Big News

No, the big news isn't two blog posts in one day....

It is certainly big news for us that I have chosen to change careers and finally follow my heart to be a teacher! I've accepted a position as an 8th grade math and science teacher at an area charter school starting in TWO WEEKS. I am also admitted to a teaching program for Alternative Licensure, which I will start in August. It's a huge change and will be a challenge for me to say the least. This isn't a new thing though - I was just a semester shy from completing a science teaching certificate program at Purdue when I moved back to Colorado.

So, after 10 years and 1 month at Northern Trust, I gave my notice yesterday. It was a surreal experience to resign from somewhere where I have learned so much. I was 24 and single when I started there - I really have grown up there! I'll always treasure my experience at Northern and the amazing people I worked with over the many years. And, true to form, my partners there have rallied around me with support and encouragement of my decision. Nathan and Chuck think it's pretty cool, too. :)

Our 1 year old

Nathan had his 12 month appointment on this past Friday. He's a happy, healthy boy doing all the right things. We've gotten him off bottles and formula, and as of this past weekend, his pacifiers. He already expresses his independence (wonder who he gets THAT from?) when he wants to do something or wants something. I know, trouble...

12 month stats:

Height: 31.25" (90%ile)...1/2 my height
Weight: 27 lbs 15.8 oz (97"ile)
Head: 48 cm (90%ile)

Tooth count: 2 bottom, and almost 4 top. He also would prefer to brush his teeth himself (yes, that independence thing) and is very, very unhappy that Mommy or Daddy have to do it for him first before he has a try. At least it is easy to get to his teeth when he is screaming...

Words: Up, Ball, Mama, Dada, and attempts to say Cat (he so loves the kitty)
Signs: More, Ball, Eat, Milk

Nathan loves to put things in and out...and in and out....and in and out... Shape sorting is fun, and he still loves to have a toy in each hand when navigating his world. Nate is a walking fool, but he still does crawl to get somewhere to pull up. He's gotten up to standing without pulling up a few times. He's also learning cooperative play outside of just stealing toys from his friends (yeah, um, opps). He likes to play ball with his Daddy in the hall. It's very cute. See for yourself...

WALKING!

Another day, another milestone!!

Birthday Boy!!

Well, he's ONE!!!

This year has just flown by. Our life has changed, but it has changed in such a wonderful way. Nathan is an amazing little boy and I couldn't imagine our lives with out him.

Here is some raw video of the boy eating his cake. It appears that the boy likes cake...

Photos :)

We took Nathan for his 1 year old photo shoot today.
Click Here

11 mo and 3 weeks = first haircut!

It is so hard to believe that Nathan is almost ONE! To prepare him for his big 0-1, we decided it was time to trim his hair. We are suckers and took him to a kid's haircut place - but unless it's a buzz cut, I have no boy hair cutting skills. Anyway, he did great, and is pretty cute. :) Stay tuned for his 1 year old photos.

Nate is a happy baby. :) He is cruising one handed...and nearly running while doing it. He continues to do 2-3 steps at a time, and walking doesn't seem too far away.

He had a great first Christmas and was spoiled to his delight! That reminder me that Nathan still needs to get his thank you notes written!

He also had his first vacation from Mommy and Daddy! We went to a wedding in Michigan (congratulations Tricia and Curt!), so Nate spent 3 nights with Mimi and Popi. He had a great time. I think they both took a long nap after chasing him around. We missed him a bunch, but it was nice to get away.

Here are some haircut photos:

Before

During

AFTER!!
Our big boy!!

Catching up!

Ok, I'm finally catching up on photos! I've uploaded November and December photos to our online album, and a few from the last few days. Sorry I took so long....

And, here are some videos, too. :)

Nathan loves his push car! He is getting quite speedy....


And the boy loves to eat....