One more thing...

How could I leave out the most important one!!

One second they are laughing.

They don't get their way (in this case, the camera) and start the obligatory "whine"

And if that still doesn't work, then comes the real tears.

So transparent. Yet, I'm still fooled every time, but am getting smarter :)

Can I help it he still looks so dang cute when he's sad!?!

The things I've learned...

By having a one-year old.

Saying "NO" only makes them run faster and want it more. And he chooses not to listed to the phrase "Come here" half the time. But...if I mention the word "SHOES" he'll come running to me, shoes in tow.

They are full of mischief. Just look at face.

Tanner helped himself to an Oreo when no one was looking.

And they never turn away food...at least not Tanner.

Or a pacifier...in that case...

The louder, the better. Volume control is unheard. If Tanner is happy or sad, he's usually screaming at the top of his lunges. And one morning it was so bad that even Avery said "Tanner is hurting my ears." Yes, we all feel the same way...

And the more destructive...well...watch out. Tanner loves to hammer anything and everything. This drives his dad crazy, while I usually don't mind. Now that the toy hammer has been banned, he's moved to using a wooden spoon. And is very attached - I had to lay him down for a nap cause he had a death grip around it and it wasn't worth the battle.

(PS - Look at the size of that BELLY!)

And he knows he's full of TROUBLE!

Enjoy destroying rather than building with the Legos.

They always knows where the plunger is, it's a sixth sense, even though I get more and more creative with my hiding spots. If a toilet seat is left open, Tanner will notice instantly, find the plunger, and get to work, which then is only followed my more bad things. I hope Tanner's love for bathrooms has nothing to do with his future profession.

Like to leave traces of themselves throughout the entire house - just in case you ever forgot about them. I'll put on a shoe, and find some raisins. Enter the bathroom, and find a roll of toilet paper unwound. Go to the kitchen - and see thee snack cupboards emptied, silverware drawer dis shelved, and pots and pans across the floor. In my purse, it's always full of surprises - either something important is missing or I'll have some mysterious new toy - which really show up everywhere.

Adopted a new pet mixer. He likes to take it for walks all around the house.

Insists upon using fork or spoon to eat, but then just ends up playing with it for 15 mins until it makes it's way into his mouth. And watch out, this is very messy.

And temper tantrums, will there by an end? I feel comforted that the 15-month check-up info had a whole paragraph about this - Tanner can't be the only one. It said to make sure they're in a safe place (ie they are not going to kill themselves as they throw their arms out, fling their backs back, twist in circles) and ignore them. Easier said than done.

And while their energy and excitement seem to be non-stop, it quickly comes to an end when they are not feeling good. When they are sick, they only want one thing, and that is their mama. Tanner had a cold, then an ear infection, then antibiotics that cause diarrhea, and then a yeast infection, and then a bad fever from his shots. He just wanted to snuggle and cuddle - and for once I could forget how big he'd gotten and pretend he was little again.

But I'm only STILL learning...and I'm sure have a ways to go.

Ready to Rock!

Tanner takes this little rocking giraffe to the extreme (just like everything else).

I'm just beginning to see the joys of having a boy. And waiting for it to end in bad news.

shoe fetish

lately, tanner has been obssessed with shoes.

crocs, flip-flops, and hi heals are his favorite, but he'll try anything. the bigger, the better.


but even his own shoes. when he wants to go outside or go for a ride in the car, he'll come running to your lap for you to put his own shoes on.