The Balli Family

I've been a blogger procrastinator the last few months. So, here's my poor attempt to catch up for the missed posts that should've been on here. I'll start with some updates:

-ME-

I've been a busy mommy lately. I'm amazed at how much time and energy goes into raising a little boy. I think about mothers who have multiple kids, and my own mom who had 8, and I have NO idea how they do it!? I guess I will find out how in the next few years when we'll have a few of our own :) Austin is such a good baby, has always been pretty easy going, and completely adorable. I'm amazed at the great love you can feel as a parent toward your child. Me and Austin have had a lot of fun times together... along with a few frustrating ones as well :) It's all more than worth it... even if I had a terrific, or a horrible day with him, I tend to catch myself smiling or chuckling to myself before I fall asleep in bed thinking back on the day's activities with him. I wish I was good at remembering every little thing he does that cracks me up... I need to be better at writing them down when they happen.

On top of being a mommy, I run a couple etsy.com shops, which have helped keep me busy and bring in a little extra income. It's been very enjoyable for me and a great way to keep up with my creative needs I've always had. I love working with my hands- so making jewelry is actually a great way I can wind down and take my mind off other things, along with painting and sketching of course :)

I've also been enjoying spending time with friends from our ward-- we have some amazing families in this area. Austin has been so cute with some of the kids in the ward too... I'm so excited for him to start nursery- he'll love it!

-RUSS-

Russell has been very busy at work. He has enjoyed working there and making friends with his co-workers. He just LOVES Austin, and they are quite the buddies when he gets home every day. They have their routine tackle session every night, then shoot balls in our little basketball hoop together, and usually watch a game together. Austin cant really last through a whole game, but surprises me with how long he can sit through a lot of them. Its amazing to me that he knows when to clap and cheer :)

We've been doing a lot of updates in our apartment to make it more livable, and have learned a lot about saving space by organizing our 'stuff' better. Russ has been so good at doing projects around here even after a long day of work :) His latest project was refinishing some old nightstands for our living room. We bought some tools and paint, and he went to work and did an awesome job! I wish I had taken before and after pictures... but I didn't think about it soon enough.

-AUSTIN-

Austin started walking at 11 1/2 months, and since then has been running around everywhere... getting into things and exploring the world, along with every nook and cranny in our apartment :) He is SO funny, and fun to watch learn & grow. Here are some of his favorite things:

1. He is OBSESSED with everything basketball- balls, the church gym, b-ball hoops, balloons (I think he thinks balloons are balls). Sometimes he shoots hoops for long periods of time. He even dunks now...

2. Kitchen 'toys'. He loves tupperware, glass bowls, pots and pans... and his very favorite is the can opener- just sits and spins the handle over and over. I've found it in his toy pile in his room more than a few times :)

3. People. Austin is very social and not afraid of anyone, other than Santa. He will even hold his arms out to strangers hoping they'll pick him up... I'm a little worried about this. How am I supposed to teach him to be careful of strangers with those habits???

4. Outside. Austin has started associating going outside with his shoes. Anytime he wants to go play outside he just brings me his shoes--- he loves going on walks, getting the mail, shopping with his mommy (we'll see how long that lasts), and playing with friends at parks and Mc Donalds play place.

5. His favorite toy: Magnet board with alphabet magnets, and his little piano.

6. Favorite book: 'Where the Wild Things Are', and 'I Spy'. He makes monster sounds for every animal, other than dogs. He knows what dogs say.

7. DOGS. He is just as obsessed with dogs as he is with basketball. He loves Cooper (grandma and grandpa's lab). He barks whenever we pass dogs on walks too :)

8. Favorite food: Bananas. He loves any fruit actually, but he can eat a lot of bananas.

-PHOTO TIME!-

Austin's First Birthday, December 7th 2011