Beckett's First Birthday

For Beckett's Birthday we had my family in town. Beckett got to open a few presents from them. He got this cool new trike that he loves, but is too short to ride. His favorite part is putting things in the trunk or standing on the trunk. It has a sign saying do not stand on the back- what's the first thing Dan teaches him...

Trying on his new clothes. He of course liked the tags more than the item.

At 1 year Beckett is climbing everything- our entertainment center, stools, ladders, pantry, fridge, trash can, ... anything. He loves the stairs but we don't have anything- so he's not real good about going down yet. He loves to walk backwards- especially if I ask him to come here- he'll smile, shake his head no and walk in reverse away from me.

He likes to make weird noises like the blubbering lips and the indian ah ah! But he doesn't really say any words- maybe dad. The pediatrician referred Beckett to the childfind program to check on his speech. So we had a few therapists come over and check him out. They said he has excellent inflection and expression. They thought he looked perfectly fine (a little behind with speech- but still normal) and were amazed at his mobile skills... until they realized he didn't crawl. A few days later he started to crawl.

He has 6 teeth- which came in stained (the enamel didn't fully develop) and with a gap. I thought baby teeth would be perfect but I guess not- I hope he gets better ones second round.

His diet now consists of pepperoni (the only meat he will eat), watermelon, chips, cucumber, and smoothie. Maybe a few other items here or there- but these are his favorites. We have given him a couple of haircuts now. He has discovered his finger fits nicely in his nose. He likes to tear toilet paper off and place it in the toilet- and other items if we're not watching closely. He used to be scared of dogs but now he loves them and knows the sign for it. He'll go to our front door and sign dog- because he wants to go see them. Beckett likes to comb his hair. He loves the feeling of falling in the air. Anytime we open a door- Beckett will be trying to escape out it in no time. He loves his grandpas- and grandpa Mickelson's pocket.

Our rolled up old carpet pads make for a nice background.

Grandma and Grandpa Mickelson came the week before and brought a few gifts for Beckett. Here's Beckett with his favorite Mozart cube.

I made Dan quickly take a picture before he had to leave for work- I love that he's wearing his name badge in the picture.

I said we weren't going to get Beckett anything for his birthday- I'd let the grandparents take care of that. But Dan got him this paper towel roll- I'm pretty sure it was his favorite present.

We just made beckett a simple cake-because you have to have crazy cake pictures right? But he didn't really want to touch it- he refused to eat it. We had to assist a little.At Beckett's 12 month checkup on 7/26/10, Beckett was:

17 lbs 4 oz (3%)

29 in (25/50%)

head: 18 3/4 (75/90%)

Weekend in Sandy

It looks like Beckett is being sweet and comforting Ty, but really Beckett was stealing Ty's toys and being a little feisty. He's not used to being the big kid. Beckett proudly showing off the book he jerked out of Ty's hands.

Beckett had to turn his back and scoot away from Ty so Ty couldn't take his toys back. Kim and Ty.

Ty with his beautiful blue eyes.Turning Beckett upside down is the only way we can get Beckett to show off his teeth. This past week 3 teeth have cut through the gums, the fourth one will be here soon (all on the top). The first tooth that poked through was the one beside the front tooth- I was afraid he was going to look like a vampire- but the front teeth soon came in and those show up better.

Our studious little boy- it's amazing that I can keep him still for more than 5 seconds- pen and paper seem to keep him entertained.

Kim reading to the boys.

Beckett is starting to look like a little boy to me- at least in some pictures.

My boogery boy with his hazel eyes- they're not brown even though everyone thinks they are.

Over the Fourth of July weekend we went to Utah to visit friends and family. We were able to see my brother Austin and Dan's sister, Beverly's family. We stayed at my friend Kim's house. Dan and Mark went on bike rides, while Kim and I played with our boys. We also watched some world cup soccer and played pinochle. Good times!

Our Exciting Neighborhood!

This was the scene on our street a few years ago. Sheep were hopping over people's fences, walking through yards, and blocking the street. Thankfully the rancher guided them back to the farm before they made it to our yard.

A couple weeks ago Beckett and I went for a walk and found 10 cows in our front yard. Well, they were right across the street- close enough. I went back inside and grabbed the camera. Then a policewoman showed up, made a phone call and escorted them back home.

For the past few weeks we've been seeing these "giant rodents" on our walks. I kept telling Dan about them. But everytime Dan came with us, we'd never see them. Dan was imagining something from the Princess Bride but really they're about the size of a cat. Everytime I'd bring my camera I wouldn't see them either. I was just so curious about what they were- I had a couple different hypotheses. A couple days ago Dan was able to see them and I got a picture. There was a little girl out riding her bike and she told us they are whistle pigs. So I went home and googled it and sure enough- looks just like it. "Whistle pigs" it said is the common name for a rockchuck/woodchuck/groundhog. So the mystery has been solved and our walks are lacking purpose and excitement now. This picture is one of the littler ones.

11 months old

Last weekend we went to Denver so I could go to my cheerleading coach conference. I was a little nervous about being away from Beckett for about 9-10 hours each day- the longest I've left him with someone before that was 3 hours. I left him with Dan and his parents and it turned out fine- I actually didn't even think too much about him. Thankfully that week he started eating a little bit better- but he's still mainly breastfed. However, the first night I left the conference early to put Beckett to bed and the next day Dan brought him during my lunch break so I could feed him- so really we only went like 6 hours- but we're making progress.

At 11 months Beckett is a superb walker- running all over our house. He's a multi-tasker; he likes to snack on-the-go, most often while kicking the soccer ball. He loves exploring and getting into everything. However he trips easily and has to have something to pull himself up. He still army crawls but gets on his hands and knees and can move a couple steps but it's usually only to elevate himself- to pull himself up with something. Beckett loves to wave at everyone and everything- even if they're not looking. He loves giving high fives. Right now he has a fascination with tongues. He likes to blow and make spitting noises. I've been trying to teach him kisses on the cheek but he prefers open mouth kisses on the lips. We'll keep working on that one. Beckett loves being outside and taking stroller rides.

He loves playing the piano. He loves turning on and off light switches. He likes to try to put lids on bottles, open and close doors.

Here he has climbed inside the kitchen cabinet and is "drinking" from the pitcher. Within the last week or two he has started eating better. He still loves smoothies which is what he is fashioning on his face in the pictures below. His recent favorites are graham crackers and watermelon. Real filling I know- but at least he's eating.

He's still quirky and wants to eat like big people. I can get him to eat avocado only if it's served on a tortilla chip. Today Dan had a salmon salad sandwich and he wouldn't eat any of it until we gave him the whole big sandwich. That's how it is with a lot of things- he'll only eat it if it's how we eat it.

A couple weeks ago I finally gave Beckett a haircut. I cut off about an inch with scissors. It wasn't very good because he was turning circles and running around the room. A few days ago a boy told me that Beckett needs another haircut.

These 2 videos show Beckett walking around our living room kicking balls, picking up toys, shaking lights, trying to pull cords and push buttons he's not supposed to. Thrilling stuff.

Memorial Weekend

We went to Denver over the holiday to visit family. Here's some senior pictures I took of April.

Over the weekend the boys went on a bike ride. They came back with only one tacoed wheel and injured person- I guess that's a success. I think they had fun getting out for some exercise.

Here's the whole family- it had been awhile since we've all been together- the first time Alex has seen Beckett.

We tried taking some pictures in the backyard but it was really stormy and dark and didn't work out so well.

One of the nights we went to Bear Lake State park for dinner and to play outside. Here's some pictures of my three little brothers.

Beckett, my mom and I left early because the mosquitoes were ruthless. See the mosquito getting ready to attack.

Beckett with Grandma watching the rest of them play catch and soccer.