Changes, changes, and more changes.

Okay... so it has been forever since we have posted anything, and there has been so much going on. Where do we begin...

First, we must say "Happy Fall" to everyone. Hopefully everyone is adjusting to these cooler days and "darker" nights. I know this time of year is not my favorite, I hate how dark it gets so early, but love, love, love the holidays! So, I guess you have to take the bad with the good.

As for all these changes, let's see... we have renovated our house. It is awesome! It is almost done. I just love it! We painted the inside, replaced the carpet, put up new window treatments, and re-decorated Tanner's room. We have been busy, but what a difference it has made. I will post before and after pictures soon.

Tanner is getting so big! He runs (it is adorable) and has so much to say. The only words that we can really understand so far, include: Mommy, Daddy, Goggie (for Doggie), Tanks (for Thanks), More and Uh-Oh. No matter what he says, it is so adorable. One of his favorite things to do right now, aside from playing peek-a-boo, it to grab a book and come up to you, turn around and sit in your lap. It is ridiculously adorable! I love it! And there have been a few occasions, that I have found him sitting in his room with a book in his lap flipping the pages. He is so smart! Just recently, Nate and I were talking... and it might be time for his first haircut. It makes me sad, because what will probably happen is he will lose those beautiful blonde curls. :( We will see... I am trying to hold out as long as I can.

As for me, I am no longer blonde. I know, I know, a shocker. But I was due for a change, and this is what happened. I like it! It took me a bit to adjust, but it has definitely grown on me.

Lastly, please enjoy some fun Halloween pictures! This year was the beginning of many "family themed costumes". This year, Tanner was the most adorable duck and we were hunters! It was hilarious! Tanner only made it to two houses, but then we went to an annual Halloween party at a friends house. We had a great time! Next year will be even more fun, as he will probably want to actually "trick-or-treat". Too fun!

Not such a happy duck, when woken up from a nap.

Are those webbed feet adorable, or what?

Look at me! I'm a duck!

Whoa! How am I supposed to walk in these?

I think I would like to take another nap...

Baby Duck and Daddy!

Happy Baby Duck!

Baby Duck and Doggie loves!

Please don't eat me Mr. Hunter!

The Kees and their Baby Duck!

Happy Halloween!

Tanner's 1-year stats!

Tanner had his 1-year old big boy check-up today. He is 24 lbs. and 15 oz. and 31 inches long. He is in the 78th percentile for weight and the 83rd for height. He is growing so big and strong. And he is doing great, according to his doctor. But we already knew that. :)

When the doctor came in, Tanner was shy at first (I know, our Tanner shy, I don't think so), but then he warmed up. He was very curious about everything he was doing. Tanner was showing the doctor that he can share, was walking around the room, and talking to him. It was pretty cute. Though he screamed when he got his four shots, our little man is a trooper. We are so proud of him.

It was truly amazing going to this appointment. I felt like we were just there for his two-week check-up with this brand new baby and here we are letting our little man walk into his one-year appointment. Man how time flies! We are still so in love...

Tanner's 1st Birthday Party!

What do you think... my very first Elmo cupcake cake? Not too bad. :)

And a special #1 cake for Mr. T!

It was a little overwhelming for him...

So we gave him a cupcake instead.





It is just so exciting!

I am so happy all my family and friends were able to come.

Thank you so much for my singing Elmo! That is exactly what I wanted!

Some of my friends...






Tanner trying to get around in heels... thanks Keely!

One cool baby!

And after a wonderful day... this is how it ended. :)

Thank you so much to everyone! We had such a great day! XOXO

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

My dearest baby boy,

Words cannot express the love I have for you.
The poem says it best...

Before you were conceived, we wanted you.
Before you were born, we loved you.
Before you were an hour old, we would die for you.
This is the miracle of love.

From the moment I met you, you amazed me. Today, on your 1st birthday, you still amaze me... more than you will ever know. Thank you for blessing my life. I love you!

XOXO,
Mommy


Dearest Tanner-
Your first year of life has been one of the best years of my 30. It has been an absolute blessing to be a part of your picture show. Keep the laughs coming. You'll never walk alone. I love you too! (Mommy stole my line!)

H&K's
Daddy

Happy Birthday Daddy!

WE LOVE YOU!

TODAY AND ALWAYS!

XOXO

New "tricks"!

Tanner is amazing! I know most parents think their child is amazing, but he is. :) Tanner has taken a liking to putting his toys away when he is done playing with them. It is the cutest thing ever. I guess showing him and talking to him about picking up after ourselves was actually worth it. Not only does he put his toys away in the living room, but also in the bath tub when we are done. Too cute!

Lately, his "cleaning up" skills have taken a new level. He will put anything, and I mean anything, in the garbage can. It is soooo cute! He puts the magnets in the garbage, his blocks in the garbage, his paci in the garbage and his sippy cup in the garbage. Although I don't enjoy digging everything out and cleaning it up, it still makes me laugh. Lately, he has been cleaning the bedroom too. He takes my shoes and puts them in my bedside table drawers. It is hilarious! Don't worry, I have it on video. If I could ever figure out how to post videos I would share. He cracks us up. I guess it is time to teach him the big cleaning skills... like sweeping, dusting and mopping. :)

Watching him learn and explore is amazing. It makes us wonder what we ever did before Tanner was a part of our lives. He is so entertaining. We are having so much fun!

Guess who took his first steps today?

Our little man is growing up so fast. I came home from work today to find Nate and Tanner playing on the floor (a pretty normal occurance). However, this time Nate had a funny look on his face. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I just sat down beside them and started playing too. Next thing I knew... Tanner took between 4-5 steps to me! I couldn't believe it! I was so excited and happy for him! I am so proud. I can't believe it... our little man is now walking. Now I know what the smirk was all about. ;)