Watch Us Grow

School Days!

2010-09-13T15:20:00.002-05:00

This year I started preschool! I've went back and forth about if I wanted to actually go or not (and Mom kept going back and forth on if she could actually go through with sending me!) but when the day came I was ready (and Mom was sort-of ready). The week before my first day, I attended an orientation where I got to check out my classroom, my seat, where I would hang my backpack and I got to meet my teacher. After that, I couldn't wait for my first day! When I woke up the morning of my first day though I was a little nervous and started to get a little teary eyed saying I wanted Mom to stay there with me. She said we could just go and check it out and we could decide when we got there if I wanted to stay. Once I got to school and got my coloring on, I decided it was gonna be just fine. ;-)

So excited for my first day of preschool!

Here I am showing off my new backpack. It has everything I love on it...tractors, fire trucks, dump trucks, airplanes and trains! What more could I need in a backpack, right?

Mom's best attempt at a brothers photograph. Cash was more interested in playing with the bubble mower than he was posing for a picture.

Mommy and her baby. (I know I'm a big boy, but she keeps me calling me her "baby" for some reason.)

Here I am with my teacher, Mrs. Brooke.

Working on my first coloring sheet of my preschool career.
I'm pretty pleased with my coloring skills here. ;-)

I loved my first day and the first thing I told Mom when she picked me up was "I had fun and didn't cry!" I think this school thing is gonna be a blast!

Ready, Set, PULL!

2010-09-13T15:01:00.004-05:00

My very first attempt at the toy tractor pull. My very first 1st place trophy! Pretty sure you can tell from the picture just how proud I am.

Farmers for a Day

2010-08-12T08:45:00.003-05:00

Cash and I recently headed down to the farm to help out Pepa in the corn field. Pretty sure we are the two cutest farmers around, don't ya think?

Fun on the 4th

2010-07-07T13:30:00.006-05:00

Tour de Bluff

2010-07-06T15:08:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I decided to make my bike racing debut in town during the 4th of July festival. I told Mom and Dad numerous times "I'm gonna win a trophy." They weren't sure if I had a chance at winning they were just hoping I didn't crash. As the race progressed, Mom realized I actually did have a shot at winning a trophy (which is why the videography starts to get a little shotty at the end...she was nervous and trying to cheer me to victory which was hard for her to do at the same time!) Mom and Dad still aren't exactly sure what I was doing at the end when I almost lost the entire race! (When questioned, I don't provide much of an explanation.) Luckily, I got myself back on track and rode in to a second place finish (which is pretty awesome in my book!)

Check out my trophy! It's not a yellow jersey, but it works for me. ;-)

Babyproof? Yeah, Right!

2010-06-27T21:32:00.005-05:00

For some reason Mom and Dad thought childproof cabinet locks were the way to go. Hmm, wonder who they are trying to keep out of our cabinets anyway?

Snip, Snip

2010-06-17T09:48:00.011-05:00

Yesterday I took my first trip to the salon! Jodi at Flaunt Hair Salon did the honors as she snipped my little locks. I sat so still for her and actually seemed to enjoy it! I've been watching Cooper and he does such a good job getting his hair cut that I knew it would be easy! ;-)

Let's Play Ball!

2010-05-28T14:10:00.003-05:00

I've had a blast playing t-ball and I wanted to share some photos of my fun with you! Check out the slideshow below.

Batter Up!

2010-05-04T14:25:00.003-05:00

Tonight is my first t-ball game. Below is a preview of me in uniform. Hopefully, my fans will be out in full-force to cheer me and my Cardinals teammates to victory!

Let Them Eat Cake

2010-04-23T07:05:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the recent pictures from my 1 year photo session with Mrs. Heidi. (Cooper got in on a few, too!) As you can probably tell, I wasn't too sure about digging into my little cake. (Check out my face in picture #3, that is NOT a look of enjoyment. LOL) Hope you enjoy! :-)

Easy As 1, 2, 3

2010-04-22T08:57:00.006-05:00

I am turning into a walking machine! Tuesday I really started getting serious about my walking. I'm getting pretty good at walking across an entire room. Sometimes I'll even stop half way there, turn around or just take a little break, and then keep on going all without losing my balance. Things are about to get really interesting around our house. With my new skill, I will be unstoppable! ;-)

Take 1...

Take 2...

Take 3...

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

"A weed is just a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wobbly Walker

2010-03-24T07:01:00.004-05:00

On Monday I started trying to walk. I'm pretty wobbly, but I love trying to walk all by myself. I usually get to laughing and that makes me fall down. Who knew walking could be so funny?!

1st Birthdays ROCK!

2010-03-23T15:02:00.001-05:00

On Saturday we celebrated my 1st birthday with a rock star themed party! A rockin' good time was had by all!

Here's the guitar cake Mom made...

And my own personal "smash" cake she made for me...

Not exactly interested in my cake...

Finally deciding to check it out...

Still not too sure...

Tasting a little bite...

The aftermath...

Daddy, me and Great-Grandpa Thacker are quite the rock stars! (Please don't be alarmed. Daddy's tattoo sleeves are NOT real tattoos.)

Cooper showing me how it's done...

Reaching for more presents!

Closing my eyes waiting for my surprise from Mimi and Pepa...

It was a picnic table!

Backstage passes were needed to enter the party. ;-)

Table decorations...

The guitar pinata...

Favor bags for all of my friends...

Thank you to everyone who came to ROCK OUT with me! I had a blast!

One Year Ago Today

2010-03-21T18:30:00.016-05:00

From this...

to this...

in just one year! How can it be that I'm already one year old?!

If you're happy and you know it...

2010-02-26T11:15:00.003-06:00

clap your hands!

Yesterday, I clapped for the very first time! Cooper was quick to let Mom and Dad know that he taught me how. ;-) My new skill has really come in handy while watching the Olympics. I love cheering on Team USA!

Bath Time Makes Me Giggle

2010-02-09T11:27:00.004-06:00

I used to cry and scream as soon as Mom put me in the water for a bath. Because of this, she had bath time down to a record speed! ;-) It's only been in the past few months that I've really started enjoying taking a bath. And here are the giggles to prove it...

All I Want(ed) for Christmas Was My Two Front Teeth

2010-02-08T09:53:00.005-06:00

Remember that new tooth I was cutting on Christmas Eve? Well, Mom was able to snap a picture with her cell phone of me showing off that new front tooth! So far, my total tooth count is at four.

Hide and Seek

2010-02-05T12:56:00.000-06:00

Here I am hiding, can you find me?

Actually, I'm not really hiding. I just recently learned (while I wasn't blogging) to pull up! I love pulling myself up on all sorts of things (the couch, the chair, my toys, etc.). But one of my favorites is pulling myself up underneath the end table! I am short enough to stand up and play in the box of toys underneath it! Mom thinks it looks like I am trying to hide. How cute (and funny) do I look?!

Home "Sweet" Homes

2010-02-04T06:48:00.004-06:00

Another fun thing we did while on blogging hiatus was make some big ol' gingerbread cookie houses! Mom bought a HUGE house-shaped cookie cutter and we decorated them in all kinds of fun candies!

Yes, I am aware we baked four cookies but only two are shown as being decorated. That would be because I was having a little too much fun eating all of the candy that was supposed to be for decorating. Mom had to put a stop to my candy splurge so we left the other two cookies au naturale. ;-) (Not to worry, they were still delicious even without all of the candy.)

I'll leave you with the gingerbread cookie recipe we used. (We liked it because it wasn't too spicy or overpowering.) Enjoy!

1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
3 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine sugar, butter, egg, molasses and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add all remaining cookie ingredients. Beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (1 to 2 hours). Heat oven to 375°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 4-inch cookie cutter. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 6 to 9 minutes or until set. Let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

Family Photo Fun

2010-02-02T15:42:00.001-06:00

I'm back again today! Yay! Today is a photo-recap for your enjoyment. ;-)

While we were in Springfield finishing up our Christmas shopping, we decided to schedule a little photo session with Mrs. Heidi. We were quite pleased with the outcome...

Blogger Hiatus

2010-02-01T11:34:00.005-06:00

What happened to us? We have fallen off the blogger-wagon again! We'll just chalk it up to a winter hiatus from blogging. Looks like another recap is in order.

Santa was good to us this year and brought us lots of fun things. I was a little upset when I woke up Christmas morning and Santa wasn't at my house. Yes, he had been to drop off all of the goodies, but for some reason I had it in my head that he would be hanging out at my house just waiting for me to wake up. (Not exactly sure why I thought that or even why I would want to see the man since anytime I saw him at the stores, etc. I would flip out!) So Christmas morning was a little sad at first, but once I saw what he had left me I suddenly perked up. Cash, on the other hand, had a rough night! He was up all night long (and not because he was waiting for Santa). He had a new tooth coming in (complete with fever) and it kept him (and Mommy) up all night long. About 5:30 am Mommy finally got some zzz's but then we were up at 8:00 am to open presents. Needless to say, Christmas wore Mommy out!

Below are some shots of Christmas morning. My only request this year was a tractor, and that's exactly what I got (along with A LOT of other things)! And Cash got a fun new car exersaucer. He looks like one cool dude in it!

Check back again this week for another update on what we've been doing while on our blogging hiatus. ;-)

Hittin' the Highlights

2009-12-22T16:14:00.002-06:00

We've been pretty busy lately and just can't seem to keep up with our blog. So we're going to do a quick recap and hit the highlights of what's been going on with us.

Took a field trip to the Art Museum and made a turkey craft for Thanksgiving...

Started gymnastics...

Made a wagon at the Home Depot Kids Workshop...

Went to see Santa at the John Deere Store. I am still unsure about him so I wouldn't sit on his lap. I opted to sit on this cool combine instead...

Cash was brave and sat on his lap though...

I did manage to yell out to him, as we were leaving, that I wanted a new tractor for Christmas. :-)

Cash finally decided that he enjoys bath time...

Took a ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express! It was awesome! My favorite part of the trip was the cookies and hot chocolate that they served.

This year our playgroup adopted a family for Christmas. Cash and I chose a little girl to buy for. Here we are getting ready to go deliver the gifts we got her.

And last but not least, Cash grew not one, but two more teeth! This time it was the top right, front tooth and bottom left, middle tooth. Sorry, but no photo at this time.

Whew! That was a lot, but hopefully that catches everyone up!

Just Cruisin'

2009-12-10T15:29:00.001-06:00

We hate to toot our own horn, but don't we just look too cool cruisin' in the Mercedes?! Mrs. Sarah met up with us downtown for some new pictures. Click HERE to check them out! (Click on the "Client Proofing" tab and type in the password "rhodes")

7 Month Report

2009-11-24T12:32:00.006-06:00

I went to my well-baby visit with Dr. Suvan and here is what he had to say...

Weight: 16 lbs. 12 oz. (Last month I weighed 15 lbs. 12 oz.)

Height: 27 1/2 inches long (Last month I was 27 inches long)

Food for thought: Dr. Suvan said I could try some of the baby food meats. Mom isn't too fond of these so we will probably just skip them. Cooper didn't recommend them either so I'm not going to chance it. ;-)

Stick it to me: I received my pneumonia vaccine and also the oral rotavirus vaccine. Hardly any tears were shed. :-)

Chew on this: The doctor confirmed my new tooth. He couldn't find any other ones hiding out in my mouth though.

What I have been working on this past month:

I am one fast lil man on the floor. Put me down and I can drag myself all over the house. Sometimes I even get up on my hands and knees and rock back and forth. But I usually just flatten out and proceed with my "wounded soldier" drag.

My bouncy seat and swing have both been retired. I have moved on to the exersaucer and jumperoo. But honestly, I prefer to just roll and drag myself around the house.

I also had a good time this month celebrating Cooper's birthday with him. I would also like to thank everyone for my little brother gifts and also for not feeding me any cake or ice cream. My mom was pleased I made it out alive without a sugar high. ;-)

Look at me, I'm 3! (continued)

2009-11-21T11:48:00.001-06:00

A little behind, but here are some pictures of my soccer themed birthday party that I had last weekend. It was a lot of fun, but I am still asking about where my bounce house went. Bad idea Mom and Dad on the whole bounce house rental idea. ;-)

Here I am with my awesome cake baked by Mom and decorated by Aunt Lisa...

So excited to blow out my candles...

Kolyn getting ready to whack the pinata, while I cheer him on...

Photo op with Aunt Lisa and Fischer...

Cash getting in on the fun...
Cash's party face...LOL

Fischer and I had a blast with Pepa in the bounce house...

Fischer jumping on Pepa. Pepa never saw it coming.

Gummy Toothy Grin

2009-11-15T21:26:00.001-06:00

So I seem to be starting a pattern with the timing of my milestones. If you remember, I started crawling on Mimi's birthday and now I sprouted my very first tooth on Cooper's birthday! Mom even managed to somehow get a picture of it. It took a looong hard time of drooling and lots of fussy nights but I finally have something to show for it. I'm the proud new owner of a shiny white tooth! ;-)

Look at me, I'm 3!

2009-11-09T21:40:00.001-06:00

Today I had a blast celebrating my birthday! I woke up to a living room of presents which was pretty awesome! I got a new tractor, a game, some cars, a movie and some new undies.

Then at lunch time Mom, Dad, Cash and I headed to the John Deere store so I could pick out some new farm machinery. I chose a combine and some new "diskers" (disks).

But this was what I really had my eye on. ;-)

Then when Dad came home after work I had one last surprise waiting for me in the garage. My very own Mercedes Benz! I'm a little jerky on my driving, but with a few more driving lessons I think I will get the hang of it. So look out fellow drivers, because I just might be in the lane next to you! ;-)

Thing 1 & Thing 2

2009-11-01T10:21:00.009-06:00

"In this box are two things I will show to you now.

You will like these two things," said the cat with a bow.

"I will pick up the hook. You will see something new.

Two Things.

And I call them Thing One and Thing Two.

These Things will not bite you.

They want to have fun."

Then out of the box came Thing Two and Thing One!

Happy Halloween!

Love, Thing 1 & Thing 2

On the Move

2009-10-30T13:54:00.003-05:00

Since Mimi's birthday was yesterday I thought the best present I could give her would be to crawl on over and see her! Well, I'm not really crawling on all fours, but my means of transportation seems to be doing the job. It's more of a "wounded soldier drag" but, hey, it works for me so I'll just stick with it. Plus when I pair it with my rolling you better look out, because I can get around pretty fast! So hurry and mark it down on your calendar. As of October 29th I can officially say I am a crawler. ;-)

November Birthday Shout-Outs:

11/2 - Pepa Page's Birthday!

11/4 - Ava's 1st birthday!

11/9 - Woo-Hoo! Cooper turns 3!

11/9 - Happy birthday to Cooper's bday buddy Alex!

11/13 - Happy to you, Aunt "Weesa"! (Lisa)

6 Month Report

2009-10-17T21:33:00.003-05:00

Weight: 15.12 lbs. (Last month I weighed 15.10 lbs.) Not much of a gain here from last month, but Dr. Suvan assures Mommy that I am right on track...so no need to worry. :-)

Height: 27 inches (Last month I was 26 1/2 inches.)

Food for thought: My current faves are sweet potatoes and bananas. I'm trying to learn to like peaches and avocados, but I make some of the worst faces when Mommy feeds them to me. Maybe she should try to find a new recipe for them. ;-)

Stick it to me: This month I received my flu and Hib vaccines. I am becoming an ol' pro at this because I barely even cried this time around.

What I like to do for fun: rolling, laughing, drooling, blowing raspberries, and watching my big brother entertain me.

Handy Man For Hire

2009-10-10T15:53:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday I ventured out to the Home Depot Kids Workshop for a carpentry lesson. Daddy was busy working on his duck blind, but Mom thought surely she could manage a simple kids workshop. Well, I think it was a little harder than Mom had expected (since she is anything but a carpenter!), but we did pretty good...with a little help from a man at our table. ;-) And after a little "remodeling" work when Dad got home, I now have a full-functioning firehouse bank!

And since it rained ALL DAY yesterday, I finally got around to adding the finishing touches...

Fall Fun

2009-10-05T19:42:00.002-05:00

We are lovin' this fall weather and last week we took full advantage of it. Here's some of the fun we had at the park...

October Birthday Shout-Outs

10/1 - Uncle Aaron's bday!

10/4 - Happy Birthday to Aunt Mary!

10/21 - Mom's day to celebrate!

10/27 - Grandma-Great's Birthday!

10/29 - Mimi's Happy Day!

5 Month Report

2009-09-17T20:40:00.005-05:00

I'm happy to report my 5 month check-up was my best one to date (as far as my shots go). There was minimal crying on my part which Mommy was happy about!

Weight: 15.10 lbs. (Last month I was 14.10 lbs.)

Height: 26.5 inches (Last month I was 25 inches)

Scream Factor: I would like to say it was a mere 3-4 on a scale of 1-10. I seem to be making progress here since it was off the charts last month.

Food for thought: I have been given the all-clear on starting solids. Mom has been making and freezing homemade baby food for me. She is looking forward to trying out her recipe for bananas. I'm told it consists of, well, bananas. I'm sure she will puree them to perfection though. ;-)

Breakfast of Champions

2009-09-14T09:02:00.008-05:00

I recently had my first taste of something other than my mama's milk. Mom decided to whip up some homemade rice cereal courtesy of Riceland and Pepa Page's rice crop. I wasn't impressed until just the other day and I have now decided that it tastes pretty darn good!

So this is what you call rice cereal, eh?

I think it could use some sugar and butter. ;-)

I'll have another bowl of that, please!

Thanks, Pepa, for keeping my little tummy full!

Giddy Up!

2009-09-10T16:47:00.001-05:00

Last month I dusted off the ol' cowboy boots and hat, saddled up Seabiscuit, and headed out to the Butler County Fair to enter myself in the Stick Horse Parade.

Cowboy Up!

Cash was so nervous for me

that almost all of his hair fell out! ;-)

Blue ribbon winner! Did you expect anything less?

Afterwards, I let Seabiscuit have a break and took this guy for a ride. I sure had a blast being a cowboy for a day.

Yee-haw! ;-)

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-07T11:05:00.005-05:00

Two of Mom's favorite "Labor Day" pictures.

Cooper Phillip

Cash Austin

Jesus Loves the Little Children

2009-09-01T16:01:00.002-05:00

Last month I attended my very first Vacation Bible School. Well, technically this was my second VBS since as some of you know I had an earlier attempt this summer at a different church. I just couldn't handle the first one I tried to attend. They wanted me to stay for an hour and a half without my mom and I just wasn't having it. So, yes, Mom let me be a VBS drop-out. But she found me another one that was only 30 minutes long and she and Cash got to stay with me. Plus Aunt Lisa was the teacher so that made it even better! :-)

Everyday Mrs. Lisa (aka Aunt Lisa) read us a bible story, taught us a song and helped us make a craft. And after that we ate a snack. I loved it! By the second day I caught on to what the routine would be and as soon as we walked into the church I said, "Let's go eat a cookie!" Seriously though, I did have a great time and it wasn't just because I got to eat cookies. I am still singing the songs I learned and sometimes before bed I get my bible storybook and tell Mom, "Read about Jesus."

We even had a little program we put on at the end of the week. Here I am shakin' the tambourine I made for all to hear...

September Birthday Shout-Outs:

9/2 - Great-Grandma Thacker's day to celebrate!

9/28 - Nina's Happy Day!

Scootin' Along

2009-08-28T14:44:00.001-05:00

Check me out taking my new scooter for a whirl around the neighborhood. I LOVE it!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

2009-08-21T16:59:00.001-05:00

I mentioned in a previous post about how hard I'm trying to get up on my knees to crawl. Here's some proof the paparazzi caught...

The Vacation Continues...

2009-08-18T11:26:00.001-05:00

While in St. Louis we checked out the City Museum and The Magic House. I have to say, my favorite place was The Magic House. I could have spent days there!

Here I am sliding down the huge slide with Dad at the City Museum. (It was fast!)

It wasn't just all fun and games while on vacation. Here I am conducting some "presidential business" while at The Magic House...

Four score and seven years ago...

After my speech it was off to the construction zone...

Operating heavy machinery is serious business...

Walking the tight rope...

Cash enjoying all of the excitement from his stroller...

Pit Crew Chief Cooper...

The Lou

2009-08-17T06:45:00.011-05:00

Last month Mommy and Daddy took us on a mini-vacation to St. Louis. We stayed in a great hotel suite that just happened to be right across the street from the Galleria Mall (coincidence? I think not since Mommy booked the hotel room.) I loved the waffles they served up for breakfast and also riding up and down the "alligator" (that's what I kept calling the elevator). The first place we visited was the Butterfly House. I thought it was pretty neat and as soon as we walked in butterflies were EVERYWHERE! One even landed on Daddy's shoulder! The temperature inside is 85 degrees with 75% humidity. So if any of you know about they type of hair Mom and I have you can imagine when we walked out of there we were sporting some serious 'fros. Even Cash had a baby 'fro! Humidity + our hair = bad news.

Here we are lounging around in bed before heading out for the day...

Sitting in the butterfly chair...

Cash and his tiny 'fro...(See I wasn't kidding!)

Check back tomorrow for more pics from our trip. Next up, the City Museum and The Magic House!

4 Month Report

2009-08-11T17:02:00.004-05:00

Yes I'm behind once again (considering I'm turning 5 months soon), but here's what I've been up to this past month...

I have learned to roll over from belly to back. As you may recall, I rolled from back to belly at 3 months of age. So now there is no holding me back! Plus now when Mom puts me on my belly I try my hardest to get up on my knees. No luck with that yet, but I am really working hard to start crawling. Mom and Dad have already decided I am going to be early at crawling and walking, just like my big brother was. Mom's not sure she's ready for two mobile kids yet, but I guess she'll find out soon enough! I'm also a drooling and chewing monster! No sign of teeth just yet, but I am working hard at it! Mom ordered me Sophie the Giraffe (at Fischer's recommendation) and I must say, she is becoming my new best friend! I love chewing on her legs, ears, face...you get the picture. Apparently, celeb babies are highly fond of Sophie too. ;-)

Here I am with my new BFF...

And a video of us enjoying each other's company...

Here are my stats from my 4 month check-up:

Weight: 14.10 lbs. (Last month I weighed 13.2 lbs.)

Length: 25 inches (Last month I was 23. 5 inches. I've grown a whole inch and a half this month! Which explains why my onesies are getting so snug in the crotch!)

Scream Factor: This month it was off the charts! I had two shots so I decided this called for double the screams. I think neighboring towns could hear my screams on that day.

Bumbo Boy

2009-08-05T08:35:00.003-05:00

I love playing with Cash while he sits in his Bumbo seat. (Although I always call it his "potty" because that's what I think it looks like.) Yesterday Mom caught us on video while I was helping Cash play. As you can tell from the video, I like to make sure he has lots of toys on his tray! Cash throws them in the floor, I pick them up for him, he laughs, and that's pretty much how we play together. ;-)

Birthday Shout-Outs:

August 8 - Our cousin Zoey is turning 8!

August 8 - Our buddy Landen is turning 5!

August 10 - Aunt Kim's day to celebrate!

August 15 - Our dog Scout is turning 6! (in human years)

August 24 - Our cousin Cocoa (Fischer's dog) is turning 13! (in human years)

Yankee Doodle Dandies

2009-07-21T10:24:00.012-05:00

So it's only taken a little over 2 weeks to post about my 4th of July. Better late than never, right?

Anyway, the 4th started off as a lazy one for me. I had planned to join Fischer for the bike race, but instead slept in and missed it! Mommy was afraid to wake me up because I am NOT a happy camper when I don't get my much needed z's and it usually takes me a while to get going in the mornings. Needless to say, I wasn't a participant in this year's race. Hopefully, I can get out of bed in time for it next year...keep your fingers crossed!

So Daddy stayed home with Cash and me while we slept in and Mommy went and watched Fischer's racing debut. And I've been told it was quite the debut! He was the youngest racer there and his competition was a 3 year old girl and 4 year old boy. He managed to come away with the 2nd place trophy! Go Fischer!!! Here he is cheesin' for the camera as he whizzed by Mommy...

Cash and I did manage to get up in time to make it to the parade though. I loved getting the goodies everyone was throwing out from their floats!

Fischer and I having a snack while waiting for the parade to begin...

Fischer giving me the details of his big race!

Excited to see the parade coming down the street!

Cash decided to take a little nap during the parade...

And here he is awake!

Can't wait until next year and maybe Fischer, Cash and I will all be riding in the bike race!

3 Month Report

2009-07-06T17:24:00.002-05:00

Went to see Dr. Suvan last Friday for my 3 month check-up and shots. Here's how it went...

Weight: 13.2 lbs. (last month I weighed 11.4 lbs.) Yes, I am becoming quite the chubby little man!

Length: 23.5 inches (last month I was 23 inches long)

Scream Factor: I'll give myself an 11 on a scale of 1-10. ha ha (last month I had pretty much the same reaction to the shots, so nothing new here.)

Camo Coop

2009-07-02T21:28:00.001-05:00

Haven't posted since Father's Day so I thought you might like to see what Cash and I got Dad for his special day.

Here I am modeling his new

camo Under Armour vest.

And here I am practicing callin' in the mallards with my duck call (again while sporting Dad's new vest.)

Here's one of Cash not looking very happy. I'm guessing it's because he didn't get a turn to wear the vest and blow on the duck call.

July Shout-Outs

July 1 - Kolyn is 3!

July 4 - Aunt Michelle's birthday!

July 5 - Great-Grandpa Thacker's day to celebrate!

July 10 - Mommy and Daddy's 5th Anniversary!

July 23 - Uncle Paul's Bday!

July 25 - Daddy's Happy Day!

Dad's Day

2009-06-21T21:43:00.005-05:00

We had a great time celebrating Father's Day today with our daddy. He is always so good to us and we couldn't ask for a better one! Cash even had a little early surprise for him and decided to roll over for the first time on Saturday! He rolled from back to belly and we all cheered him on while he was doing it! It was a great weekend! :-)

Picture Perfect

2009-06-19T11:37:00.001-05:00

Check out my 2 month pictures by clicking HERE. (Click on the client proofing tab and enter the password "Rhodes".) They are AWESOME as usual! Cooper even got in on a few of them (after a little bribing from Mommy and Mrs. Sarah). Now the hard part begins on deciding which ones to order. Give us a little help by leaving a comment with your favorites!

A first time for...

2009-06-18T14:52:00.001-05:00

a bottle...

Who knew Mom isn't the only one

who can serve up some good tasty milk!

Apparently, Dad has a few tricks up his sleeve! ;-)

a close encounter with a turtle...

For some reason, when I came around

he would hide in his shell.Hello?! Are you in there Mr. Turtle?

a ride in a limo!...

Don't worry, I didn't take it to prom.

Hannah picked up her birthday

party guests in style this year!

Two Thumbs "UP"

2009-06-05T16:41:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me to my very first movie at the theatre! Mommy hadn't been too sure that I would like sitting through an entire movie, but she decided this one might keep my interest since it had one of my favorite things in it--BALLOONS! Yes, we went to see the movie "UP". I was really more interested in the fact that I was going to get to eat popcorn than I was watching a movie. It was actually all I could talk about before leaving the house. And all the way there I kept saying, "Where'd the popcorn go?" Once we arrived, I was in awe of the popcorn machines. I yelled, "Look at dat popcorn!" And then I noticed another machine popping and screamed, "Look--another popcorn!" I was in popcorn heaven! Once we sat down I was a little confused as to what we were doing. I looked around, not too sure about what was going to happen next. Then once the lights dimmed I loudly said, "We gonna watch the Bee Movie?!" (That just happens to be one of my favorites.) A preview came on and I got excited and started chowing down on my popcorn. Once the preview ended I loudly said, "Where'd the Bee Movie go?!" (For some reason Mommy kept telling me to use my "whisper voice", but I just kept on talking in my normal, loud tone.) Another preview came on and then went off and I again wondered where the Bee Movie went. A few more previews and a few more questions about where the Bee Movie went and the actual movie started. About 40 minutes into it I said (loudly again), "I wanna go bye-bye!" Mommy tried to hold me and point out things in the movie trying to keep my interest. (It didn't really help that much though.) Dad tried too, but he had about the same amount of luck. I went for a bathroom break and with about 20 minutes left in the movie I started getting really antsy. I think Mom and Dad just about gave up on me and we almost left, but we somehow managed to stick it out until the end. (Apparently, my mom and dad aren't raising any quitters!) ;-) On the way home, Mommy asked how I liked the movie and I responded with, "I ate popcorn!" Not sure when I will get to go back since I think Mom and Dad were sweating through this one...maybe in a couple of years we will try it again. ;-)

Here I am with my movie ticket

(actually, this is Mom's ticket because kids under 3 get in free!)

And here I am eating--you guessed it--POPCORN!

Waterboys

2009-06-04T13:25:00.007-05:00

I love summer and being outside. Mom can't keep me indoors and when we have to go inside (for lunch, dinner or just because it's plain too late to stay out anymore because it's dark) I pretty much have a breakdown everytime. If Mom and Dad would let me live outside, I think I would.

Here I am enjoying my new water table

outside on the deck...

Do I look happy or what?!

And here's Cash taking a relaxing bath

(after a hard day of sitting outside

watching me play)...

Sticky & Sweet

2009-06-02T13:47:00.004-05:00

I love the snowcone stand! Everytime we go I request a green one. (For those of you that don't know, I have a thing for the color green and when questioned on my colors I usually say everything is green--even when I know it isn't.) Well, on this night I requested my usual green one but Mommy wasn't sure I would like kiwi or green apple (which are the green flavors) so I ended up with strawberry instead. Red, green, who cares it was delicious!

Sneak Peek

2009-05-31T19:11:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Sarah emailed Mommy a few pics of Friday's photo session. I love being swaddled and once they put me in the cocoon prop it didn't take long before I was sound asleep. Check me out...I'm a burrito baby! ;-)

2 Month Report

2009-05-29T15:16:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday I went to see Dr. Suvan for my 2 month check-up and shots. I am tipping the scales now at 11.4 lbs. and 23 inches! Here I am all smiles before leaving for the doctor's office...

However, my smiles didn't last once I got the shots. As soon as those 2 big ol' needles hit my chubby little thighs I started wailing! Mom tried to calm me down with a little milk and it did take my mind off of it for a little while, but it didn't last. As soon as I quit nursing I went right back to crying. I also didn't sleep very well that night (I kept having nightmares of those needles!) And yesterday I was pretty much a crab for most of the day. But today I am back to my old self and even went for some pictures at Mrs. Sarah's. She got some great ones and I can't wait to show them off as soon as the proofs are up. So be sure to keep checking my blog for my latest photo session!

June Birthday Shout-Outs:

June 1 - My girl Reese is turning 3!

June 10- My cousin Hannah-Banana is turning 7!

June 15 - Great-Granny Rhodes' day to celebrate!

June 29 - My cousin Taylor is turning 7!

The Great American Past Time

2009-05-24T16:41:00.000-05:00

Mom and Dad can't wait for me to play t-ball next summer, so in preparation for next year I am attending the "Page Training Camp" this summer. It is a highly exclusive training camp and they only took one player this year...how lucky of me that I got in, right?! Get your autographs now people because they will be a hot item once I hit the big leagues! ;-)

Just in case you couldn't decipher what I said after I hit the ball it was:

"HOME RUN! GOOD JOB!" :-)

Then, of course, I ran over to the camera woman and requested to see an instant replay of my homer. ha ha

Wild Animals

2009-05-21T15:06:00.001-05:00

and I'm not just talking about Fischer and me! ;-)

Last weekend I went to visit Fischer in Springfield and we headed to the Dickerson Park Zoo there. The weather was great and I had such a good time checking out all of the animals. My favorite part was feeding the goats and donkey. I wasn't the least bit scared of them (much to Mommy's surprise)! I walked right up to them with the food in my hand and let them eat right out of it. I am getting to be such a brave big boy!

Shhh...the lion was taking a nap...

I liked seeing the geese with their babies in tow...

And the elephants are some of my favs!

Cash even woke up (for a little bit) to check out the zoo!

Here we are posing for our yearly zoo pic in front of the baby elephant statue. Not only are Fischer and I bigger, but we've grown a whole additional person this year! :-)

For comparison:

My first trip to the zoo at 6 months old...

And last year at 18 months...

And to finish out the day we stopped off for some Andy's custard. Yum-O!

Here I am tearin' up some Andy's! ;-)

Play Day!

2009-05-11T12:56:00.000-05:00

Cash and I managed to make it to the park on one of the few days that it didn't rain last week. We had a fun time and Daddy even met us afterwards for lunch! It was a great day!

Here I am attempting the climb up the big slide...

I was proud I made it to the top!

But not too sure about going down the big slide,

so I decided to just climb back down instead. ;-)

Cash spent his time at the park relaxing as usual...

Mama's Day!

2009-05-10T09:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms that read our blog.
Hope everyone has a great day!

Cash's Many Emotions

2009-05-04T16:29:00.007-05:00

I was really cheesin' it up yesterday (with a little help from Daddy and his silliness). And today Mommy caught a few grins with the camera. They love getting me to smile and I seem to have a good time too when they are acting goofy! Cooper even got in on the action by telling me to "say cheeseburger!" ;-)

Here I am on a more serious note...And on a sad note... :-( Enough is enough people!

Cash's 1st Blog Post!

2009-04-30T11:47:00.009-05:00

I'm excited to try this thing Cooper has told me so much about...blogging! Seems pretty simple so we'll see how my first post goes. I recently turned one month old and went for my check-up with Dr. Suvan. It's no surprise that I like my milk, so I don't know why mom was so surprised to learn that I now weigh 9 lbs. 12 oz.! I've also grown a whole inch! My newborn size clothes were starting to get a little snug and now I know the reason why!

Some of my recent milestones are holding my head up on my own, tracking things in front of me and smiling--even though I'm not really smiling at much of anything other than probably gas!

Cooper has been a great big brother so far. He is always helping me and making sure I am staying happy. If I start to cry, he rushes over to Mommy to let her know that my "eyes are crying"...just in case she has gone deaf and can't hear me. ;-) And when I am playing in my little activity gym on the floor he likes to say, "You're doing a good job, Cash!" I love how he is always close by cheering me on!

Here's my one month photo...check out that belly!

And here's a pic of Coop and me playing in "the jungle"!

Now if I could just get this sleep thing down at night I'll be doing A-OK. I'm still pretty unpredictable when it comes to sleeping and you never know when I might sleep 5 hours straight or get up every 2 hours! And Mom and Dad really love it when I decide to wake up and stay up for a few hours at night. I usually do this around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and not go back to sleep for 2 hours or so. Gotta keep the 'rents on their toes, right?!

P.S. Coop and I get bummed when we don't get any comments...is anyone out there even reading this?! If so, start showin' us some love! :)

May Birthday Shout-Outs:

May 8 - Fischer turns 2...woo-hoo!

May 31 - My girl Laney is turning 2!

Life in the Fast Lane

2009-04-15T15:24:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy lately showing Cash the ropes of this new world he's in that I haven't taken the time to blog about it. Well, here's what we've been up to during Cash's 3 weeks of life.

Cash was a little jaundiced so here he is getting a check up with Dr. Suvan...

Luckily, it wasn't too bad so he didn't have to use the bili-blanket like I did when I was a newborn. Mom and Dad were glad they didn't have to go through that again!

I took him to his first story time at the library when he was just one week old. I'm not sure if he had fun since he slept the entire time. During one of the stories I leaned over and told Mommy I needed to kiss him. So she moved him over by me so I could give him a few smooches while the librarian read to us. Mommy thought that was so sweet! Here we are getting ready to leave for story time at the library...

I also took him to playgroup to show him off and introduce him to all of my friends. Here we are getting ready to leave for our playdate...We also had not one, but two Easter egg hunts that we attended recently--one for playgroup and the other for Mommy's sorority. I really had a great time hunting for the eggs, but I preferred what was inside the eggs. My egg hunting style went like this...find the eggs, open them up, remove the candy, put the eggs back on the ground, and put the candy in my basket. Again, Cash pretty much slept through all of the fun.

Then last weekend we went to Great-Grandma and Grandpa Thacker's house to decorate some eggs! It was all good until I spilled the blue egg dye all over Grandma's table and floor. OOPS!

Here I am sampling a little Easter candy before dying some eggs. (As you can see from my smile I was enjoying it!)

And then Sunday the Easter Egg came--I mean Easter Bunny (for some reason I keep saying the Easter Egg came instead of bunny! ha ha) Cash and I both got some great things.

Here's a pic of Cash with his book and new Rock Star blanket he got from the Easter Bunny. (Surprise, surprise he slept through Easter too!)

Bloggin' Bros

2009-03-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new blog! We're so glad you have followed us here from http://cooperphillip.blogspot.com and hope you enjoy reading up on everything we do together as brothers! Our most recent excitement has been going to get our pictures taken together at Sarah Kingree Photography. Mommy can't wait for Sarah to post them on her website, but Daddy isn't as thrilled because he knows Mommy will be ordering one of every picture and he isn't looking forward to that bill. ;-) ha ha

Here are a few previews that Mrs. Sarah sent to Mommy...

Stay tuned for more exciting times from Cooper-n-Cash!