5-Year Anniversary

Mark and I became Mr. and Mrs. Currie on August 16th, 2008, almost eight years after meeting each other in September, 2000.  I was only 14 and Mark had just turned 16.  We were extremely young, but we knew pretty early on that we were meant to be together. 

 

 

 

 

I surprised Mark with tickets to Chicago for our 5-year anniversary. Ok, I didn't really surprise him.  I had to tell him three weeks in advance so he could schedule a three day weekend away from work.  Yes, I said weekend. Mark's employer has recently ignored American's standard 5-day work week. Those bridges are important folks!

 

Although it was a quick three days, we managed to fit a lot of fun stuff in.  Even two naps!  Yup.  We spent two of our precious hours in Chicago taking naps.  Thanks to my cousin Lisa and a couple coworkers for all the really fun recommendations.  What an amazing city! And thanks to Pops and Mimi (Jon and Mary) for watching Elliott. 

 

 

 

 

 

Such A Helper!

Mark decided to start working on the retaining wall last weekend.  It's been something on our 'To Do'  list for a couple of months now, but we just haven't found the time to do it.  It doesn't help that every "day" project turns into a whole weekend or sometimes several weekends.  Fortunately, this is one project that took less time than we expected.  It was probably all the help from Elliott.

Look Dad, I'm moving the dirt all by myself!

Hmm...I think this length is about right.



The poor kid has his mom's sweat glands!

16 Months

16 Months

 

The monthly email update I get from babycenter.com is no longer "your baby at x month," it's now "your TODDLER at x month."  When did my baby make the transition to a toddler?  Sigh....

 

This new toddler thing has brought about a whole net set of challenges.  He has become very independent and determined (I know I've been saying this forever, but I really mean it this time), and when he can't figure something out he throws a fit.  As much as it's cute because it shows his determination, it's also extremely frustrating.  I always used to pass judgment on the parents in the store who casually went about picking out their groceries while their child was at the end of the aisle screaming "I WANT A SUCKER!"  Now I get it.  I totally get it.  It's so much easier to just ignore them.  Unfortunately, I have quickly found out that ignoring Elliott just makes it worse.  His tantrum time is cut in half if I sit down next to him and talk to him about his feelings.  Who knew you could talk to a 16 month old about their feelings.  :)

 

Elliott now knows how to sign "please."  He pats his stomach with both hands while he looks up at you and smiles.  This gesture is usually made when he wants food or picked up.  He can also say "up" which sounds more like "ah-pah."  He loves to work out with Mom and Dad.  He usually tries to partake in the activities by sitting right next to you, or even on you, when you are doing any type of floor exercise.  How convenient!  

 

Favorite Things:

I think outside time has officially taken over as number one

Basketball is a very close second

Banana and strawberry shakes

 

Schedule:

6:30am - wakeup

8:00 - breakfast

9:30 - 10:30 - nap

12:00 - lunch

1:30 - 3:30 - nap

3:30 - snack

6:00 - dinner

7:30 - bed time