Four-in-One

I am way behind in blogging, but I've found a little time right now so I figured I would catch up from the last month or so! Here's 4 posts in 1...

ONE MONTH

 Nicolas was one month here, and I thought it would be fun to do a monthly picture on my chair to see how he grows over time. As you can see we were dealing with a lot of baby acne and skin troubles then which thankfully has gone away now (he's almost 2 months!). At his 6 week check up he was 10 pounds, which was surprising as he looked a lot smaller but he's long limbed as they said. He was still eating quite often during the night and Mommy had some very emotional days that mainly stemmed from the exhaustion. My tip to all Moms that can't "sleep when baby sleeps" because of other kids--hang in there! After about 6 weeks or so it got much better and I actually am feeling human again!

 I think I've said it a lot, but Nick is really such a great baby. Happy and content when he's awake and only fusses if he's hungry, needs to be changed or tired. He is the center of attention in this house!

5 YEARS OLD

 On September 22nd, my sweet Joe turned 5 years old. I can hardly believe it--5 is a big one! Unfortunately I got a really bad stomach flu, but daddy came through and made him mac and cheese for dinner and put together his strawberry ice cream cake, complete with homemade graham crackers crust!

 Joe has been such a sweet big brother and helper to me now that Brooke is at school all day. He is sweet and sensitive, very obedient and loves to help and calm the baby down if he's fussy. Joe loves to compliment and hug--he is going to make a lady feel very special some day. ;) He loves to tell me I looks beautiful and give me a huge hug, and he always says the sweetest things to his Aunts when he Facetime's them. He is very curious and inquisitive about spiritual things and I really think that he'll get saved soon. 

THE BIKE RODEO

 A few weeks ago was church's annual bike rodeo. The kids were so excited--it's definitely a highlight of their year! They love dressing up and look so forward to all the activities that the day entails. I mainly look forward to the cute photo op ;).

My gorgeous brother and sister-in-laws family! They go all out and looked SO cute!

AROUND THE HOUSE

 See what I mean about him being so sweet? I can't even handle it sometimes. I have to pick my heart up off the puddle on the floor.

He is doing so well in school! His writing, reading and spelling have all improved immensely. I'm so proud of him, because he works really hard!

At the slightest hint of fall weather, I'm all, get all the hats and hoodies and boots. They are totally unnecessary but who cares? It looks adorable.

Speaking of puddles...

 We potty trained this week.

 It did not go well.

 After day 5, he is back in diapers. Oh yes he is.

 We'll try again next week.

And speaking of next week, it's that time of year again: FAMILY! The first of them arrive in a few days and I cannot wait. It's also the busy season for me with photography, so I can't promise many posts in the coming weeks, but I'll try. ;)

Bike Rodeo 2013

This weekend was another annual church event—the bike rodeo. This time of year, the weather can be absolutely perfect, or it can be hot and humid. This year was the hot and humid year, and it doesn’t help that everyone is wearing boots and denim! Thankfully, the clouds covered the sun every once in a while and there was a slight breeze so we did get a little relief.

 The kids, however, did not mind a bit. This was Brooke’s first year doing the “real” competing on her tiny bike with training wheels. I’m not sure if getting pulled through the grass on the bike by the clowns (since she couldn’t get any traction) really qualifies, but she did go home with a few ribbons and my little city girl won first place in the sling shot competition—that’s my girl! ;)

Joe played, rode horses, panned for "gold" and raced in “For Little Bear” where the smaller kids spend their day. Even though Nathan isn’t it his class, he was able to play in there as well and loved it! It’s crazy to me that I don’t really have a baby anymore—I have 3 little independent kids!

It’s always a great time and so fun seeing everyone in their “cowboy” gear—even if it’s just a plaid shirt and jeans. We all bring yummy potluck dishes and a man in our church smokes his famous brisket for everyone. We’re so thankful for our hard working and dedicated clubs leaders who put so much time, effort and money into making this day run smoothly and tons of fun for the kids!

Today it was back to school, cleaning and grocery shopping. Hope you all had a great weekend and start to your week!

Surprises and the Rodeo



Inconsistent blogging has been my strong point lately. Seriously. I haven't had any bright revelations to let you all know about (you know, me and my wise self), but I want to continue to share pictures and special moments from our lives.

 Like for instance, that time when I was working out in the middle of the day and heard a car door. Wondering if or why my husband was home so early, I peeked out the window. To my complete shock, I saw my Mom hurridly walking up my front sidewalk. My Mom lives 2,000 miles away, so it's not like she just drops by every day for coffee.

  I raced to the door, sweat dripping off of me and weights in hand, flung it open and began a scream/sqeal/cry that lasted quite a long time. Sweaty hugs were exchanged (poor her), she was beaming and my husband was videoing my response. It was priceless and one of the best surprises of my life! Nate will be out of town for a little bit, so we are having the best time ever, not to mention my house has never seen so much clean laundry and I have built in babysitting. (Hello outdoor workouts and running to the store for a few items alone!)

 

The night she got here, we had already made plans to go to the rodeo, mine and the kids first. So we did the rodeo. We ate funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy and a heap of fresh fried potato chips. It's good to do that once every few years, you know. It tastes good at the time, but later you are reminded of why you don't normally eat that stuff.

 

  We watched calf roping, bull riding and barell racing. Honestly, this New Yorker does not understand the cowboy culture but I had a great time watching it while screaming and waving my hands around in fear that a bull would kill it's rider right before my eyes. We arrived home at 11pm smelling like grease and smiling from ear to ear.





 



 

In the scariest petting zoo known to man, the goats and deer helped themselves to our clothes and purses for dinner.

I hope you all have a great weekend!