Weston

When Weston joined our family on October 3, 2008, I realized I no longer would be alone to face the tidal wave of pink, barbies, curling irons, and everything else girls like. I now had a "little man" to experience it all with me. To celebrate Weston as a part of our family, I put together this short history in pictures. Hope you enjoy.

This is Weston at 10 months old. This was about the time he decided he was old enough to sleep through the night. I think he wanted to make sure he had plenty of food reserves, just in case it was a REALLY long time until breakfast. He has always been smiley.

Weston was always a healthy baby. For several months he displayed his man boobs (or as we often call them, "moobs") without reservation or hesitation.

The girls simply adore Weston. Here Britta and Avery subject themselves to his magnanimous rule. "Oh wise and powerful Sultan! How may we serve you?" (Aladdin reference).

At 9 months Weston had 6 teeth and had a huge appetite for baby food. This boy is ready for a growth spurt!

8 teeth by 11 months old. He can't wait for the meat!

12 teeth had appeared just after his 1st birthday. Again, always smiling!

If it wasn't apparent before, it was obvious by 13 months. Weston has a fixation with food (as do most babies). Someone (girls!) gave Weston a stick of butter one day. He proceded to slather it on. Butterball anyone?

For his second Christmas, Weston's favorite present for much of the day was the sucker Santa left for him in his stocking.

Once the sucker was gone, he replaced it with the broom Grandma Anderson got him for Christmas. Aside from food, Weston's next favorite thing is cleaning. Weston loves sweeping and vacuuming.

At 18 months old, it was clear that Weston's blond hair and blue eyes were here to stay. Stephanie and Ben have siblings with similar coloring, but it was still a surprise to have such a fair child with our darker hair and eye colors.

When asleep, Weston can often be observed to have his hands behind his head. Very relaxed and chill.

I love his many faces. The summer of 2010 he went through a "gritty" phase.

At the end of August 2010, we took the kids to the Chesapeake Bay. This was Weston's first experience with open water. Hesitant at first, he didn't want to get his feet wet. By the end of the afternoon, he was walking fearlessly into the small waves and laughing at how they pulled at his legs.

"Eat it or wear it" in the words of Judy Blume's character Fudge. If you can't fit it all in your mouth, you might as well roll in it. This is powdered sugar, and I don't know who left it on the table for him.

During September of 2010, our family discovered/rediscovered the goodness of Nutella! Weston was an enthusiastic participant in this effort.

For Weston's 2nd birthday, we encouraged his natural curiosity with several small presents. Perhaps his favorite gift to date was the DVD of the Disney Pixar movie Cars. He still regularly (i.e. multiple times a day) asks to watch it.

Weston is a sweet boy. Sweet when he's awake, sweet when asleep, and sweet (sometimes) when he's in between. This was just after a nap and was being very sweet and cuddly.

I've been known to set aside my pride and dignity when it comes to my kids. This year for Halloween I made costumes for Weston and I. Any guesses? (Nope, I'm not Tigger). Calvin and Hobbes!

Since Weston joined our family, there has been a corresponding increase in the amount of cars and trains, wrestling, and roaring in the house. We're so glad he has joined us. We love you buddy!