Destructo Boy

Dave and Lenecia got Shelby these adorable letter blocks. He'll sit down so nicely with me for a while and point out all the fun things, "Lion", "Snake", "Ice Cream", "Octopus! (one of his favs)"
But the other night, it was all about destruction.
Try to watch his face when Stacy says, "Now what, Shelby." A HUGE grin stretches across.

And yes, there are two TV's going. This is Nonna's idea so Daddy can watch his show and Shelby can watch what he wants. It actually works out quite well.

Working in the Yard

Shelby is Daddy's little helper when it comes to the yard.

He's funny, though, because he came in the house later and declared, "Daddy mowing (made the mowing sound). Too loud."

Stacy's been working hard to make our house our sweet little Cali Cottage. Yes, tulips, roses and calla (sp?) lillies grow here!

Of course, we have some Texas flare as well.

Shelby decided to take a break from all the hard work to ride his bike with Chaila.

Campbell's in Livermore

Stowe, Sarah, Tristan and Brody Campbell stopped in Livermore this past Monday on their way back to Oregon from LA. Stowe and Stacy met on the Aggie football team and have been close friends since. Shelby wasn't sure what to think about the boys at first, but soon became quite comfortable and enjoyed their visit.
He was so sad when they left!
Notice how the Campbell boys eat salmon! Shelby just munches on his cheese stick.

Shelby and Tristan wanted to go for a ride in the wagon. Tristan sat so sweetly while Shelby made funny faces, kicked his feet and waited for a reaction. Nothing from Tristan, but he wasn't counting on Mommy's reaction at his behavior...
When it was bath time, Shelby ensured the boys had EVERY SINGLE ONE of his bath toys and a few kitchen utensils before he decided to join the fun. Talk about drowning in toys.

And then it was time for the boys to teach Shelby how to have fun on the road.

Okay, I'm in!

We had a GREAT time, guys! Wish your stay could have been longer. Can't wait to get together again.

Love those BEAUTIFUL boys!!!!! And excited to find out what #3 is! (Elaine's pencil trick says girl!)

It's a GG Baby Boy!

The Gruene Girls are proud to announce the newest member of the GG Family:

DOMINIC JAMES MAYOR!!!! Born March 20th
Proud Mommy & Daddy: Laurie & Jonathon Mayor

Dominic is baby boy #5 for the GG's! Apparently "Gruene" is the color of little boys.
Congrats, Lu! We're so proud of you. Already a perfect little Mommy.

Dominic, we can't wait to meet you in September for GG Family Weekend!!!!

All our love and best wishes for come shut-eye.

Signs of Spring

We had a nice, relaxing weekend. Shelby is a handful, and there are moments where I want to pull my hair out, but overall, he's such an AMAZING kid!
Reflecting on the weekend, the first things that come to mind are how much energy he has: Sandy Zapp and I went on a 3 mile walk, and Shelby ran (in boots) 1 mile of it right with us walking! The next to come to mind is his sense of humor. He is hysterical...and he knows it. And the last is "big hug" as he's started to want to squeeze his little arms around my neck and hug me. My precious Little Man!
He still blows me away with his development. He keeps saying, "Mommy, don't do that, please" when he doesn't like me changing his diaper or taking something away (yes, he tried to run with a screwdriver in his mouth). What 2 yr old says such a complete sentence with contractions! I expect to hear, "Mommy, no do it." He counts to twelve now and LOVES to play hide and seek. And there's no tricking him about anything. If he observes it once, he remembers. He points out a location we haven't been past in weeks and reminds me he knows about it. If you're headed somewhere that you've told him you're going and you turn a different way, he throws a fit, "OTHER WAY!" My little Christopher Columbus boy. He's extremely excitable (which the poor daycare ladies remind me of) and VERY animated. I know, wonder where he gets it.

March 2008 - Wow, where does time go...

Party Weekend!

Cake, candy & crack! Seriously, this kid acted like he was on drugs, hyped up on all the sugar this weekend.

On Saturday, Stacy took Shelby to my boss' son's birthday party, Landon Olsen. I had a blast at my photo gig taking Little League t-ball, softball and baseball photos. Stacy said Shelby had the best time. Later that evening Shelby played with the Olsen boys (all 4!) while Stacy and I went on a date to Napa Valley. Thanks, Olsen Fam!

Even without the blindfold, Shelbs wasn't quite getting the concept.

On Sunday it was on to the next party....Alex, Shelby's girlfriend!

Nicholas, Shelby & Alex are all in the Butterfly class at TDLC. Shelby was so pumped to see his buddy at the party.Such loving pals!
Nicole and I were a nervous wreck trying to keep these two from getting completely mowed over by the big kids.

Shelbs cracked us all up as he wracked the pinata between the legs and men groaned. He seemed to get bored with the game when the candy efforts were fruitless.

We gathered in the garage for gift time. Shelby was the opening act before the birthday girl's debut. I'm so proud of Shelby for feeling the beat and having such great rhythm.

Stacy and I laughed at the many moments this weekend where a mini-Stacy in looks is clearly a mini-Christina in personality. We're curious if our next will be a girl that looks like me and is a laid back as Stacy. Wouldn't that be the perfect balance to the Shelbster.

Potty Training

Shelby has definitely shown all the signs. Though our efforts are in a lull right now, last weekend was much more productive. He's explored his little potty and even likes to sit on the big potty with his seat. However, no actual action to report.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Saturday night Shelby started singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," sometimes at the top of his lungs. We were surprised he even knew that one. I tried to get him to let me capture the vocals on video.

Terrible Two...and Tattoos!

Yes, our son is two and tattoo'd. Chaila and Aaron were over last weekend and we sent them home with tattoo's. Not sure they're allowed back over. ha

Ciotka sent Shelby some tattoos for Valentine's, but he and Aaron chose some Disney skateboarding ones I had and Chaila LOVED the hearts.

So, what does a tough guy like you do for fun? ...Watch Back at the Barnyard and drink juice.

Welcome, Chase Robinson

Our neighbors down the street, Todd and Natalie, gave birth to precious little Baby Chase on Friday, February 6th. I had a voicemail from Natalie that Thursday that she wouldn't be able to pick up the cupcakes for Shelby's party afterall, since her water broke and she was on her way to the hospital. And you thought of cupcakes! Sheesh...amazing...

26...yes, that's TWENTY SIX hours later she had Chase. I'm now done thinking my 14 hours was nutts.

Here's some pics from our first visit. Shelby wouldn't get in the pic, but he loves Baby Chase. He got his backpack the other day and said, "Goodbye, Mommy. Go see Baby Chase." He blew me a kiss and he was taking off.