In Loving Memory

My grandfather, Frank Wendell Gauder, Sr. was a wonderful man. He had a great sense of humor and was able to tell a story better than anyone else I know. Porter is certainly blessed to have spent time with his Great Grandpa Gauder and carry his middle name.

Our hearts go out to all who are in Florida right now for Grandpa's funeral. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

In Loving Memory

March 25, 2011

Counting with Porter

One, Two, Three!

Fill in the blank, Porter!

Counting with Porter

March 19, 2011

One Year Check-Up

Today, Porter had his one year check-up with Dr. Post.

He weighs 21.16 lbs and is in the 25th percentile for weight.

Although he seems like a small fry, his head circumference and height are both in the 80th percentile!

He's our tall drink of water!

One Year Check-Up

March 18, 2011

Thursday's Random Pics

Here are a few pictures from our Thursday together:

I am so glad that Porter is a happy baby!

He also has some great eyelashes!

Here's a quick video of me picking on Porter, one of my favorite pastimes!

Thursday's Random Pics

March 17, 2011

Wednesday's Random Pics

I took some very random pictures of Porter today!

Brian is in Milwaukee right now for work, so it's just Porter and me holding down the fort!

Of course, we're being our silly selves as you can see above!

Wednesday's Random Pics

March 16, 2011

Happy 1st Birthday, Porter!

For Porter's first birthday celebration, we decided to take him to the Cleveland Children's Museum for a day of fun! Grandma and Grandpa Gauder came too! It was a blast!

After the Children's Museum, Porter opened up a couple of presents. He got an awesome truck from our friends Dawn and Madelin! He just loves his new truck! Also, he got a set of ABC blocks handmade by his Grandpa Gauder. Grandpa cut down a cherry tree on his farm to make these blocks, and Porter just loves to stack them and then knock them down!

Happy 1st Birthday, Porter!

March 13, 2011

My Little P-Pot

This time last year we had no idea what we were in store for the following morning. You came in to the world with a big push and a suction cup on your head. Needless to say, you weren’t too fond of them pulling on your head. You came out swinging and screaming mad! It was at that point we welcomed our little red-headed wonder into the world. Life has been one adventure after another since. Every milestone has been cherished (and blogged about by your mother). You have never been the most cuddly baby, but we do get an occasional cuddle blessing when you are tired or scared. You have just reached the point where you are literally “into everything”. The toilet, trash can, and Keata’s water bowl included. Everything within reach is fair game. Your curiosity is endless, and you have no fear of trying new things. You have been a great baby! You only fuss when you are in need and continuously challenge those around you to teach you new things. You are going to be a good teacher’s dream and a bad teacher’s nightmare. Right now your learning is only limited by what other’s have time to teach you. In the future, there will be no limit as you are already learning to teach yourself how things work.

You have developed so quickly over the past year. You came out a stiff, little baby and were strong from the start. Strong is an understatement, in fact. You are a mighty, little man! For a skinny little baby (and a no-butt Stephen,) it is incredible what your body can do. I cannot wait for you to start learning to kick with me. You can be my new work out partner (if I can keep up with you). The next year will be very exciting. You are already far ahead of the curve and move farther ahead each day. I can’t wait to spend some time outside with you this year. Last summer, you only got to go for walks outside in your stroller. This summer we will get to play in the yard together, kick a soccer ball, and find bugs to give to mommy.

As far as Tae Kwon Do is concerned, you have been a great fit in the new school. You love running around the open floor and get so excited when the other children are taking class. You just can’t wait to be a part of what’s going on. I don’t know what sport or hobby you will take interest in, but I do hope that you will like to do Tae Kwon Do with me (and golf too). You have all the skills to be successful at any sport. In fact, you are overflowing with the two main things needed: strength and intelligence. You are coordinated, athletic, and are already able to think through how to accomplish new things.

This new year will be very exciting in deed, and I am very thankful that I was blessed to be your father. I can’t wait to see what is in store for you!

Love,
Daddy

My Little P-Pot

March 12, 2011

Puff Face

Porter got a little carried away with his snack today!

Puff Face

March 10, 2011

Sweet Video

Check out this sweet video of Porter and his Daddy:

Sweet Video

March 9, 2011