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.

Silly Soapy Horns

Earning His Keep

Spencer has become quite the little helper lately. He loves putting his toys away before dinner, using the little broom and dustpan to clean the floors, and putting his unfinished drinks in the refrigerator (we actually aren't big fans of that one...). He helped Daddy sweep and rake leaves from the carport and driveway a couple of weeks ago - I'm woefully behind on blog posts.

Yard Work from Susan Rives Horridge on Vimeo.

There are a couple of other new videos posted on the right side of the page, too.