Where did August go?

I just realized it's been quite a while since I've blogged! Where did August go? Summer is coming to a close and the Bettendorfs have been extremely busy. Here are a few highlights from August 2012:

{we visited Grandma Diana on August 9th & Rowen had fun trying on all of her HATS}

{growing big so fast - he now has 12 teeth!}

{Rowen's big feet - he wears a size 5 Toddler shoe}

{He loves to read books and point out all of the items he knows}

{Rowen got his first hair cut on August 15th}

{the family at Grandma Diana's 90th Birthday Party}

{Rowen loves his Auntie Christy}

{J&L at Grandma Diana's 90th Birthday Party}

{Rowen & Uncle Chipper in the big pool}

{Rowen enjoying his small pool in the patio}

{Kicky?}

  

Our Little Fishhhh

Recently, Rowen & I have been attending some "playdates" with some moms and babies through the Tustin Ranch Moms Club.  A few weeks ago, we went to a water playdate at Lisa's house (only one block from our house) and the babies went in a blow up pool. Rowen LOVED it!! He and Suri stayed in the pool for almost an hour - just playing together with toys and balls and enjoying the water. Here are a few pics of him in the pool.

{"sharing" the ball}

{Suri is 16 months and Rowen is 13 months}

After he was done in the pool, Lisa (Suri's mom) turned on a water snake.  It is a long snake with holes in various places and, when attached to the hose, it shoots water out all over the place.  Rowen really had fun getting hit in the face with the water!  He just sat there and let the water keep hitting him. Funny kid!

{Rowen's favorite two things: BALL and HAT}

 

We have since purchased a small blow up pool for our patio.  He likes to kick his feet in the water - so now every day he says "kicky" and wants to go in the water. Our little (as Rowen would say...) fishhhhhh.

Quite the Little Talker

I used to wonder what stay-at-home moms did all day...and now I know - A LOT! I have really enjoyed staying home with Rowen this last year. Watching him grow and learn every day is amazing. He crawls so fast now & tries to stand on everything! He is quite the little character! We all went to Vegas a few weeks ago and somehow he learned the word "butt" (while pointing to his butt). So during music class - he crawled up to his friend Makaila & pulled out her diaper in the back & pointed his index finger and said "BUTT BUTT". Luckily, Sam (Makaila's mom) asked what he was saying and thought it was funny. 

He also likes to sneak up on people around corners. He says "sneak" and turns his head sideways to sneak up on someone. When we go for a walk, he waves and says hi to everyone who passes by. He still loves listening to music - and has learned how to turn the volume knob on the radio in the living room. He turns it up and dances.

At 13 months, his vocabulary consists of: momma, daddy, grandpa, grandma, christy (pronounced KIS-TEE), doggie, cat, kitty, shoe, cracker, backpack, doctor, fish, boat, hat, ball, Dodgers, cheese, cookie, nonna (his great grandma), nana (for banana), huggies, Elmo, Ernie, and butt.

Below are a few pics taken over the last few weeks. Enjoy!

{I will show you my 8 teeth - with 4 more on their way}

{I can stand holding on with one hand}

{on the move...always trying to get a ball}

{oh so sweet when he's sleeping}

{the Bettendorfs in Vegas}

{on a mission to get the camera!}

Rowen's 1st Birthday Amendment

It was brought to our attention that the SLIDESHOW prepared of Rowen's 1st Birthday party did not appear in the email that gets sent out with blog updates. Please visit the blog website if you are interested in viewing the slideshow. As a reminder, the website is: www.bettendorfblog.blogspot.com. Thanks again to all of those who helped in the planning and execution of the party. Rowen loved it. 

Due to multiple requests, we are working to create an updated version of the slide show which contains all of the photos and/or additional photos. We will post an updated version of the slide show once complete.

Rowen's 1st Birthday

Hard to believe, but Rowen is officially 1 year old. Thanks to everyone who partipated in his 1st birthday party over the weekend. Below is a short slideshow of the party:

[Slide Show - Short Version]

[Slide Show - Long Version]

Below are a few additional photographs of Rowen's Party which were not included in the short version of the slideshow:

{Picnic Shelter}

{Albi relaxing}

{Chipper putting up the Birthday Banner}

{Steve & Christina}

{cute pic!}

{Great Grandma Diana}

{Margaret & Makaila}

{Kaitlyn & Ashley practicing for the three legged race}

{the Dessert Table - so cute!}

{Excited about TURNING ONE!}

{Creating the finish line}

{Sydney & Christina before the race)

{Tyler & Kenzie waiting for the race to start}

{the Papparazzi}

{Three legged race}

{Relaxing on the grass during the three legged race}

{Kami & Madi won the three legged race}

{It was fun watching him figure out he was supposed to EAT IT}

{Cake face}

{Cuzin Brenty & his usual face}

{Sharing his cake with Auntie Christy}

{First time tasting sugar...YUMMY}

{Kami couldn't wait to BREAK the Elmo Pinata}

Rowen's Party and this blog were brought to you by the LETTER "R" and the NUMBER "1"

P.S. He started CRAWLING on June 17, 2012 (Father's Day )!!