17 months.

Our little 17 month old loves:

• Flushing things down the toilet and then saying "duh duh" in an "all gone!" tone.  What he's flushed/tried to flush so far: toilet paper he pulls off the roll, a tampon with the wrapper on, a big bottle of listerine, and one of my nikes.  These are just the things that have actually made it into the toilet.
• Climbing up on the coffee table and walking backwards.  Yes, he falls and no, he's not allowed to even be up there.
• Emptying out any cabinet he can find in 30 seconds flat.
• Throwing a full out stomping, crying, yelling, temper tantrum because I won't put on my silly-looking shop glasses right that second.
• Anything to do with being outside.  He's always been happiest outdoors.
• Fighting his way out of the high chair.  He would rather eat on the go - one bite at a time with playing in between.  This is not good for Mama.
• Giving Mama and Dada loves and kisses.  He is SUCH a good snuggler and will randomly come up to you for a hug or kiss.
• Praying.  He folds his arms as soon as I put him in his high chair at mealtime.  He will also randomly fold his arms, close his eyes, and mumble gibberish throughout the day.
• Swimming.  This boy loves the water.
• Making a really stern face, scolding me with his finger and shaking his head "no" when he knows he's doing something he shouldn't be.
• Getting super frustrated and whining/yelling if he can't figure out a task right away - like putting the lid on a tupperware by himself.
• Pointing to things and saying "ttttt" (that) so we name what it is.
• Skipping his afternoon nap.  I think we're down to one nap a day.  Sad day for Mama.
• Climbing up on anything he can find and figuring out different ways to slide or climb back down.
• Waiving "bye" to Dada in the morning and blowing lots of kisses.
• Eating black beans, cookies, smoothies, bananas (only if he can hold it and pull the peel down himself), peaches, and pretty much any meat (takes after his dad, not his mom on this one).
• Opening and closing doors.
• Dancing.  He loves music.
• Animals - especially doggies.  If he sees one or a picture of one he will say "mmm mmm!" in a "ruff ruff!" tone.  He will also say "cack cack" for a duck sound and does a perfect fishy noise.
• Saying "mama", "dada", and mimicking the tone of "uh oh".
• Signing "all done", "more", "please", and "thank you".
• Pointing to his nose, eyes, ears, mouth, and toes.
• Shaking his head "no" at me for pretty much anything I ask him.

Here are some random pictures from this summer:

Reed is such a good boy.  He's really the highlight of our life.  We love him tons and although he's turning into a true toddler, he is a joy to be around.  He has a happy, chill countenance even when he's teething or sick.  He's even funny when he throws a fit (mostly because it's over the silliest random things).  We love our Reedy Roo Bear!  Can't believe he's 17 months already!

3 Years Into Eternity...

"YES", this is a blog about my anniversary and "YES", you're about to see some really old and fun pictures of my Cbug. This is a 2005 photo, back when we were young and I didn't have a double chin or 3 knee surgeries, and we had enough energy to stay up past 10pm! Times have changed!

Here's a picture when I half jokingly asked Candace in 2007 if she wanted to fly to Las Vegas with me to buy a pickup truck. She said "yes". You could tell we had a lot of fun on the plane.

And on the ride back to AZ...Candace and I dated 4 times before tying the knot. I'm glad we both came to our senses and committed to marry. Our little chunker, Reedy RooBear is the sunshine in our day.
Its common knowledge that Candace is in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having the world's prettiest blue eyes....but did you know that she also holds the record for the world's most beautiful skin? I joke with Candace that in 3 years of marriage I don't think she's ever had a pimple or blemish!She's always had a classy way about her. It definitely pulled me in.

There is a lot I can say about my wife. I think the best thing that I could ever want is exactly what Candace is, TRUE | COMMITTED | TALENTED | BEAUTIFUL | SOO SMART | CARING | FOCUSED | and TRYING TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD.

I love her soo much. I need to work on telling her more often. Happy 3rd Year, Cbug! Only 999,999,999,999,999 x 100 more years to go!