Poppa Days II and Fall Holidays

Poppa Days II

Jamie left his engineering consulting position this fall to spend some time with Nelson and find a new gig. So he has been home with Nelson 3 to 4 days per week since the fall. Poppa days have changed a bit since last post as Nelson is talking and communicating lots these days. He knows most of his colors, likes to count and to go outside almost anytime. Here's some of the things we've been up to at home and with Momma and in Helena.

First Nelson usually gets up with Mom and Dad about 6:30 or so. One of the things he seems to like about Poppa days is that he gets to stay in his pajamas through breakfast and most of the morning if there are not plans.

We usually take care of recycling chores together, and Nelson loves any sort of big box right now.

He readily climbs up on chairs now, and everything else he can get on. Here he is ready to eat breakfast.

 "Hey Dad, how about fresh blueberries and waffles for breakfast today? - and every day for that matter!"

Hamming it up........

Once breakfast is taken care of, we usually  move on to upstairs or the living room for some antics. Nelson has a thing for hats......and things that are not really hats but can be used as hats. He likes to wear one of his Lego boxes on his head, his winter hats, but especially his Lego box. He will often pull it over his eyes and walk around until he bumps into something and falls over, which makes Dad laugh. All the time he says "hat" over and over.




Here is Nelson wearing his Lego "hat".

The Lego hat and Jamie's bathtub boat hat.
 

Later we'll read something, go to the Kids museum, to the library for story group or to the store.

He still seems to get tired of the camera though.

I sure do enjoy Poppa Days and will be sad to see them go once I get a new job.  I do not take this time for granted. Thanks to my wonderful wife Amanda for making them happen. We could not do it without you - we both love you lots! 

Thanksgiving and other fall pictures.

Nelson has had a crazy holiday season so far, and we haven't even had Christmas or New Year's yet. Here are some pictures from this fall and Thanksgiving. He usually goes to his grandmother's a day or two a week so she can enjoy spending time with him and Jamie can get out for some skiing or other exercise. This is great for the both of them and we appreciate it. He loves to go over because he has a set of toys there and a bit more room to run. Thanks Grandma Martin!
 

 

Grandma got Nelson a little shovel so he could help with shoveling the snow from the driveway. Here he is helping out at Grandma's house.

When Jamie first found out Mandy was pregnant, the first thing he went out and bought was a snow jacket and pants baby sized. He was very excited to have a new partner to play with outside in the winter, like he loves to do. Nelson has not been one to disappoint and he loves going outside in the snow, as long as it is not too cold and windy. He went out with Mom one sunny weekend day and they built a snowman in the yard together. Here are a couple pictures.

 

Nelson was very proud of his snowman.

He wanted to give it a hug when he was done.

Nothing like a good winter swing after a tough afternoon of snowman making!

 

 

Thanksgiving at grandma's and the turkey leg tradition.



Nelson looking sharp in his Osh Kosh's getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner.

Mandy's family has this tradition where they give a whole turkey leg to the baby of the house for thanksgiving. I think if there are two babies, each gets a leg. This is mostly for entertainment and not for nutrition, and it usually does provide for some good laughs (see last thanksgiving). This year Nelson did not seem very interested in it at all and was way more interested in being on the table and goofing around with his family. Here's how it went this year.


Nelson did not really know what everyone wanted him to do this year. Last year he tore right into the turkey leg, but this year he just kind of looked at us like "what do you want me to do mom?".

 

Goofing it up with his Uncle Jesus'.

Making Grandma Martin laugh.

 

That's about it for us this fall, we have just been getting ready for the holidays and planning for the future. Whatever it brings, we are very thankful for all of the wonderful things in our life, our family, our friends and our life here in Montana. We do not take it for granted and we are thankful for all of you and all that life has given us. Thanksgiving seems like a good time to remember these things and thank all of you. We'll be back after Christmas. Have a wonderful Christmas or Hannukah or Kwanza or whatever you celebrate, and a Happy New Year!

Jamie, Mandy and Nelson.

Halloween & other Fall Pics

We were trying to decide what Nelson got to be for his second Halloween, but he is obsessed with Elmo so it was an obvious choice.  Really, he can spot an Elmo anywhere.  The grocery store folks know this too - they place all the Elmo products right at grocery cart/children's eye level...  Anyway, he wasn't sure about being Elmo himself at first, but then got used to it and had some fun. 

We had a nice warm, late fall.  But by now it has snowed.  And boy, the first real snow was a big one too.  We took Nelson out for a sled ride on the cross country track at the golf course - thanks for the sled Mindy!  Nelson continues to say more every day and is as active as ever.  He's quite the little character.

Elmo who?

Happy Halloween!

Nelson had "School Picures" at day care, so he got dressed up for the day.

First snow dump - 14.5 inches!

All bundled up for a sled ride

Thanks for the ride Daddy!

Hey, this snow stuff isn't so bad!

My Uncle Denny came to visit and while we didn't get a pic of him, he did get one of Nelson and I together.  Thanks for sharing Denny!

Clark/Hirst Reunion in Savannah, GA

We took our first plane trip with Nelson to visit Jamie's family in Savannah, GA.  From Helena, that is 3 flights and 8 hours in our laps each way - but Nelson was a champ.  He did a great job flying and he had a blast seeing his family in Savannah.  He even got a new nickname from his Great Uncle Ray: "Wild Man".  Nelson also got his first ocean experience.  While he liked the water (even though he fell in), the sand was his favorite.

Cruising around Savannah in the tour trolley

Out to eat with the family

The hotel tub was a little lower, so when Nelson tried to climb in he was actually successful - clothes on and all.

Spanish moss in the trees at the nature preserve

Nelson was checking out the owl - he new exactly what it was, saying "Owl" as soon as he saw it.

Boys in the nest

First time in the ocean!

So fun!

He fell in and got wet, so Grandma let him wear her fleece.  He looked like a little monk!

Sand is the best!

Uncle John!  You're crazy swimming out there!

Tybee Island Lighthouse

The Clarks

One more chance to wear shorts before heading back to MT (thanks Mary Jo for the outfit!)

Annual Capitol Photo

We took Nelson to the flowers in front of the capitol to do our annual photo (click here for story on reason for pics).  It's been a few weeks since we took the photos - he was about 14 months at the time.  He's grown so much since last year!  He looked very handsome, but he also had a blast running around the capitol grounds afterward.

Nelson at MT Capitol 2012

Sitting like a big boy!

This is the photo from last year - he was so tiny just laying there!

Sitting with Daddy

Look at me run!!!

He loves climbing steps, so all the capitol steps were a great adventure.

Let me in!

More Summer Activites

Nelson has been having a great summer.  He started daycare a few days a week and is meeting new friends.  He's running all over the place and understands many words now - still mostly speaking his own language though.  And above all, he is very curious and ready to learn.

Beating the heat in the kiddie pool

"I LOVE playing in water!"

Family story time before bed

First time on the carousel in Helena

So much fun!

Can't get enough of Dad's creamsicle freeze

Starting his basketball career out early...

...but he already knows where the ball is supposed to go!

Another hike with Dad

Playing in the forest is the best!