earth

He's got the whole world in his hands.

Indian Chant

Journal Entry: 7 April 2011

Yesterday Rivers found his wild "Indian" roots. He's ready for a camp fire, some drums, and plenty of colorful war paint because he's got his call down pat. I first heard it while my back was turned preparing his lunch - in an attempt to entertain himself he began his Indian Chant. I was so excited.  So with all the praise and Indian chant replies he has continued to do it since. It's super cute how he performs his call. As most of us yell out with our hand straight, palm facing our mouth and moving our hand back and forth, his hand slightly dangles in front of him, and he uses the back of his hand/wrist to create the glorious sound. Between his own hand version and the mixture of baby yell, the Indian chant is simply adorable. 

Anyways, it's now our game in the car when the drive is getting a little boring, during dinner, on the changing table, in the tub, and whenever things just need a little spicing up. No wonder Indians did it during celebration. A little "aaahhhh . . .. aahhhh. . ..  ahhhhh" could make any party more exciting. 

I've never done video before. So watch out, I talk like crazy behind the camera (that's what I do when I shoot photographs . . . and in real life. So to suddenly be silent really throws me off :). Anyways, I love the footage of Rivs in a video. Something that words and still photographs just can't capture. I wish I had started this earlier. But you know. I'm learning. There's something super special about capturing the words, laughter, and personality of your growing child. I know I'm going to love this stuff years down the road. Or even next month. *enjoy* 

My first video:

Post Script: While watching this video Rivs got super stoked and joined himself for the Indian Chant. So cute.

Battle of the Peeps

When Canberra was just a pup, we bought her a pack of stuffed peeps for Easter. Every year she anticipates the return of the peeps. She goes nuts over these stuffed, bouncing, sugar coated marshmallow imitation birds. Much to her disappointment, she realized she not the only one who thinks these toys are awesome. Hence, the battle of the peeps begins. Rivers vs. Canberra. 

10 months old

Look who's reached double digits! My baby boy is already 10 months old! And what a fabulous 10 month old he is! This month has been so much fun. He is eating just about anything these days, which equals loving food (hopefully that'll bump up he's 3 percentile body weight :) and he is a regular speed demon. He can crawl so fast it's insane (especially if he's setting out to go somewhere he knows he's not suppose to, or he thinks he's been caught in the act. example: eating a magazine, hears Ben's voice, he drops the ripped up  magazine and goes full speed opposite of the voice. So funny. It's amazing how that instinct of "being caught" is so natural. The kid has never gotten in trouble. But he still knows to run. ) Anyways, he is so funny. He now starts laughing when we are laughing. He has no idea what it's about but he sure enjoys being a part of things. He waves all the time. It's absolutely adorable. We just hung up this photo of him on his wall, and this morning we said "who is that" and he started waving to himself. He's not walking yet. But he can totally stand. He just doesn't know it. And when he realizes he's standing he reaches out for me or just starts laughing which makes him fall over. He's into this sharing thing. He finds some random thing, gives it the old taste test, then holds it out to me and waves it, tempting me into a taste test as well. When I give his item a bite, he laughs and laughs. It's the funnest thing watching this little boy grow. He makes life 100%.  The friendship we're developing, and seeing his amazing personality unfold, is like nothing else.  I feel like I can never get enough of my Rivers. I always want to play with him. He is my best little buddy. It's true, the whole family is completely smitten by him. Love you Rivs!

Play time! Rivs loves to push his new train, Grandma Sharon gave him. He pushes it everywhere. A new sense of freedom, I guess. And climbing the printer, that's still sitting on the ground, is pretty much awesome.

I'm in love with his eyes. (no photoshop necessary!)

Enjoying my favorite ski town: Frisco Colorado.  And Rivs checking out the clothing company which features his name.

Sunday afternoons = Play time with dad . . . The best!

Testing his negotiation skills on Canberra. "My chicken ring, for your ball." . . . shot down! Another no go, from the Pooh. You gotta' add spit-up to make your offer more appetizing, Rivers.

Books, books, books and more books. The kid can't get enough of them. Story time is the best time. (PS excuse my old lady attire. . . had  a surprise abdominal surgery, and pants hurt like crazy to wear)

Daddy's little helper.

Getting in to repair the oven.

Or at least turn work into play. 

9 months!

Look who's nine months old!!!!! Yep, little man Rivers turned nine on Sunday. And he's happy as can be about it. Goodness has this past month held lots of excitement for him. The world is in his hands and boy is he enjoying it to the fullness. He's into just about everything: boxes, cabinets, Canberra's kennel (which she has been more then patient about . .  . way to go Canberra!), phones, make-up/brushes, Ben's important files (teaching us, rather quickly, to put everything very, very high). He loves crawling under things, like his crib, the chairs, table whatever - I think he imagines he's caving or Indiana Jones or something :). He's determined to one day get into the bathroom attack Canberra's food and water, and eat the cleaning brush by the toilet - so far we have been successful on catching him before the latter happens. On Sunday he climbed an entire flight of stairs, and his walking has become very proficient (when holding onto both of our hands). He's also awesome at holding onto a couch or a table or whatever is fairly long and walking across the entire thing, then taking our hand and going to the next obstacle, pretty cute. The kid is not afraid to make multiple efforts everyday to let go of whatever he's holding onto and attempt a stand - each time failing miserably - which explains the endless scrapes and bumps on his rather bald head. 

Of all the toys Rivers has, his most favorite thing, are books. He is so so so in love with books. It's absolutely adorable. Every time we sit down on his brightly colored mat and he sees me choosing a book he begins this super funny laugh, and begins to wiggle his wrists (like he's leading an orchestra - the same thing he does when he's hungry, so funny) then gets settled in to enjoy the story. It use to be one book before each nap and with all effort possible a book before bedtime. Now we are up to at least 4, 5 and sometimes 6 books before each nap and before bedtime. And even after book number 6 he still complains when I put it away. I now have every book on the shelf memorized and since it is impossible to afford books to keep up with his high demand and my need for sanity we are emptying out the public library to keep us both entertained.

This is such a fun age. He's understanding so much! And he plays so many games. His favorite game probably isn't the best one, but we all enjoy it. We do the same thing that we do to Canberra, we say "I'm going to get you" and he takes off crawling as fast as he can and then we catch him and tickle him. And he laughs and laughs. The other thing that Rivs loves is climbing up us. He holds onto our hands and walks straight up us, he's determined to climb on top of Ben's head one of these days. :) He also enjoys pushing everything off of whatever is on the table or couch that he sees. He also loves to see pictures - mostly of himself (weather it be on my camera - so most of my photos are now of him racing towards me, or on the computer). Every time he sees one he begins laughing and tries to grab it. So everything I have is now covered with slobery finger prints. :) Anyways. It's been a really fun month with Rivers. We enjoy this kid so much! It's fun to be building such an incredible relationship. We love him more than words can say! 

Discovering Canberra's Kennel. One of his favorite places to explore.

Rivers tries blueberries! Now his most favorite thing in the world. - Canberra has learned that puffs are delicious and Rivers loves the attention. So the high chair snacks have begun (time to keep an eye on my little dogs waist line :) 

A couple weeks ago Rivers began sticking things in his mouth to take it along with him. It's the funniest thing. He'll tote toys, spoons, heavy figurines, socks, combs, whatever he thinks is pretty sweet and plans to keep for the long haul. 

sick

This week has been a rough week for our little friend. Monday, he came down with a bad bug: high temperatures, vomiting, diarrhea, you know, "the works." Eating went completely off, and sleeping, well he slept a lot but all off schedule, putting me into a confused panic (I hate playing the guessing game. Schedules are great because you know why when). Anyways, trying to pamper my little friend, I decided, since he needed his rest, I would turn on a movie for him - like I enjoy doing when I'm sick. Just stare at the TV in the middle of the day, and usually fall asleep. Well, Rivers, a whole different story. Rest, my foot. Goodness, that boy thought "Veggie Tales" was something out of this world. He's jumping up and down laughing, crawling over to the TV to try and grab the talking vegetables. 

Maybe it's the fact that he's never really seen TV before. Or maybe it's just the age. Probably the veggies. I don't know. I also don't know how I feel about letting a 8.5 month old watch TV. Not that it will become a habit by any means. I just hope I didn't kill some brain cells that day. I don't know. I'm sure to all the veteran moms reading this blog, it's so blantly obvious this is my first child. But I really do stress about EVERYTHING. I try to be chill with everything, but inside I'm bursting with nervousness. I just  really don't want to mess up. Anyways, today Rivs appears to be doing a little better, although his eating has gone to pot. We've worked so hard to boost up his weight (we've got a very skinny guy on our hands) and now, a week and a half before his doctor's appointment, I think he's dropped a few pounds (okay hopefully not that much, but he does feel significantly lighter). 

Little Rivs sleeping off the bad bug (I've recently allowed his bunny "Baxter" to snooze with him - he loves Baxter. And yes, I know, I am getting brave :)

The Days before Rivers got Sick:

Two of a kind: entranced by our neighbors - The Squirrels

Our little climber

We hung up this mirror on Rivs level. He loves it. Mostly because he can crawl over, climb up and slobber all over his reflection whenever he wants to. He also can't help but burst into laughter whenever I hold his hands and he can see himself walking towards it. I love it because for some reason the slobbery mirror is simply adorable to me. I don't know if I can say it enough, but I love being a mama. 

7 months

Yesterday marked Rivers' 7 month birthday. To finish the month off, Rivers surprised his mom and dad with 3 new teeth last week - making 5 in all! We didn't even see it coming. Just one day, pop there were his two top, and then on the airplane to Arizona, last Thursday, pop again, a third one on the bottom! You never would have known he was teething, let alone three teeth!This kid never complains. He really is always a sweetheart, and a delight to be around.
Little man is becoming incredibly efficient in the art of army crawling, and making every effort to get up on his knees, but more so, just to get up and walk on two feet. "Patience my dear friend." I often tell him. I have no desire to rush my sweet baby. Time goes way way too quick as is. I prefer keeping my baby a baby for as long as he will let me.
Rivers is so much fun. He loves when I play peek-a-boo with him, and he loves swinging in the air. He loves being tickled, and he loves jumping (up and down, up and down, up and down. Always. Especially during church. I guess his way to get attention :). Rivers is always singing. And now slurping . . . yea, he slurps constantly, it's hilarious. He loves reading books, and he loves bouncing in his jumper. He loves going on walks.  And he loves crawling after and eating dangerous things like cords. I didn't think of that being an issue. But he sees a cord across the room, and he will focus on getting to that cord, until he gets it. And then of course he loves loves loves Canberra. Although, she is still unsure about him. Someday she will be in love with him, but until then, she keeps her distance.
The days of easy diaper changes are over (besides the stinky poop :). The minute little man is placed on his changing table he flips over and off he goes to find something to taste. He likes to taste pretty much anything and everything. He use to not mind his disgusting vitamins (yea, Ben and I tried them, and hated them). But now with all the flavors from his carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, avocados etc. he's beginning to know good from bad. Yesterday we started him on green beans. And unlike his peas, Rivers seems to highly dislike green beans. Which actually surprises me a lot. There's very few things he has shown a dislike to . . . I think his vitamins are really the only other thing. But he was over the green beans after his second bite. Guess we'll try again today.
Rivers is fascinated by people. Every time he sees people he just stops and stares. Right when he gets some attention his feet begin kicking and the smile spreads widely across his face. And if you stick around for more than one second, you're sure to get out one of his cute little laughs. As we walk through the store, people constantly comment on what a happy baby he is. And it's true. Rivers is such a happy baby. Life is wonderful. Life is fascinating. And he is so happy to be a part of it.
Last week Rivers got to spend a significant amount of time with his cousins. He found the miniature people so cool. Mason always made him smile. And the little baby Emma was something else. He liked to hold her hand (well, mostly in an attempt to eat it, but holding hands all the same). I cannot wait to get him with his cousin Lewis, who is only a few weeks older than Rivers. They are at such a fun age right now, it will be fun to see them play.
Rivers makes life easy, fun, and so so enjoyable. I love every single second with this kid. I don't think I ever imagined I could ever adore someone or something so much. Ben and I love having this little boy in our life.

showing off two of his new teeth!

so curious. noticed the camera, and now going in for the chomp - doesn't that slobber look appealing? 

bumpers

poor baby rivers. . . he has a momma who is terrified, let me say it again TERRIFIED of sids (i hate even writing the word). i know, you're thinking to yourself, "what mom isn't?" right. yea, it's true. i'm sure i don't have the corner of the market when it comes to this fear. but i am in the market. so how does this make my baby poor? he gets nothing. that's right. he only gets a fitted sheet, and a wearable blanket. no fancy bumpers, no cuddly blankets, and even when he is wearing loose fitted clothes, i freak out and check on him . . . constantly! it's a wonder he even sleeps at night, considering his momma is sneaking across the creaking floor every hour to peak on him. (i've loosened up a bit since the four month mark). and the few times i've taken him into bed to co-sleep through the night. i don't sleep . . at all. i freak out. always checking to make sure a blanket isn't over his head, and now, i'm terrified he will roll off the bed. i'm a nervous wreck when he's more then two inches off the floor with no bars, and when anything loose is any where in sight.

anyways, why do i bring this up now? well, last night after putting baby rivers down to snooze, we're in the kitchen preparing dinner for the missionaries, when all at once i hear a high pitched, terrified scream from my baby. i take off running to his room. there i find my sweet little guy with an entire leg stuck between the bars of his crib. i tried to get it out, but he really was very very stuck. and my trying without success only scared my baby more. i yelled for ben to come help, and by this time rivers is freaking out. between the two of us, with lots of adjusting we were able to get his little leg out from between the bars. but rivers was scared. he thought the crib was eating him alive. he cried and he cried and he cried. and every time he looked at his bed he cried some more. it really was the saddest thing. we tried everything to console him, but nothing worked . . . until we called canberra to the rescue (somehow she always brings a smile to rivers face). so after canberra calmed rivers down and i sang ever primary song i can remember i laid my baby back down, and immediately he began to scream again. oh my poor poor baby. so lucky for him he got to enjoy dinner with the elders. rivers couldn't believe his good fortune. he was so excited to discover guests in our living room, that he bounced up and down and up and down for them. giving those two missionaries the sweetest grins, and the funniest giggles. then he rolled around on the floor, showing them how close he is to crawling, every time, looking up to make sure they noticed his skills. and then sleep overcame, to the point that he no longer feared his crib.

he looks so much like a little boy in this picture!

6 months

saturday marked rivers six month birthday. i can't get over that it has already been half a year! one thing is for sure, babies make you realize how quick time flies! don't blink, and don't take a single second for granted.
two songs come to mind when i think of baby rivers: "sweet disposition" (by the temper trap) and . . .  "wild thing" (by the troggs). lets just say rivers finds life exhilarating. at times he awakens in the middle of the night, simply to squeal in delight (for a very long time). and our days of pulling him into bed to sleep in with me are over. the moment this kid is full, it's time to play. he hits the quilts, rolls around, demands to stand, and once standing, begins to jump. i guess there's no better way to be awakened by his excitement for the morning.
the world has come alive to this little man. he notices anything and everything. and whatever he notices he must grab and of course taste. may it be a brick wall, canberra's fur, the ladies necklace at church, or the recently fallen leafs (yea, gotta' keep an eye on that one!).
rivers has discovered his first love . . . canberra. that kid thinks canberra is nothing less than 100% incredible. we're outside playing on a blanket when all at once he sees her lying under the tree. suddenly he bursts into screams of delight, simply by looking upon his furry friend. or we are inside playing when he notices her nose poking out from under the bed, and once again a squeal overcomes his miniature body. even in the middle of changing a diaper, and he's trying to roll away, he notices canberra through the rails of the table, and once again excitement overcomes him. when rivers is sad, canberra is always sure make him glad. and thankfully for rivers, canberra is beginning to appreciate him as well.
rivers is ready to move. he recently began sitting all on his own. but when left to his own wits, rivers rolls to his tummy and is up on his hands and knees rocking back and forth attempting to make that first step into the great vast world that lies before his big adventurous eye balls. (baby-proofing our house is on top priority of my list of things to do :). although he is not yet crawling, he has discovered the art of rolling. i leave for only a moment and i come back and the kid is across the room, discovering a whole new set of interesting things, may it be clothes or the ties on a quilt, sometimes the leg of a rocking chair, whatever it is, he will figure out a way to get it.
his laugh is becoming more and more distinct and happening on a regular basis. he loves playing with mom and dad, and will burst out into the most adorable laughs imaginable, just by kissing his neck, blowing on his stomach, tickling his sides, or making strange faces while pretending to eat the hand that he stuck in our mouth.
rivers is giving kisses. sweet baby kisses. i noticed it sometime ago when i came to get him in the early morning hours to feed him breakfast. he was lying there smiling and when i picked him up he grabbed my face and placed his open mouth against it. i was unsure if it was just his attempt of trying to eat sooner. but i began noticing it on many occasions when hunger was the last thing from his mind. the thing that solidified that his open mouth touch to the cheek was in fact a kiss, was at the denver airport when ben came, picked him up to give him a hug of "welcome home." rivers was so excited to see his daddy. that in the midst of all his happiness he pulled ben's face to his open mouth and touched him gently. just like a kiss "hello, i missed you dad". he did it once more. and there was no doubt about it, the little boy is giving kisses. you can just feel the love radiating from his sweetness.
i often tell ben this is the easiest time we will ever have in parenthood. rivers is so playful and delightful, absolutely no discipline is ever needed, he sleeps great, socializes fantastically, he's mobile, but not really (making life simple for me), and tantrums are non existent. let's just say, we're appreciating our time. :)
the past 6 months have been beyond amazing with this kid. i enjoy him so much. each day he is growing more and more. he is such a little boy. and such a joy to be around. i love every second with him. and when he's asleep i find myself adoring pictures of him  . . . i seriously cannot get enough of this kid. i can never ever ever express my gratitude to have him in my life.