Remembering... and Looking Forward

As usual, it's been weeks since our last post! I would apologize, but we've had quite a bit going on. Aside from the circus that is our lives with two dogs, a toddler, and two full-time jobs, the last month has brought even more for us to juggle.

In March, we said goodbye to "Gramps." Jeff's grandfather was an amazing man and he lived 88 wonderful years. We went to Cleveland to be with the family and to celebrate the life of a proud veteran, devoted husband, and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Drew felt it was most appropriate to honor Gramps by waving the American flag.

And then he decided to help his Grand Nana by doing some light yardwork!

As this was a time to gather with family, Drew was able to meet his cousins, Ben and Logan, for the first time! They enjoyed a good meal and sippy cup together.

When we got home from Cleveland, all of our boys were obviously anxious for their next great adventure!

So we headed back to Ohio! This time we were in Columbus, spending Easter with Grandma and Grandpa. We were especially glad to make this trip as we were able to introduce Drew to "Paw Paw." We said goodbye to Paw Paw just this week, and are grateful to have spent some time with him.

The weather was perfect for playing outside! And they had TOYS!

Grandpa gave Drew his first train track set - Thomas!

One of Drew's latest discoveries, thanks to his Grand Nana, is the wonderful world of chimes. Who knew they could provide so many hours of entertainment? Fortunately for us, Grandpa had some on his porch. So getting Drew to look away from the chimes long enough to smile at the camera was not a remote possibility.

The trip to Columbus was made even more memorable when we stopped to see the Wilsons! Jeff and Jake go way back, and Jake just returned from his time overseas with the Navy. Welcome Home, Jake! It was such a treat to get our boys together for the first time.

Drew and Jacob bonded over Jeff's Duke ball. Although this picture may make Big Jake nauseous, we'd like to attribute Duke's Championship Win (later that same night) to this very moment. Thanks, Jacob and Drew, for helping the Coach K Karma!

Now we're fighting another ear infection, so finding Drew's smile has been somewhat difficult. But we spent a fun day together, and he took great pleasure in destroying our clean house, and then placing his "crown" on his head. The joy of tupperware on one's head... it's never ending!

Finally, we are looking forward to yet another change. The house is on the market, and we're making our way toward Columbus! Drew hasn't started packing his toys just yet, but he's actively helping us recruit any buyers out there.

Sorry, folks. The kid doesn't come with the house. The dogs, however... that can be negotiated.

Walk Like a Man & Tunnel Vision

We are learning, first-hand, what "toddler" really means. Drew is now toddling, and we have the video to prove it! Here are a few of his first steps - motivated by a cell phone held just out of reach. (Who needs the colorful and expensive toys littering our family room floor, anyway?)

We admit that he looks like a drunken sailor. (I won't comment about which side of the family that comes from...) But in the few days since this video was taken, Drew has gained quite a bit of confidence and walks happily around the house. And 'round, and 'round, and 'round. Seriously, we're dizzy all the time! He just learned to pull himself up from the floor into a standing and walking position. In fact, I think I just heard him ask Jeff to borrow the keys to the car on his way toward the garage.

And we couldn't resist adding this next clip. Aunt Laura, Uncle Dennis, and cousins Riley, Cameron and Melanie brought Drew a colorful play tunnel for his first birthday. At first glance, Drew was leary. But give him a day, and he's mastered the art of tunnel crawling.

Of course, he was once again motivated by the cell phone - but I think it's hilarious that he throws it into the tunnel on his own. Then again, I think everything is hilarious. I'm a first time mom in awe of life's little joys.

Let Him Eat Cake! (Happy 1st Birthday, Drew)

Happy Birthday, to our sweet and funny little boy! We had quite the weekend full of celebration. On Saturday, we prepared for the arrival of some friends and family by dressing to impress. Here is Dapper Drew in his new (size 18 months!) shirt and sweater vest. Nothing says Birthday Boy like argyle, right?

Uh, guys, what am I wearing exactly?

Then came the arrival of a special delivery, courtesy of Mimi and Papa. Balloons! With a truck attached to the bow at the end! What could be sweeter? Possibly just the expression on Drew's face when he woke up from his nap and couldn't take his eyes off the shiny floating, magical toys.

Wow! Let me grab it!

No party is complete without a cake! Trying to get Drew to smile in any picture is hard to do as all he wants is the camera. But we had an even more difficult time getting him to look up from the cake, decorated with his favorite things... DUCKS!

Some cousins came over to play, too! Melanie loves her little cousin, and he thinks she's pretty great, too.

And tonight, on the actual birthday, we let him celebrate the old fashioned way... with cake, icing, and a messy, messy high chair.

Mushy. What is this?

Hmmm, goes down pretty smooth, I suppose.

Maybe I'll just try another small bite. But I'm watching my weight, so just a fistful.

What little boy's birthday is complete without a party at "school?" Drew was greeted at daycare this morning with a birthday sign, decorations, a special hat, and treats to share. His teachers even gave him a great present - a stuffed duck!

It's been a great year. Worth every push and every sleepless night, our little guy is now a walking, babbling, laughing, TODDLER. Our house will never look the same again, the dogs will never be denied food again (they are in cahoots with Drew), and our lives are never going to be boring. Such is life with the Langners.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

The winter months in picturesque Mundelein, Illinois have been, well... chilly! So we have had to find some creative ways to have fun, expend some energy, and give our growing boy new ways to explore. Check out our lastest adventures!




The bathroom lends itself to some real opportunities for good, clean, 2-ply fun.

Don't you just hate it when no one tells you that you've got toilet paper stuck to your foot?

A little bit of baby oatmeal and some green food coloring gave us the chance to get messy! Drew let his artistic side out and had a great time splattering slimy green food all over the kitchen. I'm not sure if this constituted Drew's first home art project, or his first food fight. Either way, he had a blast!

I figure it won't be long before Drew is taller than I am (I can hear your short jokes about me from here, people!) so we're getting a feel for what's to come with hilarious shoulder rides throughout the house.

From time to time, cabin fever strikes all of the boys in the house!

C'mon... we want OUT!

The wheels on the bus go round-and-round! Drew loves gathering any toy he can find (his or the dogs' toys) and giving them a ride around the kitchen. This is hours of entertainment!

Unfortunately, the winter months and the great indoors have also meant that Drew's endured his share of sick days. Colds, ear infections, and what seems to be the constant sniffles. So from time to time, we spend a few moments relaxing together, and offering the best medicine of all.

We're so glad to know that he bounces back, and is once again - on the move!

Hope you enjoyed our pictures! But I'm not here to simply brag about all the high points of parenthood (although it does have many rewards!) or about our kid's accomplishments, but to BLOG. So here is the reality: he's a snotty, crawling, spitting-up, giggly, wiggly, silly mess. Drew is still toothless (nope - not a single tooth!) and refuses to try most foods. He (wait for it...) even cries every once in a while and gets upset when we try to confine him to a changing table, pack & play, or carseat. And we definitely have some trying days. But through it all, his imperfections make him perfect to us!

Drew now crawls faster than we can walk, pulls himself up on anything that is stationary (and on occasion, on things that aren't stationary - poor Swasey and Champ), and is learning new things every day! He doesn't seem to be interested in walking on his own, but loves the push-toy at school. Drew cruises up the stairs of our house, and with Dad's assistance, he slides down on his tummy, face first! He regularly says "Mama" and "Dada," and calls just about everything else either "Duck" or "Quack." He calls the dogs "gog gog" and they are pleased to come running when they hear those words - as it likley means he's preparing to share his favorite cheese or piece of fruit. (We are convinced they are conspiring to break into the pantry any day now!)

We have learned infinitely more from Drew than we can ever hope to teach him. He is an absolute gift from God and we count him as our most precious blessings every day. We enjoy each and every moment together. And we cannot believe this - we'll be celebrating his FIRST BIRTHDAY in just over a month! It's amazing how our life has changed in this year.

What I Did Over My Christmas Vacation (An essay by Andrew Langner)

Happy New Year, everyone! My parents are really bad about keeping up with this blog, so I thought it was about time for me to take over the keyboard. I'm much wittier than Mom and Dad anyway!

I just started back at school after a long break. So in true school fashion, I'd like to tell you how I spent my Christmas vacation! Please enjoy my photo essay for your viewing and reading pleasure.

First, my Grandpa and Grandma came to visit from Ohio! It wasn't even Christmas yet, but it sure was fun. I laughed a lot and showed them my tricks. I've got some skillz when it comes to babbling and blowing zerberts.

I love these guys!

I also helped to decorate our Christmas tree! I screamed a lot when my parents tried fitting me into these PJs, but I look darn cute, don't I? And oooh - the pretty ornaments!

Then Nana came from Ohio and spent Christmas with us! She gave me some great presents. Swasey and I both liked the wrapping paper a lot. And the toys were cool, too!

Then Mimi and Papa came in from Florida. We went to their house on Christmas day and got snowed in! Then we got to stay an extra day and play at their house. My aunt, uncle and cousins were there, too. But Mom and Dad were too busy to take pictures with everyone. But I really liked playing with Melanie who helped me open my new bath toys!

On New Year's Eve, my friend James came over! He is only three days older than me, so we like to play with the same toys and do the same things. Mommy calls this picture, "Future Wing Man." I don't get it.



And this is James and me enjoying our own New Year's bubbly!

Swasey and Champ were around a lot, too. They even came to Mimi and Papa's house. Champ only comes near me when I have food. But Swasey is a real pal.

Look! My new toy box! Are their puppy toys in here, too?


I also spent some of my vacation time humoring Daddy by cheering on his favorite teams.

And just before the vacation ended, my cousin Elise came over to play!

Elise is older than me, so she was showing me how to walk. I can pull myself up now, so I think I'm on my way!

I also learned a few new sounds that sound an awful lot like Duck, Quack, Car, and Bye! Pretty great additions to the "Mama" and "Dada" noises I've been making for a while. Pretty sure those are the words that landed me on Santa's nice list. Now that I know what it takes, I'm working on a few doozies for next year, big guy.

Whew - I'm tired after having so much fun! I got to snuggle with my grandparents, see some friends, and open presents. I can't wait for next Christmas!

High Five for Holidays!

We know, we know… it’s been a very long time since the last LWTL Post. But between Thanksgiving, another bout of runny noses and coughs, and keeping a certain someone from yanking down the Christmas tree, we just haven’t had the time! Alas, we’re BACK! (I can hear the applause now.) And we have much to report.

It's official. The holidays have arrived! This means a little travel, some new foods, and lots of family! Thanksgiving in Ohio was a really special holiday for us since this was Drew’s first time in Columbus. We’ve done the Cleveland trip before, but this was Drew’s maiden voyage to what I affectionately call “Buckeye Bonanza.” And it all started with Thanksgiving Dinner at Aunt Diane and Uncle Rick’s House. We also referred to their house as the "Langner Family Circus" as the FIVE children (all 19 months and younger) really ran the ship. But through it all, our gracious hosts kept their cool and even entertained the troops.

Above are all of the mommies with kiddos, plus Jake. In order – Heather with Elise; Kelly with (8-week old!) Kate; Susan with Drew; Mandy with Hayden; and Jake with Isabella. Getting everyone to look at the camera simultaneously was simply not in the cards.



We also had the chance to spend some time with Drew's other cousins - Maddie and Cam! Aunt Julie, Uncle Sean, Aunt Katie and Uncle Derek all helped us celebrate Christmas a little early. And Grandma and Grandpa got to have all of their grandchildren in one place at one time.





Drew was especially excited about the big girls doting on him - and of course about the awesome toys they passed down!

Who doesn't love a guitar that serves as a wagon, AND sings approximately 13 songs, teaches you to count, and has a kickin' Do-Re-Me soundtrack? (Serioulsy, who thinks of these things?!)

Cell phone, or pretty girl? Cell phone, or pretty girl?

It's good to be loved!

Drew's Nana (Sheryl) was thrilled to have us stay with her. And we were all even more excited when we all learned that Drew likes to SLEEP at Nana's house. And I mean SLEEP!!! The first morning the little dude didn't stir until 8 a.m. Usually us grown-ups have had our coffee, walked the dogs, showered, and filed our taxes by that hour. So as we were all well-rested, Drew was in a great mood. We even got to play in a real yard!

Compared to our little courtyard at home, this is paradise!

Our friends Elizabeth, John and James were also visiting family in Columbus. And since John's folks live just a few blocks from Sheryl, it is easier for us to see each other in Ohio than it is when we're all in Illinois. It's a sad reality when we think about - it's easier for us all to drive to Ohio to hang out than to make the trek from Mundelein to Evanston. (Gotta love Chicago traffic!)

James and Drew had a blast pulling themselves up on furniture. However, the most entertaining part was watching and listening as their daddies neighed like horses and bawked like chickens to get them to laugh and smile. Wish I had a video of it all! Oh, the pride we swallow to make our kids happy.



In other news, we are happy to report that our son now performs on demand. Offer him a high-five and he'll repay the favor! Nana taught him how to wave from across the room, and he started playing Peek-A-Boo in the car ride home! It's such fun to watch him discover his new tricks. It is, however, slightly difficult to capture pictures of the stunts in action, so you'll just have to trust us. In the meantime, we did manage to capture this great vision: Drew in his daddy's old Brown's sweatshirt!

(Such a naive smile. He has no idea that as a young Brown's fan, he'll be learning about heartache at an early age.)

Since we were already strolling down Memory Lane, Jeff decided to show Drew pictures of himself as a little guy. Drew was mesmerized!

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now we're looking forward to all of the twinkle of the holidays with our family, and we feel so blessed to have a healthy little boy in this very special season.

Check back again in the near future, as we are working on shots in front of the Christmas tree (before it ends up sideways on our floor), and if we're lucky - a snow scene as well!