name, "Mama! MAMA!" or you will talk and giggle at yourself in your crib before you start to call me to come get you. When I walk in your room you reach for me, love on me with your head on my shoulder, and pat my back with your hand. You like for me to hold you for a minute or two before I change your diaper which melts my heart! After I change your diaper you tell me "stink stink" and you put your diaper in the trash. You say "E" for TV and want me to turn on The Wiggles. Most of the time you like to sit in your Elmo chair and drink your milk before we eat breakfast. The Wiggles, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Imagination Movers are your favorite shows. Your favorite characters are Mickey Mouse as you say, "Micmic" and Elmo as you say, "Melmo"...so cute!
You are becoming very independent and love to do things yourself. I love how you are starting to understand what I am saying and follow instructions a lot easier. During meal times you like to feed yourself with a fork or spoon. You are still messy with feeding yourself, but you are doing great! Before we eat you always remember to say your blessing. You say, "God" and then, mumble some words, and then say, "Ahmen!" Mommy is so proud of you! You eat every good during breakfast, lunch and dinner. You especially love snack time, but you insist on having your snacks in a bowl and sometimes you think you need a spoon ("poon! poon!") even if you don't.
You love to play with other children and starting to share more and more. I love to watch you interact with other children. You are sweet, energetic, bubbly and always smiling when you play. You love to chase your buddies outside, play hide-n-seek with Emily and chase her, too. Your personality is coming out more each day. You love to laugh and always wear a smile on your face. You like to wave to everyone no matter where we are and say, "hello." You give about a million high fives per a day (I wipe your hands a million times, too!) and blow a ton of kisses to everyone that we see! I think it is awesome how friendly you are to others. You love for me to take you picture as you say, "CHEESE"! If someone else is taking a picture you say cheese and give a silly smile. A few weeks ago when we were at MUSC for your checkup another mother had her Blackberry like your daddy's and you walked up to her and screamed CHEESE! You wanted her to take your picture! I think you scared her at first and of course your daddy and I thought it was hilarious and precious!
You are a great listener! I'm not saying you don't try me because you do, but if I ask you to do something you usually listen. The times you don't listen we put you in time out. You do great as you sit in your spot and don't move. Usually you cry and call for me, but when your time is up you say, "luv you, mama" and rest your head on my shoulder. Yes, it breaks my heart, but I keep telling myself you must learn that no means NO!
Bath time is so much fun with you! You like to splash, throw toys in the tub to make a bigger splash and you say "crash." You are starting to try to bathe yourself and wash your hair after I have done it. You like to wipe your face with the washcloth and blow bubbles in the water. After your bath, you brush your teeth sometimes twice because you love to brush your teeth. You will scream "teeth mama!" I fix you a sippy cup of milk and you bring me your favorite books for me to read. You still like "Brown Bear Brown Bear", "It's time for Bed", "Goodnight Gorilla", and "Five little Monkeys." Oh, you can count to two! Yeah! It's so cute because you will say one, two and hold up one finger with both numbers. :o) Too cute! After daddy or I read your books we say it's time for bed and you give us a night night kiss. Daddy and I will say a prayer with you, and then, you say your own prayer. I think it is adorable!
You are a favorite in preschool! Everyone tells me how cute and sweet you are in class. They also inform me that you are a ladies man. You like to play with your friend, Brooke, and try to dance with her during dance time. I love it! I wish I could be a fly on the wall to see that! You are learning your colors and already know the color blue. Mommy is so proud of you!
You are my smart little fellow! You can say more than 50 words! We are happy that you are putting two words together and starting to say phrases! You are a smart little guy! You are still taking Kindermusik and lovin' it!
You are the light of my life and I thank the Lord for you every single day. I love you more then any words could ever describe and I love being able to spend every day with you. Watching you grow up is my greatest joy.
With all my Love,
Mama

OUR TOUGH GUY!

Last Thursday, October 16th, we made a quick trip to MUSC for Austin's outpatient surgery which was scheduled the next day. Although it was an outpatient surgery and a common procedure, Ty and I were extremely anxious, nervous and worried. When we arrived, we played tourists for the afternoon, had a wonderful dinner and then tried to get some sleep, but you know Ty and I didn't sleep a wink! Friday morning Austin could not eat or drink until after surgery which was scheduled at 12pm. So, we had a lot of time to kill before we could go to the hospital. We were surprised and thankful how well Austin did with not asking for food or drink the entire morning. (I prayed for weeks for God to give us strength during Austin's surgery and He blessed us!) When we arrived at the hospital we put Austin in a tiny hospital gown, gave him some sleepy medicine that the nurse gave us, and then, held him until it was time for him to go back to the operating room. I have to say handing your child over to someone and trusting them with your child is VERY hard to do! I had this strong urge to take him from the nurse, run out of the hospital and not look back! The surgery took about 2 hours which was longer then normal, but everything was fine. After we spoke to Dr. Aaronson, Ty and I were able to go to the recovery room to sit with Austin. We stayed there for about 1 hour and then were discharged. Let me just say that we have a tough little guy! The doctor expressed how much pain Austin would be in and how he would not have any desire to play for the first few days. Well, that was not the case with our little tough guy! He bounced right back within hours! I could not believe how well he did! We went back yesterday (Wednesday, October 22nd) for a check-up and everything looks great! Ty and I want to thank you all that prayed for our little guy! We are strong believers of prayer and know how powerful it is. Also, thank you for all the calls and cards, too! We truly appreciate all your thoughtfulness during this time!
And a special thank you goes out to Austin's grandparents: Nana and Papa Lee and Nonna and Papa Tommy as they joined us Thursday and stayed until Friday. We really needed you guys there and it meant the world to us having your smiles, love and support! Thank you! You're the greatest!

SNIP...SNIP...AUSTIN'S 1ST HAIRCUT

Austin had his first haircut with my dear friend, Mary Ann, who also cuts my hair. I wasn't sure how our first haircut experience would turn out, but it could not have been any better. Austin was fantastic! When we arrived, she played with him for a few minutes to get him comfortable with her. Then she let him hold a red toy which made him happy and occupied him for the first few minutes.
I was stunned how still he was when she started trimming his hair. At first, Austin didn't talk or move his head. I thought he was afraid, but that didn't last long. Once he knew he was ok he started smiling, talking and gave high fives. Overall, he was great! We did trim his bangs, over his ears, and a little in the back. He still has his cute little curls.
You know I had to save his hair we trimmed for keepsake.