I have not updated the blog in quite a while because my computer will
not turn on...not a good sign, right? I think it is fixable, we just
haven't been able to take it in yet...REALLY hoping I have not lost all
of the pictures on my computer...that would pretty much be all of the
pictures of Watson's first year of life. I can say that as soon as we
get it fixed I will be backing everything up to an external hard drive
ASAP!!
All of that to say...this is going to be a really long post!
So I am updating now from Graham's computer...not sure why I didn't
think of this earlier! Since I can't get to the pictures on my
computer, I won't be able to post pictures for each month, but I can
give a quick overview of what has been going on in our lives!
Celebrating Graham (31) and Abby's (3) birthday!
Watson began walking at about 12 1/2 months and then consistently at
13 months. He is now 16 months and just started running! He loves to climb on things...especially stairs,
couches, chairs, beds, etc.
Being outside is his absolute favorite - he is as content as can be
while outside. We have a cat next door to us that he wants to play with
SO bad...but the poor cat is terrified of Watson. Probably for good
reason :) If he's not chasing the cat, he is picking up leaves, playing
in grass, chasing/being chased by me and Graham (he thinks this is
hilarious!)
He is a child of routine but is flexible at the same time - such a
blessing! He definitely does best when he can follow his typical
schedule of sleeping until 7:30 or 8, napping at 12:30 for 2-3 hours, then
bed at 7:30 or 8. The whole first year of his life we rocked him to
sleep, but when he turned one he just pointed to his bed one night after
his Bible story and was ready to go to sleep on his own! We now read a
Bible story, say our prayers, sing a song and go to bed. He does great
with this...and we are thankful for that!!
Sweet boy LOVES being in just his diaper...pre and post-bathtime are
his favorite. In fact, getting him dressed has become quite the
struggle lately as he just does not want to wear clothes. Not an option
:)
Mel and I at Abby's birthday party
He is saying several words...some of which only Graham and I can
understand but others that are very clear: Bye bye, pat pat (when he
pats or knocks on the door), yeah (his favorite...says it all the time), shake ("sha"), all done ("da-done"), Mama,
Dada, Poppa, ball, uh-oh, choo choo. Even when we cannot understand
what he is saying, he talks...all day long! He also loves to "read"
books out loud. This just might be the most precious thing, ever.
Dad and Reynolds ran in a 10k...proud of them!
It is amazing to me how much he can understand. At nap time I can say, "Ready for a nap?" And he says "Yeah" and walks to the stairs. Or I can ask him to go get his shoes and he will. He gets reallllly excited when I ask him if he wants to go outside! Those are just a few examples, but it is amazing to watch him learning things so quickly! He also copies EVERYTHING...whether it is an action or trying to repeat words...he is a little sponge these days!
Halloween fun
We now have 7 teeth...and boy have they been doozies coming in.
Nothing like his two molars that are trying to come in, now though.
They have popped through, but are still making their grand
entrance...they are making him
miserable... We have tried every
teething trick in the books and nothing seems to be giving him any
relief. Hopefully this will be over sooner rather than later!
Playing outside on Thanksgiving
Meal time is still a favorite time of the day. All I have to say is
"Watson, are you ready for breakfast?" And he goes immediately to his
high chair, hands me his bib, and is ready to go! Teething and a
stomach virus kept him appetite suppressed for a while, but it is
officially back...and as big as ever! He would love to eat bad foods
all day (who wouldn't?!) but thankfully he is a pretty good eater with
all kinds of foods. He is getting better about using a spoon by
himself, but gets pretty frustrated when the food falls off. A fork is actually easier for him to use right now.
His favorite toys are his legos, 4-wheeler and books. His favorite
show...which works like a charm EVERY time I need to keep him occupied
for 30 minutes or so...is the Fresh Beat Band. He also loves wearing
things on his head...hats, headbands (yes, headbands...he wears them
more like sweatbands across his forehead though...and loves it),
glasses, etc.
His favorite person...at all times and always...is his Mana. (My mom) Watson has a look of pure joy any time he is around her!
His personality is beginning to show more and more every single
day. He is sweet as can be...and quite the ham...but my gracious are we
starting to see some stubornness shine through! Whew...power struggles
are in full force around here... Graham and I are trying to figure out
what kind of discipline techniques work best for us. More than anything, though, we find ourselves laughing all the time at
Watson. He is hilarious...and I'm pretty sure he knows exactly what he
is doing!
He loves to cuddle and be held...which I don't mind one bit!
We went to the High School playoffs game to watch Vestavia play Hoover...and see my cousin play in his last game

Watson mimics EVERYTHING these days...and it is precious to watch!
He is a very curious and deep-thinking little boy...and I'm realizing
that he is truly taking EVERYTHING in at all times!
He loves to
sing and dance. We did a music class this fall and Watson loved every
second of it! We still sing the songs...all...day....long :)
We also started Mothers Day Out this fall one morning a week and
Watson has done really well with that. He still gets sad when I leave
him, but apparently this doesn't last long and he does great the rest of
the morning.

We love this sweet little boy more than words can say...he brings us SO much JOY every single day!