Whirlwind Christmas

This is one of my favorite photos from Christmas this year. Not a creature was stirring, and all that jazz. A moment of calm in between all the excitement, travel and chaos. Spencer had a terrific Christmas - what generous family and friends we have! There are tons of photos in the December photo album.

We took a lot of video with the "real" video camera, but who knows when I'll have that available for viewing (considering we have never downloaded ANY videos off that camera!) Here's a quick video of Spencer riding the horse that Aunt Dianne and Uncle Scott gave him.

Christmas Morning from Susan Rives Horridge on Vimeo.

You can also see a video of Spencer's reaction to his new John Deere tractor by clicking here.

I hope you all had as blessed a Christmas as we did. Looking forward to seeing what 2011 brings!

Meeting Mr. Claus

We took Spencer to the Kerbey Lane Doll Shoppe to meet Santa last week. After last year's reaction, we thought we might have more success at this little store where Santa hangs out for a few hours each day in December. Spencer would have time to acclimate, check out Santa, etc.

He sized him up and chatted for a bit...


The we decided to go for it and plopped him on his knee...


But Spencer much preferred to just stand next to Santa and visit with him about trains.


Whenever we bring up Santa he says, "I didn't like Santa's knee." I can't say I really blame him.

Elfin Superhero

Spontaneous superhero pose takes the Christmas cuteness factor to a new level.

Piper and Beckett's Petting Zoo Party

Spencer's pals Piper and Beckett had a super fun 2nd birthday party on Saturday. There was a big petting zoo set up in their backyard. All of the kids (and parents) had a blast.

We are still on the quest for a picture of these three all smiling. Heck, we'd settle for all three looking in the same direction!

Spencer petted, held and fed a lot of animals - bunnies, chicks, lambs, goats, a pony and more!

Check out the rest of the photos here and more videos under the Videos link on the right.

Naughty or Nice?

When Spencer woke up from his nap the Friday after Thanksgiving, he walked into the living room and announced, "Want to decorate the Christmas tree, Daddy!" So Daddy set up our tree and Spencer and I spent the afternoon decorating it. The title of this blog is also the caption of the first picture below. :)

He kept saying the cutest things about the ornaments, for ex., "Mommy bought this mitten at the baby store." He has really been into the tree and Christmas things in general. We listen to Christmas music all the time and tonight we went to see some festive Christmas lights with the Poages (that will be a separate entry later). I wonder what he'll think about Santa this year?

Thanksgiving

I've fallen behind on updates, so since it's already December I better mention that we had a lovely Thanksgiving. We went to the ranch Wednesday afternoon and hung out with Geep, Pop, Gary, Janice and Austin. Then we headed to Dianne and Scott's in Katy for Thanksgiving lunch with them, Grannie, Paw-Paw, Renee and Steven. Then we came back to the ranch in the afternoon. I think we might've watched some football that evening, but I can't remember...

A cold front blew in Thanksgiving day but that didn't keep Spencer from some of his usual outdoor ranch activities - sandbox, EZ tractor rides and throwing acorns into the pond.

Boogie Fever

Somebody sure does like to dance.

In his room with Geep...

And at the ranch...

I think that video cut off right when it was getting good!

Running the Bases

Running the bases 3 or 4 times in a row is hard work for a little guy.

Running the Bases from Susan Rives Horridge on Vimeo.

Quotes of the Month

I've been trying to remember to write down some of the sweet things that Spencer has been saying lately. Here's a little sample.

After his last overnight trip to the ranch: "I missed you at the ranch. I missed you in the sandbox."

While reading his Corduroy Easter book: "I want to eat a picnic outside." And then when we got to the part about chocolate bunnies: "I want to bite them."

While holding up a pretzel during lunch: "Oh! Looks like a heart!"

While lying in my lap one night before bedtime: "Blue eyes. Mommy has blue eyes." (Yes, my heart melted on that one...)

I'm in Minnesota this week, and this morning I received a sweet little video that goes along with this today's theme.

Message to Mommy from Susan Rives Horridge on Vimeo.

Little Helper

Spencer and I made chicken enchiladas for dinner last night. He filled the tortillas with chicken, cheese and spinach leaves and I rolled 'em up. He is such a good little helper in the kitchen. He shows such an interest when I'm cooking that I try to let him climb up and observe or help when possible, even though I must admit at times I just want to shoo him out of there so I can hurry up and be done! But slowing down and being in the moment is what it's all about, right? And it's usually pretty fun.

Since we're on the subject of food, I have to say how funny it is to look back at all the worrying I did over Spencer's eating months ago. I was sure I had a picky eater on my hands (which most certainly was a result of some grave error I made in introducing foods!), when in fact he was just not ready to branch out until recently. Now he will at least try just about anything we offer him, and he usually likes it. I think he's hitting a growth spurt because the boy has been putting away some groceries!

Loving the Time Change

We are loving the time change around here. Spencer slept until after 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and today he woke up just a little earlier. He even took a nap in his crib while Geep was here today. (David has been taking Spencer on 6+ mile walks for his nap for months and we are needing to make the transition to crib before winter arrives...)

Anyway, after music class this afternoon, Spencer and I walked over to Butler Park for a little while. He ran up and down the hills, played with some dogs, marveled at seeing the moon, watched a choo-choo train go by, climbed on big rocks and listened to me when I asked him not to run into the Liz Carpenter fountain (whew!). When we got home, we ate dinner, skipped bath and went straight to pajamas and books. When we finished the last book, Spencer got out of the chair, walked over to his crib and tried to climb inside. I placed him inside the crib and he said, "Night-night. Sweet dreams."

This time change is agreeing with the Horridges.

Two Years, One Month. Big Boy.

Halloween

Spencer's 3rd Halloween was the best one yet (no chicken pox this year either!). He was the cutest little cowboy. We went to a neighborhood party on Saturday, which was a great trial-run for the costume experience.

On Halloween evening we trick-or-treated in our neighborhood and Spencer caught on really fast - after trying to barge into all the houses at first. He kept his hat on the entire time and even carried his stick horse and pumpkin. We had so much fun watching him figure out what all of this Halloween business was all about.

It Must Be That Time of Year

Sunday night when I was reading to Spencer before bedtime we had this convo:

Spencer: "Uh-oh. Can't hear him!"

Me: "Can't hear who?"

Spencer: "Daddy. Where's Daddy?"

Me: "Oh, he's probably in his office."

Spencer: "Yeah. Prob-ly watching football."

The Fair

Spencer made his first trip to the Brazoria County Fair this weekend. We had a great time wandering around the fairgrounds Saturday afternoon with Grannie, Paw-Paw, Aunt Renee and cousin Steven. We thought he might want to try a ride or two, but he decided to wait until next year when he's a little bigger. Spencer and Grannie won a stuffed animal on the midway, then he had a blast at the petting zoo and looking at all the champion cows, chickens, turkeys, pigs and rabbits!


Dave and I went back to the fair later that evening and had so much fun. He's heard me go on and on about the fair for 12 years - I can't believe this it the first time we've gone. We ate a funnel cake and corn dogs, checked out the exhibits and art show, rode the Ferris wheel and went down the big slide a couple of times. Super fun date night!

Quotes of the Week

Sometimes I wish there was a video camera pointed at Spencer 24x7. This is such a fun phase and I want to capture all the neat, funny, sweet things he says. Here are a couple of gems I remembered to write down this week.

When we wake up in the mornings, I always tell him that we really need to try to sleep until the sun comes up. Yesterday, we got up a little before 5:00 (UGH!), then lay down in the guest room and fell back asleep. When he woke up again around 7:15 he exclaimed, "Oh! Sun came on!"

Spencer likes to play with my hair. Sometimes he'll start smoothing it out along my shoulders and chest and say, "Make hair like a waterfall." Love that imagination.

Sweet Berry Farm

We drove out to Marble Falls on Sunday to visit Sweet Berry Farm. A good idea in theory...but the reality was 90 degree heat and thousands of other people with the same idea. We stayed long enough to pet some goats and check out all the neat pumpkins. Would love to go back on a weekday when it's cooler - just something not right about visiting a pumpkin patch when it's that dang hot!

Potty Training and Other Bodily Functions

We've been taking a very casual approach to potty training Spencer. Just talking about it a little, letting him help flush the contents of his diaper when we can, and letting him come into the bathroom with us, etc. Week before last, he peed a little in his potty before he got into the bathtub, and now every night before bath he stands at his potty and does his business. We weren't sure whether to teach him to sit or stand, but he seemed to gravitate toward standing, and it's working out. He even puts his hands on the wall and leans against it - we're talking serious cuteness! I'm not sure if we'll have to ramp up our efforts or if this casual method will keep progressing. We just keep telling him "pee-pee goes in the potty" and "poop goes in the potty" like it's no big deal, just a fact.

I also love his honesty about bodily functions. He's announced (loudly) several times at restaurants and other public places lately, "I tooted!" And last night he made some "bubbles" in the tub. His daddy said, "Did you toot?" and Spencer replied, "Make bubbles like a fish. Maybe in booty!"

Spencer, if you are reading this years from now, I apologize if I've embarrassed you! But these things are just sweet to your mommy and I want to remember them.

First Amusement Park Rides

Spencer rode a carousel, some little cars and boats, a train and a Ferris Wheel at Kiddie Acres on his birthday. Here's a couple of videos.

First Pony Ride

Some videos of Spencer's ride on Copper the pony.

Make a Wish

Spencer's 2nd birthday party was on Saturday. He had so much fun and received lots of neat toys, clothes and books from his friends and family. He loved playing with his toddler and "big boy" guests: Piper, Beckett, Sarah, Pearl, Jessie, Cooper, Elliott and Lee.


It was a beautiful day to celebrate our boy. So thankful to have such great friends and family join us. Wish we had taken more pictures!

Happy Birthday Card!

Our sweet boy turned two today and we had a great time celebrating. We actually slept in until 7:00 (after an initial 5:00 wake-up), then we gave Spencer his gift - a groovy little play kitchen with pots, pans, food, etc.


We also opened some gifts from the Loves, including new Legos and more wooden food that goes great with the kitchen (coincidence, by the way). Geep and Pop came over at lunchtime, and of course they were bearing gifts too, including a Sit & Spin and fun memory game. Then we all went to Kiddie Acres, an old amusement park that is a big hit with the Austin kiddos. It was deserted - we practically had the place to ourselves. Spencer rode some little cars, boats, a train, merry-go-round, Ferris wheel and even a pony. He was very serious about the rides, but he had fun once he loosened up a bit.


Spencer played putt-putt golf for the first time, too. He was actually pretty good - I think he could beat me. He made two holes in two shots! Daddy and Pop really got a kick out of watching their future golfing buddy learning the ropes.


After Kiddie Acres, we went to Dong Nai (The Donger) for dinner. We ate dinner there on Spencer's birthday last year and took a self-portrait at 6:28 p.m., so we might be starting a tradition with those two things.


Spencer kept saying, "Happy birthday card" and "two years old" today. I think he had a fun day and sorta understood what the hubbub was about. Happy birthday, Spencer. You are such a joy and blessing to your daddy and me. We love you more than you could ever know!

The View from Down Here

Spencer likes to play with my camera and sometimes that results in some interesting photos. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hammock

Each of these videos has something I like, so I'm posting all three. I love that he lost a shoe sometime between the first two videos.

First Solo Overnight Trip

Mommy turned 40 last week and since there were so many activities planned over the weekend, we decided the timing was right for Spencer to spend his first night away from both of us. Geep and Pop came to Austin on Friday and babysat while we went to a dinner party, then late Saturday morning they took Spencer to the ranch for his first big boy overnighter. It was definitely good planning to take him to Pine Fork - he was so excited to go ranching that he was totally unfazed about leaving us. He handled it like a champ and had a blast. He was so tired Saturday at bedtime from all the EZ-Go rides, digging in the sand and other fun ranch activities that he told Geep, "Night-night. Shut the door."




We arrived shortly after he woke up from a nap on Sunday (nap! another feat in itself!) and he was definitely ready to see us. There was lots of cuddling followed by fishing, rides in the cart, swinging in the hammock and more sand. All in all, a big success!

Meeting a Baby Cousin

Spencer met his newest baby cousin at my mom's birthday party in Angleton last weekend. He was so gentle with Nicolas and even thought about holding him - but then decided to pat his hair and sit next to him instead. This picture absolutely slays me.

A Glimpse into the Future?

I snapped this photo last week when I caught Spencer digging around in his daddy's closet. There's something about his face here that makes me think I kinda know what he's going to look like when he's older. Know what I mean?

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

In an act of desperation, I took Spencer to a children's hair salon Saturday evening. Our friend Tracy has given him a trim twice before, but his hair seemed to have gotten out of control almost overnight. We're talking the Nick Nolte mugshot times 10! I wasn't sure when we'd be able to hook up with Tracy, so I took a chance. I think it looks pretty cute, but I'm not sure how technically great a haircut it is.

At first he was not too sure about the whole setup, but I can't blame him because I wasn't sure either! The salon pretty much embodied everything I despise about the kid industry. But for $17.95 + tip, Spencer got to sit in a fire truck and watch a DVD while he got his hair cut, then play with a big train set afterward. In fact, I didn't think I was going to pry him away from those trains. Luckily the receptionist saw I was having trouble getting him to leave, so she gave him a bunch of stickers and we were on our way. He is definitely looking more like a big boy now with his new shorter 'do.

Interpreting Art

Spencer cracks me up more and more every day. This morning we were drawing at his little table and he kept making marks on the paper and asking me, "What's that?"

One time I replied, "Is it a sea dragon?" because he's been drawing those a lot lately, and he said, "Could be."

Yankee Doodle Who?

Spencer has been reading a nursery rhymes book quite a bit lately. He's especially fond of Baa Baa Blacksheep and "Hump-a-ty Dump-a-ty." When I pointed to the picture below this morning and asked him who it was, he replied, "Jesus."

23 Months

Today we began the final month in which we will refer to Spencer's age in months. He's 23 months old today, but a month from now he'll be 2 years old. No one says "25 months old" or "30 months old," right?

The boy and I went back to Angleton this weekend to visit Grannie and Paw-Paw. We were happy to see that Paw-Paw is doing so great - he should be home soon. Spencer played lots of golf, helped scatter birdseed around Grannie and Paw-Paw's yard, and finally sat on the famous donkey planter. We also got to see lots of family and friends - having both grandmothers in the same nursing home means bumping into so many people!

Grannie and I dragged Spencer all over town and he was super patient - a real gentleman, as I like to say. He made sure to let us know, though, when he started feeling frustrated about anything. Oh yes, did I mention that "I'm frustrated" is the latest item in his bag of tricks? Love it!

Family Time

David, Spencer and I went to Angleton last weekend to visit lots of family. First, we went to the nursing home to see Great-Grandma Rives and Great-Uncle Raymond. The Trahans, Elliotts and Cahills were there so it was a mini family reunion. Spencer and Sarah had a good time looking at all the fish and birds.

After that we went to visit Paw-Paw, who had surgery about two weeks ago and is recovering in a rehab center. His surgery went really well, and now Spencer is just waiting until he's well enough to take him on lawnmower rides again!


We also popped over to see Great-Grandma Hill and Aunt Renee. Spencer has always loved playing with Grandma's cane and this day was no different. He was also introduced to the "back bedroom" at Grandma's house, too, which is full of vintage toys and treasures.