Oh, boy. . . I mean Oh, boys!!!

This has been such a crazy time in our lives. I don't deal well with the unknown, I like to plan and know what is going on with our lives. We still have to wait another month and a half to see where we are going to spend the next 6 years of our lives, however we were fortunate enough to have one unknown answered last week. We are continuing in the Van Leeuwen tradition and having another boy!! I haven't been able to stop smiling knowing that Bodie is going to have a little brother. I have absolutely loved having a son, that is an understatement of all understatements, and I can't wait to have another one!!!! If only I would have known and bought everything double so they could match:) This is the first thing I have bought for the new little one (good thing it isn't a girl because I am sure I wouldn't be able to stop buying clothes for her), those boys are my little rock stars!!!

2 Cuties

Bodie and me at our 2nd Christmas!!!

Christmas!!!!

I am my Mother's daughter. I couldn't wait until after Thanksgiving to put up my Christmas tree and decorations. I haven't put it up since we have been here in Cleveland (4 years!) and I thought Bodie needed a Christmas tree. He has loved it!!! He turns the lights on every morning and just stares at it. It makes me happy since Clay was hoping we were going to get rid of our tree. . . I don't get it. I had to put it up while he was in San Francisco so I wouldn't hear any complaints. Bodie also does what my mom tells me Travis used to do, he gets really close and points to the tree saying, "no no no," because he knows he isn't supposed to touch it. Now if only he would learn that concept with Titus's dog food.

Our Little Helper

This was kinda an early Christmas present for me. . . a way to store Bodie's toys in a semi-cute, organizational way. He loved helping me put it together. . . he sure doesn't get that from his Dad. . . (I had to beg Clay for 3 months to put the manger together) I love that his toys aren't just in random corners and baskets all over the house now, he has a little playroom in our office.

Cleveland Children's Musuem. . . who knew?

We finally ventured to the Cleveland Children's Museum (it is 5 minutes away on Case's campus) and can't believe the hidden treasure we found. Bodie walked in and thought he was is heaven. He wasted no time getting busy playing and going from exhibit to exhibit. It was amazing!!! It is pretty much a mini Cleveland packed into 4 huge rooms. Bodie couldn't believe his eyes and was yelling with excitement as he ran around. The water table is his favorite and he could easily play there all day. I asked someone if anybody has fallen in and 5 minutes later, I look over to Bodie who had climbed in!!! Wonderful.

They have a little grocery store with carts, fake food and a check out! Bodie was giving everyone money as they went by. That is my kind of grocery shopping. They also had a mini Rainbow Babies Hospital, that is where Bodie was born!
I had to buy a season's pass since there in nothing else to do here in the winter but try to find a way to stay warm and not go insane. I am sure we will spend most of our days here.

Cake Decorating and Little Dennis

I couldn't help tucking in Bodie's church shirt into his sweatpants so he could take after his name sake. He is a Dennis Peters in the making. . . like grandfather like grandson. Now if he will only turn out like him!!!
Sarah asked me to make a polka dot cake for Penelope's birthday and this is the finished product.

University of Louisville

Bodie and I were again fortunate enough to drive with Clay to one of his interviews. Unfortunately, I still wasn't feeling too great so I didn't get to see much of Louisville. All I know is that when I put Hobby Lobby into the GPS, THREE came up within 6 miles! I guess I could live anywhere that had 3 Hobby Lobby's. Maybe Chad and Tiff will come visit because of the Kentucky Derby and Travis and Kim because her family lives a few hours from there?!?!? Everyone else will come just because you love us. . . right?!

Dash and Mr. Incredible

For the second year in a row, we have tried to be "The Incredibles," and this year Clay and Bodie were successful. Last year we were stuck in an airport on Halloween and this year, I was plagued with the flu and possibly strep throat. I was so sad that I couldn't go to our 4th annual and final Halloween Party here in Cleveland. However, Bodie and Clay looked completely awesome and Clay said he has never seen Bodie have so much fun. He was the perfect little Dash!

Ward Halloween Party

Simba & Nala. . . I love Bodie's hand on Addison's leg (we did not pose them like that).


Bodie watched the other kids have a donut eating contest and I could tell that he really wanted to do it. It was so cute, I didn't even need to hold his hands down, he knew how it worked. Funny kid, I think he only got about 3 bites but he sure was adorable trying.

Penelope's 1st Birthday

Bodie is one little flirt. He is holding Penelope's hand in the morning and celebrating her 1st birthday and by night holding Addison's hand and kissing her!

Penelope's 1st Birthday

I love how Bodie is looking at Pen as she falls backwards. I also love how he is just standing in the background. Looks like a wedding pic to me!

Univeristy of Maryland in Baltimore

We had the privilege of driving to Baltimore with Clay for his first interview for Oral Surgery Residency. I was curious to know what our next destination of 6 years might look like and I really wanted to get out of Cleveland. We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel right on Chesapeake Bay (you can see it in one of the pics). I LOVED staying in a hotel and just having nothing to do but shop and sight see with Bodie.

Bodie and I had quite the time together. I am not sure if I would go straight to quality time though. We spent 3+ hours at the aquarium where no strollers were allowed so about 2 hours of that time was me trying to stop Bodie from going up and down the escalators. He did like the toddler story/singing time they put on and the dolphin show. He yelled 'wow' when the audience did and clapped whenever he saw the dolphins jump. so cute.

From what I saw of the city of Baltimore (minus the marketplace by the school. . . thought I was in Cleveland again), I really liked it. I am sure we won't live in the city though if we move there, the real estate is pretty expensive.
Bodie thought it would be a fun trick to not take a nap on the 5 hour drive home, so the only thing I could find to make him happy was chocolate. Sometimes that is all I need too!

Lil' Monster

I spent way too much time painting real pumpkins several years ago, and then watched it detoriate rapidly and was upset with not thinking that one through. It has taken me about 5 years to paint another one, this time on a fake pumpkin, and this is all I could come up with for Bodie. Nothing says it better than "Lil' Monster."

Where could Bodie be?

Chad comes to Columbus, OHIO!!!!!!!

I have never loved horses so much. . . they brought Chad to Ohio!! It was such a treat to spend some time with Chad, I think that is the most him and Clay have ever talked (it's kinda hard when at home when Steve is around- jk, love you Steve!!). Seeing Chad was like I just saw my whole family and it gave me strength to wait two more months to see them again. I hope we didn't bother him to much and keep him from his horse people. My excitement can only be matched by Bodie's who was in another word with all those horses around him. He was sooooooo happy, he flew into Chad's arms the second he saw him and didn't look back. Everyone thought Bodie was Chad's kid, it was so cute. I didn't even know Bodie knew how to say "ose" translation= horse.

And the winner is. . . Chad Beus (even though the announcer said a different name)!! People kept walking by me and saying congratulations, being the not so smart girl that I am, I thought they were saying that because I was pregnant. . . I don't know, maybe Chad told them. It wasn't until Chad told me they thought I was Tiffany that it made sense, they were telling me congratulations for winning. Hey, if someone walks by me and says congratulations and shakes my hand, I will gladly smile and say thank you.

Potty Training?

Clay has been showing Bodie the proper way men go to the bathroom in the toilet for about a year now. . . maybe some of it has actually sunk in that little brain of his. He won't get in the tub until he tries to go pee-pee in the toilet, he has yet to accomplish that task but goes the second he gets in the tub and claps for himself. He even knows to lift the seat up, put it down afterward and flush the toilet. Bodie also likes to take his pants and his diaper off at the most inappropriate time (while we have company over for dinner) and pee on the floor. Whenever he sits on the toilet you can tell he is pushing but I am not getting my hopes up. . . he is a boy and they seem to be a little slower at that kinda stuff. It sure is cute to see him try though!

mickey mouse!!

i have found something that will keep bodie still longer than 5 minutes! strawberries (i am sure he has at least 3 in his mouth) and mickey mouse clubhouse!! it is so cute how he lights up when i say, "you want to watch mickey mouse?" it usually gives me enough time to make breakfast. he is pretty good at the "hot dog" dance, clay likes to dance goofy's part. . . i need to get that one on camera.

he's not my dog, he is my best buddy

seriously? i don't think the kid loves anything more. . . not even strawberries.

bodie's buddies

Addison
Penelope
Crew & Addison

Aubrey

Bodie is one lucky little boy to have so many cute little girlfriends and of course, a buddy, Crew. As the weather gets colder and the kids need more entertaining, we find that for our sanity we have to get together AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!! If only Bodie wasn't such a bully, he seems to think that if he gives them a kiss he can push them over afterwards. I have no idea where he learned that one??

Apple Picking= Caramel Apples!

The outcome of a crazy day of apple picking and an even crazier day of joggling 3 kids and our first attempt at caramel apples. I must say, they are DELICIOUS!!
Thank you to Geneva for letting us destroy your kitchen and the kids terrorize your house! Look at those 3 mischievous looking faces.

Clay's Air Force Marathon in Dayton

Bodie getting his rest before the big day! He LOVED having his own bed. I think it is time to make the transition to a bed. . . I am just not ready for that.

At the finish line!! I didn't realize it was the Air Force marathon until the day before. . . I am a bit slow these days. There were planes that flew over us right before the race started and the singing of the National Anthem. It definitely brought tears to my eyes. . . I am a bit emotional these days too! I am proud to be an American! It was so neat to watch Clay run down the runway lined with various Air Force planes.
Bodie was calling someone to tell them all about his hard day at the race. . . he slept through most of it.
Clay getting a glimpse of what 2 kids are going to be like:)

Apple Picking

Bodie LOVED apple picking, I don't know why he wouldn't. . . it's an unlimited supply of fruit! The kid can eat his own weight in fruit daily! The apple he is eating is the same size as his head!! He also loved that he got to be with his 3 girlfriends and steal a kiss from Addison!!

Summer Love

Bodie had a fun summer hugging, kissing, cuddling, playing and holding hands with Addison. It has been so cute to watch those two play together. Bodie gets the biggest smile on his face when he sees her. He is a little a bully too though, he will hug her then slap her. . . Addison can hold her own though and just hits him back. I love it! I don't know how a one and a half year old knows how to grab a girls hand and lead her away. He must be a Van Leeuwen boy.

Addison's first birthday. Bodie played hard and ate a lot of cake. . . if you couldn't tell. He was all tuckered out and cuddled with Blake.

Message from Bodie!

In case you can't read the small print, Bodie is going to be a big brother in April!!

Camping at Hocking Hills

After landing in Akron at midnight, driving an hour by myself to Cleveland (with a sleeping Bodie- Clay was in Columbus for a dental convention), getting pulled over a block before getting home for having a tail light out that Clay said he was going to fix, getting 3 hours of sleep, packing my car full of camping gear, coolers, 2 dogs, 1 loud child, my friend and I drove 4 1/2 hours in the WORST storm I have EVER driven in to make it safely to our rain free camp site where Clay had the tent all set up for us. I could barely see one white line ahead of me and was pretty much driving through a river on the freeway with semi-trucks passing me. They are crazy!! After a hectic start to the trip, I am happy to say that it was such a blast to go camping and a much needed trip. We went with 6 other couples and Jen, who was the brains behind the operation, reminded me a lot of my Mom in her organizational skills and making sure every meal and snack was provided. I think Titus and Bodie were born to camp. I am excited for all the camping trips we are going to take over the years!

We went on the most beautiful 6 mile hike and Bodie slept through half of it. I actually got stung by a bee right behind my ear. I thought I have been stung before, but apparently I haven't because I don't remember it hurting that bad. Anyhow, Bodie actually fell asleep on Clay's shoulders and kept almost falling off so I took over for awhile. My favorite saying of our whole camping experience was when Eryn saw me holding Bodie. She said with great concern in her voice, "Telisa, you can't hold Bodie, you got stung by a bee!" It was hilarious. Thank you to Blake for taking over and holding Bodie for awhile and Brett for managing Titus the whole time!

We had two fawns come visit our camp site, it is a dang good thing that Titus was passed out from swimming and running all day that he didn't notice them... that would of been a sad site. If anything ever should happen to Clay or me, we know who Bodie will want to take over. And let me tell you, they are going to be the best parents someday. Jason and Jen Mahoney are so good with all the little kiddos. Bodie couldn't stop giving Jason high fives and fist bumbs and loving on Jen... so cute!

Bodie's Bodyguard

We have heard stories of how dogs protect their human siblings, but we often wondered if Titus would do that for Bodie, seeing how Bodie just bugs him ALL DAY long. Well, yesterday we found out. The second Clay walks in the door after school, Bodie runs to the closet, opens it and reaches for Titus's leash and yells, "DOG." He knows it is time to take Titus out. Well, when they were outside, a friend of Clay's walked by with her dog. Clay was holding Bodie and squatted down to pet the dog, Titus flipped out. He showed those nasty teeth, growled and got in between Bodie and the dog. Clay tried to tell Titus it was okay, and after Titus calmed down, Clay tried to pet the dog again while holding Bodie. . . Titus flipped out again. It almost made me cry, the thought of Titus really watching out for Bodie is so cute! It somehow makes the ridiculous amount of dog hair, muddy feet, deathly stinky gas, hyper behavior and slobber worth it.

Santa Fe!

Bodie and I were so fortunate to be able to go to Santa Fe and visit Erica and Eden. We had such a fun time crafting, shopping in downtown Santa Fe, going on walks, going to the Santa Fe Children's Museum, trying to tame our kids and just talking! Bodie loved Eden but I am not sure the feeling was mutual. Everytime Bodie opened his mouth, Eden screamed. . . and Bodie opens his mouth to talk a lot. Poor Eden was a little overwhelmed with Bodie and he tried to console her by giving her hugs.
For the airplane ride home, I had to do what I have made fun of other parents doing. . . put Bodie on a leash. The kid has to be tamed. He was surprising okay with it! I can't thank Ryan, Erica and Eden enough for letting us come and wreak havec on their new cute home!

Catching up. . .

After 6 trips to Michaels and Joann's (and with a 17 month old that is no easy feat), I finally finished my Mother's Day present.

Bodie can't leave his crib in the morning or after a nap without his essentials:
binky
blanket
sippy cup
What a wonderful life. . .
(Clay put him to bed the day before and claims that Bodie likes to sleep with his shirt off, I think Clay is living vicariously through him)

Watching "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" after breakfast. It doesn't last very long so I had to take a picture!

Bodie helping Titus learn his abc's.

Binky Buddies: Addison and Bodie

Well, Bodie is a true Van Leeuwen boy. Bodie and I were watching TV when Clay noticed Bodie's hands down his pants. It has begun.

Surprises for Bodie

Our awesome neighbors that live below us, occasionally bring things over for Bodie. Laura works for a movie company and goes to all the premieres and has given us tickets to many of them. We were sad we couldn't make it to the new basketball movie because Lebron James was there! Anyways, Laura left this little bag for Bodie full of Transformers, Harry Potter toys, G.I. Joes and books. Bodie loved wearing the bag around everywhere and would occasionally fall over because he was a little top heavy. Thank you Laura for thinking of Bodie!!

Playing with Penelope

Bodie and I watched Penelope the other day. The second he saw Pen, he gave her a big hug and from that point on he was not very nice to her. He took everything from her and just followed her around like a little puppy dog. Poor Pen, Bodie finally made a peace offering. . . his empty sippy cup. Nice boyfriend.

Projects

Bodie helping me with some sewing projects.

Highlights from SLC

My Dad's first and only question after any trip is, "What was the highlight of your trip?" So Dad, here you go:
Seeing my family and friends!
Eating at Cafe Rio, Great Harvest and Dunford Bakers Donuts!!

Clay and Adam climbed Lone Peak and spent the night up there. . . that is Clay's highlight.
Bodie going to his favorite place, Grandpa Dennis' lap, he uses him to get to his office so he can go through his drawers.
Bodie discovers salsa and LOVES it; lunch with my Grandpa Stout
Watching Bodie adore Grace and Grace being so good with him!!!
Rub a dub dub, 4 kids in the tub!

Pyper and Bodie doing what they do best. . . no not screaming, DANCING!!
Me not catching any fish at Jordenelle with Clay and Dr. Mike.
Going to the gym with my sisters.
Going on the Gravitron at the Spanish Fork carnival.

Going to see "Star Trek" (finally) with my parents and being the first one to witness my dad getting the senior citizen discount. . . $4 for a movie!! It's not that bad to turn 60:)
Almost getting a concussion wake boarding.
Bodie not getting into things because he was playing so hard and good with his cousins. He was tuckered out from 2 weeks worth of non stop play.

Camping at Salt Fork

Thanks to Jen Mahoney, we finally went camping!! We had so much fun biking, hiking, eating delicious food, making smores, sitting by the fire and trying to get Bodie to sleep in a tent. Bodie loved to be outside all day and Titus thought he died and went to heaven. We can't thank the Lancasters, Cones, and Mahoneys enough for being patient with Titus and Bodie! We hope you guys still want kids after that little adventure!

Titus and Bodie played hard and Bodie fell asleep before we left the campsite. Bodie was full of hugs and kisses for everyone. He then enjoyed his first ribs the next day!

biking

I have been wanting to get Bodie a seat for our bike for a while and I should of known to look no further than iani's apartment. He is so graciously giving it to us since his kids are too big for it now. It is going to be perfect for our camping trip this weekend! Bodie had no problem wearing a helmet! Even though he couldn't see because it is a bit too big.