Weekend germies...

Yep...you guessed it. Things get kinda busy once the little man started getting more mobile. Go ahead and say it...you told us so.a XEWSZQA - that was a message from Reece. He loves the computer! It's even harder to get to the blogging thing when we're running after him in every direction.
The last couple of weeks have relatively uneventful, with the most exciting things being a couple more trips to the immediate care center and the doctor's office. Reece seems to really enjoy getting sick on the weekends and making sure we can't do much other than hang out at home. Luckily this past weekend he waited until Saturday to develop his illness, so we got to go out with Brooke and Dan while Jess (a colleague from my office) took care of Reece and Sam. Two weekends ago Reece had a fever and had a horrible cough. Well, the cough is still with him, but this past weekend both Reece and Lisa had to hit the immediate care centers. Reece had a blocked tear duct and had the most amazing green 'yuck' discharging from his eyes. Lisa pulled a muscle in her neck and had severe pain every time she moved. I am sure it has nothing to do with lugging around a 27 pound kiddo -- yes that is right, Reece now weighs 27 pounds. 10 months and 27 pounds, just what is he going to weigh at 2 years.
The first few pictures you're looking at are from Lisa and Reece's trip to the zoo with Grandmama and Papa Baker a couple of weeks ago. Reece's favorite animals were the penguins - he loved watching them dive and swim.
Last week we attended an AU alumni event at Smith Farms in Pendleton. It was a great opportunity to be out in the fall weather with Reece and Sam - and to check out some cool farm animals. There was a mad cow...I swear he was about to charge us. Reece and Sam both liked Mollie and Pollie the sheep and lamb and the goat really liked both of them.
Reece has a special knack of getting in between things - chairs no longer slow him down, and he can get up the stairs in about 15 seconds flat- it's amazing. The last picture is from this Sunday watching the Bears vs. Lions. Unfortunately we weren't smiling too much (Bears lost...again), but it sure was fun watching the game together.
We'll send out some pictures later this week after Reece's first Halloween.

A new era - we have STEPS...

It happened - Reece took his first steps yesterday!!! Yes, he walked from Joe to me in our living room. It was only 3 steps, but he wasn't holding on to anything. Granted he was still unbalanced and we haven't seen any other steps since then, but they were genuine. So here we go, at 10 months we have started a new level of chasing. A new workout routine for all of us. :)

Homecoming and Birthday Parties...

I know we say it a lot, but what a busy week. Earlier in the week we had our typical babysitting arrangements. This week Reece was great for Brooke and Dan and was also good for Jenessa. Sam was also great for us on Tuesday. Tuesday night we drove to Dan and Brooke's studio for Reece's Halloween photos. We wanted to capture his first costume experience with some great pictures and since Brooke and Dan are having a Halloween special in their studio we just couldn't pass it up (let me know if you want their info too). What a handsome monkey!!

On Wednesday night we had the other Davis clan stay with us. It was so much fun to have Joe's brother Ben, Marlo and Jillian with us Wednesday night and Thursday. Jillian was practicing her big sister skills (Marlo is due in January) and I must say she will be an excellent helper. Dan, Joe's brother-in-law, came to stay Thursday night and we all were able to enjoy dinner together.

On Friday, Joe went to Terre Haute for his weekend of classes and as soon as he was out the door Reece and I were busy with party preparations. Joe's birthday is on October 19th and he is turning 30. Since he was going to miss Anderson's homecoming I wanted to make sure he came home to a great celebration. Friday was spent buying food, icing cookies and finalizing details. Kristen Townsend flew into town for the party and homecoming festivities, but the poor thing didn't get to the house until 2:30am and then had to drive back in the morning for her luggage. Sorry Kristen! I hope you enjoyed your tour of Indiana (she gets lost everywhere) if I ever hit the lottery (of course I need to start playing) then I am going to get you a navigation system - I didn't realize anyone could get so lost much! :) We loved having you. Thanks for coming!

Saturday morning I did my last minute pickups and then we (Reece, Mom Davis, Kristen and I) got ready and went to the University for the street fair. Of course we were behind schedule all day, but it was great to see so many friends! While we were there I got a great picture with my nieces. Unfortunately Reece wasn't in his social mood.

After the street fair we were trying to hurry because we got word Joe was already on his way home. Luckily a crew met at my house just after 1pm and we piled everything into vehicles and headed for the neighborhood clubhouse. Before everything was finished at the clubhouse I had to hurry back to our house and beat Joe there. The hard part of the day was finding a reason to get Joe down to the clubhouse. I knew he would have suspicions no matter what I said, but I tried the "we are having an emergency neighborhood meeting". The definite sign of a party for Joe was seeing his brother's car in front of the clubhouse. I do think he was surprised (a little).

I will now pass the computer over and let Joe finish this blog. Before I do though I cannot thank my parents, Mom Davis, Jamie and Melissa, Kendra and David, Andi, Marlo and Kristen enough --- thank you all for your hard work setting up, during and after the party!

(Joe is now typing...)

What a great party! Although I can't say I was totally surprised that something was going on, I was completely surprised at the number and variety of people...and at the food/decorations/fun. As soon as Lisa said there was an "emergency meeting" that we had to get to, I kinda thought something might be going on. But as I walked in and saw the crowd, I was really overwhelmed. Great friends. Thanks to all of you who were here to celebrate with me. I've decided that the whole "30" thing is a good career move, so it really doesn't bother me too much.

The sad part of the party day was the fact that Reece was feeling really lousy. Just as we were getting ready to walk out the door to the "emergency meeting" we got the feeling he wasn't doing so hot. As the party was winding down, Lisa and her mom had to take him to the Immediate Care center in Anderson to get checked out.

After a few hours of mingling and eating (way too much) we wrapped up the afternoon with some clean-up. A major highlight would have to be the 15 minutes Jason Wiard (one of my good college friends) spent standing on the top wrung of a 10-foot ladder to get the balloons un-wrapped from the ceiling fan.

Soon after that, Lisa returned from the Immediate Care with a happier baby Reece and she encouraged me to go out with my buddies Nate, Tim and Brent. What a great wife! We went to Ale Emporium to share some pizza and old stories. It was a great early birthday celebration all the way around. And thanks to everyone for their prayers - Reece is feeling much better today. He is happy and enjoyed playing with his walker and other toys. Have a great week.

Can he overcome his genes?

Reece had his first music lesson this week while hanging out with Levi and Lydia (and Jenessa of course). The question is, can he overcome his genes and actually be a musician? Isn't it crazy to think ahead a few years to all of the possible things that these little guys could do/be? Sorry to get mushy, but it's pretty incredible. Thanks God...good stuff.
As for updates...the main thing is that he's definitely hit a clingy mommy/daddy stage. He's gotta be driving Jenessa and Brooke nuts when they watch him. We're so greatful to them (and others) who partner with us in raising the little guy.
The only excitement of the week was a late night last night with Grandmama, Papa, Kendra/David/Grant. They hung out in Plainfield at Metropolis - which made Lisa excited for the Saxony development to be completed. And I'm really excited for the Waffle House to be completed (just across the street from our neighborhood). Chocolate Chip Pecan Waffles...it doesn't get much better.
Have a good week-