Meeting Ellie

This past weekend we were finally able to go to Jacksonville to meet our niece/cousin Ellie and help Amanda and Jeff. Ellie was born on July 14 and while we wanted to go earlier, we could go too early because I didn't want to expose Ellie to any crud that Drake might have and then school started and home football games (which we haven't gone to, it just means I have to recruit those Saturdays). Finally we had an away football game, so off we went!

With the healing problems Amanda has had from the c-section, my parents were also in town helping Amanda and Jeff. It was great that they were able to see both of their grandchildren together. Drake loved Ellie and wanted to give her kisses. We also learned that when he hears "shhhhh", he puts his figure to his lips and says "shhhhh". On Monday we asked his teacher about this and she said it is from "The Wheels On the Bus". He knows all kinds of hand motions from that song!

Drake and Ellie

In going to Jacksonville, Amanda and Jeff had asked that we help them install wood floors in their family room, so this was out big project for the weekend. I was able to help a little, but for the most part, my help was with distracting Drake from the activity. David was the floor installer with Jeff and my cousin Zach assisting. While there is a little work left to be done, the floors turned out great.

Drake the Helper

One of my distractions for Drake was taking him to the Jacksonville Zoo. I was hoping to fit this in before nap time on Saturday but Drake fell asleep about 5 minutes after leaving the house, so we turned around for his nap. After he slept and ate, we headed back to the Zoo to see some animals. The zoo is so much fun with Drake now because he really is interested in seeing the animals and making animal noises. This zoo had a carousal, which I wanted to take Drake on. This was his first ride of any sort and he was very apprehensive at first. He rode a jaguar and wanted to get off as soon as I put him on. Once he started moving up and down, he loved it!

We are so happy to have Ellie as part of our family and look forward to seeing them again soon and watching Ellie grow. This trip started our four months of a monthly, alternating trip between Florida and New Orleans.

18 Months

So I am a little delayed here in posting Drake's 18 month vitals as he is turning 19 months today. But, we had a doctor's appointment that was scheduled for 18.5, which was right at the start of the school year. Ok, enough excuses...here we go:

Height: 34.5 inches (91st Percentile) - I think this could be slightly off since they still measure him laying down in the box, which he is too long for. She had to get an extra tape measure to get his full length
Weight: 25.5 lbs (62nd Percentile)

- As your doctor said, you are what everyone wants to be, tall and skinny

- You told me you loved me for the first time on August 30th at Columbo's pizza while giving me a hug

- On Monday, August 22nd, you switched from staying with Margie during the day to Playtime Learning Center. Right now, you are the youngest person in your class of five, although you are not the smallest. There are three girls and one little boy. You and the little boy play a lot, but play hard and he has now bitten you twice.

- Right now you are really into animals and everyday we go through a couple animal books, learning new animals, the sounds they make, and how to say their name. You can say dog, duck, and bird but can make numerous animal sounds: Woof woof, quack quack, moo, and roar (lion, tiger, bear).

- Everyday you are saying more and more words. You are still using your sign language for the important needs while incorporating new words. It is amazing to watch you grown and learn everyday. I think being around other kids everyday now is really helping with your speech.

- You have now visited 10 states (South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Georgia, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky), the District of Columbia, and driven through/had a layover in 3 additional states (Alabama, Mississippi, and California). Quite the traveled boy!

- You smile, blow kisses, give high fives and fist bumps to everyone you meet. You have so much personality and people just love to be around you.

Drake, you have given your Daddy and I so much joy and happiness in the 18 months since you were born. I love your grin and the face you make when you about to do something that you know you are not supposed to do. You are so smart and everyday you perform a task that surprises me. We are so thankful to have you in our lives.

Drake Goes to a Music Festival

Each year Clemson is home to a music festival called Spittono the first full weekend in the fall once students return. This event is "hosted by the Redneck Performing Arts Association, Inc. Funds that are generated from the sale of beverages and other merchandise are distributed among local charities". As long as we are in town, this is an event that David and I have always gone to. It is held at the Clemson Armory, so in walking distance from our house and admission is free. I just wish that Clemson hosted more events like this one.

We took Drake last year for a short time, but I knew he would be much more into it this year. He really loves music and somehow has inherited a dancing gene. He uses his own made-up sign to indicate that he would like to listen to music and starts to jam. He really is not too into children's music, he likes blues, rock, and music with a lot of beat.

This year we headed down on Friday and Saturday evenings for some music and dancing. Drake was into the dancing from time to time, but there was so much other stuff to look at that the stage was had pressed to keep his attention. I think a fun time was had by all and we look forward to next year's festivities.