Kash 3 years old

Oh Kash,

So much has happened in the last year I don't even know where to begin.  It seems as if you are officially out of the toddler stage and on your way to being a big boy.  This saddens me greatly as I think back on your baby and toddler years but I also love who you are becoming and watching you grow and your personality bloom.

You are hilarious Kash, Dad and I are constantly laughing at the things you come up with. And you love being funny.  Anytime we laugh you ask, "Who's funny?  Me?"

I personally think, and I know I'm bias, that you are a great communicator.  For a long time now you have been able to clearly communicate what you are thinking and what you want.  Recently you have started talking in very long comprehensive sentences.  In fact some of the things you say makes me feel like I'm living with a 15 year old instead of a 3 year old. After I got home from church last night you walked in to the room (when you should have been in bed sleeping) and we had the following conversation:

K: Oh hi Mom I didn't know you were home.
M: Hi Kash, go to bed.
K: So, how was your night Mom? Did you have fun at church?
M: Yes Kash...now go to bed!
K: Ok I will.  Have fun with Dad tonight, love you.

Often times it's the fluctuation and ease that you speak with that makes our conversations entertaining.

You also started to get a little sassy with your comments, like when I tell you to "chill out" and you say, "YOU chill out Mom!"  Yeah that never goes over well.  Try that in 13 years and you won't be driving the car for a month.

Our days are filled with preschool, play group, date nights, library trips, play dates...all are fun and you look forward to being with your friends.  But my favorite part of our days are when I hear you in the other room playing by yourself with your cars and pretending to drop Lightening McQueen off at preschool, "have fun and be nice" you tell him as you zoom away.  Play isn't always fun as I hear you repeat the things I say, "Ok go to time out", "Ohh don't talk to me like that" and my famous over dramatic "Ughhhh".  Nothing like a child parroting your every word to keep you in check.  You are starting to get more into pretend and I love watching your imagination grow.  You often tell me of times when you were a dragon and how you used to fly all around.  Or when you were a baby you were a puppy and you were so cute haha.

You love music and to dance.  You are often declaring random dance parties wherever we are.  You have to have your own hymnal at church and attempt to sing along with the congregation.  The other day I thought you were crying while you were supposed to be taking a nap and when I walked in you were just singing your little heart out.

You are very aware of your surroundings and people's feelings.  You pick up right away if someone is mad, sad or happy.  And if they aren't happy it really bothers you and you will ask them if they are happy until they finally give in and choose to be happy, although when this tactic is reversed onto you you aren't as fond of it.

You are a miniature version of your father.  You thrive on routine, you love things to be neat and orderly, you can't stand to have your hands dirty, you love to win, you love sports and you love treats...ok that one is probably a little more like me. But really, you idolize Dad. He is by far your favorite person in this world.  I'm pretty sure your dream day would be to play with Dad all day long without any interruptions.  For about two hours before he comes home each day you start to ask me, "When is Dad coming home?".  Any time I open the door to the garage you come running around the corner, "Dad is that you?".  I'm so grateful that you and your Dad have such a close relationship.  And his love for you amazes me on a daily basis. You don't only love Dad, you love all of your family and talk about all of your aunts, uncles, cousins and grandmas and grandpa often.  If it was up to you they would ALL be invited to dinner every night. I love that you love your family.

Since your brother was born you have become my little helper and a lot more independent.  This wasn't something that came natural to you but you have adapted and grown so much in these areas.  You are almost always willing to put Nixon's pacifier in his mouth, get him a toy or blanket.  If you aren't willing to do it you simply say "no thank you"...at least you are polite about it.  You are great at getting in the car by yourself, going to the bathroom, brushing your teeth, and you've started to have a desire to get dressed by yourself.  All of these things still need supervision but you are definitely entering the "I can do it all by myself" stage.  Which is refreshing and frustrating all at the same time.  Frustrating when your already 30 minute bedtime routine is extended due to you wanting to do everything by yourself, but it is nice that you are learning to be more independent.

I could go on an on.  But this letter is already long enough.  Overall you are an amazing kid, Kash and I'm so proud of you.  I love you to the moon and back (just like Big Nutbrown Hare...even though when I say this you tell me that people don't go to the moon) and each day you make me want to be a better mom--you deserve the best.  You are smart, stubborn, sweet, thoughtful, funny and cool.  You are so awesome for so many reasons.

Happy birthday Bubs!

Oh and hey Kash, love ya. (inside joke...yeah we already have those.)
mom

3 year old stats:
height: 39.25 (75-90%)
weight: .37.2 (75-90%)

 20 questions: answered by Kash Turnbow, 3 years old

1. What is your favorite color? red
2. What is your favorite toy? cars
3. What is your favorite fruit? strawberries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Octonauts
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? PB & J Sandwich 
6. What is your favorite outfit? baseball halloween costume
7. What is your favorite game? soccer
8. What is your favorite snack? granola bar
9. What is your favorite animal? dog
10. What is your favorite song? Bad by Michael Jackson
11. What is your favorite book? letter tracing book
12. Who is your best friend? Elliot
13. What is your favorite cereal? O's
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? play
15. What is your favorite drink? juice
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? my blanket, music, toys, a book...
18. What is your favorite movie? Cars 
19. What is your favorite thing to do? play outside
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a race car driver



**clearly I need to write letters every 6 months to avoid humongous posts. 

2 year old Kash

(Oh man I feel like I've written this before on this blog, maybe every post, but I'm so behind on all the things I need to blog about!  Life has been crazy for us the past few months and I don't see things slowing down anytime soon.  But it is important to me to document Kash's growth and changes because I LOVE looking back and reading what I wrote about him during that time in his life.  I have a horrible memory and this helps me to remember my little boy and all the details of our adventures at each stage of his life. So anyway, I guess what I'm saying is I'm not giving up on this blog even if it sometimes feels like a chore and even if my posts are few and far between!) 


Happy Birthday Kash!!!

Wow, two years old!  As your mom I have the right to say this as many times as I want (clearly I have used this right plenty), but it seriously seems like we were bringing you home from the hospital just yesterday.  And now you are running, hopping (a favorite of yours), jumping and crashing every where you go!

You are talking up a storm these days.  It's awesome that you can just tell me what you are thinking now.  It seems like every day you are learning a new word and surprising the pants off of me when you use it in the proper context. Famous Kash phrases:

"Too bad Mom/Dad"
"Time to make dinner?"
"Ummm, no!" (thanks for at least thinking about it)
"Juice me." (meaning you would like a drink)

You love playing with trucks and cars, but you do find it hard to do by yourself and usually prefer a partner by your side.  You also still love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and it's fun to listen to you answer Mickey's questions and count along with him.  You love playing with older kids.  You are kind of a stinker to kids your age or younger but if there's a kid a few years older you are their shadow!

You are a good helper too!  You love unloading the dishes, sweeping and wiping down any surface you can reach.  You would probably do more too if it were safe and we let you.

Since your last update at 18 months I'd say your tantrums have gone down a little.  It seems like we can reason with you a little bit more than six months ago.  That's not to say you don't still have them and that you don't know how to be a little stinker sometimes, because you do!

Your dad seems to be your best friend.  You get a burst of energy when he walks through the door at night and want to start playing immediately.  And when he's not around you are asking about him all day, if I ask you where you think he is you say one of the three: church, work, or run and you are usually right!  But it goes both ways your dad loves you so much and you are one lucky kid to have such an awesome dad!

I love you too Bubs!  Although we have our moments where I think we both frustrate each other, you make me laugh each day with the new sayings, looks and ideas that you come up with.  I love the moments when you are feeling extra sweet and will tell me you love me or give me a hug unprompted!

Happy birthday our little two year old!
Love,
Mom & Dad

rachel smith photography

2 Year Stats:
Weight--33lbs (90-95%)
Height--35 3/4" (80%)

18 month old Kash

Kash,

You have changed immensely since your 15 month check up.  You say so many more words now, or partial words and you insist that your Aunt Karen's real name is DoDo. You've learned that yes ,yeah, is another response option to a question opposed to NO NO NO.  This is heaven to my ears for some reason.  You tend to leave the last letter or syllable off of words, i.e.-ba=bat or bath, poo=pool or poop,  baball=baseball.  You can see how this can be confusing from time to time, "What you have to poop or you want to go to the pool?"  You are able to comprehend a lot more (sometimes more than you lead on, like when we ask you to pick up your toys and you just ignore us. I know you can hear us and understand us...nice try bubs), which is nice to feel like we can converse with you more.

You are able to do a lot more physically as well.  You love to climb up on chairs or anything really.  You are running faster, you attempt to hop (thanks to Grandma Shelley) and you are even getting the hang of swinging a bat!

All your teeth have come through and it looks like we'll be clear for the next 6 months till your 2 year molars show their faces.  Hallelujah!  And your teethy grin is kind of adorable!

And this part of the letter is to the Kash who will some day be a father of an 18 month old, so that when your precious baby turns into a little stinker you will know that your parents survived and so will you!  Now it's not to say that you are an extremely hard toddler I actually think your behavior is right on for your age, it's just very clear you are learning about independence and the quickest way to get what you want.  This is your dad's favorite stage, he loves that he can play with you and interact more.  But for me I have a hard time when you throw a tantrum in the middle of the store, smack me in the face or when I tell you not to do something and you look me straight in the face and do the opposite. For some reason I take it personally.  When I stop and think about it I know it's not personal, I just need to remember that in the moment.

Throwing a fit in the middle of the parking lot (on my birthday) because you thought the restaurant was in the other direction

At your 18 mo. check up the doctor asked if we felt like you had reached the "terrible twos" a little early, I think I screamed yes!  But between the tantrums and screaming your way through church (oh yeah nursery wasn't the hit we thought it would be) there are tender moments where you say "momma" and give me some pats or run up and give me a hug.  Or laugh your head off when I tell you your diaper stinks (you also think it's funny when people fart...all boy!), or laugh at your own jokes, or the way you get so excited to do the simplest things, those are the moments I live for.  You definitely have a sweet, caring side to you.  I  love watching you grow and learn new things, it's just that discipline and not taking things personal have been a little harder for me than I thought.  I'm not so sure I'm the laid back, easy going mom I once was.  I felt really comfortable with the newborn stage, you learning to crawl and getting into everything and even a teething little 11 month old who was up all night were all things I handled just fine. Well, I don't feel as confident with the toddler stage.  But we are both growing and learning together.  Lucky for you you have your dad who doesn't seem to mind all of these things and a mom who loves you to death, just needs to adjust to this new stage in your life.

Sharing your drink we me because you just love me so so so much! ha

And even though you can be a handful I actually wouldn't change a thing.  I think you are growing and developing just like you should and exploring this world with all the limits we put on you I'm sure is challenging.  But you keep things exciting and still make me smile every. single. day.

Love you bubs!
Mom & Dad


Likes: Mickey Mouse, babies (although I think you just like seeing them at church, I don't think you'd like if one moved in with us), baseball, the moon, baths, water, unfortunately treats, dogs or any animals and being outside.

18 month stats:
Weight--30 lbs (95%)
Height--34" (90%)
Head--49.5 (90%)

update: Kash is now done with the pacifier!  For the last 6 months he only would get it during naps/bedtime.  But we just weaned him off!  Such a big boy!

Kash 15 months

15 mo. and no hands

Oh Kash!  You sure are becoming our independent little toddler.  This week we took you to your "15th month well baby checkup".  You've always been a little angel at the doctor.  You would sit there and let the doctor look at your eyes and ears and smile and we would only here a little peep out of you when you would get a shot.  Well I'm afraid those peaceful doctor's visits are over.  You were kind of a pill the entire time this visit.  You were running down the hall as I tried to fill out the questionnaire.  You continually told the doctor "NO".  You cried the entire time she checked all your body parts.  I couldn't believe my sweet little baby was acting like this.  She kept telling your dad and I how "strong willed" you were, that's a nice way to put it! haha  Good news is you are a healthy and most of the time happy boy.  You now weigh 28 lbs. and are 31.5 inches tall, the doctor was happy to see that you are starting to slow down on the growth chart.

I will say that some of your orneriness is probably from teething.  Last month you got two molars on top and your two bottom ones are cutting through right now.  But the other part I think is just your age and your need to express your independence.

You are really starting to talk more and learn more words, although your favorite word right now is "no" and it kinda drives me crazy!  You are learning what more animal noises are and you are getting good at mimicking people. It's nice that we are able to communicate with you more and understand your needs.  You still use a few baby signs but you are starting to replace those with the real words.

You are a pretty funny little boy as well.  When you get a laughing response out of someone for something you do you continue to do it over and over again...which is a typical toddler thing to do I'm sure.   You love playing with your dad and trying to make him laugh or love when he does silly things that make you laugh.  Often times you will walk around the house saying da-da looking in each room when he's not home.  And when we pull into the driveway and the garage door opens you always say da-da?  Assuming for some reason that he's just sitting in the garage waiting for us to come home.  You love playing with balls and you love when dad plays along with you.  He recently bought you your first baseball and bat and you love it.

You are really into books.  I've had the pleasure of taking work off this week and just spending time with you.  And for about two hours every morning we would play in your room and you bring me book after book to read to you.  You definitely have your favorite books and it seems like you are starting to memorize them too.  Reading with you always makes me think I have the smartest little 1 year old in the world!

You love to climb.  You would climb on everything if we let you.  As you continue to grow you continue to get into more things that were once out of reach and safe from your chubby little hands.  You've even figured out how to open our cabinets with the baby proof locks on them!  There's seriously nothing you can't get into.

You are a sweet little boy with an awesome personality.  We love you Kash and feel so grateful everyday for the joy and happiness you bring to our family.  It's not easy being a parent and there are often hard moments of frustration, tiredness and just a feeling of we aren't always sure what we are doing.  But every single minute is worth it.  You make us want to be better people so that you can be the best person you can be.  You've made our hearts grow.  We love you more than you will ever know!

Mom & Dad

Kash 12 months

The hawk is flying high these days! haha

Happy Birthday Bubs!

I knew the time would go by fast, but I honestly can't believe a year has come and gone and that my baby boy is one year old. As much as I miss you as a sweet little newborn you are pretty great as a one year old as well!

I'm always impressed with your ability to learn new things. For the past few months I've been trying to teach you a few simple signs to make it easier for you to communicate with us. Well this last month you finally got a few and have learned how to apporpirately use them. You know how to say finished and more. Of course these signs are acted out to the best of your ability but it's so nice for you to be able to tell us what you need or want.

You are also a walking boy now! You started to take a few steps before your birthday and now you can walk across the room and always prefer to walk over crawling. But in walking you have gained some battle wounds, as you can see in these pictures the coffee table won the last battle.

You are our little explorer. Getting into anything and everything you can. Which means we are working on listening, boundaries and rules. These are so not fun to teach you!  For the most part you are a pretty good listener like when we ask you to close the drawer you actually do it...and then just open it up again! ha

It's not all roses with you Kashers!  As captured by the last picture you definitely throw a fit when you don't get your way!  Don't worry I talked to the doctor about this and she said it's perfectly developmentally normal as you test limits and learn new things!  You were mad in this picture that we wouldn't let you stand up on the chair! ha Lucky for you, you're still cute even when you are mad! 

Talking is on your horizon as well.  You can say momma and dada, something that sounds like grandpa and baby.  Although lately when I ask you to say baby you just scream, I don't know what that's about.  You are still jabbering like crazy though and I have a feeling when you actually do start talking we won't hear the end of it.

You are getting so fun to play with and interact with.  You definitely have a fun little personality that makes me laugh all the time.  You think it's fun the wrestle around with dad on the floor and still like to be scared.

Well this is the last of your monthly letters bubs.  It was really important to me that you have something to reference your first year of life.  And of course I'll still document the rest of your life :) it just won't be through monthly letters.

We love you!!!!!
Mom & Dad

Stats:
weight 26 lbs--95th percentile
height 31 in.--70th percentile
head--75th-90th percentile
(short and stocky haha)

Kash 11 months

(while this post is very late the pictures were taken on time) 

Hey Bubs,

Where to start.  I feel like you are an unofficial toddler this month.  The books say that happens at 12 months but I think you are already there my friend.

For one you toddle all around the house.  And by toddle I mean you walk all around the furniture, you stand on your own, and every once in awhile you muster up enough guts to try and take a step but it always results in a fall.  You are on your way to walking for sure though.  I even think you prefer to walk around the perimeter of things verses crawling if you have the option.

I think the fact that you are refusing baby food also makes you a toddler.  In fact you are getting stubborn like a toddler in that you won't let us feed you anymore, you insist on doing it yourself!!  Which means you get about half of your dinner actually in your mouth and then you get bored and you are done.  Sometimes you refuse to eat all together...I never thought the world's largest baby would refuse food, but you do!  This new found independence has taught dad and I patience...to say the least.

You have perfected the art of waving.  What started out looking like Hitler's solute has now turned into a vigorous arm waving around at anyone who will say hi.  Your favorite is waving at church.  You just wave your little arm like crazy when we walk into sacrament meeting.  Which is actually nice because people now think it's cute when we are 10 minutes late to church every Sunday.

You love music and love to dance. Any time a commercial with a song comes on you stop whatever you are doing, crawl to the TV and bounce up and down (your interpretation of dancing). I think you've really appreciated all of the holiday jingles on commercials this past month.  You also think it's fun to dance to the hymns at church.  While this is obviously inappropriate, it's quite adorable so we let you do it.

Our favorite trick you do though is when you "close your eyes"! You think it's so funny to close your eyes, this is probably because we laugh so hard every time you do it.  And by closing your eyes I mean you squint while still peaking out to make sure someone is laughing at you. (it's hilarious, see video below for proof)

You can fold your arms now when we say prayers.  And grandpa Turnbow has taught you how to go up and down stairs.  It's a good thing he taught you because I'm pretty sure it terrifies your dad and I and we never would have been brave enough to teach you this one.

Your sass level has also gone up a notch.  If you don't get your way you throw a fit. And sometimes you jabber like you are bossing people around.  Your dad says your sass is genetic and that you can't help it...very funny dad!

But you are still the sweetest little boy I know.  You randomly give us kisses and hugs.  You love to snuggle with me as I rock you for a few minutes before bed, this is my favorite part of the day.  And in general you still have a happy, sweet disposition.

You are growing way too fast my little boy.  I can't believe you will be one in just a few weeks.  You are no longer my baby which makes me cry every time I think about it.  But I have a feeling you will always be my baby no matter how old you are.  I know I say it every month but you are the light of my life.  Despite the fact that your new curiosity, tantrums and sass wears on me from time to time I still can't believe how much love I have for you.  And while it's also hard watching you grow up it's so fun to watch your little personality shine, watch you learn new things and look at the world through you innocent eyes.

We love you so much Kash!
Mom & Dad

Here's a little clip of Kash's tricks and sass!  

Kash 10 months

Kash-man-chew,

Ten months--double digits booooyyy!!! And...you are mobile!  A week after I wrote your 9 month post you decided it was time to crawl.  We were at your aunt Joy's house, Grandpa Turnbow held out a pen for you and you were determined to get it.  You got up on your hands and knees and just crawled over there like an old pro!  I couldn't believe it.  You never looked back after that and now you are crawling all over the place.  While it keeps us busy you are so excited to go where ever you want.  You love to crawl to our coffee table or couch and then walk all around the house via the furniture.  Sometimes you forget that you can't actually walk yet and turn around to take a step and fall.  We'll see if this means you will be an early walker. :)

I feel like your personality is really starting to shine.  You are very aware of your surroundings, what people say and noises that happen around the house.  If our heater kicks on you look around to see who is making that noise.  You are also have a very animated face.  I love when you raise your eyebrows and say ooooo or stick out your sass lips and scrunch up your nose.  But with the good also come the bad!  If you don't get what you want you will throw your hands down and grunt/scream.  Not cool Kash.  If you want food it's the same thing you pound on your high chair and growl until someone gives you a bite.  Speaking of bites you love to eat off my plate.  Anytime you see that I'm eating something you crawl right over demanding a bite.  We are working on your table manors!!!

You may love to eat since you actually have teeth now!  You are up to five!  Three on top and the two on bottom.  Your top teeth make you look so grown up and kinda makes me sad.  I know it's obviously a good thing that you are getting your teeth but you just seem to be growing up way too fast for me to handle!  I think the fact that I'm working full time only makes time go by faster, which is really hard on me!  I so wish I could be at home with you all day, every day Kash!

(yeah you were being a little difficult this photo shoot and just wanted to get down and play with your books! Little stinker!)

You still love bath time, to the point that when I turn the water on you start laughing and bouncing up and down. Lately you love to lay in the water, when I try and sit you back up you just arch your back and stiffen your body to try and lay back down...future Olympic swimmer?  As long as you are in the Olympics! haha

While you are a lot of work these days and often wear me out (I don't know how Grandma Turnbow does it all day) I think this might be my favorite stage.  Although, anytime I hold a newborn I miss little baby Kash and it makes me sad that you are growing up so fast.  But right now you are so fun to play with and make us laugh all the time with the faces and noises you make!

We love you sooooooo much Bubs!
Mom & Dad

Kash 9 months

Hi Kash,

It's me your mom.  You have changed so much in the last month and you are learning so many new tricks!  You can pull yourself up to things, you love to clap, you can dance (aka bounce up and down), you can do "so big", you can eat bites of table food now--whew this has been a big month for you.

You still aren't crawling, and to be honest I thought you would be by now.  But you are getting closer than last month.  You can take a few "crawls" and then fall on your belly and get mad.  I can tell that you just want to move and explore and it makes you very frustrated that you can't, soon enough boy.  The doctor said it's normal because you are bigger than most babies and you just need to build up the strength to move your big ol' body! ha It would actually be nice for you to be a little more independent as you are breaking my back!

Speaking of your size...this month you were due for another well check at the doctor's.  You are slowing down, as predicted by some, on the growth chart.  You weigh 24.2 lbs (95th%) 29 in. (85th%) and your head is in the 85th percentile as well.  You still dominate in comparison to any baby your age that we know though.

Things you love this month:  you love playing with your dad!  You think it's so funny when he plays peek-a-boo although we should rename it raaarrahh-a-boo because you and dad just scream at each other. And no surprise you LOVE that you can have real food now.  Your diet still mainly consists of baby food, cereal and milk but you love when you get to taste what we are eating.  You love being outside and you like to be around people.

Your top tooth finally came in!  This was by far the hardest of the three teeth you have.  You seemed to be a little extra fussy and not sleeping through the night due to this stubborn tooth that took it's time coming through!  But it's finally in and you are back to your old happy, sleeping through the night self!

I still can't believe what a good boy your are about going to bed.  You never cry when we put you down, well if you are at home in your crib that is (traveling seems to be a little rough).  Sometimes you'll talk yourself to sleep but very rarely do you cry.  I think it might help that you are obsessed with your blankey that you only get at bed time.  Every time you see it you squeal with excitement until you get your hands on it which at that point your bury your face into it.  We still need to get you this excited about naps! haha I'm sure that will never happen.  You used to be such a good little baby that would bury his head into the nook of my arm and fall right asleep.  Now we have to trick you into taking naps by sitting quietly on the couch and watching tv (I know awesome parenting right?) until your eyes get too heavy and you fall asleep.

As always we love you Kash!  You keep us on our toes and sometimes wear us out but we wouldn't have it any other way. You have the funniest little personality and seem to have such a joy for life that brightens our home!

Love,
Mom & Dad

kash 8 months

Hey Kasher,

Eight months old? Dang, boy you are getting so old! But the older you get the funnier you get…if that’s even possible! :)

Although, you have been kind of a pill about sleeping this last month, but I think that’s just because your teeth are bothering you. You used to sleep till around 6:00am but lately you’ve been waking up at 4:00am and want to start your day then…sorry buddy that’s just not happening. Hopefully your top two teeth will break through soon and we can get back to our normal routine.

You still have a hilarious obsession with dogs. When we go on walks on Sunday afternoons you will spot a dog clear down the path and just randomly start laughing, it’s pretty dang funny! This is definitely one of our favorites right now.

You are on the verge of crawling. I think I said that last month but you are definitely closer this month. You can scoot backwards but then get frustrated that you can’t move forward. You get up on your hands and knees and rock but don’t actually go anywhere. But if you really want something, a cord, my dinner plate, a bug on the ground…aka anything you aren’t supposed to have, you find a way to get to it!

You LOVE to take baths! You think it’s hysterical when I squirt you with a toy fish, you are really good at getting me soaking wet and think it’s really funny to try and get out of the tub…it’s not that funny Kash! You’ve also started to wave your arms around like a wild man which has enhanced your splash range!

You are jabbering up a storm adding new consonants to your words every week. You’ve finally started saying ma-ma-ma in addition to dat, ba, dad and your favorite is bub. Sometimes you will just say “bub” once and then laugh like it’s your own inside joke. You are so cute! Again I will say I know these are normal child developmental milestones but it’s so much cuter when your own kid does it.

This month’s photo shoot produced some real winners. It’s getting harder and harder to take your monthly picture because you are moving all over the place! The pictures were so hilarious it was hard to pick just a few!

We love you baby boy. You are so fun to be around and make us laugh every single day!

Love,

Mom & Dad

7 months

Hey Kasher!

As each month goes by your personality grows and your dad and I love you more than we thought we could the previous month!  It helps that you laugh at almost anything we do and your smile is ten times cuter with two little chompers sticking out.

This last month your sleeping positions have entertained us greatly! One day you even turned 180 degrees in your crib.  When I went to get you in the morning I couldn't believe it!  It seems that you prefer sleeping on your stomach, well I don't know if you actually prefer this or if your just too sleepy to roll back over.  But the first time I found you on your tummy it scared me to death because your head was face down in your blanket.  I whispered, "Kash?" and you creepily popped your head up.  haha  I was just glad you were alive!  So now our favorite thing is to go see what position you are sleeping in.  A couple of times a week your dad and I will sneak in to your room and take a peek.  Your dad will say, "I wonder what Kash is doing," and I will say, "I don't know lets go look!"  I know we are weird but we get a real kick out of this!

Since you were born I've been trying to teach you to say momma.  Last week you finally started to catch on!  Well almost...when I say mom-mom-mom-mom you say bah-bah-bah-bah.  And the little face you make with it is priceless!  This too is a favorite of ours right now.  You are even starting to say da-da, but I don't think you are quit associating it with Dad yet.

Another favorite thing of mine is when I pick you up from Grandma Turnbow's.  Every day you can hear the door open and you know I'm there to get you.  I can hear your squeals before I can see you, then when I turn the corner you are practically bouncing out of Grandma's arms from excitement.  It warms my heart each day, and just know the excitement goes both ways!

You survived your first ear ache this month too, make that double ear infection.  You are such a good baby though it was hard to tell you were sick.  But I knew something was up when you weren't sleeping through the night, but the doctor wasn't as convinced.  When she walked into the room she said he doesn't look sick to me as you laughed and smiled at her.  But after looking at your ears she determined you had two ear infections.

You are rolling all over the place, sitting in high chairs at restaurants, riding in the shopping cart, graduated to a bigger car seat, squash is your favorite food, your hair is growing in as a mow-hawk, you have a weird obsession with remotes and you still LOVE animals.  We took you to the zoo this month and anytime you could actually see the animals you would giggle.  You are so dang cute Kash.  We love you so much, you are still the light of our lives.  There are hard times, like when you get fussy at night or spit up all over me at church and then pull my hair and put it in your spit up mouth...but I wouldn't trade those hard times in for anything!

We love love love you!
Mom & Dad

6 months

Hey Kash,

Happy half birthday (on July 19th)! It seriously feels like I was pushing your giant head out just yesterday! You are growing right before our eyes and for some reason it makes me extremley emotional. With every "first" that occurs in your life it seems to bring on a tear or two from your over emotional mamma! Obviously I want you to develop and grow but this is a lot harder for me than I thought it would be. I feel like before I know it you won't be my baby boy anymore...

Okay, okay I'm sure if you could you would be rolling your eyes right about now (I'm sure your dad is) so we will move on to your milestones. YOU GOT YOUR FIRST TOOTH THIS LAST MONTH! Big big news right? I'm sure you didn't think it was as exciting as you got really congested, kinda fussy and it was hard for you to sleep through the night. But I was so excited the day your Aunt Joy text me saying that my baby boy definitely had a tooth coming through! You look so cute with one little chomper tooth sticking out and the second one broke through this weekend so you soon will have two little teeth! You look so old to me now.

You are sitting up like a champ. And now that you can sit up this is all you want to do. The days of you lounging calmly in your bouncer while I put on my make up are long gone. You now have to be sitting up in your bouncer like a big boy trying to get a better view on the world. And did I mention that you are wiggle worm? You love to be moving and exploring. You won't even let me rock you to sleep anymore (insert sad face). Which isn't a bad thing (again this is me being over emotional about an important milestone), you are great at your bedtime routine. We read you a book, say prayers, turn on the music and lay you in your crib and most nights you just turn your head and we don't hear a peep out of you until morning. This didn't happen with out a little work on our part though.  It took a few nights of you screaming before we were able to make this routine go so smoothly, but you are such a good boy and I'm proud of you for making your bedtime routine such a breeze.

SOLIDS...yes you started solids this last month and you hate them. Oh well get used to them because I'm not going to be that mom that is breastfeeding a five year old!

Your fine motor skills are improving. The other day you saw a string on your shirt and worked so hard to get your chubby little fingers on it, it was pretty cute. You can also pick up your pacifier and put it in your mouth. It was bizarre to look over the other day and see you sucking on a pacifier that I hadn't given you.  You will get your hands on anything within reach!  The doctor's visit was a lot more entertaining this month.  As the nurse tried to lay you on the scale you decided you needed to sit up and then proceeded to grab all the hand outs and tools that were around the scale.

Speaking of the scale you are starting to slow down on the growth chart. You went from the 100th percentile down to the 97th at your 6 month check up. You now weigh 23 lbs and are 28 inches long. You are in 12 month clothes and some of those are even a little tight (like the 12 mo. sized onsie in these pictures).

Your little personality is starting to shine. You are still a happy go lucky baby but now you have an opinion if something doesn't go your way. It seems you have a love for dogs and things you shouldn't have (ie-paper, keys, boxes, etc) and you LOVE people and little kids and you love peek-a-boo.

We love you Kash!  I'm sure all of these things that you are learning to do are normal and every baby before you has accomplished them...but it's new and exciting to us to watch you grow!

Mom & Dad

5 months

Hi Kasher!

Big news...you rolled over!!!  I had you on your tummy, you were getting a little frustrated and I told you that if you didn't want to be on your stomach then just roll over.  And you did it, good job listening ha!  But to be honest you did it so slowly that my reaction was a little delayed.  When it finally hit me that you just rolled over for the first time you and I celebrated with squeals and laughter!  Good job boy, I'm so proud of you.  Obviously this is a normal activity for a child your age but I just love watching you accomplish each milestone and it makes me proud!

In other big boy news you are starting to sit up by yourself.  You are still pretty wobbly and need supervision, but you are getting close.  I'm working really hard on this so that we can move you to a bigger car seat.  You are too big (already!) for the infant car seat but I'm not ready to transition you until you can sit up on your own...otherwise how will we do all of our shopping?!?  Also, yesterday Grandma Turnbow said that you scooted around 180 degrees on your mat!  I couldn't believe that when she told me.  You are on your way to mobility and we are on our way to baby proofing the house!

Although you can't quit sit up on your own you are still the biggest boy I know!  Strangers always think you are a lot older than you are because they will ask me, "Oh is he walking?" "Can he high five?"  I then explain that you are only 5 months old and can barely role over! ha  But looking at your 5 month picture you might be thinning out??

And as pictured above you have found your feet.  Anytime you see them wiggling you have to catch them and try and put them in your mouth.  Unfortunately your belly gets in the way of your toes actually making it to your mouth.

Not only are you developing physically but mentally as well.  You can recognize your cereal bowl and get excited at the thought of eating (hence the 21+ lbs right?), you love to play peek-a-boo and you sneak toys out of my purse when I'm holding you.  I don't know if those things make you smart or not but as your bias mother you are a pretty smart baby to me!  And you've really started to laugh a lot more this last month...sometimes for no reason and every time you laugh I can't help but join in!  My favorite memory from last month happened when we were getting ready for the pool.  I was blowing up your floaty and you were just looking at it in awe and couldn't wait to get your hands on it.  When you made eye contact with me for some reason we both just started spontaneously laughing!  It was adorable!  I love that you are now my little partner that goes everywhere with me and you are happy to do so.

Oh I could go on and on.  You are the light of our lives!  Every day you get more and more fun to play with and I seriously love you more and more each day!  I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father gave me such a good little boy that is so happy and brings us so much happiness!

Love you little boy!

Mom & Dad

4 months

(look at those thighs!!!)

Kash.

Last week you turned four months old.  You have grown so much in the past four months.  You are getting so big, and I don't mean just your size (but we will address that) you are just developing and changing so quickly.  You can grab anything you want now.  It might take a little concentration and effort, but if you want it you will make your chubby little hands work to get it!  And once you get your hands on it it goes straight for your mouth.  You are getting really strong too.  You can hold your head up really well and you love to stand up.  Any time you stand you up you look around like you are so big and cool...it's pretty cute.

Of course you are smiling, that hasn't changed...but you are on the verge of laughing.  Just yesterday I  walked into a room with you and you saw your dad and you couldn't stop smiling and "talking" and almost laughing.  It's adorable how much you love him.  One of my favorite (and least favorite) parts of the day is when your dad straps you in the car seat to take you to grandma's house.  You just look up at him with your big eyes and smile.  I can't wait for the day when you two can play catch, go golfing and enjoy sports together.  I'm sure you can't either since I'm betting you are sick of all the shopping your stuck doing with me!

It took awhile to get over that cold you had, and really messed up your routine and your happy disposition.  But I think we are finally over that mess because this week you are back to your happy self, now I'm just hoping we can get you back to sleeping through the night!  We started you on baby cereal yesterday though so we are crossing our fingers that that will help.  You weren't sure about at first but after the first spoonful you were begging for more.

Now on to your stats.  Oh man Kash, you are 21 lbs this month!!!  The average weight for a one year old is 22 lbs. At your check-up your doctor said, "Well he's above the 97th percentile for weight." I just had to ask, "Well what percentile does that make him then?" Doc-"100th. Yes, if there were a 100 babies in the room he would be the biggest!"  I seriously don't know where you came from but we love all 21 pounds of you!

You are such a sweet boy and such a blessing in our life!  You have the biggest sweetest eyes and a winning smile to go with it.  Sure, you have your crabster moments (usually when you are sick or after your shots) but over all you are a really good baby that we love so much.  It's so fun to watch you grow and develop.  With each milestone your dad and I are so proud of you already.  Keep it up boy!

Love,

Mom & Dad

3 months

(Don't mind the dool/spit up on the onsie!  You'd think this kid was teething with the amount of drool he's producing)

Hello Kash.

Three months old, wow! You are growing right before our eyes. The other day I was giving you a bath and there was a moment that I looked at you and you looked so old and grown up, I had a flash back to my first attempt at giving you a bath and how small you started out!  And then I had to laugh at myself because my first attempt at bathing you was just that, an attempt. The first bath you would slowly tip over from side to side, the water would startle you and by the end of the bath it seemed like I was more wet then you were! Now we have our bath routine down and you've almost out grown the baby tub and smile ear to ear when I wash your hair, now it seems as if you actually enjoy bath time. Not that that's surprising, you love most things! That’s right you are still smiling your head off…I seriously have never seen a more smiley baby. You will just sit and stare at me or your dad with a little grin and then as soon as we look at you it turns into a huge smile. You smile when I feed you, when I change your clothes and sometimes when I'm rocking you to sleep.

This past month you’ve discovered that your hands are actually attached to your body and that if you concentrate real hard you can actually reach for things. It’s so cute to see you focus on a toy or a string on my hoodie until finally your hands do what you want and you grab the object in front of you. I seem to get pretty excited about this for some reason. Who knew such a simple task would bring me such joy?!? I think it makes you pretty happy as well. For example since you were born you’ve stared at the curtain that is right by your changing table. You would look at that curtain for hours if I would let you (who knows why, it’s just a white curtain with a brown stripe). And this month you finally reached out and grabbed it!!! By the look on your face you would have thought this was the greatest achievement of your life…well actually, it probably is!

You’ve also perfected the art of using your vocal cords, you can jabber pretty loud now. Your dad or I often sit in front of you talking and you will join in with your cute little noises. It’s my favorite thing in the world, well for now.

This month has also brought your first cold, which is probably the saddest thing in the world. I know it’s just a cold but every time you cough it just breaks my heart, we hate when you are sick.  But even though you are a little fussy and we can tell you are not feeling well you manage to still smile in between the coughs...that's what we love about you!

Here’s to another month!

We love you Kash!!!

Mom & Dad

2 months

(Kash actually turned 2 months on the 19th, I'm just a little behind.  I'm already slacking at documenting my baby's life!)

Hi Kash,

You are now two months old.  I will probably say this every month, but we can't believe it's been that long and at the same time we can't imagine our lives without you!  And good news...after two months we still love you and want to keep you!  Your dad and I probably say every day, "man Kash is awesome!"  It's true you are.  The best part about you is definitely your smile.  The books say that it's probably gas at this age, but as any mom would say I know you are smiling at me!  Your eyes light up when any one talks to you and it's pretty easy to get a big cheeser smile out of you.  You're even starting to add a little giggle to that smile.  The books are wrong!  As cute as your smile is your frown is equally adorable.  We probably aren't supposed to laugh when you are sad but you make the most perfect upside down smile it's impossible not to laugh!

You love laying on your jungle gym mat and looking up at the hanging animals.  You love when people talk to you and are starting to send goo's and gaa's back at us.  And contrary to what your dad thinks you love my impressions.  Everything from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Sean Connery.  But your favorite is my Yogi Bear, "Hey Boo-Boo where's the pic-i-nic basket at?"  Which has earned you your newest nickname of my little Boo-Boo Bear.  I'm sure if you could talk you would tell me how much you love this nickname!

You are starting to sleep 8-9 hours at night...you just start your nights a little early, we're workin on it.  You've even put yourself to sleep in your crib a few times.  Although I enjoy the times you put yourself to sleep, I know the nights of rocking you to sleep won't last forever and I'm trying to cherish those moments as well.

Well boy, you've survived another month with us as your parents. I think we might even be getting the hang of this whole parenting thing. I made it church on time this week...that's somethin right?! We love you so much, and we might be biased, but we think you are the best boy in the whole wide world!

Love,
Mom (and dad)

2 month stats:
17.2 pounds
25 inches long
97th percentile for both weight and height (I know shocker right!)

1 month

Kash,

Last week marked your 1 month "birthday"! I can't believe it has already been five weeks since we were bringing you home from the hospital, as cliche as it sounds, it seems like it was yesterday (I think that officially makes me a parent for using that phrase!). You have turned our world upside down but in the best way possible! In the last month your dad and I have become better people simply because we are your parents. You teach us patience, unconditional love and a new understanding for the love our Heavenly Father has for us as his children. You fill our home with happiness that I didn't know was missing! All this from a "little" baby boy!

I can't believe how much you grow and learn each new day.

In the past month you've learned to hold your head up pretty well. started to smile at familiar faces and voices. are tracting people and objects with your eyes and head. sleep 7 hours at night! woohoo...we love you for this one! spit up a lot more...we don't love you any more for this one, but don't worry we don't love you any less either. love to lay on your changing table and look out the window.

We love you baby bear, monkey boy, our little man!

Love,

mom