Fletcher has been spending a lot of time outside. In fact, lately he's been starting his day outside since Mommy and Daddy started exercising again after a long sabbatical. Pushing 65lbs during our walks and runs has added to the challenge of getting back in the grove though. You see Fletcher is at 40lbs now and the stroller is 25lbs... So, we are definitely getting a total body workout! Fletcher aptly points out rocks, water, birds, trees, airplanes, the doors to each house that he sees along the way and also mimics any vehicle he may hear - vrrrroooooommmmm... It is music to our ears...

Oh, all the things we thought other parents were doing wrong….. Our perception all those years we went without a child is changing since we are realizing many things we cannot control when it comes to our sweet bundle of fun. For example, my sister's kids lived off of mac and cheese for the longest time and I would quietly give her advice on how she should better control what they ate. Well, mac and cheese is a staple of Fletcher's diet when in the early days he would eat almost anything. Today, that's not the case and I am lucky if he eats at all. He checks what we are feeding him several times throughout the meal to ensure it doesn’t get switched on him midstream. Then there are the boo-boos. When I'd see or hear of kids being skirted off to the emergency room because of an injury or when I'd see a kid with a scrape or scratch, I'd always think "If you watched your child more closely, these things wouldn't happen." Well, again our views are changing because Fletcher in about 2 weeks Fletcher was filled with boo-boos from his face where he walked into our kitchen table to two skinned knees (that he injured twice before the first injury healing) where he fell outside -- all with Mommy and/or Daddy an arm's reach away. So, our theories were shot...

It is amazing how our little guy has changed and is developing -- open mouth kisses are now closed and end with a smack. Sounds are now turning into words. Crawling up the stairs has been replaced with walking. Messy piles that were once cleaned up by Mommy or Daddy are starting to be cleaned up by Fletcher. One way communication is being replaced by two-way. Days start with identifying body parts or something in the house rather than crying and those unsteady feet now dance.

We've learned a lot in the past 18 months and we are certain the education will continue and we look forward to the journey.

Fletcher with his new friend, Camryn. Out taking a drive....















Aaaaaaaaaa, man, this juice is good.















Fletcher enjoying watering the plants or his bulldozer using the water from the fountain. He usually ends up all wet and full of mulch.













Playing on the computer is serious stuff for Fletcher. He enjoys his interactive games.


















Although he hasn't mastered it totally, Fletcher is learning to steer his Hummer and makes frequent trips up and down our street.


































brrrrrrrrrmmmmmmm.....




















Daddy and Fletcher relaxing before some book reading and bedtime.











Fletcher's all dressed and ready for his visitors as he enjoys some attention from Grandma.





























The little family....














Books, books, books... and more book for Fletcher. He loves it when we read to him.

Fletcher is snoozing with his new bunny from Grandma -- charging those batteries for his next activity. He wakes at 6am and is full throttle until his nap time.
















Just let me sleep....











Up until about a month ago, Fletcher wouldn't have anything to do with a swing. Nope -- get me outta here.... but NOW, Fletcher loves the swing and is kicking and screaming when it is time to get out.













































Since it has warmed up, Fletcher has really turned into an outdoorman (well, boy). When he comes downstairs in the morning, he seeks out his shoes as tries to convince us to take him outside which doesn't usually work especially on Mommy. I swear he could be outside 24/7 and be happy. He enjoys going to the park, throwing rocks, playing in the mulch, watering flowers and pushing just about anything.










Hello....





























Fletcher hasn't mastered the "going around part" of getting back to the top of the slide -- the tries to climb back up...





































Fletcher's been taking classes at My Gym for a few months now and he absolutely loves it. Gets to spend time with other little guys and gals, burn off extra energy and learn those dreadful nursey rhymes that neither Mom or Daddy knows...






























Daddy, let go outside...










Little guy resting...The blanket always ends up being his pillow... We have made the first step to transition Fletcher to a big boy bed, by taking down the front of his crib. So, he can enter and exit as he pleases. So far, so good -- no midnight trips to Mommy and Daddy's bed -- YET.











Fletcher spending some time in bed with Mommy as she recovers from surgery. Lots of pillows were necessary to protect Mommy's incisions from brutus...

Enjoying some time outside

Fletcher can be in the midst of eating, his favorite cartoon, etc., no matter what, he always seems to end up in the midst of what we are doing -- offering a helping hand. Here he's testing the table Daddy's putting together.

Here Daddy eat this...

What are you doing?

Here Mommy eat this -- Daddy's full now.

Fletcher favorite outdoor past time is throwing rocks in the creek near our house.

Mess? Who me?

Fletcher playing the harmonica -- playing the blues...

CHEEEEEESEEE........

Fletcher heading down to "help" Mommy water flowers. He found out she was working unsupervised.

Here Mommy, this is how you can water the flowers better.

Fletcher enjoying beef stew dinner with our friends visiting from the Boston area.

Fletcher patroling the cart path. Luckily, the golfers are kind to our lil guy who finds his way to the cart path occassionally.

Fletcher's inforcing the speed limit.

Cool man!