11 Months Old

Miles is now 11 months old. It seems so little has changed over the last month and at the same time so many small things. He started cruising along furniture, playing ball back and forth, turning the pages in a book. This months favorite activity is stomping on everything. He's either crawl or cruise over to items and then get in a position so he can stomp on it. Such a boy thing!

He also loves the water, grass, dirt and sand. Anything he can get his hands into and he's having a blast. Whether it be splashing or digging. He's also adventurous. I'm guessing another boy trait. For example as group of us moms were at the park with our babies. All the other babies (same age as him) hung out on the blanket while Miles crawled off to investigate the geese near by. I had to go chase him down to stop him from following them off into the lake.

Latest Stats:

• Height: 29 1/2 inches (Lots of growing this last month!)
• Weight: 20 lbs
• Favorite activity: Stomping on anything and everything
• Notes: He now has 4 teeth. The top two breaking thru during the last week in May.

Kiawah Island Vacation

We had a wonderful vacation in South Carolina at Kiawah Island this last week. Here are a few of my favorite pictures. The rest are at the following site if you are interested:

Kiawah Pictures
Stephenson Family Photo shoot in Kiawah

The three of us in the pool.

The whole family.

Geoff & Miles on the beach

with the house in the background.

Camera shot from the porch looking at

Michael & kids playing in the pool.

Fun Moments

Bat Baby...in his Batman PJ's

Helping roll out Dad's tight muscles.

Using Genni as a step

Playing peek-a-boo

Memorial Day Weekend

All 5 of us (Geoff, Miles, me & dog's Austin, Genni) headed down to Geoff's parents house for a long weekend. It was nice enough out that we spend some time playing outside in the water and on the boat. I got a little camera crazy since I actually remembered my digital SLR. Here are a bunch of the pictures.

The rest can be see at: My Memorial Day Weekend photo gallery

Family picture with Geoff, Miles & I.














Miles with his scrunched up nose.














The boys playing in the water. Geoff w/Miles on the left and Josh w/Jacob on the right.







Gerry & Cyndie navigating the boat.









Miles helping Gerry drive.










Josh, Sybil & Jacob relaxing for a quick moment.









Lastly, the sailboat we rescued and pulled back home.

The Self-feeding Disaster

So I'm sure this will become more and more common. Every parents deals with this daily is some house holds. However it was the first time for Miles. The self feeding disaster. I decided to let Miles feed himself some asparagus and butternut squash and this is the result... I can't wait for the one year old birthday cake!

10 Months Old

What a great month with a tough ending. We made a 10 month appointment to get his weigh in. However he had a fever for two days, was very lethargic and then broke out in a rash all over his body so we made our first sick visit. Turns out everything was okay. The problem was Roseola. A viral illness he most likely got from other kids. It starts with a fever and ends with a rash over the body. We then did the weigh in and he passed with flying colors. He had gained almost a pound in a month!! We are still working on his neck rash however. Not sure if it is an allergic reaction or not.

Over this last month I can't believe how active he has gotten. He wants to touch everything, eat everything, experience everything. He has such a joy for life! And this is only with him crawling! I can only imagine walking. He started waving at everyone, loves other kids and can't get enough cheese or rice crakers.

The latest stats:

• Height: 27 1/2 inches
• Weight: 17.8 lbs
• Firsts this month: fast crawling, walking with help, attaching the bookshelf, playing ball with us, waving
• Favorite activity: going after the dogs water dish

Trip to the Reston Zoo

Pictures from top to bottom:

1. All of us mommas and babies at the zoo

2. Miles & I checking out a lamb

3. Our best buds

4. I have no idea, but isn't it cool looking.

Trip to Frying Pan Park

Last Monday Miles and I had a playdate at Frying Pan Park. We met up with Pamela and her son Julian to see some fun farm animals and a tractor ride. Thanks for a fun day Pamela!

We toured the farm and visited with the cows, lambs, pigs, goats, horses, rabbit, turkey, & chickens. Here Miles & I are posing on a tractor with one of the barns behind us.

Our friends, Pamela & Julian, on the tractor pull heading around the park. The park is actually within walking distance from my house. I run through the back side frequently. Who knew there was so many kid activities?

Miles taking a break for some Cheerios. Notice his left hand is stuck in the Cheerio container while his left digs more Cheerios out of his bib.

Popsicle

I just found this pictures and they are too funny not to post. About a month ago Geoff, Miles & I headed to Great Falls Regional Park on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a hike. Well Geoff got me a popsicle so I let Miles try it. He wasn't quite sure what to think. Each time he'd take a bit he'd have a "what the heck is this thing" look but then he'd keep wanting more!

Chopping on some popsicle

Going back for more

The Three Kids

Some mornings, okay most mornings, I feel like I have three kids. Two furry friends and a baby needing oh so many things. The dogs follow me around everywhere until I take them out and feed them. And Miles always needs the usual diaper change, milk feeding, cloth change, solid feeding, etc. Well Wednesday morning the routine started again and I just wanted a break. I was tired of taking care of these three. Plus I had everything else I wanted to get done. Miles has just started climbing the stairs so I needed to vacuum them. I was off in a rush to finish it quickly, then I saw this picture as I worked my way around the corner. All those thoughts melted away. All I could think of is what a wonderful family I have. There were my three 'kids', my adorable three kids waiting for me at the top of the stairs.

Miles' the Explorer

In the last two weeks Miles has done lots of exploring around the house. From all the exploring we have had a few firsts! Here are 3 videos showing what Miles is up to...

Miles finds the bookshelf. Luckily he went for the shelf with his baby books on it.

Miles gives walking a go for the first time.

Miles finds and conquers the first step of the stairs.

Hair Cut

I decided to chop my hair off (again). I was growing it out since my last big chop which was the week before I found out I was pregnant. So it's been 1 1/2 years! At least this time I did it before summer not winter. :) I think it's time to update my blog picture...

Before (CA Trip in early April)

After (Last night out on the patio)

2nd Wedding Anniversary

Geoff, Miles & I on our 2nd Anniversary

Yesterday we celebrated our second anniversary! Geoff surprised me on Tuesday and took me out to Clyde's, one of our first outing together here in Virginia. It was fun going back and reminiscing about the days of past. We realized we have build many wonderful memories together here in Northern Virginia. Thank you Geoff for being the most amazing husband. I am truly in love with you. More today, then yesterday.

On a bit of a whim we decided to reminisce more and head out to Middleburg, VA. Miles had just fallen asleep in the car, so we didn't want to stop. We checked out the town and the Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast where we got married. Above is a picture from the town of Middleburg. I am holding up two fingers to signify our 2nd Anniversary. :)

First Swim Lessons

We started swim lessons last week. On Tuesday Geoff and Cyndie came to job in the fun (from the sidelines that is) so they were able to take some pictures.

Baby pals we hang out with.
Miles splashing away
The whole swim class
Miles & I in the cold water

New Playmat

Juliet helping Miles put the mat together

Geoff checking out the mat with Miles