8 Months (and 3rd haircut)

Many pictures. They were spontaneous and boy did this boy not care at all about what was happening. Any smile we got out of him was a miracle! Ask Mason he did everything he could think of and Tanner hardly flinched. I was laughing hysterically though. Mason was on a silly roller coaster. But that just proves Tanner has his own personality and I actually adore how serious he can be. It makes those moments when he laughs and giggles so much brighter. 

Tanner has figured out how to crawl. 

Tanner has also figured out how to pull himself up onto his feet. And often startles mommy with the locations which he decides to do so. Such as using a wobbly toy that hits him in the face several times before he succeeds. The box fan, which is no longer on the floor. Or the desk chair, which has also hit in him the head several times. He's an active boy, I'm trying to brace myself for the bruises.

Tanner has two and almost a half teeth. That top tooth is killing me SMALLS! Seriously. It appeared and disappeared and it's appearing again. In my opinion teeth should not play peek'a'boo, that's just rude. And poor Tanner hasn't had a normal nights sleep in weeks because of it.

Tanner loves to say "da-da-da-da" especially right in the middle of sacrament meeting. 

Tanner loves that Mason goes to preschool. He wakes up from his nap and is thrilled to have Mommy all to himself. It is amazing how he changes in that moment. It's so much fun too.

Tanner loves to tackle Mason. Especially if Mason is not paying attention, Tanner will attack. It's so much fun to watch.

Tanner loves to tackle Daddy. I thought Mason was a tank but I think we were wrong. Tanner has the grip and the body strength hold on and not let go. He curls up in a ball, grabs your face and throws himself into you. Tank.

Tanner is wearing 12 month clothing. I bough the 6 to 9 month clothes and realized they were tight. He's got some girth this one.

Tanner loves to dance with mommy. We dance. Mason used to love dancing with me but I can't get him to do it anymore. Tanner loves to do the swing, or waltz, as long was we're bouncing and spinning Tanner giggles. Both boys love to listen to the 40s station on pandora. Sets a nice mood for the home too.

Okay I think that's all. For now. The adventures keep piling up. Stay tuned for more. 

This is my family! We're loving life. 

Tanner's Finalization Hearing

We have been blessed with so much this past year. The greatest blessing of all is how little Tanner came into our lives. We love adoption. It is an amazing process where our Heavenly Father can build eternal families. It is a difficult process for all parties involved. And the emotional roller coaster is one that, had I not experienced it, I would not be able to imagine it. But having a strong testimony and a belief in Families makes all the downs and emotional chaos worth it. Having Tanner in our lives makes everything about our struggle to build an eternal family, worth it!

On September 8th at 9:00 Pacific Time, Tanner Keaton Parks was officially made a legal member of our family. Which makes me laugh because to us Tanner became a member of our family the day Tine placed him in our arms. But Hey the legal system has to have it's say to, and to them that day was last Thursday.

After so many prayers and fasting, we were lucky enough to be granted our petition to do the finalization hearing over the phone instead of in a Las Vegas Court Room. A huge Blessing. So we got ready, borrowed the Bishop's office at the church, had the Watson's entertain Mason and we talked to the judge over the phone.

Here's a fun fact: our Attorney was a woman, the Nevada Agency's social worker was a woman, the Wyoming Social Worker was a woman, and the judge was a woman. I'm very certain Mitch was the only male on this call. If there was another man in the room, he never said a word.

The call was short, official, and in a matter of twenty minutes everyone was agreed and papers were signed and Tanner was ours. I am grateful for everyone involved. So many people are involved in the adoption process, so many that sometimes it feels more complicated than it should be. However when it all works out, you can't help but recognize the hand of God in it.

So Family and Friends, for your prayers, your thoughts, your encouragement, and just being there for us. Thank you! Tanner is now legally a Parks, Soon he will be sealed to us for Eternity and all our dreams will have come true.

Together Forever, this is my family.

.... Extra Post for Mason

Mason is singing 2 guys on a scooter. He is obsessed with Studio C and has decided he needs to watch it every morning. (Yes I am in trouble)

Mason saw that we were taking pictures for Tanner's 7 months and decided he's going to take pictures with him every time. He found his blue shirt, which he calls his pictures shirt, and he grabbed Chris and said, "Lets go take pictures".

Mason is going to start preschool. A few ladies invited us to join them in their preschool rotation and Mason is thrilled. He looked at me with big hopeful eyes and asked, if he gets to do preschool with other kids. Perhaps he's a bit tired of just learning from Mommy.

Mason loves his brother. I'm often telling him to get off of Tanner because he's on top of him trying to make Tanner laugh. And Tanner's laughing but Mason often forgets how much bigger he is than Tanner.

Mason is giving the scripture in Primary next week. He is prepared and excited (Though I'm now slightly worried he's going to get up there and start singing "2 guys on a scooter")

Mason is in charge of reminding us to have FHE. Last week was a huge disappointment. We forgot to have FHE and Mason reminded of us of that mistake all week long. This Monday rolled around and he kept say, "Mom remember we have Family night tonight, right?" So I have a feeling we'll never miss it again.

Mason takes his own scriptures to church and doesn't have to be reminded to take them from class to class and he brings them home on his own.

Mason is trying to eat new things. For Sunday dinner we had daddy's special "Sunday potatoes" and "Sunday Sausage" (Ribs and seasoned potatoes) It took some times but Mason tasted them all and eventually decided he could eat that. Same with last night, we had stuffed Peppers. It took some time and convincing but he tried it and discovered he liked it. I don't think it's going to get much easier, but at least he's eating more than just Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches and pancakes for every meal.

That's all that's new about Mason.

He also noticed I was writing a post about Tanner and said he should have one too.
Voila!

LOVE This little family of mine.

PS: Mason Lost his Sunglasses shortly after the photo-shoot. He was playing at the park and somewhere they fell out of the stroller. He's pretty devastated, because they were his R2D2 glasses but he said a prayer asking Heavenly Father to help him find them, so he's optimistic he'll find them the next time we go to the park.

Seven Months

Mason is so proud he knew Tanner was 7 Months old before Mommy did. It came so quickly I almost forgot about this month completely. I'm glad I didn't though, so much about Tanner has changed.

What's New:

* Tooth! We have a tooth. It broke through yesterday and I'm happy to say, YAY FINALLY. Teething for Mr. TK is going to be difficult. He had a rough few weeks with his poor swollen gums and he was just unhappy and couldn't sleep. Which meant I wasn't sleeping which was horrible for everyone. We're doing better now. That little tiny tooth broke through his gums, and though we can't see it very well we sure can feel it.

* Attempts to crawl. He's up on his knees more often than I recall his big brother. Tanner very much wants to move around. He's got his eyes on Mason's toys and knows exactly which ones he's going for when he figures out how. I often find him up on his hands and knees rocking back and forth...

* Moble. He is moving though. He knows how to scoot around, usually pushing himself backwards. When on his stomach he turns in circles. He rolls everywhere. Though he doesn't necessarily have much control over which direction he ends up migrating, he still tests his limits and then yelps when he realizes he can't get back the way he wants.

* Sound effects. We are hearing all sorts of sound effects from this little guy. Lots of clicking of his tongue. Squeaks. His "pay attention to me" cough. Spitting, with his lips and also with his little tongue out. And now the wonderful sounds of Mum-mum-mum-mum and Da-da-da-da-da. oh and the Growling. Now this one fascinates me. Sometimes it comes along with his poop-face, so we know what he's doing. Other times he's just growls. I end up laughing so hard I haven't gotten it on video but it's hilarious.

* Bed Time. He's getting good at going to bed on time. His ability to sooth himself back to sleep is unpredictable. Last night was awesome, the night before that, not so good and as for tonight ... I'm praying.

* Toys. Balls, rings, cars, baby toys he loves everything but most of all he loves his brother's toys and as long as Mason is on the floor playing around him, Tanner is content hanging out with whatever is in front of him. He loves anything he can chew on and is fascinated, at the moment, with Mason's helicopters. He still absolutely loves his doorway jumper, especially when there is someone there to swing him.

* Clothes, he's in 9 month clothing. Give him a bit of room to grow but he's getting pretty long. And around 20 lbs.

* Food. He has decided he doesn't like Peas at all. He literally spits them out, in the spray fashion, when they touch his lips. Carrots are beginning to get a similar response. Still LOVES bananas, and sweet potatoes, so anything I mix with those he'll eat. However he's been eyeing the food on the table. I toss some in the blender but he knows the difference. He wants what we eat, how we eat it.

That's all for now. I really feel like it's a matter of weeks and he's going to be climbing into things and we're going to discover we are not as baby proofed as we think.

The adventures keep coming.
Thank you for following along as we experience new things.

This is my family, and we are loving life!

Bye-bye curls

I feel like I first have to explain myself. I love Tanner's hair. The curls are so loose and soft just so perfect. The most amazing thing is, his bed head looks amazing. He'll go to sleep and wake up with a little more fluff but still curls galore. Whelp it turns out the reason for that is while he's asleep the poor kid sweats like crazy. Doesn't matter if he has a blanket on him or not, if he's wearing PJ's or just a diaper, the boys curls tighten up because his head is sweating. 

The logical solution to his sweating made me sad. 

His curls are so perfect! What if I cut them and they don't come back? What if I cut it to short and I lose the blonde streak in the back of his head forever. 

He's only 6 months! What 6 month old baby really NEEDS a haircut?

Well, this one. I couldn't let him sweat like that anymore. And though both of us cried a bit with every curl that landed on the bathroom floor I think this will actually work out.

THE BEFORE PICTURES.... YES I could put it in a ponytail. 

DURING .... Because we were both oh so sad about what was happening. 

COMPLETED ... Still as handsome as ever! phew, so glad I didn't mess it up completely. 

6 Months!!

Six Months has passed since this little boy entered our lives and boy is the personality bubbling over. Tanner, who goes by several nicknames, is truly one of a kind.

Dislikes:
* Pacifiers! He hates them. I've finally given up wishing he would take one, yes it would make life so much easier but I've tried so many times and he either screams or looks at me like I shoved a toxic object into his mouth. So, since week two on this earth, he decided no pacifiers.

* Pants: This is not a joke. Though dad says it as a joke all the time, Tanner prefers to go around with no pants. It makes sitting up easier. Overalls he'll accept and the onsies that button as shorts acceptable, but I put an elastic band around his waist and that just complicates the day for him.

* Being alone: He doesn't like to be left in a room alone. If I leave the room for any reason and he discovers he's alone, he becomes unhappy. It's usually okay if big brother stays nearby.

* Car seat: I can't blame him after taking a long trip in the car to Washington, but he's never liked his car seat. It's a tough life.

* Arching his back: Okay this isn't really one of his dislikes but what he does when he doesn't like something...or just because. I guess it's more accurate to say this is one of Mommy'd dislikes. Tanner is STRONG, and he can almost fold in half backwards. He throws his head back and his feet go back until he's almost a perfect U, I'd be really impressed if I wasn't the one trying to console him or strap him in his car seat, or change his diaper. Yes all those times he makes it quite an adventure.

Indifferent:
* Water: This includes the tub, swimming, the beach,  and the splash pad. He just doesn't care one way or the other.

* Stroller rides. All he cares is that he's moving. Not that it's fun or he loves it, just keep moving.

* Mommy taking a picture! It takes a lot of work to get him to smile for the camera. He smiles easily for me other times but when the camera is out, he's already conditioned himself to not respond. Luckily he's still cute, But know if he's smiling for the camera, I had to work for it!

Likes:

* Food: He enjoys eating and, after watching everyone else chew their food, he's decided he too needs to start chewing his food. Which results in some very messy meals. But he does chew his little snacks and he loves it! No teeth yet so we're a bit limited but the chunkier the food the better, in Tanner's eyes.

* His Big brother: Tanner will definitely be able to hold his own against his big brother. Though his size might not match up, Tanner is feisty and has already shown signs he can hold his own.  When Mason gets in his face, and he doesn't want him there, Tanner has given him a look that clearly translates to, "You just wait until I get control of these hands" and then he grunts.

* Jumping: Still loves it. And now he spends an hour in there before being done. I don't know how much more my doorway will take, he's catching some real air.

* Eating his fingers: He hasn't figured out how to use them to sooth himself to sleep at night, but everywhere else, even when he's eating dinner, his fingers find his way to his mouth.

* Chewing: So his fingers, and food we've established he loves to chew but his other favorite is to chew on whoever is holding him. He prefers it over any toy you might give him. And boy when those jaws clamp down, ouch. Not looking forward to teeth.

* Using his feet: He uses his feet when playing and when drinking his bottle. He can almost hold his bottle between his feet and with his hands and drink. That'll be fun.

* His Mommy! I have a mamma's boy! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me ... actually I'm sure you can guess. Mason was a charmer. He loved being around people and if mom wasn't around he wouldn't notice but Tanner notices. He notices when I walk in a room. He hears my voice and he turns to me. I feel extra special that I can finally win over daddy most of the time. (Not all the time.)

* Daddy: We were on our trip to Washington for over a week while daddy had to stay home and work. We missed daddy, but when we got Daddy on the phone Tanner's eyes widened and he'd start talking. He knew daddy's voice and had so much to tell him.

* To be startled: Tanner thinks peek a boo is hilarious. He thinks a smiling face that jumps out and scares him, is funny.

* Dinnertime: we've mentioned he likes food but what he also loves is sitting in his highchair by the table when everyone is eating.

*Music: doesn't matter what kind, this little guy just needs a beat

New things he can do:

* Roll Over: Tanner can now roll over. He'd do it several times when no one was looking. I'd return to the room and he'd be on his back. A few times I would wonder if I had actually put him on his tummy or just imagined it. Then we saw it! He rolled over to get a ball he likes. YAY!

* Standing: We all know he has some strong legs, with how much he loves to jump in his jumper, so I'm not surprised he's already standing. Before climbing into the tub he likes to stand and watch the water fill up and now I don't have to hold him there the whole time. Just when his legs get tired.

* Rubs this eye with the backs of his hands.

* Scoots:  he doesn't realize it yet but he's already moving, mostly backwards or clockwise

We're all guessing on his weight. Mitch thinks he's 18 lbs. Mason says 20 lbs. I'm guessing he's not quit 18 probably around 17 and half. We'll see who's right at the next doctor's appointment.

According to my yard stick he's around 28 inches. He's growing and there is no stopping him.

5 Months

> Sitting up: His balance is impressive. Posture needs a bit of work but when he sits up I'm impressed his arms are steady and aren't flailing around to stay that way. Steady until he leans back just a bit to far and then his stomach muscles start working out to keep him up.

> Rolling over: He's still our little turtle, stuck on his back. He can roll to his side and he knows how to twist his body in a way he can roll over, but when he gets to his side he just starts making a bunch of noise and then his brother comes running and flips him over for him. Tanner has Mason well trained.

> Favorite Games and Toys: He love Peek a Boo. He even started it on his own, shoving the blanket over his eyes and then beaming when he pulls it off. He loves his orange ball. It's the easiest of him to keep hold of, 'cause it has a lot of holes. The plastic chain-links, 'cause he can almost throw them. But still his favorite thing to do is Jump in his doorway jumper. Those little legs are nothing but muscle 'cause this kid loves to jump.

> Motor Skills: Still smacking himself in the face, poor boy. Mason thinks it's funny, I flinch 'cause he hits himself so hard! Steadily he's gaining control over his fingers and his hands.

> FOOD!!: He's eating baby food! I love this stage because it's like he's a real person now. His fist time was just rice cereal and he didn't like that at all. Changed it to Oatmeal with Bananas and he was delighted. By day three he was eagerly opening his mouth for more. Since then we've tried all different flavors and he eats them all, though some more eagerly than others. Bananas are still his number one favorite though. 

> Sleeping: Since he had his cold last month Tanner's sleeping habits have been rough. The hope was baby food would help him sleep longer ... nope. Still hasn't had an effect. However we have gotten him back to waking up once for a bottle in the middle of the night. A total win over the, waking every two hours or waking just when mommy is about to drift off to sleep. 

> Outside: He LOVES to be outside. Mason will go into the backyard to play I'll lay out a blanket under the tree and lay Tanner on his back. Tanner could spend the whole day looking up at the sky through the leaves. In fact, now Tanner has an indoor time limit. He can't stand being stuck inside, which forces us to venture out at least once a day. 

> Entertainment: As long as his big brother is playing around him, he's good. Tanner loves to watch his big brother use his imagination, we all do, but Tanner prefers to be able to see his big brother playing. 

> Laughter: It's so soft and often no sound comes out until the very end of the laugh. But with those big lips and wide open mouth, oh my heart melts each time he laughs.

> Adventures: We've gone to the park, had many stroller walks and Tanner has finally decided to love his stroller. He easily falls asleep in it. Took him to the splash pad, while his brother fearlessly ran all over the place Tanner didn't care this way or that. I jumped in with him and didn't even get a grunt of my effort. He simply blinked the water away from his eyes and looking around. 

> Friends: Now that's its summer we're often at the Watson's playing, Gabriel is four months older than Tanner and the two enjoy sitting by each other and playing with each others toys. Then there's Grayson (or Graysen?) This baby is hilarious and I really should stop sitting by him and his mom during church, because when you put Tanner and Grayson together it is so much FUN! Grayson is fascinated by Tanner's hair and loves to grab it. The two baby's actually laugh at each other and when Grayson starts talking Tanner decides he should find his voice too. We are the loudest corner in Relief Society, but all I can say is, Hey at least we're able to be there! But still his best friend is his Big Brother!

New adventures everyday. Most are difficult, but so much richer with my two boys together. I often wonder what their future is going to be like. In what ways are they going to be different, or alike. In the coming weeks we're going to see our cousins and I can't wait for them all to meet Tanner, he's at the perfect age to play with and he will love the flood of attention that's coming, just have to survive the long drive to Washington. Wish us luck!

END

4 Month Recap

Oh I thought this was fun! It was a complete accident but it made me quite happy!

Tanner 4 Months

Mason 4 Months (2012)

I love these boys. They are so much fun!

Okay Tanner's update. This past month was fun! Seeing a lot of changes

Names our little boy has been randomly given: (Yes the list is growing)
Tanner, TK, Mr. Tanner Pants, Squeaker, Tan the Man, Marvin, Panda Bear, Cheeks.com, T, Little Brother, Xiao wugui (aka: Little turtle).

Talking: He is a chatterbox. Makes zero sense but he sure knows what he's trying to say. He loves to talk at his big brother, or at his own reflection.

Jumping: Jumping jumping, jumping, he loves to jump in his jumper and often complains while he's jumping but he's clearly having fun. Thus losing whatever protest he's attempting to make.

Standing: He does not like to sit or lay down. He likes his legs straight with one exception ...

Sitting up but ONLY on his own: It's a balancing act but this little boy loves to sit up on his own. Having only toppled over on his face once, he thinks he's big stuff when you sit him down and step back. He does fall backwards onto the pillow but it keeps him propped up enough that he uses all the strength in his little abs to pull himself back up into sitting position. This is where the image of a little turtle often pops into our heads.

Outdoors: We are so happy the weather is improving. Getting outside, Tanner becomes quiet and his eyes dart about. So much to see an he loves it! He felt the grass on his feet the other and became very concerned. He'll get used to it eventually, yep I can forsee him eating grass in no time! Why?

Motor Skills: He's playing with and grabbing toys now! It's so much fun to see. He loves to grab at things and is fascinated by his own hands. They don't always reach their destination (his mouth) but they are getting there!

Bathtime: Tanner is still indifferent about bathtime. He'll smile but he doesn't really care if he's in the tub or not.

Food. He eats! And still spits up quite a bit, but he's getting enough food 'cause he's growing fast!

Eyes: Dark brown. You still can't really tell unless you are close but they are for sure brown and might just stay that way. Those brown eyes often speak before any sound comes out of his mouth. He's got sucha sweet spirit and it's through those eyes you can vividly see it!

That's all for now. STATS to come next week after our adventure to the doctor.

Loving this little family of mine and feeling so blessed!