*Stretch* *Yawn* It's getting awfully cramped in here, so I like to tuck my feet in right under mommy's ribs and then stretch so my head pushes on her bladder. That bladder sure is soft and cushy. Mommy and I went to the doctor last week and we both were cleared with a clean bill of health. I have a strong heartbeat, my head is down and I'm about 4 lbs now. Mommy's been doing a lot of walking lately because she keeps taking me on a train with her into the City. Mommy is working really hard these days and I'm making sure to exhaust her so she's asleep as soon as she hits her pillow.

I can't wait to meet everyone in a few weeks. Especially that brother of mine. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for him...

Baby #2

Hello everyone -

Well I finally took my first unassisted steps on Friday night. Mommy had left her desk garbage can in the kitchen and I was busy finding things in the house to throw inside of it (like the camera, my hat, some lipstick, etc). Then I would grab onto chairs with one hand while holding my garbage can in the other. Next thing I knew I was carrying the garbage can with both hands and I took 2 or 3 steps on my own with no support. Of course, I haven't done it again and Mommy thinks it will probably be awhile before I'm full fledged walking. I have this thing where I don't see the point in walking if I'm not holding onto something. Crawling gets me from point A to B just fine.

This morning Mommy and Daddy and I were hanging out in their bedroom and we were trying to get daddy to wake up for church. I was being very lovey dovey and Mommy kept asking if she could have a hug and I would put my head on her shoulder and then look back at her with a big smile. She would ask for a hug again and i would do it again. I was so proud of myself everytime I did it and I saw it made Mommy very happy. Then Daddy asked me for a hug and I just pointed at something across the room. Silly Daddy...hugs are saved for the ladies.

So, I no longer want mommy to sing to me before bedtime. I now want to play a new game with her every time before a nap or bedtime. I point at an animal on the wall and I wait for Mommy to make the noise. Then I point at a new animal and wait again. Well, mommy is not quite on the ball with this. This is usually how it goes..She changes my diaper and I point at the monkies. Mommy is very good at this noise. Then I point to the snake. I LOVE the snake. It makes the funniest noise and I like to make that noise too. Then we sit in the rocking chair and I point at the zebra. I guess a zebra says, "Neigh." Then I point to the Koala bears. I guess they make nibbling noises (mama says it's because they eat a lot). Then I point to the flamingo. Mama's flamingo sounds like a chicken "Bawk." I find this very funny because I don't think flamingos sound like chickens. Then I point to the turtle and mama says "Turrrtle, turrtle" in a deep voice. I've never met a turtle before that can talk. Silly mama.

My nanny broke her wrist last week and Mama and Dada told me I'm supposed to be nice. Good thing they got those baby gates to wrangle me in a couple weeks ago. Nanny Lois isn't supposed to put more than 5 lbs of weight on her arm with the cast, and I'm not a light weight. But, we're managing and I'm trying to be a good boy for her.

Well, I am expecting some messages on my guest book now. Come on people! I turn one and you all forget about me?!?!

Love,

Adam

The Nanny broke her wrist rollerskating last weekend. Katie is super busy at work. So that means that I have to drive Adam to Lori's place Mon, tues. and wed. this week. Well tuesday I had Racquetball at 6. Not a problem I thought, they have a kid center just for events like this. $2 paid for the hour. Adam cries when I dropped him off with lady A. I gave the Lady some milk and told her i was going to be in the Racquetball court. No one every asked me my name or gave me anything to identify me with Adam.

Then after a game, I went back to the kid center. Lady B (Lady A was long gone), asked if this kid (Adam) was mine. I said yes. She told me that they called my name about 15 minutes ago wanting me to pick him up, because he just wasn't happy. Adam was really happy to see me.

Then to top it all off. I forget his milk. So after changing, I went back to the kids center. With about 5 kids running around in the center, there was no adults to be found. After looking around for 5 minutes, Lady B finally come out of the back area and says that I forget my milk.

Wow! First and last time my kids are going there!

D

Beating up on their mommy. But, I love every minute of it!

Sweet! 10 more weeks and I'm outta this place! I am about 3 lbs now and weighing mommy down. I kick my brother a lot because he is always in mommy's lap and it is getting cramped in here let alone with him climbing all over us like we're a jungle gym. Older brothers...sigh! My last doctor's visit went well. I have a good strong heartbeat! I can't wait to see everyone soon!

Baby #2

So, daddy and I have this new game that we like to play to annoy mommy. When we are all in the car together Daddy tells me to suck on my big toe. So, then I grab my foot and start sucking on my big toe. Daddy starts laughing and mommy says, "No, no, no, no. Icky." This makes me laugh long enough to put my foot down. Then I grab it again and we go through the same cycle. These parents are hillarious. Mommy says I'm going to be the weird kid in Kindergarten that sucks on his feet around the story time mat. I think that trick will score me lots of friends.

Today I was standing at the coffee table (not holding on to anything) and I started throwing everything on the floor. Mommy said, "No Adam." So, I bent over (still not holding onto anything) and started picking things up off the floor and putting them back on the coffee table. This made Mommy very happy.

I still have a few tricks up my sleeves.

Adam

Well, after two weeks of nonstop travelling and partying I am finally back home again with the P's and my younger sibling just relaxing. Ever since I've been home I've been taking extra long naps and sleeping in until 7 a.m. It's so much easier to sleep without daddy snoring in the room! I missed my own bedroom. We went down to Pigeon Forge, TN over the 4th of July for the Shum family reunion. I had a lot of fun being the center of attention. I would make sure mommy got up extra early every morning. Then we would wait a few hours for the rest of the family to get up. Such slackers!

I got to watch fireworks from the deck on the 4th of July. They were interesting, but didn't hold my attention for long. So, mommy took me back to the bedroom to rock me to sleep. Then we saw the grand finale from the bedroom and I stopped drinking my bottle to watch. When it was all done I started clapping. Mommy thought that was very cute. I glared at her. "Duh. That's what you're supposed to do after a show."

My favorite activity at the family reunion was playing with the boombox. I would turn it on and start to dance then turn it off then turn it on then turn it of then turn it on..... Mommy said I should lead us all in musical chairs.

Last night I was playing with daddy's desk drawers. Then I fell and hit my mouth on the drawer. I started bleeding like CRAZY! This scared mommy. She ran to get a cold wash cloth. Daddy was holding me and when mommy came back daddy's whole shirt was covered with blood. But, I'm a big boy. I just bit my lip. After mommy made me feel better we all went downstairs to play. Mommy put me on the race car toy Grandma Karius got me and started pushing me from room to room. I liked this a lot! Whenever we would pass by Daddy I would lean over and wave at him so that he saw me. Then we'd drive by again and I'd smile and wave. This definitely made my lip feel better.

Okay, well I need to get back to telling the nanny what to do. (I mean..playing with the nanny).

Love,

Adam

Ahh..finally back in a king size bed with mommy. On Monday night mommy and I were cramped in a minivan driving back from Tennessee. We stopped at a hotel with a double bed and mommy & daddy didn't have much room to move around. Daddy was lying with his back to us and mommy's belly was pressed right up against his butt. For 10 minutes I just kept on kicking and kicking and trying to push daddy out of the bed so I could have more room. Mommy thought it was funny that Daddy was getting his butt kicked by little old me. Daddy was fast asleep though and no matter all my efforts I couldn't get him to budge.

Now we're back home again and mommy has room to stretch out. Although I still like to kick her a lot at night and during the day because it is really starting to get cramped in here. Only 11 weeks to go!

Love,

Baby #2

So I hear a lot of talk about what my name will be? Maybe Eve or Dribble Dobbs? The thing is I do not know yet. However if you want to know please mail cash to my parents indicating the cash is for my college fund. I do not think they will be responsible enough to pay for all my schooling. Once I get enough cash from you, I will email you my name.

In other news..I am in DC. It's boring here and I miss my daddy's computer. Hopefully we'll be heading home soon.

Peace,

B #2

Has anyone seen my momma? She went to DC on monday and is not home yet. I am very upset about this. How could she leave me?

Momma?

A

We just flew back from California and now we're safe and sound in good ole Bolingbrook. Can you believe we were in the desert and we came home to WAY hotter weather than in CA. Ugh! I am an expert flier now. I didn't cry when getting my diaper changed at the airport this time. I played with my toys for an hour on the plane. And then I slept the remaining 3 hour plane ride. Piece of cake. I must admit I was a bit exhausted from all of the excitement at the Burk house and playing with the Burk boys, so I was ready for a long nap.

I decided since it was daddy's first "outside of the womb" father's day that I would pick up a few new tricks while I was in California. Here is my latest checklist of things that I can do:

1- Clap my hands
2- I now have my first molar. Ouch! That was painful!
3- Feed myself with my hands.
4- No more formula. Whole milk please!
5- Drink out of a sippy cup sometimes. I still don't drink a lot, but mommy is happy I don't just chuck the cup at her anymore.
6- Say mama and actually direct it at my mama.
7- Ate scrambled eggs for the first time. Then almost threw up scrambled eggs for the first time. Yuck, who eats those things.
8- Got my first professional photo shoot (see my commentary about that below)
9- Sit forward facing in my car seat.

So, back to the photo shoot. Aiden got his 6 month photos taken and I got my 1 year photos taken while out in CA. Well the nutty camera lady has me sit on this blanket and then she starts making high pitched baby noises. At first I just glared at her. Then she kept going on and on so I finally started crying because the lady was nuts. Then she started tickling daddy with a feather duster. Daddy just glared at her (just like I did) and she told him he was supposed to laugh to make me laugh. Daddy and I thought she was nuts. Mommy and Daddy took me for a walk to calm me down and then try again. When we came back mommy explained that I am a serious baby and that it would be better if the camera lady was just quiet and let me play with some toys on my own. There weren't really many smiling pictures of me because you see I was busy contemplating each of the toys put in front of me. Mommy says at least the pictures show my personality!

Okay - gotta get to sleep and get readjusted to central standard time. Thank you to the Burk family for putting up with me and especially my parents all week. Trevor, sorry for destroying your play room!

Love,

Adam

So I was chilling in the car with Aiden and Trevor. Trevor screams and well hurt my ears. So I started to yell at him (some call it crying). Once I settled down, Aiden started crying and that got me yelling again. It was a vicious cycle that mom, dad, Mr. and Mrs. Burk got tired of after about 5 minutes.

Whateve,
AD

I'm getting excited because the P's keeping talking about our big trip to LA on Wednesday. Mommy & Daddy seem nervous about taking me on an airplane. I don't understand why. I love exploring new things. I'm sure the pilot won't mind if I come join him in the cock pit and press all of those buttons that light up. Mommy says no that I'll have to sit in my seat for 4 hours and be quiet. Oh PUH-lease...I'm sure as soon as everyone on the plane sees how cute I am they'll let me do whatever I want. Right? Oh well, either way I'm excited to get there and meet Trevor & Aiden. I get to look at their pictures all of the time so it will be interesting to see them in 3D.

I had a great time this weekend hanging out with the grandparents. Mom & Dad went out to a wedding on Saturday and left me to play with the GPs. Of course I got lots of attention, played all day, went to the park and read lots of books.

My big first birthday is coming up and I am looking forward to all of the presents I am going to get. Mom thinks I have enough toys because she can't see the living room floor anymore. I tell her you can always stack toys, so don't worry people keep 'em coming.

Night!

Adam

I just got back Friday from a week long trip at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We went to a wedding last night (Sat.) Adam made sure we were up for church by screaming at 5:00 AM. Don't worry mom got up and took care of him. :-) I cut the grass, got a hitch installed on the van and got a little platform to carry more junk to Pigeon Forge, TN (family reunion). I helped Adam upload more pics and videos. Processed more church videos (I post them online). Replaced the outside garage door keypad (faulty), and took Adam for a long walk. I cannot wait to have another little screamer around the house. Actually it is hard to remember what life was like with a newborn. It's hard to remember what happened yesterday...

Dad

Yep, the youtube videos are all out of order. I emailed youtube since I believe it is there problem. Hopefully the issue will be resolved shortly!

A

Uncle Adam came by with dinner last night and they both folded their hands to pray and I folded my hands too and started talking with them. Uncle Adam and mommy were very impressed. So they did it again and I folded my hands again during the prayer with a big smile on my face. Daddy and mommy have been showing me how to pray for a long time now. I am very proud that I can do it now too.

Daddy is away at Idaho right now. I'm keeping mommy entertained for the time being. It's tough being the man of the house. Daddy said I'm supposed to mow the lawn...forget it!

Love,

Adam

*yawn* all of this kicking makes me sleepy. Keep it down Adam. And stop biting mommy!

This was a very busy weekend. Mom, Dad, Baby #2 and I all went to Indiana to visit the Will family and the Klemme family. Saturday morning mommy and I went for a long walk to Panera and Target. Then we went to the Will's house and I got to play with all of Nick and Ali's old toys. Those two crack me up. They made me laugh so hard and they were laughing because they thought my laugh sounded like a machine gun. I like my unique cough/laugh. Then we went to visit baby Taryn who is now 3 weeks old. She was boring because she was sleeping so I just went to go play with all of her toys while my mommy held her. I don't see why mommy and daddy want to have another one of those things...they just lay there, but mommy kept saying how cute she was and how I used to be that small (yeah right!).

I bit mommy a couple of times this weekend. She's the only one I bite. I crawl up to her with a big smile on my face, snuggle into her leg and get a mouthful of her calf. Mmm...tasty. I also go up to people's furniture and try to take a bit out of it. What? Is that not normal?

When we got home I was hanging out with daddy in the basement. Mommy was at the top of the stairs. I climbed up the whole staircase by myself to get to mommy (of course daddy was hovering over me the whole time...what a scaredy cat). Watch out world! I can get almost anywhere these days. I am almost one...

I'm exhausted from my long weekend.

Love,

Adam

Daddy and I hung out today after he was done with work. By the time mommy came home I was covered in squash and ready for a real meal. Daddy is trying to give me those yucky veggies but I wanted to eat what they were having for dinner. I ate a plate of spagetti and played with another plateful. By the end of the meal I was covered head to toe in squash and spagetti. After dinner we were going to go for a walk. I crawled over to the entry way and decided instead that I wanted to go upstairs. I climbed up 5 stairs all by myself while mommy and daddy stood behind me shaking their heads. I don't know what their problem was. These parents are awfully strange....

Adam

Well, I see daddy has made room on my website for "the little one." I am still not sure what it means to be a big brother but I hear I am going to find out very soon. I've added a few more accomplishments to my resume this past month. These accomplishments include:

1 - Breathe out through my nose and snarl
2 - Click my tongue
3 - Walk my shopping cart around the living room (including picking it up and moving it somewhere else and then walking it again)
4 - Eat chicken nuggets
5 - Eat mac n' cheese
6 - Squat
7 - Roll when I fall
8 - Went for my first bike ride with daddy
9 - Drink whole milk
10 - Say da-da (not just to daddy though..I also call my high chair, stroller and the floor da-da)
11 - Play Connect 4
12 - Swim in my wading pool

Okay, I'm too busy for this blog stuff. Gotta run!

Big A