Raising Schuurmans: June 2014

     On June 13th, 2014, our sweet Titus Jeffrey turned one year old. I hear many parents say it, but this child brings such joy to our lives. Especially here lately, his personality has blossomed into more of a boy and less of a baby. He adores Marcus and is saying, "Bubba!" when he's in search for his best buddy. The feeling is mutual because two days ago, I heard Marcus turn off the humidifier in their room, but he did not emerge like normal. Minutes passed and I finally went in to find the lights on and both of them giggling it up in Titus' crib. They have a brotherly bond that is both undeniable and strong. I pray it continues to strengthen as they grow older.
     At Titus' one year doctor's appointment, Titus measured 32 3/4 inches tall (99th percentile), 24 pounds and 3 1/2 ounces (88th percentile), and his head circumference was in the 99th percentile but I don't recall the numbers. When his weight is compared to his height instead of his age (BMI) he's in the 25th percentile, so according to Dr. Love he's a "typical Schuurman" with a big ol' noggin but a tall, slender body. Even though he's "blockier" than Marcus ever was, he's not the chunky baby he once was.
     Titus started walking a week or so after turning 11 months old. He is quite strong and secure on his feet. He likes to crawl up the stairs when given the opportunity and can crawl onto Marcus' bed. He has eight total teeth (4 on top, 4 on the bottom) and eats like a CHAMP. Some days he LITERALLY will eat more than Marcus. Yesterday's breakfast was a pear and TWO waffles with a large sippy cup of milk. Speaking of that, he still takes one bottle in the morning but the rest of the day he drinks water or milk out of a sippy cup. He couldn't tip it back for the longest time, but then one day, out of the blue, he grabbed the cup and threw it back like he'd been doing it his whole life. He made the transition from formula to milk much easier than Marcus did. Some of his favorite foods include black beans, deli meats/cheeses, apples, and any type of bread (he is a bread man's son, after all). Eating is definitely not a problem for this boy, thus far, so I need to keep providing the good fruits and veggies so he'll continue on in good health.
     While Marcus was much more verbal at this age, Titus is not. He does, however, say, "Mama," "Dada," Bubba," "bye-bye," and just today he repeated, "ball" after I showed him a ball and said, "say ball." But just because he's considered average on the verbal scale, Titus is no dummy. He knows words and can communicate through grunts, pointing, and his personal interpreter, Marcus. He makes plenty of noises and LOVES toys and baths.
     So just over a year ago, I was quite ready to see if we were adding a boy or a girl to our family. I'll never forget hearing Mark announce, "that's Titus Jeffrey" as I lay on the operating table. It was such a joyful moment to know that Marcus would have a little brother to come along-side and be his buddy. They definitely are and it's been so fun to watch them grow up together. So with all that being said, here are some pictures of Titus' birthday and a small party with close friends and family.

These sweet children made a place to eat under the shade of a big tree.

I'm ONE!

Chase, Dane, Scarlett, & Aislinn

Titus and his first cousin, Hunter.

Marcus throwing the football with Daddy and Uncle TJ. Good form!

Titus with two of his three grandpas.

Three generations of Schuurman men.

A man and his son - pretty much one in the same.

Granddad with his oldest and youngest grandsons.

Sweet Tyson

Sweet Hunter

Granny and Granddad with the birthday boy (who was soooo tired)

Tyson and I were twins!

Cousins <3

And here are the pictures from his one year old photo shoot by LouLouGirl Photography.

The contents of my heart

Love him!

Oh how I adore his picture!

As the weather warms up down here in the South, we're taking full advantage of it (and enjoying it before it gets too hot!). Things have finally slowed down a bit in our business life and a few church activities have taken breaks for the summer, so it's nice to breathe a little easier. :)

The boys are growing too fast but sure are fun right now. Marcus is still just the sweetest thing to Titus and Titus is quite the bruit, but he too loves his brother. He's now all-out walking and seems much happier now that he can get around on his own. In just over a week he'll be ONE! Can't believe that! That'll probably be what the next blog is about. Until then, here's what we've been up to: