Band...More Band!

These are the pleas I hear issued from Tyler anytime a trip in the car is mentioned. The band in question is none other than the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band and the song he's obsessed with is the War Hymn, of course. Despite what you might be thinking I am not to blame for this and there was no brainwashing involved. It all started with a book given to Tyler by his Grammy for his first birthday called, "Born to be an Aggie". It's a great book that explains the traditions and various elements of an Aggie football game. The Football Book, as it's called around our house, became one of Tyler's favorites and a staple of our bedtime routine a few months ago. During one reading Jim attempted to jazz it up and trumpeted out the War Hymn while reading the page devoted to the band. And that was all it took. After endless renditions of the song ourselves, I finally wised up and popped in my Aggie Band cd in the car. Now we cannot go anywhere without listening to the Aggie War Hymn in an endless loop. He's gotten so familiar with it that he now mindlessly hums the first stanza or so while doing pretty much anything. We'll hear him in his crib or while he's cleaning up his toys or while he's just playing by himself. It has indeed become Tyler's soundtrack. Miles away from College Station, at barely even two years of age, another Aggie fanatic has been born. I am so proud.


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

My Godson

Not only did I have the honor of being present when Samuel Robert Axe was born into this world but now I also have the great privilege of being his godmother, along with his aunt Molly and uncle Josh. Josh and Molly live in Denver so I was the sole godparent present at his baptism this past Sunday. Sammy was wonderful during the ceremony, smiling and cooing at the pastor. Afterward we had a great lunch and yummy cake. I am so excited by this extra bond between us and to be there for Samuel for whatever he needs in the future.

Baby B is...

a healthy little baby boy! Jim and I are so excited to be having another boy and a precious brother for Tyler. I have some great ultrasound pictures that I will try and scan soon to post. Baby was very active during our viewing and had both his hands up by his face most of the time. The technician said he's measuring right on schedule and everything looked great. It was wonderful to see our new little one and to have the peace of mind that he's healthy.

Halfway

This week I am 20 weeks pregnant which means I've reached the halfway mark or possibly just a titch over. I attempted to take several pictures of my belly to post in this entry but none of the pictures adequately portrayed how big I feel so I left them off. Most of you know that I'm kind of weird about pregnant bellies anyway so for now you'll just have to use your imagination. For the most part I'm feeling pretty good. Still a little more tired than usual but nothing too bad. I occasionally still have bouts of morning sickness but it's usually just one episode right when I wake up and then I'm fine the rest of the day. A quick side note here.
Jim and I have been working with Tyler on manners lately; saying please, thank you, excuse me and bless you. This last one he has really grabbed onto and run with. He will now bless anyone who sneezes, coughs, blows their nose or clears their throat within earshot. And sometimes he'll turn to us for no reason at all and say, "Bless you Mama. Bless you Dada". We're wondering if he's destined for a career in the ministry. Anyway, on the mornings when I am feeling sick Tyler will stand outside the bathroom door yelling, "Bless you Mama!" until I either come out or manage to yell my thanks. :)
I had a doctor's appointment last Monday and was able to hear the heartbeat again which sounded great! I've also been feeling baby B move around quite a bit each day which has been fun. This week we have our ultrasound scheduled and we can't wait to see baby and find out the gender.
Jim and I are definitely enjoying these times with Tyler as the only child and savoring these last months as a family of three. But we're also very excited about what the future holds for our family in just 5 short months!

Big Brother Tyler

Although we still have 5 months until baby is due Tyler has decided he needs big brother practice now. Yesterday I walked in on him holding his stuffed lion like a baby and rocking him. Today I watched as he sang "Rock a Bye Baby" to Lion, gently laid him down for a nap with Pup and offered his milk for Lion to drink. Before he would come into the kitchen for lunch he had to put Lion down for his nap in the baby bassinet and ran straight to get him after lunch was through. Upon picking him up (by the hair I might add) he exclaimed, "Poo poo pants. Pee yew!", then asked me for a diaper. After Lion was changed and pronounced, "All clean!" he held him and rocked him again. We've had this lion, and many other stuffed animals, for some time now and he's never acted this way towards any of them. I'm wondering if all the talk of the new baby plus seeing our neighbor Meg with their new baby Sam has prompted this pretend play. Whatever the cause, it's really precious to see and I'm glad for a chance to compliment him on what a great big brother he'll make.
PS. Just in case you were wondering Tyler's version of Rock a Bye Baby goes like this:
"Rock a bee baby in the tree"

Naked Sleeper

Last Saturday night Jim and I peeked in on Tyler before going to bed and saw this:He was so twisted around in his pjs that I had to sit him up to get him dressed again. Apparently these cold winter nights don't bother him!

Red Velvet Cupcake Meets Tyler

Happy New Year!

(Anna, Kate, Tyler and Elise)

This New Years Eve we were invited over by our friends Steve and Christa, along with our friends Dave and Sarah for dinner and an afternoon/evening of playing with kids and catching up. The celebratory mood was in the air and even the kids seemed to know as they greeted one another with jumps of excitement. Then they were off and running and barely slowed down to eat their dinner. After putting the kiddies to bed the adults got to truly enjoy each others company and unwind a bit. We played some Wii until the ball dropped at midnight. Here's wishing all our friends and family and wonderful and blessed 2009!

Tyler on Anna's bike. He put the helmet on all by himself!

Baby Kate and Daddy Dave

Dinnertime!

Ready for bed

Christmas Morning and Beyond

Christmas morning was an early one in our house but so fun. Tyler came down the stairs and was so excited to see his gift from Santa, a red snow shovel. He spent the rest of the morning shoveling wrapping paper until Jim finally took him outside. He was excited to open presents but hesitant to really rip into the paper. After one tear he'd look at Jim and me and say, "broke, paper broke", so we'd have to finish it off for him. Nana came later in the day and had Christmas dinner with us. The next morning Aunt Shannon, Uncle Mark, Kaitlyn, Ryan and Nick all came and we opened more gifts, had lunch and spent a wonderful day as a family. Tyler adores his three cousins and everyone was sad to see the day end. We were so blessed this Christmas season with friends and family and memories that we will cherish always.

Christmas at the Kranzs'

Every Christmas Eve Jim's entire family gets together for one huge party. His mom is one of six children and Jim has about thirteen first cousins. Add in everyone's spouses and kids and it's a pretty wild time. This year we let Tyler stay up late for the party and he had a blast! He warmed right up to everyone and wasn't shy about the big crowd at all. Aunt Sammy brought crafts for the kids and there was plenty of food to keep him occupied, including his favorite, jello squares. He was so excited to see his three cousins and played with them all night long. When it was time to open gifts Tyler received a set of 6 different trucks from Great Grandma Lucy and a DVD from his 2nd cousin, Megan. Every night since then, before he goes to bed, he has to kiss all the trucks night night. It's great to spend the evening with such a fun group of people and catch up on what everyone's been doing!