Chicken's Coming To Get You

I'm coming to get you
Chicken Costume Pictures

Originally uploaded by Q.

We kind of had a running joke this weekend...you have a kid and you become a social butterfly. Saturday Mike, Rooney and I were invited to 3 events. We could only stretch ourselves so thin though, and only committed to two.

This weekend Rooney's bud Parker celebrated his 1st birthday! Welcome to the Big Boy Club Parker. All the kids were dressed in their Halloween costumes. Oh man they were so cute! What was kind of funny is that none of them seemed to fight the costumes either. I've decided Halloween and the custom of dressing in costume has become instinctual. Possible "Survival of the Fittest"- whomever has the weakest costume gets the least amount of candy. As we all know, when you're a kid, whomever has the most candy runs the schoolyard.

The second event we went to was a Costume Party at Mike's friends' house. Everyone that was invited seemed to have kids. So many little kids and so many costumes. Yikes they were adorable. To our embarrassment their was another little blond boy in a chicken costume though. What were the chances?

The pictures will tell the story

Sybil

When Rooney was a baby I found it very difficult to get out the door to start our day. Working around his sleep schedule to get ready proved to be difficult at times and then trying to get him dressed, changed and packed to go always threw me off time wise. I had the hardest time working his "getting ready time" into my time management. It's been a year now and for the most part we've got our rhythm worked out although I am still running short on time every once in awhile. Generally it's just when I have to be anywhere before 10am.

Now that Rooney is getting older I've noticed it's a lot harder to get out the door for new reasons. The window is getting so much smaller these days between happy Rooney and Not-So-Happy Rooney. Some days I would believe it is non-existent. I did not want to be one of those moms that was chained to their houses for hours while their kids napped but I find myself doing just that. And once Rooney wakes up the clock starts it's countdown. However, before we can go anywhere he's got to eat and be changed. Ahhhhh! He can take 45min. to eat and sorry to be crude but it's all gone to hell if he has a load in his diaper. That window is half closed now.

I used to believe that having Rooney nap in his carseat was unfair. I believed it wasn't a "real nap" but as our window closes quicker now, and being as Rooney can turn on a dime these days, I'm starting to understand that maybe any nap is a "real nap". I finally had to make the decision that if I wanted us to go anywhere these days Rooney better be prepared and start bringing his little dog blankie along for the ride.

Quacker!

How do you know when someone is your good friend? When their first name becomes one of your first words.

This weekend Mike, Rooney and I went to a dinner party at our friends Krista, Tim & Parker's. We had a very good time and were joined by our other friends Sherry, Rick and Alex. The boys all got to play and we dined on some delicious fried halibut (freshly caught by Tim). While I was standing talking to Krista, who was holding Parker, Rooney said Parker! Here's the really weird part...Mike heard it and acknowledged it. Now you know it's legit because Mike doesn't think Rooney is saying anything.

Of course when Rooney said Parker, it wasn't clear as a bell and I thought he said "quacker" or something like that. But then he said it again, and I heard it, and I was amazed! Parker is a big word for a 1 year old. I have noted Rooney saying "dog", "duck", "hi" and "uh oh" (and of course Momma and Dada). Comparatively Parker is a big word. I'm pretty amazed by my kid. I honestly didn't think he would be very verbal so young. He is an action man and I figured he was putting all his energy into moving. Now that I know he is talking I've been trying to get him to say everything. Nothing new...but it's coming.

However, just because there aren't any other new words doesn't mean there isn't something else new. Mike taught Rooney to do something pretty cool. While all those other babies are busy learning signs, to feed themselves and chess Mike taught Rooney something he can really use in the future.

Click here to watch the video.

Quick Like A Cat

Now that Rooney is doing more things for himself, he is also getting into more things. Ah this kid is going to keep me on my toes.

Our livingroom/kitchen is pretty well baby proofed (or so I thought) and occasionally if I have to walk out of the room I feel OK leaving Rooney for a minute or two. Well this morning I had to leave the room and when I walked back into the kitchen I saw Rooney standing on a cardboard box at the kitchen sink! We had an empty cardboard box at the end of the kitchen. Rooney turned this box over on it's side and pushed it in front the sink. He was so proud of himself.

Unfortunately for us, not only is Rooney getting smarter about how to get what he wants, he is also getting quicker. As soon as you have a baby gate or the fridge open Rooney is there. You turn to close the gate and he's already going through it. I find it pretty funny that he would beeline for the fridge when he so rarely wants anything that's in it. However, there is something he wants. Everytime he can grab something he grabs the same things. We're still baffled by his selection, but it is always his selection...Szechwan Sauce!

I don't remember eating alot of Chinese food when I was pregnant.

The World's An Oyster

Now that Rooney is older he has started to do more things for himself. I have recently caught him starting to climb his toys to get to other toys and books. Instead of climbing on his toys I put a little step stool out for him. He started using it right away. Probably felt alot better on his feet than the blocks he was tromping all over.

Rooney loves books. He will sometimes bring books to me to read to him (his 2 personal favorites are Snuggle Puppy and Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb) but many times I find him on the floor looking through the books all by himself. He's no bookworm though. Rooney has many interests and most recently Roon-ham has really become interested in our Nerf soccerball. He will chase this thing all over the house. I don't want to make any big predictions on Rooney's future profession but I do see some potential soccer skills. He's already kicking the ball. Maybe he picked up a few things watching Mom play...or maybe he's trying to give me some pointers. I'll have to pay closer attention to his moves next time.

Rooney seems to want to be a well rounded kid. He loves literature, athletics and he also enjoys music and dance very much. Besides being in Kindermusik classes, Rooney has always listened to music before going to sleep and owns many little musical instruments. It was only recently that he started getting down though. He's already got head banging down and he is currently working on the butt shaking. Even if he is unable to get his dance moves coordinated he can always carry an instrument around and no one will notice.

We've recently starting playing along to CD's (Mom and Rooney's Little Bug Jam Band), sometimes trying to woo new members (Rooney's cousin Felix). The They Might Be Giants "No" CD, that Aunt Kristi and Uncle Andy gave him for his birthday, is great to play along to. Rooney seems to really like their CD's and we have alot of fun playing along.

We really need to be a trio though. Maybe once Rooney's little brother or sister is born we'll start looking for an old school bus to take the band on the road.

Lean Back Fat Joe

Rooney kicking back on the swings
Originally uploaded by Q.

Life's rough for Rooney. He has parents devoted to him, friends to play with, we try to get him to eat food and he can throw his clothes all over the floor.

Oh man is he going to get a wake up call!

I love this picture of Rooney and Parker. Reminds me of being a kid. I can imagine exactly how he is feeling at this moment. As of Friday, I officially became one year closer to old, and had a birthday. It was a good birthday. My friends took me to lunch, Mike and I went out for a great dinner and there were gifts. I was warned as you get older the birthdays become less important. I believe that to be true now. I easily put my birthday out of my head when I was focused on Rooney's birthday.

Last night we had a get together with all the usual suspects and a few of our new good friends. Rooney even had a little playgroup! Our house is small and people sat on the floor but I had a good time and was so glad to see everyone.

As you get older, birthdays are kind of like funerals in that they generally draw a large crowd. And as in the case of mine...no one took a picture.

3rd Rock From The Gums

With all the excitement of Rooney's birthday and Mike's new program I totally forgot to write about Rooney's new teeth.

A couple months ago one of the moms in my playgroup noticed that Rooney had bruises on his upper gums. She said she heard sometimes that happens when molars are coming in. Well I think this mom is a little crazy so I didn't think much about it. Then, not too long ago at Kindermusik Rooney was laughing really hard when I noticed a navy blue spot on his right upper gums. This spot was dark. It was like chewing-on-an-ink-pen dark blue spot! Oh my god the crazy lady was right and Rooney was getting in his molars.

The week of Rooney's birthday our little prince also had a cold. He was a bit cranky and not sleeping very well. All the signs were there, but his cold masked the symptoms and it wasn't until about a week later that we saw he had molars coming in on both sides! Wow that kid is a trooper. Then this week I saw it...his 3rd molar (right side lower). I want to say this kid is a genius but I guess he can't control tooth growth...or can he?

More cute bath pics could be found here

Can't Get Enough Rooney

You may have noticed recently the links on this blog pointing to some of our Flickr photosets. Now, it is possible to enjoy those photos without even having to go through the effort of getting on the internet!

Introducing Flickr Wallpapr, a program I wrote which will cycle through photos from Flickr and set them as your desktop background.

Now, I suppose you don't have to use our photosets, but if you want to, use wade0016 as the username. Honestly, why would you want to use any other photos?

How About A Little Pumpkin?

How about a little pumpkin
Originally uploaded by Q.

Yesterday Roonster and I went to Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch (click link to see pics) with the Moms Club. Going to a pumpkin patch really kicks off Fall and gets me into the Halloween spirit. Next to Christmas, Halloween is my favorite holiday. I feel like Mike isn't as into Halloween as I am, but maybe having a kid now, will change that.

The pumpkin patch had alot of nice pumpkins, although we did not get any yesterday. I thought it would be fun if Mike and I went back and we could spend some time with Rooney picking out the perfect pumpkins to carve for our Jack-O-Lantern pictures. Rooney seemed to have a good time with all the other kids running around in the pumpkins, but the real hit, seemed to be the bark covering the ground. I think all the "babies" tried to eat a piece at some point.

After most of the other moms left, my friend Sherry and I, decided to take our boys through a corn maze. It was 1.8 miles of walking through corn. We tried to use bent or fallen corn stalks as our breadcrumbs through the maze until we realized all the corn looked the same. We did do a few circles but managed to find our way out...eventually.

I think Sherry was worried there for awhile.

Momma's Just Got To Play

I don't know if anyone remembers, but a year ago, when I went into labor, Mike and I were coming home from my sister and brother's soccer game (Mike actually played in that game also). I was really bummed last year that I couldn't play. After Rooney was born the idea was tossed around to play spring and summer sessions, but as a group we just couldn't get it together. We all agreed to play fall session but even that was up in the air until the end of September. We kind of decided (Dana and I) that I would be the new Team Captain (because the old one was out with ankle surgery) and we finally solidified a team. People get really flaky as they get older! It's been so difficult to squeeze a commitment out of people but the team we've solidified has been the core group from almost the beginning.

Wanting to play soccer was the catalyst for me when I started running. I really wanted to be able to run for 15 minutes straight. Don't laugh, I could barely run 5min when I started. Now I can run much longer than my original 15min goal but after the 1st practice and then the 1st game, I realized, there is alot more physically needed than just being able to run. We played our 2nd game last night (3-6, our loss) and I already had both my ankles taped and made sure every muscle that could conceivably be stretched was. Even with all that preparation, I woke up this morning to my back being very stiff, my left knee throbbing and my right ankle hurting. I never played organized sports before and I am turning 33 soon but I am very surprised by the aches and pains. It's not true that you're as young as you feel. Believe me!

Mike and Rooney were there cheering our team on. Mike tried to take some pictures, but despite my many aches I was still to quick for the camera so the shots are a little blurry. I hope I am still playing when Rooney is older, because I think it will be great for him to see his parents participating in sports. I know I already plan on being one of the loudest parents cheering Rooney on when he's playing.

So Big!

Rooney on Mike shoulders
Originally uploaded by Q.

Well the results are in...Rooney's a big guy. Roonster and I went to the MD for his 12 month check-up today. Before I tell you what his new statistics are let me preface what I am about to say with Mike and I understand that people are growing taller these days. That being said Mike and I were still blown away when Mike calculated that if Rooney kept up his current rate of growth, by the time he is 17 years old, he'll be 12ft tall! I don't know where we're going to find pants that fit him. Good thing I'm in the sewing club. We have also calculated that if Rooney keeps up with his current rate of weight gain he'll be 150lb. We've created a comparison chart to help you picture what a 12ft tall/150lb Rooney might look like.

The chances of Rooney having alot of dates in high school is starting to look bleak.

Oh well...there is always the drama club.

Here are his current stats: 33 3/4" tall, 24.14lbs. His height is still off the chart at >95%. Compared to his age Rooney is in the 75% in weight but when the MD compared it against his height he was in the 25%. According to the MD, he is in the normal range either way, so she wasn't worried.

However, I feel she might have changed her mind if she was armed with our projections.

Rooney's One!

(One year ago)

Rooney playing with birthday gift
Originally uploaded by Q.

Well it's official Rooney is one year old now. Not only is he 1 but I am the mother of a 1 year old. That's it ...he might as well be 18. The party is over.

OK I know that's overdramatic but of course I can't help but reflect on how much has changed in the last year. How much Rooney has grown and how we've all changed. Rooney growing and getting older is not really a surprise. It's been gradual yet I still feel a little overwhelmed by it. The Roon and I have been constant companions; making so many new friends and we have had so much fun together. In the last 365 days Rooney has learned to hold his head up, smile, laugh, roll over, sit up, stand, crawl, walk, feed himself food, grasp, clap, give himself his pacifier, hold a bottle, drink from a sippy cup (this happened 9/26/06) and play independantly. He has started to say words (Momma, Dada/Daddy and as of last night Duck). He's gone from solely eating formula every 2hrs on the nose to eating food and drinking milk from a cup.

I know the next year will be just as exciting as the last one. There should be big changes and still more first. Ahhh the 1st haircut is still looming over us!

Happy Birthday Baby Bear and here's to another "Best Year Ever"!

(Click here to see how Rooney spent his birthday morning)

Rooney's 1st Birthdays!!!

Lit Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by Q.

Saturday and Sunday was almost exclusively devoted to celebrating Rooney's birthday. Saturday we invited family and a few friends over for food, drinks, cake and Rooney. It was great to see everyone, unfortunately, Rooney, received a gift of a cold also this week, so he was a little under the weather. However he prevailed and partied with the best of them.

Sunday we had a kid party for him at Kids & Music (where he takes his Kindermusik classes). This was alot of fun and all his little buddies got to come and celebrate with him. Many of whom also have birthdays coming up.

There are tons of photos so click here for Saturdays pictures and click here for Sundays pictures.

Mike, Rooney and I would really like to thank everyone that came. We had a great time celebrating with you!