Surprise Baby Shower

My coworkers threw me a surprise baby shower last week...this diaper cake was one of my gifts. Of course it didn't take long for Rhonen to destroy it, I think it lasted all of 12 hours in our house. At least I got a picture first :) I had been telling everyone that I didn't NEED a baby shower, we have everything (with the exception of a double stroller) we need for this second baby. But I forgot about the excitement and celebration a baby shower can bring! It's about more than clothes, diapers and toys. It's about enjoying these last days of pregnancy (as much as humanly possible) and reveling in the idea of bringing home a new little life. All of the gifts were great but I am mostly thankful for the time to reflect and celebrate the arrival of our second son.

15 Months

Rhonen is now 15 months old! He seems like such a little boy...no more baby Rhonen. He's very active...we're always on the go. He loves being outside and going to the gym. We go to the gym about 4 to 5 times a week, which is great for Dustin and I. He goes to the childcare for about an hour while we work out. Each day I ask him if he "wants to go see the kids?" To which he replies "yeah" with a smile. I think it's good socialization for him, plus he gets to see lots of babies. I can't wait to see him and his little brother together! We will have to be very watchful but I know Rhonen will love our new little baby so much.

He is also very interested in helping us clean. Whenever we are sweeping, watering the plants or cleaning he tries to mimic what we're doing. If only he were more effective :) His verbal skills are coming along, although most of the time I'm not too sure what he's trying to say. But he is trying very hard to communicate with us. He is now officially a "climber" which is very scary! Slowly he's getting the concept that he shouldn't be on top of the kitchen table or couch, but it's just so tempting for him. I'm also happy to report that he's given up the bottle except for the occasional babysitter bottle.

Next month will bring a lot of change for our little boy. I can only hope that it will be minimally disruptive to Rhonen. I know over time Rhonen will adjust to having a brother and I think our two boys will be very close.

The Zoo

My dad and I took Rhonen to the Sacramento Zoo for the first time last weekend. He seemed somewhat interested in the animals, but what he really liked was the carousel! He's a thrill seeker for sure! We met up with my Grandma and Grandpa which was great. It's so exciting to be able to take him on outings that he can really enjoy.

Airplane

I brought a new toy home last week for Rhonen...this awesome airplane! I love wooden toys, they are durable, unique, and build imagination. He has so much fun riding this airplane and I know both boys will be able to enjoy it for a long time.

Me and my boy

With the upcoming arrival of baby boy number two, I've been trying to get as much play time with Rhonen as possible. This sometimes poses a problem because "play time" for him means "exhaustion" for me. Sometimes I can get him engaged with building blocks or reading books, but for the most part he loves trekking around outside, playing chase, or wrestling on the floor. He's such a BOY!

I know when the baby comes there will be an adjustment period for our new addition and our new schedule. Dustin will most likely be taking care of Rhonen a majority of the time, so for now I just want to enjoy him as much as I can!

Silly hair and tickle time

Heirloom Salsa

We canned out first batch of heirloom tomato salsa and I'm proud to say it was a success! Dustin is a great cook and makes amazing sauces and salsa each year. We decided to try to can the salsa, which I was a little apprehensive about. To my surprise it was much easier than I expected. Next up is his 13 Chilies hot sauce!