It's been a while ...

Lots has happened for the Civello family in 7ish months. Lots of weddings, a few sicknesses, some holidays and some major milestones. Walking, the start of talking and lots of fun in between. David is now 19mos and we can't get over the fact that his 2yr birthday is just around the corner. It seems like every other day he is saying a new word, even at times we swear he's saying full sentences. There's never a dull moment and barely a quiet one. David follows in the steps of his mommy and is incredibly talkative, we just can't understand him yet. Manners are coming along, "please" is actually starting to sound like "please'"and "thank you" sounds more like "ank u" but it all has to start somewhere.

He LOVES helping mama in the kitchen and with cleaning but we're still working on how to allow him to actually help cook. Yesterday was an experiment with the step stool we have around the house. He very proudly climbed it and listened to mommy when she said "hold on to mama". Although reiterating to him that the stove was hot, he kept even reminding mama. He's so smart (is what all mom's and dad's say). Looking into other "stools" for toddlers to help in the kitchen has me wondering what the Easter Bunny will be bringning. :)

He has his own Swiffer that he proudly pushes around to "hep" mama. And when he spills a liquid he will happily clean it up if you give him a rag/towel. He's such a great helper. Gets his own towel for his bath/shower. Even helps mama/dada get dressed by bringing them shoes or clothes.

He loves to color and his grandma and grandpa Civello got him an easel for Christmas so that's been a blast for him. He has LOTS of cars and balls and is starting to make sounds for them as he plays. Even "parking" his cars in the barn. LOL!! He loves his tee ball set and has pretty decent hand-eye coordination.

He knows where his: hair, eyes, ears, cheeks, chin, mouth, tongue, nose, hands, tummy, belly button and feet are. He does a pretty decent job saying "eyes", "nose", "mouth" and "belly button". He even does a pretty good job when we sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes". I can't believe how much he's grown and delevoped. I was reminiscing and watching videos this morning and they only go back to April. I can't get over how much he's conquered in such a short period of time. He truly amazes me every day.

Mama has been busy running and getting healthy. It took a year but 30lbs lighter is a big deal especially when you can keep it off and have totally changed your body's composition. What started out with little walks of 2-3miles at a very slow rate with a girlfriend has become 3-5mile runs with a long run (6+miles) on the weekends. David does great some days on these trips and not so much on others. The key is finding the right time and taking advantage. Regaining this love of running (from back in college) has encouraged running for times with the masses. Completing her first half marathon in Oct 2010 just a few short days after a milestone birthday ... *gasp* ... the BIG 3 0. Now she's getting ready for her second of which she hopes to complete in 2.5hrs or less and to RUN the whole thing this time. A few more races coming up thru Memorial Day will certainly keep her busy. Including Mike's first running of the infamous Bay to Breakers on May 20th.

Hitch up your wagon ... join us for the journey as we keep going ... don't worry ... even though I have some backlog that needs to be "put up" ... we'll keep moving forward. That's the best way to go in life ... even if it is in a backwards fashion ...