The Kohlmans

Yesterday we had the honor of going to Todd and Ryan's beautiful wedding. Todd and Brad have been friends for a long, long time (even in two different towns growing up). We headed up to Kansas City for the 10:00 am rehearsal. Lincoln had a great time running around by the lake.  Instead of programs, they just had their wedding party on the window. Awesome idea for an outdoor wedding! Brad was one of the groomsmen, so he got to get spiffed up. Lincoln thought this desk (they found it on the curb for free and painted it pink to match!) was there just for him. It is just like his at home... Lincoln spent most of the wedding walking and running around with Grampy. Thank goodness Brad's family was there, too! Not only are Brad and Todd friends, but their parents are as well.  Lincoln also spent most of the reception running around. I got a good workout in to make up for the cake and the candy I...

Sweet little boy, Lately, I've been clicking on lots of posts with titles something like "Things I didn't know until I raised boys," or "What you can look forward to when you have a girl." You know, those titles that seem like they'll reveal all the secrets I'm missing. The lists are interesting, sure, or sometimes funny, often applicable, but they leave me feeling a little strange. It could be the sexist or stereotypical nature of the labels they put on boys and girls and children, but it's not (and that's perhaps a letter for another day). It's something else I couldn't put my finger on until now. Reading these posts feels weird to me because I'm not raising a generic child or just any little boy. No parent does. And that distinction matters. Lincoln, my sweet boy, your daddy and I are raising YOU. We aren't raising "a boy" or "a kid," we are raising Lincoln J, as we often call you... our Buster...

Since the weather turned so cold so suddenly a few weeks ago, I decided that I would pick up a stocking hat and mittens for Lincoln the next chance I got. I found this cute little fox for just $10 at Target. I wasn't sure if he would like it since it's a little different from the ball caps he normally wears and loves, but he wouldn't take it off! Just a little fox rocking a little dog?!

Lincoln, You are 18 months old! I can't believe how grown up you are getting, especially the last few weeks.  You definitely have your own opinions about what you want to eat and wear. You aren't really picky, but if you're not in the mood for something you will refuse it. You really like condiments and will eat just about anything that has "dip" (usually ranch or ketchup) or "bar bar" (barbecue sauce) on it. Some other favorites are "yo yo" (yogurt), "ra-in" (raisins), and "bar" (cereal or granola bars).  Lincoln, generally you like things to be in their place and know where they belong. You are usually a willing helper when we are picking up (more so for mom and dad's stuff than your toys) and sometimes even get irritated if things are not where they belong. If we ask you to get something, like your toothbrush, you know exactly where it is and run off to grab it. Your vocabulary is growing l...