Oh man....what a year!

Barrett Wayne Culpin -- Born November 27th, 2014.  Yes, that was Thanksgiving Day!  If I could describe the last six months in one word it would be Rewarding.  Barrett entered the world in a hurry --  Courtney only had to endure about 3 hours of labor -- although this time seemed much more intense than the first.

  Since Barrett's birth, our lives have been much different.  We are back to a routine, much like we were in Teagan's first year or so of existence.  It's funny how that works out; something that is supposed to make your life so chaotic but in reality brings you down to earth.  No more spontaneous trips to the store, they must be carefully planned around nap time and feedings.  No more quick trips anywhere, really, as it typically takes longer to get the kids in and out of the car than it does to travel anywhere.  It's all entirely worth it.  Seeing these two smiling faces on a day-to-day basis is the epitome of life.  In all honesty, they are a daily reminder of how wonderful life really is.

a welcome back and a trip to Wilmington!

Well, it's been a while but I figured I would start this back up following a family vacation. We recently ventured up to Wilmington, Vermont for a foliage excursion and a bit of relaxation. I think it's safe to say that it was the most beautiful trip we have been on in a while. We stayed in a house that was secluded from society and offered plenty of spectacular views.

We went on a few day "hikes." I say hikes in quotations because they were merely just strolls through the woods, but they were definitely worth it. Courtney is very pregnant at this point (due December 5!) so we weren't about to climb Mt. Washington or anything like that. We also went up Mt. Snow on a chair lift foliage ride. It was a blast but going down was very scary! We all had to hold each other a little tighter but well worth the experience and the views. Teagan loved it, and seemed to be much more relaxed than mom and dad.

Well, that's it for now! I will try to keep up with this as we add our new addition to the family! :)

Papa, PeePee!!!!

It's the day after the Superbowl. Normally, that's all I would be able to think about on a day like this. The end of a season, the beginning of an off-season. However, this year is completely different. Last night, during the big game, Teagan was running around the Hodge household like he typically does. For whatever reason, he acts as if he's ingested a few pixie stix at their house. Everything was going as envisioned until he ran up to Papa and said those magical words, "Papa, PeePee!!" It took me a minute to realize what he was saying, but I pieced his babbling together when he ran to the toilet and lifted the toilet seat. I paged Mama and she asked him if he wanted to go peepee on the potty. "Yes!" he assertively proclaimed, so Mama quickly complied to his demands. She sat him on the toilet and within seconds he began to go pee!! February 2nd, 2014 marks a milestone...the very first time Teagan ASKED to go peepee and actually finished the deed! Ta-da!

Long term memory...check!

Lately, Teagan has been very quiet when it comes to waking up in the morning. He typically yells for Mama or Daddy when he wakes up, but he battled croup last week and is still getting his full voice back. This morning, however, was a different story. When I walked into Teagan's room, I was greeted with shouts for Mama. When I informed him Mama went bye byes, he asked for Papa. Again, I had to break the news to Teagan. He didn't seem to mind, however, instead contemplated who he should ask for next. His response? D! D! D! D! For those of you who don't know, he calls his Aunt Danielle "D." Admittedly, D is easier to pronounce. He hasn't seen D since Christmas time so I was a little caught off guard. When I told him D went bye byes as well, he acted as if he were an airplane and made the sounds of what he perceives an airplane would make. This is a clear demonstration of a solid long-term memory because the day D left for Washington, we told him she was taking an airplane. I also took this as a sign that D needs to come home soon. :)

ECHO!

There's literally nothing in this world better than hearing shouts of glee and laughter coming from your child.  While I was tending to the fire, I overheard Teagan yelling my name followed by a giggle.  I yelled back to him, "I'm coming buddy!," as I quickly finished with the wood stove.  As I rounded the corner into the kitchen, I witnessed one of Teagan's cutest activities yet.  He was simply standing on the step leading into our den and yelling my name.  Our den is very large and open so sound tends to echo in there.  Whenever he yelled my name, it echoed back to him.  He found this hilarious and continued to yell until I joined in.  As I shouted, "echo," Teag became more and more excited.  He eventually grabbed onto me and could not stop laughing.  It was almost like he was so thrilled that I understood what he was doing and joined in with him.  This was so much fun that it may become a nightly routine. :)

Emotional Teag

Well, Teag is officially a person.  Of course he's been a person all along but tonight he showed emotions towards a movie!  He's never shown sadness or anger towards anything except being out of food or a show ending.  Tonight, he screamed "ut oh" as a cartoon bird snatched a baby turtle in the animated flick "A Turtle's Tale."  He even let out a loud screech as the bird passed over the screen.  It was a monumental night we will all remember forever.

Ambitious parents and one proud boy!

Teag is 17.5 months old.  Old enough to be potty trained, right?  Well, probably not but we decided to at least introduce the idea to him yesterday.  He didn't exactly welcome the idea with open arms but he entertained us to say the least.  

Teagan sat on the little toilet as if he were sitting on a piping hot throne.  He grimaced with a look of fear until he finally relaxed enough to make it happen.  Suddenly, we heard a soft trickle and began rejoicing for positive reinforcement.  I never thought I'd be so happy to see a pee-filled bowl, but he did it!  His reward?  Pride and a blue bath tub!  

Tonight was round 2 of this venture and it proved to be much less stressful for Teag.  He quickly, and happily, sat on the toilet.  He did give a little cry as if he weren't sure what was happening, but his mood quickly turned to a happy giggle as he peed in the toilet again!  He looked down at the deed and clapped with happiness.  Perhaps 17.5 months isn't too early to begin this life lesson?