The Ballard Abode

Daddy's Home!

2012-02-16T05:29:00.000-05:00

They were watching out the window for their daddy to get home - it was so cute I had to run out and snap a few pics. Love these two!!

A few other random shots from this day....

(Can't you just hear it? "Boy, you've got your hands full!" I think I heard it 4 times on this short trip to get a wagon. :) )

Burnt

2012-02-15T05:38:00.000-05:00

Mama burnt the chicken, so we had the Christian Chicken instead. Oops.

Walk

2012-02-14T05:04:00.000-05:00

Having a little lake right outside your back door isn't too shabby - even in February, if you live in Florida.

(and she says "Upside Down!!!!")

Gift

2012-02-13T05:59:00.000-05:00

(I think this is the last of the birthday posts...)

For her birthday, M got her first car. She is obsessed with it! Little brother thinks it's pretty swell as well. Her mama and daddy underestimated the amount of assembly required, as you'll see in the (many) photos, but thankfully everyone was patient. I know it will be no time and she will be driving the real deal - I'm not ready!!

Love

2012-02-10T05:19:00.000-05:00

Celebrate

2012-02-09T05:13:00.000-05:00

Yummy cupcakes to celebrate our favorite 2 year old. As soon as the last bite was shoved in her mouth, smart little girlie asked "Nuh-er one pease??". She was a little miffed when the answer was not affirmative, but I can't blame her.

I had a feeling she would want one with pink icing even though I got red velvet for the rest of us.

Daddy telling her to choose one...

Pink it is! (She even drooled. So cute!)

What you got, sissy??

Mama.....you forgot mine.

What do you MEAN my birfday isn't for a month?!?!?!

Expressive Part II

2012-02-08T05:09:00.000-05:00

(See part I here.)

HIgh Chair Happies

2012-02-07T05:38:00.000-05:00

Having fun during breakfast one morning with Daddy while this mama was snoozin' away.

Two

2012-02-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Two years ago today, this little girl made me a mama. She has changed me, challenged me, and taught me more than I ever could have imagined in these two years - and I cannot imagine life without her.

I love you, my Mae-mo. I hope you always stay the sweet, smart, stubborn, sassy girl you are today. (Just maybe add in a love for sleep - you will sleep all night long without any assistance some day, right? Just checking.)

Assistants.

2012-02-03T05:29:00.000-05:00

People always comment on how I "really have my hands full!" (And yes, I know - just wait until I'm showing. Yikes.). Little do they know, I just have two little assistants! Lucky me :)

(And yes, one sock and no pants is what the cool kids are wearing these days. Now you know!)

Pile on

2012-02-02T05:26:00.000-05:00

Some days, mama's lap is the best (aka ONLY ACCEPTABLE) place to be. It was easier when they were wee little folk, but we make it work now. I hate to tell them that that prime lap real estate is shrinking by the day, thanks to new lil' bro or sis.....

(M now smiles when she sees herself on the phone camera, but O gets too enchanted by his own good looks to flash a grin.)

Crochet

2012-02-01T05:23:00.000-05:00

My friend Jenna taught me how to crochet while she was here, and I have been doing a lot of practicing when I get spare moments. Sure enough, little mama needed to try her hand at it as well. As you can see, she was very focused - she was going to figure it out at all costs.

And of course, when that wasn't working...

She got mad and threw it. A girl after my own heart!

Sweet

2012-01-31T05:21:00.001-05:00

Sometimes they are so sweet, I can hardly stand it. Like when Osk is getting impatient at Target, and M says "Here, hol' my hand.". And he does. And their papa catches a pic. We are so lucky to have them!

Sick

2012-01-30T05:12:00.000-05:00

We have had the sickies here - the snotty, feverish, grumpy, sickies. Started with colds, and then turned into double ear infections for both babies and RSV (yikes!) for baby Oscar. Since he was premature (I know, he doesn't look it now!) his little lungs are much more susceptible to infection. Poor baby had to have breathing treatments and lots of meds. Thankfully now, though, we are ALL on the mend. Everyone is acting like themselves and we are even (gasp!) getting sleep at night again. Hallelujah!

Sick boy

Even fell asleep during his treatment one night! That's tired.

Funny/not so funny story. We were at the doc for Oscar's follow up appointment (when he was feeling MUCH better) and they were running waaaay behind. We were in the room waiting for the doctor for an HOUR, just me and the littles. Oscar was cranky as it was during what should have been his nap time, but M was happy as a little lark. After awhile of playing defense so O didn't dive off of the tall examination table, I saw exactly why she was so happy.....

Little miss had found a patch of already peeling paint and, as she said, "I fixed it!!". Oh my. I couldn't be mad at her, as I should have noticed sooner (and she didn't do all of it - only about 4 inches. Ha!). I just thought it was funny. Can't take your eyes off of them for a second!

We also want to give a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to our favorite 9 year old, Jackson!! We love you, JTW!!

House

2012-01-27T05:35:00.000-05:00

3.

2012-01-26T05:23:00.000-05:00

1.

2.

3!

(Coming late July, 2012)

Granni

2012-01-25T05:27:00.000-05:00

We miss our Granni Doni. It's only a matter of time until we get her convinced to move to Florida!! After all, who can resist all of this lovin'?

Inside & Outside

2012-01-24T05:33:00.000-05:00

Friends

2012-01-23T05:25:00.001-05:00

We are lucky enough to have our friends, the Attwoods, in town for a few days this week. The babies are having so much fun together!

Shower

2012-01-20T05:23:00.000-05:00

This is exactly why you don't take a quick shower while the kids play in your room....they will inevitably find the bag of things to put away - namely the card games - and make some fun for themselves. Lesson learned!

Ouch!

2012-01-19T06:19:00.000-05:00

I somehow managed to get some glass in my foot the other day, and Josh took on the task of doing my 'surgery' to get it removed. Big sissy was running around watching, and she decided to take a turn when he was finished. They pick up on everything!

Red Solo Cup

2012-01-18T06:17:00.000-05:00

While we were back in Kansas, we heard a silly song about a Red Solo Cup. Let's just say, I hope this is one of Oscar's few 'red solo cup' experiences!! (It was the remnants of his sissy's green smoothie.)

Siblings

2012-01-17T05:14:00.000-05:00

She just can't get enough of him, and thankfully he's pretty tolerant of the constant 'lovin''. Just give him a few months, though, and he will be able to be the bulldozer rather than the bulldozee....

(Also - I still haven't unpacked my good camera from our trip. Yikes! Better pics next week, I promise.)

Baby Mama part 435

2012-01-16T05:12:00.000-05:00

Little M nursing her baby on the back deck. Such a good mama.

Good Morning!

2012-01-13T05:47:00.000-05:00

Who wouldn't want to walk into this happy face after a nap?! Sweet boy.
(Don't you like our 'table'??)

Mama Babies

2012-01-12T05:45:00.000-05:00

After looking through childhood photos while at home, I am even more determined to get myself in more pics - even if they are grainy cell phone ones.

Oh, hi!

2012-01-11T05:43:00.000-05:00

Caught little Mae having a candid phone convo on her 'wone' while we were cleaning/organizing our bedroom. Such a cutie!

Picnic

2012-01-10T05:41:00.000-05:00

No better way to take advantage of this beautiful weather!
(Cell phone pics)

I spoke too soon.

2012-01-09T05:37:00.000-05:00

Crawl

2012-01-06T05:27:00.000-05:00

He is so close, but at this rate I'm thinking he is going to bear crawl and then walk. He gets up on his hands and feet and tries to move that way. He is too strong for his own good! Don't worry buddy, you'll figure out the real deal soon.

Snow

2012-01-05T04:30:00.000-05:00

Our little outdoor girl wasn't so much a fan of the white wet stuff. In the 3 minutes we were outside, I heard "icky" "get it off!" and "wipen! wipen!". I guess it's a good thing we live in Florida!

Girl

2012-01-04T05:15:00.000-05:00

Little Miss discovered some discarded makeup in her explorations on afternoon, and I stumbled upon her carefully applying some lip gloss and foundation. Little eyes see everything! I bet she will be begging for the real thing before I know it...

Bowling

2012-01-03T05:26:00.000-05:00

Of the many fun things we did while we were home, bowling might have topped the list. My photos are spotty at best - I didn't get most of us - but, I wanted to document anyway. Oscar was a happy boy bouncing, and little Maesie thought she was a star bowler. Personally, I enjoyed using the bumper lane with Jackson. Ha!

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-02T05:08:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it home - a few uneventful (thank you Lord!) flights and a 'lost' car key at the extended parking lot (it was found, eventually) and we are back in the sunshine. We were all in bed asleep when it came time to ring in the new year, save for a few extra wake-ups thanks to all of the neighbors' fireworks...so sweet of them to let us know it was, indeed, 2012.

Josh has today off, so we are going to spend some time enjoying the warmth. I appreciate it more after a few weeks being cooped up! I have a few more adventures to share from our time in Kansas this week, though...

I leave you with this old photo I found from this summer. Some things don't change - she was doing this just today. We had a truly blessed 2011, and look forward to an equally great 2012.

Partners in Crime

2011-12-30T05:22:00.000-05:00

Playdough

2011-12-29T05:23:00.000-05:00

Remember when I told you about Pinterest? Mae and I made some playdough this week from a recipe (click here for recipe) I found there. It is squishy soft, and oh so easy to make. Try it out!

Inside

2011-12-28T05:27:00.000-05:00

It finally happened. She asked to come in! (Usually we have to either bring her against her wishes because her fingers are turning purple, or bribe her with some really fun activity.) Of course, as soon as she was in she was begging to go back out, but it's a start. She will be happy to be back in Florida when outside is always a good option.

This little guy is a-ok playing in the warmth. For now.

Christmas

2011-12-27T05:14:00.000-05:00

We had an evening of fun and family.
Not limited to....
pinochle
gifts
singing
eating
and....the first ever....
Beyblade tournament.
(Basically, spinning tops with launchers...Our favorite 8 year old is oh so very into 'blading' right now, and the grown ups think it is pretty fun as well.)
Missed Lance, Emily, and baby Lawson.
Thankful for loved ones!

Merry

2011-12-26T05:24:00.000-05:00

Oh, it was merry.

More to come...

Cold (of a different kind.)

2011-12-23T05:20:00.000-05:00

We have been doing a LOT of this this week.

Can't you just see him mouth breathing?

Here's hoping the snot is short lived! Parenting is glamorous, to be sure.

Messy (Part 2)

2011-12-22T05:17:00.000-05:00

Mae had her first ever cinnamon sugar toast. Clever girl that she is, she first licked/scraped off all of the cinnamon sugar, and then took after the annihilated piece of toast. Note the buttery cheeks...

(Just realized the photo edits I did made the toast look burnt - it wasn't! I'm just too lazy to go back and change them :) )

Messy (Part 1)

2011-12-21T05:15:00.000-05:00

"What, mama? Is there something on my face?"

Outside

2011-12-20T05:11:00.000-05:00

Seriously - our girl would LIVE outside if we would let her. Thankfully we had a particularly warm day here yesterday, so she and her cousin Jackson played in the bed of Grandpa's pick-up. Mae thinks Jackson is just the coolest, and thankfully he is patient and plays so well with her.

Even though it was unseasonably warm, it did get cooler as it got dark. I was in the house with baby O and my sis was taking these photos - she came in and said that Mae was literally SHIVERING so she was going to take her out a coat. I think this look tells exactly how Mae felt about that situation....Ha!!

Boys (Lawson update)

2011-12-19T05:05:00.001-05:00

Snapped a quick pic of some of my favorite guys.

However, the little guy that's on all of our minds most isn't in it. Little baby Lawson was scheduled to have his heart repair surgery, and unfortunately due to an infection it has been postponed. He and his mama and daddy are now waiting in the hospital for him to be ready for it again, and possibly to endure a few other procedures while they wait. Lance and Emily are so strong and positive, but I'm sure this has got to be wearing on them. Living in the hospital with your 3 month old has to be trying and adding on the anticipation of repair and then the letdown of a longer wait - I'm sure they are leaning on the Lord a lot these days. If you would, please pray for their little family. For Lawson to have a complete repair and easy recovery, that he would be deemed ready for surgery soon, and that he would be healed from health concerns. Of course, please also pray for peace and strength to Lance and Emily. We love them so much!

Cold

2011-12-16T05:55:00.000-05:00

Even when it's frigid, my babies are still outdoor babies. Out we go - coats, hats, gloves, socks, shoes - all things that are not necessary at home, but very important here in Kansas! Swingin', slidin', playing chase with daddy, and chewing on sticks are the favorite things to do these days.

As you can see, one of my subjects was much easier to catch - the other was too busy for her mama to take a 'pichure'! She did have time for a drive by kiss for both baby brother and her daddy, though.

Family

2011-12-15T05:53:00.000-05:00

Grammy's House

2011-12-14T05:51:00.000-05:00

Dressed

2011-12-13T05:47:00.001-05:00

For finalization, I decided that to splurge and buy the kids clothes that I wouldn't normally buy. Let's face it, there is a lot of mess that happens on baby clothes - not to mention that they grow out of them in a few weeks! I am so bummed I forgot to get a pic of M standing up, but she'll wear her outfit again while we're in Kansas I'm sure. (The clothes that are appropriate for Kansas in winter aren't so appropriate for Florida in winter.....). Cute babies.

Final.

2011-12-12T05:42:00.000-05:00

Although it's been final in our hearts for months and months now, as of December 8th, Oscar's adoption is final in the eyes of the law. Hooray!

It was a quick little court date and luckily for us - my mom AND our favorite social worker (and one of my bffs) were even able to be there with us! Mae was chatting it up with the attorneys during the recorded important part (whoops!) so she had M&Ms to keep her busy. She thought she had found the holy grail! Oscar was a happy boy and just sat quietly and listened. We are so thankful that this leg of the journey is now complete!

Boast

2011-12-09T05:20:00.001-05:00

I don't want to seem boastful,
but I have to say -
I have the two cutest kids
ever.

Forever

2011-12-08T05:13:00.000-05:00

I can still remember the night I got this 'sparkler' like it was yesterday! So thankful for that night and that question - I would say yes again and again.

Learning

2011-12-07T05:10:00.000-05:00

It is so amazing to watch the wheels turn in her little mind. On this day she was wandering around on the back porch with a little card (the kind that stores give you to keep on your keychain) and seeing where all she could get it to fit. She tried grooves in the side walk, her picnic table, the playhouse, and then in the wagon. Such a smart girl!

No More Coy Boy

2011-12-06T05:09:00.000-05:00

See for yourself!

Peas in a Pod

2011-12-05T05:50:00.000-05:00

More and more every day
These two become thick as thieves
Two peas in a pod
Partners in fun
(and occasionally,)
Partners in meltdowns.
Holding hands,
Hugging,
Giving the stink eye in unison....
I hope they are always friends.
Always.

Pickin'

2011-12-02T05:14:00.000-05:00

Busy Boy

2011-12-01T05:12:00.001-05:00

Oscar is itching to do more. Crawl. Walk. Run. Jump. YOu name it, he wants to do it. Unless, of course, you name sitting and playing. Now that is lame, in his eyes. Soon buddy. Soon you will be on the go.

Ball

2011-11-30T05:11:00.000-05:00

It is SO fun to watch these two play together. Seeing them now makes me excited to see how much fun they will have in a few years playing together. This afternoon they were playing with a blue ball. Mae would throw it, go get it, and drop it for Oscar. He would dive for it, play with it for a minute, and then she would pick it up and throw it again and go get it and bring it to him. I even managed to catch poor stunned Oscar when one of her throws went a bit awry......

(I feel like he's thinking "Wait....what just happened?!")

Tree

2011-11-29T05:58:00.000-05:00

ER

2011-11-28T05:52:00.000-05:00

Well, both of our babies had their first trips to the ER over the Thanksgiving break - NOT a great way to celebrate!

On Tuesday, this little gal dove headfirst off of our bed. Yikes. And then she threw up. Double Yikes. She was fine, but we were glad to get her checked out!

On Thursday, this little dude had a cold that by the evening included a 103* temp and a barking cough, so off we went with him as well. Croup. Some medicine and back home we went. Did you know that if you give your baby prednisone at night he will be awake and SO HYPER AND WIGGLY AND ANGRY AND SLEEPY AND AWAKE for hours?!? Well, now you do! Yikes.

So thankful for healthy kids!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T05:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our little turkeys to you and yours.

Bottle

2011-11-23T05:16:00.000-05:00

What do you MEAN it's not a real bottle?!?!

(Grammy comes today and we are SO EXCITED!!!)

Puppy

2011-11-22T05:15:00.000-05:00

Our little puppy.

Life

2011-11-21T05:54:00.000-05:00

Just a glimpse into our everyday. Babies having lunch while this mama bakes some goodies. Sweet potato for the boy, steel cut oats for the girl, and snickerdoodles for the neighbors. Don't worry, we had the Christmas music on full blast!

Favorites

2011-11-18T05:53:00.000-05:00

I know you aren't supposed to have favorites, but I just can't help it! These have to be two of my favorite boys. Love them so.

Teeth

2011-11-17T05:52:00.000-05:00

"Show mama your teeth!"

Hug Gone Wrong

2011-11-16T05:48:00.000-05:00

No babies were injured in this hug gone wrong, thanks to their father's swift reflexes.

Oscar - 8 months

2011-11-15T06:19:00.000-05:00

Our baby O is just a little ball of delight. He is a roly poly little lug of love, I tell you. He just turned 8 months old - and he is the sweetest baby you've ever seen! He loves to sit and play on the floor, play 'airplane', bounce and jump on your lap, and laugh at all of your jokes. He has a husky little voice and loves to chatter and blow bubbles. When you hold him he grabs your face and pats your back - he even gives the occasional kiss if you are lucky enough! I cannot imagine our lives without this little lovey.

"Twick or Tweat"

2011-11-14T06:15:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post the photos from Mae's first Trick or Treat! She went over to some great neighbors we have, so she wasn't nervous at all. Such a fun night - so crazy to think that next year we will have two little toddlers toddling from house to house!

Music

2011-11-11T06:13:00.000-05:00

I know a lot of you out there won't agree.....

But I think it's the PERFECT time for Christmas music. Even in 78* Florida.

Feet

2011-11-10T06:11:00.000-05:00

Sometimes
I look at these little feet
and feel a bit overwhelmed.
Thinking of all of the life
they have ahead of them.
All of the places they will go -
many of them without me.
And I am so thankful to have them.
These little feet.

Tough

2011-11-09T05:05:00.000-05:00

This husband of mine - he is one tough dude. Our house didn't have a garbage disposal when we moved in, so we decided to get one. No big deal. No big deal, at least, until we discovered that the drain was so rusted together that no amount of unswcrewing or WD40 was going to take care of it. So what did he do? Used a hand saw and sawed right through the metal. On both sides. Yeah, he's tough. And handy.

And I'm just lucky, I guess.

Moofie

2011-11-08T05:56:00.000-05:00

I am not ashamed to say (okay, maybe a little...) that the infomercials and demonstration at CostCo and QVC sucked me in. We did it. We bought a Vitamix. And it. is. AWESOME. We have had it for a few weeks now and used it at least once a day, and usually twice or more. We are able to put a whole lot more green and other veggies in our smoothies and they still blend down to a delicious texture. It's like having a SmoothieKing in our house! Mae is a huge fan as well - she is always coming to me asking to have a 'moofie'. She is also a great assistant when it comes to concocting them!

Ingredients: banana, grapes, blueberries, whole milk, whole fat yogurt, carrots, baby spinach, flax seed meal, and ice.

Banana in...

Grapes in...

Blueberries in....er...well they probably need tested before they go in, right?

Ready for action.

(You can guess who chose her own cup...) Yum.

Tradition

2011-11-07T05:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday mornings are for lounging in mama & daddy's bed, wearing jammies, and eating biscuits. I think it's the best way to spend a morning.

(Still) Better Together

2011-11-04T05:38:00.000-04:00

Runim'

2011-11-03T17:32:00.001-04:00

We got the kids a little trike at a yard sale this weekend. Mae tried so hard to ride it, but her little legs are still just a little too short. Instead though, she pushed her baby around - with some steering assistance, of course. Her favorite thing right now is to yell "RUNNIM RUNNIM" before she takes off in a run as fast as her toddler feet will carry her. She had such a great time 'runnim' her baby around with her daddy.

Even after daddy was tired out, she kept going. Oscar even tried to join in the fun!

(Bare bottom courtesy of a darn diaper rash that just won't quit.)

Nudie

2011-11-02T05:22:00.000-04:00

After a bit of a diaper and outfit mishap - I was left with a nudie little baby. What's a mama to do? Take pics, of course.

Oscar baby, I know that when you are a teen you will probably be so annoyed that I shared these pictures of you - but I couldn't help it. You are just too sweet!

You paid me back, though.

Costumes

2011-11-01T05:31:00.000-04:00

I snapped a few pictures of the little ones in their costumes this afternoon. Getting both of them to even almost look at the camera is nearly impossible - but we tried. Mae was a referee and Oscar was a football. Easy costumes for this mama to make! I have a few pictures of Mae doing her first Trick or Treat as well, but I"ll post them another time.

Monday.

2011-10-31T05:17:00.001-04:00

Much like her mama, Mae loves a rainey day. We spent a whole morning out back in the screened enclosure last week. She and Oscar played and played and played, and I watched and clicked away. By the time we came in, her little pants were soaked from sitting and jumping in puddles - she thought it was great!

Afternoon

2011-10-28T05:48:00.000-04:00

Babies having fun.

Chop - Embracing the camera - 10/27

2011-10-27T05:08:00.001-04:00

I made a change this week. A big change! I remembered to have Josh take a 'before' with the real camera, but the 'afters' are just with my cell phone just now after an afternoon of playing outside.

I was ready for a change, and I think I like it!

Favorite

2011-10-26T05:44:00.000-04:00

The favorite toy around here is a pocket watch that Granni Doni gave all of the men at Christmas last year. We have already wore one out, and thankfully the babies' Aunt Amy donated theirs to the cause so the fun can continue.

'Oh, funny'

2011-10-25T05:31:00.000-04:00

This post is to remember all of the cute and funny things that Mae is saying and doing these days - as I never write in her baby book. When I print out the blog though, she will have it. So baby Maesie - these are for you!

You just started recognizing yourself in photos and knowing what things are you. You point to your pictures on the wall and say "MaeMae!!" You also like to be sure and make sure everyoen has their own things. "Mama's dink, Daddy's dink, MaeMae's dink!" (dink = drink) "Mama's glasses, MaeMae's glasses!" It is so cute.

You are very shy when people talk to you, but you nearly ALWAYS point to Oscar and say "Bockie? Bockie?" as if you are introducing him to them. You are so proud of your baby brother.

You love to be a little mama. You carry your babies around, put them in carriers, feed them bottles and nun them, push them in the stroller, and even change their 'diapie' s. When you pick them up, you say "Mama's gotchew, it okay" and it just makes me want to squeeze you.

When you want picked up, you say "Mama hold you" or "Daddy hold you"

Every time we get in the car, you say "Coke!" and "Shoppin!" which would give the impression that what we do during the everyday is get a Diet Coke from a drive through and then go shopping. While that sounds pretty awesome to me, it's not quite the case.

Some of your favorite words/phrases:

burrito
pote-ye (Chipotle)
Adam (neighbor)
'way (throw away)
Bockie Sillye
Oh funny
pyayin (playing)
bite-za (pizza)
Uh Oh Gettyos

You are the sweetest girl, Mae, and I am so glad to be your mama.

Love

2011-10-24T05:16:00.001-04:00

This little boy

Got two new teeth this week.

His very first ones!

He is growing up

So quickly.

Sometimes,

People ask

If we love him

As much as we would if he had grown in me.

Or as much as Mae.

I understand the curiosity
I do.

And the answer is easy
We love him.

We couldn't love him more.

We look at him
and see our son.

Just as we look at Mae
and see our daughter.

I was worried about it myself
in the days before we met him.

I am so thankful
the worrying was for naught.

As we love this boy.

From the top of his curly head

To the tips of his baby toes.

He is our son. And we are so grateful.

Friday Phone Pics

2011-10-21T05:35:00.001-04:00

Random photos from the phones over the past few weeks! (I can't for the life of me make them side by side - so sorry for the huge line!)

Movie

2011-10-20T05:07:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I did something I have never done before. Ever. I went to a movie - all. By. Myself. I know to some people that sounds like torture, but it was just what I needed.

See the empty carseat?!

I went and saw The Help (such a great book and movie!), and cried my little eyes out. All by myself. The best part? I had a gift card.

Adventure

2011-10-19T05:55:00.000-04:00

At least once a weekend, we go on an adventure. I use the term veeeery loosely - to be clear. Our adventures are things like finding some random store half an hour away, a new trail to walk, or even a block or two down the street to get groceries at Publix. Somehow, though, when it is all 4 of us - it feels like an adventure.

Our fearless leader

Er...hydration for the journey. Or something like that.

Lots of rain means full ditches and pretty lily pads.

And slow moving traffic.

Proof that I was there!

Our littlest adventurer was fast asleep.

And this girl was keeping us entertained!

Thankful for my 'adventuresome' little family.

More progress

2011-10-18T05:03:00.000-04:00

So I have been sooooo slow at taking the photos of our finished living spaces (insert excuse about having to change lenses, have good lighting, and...um... pick up all of the toys.. in order to get good pics here). I promise I will do it soon!

Here are a few little snapshots in the mean time.

Walk

2011-10-17T05:29:00.000-04:00

On Saturday morning, we all went for a walk on a fun trail a friend introduced me to. The kids did so great! We made it just over 4.5 miles, and by the very end poor Boo had to hitch a ride on the stroller. He was so tired! Oscar napped most of the way, and little Mae just chattered and chattered. She loved pointing out all of the 'bikers!' and the people 'RUNNIM!!'. We even let her get out and walk the last little bit to the parking lot and she thought she was such a big girl.

Swingin'

2011-10-14T05:15:00.000-04:00

We have had a 'sneak peek' at Fall around here.
All of the locals say that it will be a few weeks before it's here to stay.
(Boo.)
But we have been soaking up every minute of it!
Love these babies.
(Even when I change about 48 poopie diapers every day.)

Outside

2011-10-13T05:35:00.000-04:00

We spend a LOT of time out on our covered screened in deck now that it's not so hot, so I took my camera out one morning. Happy to have happy babies!

(She was 'on the wone')

(Little Coy Boy strikes again! Mae was making up for it...)

Oscar - Coy Boy

2011-10-12T05:30:00.000-04:00

This little dude is a bit camera shy. By all of the photos of him, he looks pretty serious. That is NOT the case! He is the happiest little man you ever did see, and it is oh so easy to get a husky chuckle out of him. That is, unless, you happen to have a camera in your hand. I thought I had him this time though - he was having a grand old time outside in his saucer. As you can see though, as soon as he spied the good ol' Canon - all smiles were gone. Silly boy!

Maisie - Adventure Girl

2011-10-11T06:25:00.000-04:00

I decided to just let Mae roam the other evening after O was in bed to see what she would do. She was a busy girl!

26

2011-10-10T06:10:00.000-04:00

I had a birthday this weekend.

But there aren't many pictures.

Whoops!

So here are my gifts

And the cake.

I think 26

Is going to be great.

We're not in Kansas anymore (Part 3)

2011-10-07T05:21:00.000-04:00

We were outside in the rain the other night, and noticed some little leaves jumping around. At first we just assumed that the rain drops were hitting them and making the bounce, but upon further investigation - they weren't leaves at all. They were teeny tiny little frogs! Like the size of Mae's fingernail tiny - and there were at least 20 of them. We were mean and caught one so I could take some photos, but don't you worry, we let him go. He was so tiny it was hard for my camera to focus on him (that or clearly I'm not a good photog...ha!). We put a penny next to him for size reference. I wonder how many more critter adventures we have ahead of us? (I just hope none involve alligators or bears. Or crocodiles.)

Better Together

2011-10-06T05:16:00.000-04:00

Sharing

2011-10-05T05:02:00.000-04:00

Since Oscar is now a pro at sitting on his own, he and Mae are such little buddies. I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching them together!

(He thinks she's pretty great.)

Mama baby

2011-10-04T06:06:00.000-04:00

I got ambitious the other evening and made Mae a baby carrier just like the one we use for her every night. The straps were too short, but she didn't care.

Mae - what do you do with a baby?

You hug him...

You kiss him...

You love him!

Big First!

2011-10-03T06:15:00.000-04:00

Well, it's the moment he has been waiting for since the day he was born. Oscar got to try a bite of 'real' food!! We do baby led weaning (skipping purees and going straight to whole foods), and while he's not quite ready - we thought we would let him experiment the other night. Here is his first taste of banana.

Maybe he wasn't as excited about it as he thought he would be! Sweet boy.

Wagon Ram

2011-09-30T06:05:00.000-04:00

Clearly, she was feeling better. Notice the Wildcats kickin' some Florida booty on the TV in the background....EMAW!

Childproof?

2011-09-29T06:07:00.000-04:00

Child proof locks don't work so well after the child figures them out. Dang.