And we're back...

To catch you up on Tommy's exciting week now that the camera works again

Tommy had a great birthday, and we're all looking forward to his party next weekend. He had his one year doctor visit on Wednesday, and it was quite a big day. He's 50th percentile for weight and height, but 97th for head. This has been the norm for most of his appts, so the doc said not to worry, it's familial. Super, we all have big heads. Tommy got his 4 shots, his finger pricked and then went to daycare and was bitten by his buddy twice in the head. It wasn't his favorite day. Oh, and we found out that Tommy had an ear infection - #8. I thought he was fine - runny nose, but sleeping great. I think Tommy has just grown accustomed to having ear infections, poor guy. So everyone say little prayer that this is his last for a while!

We're getting settled in at the new house, working on doing more Tommy-proofing and just enjoying the fall. Now if we could just sell the other house! Here are more photos from the big birthday week - enjoy!

Happy 1st Birthday Tommy!

Today is Tommy's 1st Birthday!

What a big day - he's wearing his 1st Birthday Boy t-shirt and a big Happy Birthday message is written all over the windows at daycare. What a lucky guy! I can't believe he is already one. What a wonderful, FAST and exciting first year. We have learned so much, and grown so much together as a family. It's hard to remember life-before-Tommy... we have so much love for him. What did we do with all of that love before?? It just shows how much love the human heart is capable of - it is endless. A year ago right now, I was in the last 15 minutes of pushing, and I had no idea how much my life was about to change. Yes, I knew I was going to be caring for a baby soon, and that we'd be parents, but nothing could prepare me for the heart-swelling emotion I felt when the doctor laid Tommy on my chest. I'll never forget it. Parenthood is such a blessing, yet so much work - and worth every ounce. Tommy - we love you so much - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

ps... I'm having camera/computer problems, so you'll have to wait for the adorable photos I took of him this morning in his bday outfit. I'm bummed.

One year ago today...

One year ago today, I was HUGE.
But a year ago tomorrow, I was the happiest new mom in the world!

Many firsts lately!

The most exciting 'first' of course was the walking... but I thought I'd add pictures of a few more big events for Tommy lately. Some are 'firsts' - others are just cute photos I thought you'd all enjoy. Tommy's first haircut - before.....During..... towards the end - he really did very well until he realized everyone was looking at him. After - we might not have been his favorite people, but he looked so cute!
Cute photo of Daddy and Tommy after his big haircut
Big trip to the park with Aunt Sandy and Cousin Katie
Tommy LOVES fans. Seriously, LOVES them.

Playdate on Labor Day with Madeline Parker - and we had lunch with Becky and Dave. Thanks for coming Parkers!
First trip to the Minnesota State Fair!
First Gopher Football Game!

Tommy Is Walking

He fought through a cold that kept him at home for a day and decided to take some steps. Sarah and I are calling the steps taken this morning his first. This video was taken before bedtime.

Tommy walks with walker

Long time no blog...

Tommy doesn't quite get sippy cups yet but enjoys trying.
In the midst of crawling from room to room, he managed to

turn around to acknowledge the camera. He's so busy....

Yet, he's still a total ham and we love it.
Up, down, up - he's very good at standing up. At anything - he doesn't even need furniture anymore. We expect first steps anytime now....

What an active guy. I can barely catch him in photos lately... here is the best I can do! I've had many requests for new photos lately, sorry we've been a little lazy with the blogging. Alot going on with us lately - more on that another time. All's well though! Tommy has ONE tooth... and more on the way I think. Currently his favorites are pulling himself up on everything, the fan in our room, any ceiling fans, books (he turns pages very well), buttons, songs, his rubber duckie, Ernie and drooling. He also likes anything mom and dad tells him isn't for babies - like cords, nightlights, stairs....

Happy Monday!

Kerkhoven Town & Country Days

Tommy was in his first parade this past weekend in Kerkhoven. He rode with Daddy, Grandpa, Max, Ricky, Ella and Katie. He had so much fun! Until he saw Mommy halfway through.. and the parade just kept moving... then there was crying and Tommy watched the rest of the parade with Mommy! He was a good waver though - he's a pro. This picture is of the whole crew before the parade started. Enjoy.

Prayers and Love to all

Just a note to say the Larsen's are fine, and all of our prayers go to those affected by the bridge collapse - we are praying for victims, their families and all of the rescue workers. Hug your loved ones, say a few extra prayers tonight and don't forget to tell people you love them. We love you all!

Mike, Sarah and Tommy

Davidson Family Reunion

This past weekend was the Davidson Family Reunion for Mike's Dad's side of the family. What a crowd! Beautiful weather, tons of food and plenty of friends and family. I could post 25 pictures, but I tried to pick some of our favorites. The first is the Larsen crew - Spencer and 4 of his siblings: from left - Tillie, Spencer, Howard, Cleo and Roger.

Dean and Ella and Cousin Mark and his daughter Lauren

Sarah and Tommy (taken by Maxwell - who is 8 - great job Max!)

Cathy and Lucas Witte - Cathy and Mike went to Morris together, and Cathy is married to Matt Witte. We were sad Matt didn't make it, but we definitely understand why. Their older son Josh had a double ear infection (do they run in the family or what?). Hope you are feeling better Josh! Cathy's dad and Mike's dad are cousins (I hope I got that right)

Tonya and Ella - we were lucky to catch Ella in a few pictures, she was a busy girl. But even busier was her brother Ricky. Not one picture of him - just too busy!
We did capture Max and Tommy together - Tommy loves to grab Max's face and hair.

Tommy had a busy week - Grandma and Grandpa Henderson were here for his entertainment value - and he really learned to crawl. It's impressive how far away he can get, and quickly! A big thanks to my folks for helping out during their vacation, always great to have them here. Tommy LOVES the attention. He was modeling for the middle picture, and he's learning about animals in the bottom photo. He loves turning the pages in books, playing with his John Deere toys and picking up anything tiny on the floor - like grass or hair - to eat. Super! A pleasant challenge for Mike and me!

He's mobile!

Our life has officially changed again - Tommy has figured out how to get around. I'm not sure if you can call it crawling yet, but he's on his way. He pulls himself along with his hands/arms, and pushes off with his feet. Mostly his big toes. It's pretty fun to watch. Until he gets over to things that we haven't babyproofed. It really makes me look at our house in a whole new way!

Also - Mike, Tommy and I would like to welcome little Luke David to the world, new son of our friends Candy and Blake. Congrats guys - can't wait to meet him!

Thomas and Edison

Tommy and Eddie met today. Edison, son of Kaari and Dave, is a month old today. Tommy looked like a tank next to him, and Eddie is a big boy! Eddie is an angel with beautiful bright eyes. He reminded me of Tommy at that age, very sturdy and content. Thanks for having us over!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Mike is showing off the shirt that Tommy made him at daycare. Tommy is so proud of his daddy - Happy Father's Day! We love you.

Tommy meets Garrett

The Larsens were lucky enough to meet the newest member of the Poynter Family on Saturday - Garrett and his parents, Greg and Jen came for a visit and dinner. It was wonderful to see them again, and great to finally meet Garrett! He's a doll. Tommy and Garrett got along - mostly they didn't notice each other, except Tommy noticed when Garrett had his toys, but it was alright with him. Garrett is almost 5 months, and Tommy is almost 9 months. They definitely have big cheeks in common!

Sarah had a nice birthday, thanks to Tommy

Sarah said she had a nice birthday.

She definitely enjoyed Tommy and dinner at Prima.

Swinger!

Tommy had fun at the park with Mommy and Daddy last weekend... can't wait for next time.

A visit from Bri

My cousin Bri was with us all of last week while she was taking a class in St. Paul, and Tommy got so much attention! What a great deal. Mike and I got some breaks and had an excuse to grill steaks every night. Thanks Bri!