Welcome 2007

Here is a little New Year's baby picture for you. I hope everyone has a fun, safe evening. Scott--You said you didn't know about the tradition of the New Year's baby, so here is some interesting info I found on line:

The tradition of using a baby to signify the new year was begun in Greece around 600 BC. It was their tradition at that time to celebrate their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth.
Although the early Christians denounced the practice as pagan, the popularity of the baby as a symbol of rebirth forced the Church to reevaluate its position. The Church finally allowed its members to celebrate the new year with a baby, which was to symbolize the birth of the baby Jesus.
The use of an image of a baby with a New Years banner as a symbolic representation of the new year was brought to early America by the Germans. They had used the effigy since the fourteenth century.

By the way--another interesting side note about New Year's: It is the oldest holiday celebrated today. Cheers!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!!!

From the Chances to all our family and friends we hope everyone enjoyed the holiday. We had a rainy but beautiful Christmas Eve--the candlelight church service was moving (except for that weird squeaking noise...) and Josh and I both started crying during "Silent Night". I had taken Lucas to the nursery during the service and started to regret it--Christmas Eve church service is a family time and I wished he was with us. So next year he will be joining us--even if he screams and cries. Afterward we enjoyed a cake in honor of Jesus' birthday as well as some extremely chocolishus hot chocolate (curtesy of Christy). Lucas read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with his daddy before bed.
On Christmas morning we had so many gifts we could barely reach the tree. Santa left lots of special toys for Lucas--including a truck that he enjoyed climbing in, lots of books for reading time with mama, and a golf set that Luc played with all afternoon. Some highlights from the day include body parts in all the stockings (thank you Scott), a gardening rendetion of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" that Scott had to sing out loud (my ears, MY EARS!!), Nana D had to play "Deal or No Deal" to win her gift, Josh auctioned off Aunt Mary's random gift (she couldn't decide who to give it to, hence the auction) and we all laughed ourselves silly over his amazing auctioneer skills (seriously--AMAZING. He has a back up career now.)
Thank you again for all the great gifts. I hope everyone has a wonderful new year.

Some New Pictures...

Here are some new pictures of Lucas. It is so hard to believe he is a toddler now. I have trouble getting cute shots of him these days because he is just too busy to hold still for the camera. We had his hair cut again and it looks HORRIBLE since he was curious about the sissors and kept turning his head. I guess from now on we will be cutting his hair ourselves! We had a great trip home and enjoyed time with both our families--everyone was excited to see Lucas. Thank you again for all the great food and gifts.

Extreme Bed Head

This one is for Ashley who requested a new post. I swear his hair looked this way when I took him out of bed. He is due for another hair cut for sure. After his bath tonight I spiked his hair into a mohawk again and he looked so cute and modern. I know most people aren't fans of the crazy hair, but it sure is fun! We should have lots of new pictures to post after this weekend--we have a zoo trip planned for Saturday and Nate's Birthday party on Sunday.

Reflections on the changing times

So here are some really cute pictures of Lucas on his new Sit and Spin (thanks Nana!) As soon as Josh pulled it out of the box Lucas was intrigued. He seemed to know just how to sit on it, although the spinning part took a little help from dad. This model of the Sit and Spin actually talks, telling you to "spin faster" or "go the other way" and it plays disco tech tunes for your spinning enjoyment. I guess even Sit and Spin is hip with the times--I don't remember my Sit and Spin telling me what to do when I was a kid. It is crazy to think that Josh and I once played on toys like that and now we are watching our child enjoy it.

Yesterday afternoon Lucas grabbed a piece of paper and managed to rip it in half (much to his delight). It was so funny to watch him smile each time he successfully managed to tear the paper again. I never would have imagined years ago that watching my kid rip paper up would bring me joy, but it really does. It gave me a sense of pride that he can accomplish things and learn from his mistakes. Now if only he would apply this lesson to not eating dog food or tumping over the cats water bowl...

Lucas started in a new room at daycare this week, as well. He is no longer a "baby"--he's a "toddler" now. He is expected to take daily naps on a mat on the floor, drink from a sippy cup, eat at the table, and go outside twice a day for recess. This means we have to wear shoes everyday (which is still a battle sometimes since he already figured out how to get them off) and give up the bottle (at least during the day). I can already tell he listens better since his "teacher" gives more instructions and they have actual lessons. It is a crazy time--part of me is sad to see him grow up so fast and part of me is excited. We have so many new things ahead of us.

Geaux Tigers!!

Giving Thanks

It was a BEAUTIFUL day here for Thanksgiving. Since the weather was so nice after turkey, ham, green bean casserole, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, dressing, croissants, pea and asparagus casserole, chocolate cake, banana pudding, and pumpkin pie (think we had enough??) and we all needed to burn off some calories, we headed out in the yard to play croquet. Lucas had fun playing and eating the leaves. He really liked the croquet clubs and kept running onto the "course" and trying to grab them. Overall it was such a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have been very blessed this past year and I am so thankful for all of our family and friends. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the holiday in their own special way.

It was a MAD HOUSE!

Luc's first birthday bash was fun and chaotic! The party began at eleven on Saturday and Lucas loved every minute of it. We were so greatful for the many family and friends who came to be a part of his special celebration. Aunt Velma flew in from Houston and both Nanas and Paw Paws came. Thank you to Paw Paw Schuldt for cooking the grilled cheese sandwhiches and Paw Paw Remedes for putting together toys for Lucas. Scott, Jen, Daniel, Angie, Cody, Nate, Leigh, Aaron, Madison, Larona, Elizabeth, Kristy, Stew, Steele, Jessica and Noah were all here as well. Josh was able to leave the hospital for a little bit, too which was a nice twist since we thought he wasn't going to be able to make it. Lucas loved all his gifts (and the boxes and bows they came in!) and had a blast playing with all the other kids. It was so much fun to watch the children interact. Steele and Nate win the getting groovey award, Cody was a hoot with the party hats (he had one on each side of his head at one point), and Noah fell in love with the Curious George blow ups I had. Once again Lucas got to enjoy his very own cake (I made a special Luc sized monkey cake of his very own) and he ate every drop of it. This one had chocolate frosting, so the cleanup was a little harder. I thought Lucas might get sick later in the day from all the sugar, but the boy has a solid stomach. He and I both enjoyed a late afternoon nap after everything was cleaned up and the chaos was over. I can understand why mom's choose to have parties away from their homes--it was madness for a while there, but I wouldn't have it any other way. First birthdays are supposed to be memorable and we appreciate everyone making Luc's a birthday bash to remember!

Let him eat cake!!

To celebrate his first birthday we had a little cake for Lucas tonight. (I got carrot cake thinking that would be more healthy...but actually contained 1400 calories). I wasn't sure Lucas would even like the cake since he's never eaten anything like that before. Needless to say he LOVED it--so much that when we realized he was going to devour the entire cake we tried to take it away from him and he began screaming in anger (I've included a shot of this, too. Josh and I were laughing so hard we couldn't help but give it back to him for a few more fists full of yummy goodness.) He even growled at the dogs who were swarming under his high chair and licking thier chops in anticipation of getting a treat. Lucas not only didn't share, he stuffed every single bite he could find on his tray into his mouth. So the boy likes sugar! Thank you to everyone who called to sing happy birthday--I replayed all the messages for Lucas while he ate his cake. Kara and Lloyd also dropped by to give Lucas his first birthday presents and Lucas had fun smooshing the bows and tearing up the paper (and of course liked the gifts, too!) Overall it was a very fun birthday (even though he got his flu shot today--but he didn't even cry! The nurse couldn't believe he was smiling as he left. What a brave boy.)

Meeting Santa

Lucas got to meet Santa for the first time this past weekend. Josh was actually able to escape from the EVIL hospital (he was there over 125 hour last week--eek!) for a few hours and we headed to the mall to Christmas shop and see Old St. Nick. Lucas thought the whole thing was fun and smiled like a pro. Santa complimented Luc's good manners and gave him a candy cane and a snowman beenie. The months have just begun to fly by and it is hard to believe it is already Christmas and that Lucas has been a part of our lives for a year now. His Birthday bash is this Saturday and we are looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends.

Our little Boo

It's Halloween and Lucas is all decked out. At our annual Halloween party he was little Darth Vader--complete with lightsaber (although I think everyone else had more fun with that!) Tonight I dressed him up in the Tigger/Tiger outfit Nana D bought for him and we went on our very first Trick or Treat outing at Lloyd and Kara's house. Lucas scored a grape sucker (but mean mommy didn't let him eat it--he enjoyed trying to tear the wrapper off, though). We didn't attempt to hit anyone else's house this year since we don't know very many other people in our neighborhood and it was past Luc's bedtime. Josh missed the festivities as he was on call--but our neighborhood really did it up right--lots of tombstones, spiders and kids dressed for the event.

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

Hidden Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch is just outside of town. This morning we took Lucas to check out all the pumpkins--and take some fun photos while we were at it. Kristy, Stew and Steele joined us. The kids had a blast riding in the wagon. Lucas was a meanie and wouldn't share his toy. Then we laughed ourselves silly as Steele attempted to eat an entire bale of hay. Kristy kept pulling it out of Steele's mouth, but she just kept shovling it in. Lucas and Steele looked so cute in their fall outfits, but unfortunately I bought Luc some cute fall boots and since he's never worn shoes before he wasn't very good at walking in them. As a result he fell and cut his lip, so that wan't as much fun. But overall the pumpkin patch was a great family outing and I imagine we will be doing it every year.

Our Little Devil

So Josh absolutely didn't want me to post this picture since our boy was in the buff, but I think it is okay to have naked pics of your child if they are under the age of five. What do you guys think? Anyway--this is just one of our many "halloween" outfits. This one is actually an old dog costume that we used for Cali and Hallie a few years ago and I found it when I was putting out my halloween decorations. I thought it would be too cute to get pictures of him as our little devil. Lucas loved to chew on the pitchfork and ears, but he hated the part where he had to hold still for the camera--he is just way too busy these days to pause for photographs. And he is a little devil sometimes, but we know he doesn't mean it!

Strolling For A Cure

Saturday morning was the Little Rock Race for the Cure and Lucas participated for his first time (he was there last year--he just wasn't born yet!) This year Lucas got to party with 43,000 women who came out to fight for a cure. Kristy B had special bibs made for the babies that said "Strolling for a Cure" and Lucas and Steele seemed to enjoy people watching. It was a little overwhelming and awe inspiring to see so many people come out for this cause. As ususal there was lots of pink in the crowd--pink wigs, pink shirts, pink signs, even a classic pink Ford Mustang!

Chuck E Cheese Puhlease!!

Hell has frozen over folks. Yup, Christy has entered a Chuck E Cheese for the first time since childhood. Today was Madison's third birthday so Lucas, Josh, and I had to go and check it out. Lucas even wore a princess party hat (there weren't any prince hats available) and enjoyed hanging with Barney and Builder Bob. Mainly he was fascinated with all the noises and colors--it was all very new to him.

First trip to the zoo

On Sunday we headed to the Little Rock Zoo for the very first time. I imagine this will be a recurring adventure as it was peaceful and Lucas seemed to enjoy people watching (he wasn't too interested in the amimals). Kristy B, Steele, Stewart, and Kristy's family were all there as well. I love the picture of Steele and Lucas wearing their sunglasses--two hip babes! It was beautiful outside most of the weekend--sunny but cooler than it has been in a long time. Other than the zoo, not much going on with the Chances besides work and sleep. Lucas is still walking/cruising on the furniture and he will walk if he holds your hand (vvvvvvvery slowly) but so far no walking on his own.

Big Boy Haircut

It was way past time for Lucas to get a haircut. I wanted to wait until he was older, but when he started eating his hair instead of his food I knew it was time. So today we went with Daddy to Sports Clips and both the boys got their hair cut. Lucas did beautifully--I think he is too young to be scared of the sissors or the clippers so he just smiled and "talked" the whole time. It helped that all the hair stylists blew kisses to him and made funny faces for him the whole time (he's such a flirt already!). I didn't cry (my dad said I would) but I did get a little tear...he's not a baby anymore! He looks like a little man with his new do.

Sleeping Like a Baby

I couldn't resist getting pics of this funny pose Lucas was sleeping in. Seems like babies really can sleep through anything (including camera crazy mamas). We are FIANLLY getting over being sick and Lucas is eating like a football pro. For dinner tonight he had his milk, toast, a banana and a piece of cheese. His new favorite "game" is to feed the dogs while he is in his highchair. Every time I catch him doing it and chastise his he starts to giggle wildly.

More Mashed Potatos Puh-lease

Lucas loves his food--and he loves "feeding" himself (I use this term loosely since he misses his mouth most of the time). Here he was determined to eat his mashed potatoes all by himself. Today he had fun chasing O'Malley all over the house. I fear the cats will soon go into hiding.

Sick as a dog...Maybe??

Lucas has been "sick" all week. It started with a cough at 4 am that sounded like a dog barking...Josh immediately went into doctor mode and decided he had croup. So we trudged on over to the pediatrician the next day and discovered it was croup and there wasn't really anything they could do for it--he wasn't running a fever, he was eating fine and overall he seemed like a perfectly happy little baby. But over the next few days he steadily got worse, so today we went back to the doctor and discovered he now has an ear infection due to the croup. This makes the second ear infection in as many months, so I am a little concerned that we are starting a theme here...But overall until today he seemed like a very happy baby. Here he is "sharing" his toy with daddy. He is so active now that we get very little rest since we are always chasing after him. We bought him a walking toy and he walks all over the house--clinging to it constantly. Every now and then he will let go of it and hold himself steady for several seconds, but no steps on his own yet.

Pool Party

On Sunday we got the boys together for a little pool party in our backyard. Scott, JG, Leigh, Aaron and Joshua and I ate burgers and veggie burgers, drank daquiris, and watched the kids splash around in their cute identical swim suits (one of those wierd coincidences that keep occuring--Leigh didn't even buy the outfit this time--It was a gift! Not only did they get the same suit--the same hat, too. Crazy!) I posted this picture because Lucas would NOT let Nate keep his hat on--he just kept pulling it off his head and trying to eat it. Nate had tons of fun splashing and Luc kept trying to climb out of the pool. Eventually he managed to fall over the side--giving me a heart attack in the process. He scraped his nose pretty good and conked his head, but after some daddy kisses and a little cuddle time he was back to normal.

Dino Jammies

One of my favorite quotes is from the movie "Raising Arizona." When asked what his son was last seen wearing an overwrought father replied "I don't know--they were jammies. They had Yodas and shit on them." Well, Luc doesn't have Yodas--he's got Dinosaurs. These are his first big boy jammies--no feet! Oh--and by the way--these are 18 month sized jammies and they seem to fit just fine. We had a rough couple days--Luc ran a high fever and was diagnosed with "Fever Virus" which was a new term for me, but my immunologist friend Kristy B assures me it is a real illness. The only symptoms are the fever usually. But he looks pretty happy despite the fever.

Spoonful O Fun

Lucus loves anything he isn't supposed to play with--including the baby standard of pots, pans, and silverware. I was cooking dinner and trying to keep him distracted yet within eyesight, so I gave him some "toys" from the cabinets and he had a blast banging the pans with the spoon. Yes, his hair is getting SO long and we are probably going to cut it soon...I just don't think he's old enough to take to the salon for his first official cut and I really don't want to just hack it off at home, either. So I am biding my time...He'll have a mullet for just a little longer.

Little Monet

So here is Lucas' first piece of artwork. I picked him up from day care yesterday and this was in his diaper bag. It gave me a thrill when I pulled it out (not because it's a masterpiece--just cause it's his very first!) As soon as we got home I hung it on the fridge like a good mommy. And when Josh walked in from work he got a little teary eyed when he saw it. We are such suckers. All other parents probably understand exactly where we are coming from. We are just so proud!