Conrad: 50 weeks

I'm 50 weeks old, which means in just a few short days I'm going to be ONE. Mommy says this has been the longest and shortest year of her life, which I take as a compliment. I like to think I add a lot to this family and I know they'd be lost without me. 

Mommy knows these are just pictures to some people, but she'd like me to encourage ya'll to focus in on my many different facial expressions. And in the second picture, she finds my double chin and super kissable cheeks extra cute. I, on the other hand, find it a bit embarrassing but I'm not one to put up much fuss.

I'm looking pretty ONE in these pictures, wouldn't you say? (Answer silently if my mom is within hearing distance of you. We don't want to get her worked up.)

Sure sign of a one year old - bruises. See left side of my forehead.

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• Well since it's almost my first birthday, I decided to start crawling. You probably already saw proof here. I had been thinking about it for a few weeks, slept on the idea of it, and woke up Monday morning a crawler! They find it pretty cute how slowly and thoughtfully I do it. For now. When I want to get somewhere faster, I mix it up with some scoots, twists, and turns on my bottom. It all works.

• I can push myself up to sitting now!

• The next skill I'd like to master is pulling myself up on things so I've been practicing quite a bit. I think I'll get there within the next couple of weeks. Mommy has been standing me up against the ottoman, which is fun but I'm not quite strong enough to support my own weight quite yet. My eyes light up real big when I hold on to someone's hands and stand up. When I want down, I just fall forward.

• Forget baby toys, I want everything Sissy plays with! She does pretty well with sharing with me or finding me a different toy to play with. Well, except for this morning when she asked mommy, "mom - will you get him out of here, please?"

• Just call me a pro-teether - I now have 10 (one being a MOLAR!) with two other white edges poking through and a couple other spots looking swollen. I don't mind teething all that much, but my regular signs that something may be coming is that I don't eat as much as I normally do and I drool a bit more. Tylenol helps to take the edge off when necessary. 

• Did I already tell you that I pretty much sleep all night long now? If not, I pretty much sleep all night long now. Last night I slept from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am, nursed, and then slept again until about 8:00 am, but most nights I'm sleeping from about 8:00 to 7:30, give or take 30 minutes. My mom is thrilled and seems extra happy. I'm glad I could help.

I still take two naps a day - morning one around 10 and an afternoon one around 2:00.

My birthday party is in a little over a week. I couldn't be more excited to see everyone (my Aunt Becca is even flying in!) and celebrate all the good things God has done. 

Until then..

Conrad

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Update as of 4/18/14

I walked into Conrad's room this morning to find THIS! Grandpa told me it'd only be a couple of days before he did this, but I really thought we had a few more weeks until he was strong enough. Ha!

We have a...

CRAWLER!

This both excites and terrifies me.

Sharing Truth...Joshua 1:8-9

This week on #SheSharesTruth, we've been encouraged to read and study Joshua 1:8-9. When just read, they're beautiful verses that point us to Christ and reiterate our need to be in the Word.

These words were spoken to Joshua who was chosen as successor to Moses to lead the Israelites into the promised land, the land that God had promised to Abraham hundreds of years prior. Can you imagine? They'd waited so long to receive their inheritance, but God's timing was perfect. He keeps his promises, and he desires loyalty from us during our times of waiting.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, 

but you shall meditate on it day and night, 

so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. 

For then you will make your way prosperous, 

and then you will have good success. 

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, 

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 8-9 (ESV)

Joshua is the leader of the people, but God is saying to him that He is the one true leader and the battle is His. He has provided Joshua with the tools to conquer - the Book of the Law - and flat out says that he should meditate on it day and night SO THAT he would know what to do according to what is written.

Joshua will know what to do when he mediates on God's word.

God wanted obedience from Joshua, and through his obedience God was saying, "I got your back. I'll be with you no matter where you are or who is with you. Don't be afraid, but instead be strong and courageous. You know what to do. And you will succeed."

I think God wants that same exact obedience and loyalty from us. His Word isn't just for Joshua or Joshua's buddies. He's given us His Word that instructs and encourages and is very much for today. The bible transforms us and directs our steps. When we're in it more and more, we start to change little by little, day by day.

I want to be a believer who reacts based on faith and wisdom, not on my feelings. That faith and wisdom will grow in all areas of my life when my relationship with Christ does the same. We have a battle to fight just like Joshua did, and praise God we have the tools to fight well.

Lord help us be strong and courageous.

Conrad: 46 and 48 weeks

Rather than post so close together I decided to just combine 46 and 48 weeks into one. 

Lots of things have happened in the last four weeks!

46 weeks:

48 weeks:

I was more feisty than usual this past Sunday.

"Gimme.that.sign!"

(Note from mommy: I love his smiles, but I equally love his serious face with his big lips and brown eyes and the way he folds his hands.)

So big!

• Mommy had to pack up most of my winter clothes. It's much faster to get me dressed now that I don't have four jam packed dresser drawers filled with things that no longer fit. I'm wearing 12-18 month stuff now.

• I now move around the room either sliding backwards on my tummy or by scooting myself about here and there. That combined with a few rolls will get me where I need to go that much quicker. My world is getting bigger and there's so much fun stuff to explore and steal from Sissy! However, this new trick sometimes gets me into predicaments like getting stuck under the couch or in the corner of the room. Thankfully mommy is never too far away!

• I have been trying very hard to pull my knees up under me. I was nervous when first put in that position, but I know how to get myself down now so am not quite as bothered.

• I got to spend a weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Sinclair's house while mommy hung out with some of her best friends from high school. Mommy always appreciates it when I'm a good boy and travel well when she's by herself. Daddy stayed home with a list of a couple to do's like taxes. Doesn't sound fun to me.

• And Mimi and Papa were up here this last weekend so I got to see them too! We played, watched Frozen, went out to eat, and played some more. I love my four grandparents and they really love me!

• Big news: I am done with a bottle at Miss Kathy's house! I was always a bit unpredictable about how I would take it so she moved me to a sippy cup, which is going great. I can't hold the cup on my own quite yet, but that'll come. She usually drops the bottle at a year, so it was around the corner anyway.

• I cut my ninth tooth! That makes five on the bottom and four on the top. Given how much I'm drooling and how often my fingers are in my mouth, I'd say the 10th is probably coming in as well.

• Ask me how big I am and I'll show you. I'm SO big!

• I've now been to the Mall of America twice in the last two weeks. There is a lot going on there and I can't wait until I'm older so I can ride the fun rides like Gwendolyn does.

• I'm ahem busier than Sissy was when she was my age. Mama says I do things she never ever did like...eat lint, throw things, tug on my tray cover, pull mommy's earrings out, and try to roll over when getting my diaper changed. It's not that I'm naughty and mommy and daddy try not profess that...I'm just a boy. A big, kissable, busy boy.

• Miss Kathy asked mommy for the date she wanted for my 1st birthday party with my daycare friends so it's official - it's really happening! I'm really turning ONE next month!

Big things are happening!

Thanks for stopping by.

Love,
Conrad

February in Pictures

February seems like it was forever ago! Does that mean this winter is dragging on? I think it does. Thankfully the end is near! (Please tell me the end is near...)

Family:

Lots of pictures of the kiddos together and with their new baby cousin, Tenley. It's amazing how much she's already changed now that she's TWO months old! We love her to pieces!

There must be a new baby in the family....

Hanging out together...

One of my favorite times of the day is before nap story time. We read books, sing, and there is always some snuggling and lots of giggles.

Notice Conrad's face - he just loves these flip books!

We all got the stomach bug. This picture was taken after both Gwendolyn and Conrad were sick, while mommy was sick, and before daddy got hit. It was a rough week in the Barntsen house.

Thank goodness daddy could stay home this day to help me out b/c I was of no help to anyone!

I was at bible study and apparently daddy put Gwendolyn in charge of baby brother's night time bottle. This cracks me UP! She looks absolutely thrilled and he doesn't care who gives it to him as long as someone does. 

Gwendolyn:

She let me diffuse her hair after bath - I wish the curls would stay! 

She made it a whole week with no accidents so her reward was a car to go with her My Loving Family dolls and dollhouse. Here she is waiting hands out with eyes closed for her "big surprise." 

I wish this wasn't blurry - her face shows her pure joy!

That would be our almost 3 year old daughter carrying on and throwing a fit in the freezing cold b/c I wouldn't (and couldn't) carry her in from the garage. She stood out there for a few minutes before very reluctantly and begrudgingly walking inside. I took this picture to send to Tom with a message that said something like, "please come home on time tonight." I can't remember exactly.

I love her, but the girl was overtired and just a mess. I have no idea where she gets her stubbornness and drama! :)

After a good talk, praying together, and a hug we were best friends again. Phew! 

So thankful for grace for those harder days!

Playing princess memory...

Her sick station complete with endless time spent on the Kindle... :)

Catching up on rest. I just love how she looks sleeping so peacefully.

Can we talk about this awesome birthday present from Aunt Natalie and fam?! Grant and Brookie picked out their favorite pictures of them with Gwendolyn and we have them forever on a plate! So fun!

Tom was cutting grapes on it and I was like, "NOOOOO! You can't cut on that plate!"

He was like, "Sarah. It's a plate. You have to use it like a plate."

I just want it to last foreverrrrrrrr.

Lovin' on Tenley whenever she gets a chance...

Conrad:

It kills me every time I think he's asleep so I quietly lift up the blanket over his car seat to take a peek only to find him staring at me with his big brown eyes.

Similarly when I open the car door to get him out. I just love his sweet face.

Being such a sweet boy at small group on Thursday nights. LOVE a baby in jeans. Look at that adorable bottom! 

Speaking of things that are adorable....get a look at these THIGHS. I'm excited for summer clothes just so I can squeeze them more often!! (Gritting teeth together.)

My view from here... 

Love his smile.

My big little baby boy...

Love how he holds on to his blankie...

We officially have a roller! He started off sitting up by his boppy pillow and when I checked on him again he was over by the chair. (Taken February 12th)

Aunt Natalie came to visit Tenley so Gwendolyn and Conrad got some snuggles and extra love too!

Spend a day (or an hour) with this baby and your heart will be filled with joy. He makes us laugh constantly.

Snuggles with Papa

We were comparing their massive size difference. So funny!

These next pictures are hilarious...Conrad instantly calmed down when Tenley was close to him and just kind of looked at her so gently.

He kinda looked up at Uncle John as if to ask if he could give her a little smooch...

And then seriously opened his mouth and leaned over. We died. Most precious thing ever. 

Hey guys.

Happy birthday Aunt Trishy!

What a fun month!! We're very blessed.