June........

I'm sitting here trying to remember what happened in June.  Guess I shouldn't slack off so much on blogging eh?  Not as many pics were taken, but at least some were!  

Tanner loves any "pack pack" (backpack).  He loves to put his toys in and cart them around the house. 

Gets better at standing as time goes by.  Still needs something to hang onto, but has starting cruising! Yay!

This is Tanner being silly.  He wanted his shirt on like this, and then all of the sudden he shouted, " I super Tanner!"  Silly boy!

Still so flexible.  This kid can put his feet up by his head easily!

Tanner and Mom hanging out with our Mickey hats on. 

Tanner just being cute.

P.S.  This is for you Jessie :)

Blogging Blues.....

I'm not sure if this blogging thing is for me anymore.  I know I should keep it up... but at the same time I find it hard to be motivated to do it.  Finding time and patience to do it is another ballgame.

Seeing how my last blog post was over 2 months ago.... that's major slacking.  

Anyway.... just trying to say that I'm going to do the best I can... cause that's all I can do.

Look back on May

As each day passes my life get fuller and fuller. Tanner is such a joy and is really coming along great. Although I get asked a lot why he isn't walking, and what is "wrong" with his legs, to me he is just perfect! I wish that others could realize that walking doesn't define a person.  It sure doesn't to me. 

Tanner's personality is that of a total goof ball!  Always laughing at random things, and doing random things. He sure helps brighten my days, and keeps me smiling and laughing. He is such a little "Cheezer"

Tanner recently got his newest equipment, twister cables. They are currently bolted to his braces and have a leather waistband.  I have learned from other moms that they can be bolted to his shoes instead, so we'll see if we can go that route when/if he needs new ones. The leather waistband rubs red marks on his sides so I'm currently working with the orthodics company for a resolution. 

Twister cables are to help keep his feet from turning all different ways and getting all twisted up.  They also help him stand correctly with his feet positioned in the best way possible.  He has had them less than a week, and is adjusting well.  It does make diaper changes very difficult and time consuming!  But it sure is nice to not have to tell him to fix his feet every few minutes and to see his feet nice and straight.  

When he has them off we've already noticed a difference in how his feet and legs go naturally!

Tanner's newest "love" is a burger king crown.  Who would've thought that a trip to burger king for a kids meal would result in endless fun for 2 weeks after!

Here Tanner is being his silly random self!  He thought it would be fun to try on Mr. potato head's glasses. 

He kept saying "too small" "too small" and laughing - so funny!

Now that May is over and here comes June, Tanner is just 2 weeks shy of being 2.5!  I can't believe how fast the past 2 years have gone.  I look forward to having more fun with him!

He loves to sing songs, especially twinkle twinkle - but he sings it "tinkle tinkle on da star"  Ha ha!  

He also knows his ABC's by sight and is learning the sounds.  He knows most of the colors, and shapes. And he can count to 10.  He is really starting to talk more and more each day, and loves repeating words. So I've had to be extra careful about what I say around him. :)

Who is Fun ??

There isn't much to say about this video other than it is just so dang cute!  Had to share!  My husbands brother "Uncle Don" seems to be Tanner's favorite lately. I love his fake laugh and the way he says no over and over.  The video is a bit long, but worth the watch!

Easter Weekend

Easter fun began the Saturday before Easter for Tanner.  With not only 1 egg hunt, but 2!  To say Tanner scored big time would be an understatement!  I put some long shorts on him and he crawled around like a champ!  I had brought some gloves in case he needed them, but he didn't. He was such a trooper, and seemed to love every minute of it.  

The first hunt was a church sponsored one and all the cousins were there!  They had a pancake breakfast first and then the hunt.

The second egg hunt was at some friends of ours, parents house.  We were personally invited to join other family and friends in the fun.  There were eggs literally everywhere!  In fact, you had to watch where you stepped otherwise you would step on one!  It was a mine field of easter eggs.  I don't think I've ever seen that many eggs in my life!  Most of the eggs had candy in them, but there were some that had small slips of paper that said "toy" on them.  If you were so lucky to get one of these, you got to go and pick out a small toy.  Tanner got 8 of these! Don't ask me how he got so many... just lucky, I guess. :) 

They also had a bouncy house.  Tanner wasn't too into it while the big kids were in it, but he tried it by himself for a bit. 

Easter morning... Tanner found this where his breakfast usually is!  I don't think he knew what to think about it, but he loved it anyway!  His favorite is definitely the big truck!  He also loves the sidewalk chalk.  Ironically enough he still hasn't touched his chocolate bunny. 

Tanner trying his very first Peep!  He liked it at first... and then... he threw it on the floor.  The dog ate it.  I'm not big on peeps either. Like mother like son it would seem. 

After church we ended Easter festivities with a family dinner. 

All in all - It was a good day! :)

Baby # 2

Yes, we are expecting Winward #2!  Due November 22nd!  

I am excited about it, although it was unexpected and completely unplanned!  Both Ray & I are unsure of how things will work out, but we have faith in God, and that is what matters most.  It's not the best timing, due to the fact that I have no job, and insurance is expensive.  I know that God will help us, and we have lots of family and friends surrounding us.  

Am I nervous about having another spina bifida child?  You bet! Because our chances are increased.   But if it were to happen again, at least I'll know how to handle it this time!   

I'm hoping for a girl this time, although at times I think it may be easier to have another boy. Because we already have all the boy stuff. :)  Either way I'll be happy.  Prayers for a healthy baby would be appreciated.  :)

A Day in the Life of Tanner

Tanner never ceases to amaze me as his mom.  He is becoming more and more independent. He has many opinions about what he likes and doesn't like.  And he is so stubborn just like his mom!  But through it all, he is always smiling. We were able to find a four wheeler at the second hand store, Tanner loves it!  All he has to do to make it go is push a button on the handle bars.  He's still learning to steer, but he loves to crash anyway!

He doesn't always like his picture taken, 

But....

Is soon to smile anyway!

Still obsessed with Mickey Mouse, this is his favorite hat!  Wears it at least 1 time a day. 

And loves to be silly in it too!

Tanner also loves to watch T.V.  Although I try to limit that, he still looks so glued to it! :)

He laughs at almost anything & is such a ham about it too!

His shirt says "My parents are exhausted" Ain't that the truth! :)

After a full day of playing, teasing, riding, climbing, and being his silly self, this boy is tired. 

And why not end the day with his sunglasses upside down, sleeping in the car. :)