thebynumfamily.com

Hi, friends. This is Jason and it’s the first time I have blogged here in a while. Shai has been doing a tremendous job keeping the blog updated, but I wanted to take a moment and share some pics from Nana and Elvis’s recent trip.

On Sunday, the girls had a shopping day, so the boys decided to do something manly. After much consideration, we decided there is nothing more manly than volcanoes. It just so happens that we currently live near a few, the most famous being Mt. Saint Helens. Here are a few pics from our little outing.

Hank comes face to face with bear.

At first, Hank was pretty scared. He kept backing away and saying “scary, SCARY!” Once he was convinced the bear couldn’t hurt him. We had fun pointing the bears eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and tongue.

Hank and Elvis looking out over Elk Creek.

Hank and Elvis take a moment to enjoy the view of Elk Creek. I’ll take this moment to note that the telescope view are free! I was really surprised.  I am used to always paying a quarter or more for a closer view. I would also like you to know that the sign beside this telescope read “Look for the tan rumps of Elk in the gorge. Also be on the lookout for sly cougars dragging off elk for dinner.” YIKES!

Hank going down the volcano slide.

At the field center, there is a volcano themed playground, and we all know Hank LOVES a playground! Although, it is a bit weird that Hank is sliding down the volcano. If one were to draw some analogies from this photo, it would seem that Elvis represents  thousands of years of pent-up tectonic plate pressure and Hank liquid hot magma. (I know that’s dumb, but I couldn’t resist a little Geology humor. GEOLOGY ROCKS!)

Hank and Elvis

The boys had a great day out. Hank and I can’t wait for Elvis and Nana to visit again.

Hank got a special treat last night… A bubble bath! Daddy always has such fun ideas!

Bubble Kisses

Hank had his 18 month check up today (he has actually been 18 mo old for about a week). I can’t believe he is growing up so fast! It seems like just yesterday we were excited to see if we were having a boy or a girl…and now, he is ALL BOY! Between the all running, jumping, climbing, throwing, banging and destroying, there is no question that this kid is a boy, through and through! He is learning so much these days and really working on his speech. New words are flying all around and he is repeating just about everything I say (which is scary!). Here are his official 18 month stats:

Weight: 29 lbs 14 oz (90%)
Height: 35.5 inches (^97%)
Shots: Hep A (the LAST shot until Kindergarten, Hallelujah!!!)

Our “Office Picnic” with Daddy today

Hank is becoming more independent every day and I am finding that he gets frustrated if I interfere too quickly. He says “I do!” when he does NOT want my help, which is wonderful and frustrating from my end as well. I love that he has the drive and initiative to be independent and can feel comfortable exploring and is not afraid to do things on his own. However, when we are in a time crunch and he has decided that he would like to put his shoes on by himself (he is not quite coordinated to get them all the way on yet) it can be a little problematic. Also, the diving from the top step and wanting to do all of the Big Kid activities on the playground (i.e. scary ladders and poles that are made for a 6 yr old, not a 1.5 year old) can be unnerving. He is saying 20+ words and is repeating even more than that. Most frequent and easily understood are “Ball, Outside, All Done, More, Juice, Apple, Banana, Hot dogs, I Do, Bubble, Bath, Shoe, Sock, No, Yes, Please, Thank You, Bye Bye, Night Night, I Love You”. Hank LOVES to be outside! In the rain, snow, cold, warm, whatever the weather he wants to be out in it! He loves the park and running in the grass and always gets sad when it is time to come inside. He never tires of throwing the ball, kicking, or jumping (which in Hank speak “Jump” sounds more like “Jeff”…hilarious!). In the unfortunate times we must be inside he has taken a great interest in coloring, drawing, and playing pretend. It is so much fun to watch him play, he interacts with his toys now and does all the animal sounds of his farm and will drive his cars all over the house. And, lest we forget, the Instruments!!! Drums, guitar, mandolin, accordion, and Xylophone together create a full symphony of noise in our house at all times (between Hank and Jason, I will never experience a quiet evening at home again)! His favorite foods are still corn dogs, broccoli, chicken, bananas, grapes, strawberries, and goldfish. Some new additions are tuna fish, french fries, “Naked” Green Machine juice, muffins, and potato chips. He still will not eat a sandwich, but eats the meat and cheese and leaves the bread. He loves hugs and kisses and is very social with other children and adults. He is such a “people person” but also has his moments where he prefers to sit alone and look at books. It is funny and amazing to see his little personality blooming. Jason and I both agree, Hank is the perfect addition to our family and he makes us feel complete! We thank Jesus everyday for this precious gift!

Cousin Norah stopped by for a play date.

Sweet kisses for Baby Charlotte

This week was Hank’s 15 month well child check-up. Here are his stats:

Weight: 29lbs and 4oz, 97%
Height: 33 inches, 97%
Shots: DTaP and Flu shot

Since we have moved to Bellevue, we had to leave our favorite practice in Smyrna, however Centennial Pediatrics has a Bellevue branch. We loved our new pediatrician and he spent a lot of time getting to know Hank. He had great things to say about Hank’s development and the word “Advanced” was tossed around a bit(which we all already know, but I still love hearing it from professional). Hank is walking up and down stairs without help, using a spoon semi-efficiently, saying several words, copying words other say, can point to most major body parts, knows animal sounds, throws a ball, completes simple puzzles, and LOVES books. He is no longer walking, but opts for running on most occasions! His favorite foods are bananas, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, waffles, raisins, and cookies (of course…his momma’s favorite too!). His new favorite activity is playing guitar with his Daddy…two peas in a pod!

He even practices everyday while waiting for Dad to get home from work!

God has richly blessed us with such an amazing boy!

I love my son. It’s true. I simply adore him.

Lately, I have been working a lot and try to really enjoy the time I have with Hank. Most mornings, we hang out while Shai is getting ready. We watch cartoons or ESPN and have breakfast (read, I chase Hank around and try to get him to eat a waffle, or a banana, or anything that is actually food). He is a blast in the morning. Once you get a bottle in that kid, he is all about playing. I usually drive to work recalling the silly giggles and huge smiles we have shared during these tiny, special moments together.

Today, I thought I would let you readers in on it. We had our first snow on Monday and we decided to play a a little before heading off to school.

Sidenote: I have been trying to take more pictures lately and wanted to share a quick snapshot with you.

Hank in the snow.

Hank is getting so big. I am constantly reminded that we don’t have baby anymore. We live with a kid!

I also decided to spice up the blog for the upcoming Christmas season. I will change it again after the new. year.

With Love,

Jason