Step by Step

My husband and I have been wondering when our youngest would take the leap and walk on his own. Our oldest son, Bobby, started walking on the day of his first birthday party. Our daughter, Katie, started walking a few days before her first birthday. Our youngest son, Andy, has shown no sign of wanting to walk. While we would keep him little forever if we could, we couldn't help but wonder when he would start walking. He answered that question for us in his own time...

Andy did it! Today he let go of his safety net and took his first steps! At the ripe old age of 13 months and 24 days, Andy is officially walking. Once he figured out how to do it, there was no stopping him. He would go to his starting line, pull himself up, let go and walk as far as he could. After he fell down, he'd crawl right back to his starting line and do it again. A good hour was spent cheering him on and encouraging him to do it just one more time. By the end of our "training session", Andy could walk across the living room on his own and even tried to turn around once or twice before falling. He was so happy with himself at the end of the day that he joined the cheering section! :)

"So first I have to stand up..."

"Then I just let go. Boy, this is hard work!"

(Notice the tongue out, focused look on his adorable face.)

"Hey, this is fun!!!"

"Yeah Andy!!!"

I love being able to be home for all of these special moments. Andy has had a keen sense of when he should show off his skills and reach another milestone; he has always waited for me to get home from work or be on vacation before mastering any of the major milestones.

Dearest Andy: Thank you, little man...I wouldn't miss these events for the world. Thank you for knowing that I needed to be there for each of these milestones. You are already wise beyond your year and I am so glad that I am your mommy. I can't wait to share your next adventure with you. Love, Mommy

Hand Me Downs

I am the youngest of the 3 girls in my family, so growing up I used to have lots of hand me downs. There is something so great about taking things that are "old" and passing them on to someone who thinks that they are new and exciting.

My husband grew up in Chicago and LOVES sports. He has always been a lifelong fan of the Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Since the day our first son was born, Robby has been carrying on the family tradition of passing on a die-hard addiction for our Chicago teams. Bobby has enjoyed occasionally sitting on the couch with Robby or Boppa cheering on our team. However, the addiction really didn't sink in until the Hawks entered the playoffs this year.

Robby would turn on the television each game to tune it to his Hawks and Bobby would sit for extended periods of time next to him asking questions and getting to know the game/players. As the Hawks advanced to the next level, Bobby's enthusiasm grew. He could frequently be found in the living room re-creating a Hawks game using his Little Tikes hockey sticks and puck. I would hear him saying "Housa passes the puck to Byfuglien. Byfuglien passes it to Kane. Kane shoots and he scores!!! Blackhawks win and defeat the _______ (insert the team they were currently playing against)!" After each win, he'd have a thousand more questions for Robby. Robby would patiently answer each one and play countless games of pretend hockey with Bobby. Bobby would end each session by saying "I hope the Blackhawks win the World Stanley Cup."

Nana visited Chicago a few weeks ago and came home with a Patrick Kane t-shirt for Bobby. He asks almost every day if he can wear it. Today, Bobby will wear his shirt in celebration of the Hawks winning the Stanley Cup last night! He stayed up late to watch the Blackhawks take possession of the trophy. He watched the tradition of each player hoisting and kissing the trophy. As I write this, Bobby has started playing another hockey game. I just heard "Kane shoots it and scores!"

I am thankful to my husband for this hand me down. It has been fun to watch my boys bond; their excitement has filled our house for the past few weeks. It's a tradition that I hope continues in the Lofgren family for generations to come.

Happy Birthday, Bobby!

Dear Little Prince,

Happy 6th Birthday!!! It's hard to believe we've celebrated 6 birthdays with you already. It has been such a joy to watch your grow and I am so proud of the young man that you are. I love you!!!

Your 1st Birthday (Hmm...does this picture remind you of someone?)

2nd Birthday @ Nana's House

Sesame Street Theme

3rd Birthday @ Paint Yourself Silly

Thomas the Train Theme

4th Birthday @ Camino Seco Bowl

Curious George Theme

5th Birthday @ Purple Heart Park

Star Wars Theme

6th Birthday @ Purple Heart Park

Toy Story Theme

I hope you had the best birthday ever!!!

Love,

Mommy