Soft Ball and Please

Monday evening held my first and last intramural softball game of the season. Above is a picture of all the wives who came.  We had tons of fun watching, and I think Corbin had fun playing.  It was a beautiful sunny day, albeit a tad too chilly to be comfortable.  The Stormin' Mormons lost to the Sweet Bros (that was truly their team name), so we'll have to wait until next season for another game. 

One of the ladies was very much into yelling and shouting, especially at the other team.  There was a moment when her husband made a bad play and everyone got up in arms.  I then realized that I haven't been part of or near confrontation in a long time, because I did a lot of secret blushing and paid more attention to Theo than he probably needed.  All in all, it blew over and no one's feelings were hurt.  I guess I need to go to more sporting events so I can get used to it, because overall we had fun.


Today during lunch, Theo and I started practicing the baby sign for "please."  This meant that he got whatever he wanted if he said please.  Pretty much all he had for lunch was frosted mini wheats and animal crackers.  We had plenty of veggies before the lesson started, so I didn't feel too bad.  After a while he got frustrated, so we were forced to take a break from the yummy snacks.  Folks, it was rough on us, but we made it through. I hope he catches the vision of please soon, because I dread these lessons will turn into teaching him how to throw tantrums (he's already on his way there, unfortunately).

It's a good thing he's stinkin' cute.  If you haven't already watched Theo's Crazy Eyes, do it now. You won't regret it.

Decor Dream Realized

We had the missionaries over for dinner yesterday, which was a fabulous experience, as always.  Every time they come over, they ask what help we could use.  I finally had something for them.

 I've wanted to hang this shelf for many moons, but it hasn't happened... until now.  Watching Corbin and the Elders hang this shelf reminded me of a three stooges routine, but it worked out.

Obviously, Theo was very busy supervising.  He'd give them a whack with the yard stick every once in a while to keep them in line. 

And Voila! It looks great, and being able to put that lamp there helps our lighting situation a ton. (and Mom, recognize that statuette?)

As a post script, I'd like to tell you about an impromptu family outing we had tonight.  In talking to Shelley and Kellie over Skype, they mentioned several different pastries, which put the idea of donuts into Corbin's mind. So after dinner, we drove to our local grocery store and picked up a delicious duo of donuts. Even though it was chilly outside, the sun happened to be shining through the clouds at that moment.  As we walked out of the P&C, Corbin suggested that we go on a drive through a more rural part of Ithaca that he'd discovered recently. We ate our donuts, drove around, and enjoyed the beautiful town we live in.

But most importantly, we were together.  It's delightful getting to talk without distraction, even for those few minutes.  Theo even talked to himself in the back seat. I sure love my family.

It's getting "warm"

 Leslie and I weeded our planters.  There are actually happy plants in there, and not just weeds like we had previously thought! Hopefully we'll be planting some vegetable plants soon.

We decided to do it because it was "warm."  After our hands had frozen numb, we went inside. It was only then I discovered it was like 35 degrees. I did some dishes to warm up, and only the first few minutes were excruciating.

"I'm eating rocks."

Also, I can't remember if I've posted a picture of the giveaway product.  He asked for a remake of the Rat Pack picture, but with Ninja Turtles.  It was an excellent idea, I think it turned out great.

Theo: Property Destroyer

 Spring is finally here!  There are tiny purple flowers in our yard, we actually got rain instead of snow, and it was warm enough yesterday to wear short sleeves outside!  I even turned the heat off in our house.  That's when you know it's legit.

*******

Theo was in his bed. I knew he had woken up from his nap, but I let him hang out in there until he was done.  But I heard a big crash, and I thought his crib had collapsed or something.  I come in and find this:

I knew his blinds had been loose, and I know he likes to play with them. My solution was to roll the crib away from the wall so he couldn't reach it, but I forgot to tell Corbin that. Hence, the crib against the wall and the blinds off the wall. So I get to somehow put his blinds back up. I would normally do something like this while Theo is sleeping, so he won't get in the way, but I have a feeling that wouldn't work out, in this case.

Yesterday we had another mishap. There is a floor lamp in our living room with a glass part on the top.  Or should I say, it WAS in our living room.  Theo knocked it over, and the glass shattered. I was pretty steamed, because it's relatively nice and new. So I snatched up Theo (who was only  in a diaper at the time. It happens. ) And threw him upstairs with the Gullys while I cleaned up the glass.

I texted Corbin about the mishap, saying, "Theo just broke the glass on our nice living room lamp.  I'm trying to keep an eternal perspective."

And his reply, "I'm sorry!  I'm sure it won't be the worst thing he does.  I don't know if that helps or hurts, but I love you a lot."

I'm glad the text started with he was sorry, and ended with he loved me.  The middle part was not so helpful.

But Corbin will be leaving tomorrow to attend a conference in New Orleans.  We are sure going to miss him!  And I hope Theo doesn't burn down our house in the meantime... or ever.
While Corbin is staying in a fancy hotel, eating gumbo and jambalaya, Theo and I will live it up here, watching chick flicks and eating pizza. I think we'll make it.

One more cute picture for good measure.  When your friend comes over for spaghetti, and things get crazy with the sauce, sometimes you have to party in the bath tub. 
At one point, Ava farted directly into Theo's face.  Neither baby cared, but Leslie laughed so long and hard, she cried.  Theo was actually pretty worried about her.  I'm so glad Leslie is my friend; that moment was classic!

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter weekend!  Saturday had the nicest warmest weather we've seen in probably six months.  There was barely a cloud in the sky, and it got all the way up to 50 degrees! Naturally we took advantage of the day and hunted eggs in our back yard.

 I'm realizing more and more the joy of watching your children have fun, instead of actually doing the fun thing yourself.  I was a tad worried that it would be a chore dragging Theo around the yard, making him put eggs in the basket, yadda yadda.  But I had a fantastic time. Theo got to experience walking on our muddy hills.  You'll notice his pants started off tan, then became brown.  He loved finding the different eggs that Leslie expertly "hid" for the toddlers.

There were eggs with goldfish crackers, yogurt drops, and plenty of chocolates.  Theo only busted a few open during the hunt.  He was really good at throwing them in his basket.  I must say, we did practice for a week or two before Easter.

Theo also found a pile of "chocolates" in the yard, and we were too late in preventing one getting in his mouth. Deer poop will fool you that way.  You might be able to see the poop dribble on his chin. 

Of course we had to hunt eggs with Theo's best friend, Ava.  She was all decked out in her springtime wear, and she was quite a good egg hunter herself.

We also had dinner with the Gullys on Sunday.  They are quality people. For those who I have not whined to yet, they will be moving to Illinois in May.  Devastation is the only word that sums up my feelings on that.

Sunday morning, Corbin woke up sick, so Theo and I went to church sans Daddy.  Corbin was also supposed to direct the choir number during Sacrament meeting, so I filled in as best I could.   We sang "That Easter Morn," and I'm glad I could add my musical testimony to the meeting.

 
During church, we talked about Christ, and how his grace can bless our lives.  I know that when we try to emulate his traits, we become better happier people, and grow closer to God.

He is Risen  by President Eyring is a beautiful testimony of Christ and His resurrection.

I know He lives. This weekend was full of fun, friends, family, and the warmth and hope of our Savior.

Molars, Spring Break, and Goals

After two weeks of this face, Theo now has four molars.  I don't blame him for being a total grump; cutting molars must be terrible.  But now that the worst is over (for now), he's back to being happy, cute, and outgoing.

All the commotion has lead to a new sleep schedule, which we are still figuring out.  He still sleeps great at night, and I can't be thankful enough for that.  I'm a spoiled mommy, I know it.

This week is Corbin's spring break.  As many of my Ithaca friends keep reminding me, we are forecasted to get snow every day this week.  In fact, it's snowing right now.  I don't mind though.  I'm in this for the long haul.  If it's still snowing in May, I will probably be upset.

Anyways, spring break.  I have a few goals in mind for this week, and hopefully Corbin will be willing to help, i.e. wrangle a baby.  Admittedly, he is at school right now.  Once again, I don't mind. The whole reason we're here in New York is for Corbin to go to school, and we're lucky that he has this opportunity. I may just be looking on the bright side because Corbin was already my sleep patron by getting up with Theo this morning.

One of my goals is to paint a picture for a pretty nice frame I've acquired recently. It was at church with a "free" note on it, so naturally I took it.  Since I got it at church, I want to paint something spiritual.  But since I'm not skilled enough to try and paint actual people, I'm going to go in a more abstract direction.  It might turn out awful, but maybe not.  Either way, experimentation is always constructive, right?

Another goal is to practice Easter egg hunting with Theo.  I think he'll be great at finding them, so we'll mostly be practicing dropping them in his bucket.  The record high for Easter day in Ithaca is like 63 degrees.  I'm just going to plan on an indoor egg hunt.

A Peek into What I Believe

Theo went to bed an hour early tonight, which meant an extra hour of me time.  Thanks, Baby!

As I was looking through our DVDs, I thought it might be nice to watch The Testaments, which is a historical fiction depicting scenes from the time of Christ in Ancient Israel and Ancient America.  My favorite scene is in the last two minutes of the film. 

One of the characters, Helam, has been waiting his whole life to see the Messiah, only to be blinded during the destruction following Jesus' crucifixion. But when Christ visits as a resurrected being, he finds Helam in the crowd. Helam is instantly overcome with joy at the sound of the Masters voice speaking his name.  Christ heals him and he gets to see his face.

How will it be to hear my name spoken by Christ someday?  I can only imagine how wonderful that will be, and I want to live my life well so that he will know me. I certainly know him, because I recognize his presence in my life. I'm grateful for the joy, peace, and hope I find in believing.

Because of Jesus Christ, my family can be together forever.

Corbin Scared the Tears out of me

This is a sight I see quite a lot.  Theo peeking at me around a corner or through a doorway with Corbin's help.Usually, I love it and think it's really cute.

However, today I did not think it was either. Here's the story.

Corbin typically gets home on the six o'clock bus, so I wasn't expecting him home for another hour. I was washing dishes and singing some good old show tunes from Oklahoma!  That's noisy business.  Theo was doing his own thing, and every once in a while I would turn around and make sure he wasn't getting into too much trouble. 

At one point I turn around and see Theo looking at me around the door, but about four feet off the ground.  In the split second that I saw him, the thought jumped in my head, "he has somehow climbed up onto something, and now he's leaning over and is about to fall to his doom." I gasp, and take a huge step toward him.

And that's when I see Corbin standing behind him holding him up. I guess he had come home and come in without my hearing him. He was trying to be fun and silly, but that unfortunately was not my reaction.

I clutch my heart, take a huge breath, lean over the sink and start to laugh.  But it's the kind of laughter that comes when there's nothing else to do.  I also cried a little bit, but I suppose all this is better than Theo learning how to climb to his doom, at least at this stage.

Moral of the story: Corbin has the uncanny ability to scare me out of my whits without even trying... or meaning to.

Seriously, I'm still shaking.

Theo's First Haircut

 Theo was rocking the baby mullet, and although it was cute, I couldn't handle it.

 So Daddy lured him into the bathroom with youtube videos, I pulled out the clippers, and...

Boom.  Big boy haircut!  It doesn't look much different from the front.  But when he turns around, instead of a baby, I see a little boy!
I love this guy!

Memory Dump (Feb. 14-ish)

I've realized my method for writing posts is this: I look through my photos, and whatever they remind me that we did, I write about.  Here it goes!

I've been working on my Etsy business lately.  I've spiffed up my online look, drawn some new pictures, and fixed up my listings.  The most exciting bit is a giveaway hosted by Mandy at Chocolate and Cream Cake (it starts tomorrow, so get excited!)

I see now that even if my business doesn't boom, I love having it.  It feels good to do something and make it my own.  I like having something that is just for me (not me and the baby, although he tries to help with the drawing... that stinker).

 

Speaking of stinker, he's a bad influence on his best friend Ava. She got to play with us yesterday, and he convinced her to play a trick on me.  They unloaded all the clean clothes from my drawer and filled it with dirty laundry.  Of course, I did watch the whole thing and thought it was really cute, so I suppose it's all right.

They also had an eating contest during lunch time.  Neither of them could stop, because they saw the other still eating.  It was quite funny.  Get some meat on them bones!

 

Last week was full of fun.  Me, Theo, and the upstairs ladies went on a walk when it was "warm." Leslie had the presence of mind to actually bring carrots and apples like we've been planning to do since August. We got to feed the emo horse (thusly named because his mane is always in his eyes, and he doesn't even care), and the babies thought it was great, but also scary. We'll have to do it more often so that it can be just great.

For our Valentines date, Corbin and I went to Lot 10, pictured above... obviously.  There was a free improve night going on, and I was surprised at how many laughs I had.  The line that sticks with me is, "I shushed like I've never shushed before." So good.

Then we went to our go-to dessert spot, Collegetown Bagels. 

Look how much fun I was having!

Just seeing these cheesecakes makes my mouth water.  I can't wait for our next excuse to go there!

I can't deny, the highlight of Valentine's Day was the mail we got from Jack and Lucy Flanagan. They were so cute, and the tattoos were awesome!

Theo tried to pull it off of his skin for a while, but gave up after he realized how awesome it is to have Phineas and Ferb on your arm!

My Valentine

Last night, I was contemplating my piece for writers club this month.  The theme is love, and I had some pretty good stuff planned out. 

After this morning, I've decided to change the trajectory of my piece a little.  I'm totally in love with my husband, and here's one reason...

This morning, Theo decided to wake up at five and be a total grump until nine when he finally went down again.  I went back to bed, just as Corbin was getting up.  I was glad he'd gotten rest, since he'd been a big sicky all weekend.

When I woke up around 11:30, I heard my boys playing in the living room.  Then I heard some scuffling in the hallway, and saw two faces smile around the corner at me.

Corbin was showered and shaved, and the baby had a new outfit on.  I got up feeling a whole lot better, but I was about to have my socks knocked off.

While I was asleep, Corbin had completely cleaned the kitchen.  He'd done dishes, he'd wiped counters, he'd even mopped up the dried-on raisin bran that had been on the floor for a few days (it was a long week, guys).

As a bonus, Corbin had even straightened up the bathroom and cleaned the toilet. Then when Theo woke up, they played so I could keep sleeping. 

I am even more in love with that man than ever. 

Theo's First Birthday Party

 Last Saturday, we invited all of Theo's friends over for a delightful celebration.  It wasn't fancy, but it had all the elements for success: friends, toys, and cup cakes! 

I was a bit nervous that he would get overwhelmed, or too tired after three hours of playing, but he had a ball!  He loved sharing all his toys, and hamming it up for the parents.  He also showed off his new walking skills.  (when the night was over, he went to bed an hour and a half early.)

His birthday was pretty much the first time he'd gotten a sugary treat all to himself, and he learned quickly what delicious things look like.  When I was baking the cup cakes, he was standing at the oven, crying that we couldn't eat them all right then!  But during the party, he had at least one bite of everyone's cup cakes.  I'll bet he had 10 accumulated cup cakes. Joking... but only a little.

Notice Theo begging a treat from Krystal.

Thank you to everyone who came, and for the cool new toys.I hope everyone had as much fun as Theo did!

My Baby's First Year

All of these pictures are in order, for your viewing pleasure.  Look how this guy has grown!

(all the things in quotation marks are from my journal entries over this year)

 

Theodore Leonard Miller

January 23, 2012

9:20 PM

8 lbs 2 oz  21 inches

(after he'd been born and I was resting alone in the delivery room) "I prayed and prayed thank yous to Heavenly Father who helped everything go so well, and who blessed Corbin and I with a perfect healthy little baby."

Things I remember from the first months:  Theo had crazy baby acne, cradle cap, goopy eyes, and I thought he was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

He was also the longest baby I'd ever seen!  He was (and still is) an excellent sleeper, and an all-around happy guy.

6 Weeks: First Smiles

I remember the moment I first thought he smiled at me on purpose.  I had just changed his diaper, and was carrying him from the bedroom to the living room.  I was so surprised and delighted!

"It looks like he's working really hard to make the biggest smile he can.  I feel like he does that since he can't tell me he loves me yet."

 I was also extremely paranoid that he would freeze in our basement apartment with no central heating.

April 22: Theo's Baby Blessing

It was wonderful to have so much family come that day.  I'm grateful that Corbin could bless his baby.  We decided to bless him in the YSA 16th ward where Corbin was serving in the bishopric, an event that probably doesn't happen very often there.

Helping Daddy celebrate his graduation from BYU

May 31: Rolled Over

Corbin and I were sitting on the couch, and Theo was chilling on the floor on his back.  He rolled onto his tummy, and both of us were like, "did that just happen?" So I flipped him onto his back again, and he rolled again!  Of course it would be his style to do back to front first, instead of front to back like other babies.  He's far too cool.

 

 

"He sucks his fingers quite a bit now... It's fun to hear kissing sounds wafting from his bed or car seat."

"We call his burpie cloth his best friend.  Really, it's because it was the first thing he could grab and play with. It's still really cute to see him grab for them and shove them in his mouth.  He's started grabbing for toys a week or two ago (in early May).  It's so fun to see him interacting with the world around him"

His SoCal blood serves him well. 

What a dashing fellow

July 2: First Tooth

We had just finished a 12 hour drive to California and Theo was acting fussy. Who wouldn't be after such a long car ride in a little baby seat? But, surprise! He was actually just popping out his first tooth. Luckily Corbin is a weirdo and sometimes puts his fingers in Theo's mouth just for fun, or we might not have found out for even longer.

 

This guy is a traveling champion.  80 hours of road tripping in only a couple months is no joke, but this 5/6-month-old did marvelously.

 August 13: Pulled Himself Up

We had just set up the crib in our new house, and I put Theo down for a nap.  When I came back in, he was standing at the crib side.  Too bad we hadn't dropped the mattress down!  My first reaction was to run over and grab him up.  My second was to praise him for standing all by himself.

 

He also got his first solid foods in August... and loved them!

 "He is definitely a  people person.  We went to the store today and he smiled really big at everyone who passed.  And if someone didn't look back, he laughed so they would look.  Goodness, it's cute."

 

 

 

Going on walks is really tough work.

Bring it on, Ithaca Winter!

The older he got the more I called him a "little stinker."

Once again, little stinker.

"Mommy's food is always way better than my food."

There's nothing better than watching your favorite program and eating cold pancakes...naked.

 December 11: First Steps

Theo had been standing on his own quite a bit lately. He came with me to book club and I was showing off his standing skills to all the ladies. Our discussion wandered from our assigned book to 50 Shades of Gray and Theo chose that moment to take his first steps.

 

Just within the past couple of weeks, he has started pointing at things he wants, signing "more" along with a few other words, demanding Patty Cake and the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and walking.  He's beginning his journey into toddler-hood.

January 23, 2013

One word that I have read repeatedly in my journal today is "blessed." He has been such a huge blessing in our lives and brought us more joy than I ever could have imagined.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THEO!!!