Snap shots of Happiness

Peek-A-Boo

2012-02-13T08:19:00.000-05:00

Peek

-A-

Boo

6 Months

2012-02-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

I realize the Charlie is just a few days shy of 7 months but these photos were taken closer to the time when he was newly 6 months. I just never got around to getting them on here.

It is hard to believe that you have already been in my arms for half a year! I can't imagine life without you and at the same time it seems as though you just got here. I am in awe of how quickly you are growing up.

At six months old you have learned to pull yourself up and stand. This makes you very happy and when you are happy you drool just a little more than when you are just contently sitting.

Your two bottom teeth have popped out. This makes your siblings believe that you are now ready to eat food like them and I have to watch you even more carefully since you are all too willing to accept their snacks and cereal as they hand it to you.

You have fallen in love with Mum Mums, grahm crackers and tiny cooked and cut up carrots. You seem to like to feed yourself more than Mommy feeding you. Anything that you can safely feed yourself you appear to love. At times you will even make growling noises as I prepare your food.

Your curiosity about the world around you grows as you reach for and grab anything you can. I am still not sure how but you manage to move around a room without crawling to get what you want. You are fascinated by anything new and study it with much interest and a concerned look on your face.

Spending time outside is a new favorite and I can tell that as it warms up you will enjoy being outside just as your older siblings do. The chickens and ducks appear to be one of the most amazing things you have ever seen. You will even push off of me and turn to get a better look at them.

This past month you have really started talking in the car and it is the sweetest thing. You "ooohhh", "woooo" and "aaaaa" in this deep little baby man voice. You used to just ride along but now you interact with your siblings, talk away, and seem interested in what's passing by your window. We all love watching you learn.

Six months go by all too fast.

sleep

2012-02-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

Sweet Charlie sleeping.

I can't think of many things that are sweeter than holding one of my sleeping babies.

Mmmm

2012-02-11T14:42:00.000-05:00

Num

Poor Charlie

2012-02-04T10:33:00.001-05:00

It's been one of those days.

the best

2012-02-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

Days when we have no where to go and impromptu photo shoots on Mommy and Daddy's unmade bed are some of my favorite things!

Apparently having Mommy stand over top of you in her jammies holding a camera is funny.

Or scary, I'm not sure which.

Either way hitting my head on the ceiling sent ripples of laughter from three scantily dressed little ones.

Trying to stomp my feet while bent over peek a booing around the camera must have been quite the sight but they all looked at me and laughed, clapping their hands for more.

Lazy days and unplanned photo fun are the best!

The differnce

2012-02-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

Felicity is my sweet relief from being out numbered by my boys. Boys I love dearly and wouldn't trade for anything but a sweet girl is such a blessing!

I never really got the true difference between boys and girls till I had them myself.

Felicity is sweet and calm. Loves to cuddle and feed her babies, tucks them under the covers every night and nap time with a kiss and a snuggle. She soothes and talks tenderly to her baby brother. Playing house, being the Mommy while her big brother is the daddy, dressing up in princess dresses and gasping at beautiful things like her Aunt Mary's ring are all things that make her, her.

She removes my hand so she can burp Charlie, asks to feed him, has attempted to change his diaper, plays "boo" (play scares him; he loves it) with him, enjoying hair bows, sitting and put on different shoes or looking at and playing with my jewelry for long periods of time.

I thought kids were all crazy like Wes. I love his craziness and Felicity can be crazy with him but she can also be still in a way that he can't. She is content with a coloring book and crayons, give her a pen and a scrap of paper and she will scribble till there is no empty space left.

I love watching her care for her dollies and babies. She has to wrap her babies just so, their arms under the covers and usually have their own pillow and blankets. She feeds them, changes them, asks for a wipe when they poop and just loves on them in such a sweet way. Wes played with dolls too but the innate motherly instinct and tenderness in Felicity is so feminine.

I love our alone time when we get to paint our toes and snuggle together. She kisses my cheek and asks for a "muah" as she points to her own cheek. We color pages of her Disney Princess book or play with her magnetic dolls while she sits happily in my lap. We usually get this quiet time on Saturdays while Matt and Wes work and Charlie naps and I'm pretty sure she enjoys it as much as I do.

Have a little girl is so fun and such a blessing.

Sweetness

2012-02-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

This is yet another blog devoted entirely to Charlie. I never tire of taking his photos or just looking at him in general. I just love this kid!

Even with his drippy chin and the snail trail of drool he leaves behind everywhere he scoots.

His sweetness is the perfect cure to a bad day.

I love you Charlie.

No longer immobile

2012-01-31T20:52:00.000-05:00

He's not crawling yet but he makes his way around the living room.

No longer content to sit idly and watch the world move around him.

Charlie is reaching and inching his way around.

Slowly and all to quickly showing me once again how quickly he is growing.

It seems this last month has held so many changes for my littlest buddy. I love watching him learn about and enjoying the world around him!

kids room

2012-01-30T14:23:00.001-05:00

We have been spending a lot of time upstairs trying to get everything settled from our switching rooms around and making a family/storage closet upstairs. I will up photos of both later for those who have asked to see them. I had moved everything around a couple times but I finally think I got it perfect or as perfect as it is going to get.

I love moving furniture around and reorganizing but I am very slow at finishing it completely. We went out and bought a gallon of paint for at least three of the walls in the kids room. I am very excited to see that completed and possibly adding a second fun color on one wall.

It's been a challenge to make a room that will work for both the boys and Felicity. Okay, it's not that bad, I have made it onto a challenge, the kids couldn't care less what their room looks like or if their bed spreads coordinate. I like things to look good together so I have made their room my not so little winter challenge.

I am going to order fabric to make a curtain for the windows and have painted a couple pieces of furniture bright happy colors. We painted over old canvases and made hand print art of hang on the walls as well as putting in my request for my mom to complete coordinating afghans for the beds.

Can you tell I enjoy this kind of stuff? I do. I was even going to paint the bunk beds we got at an awesome deal on Craigslist but I am going to let them be for now...I think. Thankfully my helpers have been helpful and played contently while I have been working. Charlie has mastered standing in his crib, while the older two play "Mommy and Daddy" or "Princess and Prince" or "babies", it has been fun watching them play together and incorporating Charlie into their make believe time. I can't wait to be able to share pictures of them playing in the room when it is painted and finished completely!

Silliness

2012-01-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we are just silly for not other reason than to be silly. Felicity will spend a whole day with a dish towel hair clipped to her head, just because.

Wes will sing to his lunch or put on a one man show when no one is in the room with him. He will spend the better part of the day in his dragon suit and ask to be referred to as dragon or make up a new language and expect us to know what he is talking about!

We can be a little silly sometimes but it's what keeps us sane during the long cold winters.

Seriously!?!

2012-01-24T21:43:00.001-05:00

Things like this always creep up on me, even though I know that they are coming somehow they still get me, every-time. Just when I am busy and unsuspecting my kids grow up, do something new, prove to me once again that they are speedily becoming exactly who they are meant to be.

Charlie is the latest culprit. He literally made me gasp "SERIOUSLY?". This gasp was quickly followed by "Wes quick get Mommy the camera...quick!" The little stinker pulled himself up and was standing in his crib sucking on the railing. Just standing there like it was no big deal, drool dripping onto the floor, STANDING! I mean, come on, Really! Already? What happened to that little bundle that couldn't wake up long enough to eat? When did he get replaced by this slobbering, food loving, STANDING baby?

In the next few minutes Charlie fell and pulled himself up a couple times. Each time seemed to be a little easier and resulted in much celebrating from his joyous siblings and shocked mother. We were all shocked and overly joyful. So joyful in fact, every photo I took came out blurry, until a certain older brother body slammed the crib and sent our newest little stander toppling down and he was once again that little baby that wanted his Mommy. ( He wasn't hurt, don't worry.)

I am in awe, amazed once again that I have these wonderful little people, little incredibly busy people. That God chose me to be there mother and that I have not yet learned to not be surprised at all they are capable of and how quickly they become capable of more. God has truly blessed me and I will thank and praise Him for allowing my babies to grow up.

I am sure there are a billion more surprises just waiting to shock me and I am so happy there are.

Mmmm Bread

2012-01-24T08:04:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, some of our family members were not healthy enough to do to church so we took a long family drive to get out of the house. We stopped at a deli to get ham salad and crusty Italian bread.

Charlie was sitting on my lap in the front seat and was not satisfied to just sit at our car picnic and watch us all fill our bellies. He kept grabbing at and grunting at my sandwich. I gave him the crustiest end piece and he went to town! That bread did not last long!

We have another carbohydrate lover.

much longer

2012-01-23T07:53:00.003-05:00

He won't fit in the bathroom sink much longer.

I celebrate each new milestone with great joy that he is healthy enough to be growing so fast but there is always a tiny bit of sadness that it all happens so fast.

Bouncy Balls

2012-01-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Bouncy Balls

I got the idea off of Pinterest .

2T of warm water and 1/2t of borax

Add food coloring and stir till disolved.

In another bowl add 1T glue.

Add to that 1/2t of colored borax mixture and 1T cornstarch.

Wait an agonizing 15 seconds...

Stir

and stir

till it looks like this.

When it's too hard to stir take it out and mush and roll it in your hands or let the kids do like I did. It's icky sticky for a minute but quickly sticks to it's self and comes right off your hands. When it forms a ball and is no longer icky, bounce it...gently.

Or just play with it.

(Note: it is glue so encourage the kids to keep it out of their hair. I will stick and result in much screaming and a shower.)

Other wise have fun and enjoy your bouncy balls. They did not turn out the way I was expecting but the kids did not seem to mind. Ours collected all the cereal crumbs on the floor so keep the balls on a table or you will end up with ugly bouncy balls.

Bouncing Boy

2012-01-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

Charlie like to jump

jump

jump!

The Jonny Jump Up is his favorite place to hang out when I am busy. He gets a lot of attention while in there because it hangs in the doorway between our kitchen/dinner room and living room. He can see everything that is going on downstairs, be part of the action and jump till his happy feet can't jump any more.

When I was taking the above photos of Charlie Felicity wanted her photo taken and kept lifting her shirt every time I was about to take a photo. I'm not sure what that was about.

I did manager to catch a couple of her with her shirt down. She is a silly girl.

A friend just gave Charlie a walker and he is happy in there as well. We don't have a lot of open space for him to walk about much but he does seem to scoot himself about fairly well where he can.

I think he is going to love it when I go to work with him on the weekends. I can't get over how quickly he is growing and how little time I have left before he is mobile on his own!

"Mad" Birds

2012-01-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

Wesley first learned about "Mad" Birds, he calls Angry Birds Mad Birds and no amount of correcting has changed it, from his Grandan's cell phone. Since then he has fallen more and more in love with them.

My mom gave him a pig and a bird for Christmas and he sleeps with them every night. Usually he just throws them at random things and occasionally the wrong things.

I was going to make him some of the Angry Bird crafts that I have seen on Pinterest but I just haven't gotten around to them yet.

When I suggested that we use the blocks to make pig towers he jumped up and down with excitement.

I was impressed with some of his designs and patience in making the towers stable.

Even his minion joined in the fun!

This fun lasted almost an hour which rates right up there with Play Doh for keeping Wes' attention the longest. He really enjoyed himself and we all had fun helping him and counting down for him to throw his bird.

I think we found another fun indoor activity to fill up our long winter.

Makeover

2012-01-18T14:40:00.001-05:00

Someone was playing with Mommy's makeup while I was getting ready.

I usually let her but this time she opened up the containers and gave herself a makeover.

Purple eyeshadow is supposed to go on your cheeks right?!

When I was finished I put everything back in its bag and went upstairs to check on Charlie. Felicity decided she was not done and took out the mascara.

I wasn't happy that she got back into my bag but I was rather impressed with her ability to put on mascara! There is a photo of me after I gave myself a makeover when I was about her age. I guess she is just following in my foot steps.

Splish Splash

2012-01-14T21:44:00.001-05:00

Splish splash and a Rub a dub dub

Charlie's in the ~~sink~~ tub.

This little boy loves tub time now that he can sit up well.

The floor was wetter than ever tonight! I had to let most of the water out to keep the waterfall down the cupboard to a minimum.

He was splashing and splashing and splashing, then he would look at me with surprise when he splashed himself in the face. Silly boy.

Oh and today is an extra special day because I noticed that his two bottom teeth have broken through! I can't believe that tomorrow my baby is going to be 6 months old tomorrow has two teeth and is old enough to sit alone in the sink!

Love you Charlie.

Connection

2012-01-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

I could stare into these eyes all day.

There is such a connection between a Mommy and her baby during feeding time. I personally don't notice a difference in whether it is with the breast or the bottle, it is just such a personal time between the two of us. I love snuggling up with my baby and feeding him.

Swingin' winter

2012-01-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

The weather this winter has been everything but frightful.

It has been in the 40's and some days even sunny.

We have been taking advantage of the free vitamin D whenever we can.

The kids love to swing.

Wesley on his tire swing

And Felicity in her baby swing. She can use the regular swings just fine but asks to be the "bebe" most days when she wants to swing.

I'm just glad that they are able to burn off some energy outside and soak in the sunshine. Even if it is only on their hands and faces.

We will take the snow when it comes but until then we are soaking up this winter sunshine!

5 months

2012-01-07T12:10:00.003-05:00

On December 15th you turned 5 months. I am continually amazed at how fast you are growing and changing.

In the last month you have lost most of your dark new born hair. It fell out gradually as the newer much lighter hair quickly took its place. You look much more like your older brother with your blond hair.

You have learned to sit unassisted and love it! You no longer are content sitting in your bouncy chair or swing now that you know you can sit on your own. I still try to put you in them but you protest loudly in a very short amount of time.

You pushed and flipped your way out of both the bumbo and the bebe pod. That really surprised me as your sister sat in them to eat till she was much older.

You are starting to learn to love baby food. You have a strong gag reflex which means the magic bullet is getting a real work out. Your favorites are pureed oatmeal, bananas, butternut and acorn squash.

You laugh huge belly laughs at the simplest things. Everyone enjoys finding new things to make you laugh. Two of the easiest ways to make you laugh are popping Bubble wrap and slapping the bed or couch while you are either sitting or laying on it.

You also started turning to and reaching for Mommy when someone else is holding you. It really is the sweetest thing and I can't help but grab you and snuggle you close.

Most nights you sleep through without waking but recently you have been waking again and I am wondering if you teeth will be making an appearance soon.

Your hands and feet are your favorite chew toys and your shirts are usually wet with drool as you slobber on everything that comes near your mouth.

Most people comment on what a happy little guy you are. You have a very easy to please and content personality. I love watching that personality grow and become more uniquely you.

You are so love Little Charlie!

3 weeks on Christmas

2012-01-06T21:55:00.001-05:00

Christmas is over, the New Year is here, our tree is sitting in the back yard waiting for a Spring time bon fire and I am finally sitting down to write about our Christmas, or shall I say Christmases.

Our first Christmas was at Matt's sister's home. It was the week before Christmas and Wesley called it "the little christmas". The tree was beautiful and the food delicious.

The kids were excited about their gifts and happy spend time with not only Grandma and Grampy but Aunt Judy, Uncle Bill, Jeremy, Uncle Jordan and Aunt Marisa. They are the only kids out of the bunch and enjoyed all the attention.

Next was on early morning Christmas complete with Pioneer Woman cinnamon buns. It was a great morning I was thrilled to be able to capture some of the moments on my new video camera.

We were able to talk to Aunt Britty while we opened gifts from her and Uncle Brent.

Later that day we drove to Aunt Faith's and crashed their Christmas dinner. We weren't the only crashers. A foursome of Amish folks joined our fun!

They brought gifts wrapped in parchment paper that looked more like packages of fresh cut meat than home made Christmas gifts. It was great fun playing the traditional Christmas gift game with them.

Charlie was passed around like a drooling hot potato while Wesley played with all the Christmas candy poopers (an astonishing new device to the Amish).

Then it was home where my sister Jill and her new fiance Dan came to visit.

Lastly we drove 6 hours to spend New Year's weekend with my mom, Grandan, Kirstie (who moved back from Texas) Zach, Nick, Nate and Angie. We celebrated with gifts, a delicious dinner, bon fire, coffee and hot cocoa. My mom made an awesome afghan for Matt and the kids all got pillow pets something the two older kids had been really wanting.

We spread our Christmas out over 3 weeks and it was a wonderful blur of activities. We have so much to be thankful for and many great memories. One of my favorite moments is when Wes asked if we were going to give Jesus a birthday cake.

Oh Christmas tree

2011-12-21T08:44:00.001-05:00

This year's Christmas tree cutting was much quicker than past years. We wanted to go for a drive that day so we packed up the kids on the first below freezing December day and set out to find a tree. Our living room is tiny and the ceiling are short so it's always a little challenging to find a tree that we can fit without it taking over our living space. We found a great tree and had it cut down and we were back in the car in about 5 minutes! I was happily surprised and grateful because we were all freezing our toes off!

This is also the first year that we do not have a cat so we opted for a soft tree. We usually get the prickliest tree we can find to keep the cats out. This tree is so soft that it has a hard time holding up our ornaments, next year we will have to try to find a happy medium.

I decided to let the kids decorate the tree so I just handed them all the unbreakable ornaments and for the next 5 minutes there was flurry of activity around the tree. After that the kids lost interest and our tree was heavily decorated around the middle.

Felicity was hamming it up as usual. She is turning into a little character just like her older brother.

Wes is in charge of watering the tree and making sure the ornaments stay on the tree. He takes his new responsibility pretty seriously.

Charlie loves it when I lay him under the tree so that he can stare at the lights and try to eat the branches. He loves to brag and put anything his slimy fingers grasp into his drooly mouth.

The finished tree is just right for this year. It's not perfect but we like it and next year the ornament will be a little higher up the tree.

Felicity's Christmas

2011-12-20T08:12:00.002-05:00

I can not believe how much this little girl has grown and changed since last Christmas. Just look her last year!

Charlie's 1st Christmas

2011-12-19T20:41:00.001-05:00

There

is something

very

special

about

a baby's

First Christmas!

2011-12-19T13:40:00.003-05:00

Our Christmas Card

Friends

2011-12-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

These are some of my favorite blogs to read. I hope you find some great inspiration, friends and photographs. :)

Heather Traveling down the tracks of life

Hannah Aspire

Christina These Blessed Momments

MckMama

Ashley Make it and Love it

Jenilee Our Goodwin Journey

Photography

2011-12-01T11:34:00.000-05:00

I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I would take my mom's Cannon Rebel and use whole rolls of film on silly things like my brother jumping in his jolly jumper. I remember using up to 3 rolls on a trip to the zoo. My Gramma gave me her Cannon Rebel when she could no longer use it and I used that until I bought a Kodak point and shoot when Wesley was a baby. Two years ago Matt bought me a Nikon D3000. I have learned so much in those years. I look forward to learning more and continuing to practice.

Here are a couple of my favorite photography blogs!

Pixel Perfect

Simplicity

Christina Vaughan Photogaphy

Ashley Sisk

Then there were 5

Favorites

2011-12-01T11:08:00.001-05:00

Here are some of my favorite blogs posts so far.

Meet my Family

Family

2011-12-01T09:18:00.002-05:00

My name is Lindsay; I am the oldest of five children, daughter of a great mom, wife to Matthew, mommy to three spunky kids, aspiring photographer and a child of the King. I love photography and try to learn as much about it as I can. Crafting and spending time outdoors are also some of my favorite past times.

I spend most days being a mom and wife. It's a full time job, a hard job but one that I have spent my entire life practicing for. The piles of laundry, dishes and toys can be overwhelming at times but the memories I have with my child are worth every moment! I also clean a couple houses and babysit a few days a week. This gives me a little quiet time and extra money as well as giving my kids time to play with their buddies.

Matt and I were married in October of 2005. It was a terribly rainy day, our outdoor reception had ankle deep water running through it and people changed into barn boots, jackets and hats. Many things went not as planned but it was memorable nonetheless and we were happy to be married.

Three short months later we learned we were going to be parents. After 8 months of vomiting and sever heart burn Wesley burst into our lives and we were forever changed not to mention completely and utterly in love with our drooling darling. From day one this little guy kept us moving, he is a busy character, one of a kind, a challenge and a sweet heart. He says the craziest things, does dangerous stunts, talks nonstop and has an amazing memory. He's a leader and very strong willed but willing to help, full of life and has never met someone who he does not instantly call his friend.

Two and a half years later we welcomed a much calmer more relaxed Felicity into your family. Her mellow snugly personality was a pleasant surprise. She did things in her own time and wouldn't be pushed into walking, crawling or talking. She has a tough, I mean business side to her when she needs it and can take care of herself when she plays with the big boys. She is all things girly but loves to get dirty and find bugs with her brother, while wearing pretty bows in her hair. She is tender with her babies and tucks their into bed with her almost every night.

This past July we welcomed our newest member Charlie. He is a little sweet heart and a very easy smiler. He's not my easiest baby nor my hardest. He has a slightly different but absolutely adorable look than his older siblings. He is strong and wiry like Wesley but loves to cuddle like Felicity.

Our family also includes some feathered members. We have three pekin ducks; Love Duck, Donald and Daisy (original I know) and three hens, Ruby, Hattie, and Hannah. They not only leave us piles of poop in the grass but fresh eggs every morning. We love our feathered friends and look forward to possible ducklings this spring.

5 years old!

2011-10-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

I am definitely not old enough to have a 5 year old son. Definitely not. If I was though I would be super proud of my boy.

I would be trying my hardest to encourage his leadership skills while discouraging his tendency to be a little too opinionated. I would praise his sweet talks with his baby brother and his willingness to play with his sister who is currently suffering from "mine-itis".

I would sneak into his bedroom at night, put his hanging leg back up on his bed, tuck him in and kiss his finally still head. I'd pray for him every night and through out each day.

I'd wonder what God was thinking when He gave me such a crazy boy! I thank God for giving me such a crazy boy. I'd smile when he brought me a handful of smash dandelions.

I'd cry when he wore me out at the end of a hard day. I'd buy him his very own bag of Brussels sprouts because he asked so nicely.

I would snuggle him when he snuck into my bed in the morning after his Daddy left for work. I would constantly remind him to put his worn out crocs on the right feet. I'd ask him not to make loud screeching sounds a hundred times a day.

I'd hold his small hand in mine as we walked side by side and when he asked why, I'd tell him because it's one of my favorite hands to hold. I'd wash said hands countless times a day and wonder how it was possible to get some much dirt on two sticky hands.

I'd laugh as he learned that baking powder does not taste like powdered sugar. I'd crack right up when he would come down stairs from bed in a bright red leotard. I'd marvel at the amount of peanut butter and jelly I'd feed him in a week.

I'd be sad when he had to learn a lesson the hard way. I'd want to cry when his heart was broken. I'd forget about a horrible day when he snuggled me and told me I was the "bestest mommy in the whole widest world."

My heart would melt when I saw him holding his sister's hand. I'd cherish is snuggles even if he kept wiggling the whole time.

I'd watch him try to be just like his Daddy and fix things around the house. I'd be nervous as he climbed higher, drove faster, jumped farther and fell harder than he did the day before.

I'd be the proudest mom ever as he learned to ride his two wheeler. I'd miss him while I was at work. I'd long for quiet time and realize I like my crazy time with my boy just as much.

If I was old enough to have a 5 year old boy, I'd be blessed beyond measure to have a boy like Wesley.

Happy Birthday my sweet boy.

You are and will forever be my most favorite Wesley in the whole widest world!

I love you.

Grateful

2011-10-12T08:02:00.000-04:00

Today I am grateful for these three beautiful children and a day to do nothing but be with them. I have been so busy lately that I have not been able to just "be" with them like I would like to be. Yesterday we did nothing and it was wonderful. I had a chance to try taking photos of them in manual (thanks to Faith's photography class) and I am very happy with the results.

We were on a evening walk in one of the most beautiful places I know, with no where to rush off to and nothing pressing to do when I got home. I was able to just let the kids run and did not have to try hard to get these shots of them because they were just having a good time already.

My kids make me happy and I really needed a day like yesterday to just relax and be there mom. It was perfect.

I am so blessed to be their Mommy.

Charlie's 1st 12 weeks

2011-10-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

We welcomed you into our world on July 15th.

One day

First day home. 2 days old

3 days old

1 Week

2 week

3 weeks

We took a 8 hour car ride to my cousin's wedding. We ran out of diapers at the reception and I made a cloth diaper out of a burp cloth and rafetta.

4 weeks
You give us your first real smile. You smile when Mommy makes a motor sound and smiles at you.

4 weeks

First camping trip and visit to Vermont.

5 weeks
You are starting to like to lay under your toys and bat at them with your hands.

6 weeks
Aunt Britty came from Texas to visit.

7 weeks
First time in the Jonny Jumper. You love to stand and will spend 15 minutes looking around.

8 weeks
Mommy starts working again.

9 weeks

10 weeks

11 weeks
Second camping trip

12 weeks

Big Girl Update

2011-09-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

Felicity has been doing a lot of growing up in the past few months. She is quickly leaving the toddler age and turning into a big girl. A big girl that still likes to snuggle and sometimes be held.

She is however, becoming more and more independent and making up her mind about how things should be done. Take the photo above for example, she was sitting there relaxing and I though it would be super cute if she put her hands behind her head for a photo. She did not think that would be a good idea and crossed her arms and said "yike dis mama".

She wants to be just like her big brother Wesley. She does just about everything he does; sadly this includes some not so lovely things like spitting, climbing on top of the monkey bars, peeing in the grass, trying to stand to pee, wearing her shoes on the wrong feet, making crazy faces at the camera and repeating annoying loud noises in the car. She tags along behind him like a shadow just trying to keep up with all that he does.

She has discovered Disney Princesses and LOVES them! This is not something I encouraged (for no real reason) so I was surprised how quickly she fell in love with them. When my sister Brittany was up she would let Felicity play a princess matching game on her phone. Every time you touched a princess card to flip it over it phone made to clicking sound, well Felicity can't say Princess so she now makes the clicking sound that the phone made whenever she talks about Princesses. It is hysterical! She sounds like she is talking in some crazy tribal language. "Mama where my (click)?" *gasp "yook (click) piddy (click)!" It's really funny!

She is very protective at times of Charlie and if I ever don't have him, she is quick to ask where he is. She loves to help hold his bottle and pat his back to burp him. One day she was watching intently as I changed a pee diaper. I asked her if she wanted to change him and she quickly took over. It was fun to watch her try to change him and how she talked sweetly to him as she did. I ended up helping her help but she was very proud of her diaper change. She calls him "Olyee"

She still prefers to wear dresses but will not complain about wearing pants, if giving the opportunity to pick her outfit it is always a dress. All shoes are boots to her. When she is thirsty she says "I hehee". (It took us awhile to figure out that one.) She calls coffee "num num" and loves to steal sips even before I put cream and sugar in. When asked a question she usuaully replies with "yep" or "nope", if asked to say yes instead of yep it comes out "yesh".

Yesterday working on saying her name sounded something like this.

Me "Say Fe-li-ci-ty"

Felicity "me"

Me "No say the word Felicity"

Felicity "me"

Me "OK how about Peanut. Say Pea, good job. Now say nut. Great! Now say Peanut."

Felicity "me"

Two Months Old

2011-09-15T20:34:00.000-04:00

It is amazing to me that you have been in my arms for two months already and at the same time hard to believe you were not always there.

At this moment you are sound to sleep in your sling, snuggled up on my chest, it's your favorite place to be and one of the only ways I can calm you at times.

Your second month is a stark difference from your first. You are now awake and try your hardest to stay that way. You coo and goo, squeal and grunt to anyone who is willing to give you a smile.

You are strong just like your brother Wes. You love to stand on Mommy's hands and look over my shoulder.

You only like to be cradled in the sling or moments before you fall to sleep. The world is much too exciting for you to just cuddle.

You have decided that sleeping in the car is only possible when the vehicle is moving, that your siblings are great distractions while Mommy finishes a task before feeding you and that your tummy is the only way you will sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time.

You smile and squirm when we talk sweetly to you and stick out your bottom lip and cry when some one hollers or yells. Your smile is about the best double dimpled smile around! Your coos and baby babble are sweet and contagious as your older siblings mimic you and try to make out what words you are trying to say.

You have officially out grown all your newborn and 0-3 month clothes. You are long and lean weighing in at 11 pounds and 23 1/2 inches long.

You spit up often and need your clothes changed 3 or 4 times a day. Wes is quite disgusted by all the "pukes" and often runs away as you spit, but will wipe off Mommy's back if asked to.

These past two months have been exhausting and full of family members meeting and falling in love with you. Every minute with you is a good one, even those long tired minutes in the middle of the night. God has blessed us more than expected with you. You are so loved!

To the moon

2011-08-11T21:30:00.002-04:00

I just love these munchkins to the moon and back a bazillion times.

Even when I'm so tired that I can't talk right,

when I smell like spit up,

when I'm holding puke and pee soaked clothes and its not all from the newborn,

when all three are happily sitting together long enough for my to capture a memory to remember how short of a time I will be a puke covered sleep deprived Mommy to three small and incredibly adorable children.

Before and After

2011-08-11T12:16:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to be joining in the fun today. It's my first day home completely alone with all three kids. I have never had this much help or family around with my other two children so I have been completely spoiled and I loved every minute of it. Today is the beginning of reality and I love this as well, just wish my laundry and dish fairy still came every day.

This photo was taken at my cousin Marissa's wedding to her husband Markos. We traveled there this past weekend. It was a 10 trip and all though it had it's rough times, it went surprisingly well. Charlie had a few "first" experiences that I will write about later. It was a very fast but fun weekend but most importantly the wedding and bride were beautiful and the flower girl was adorable.

Before:

After:

This photo is extra special because when I was a little older than Felicity I was the flower girl in my Aunt's (the bride's mother) wedding. It was very neat to see my little girl with my cousin as a bride.

Blessed

2011-08-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

Charlie is 2 1/2 weeks old already and I am beginning to feel bad that I have not posted more photos of him or about life since he made his speedy arrival. I started to write his birth post but have not been able to finish it yet. My sweet baby is a hungry boy and not a great nurser which means I spend hours and hours a day sitting and nursing him. The other two would nurse easily but Charlie requires two hands and all my attention so I don't have much time to use the computer. I don't mind much though, it gives me plenty of time to look at and cherish all his sweetness.

These photos happened on accident and I am so glad that they did! I was photographing Charlie for his birth announcement and the older two were running around the yard while Kirstie (my visiting sister from Texas) and my mom devoted our attention to Charlie. When we walked out in the field to my favorite box, the kids followed and I quickly removed Wes' dirty shirt and could not be happier with the photos that followed.

I can see so clearly see the curiosity and love in Wesley's face as he snuggles his little brother. I'm always impressed with how well Wesley does when he gets a new sibling. He instantly loves and accepts them and cares and worries about them as if they were always a part of the family.

Both kids have done so well with Charlie! Felicity was not overly thrilled when she visited in the hospital and protested me nursing Charlie the first two days home. She has since adjusted and often sits right next to me while I feed Charlie now. She and Wesley dote on Charlie and cover him in kisses through out the day. Felicity likes to snuggle and hold Charlie and if not watched closely will try to pick him up.

Charlie seems to be a combination of Wes and Felicity. He is not as alert or needy as Wesley was or as calm and content as Felicity. He enjoys being held in both a wrap and a sling like Felicity but hate having his hands swaddled like Wes. His appetite is very much like Wes' (he eats a lot) but can be persuaded to wait a little while with a binki like his sister. I am amazed that Matt and I can make three different children that are so much alike and so very different.

I am so in love with our newest family member and how he made us into a family of five! I love watching the children interact with each other and see their expressions as they watch Charlie squiggle and groan. I love how Charlie has made Felicity a big sister and how she just loves her new role. I'm amazed how big she now seems and pleasantly surprised that she still snuggles and cuddles with me just as much as before Charlie arrived. I am just so blessed to have big kids how want to help and get diapers, pacifiers, and burp clothes for me, who help out and enjoy their little brother.

God has really truly blessed us with all three of our children! They are healthy, full of life and beautiful. Matt and I are very thankful and blessed.

Before and After

2011-07-28T14:02:00.000-04:00

I am finally joining in again! I really missed seeing everyone's beautiful photos and edits but just have not been able to join in lately. I took this photo this morning and just could not help but share it. I love it!

Before, taken on my Nikon D3000 and 35 mm lens. My sister is holding a reflector on the silver side to direct light toward my 13 day old Charlie.

After. I used Lightroom 3 to edit this.

Charlie John

2011-07-18T14:56:00.000-04:00

Charlie John.

Born July 15, 2011

4:49pm

8 pounds 7 ounces

19 1/2 inches long

100% perfect!

My favorite place

2011-07-13T10:49:00.001-04:00

I have a favorite place. A place that always puts me in a good mood. A place that always gives me good photos and fun times. A place full memories and family time.

Technically it's not mine or even my husband's land, it's his uncles but it borders Matt's parents land so we visit it often. Matt mowed me a path around the edge of their property so I can walk or ride down there whenever I want.

We rode out there as a family after dinner and I fell in love again with my favorite place.

I told Wes that Black Eyed Susans were one of my favorite flowers and he ran into the field to pick me a bunch. They sit in the kitchen in a Izze bottle right now.

I love that my favorite flowers are the free kind that grow all over the roadsides and fields. It means lots of summer bouquets and pretty decorations around the house. Wes usually picks Felicity and I flowers everyday because he "loves us and takes good care of his Mommy and sister."

Matt is very sweet to us because he knows how much we love spending time here and makes sure we can easily access it whenever we want by mowing the path every time he mows the lawn. He takes good care of his family.

To me it's an almost magical place. The lighting is great and I can't really explain it but it's just a place where I can relax, stop thinking and enjoy my family.

I have so many fun photography ideas for this area. Some of which I hope to try out shortly after my little baby arrives. We have even talked about bringing out a picnic table so we can have picnics out there. I just love the back fields and can't wait to visit again soon, hopefully as a family of five!

This barn is not in my favorite place but it was on the ride home and I love it as well.

Princess Peanut

2011-07-12T09:43:00.001-04:00

I realize that I have not done an update post on Felicity in awhile.

This little Princess has been doing a lot of growing up lately.

Almost 3 weeks ago Wesley and she had a late night talk and decided that she was ready to be potty trained (I kid you not!). He removed her diaper and covered her back up in bed so when I came in to check on them that night I did not notice her naked bum. The next morning I found her diaperless and DRY! Potty training began in full swing that day.

Thanks to Wes and my constant need to use the bathroom myself, Felicity is pretty much potty trained now. No diapers at nap or bedtime and she has never wet her bed or the car seat! I could not be prouder. God has really blessed me with this little girl. I'm very much enjoying my short break from diapers!

Felicity is still not talking on the level of other kids her age but she is coming up with more words all the time. One of her funniest things right now is, every time we pass cows or a farm, she covers her nose and says "moo poo poo" . She and Wes get a big kick out of that and a chorus of giggles come from the backseat every time.

Her toes are almost always painted because she likes them to be "pretty". If one toe's paint in coming off she will continually remind me that it needs to be repainted until I paint them. Then she picks up her foot to her mouth and blows her toes.

Going for rides on four wheelers and tractors is on top of her list of fun things to do. She can tell by the sound of the machines who is coming into our yard. Grandpa and Jeremy stop by often and if she's inside she will yell the name of the driver and run to the door for a ride. Very rarely does she mix up the machine noises or not convince the driver to give her a ride.

Nearly every morning she comes into my bed and snuggles with me for at least 15 minutes before saying "I eat mama." This means she is ready to go have breakfast. I love these snuggle times and really hope they don't disappear like Wesley's did when Felicity was born. I treasure my snuggles!

With her painted toes, skinned knees, dirty hands, pretty dresses and messy hair my baby girl is quickly becoming a little girl.

Little Helpers

2011-07-11T09:22:00.000-04:00

Daddy's little helpers.

Daddy's little Peanut loves to help him fix motors and change tires,

just as much as her goofy brother does.

Pool fun

2011-07-08T10:15:00.002-04:00

Aww the heat of summer and sweet coolness of the kiddie pool.

As you can clearly see Wes was a little too enthusiastic about the pool for the two little ones. Almost every time he would run and jump into the pool Brad and Felicity would jump out.

It was pretty funny to see how Heather's little boy and Felicity wanted to do everything just like Wes even though when he did it he did it much faster and harder than they could possibly do.

The party ended abruptly when it started to rain and Wes thought he heard thunder.

It was great fun for the moms and the kids even if it did not last long enough. Thanks for having us over Heather!

Picnic

2011-07-07T18:11:00.000-04:00

On the forth we met Matthew's family at a spot near a local creek for a very relaxed picnic. It was the kind where you bring your own lunch and just enjoy each other's company.

Matt's sister Marisa showed the kids how to put maple seeds on their noses. I remember doing that as a kid but never thought to do it with my own. I'm glad she thought of it.

We thought about walking along the creek and letting the kids play but it had recently rained and the creek was swollen and rushing. We made due and had plenty of fun with out the water.

We saw a snake and found out that Wes really does not like them.

We announced to Matt's family that we have finally picked a name for our sweet little boy who could be arriving any day now!

I'm not going to announce his name here until he makes his grand appearance just in case we go with another name but I think the name we picked is going to be final.

I learned a lesson this Fourth of July. You don't always have to have a perfect spot or lots to do to have a fun family picnic. The kids were plenty happy with sticks and maple seeds and did not need play grounds or pools to be entertained. Sometimes I tend to forget that the best play is simple play. I'll try to remember that next time we plan a spur of the moment family gathering.

He asked for it

2011-07-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

Wes has been asking for this for almost a year.

Begging really.

Yesterday his wish came true.

Matthew finally made his boy a tire swing.

The look on Wes' face when he came outside after his nap and saw his long awaited swing was priceless. His eyes popped and he covered his mouth as he deeply inhaled. It was precious.

He said, "this is what I've always wanted."

I think it was worth the wait.

I love how easy it is to please this little guy.

His sweet smiles and happy giggles.

How he proudly wears my mom's high school cowboy boots.

I'm looking forward to many evenings of enjoying my children enjoying their tire swing.

Fireworks!

2011-07-05T11:02:00.000-04:00

This year we went to two different firework shows. I only took photos at the first show, which turned out to be the best show.

There was a small carnival set up with lots fried food and sweet treats. Matt treated us to a big bag of cotton candy and we all devoured it while waiting for it to get dark enough for the show to begin.

Matt's cousin Jeffery and his fiance Patty showed up shortly after we finished wiping off all our cotton candy faces.

The kids are in love with Jeffery and his brother Jeremy who live two houses down from us. They climbed up him and Patty giving Matt and I a chance to walk together and hold each other's hands for a change. It's nice to see the kids loving on other family members and making memories.

Jeff treated the kids to their first snow cones! Wes got a cherry cone and Felicity blue raspberry. Needless to say Felicity's sweater may never be the same.

She loved every staining minute of her special treat!

The fireworks did not start till almost 10 and by that time Felicity, who is still uncertain she like them was getting very tired. (She clings to you like Velcro and occasionally lets out a nervous giggle) She snuggled up on Patty and went into a weird trance and eventually fell to sleep.

Wes on the other hand bounced around from person to person commenting on nearly every firework. Asking how they were different colors, were the ashes go, how they make different shapes and all sorts of other questions I really did not have answers for.

The wind was blowing right towards us and with it came ashes and even some red embers. This was just about the greatest thing ever if you were Wesley! He was thrilled to see the embers glowing on the ground and quickly ran to stamp them out.

You would think with all the excitement combined with the late hour would have left Wes exhausted but it did not. He talked unstop the whole almost hour ride home. Felicity woke up as I put her in the car and stayed awake till about five minutes from home as well. I think it may have had something to do with all the sugar they consumed but it was all worth it and we had a great evening!

What did you do this 4th of July weekend?

Summer Time

2011-07-02T22:02:00.000-04:00

Summer time

is the best time

to play

outside

all day

with your Daddy.

Summer time

is the perfect time

to play

until past

bedtime.

We love

Summer time!

Big Boy Toys

2011-06-30T14:01:00.001-04:00

What would make a boy run screaming in joy after his Father and sister on the four wheeler and attempt to climb on the back, while it was running? Why would he do such a dare devil stunt that almost made his Mommy drop her camera and chase after him? Why would he give his father a near heart attach?

Quite possibly because we let him do this.

Matt rigged a four wheeler so that it will not leave 1st gear and can only accelerate to a safe speed for Wes to drive . I don't think there is anything else is the world that would have made this boy happier. His grin went from ear to ear and his giggles could be heard all the way across the yard!

He begged us to let him take his sister for a ride. We would not allow this. Then he asked if he could take me and he promised not to go too fast. He is such a cutie. He loves to be with his family and share his joy. He knows how much he loves it when we give him rides so why would we not want to ride with him?

I love this boy!

All this new found freedom on "his" four wheeler is what I think gave him to gumption to run after and try to snag a ride while Matt was giving the patient Felicity a ride. For all you who flipped out at seeing Wes dangling from the back of the four wheeler, it won't be happening again. We explained all the dangers to him and hope to never see that again!

Then again, it could be because the same night Matt also let Wes drive "his" tractor. This tractor belonged to Matt's Grandpa and actually belongs to Matt's father now but if you were to ask Wes he would proudly tell you it was "his" tractor!

Matt has let him drive this one on a few other occassions and he is getting very good at it. Matt has to push in and release the clutch and adjust the throttle but I'm sure it will only be a matter of a year or so and Wes will be mastering that as well. Matt was driving a tractor around a field doing actual field work at 6!! I assure you Wes will not be doing that!

For now and years to come he can drive his tractors around the lawn, giving us rides and going in circles while Matt or I ride on the back or walk beside him.

I personally loved the view as Wes drove his whole family around the lawn. His wavy hair blowing, dirty fingers gripping the electrical tape covered wheel and busy little head turning this way and that watching to not run over a chicken. It was priceless.

I'm in awe at what this little guy can do and is chomping at the bit to do. He is so full of life and happiness.

I could not help but imagine years from now, this little boy will not be so little. His hands will no longer look so tiny holding the large wheel, his feet will be able to push in the clutch, he'll sit tall above the seat and wave good bye to me as he rides off to help his father do something important.

I try not to do that. I think about how quickly my children are growing up. I try to focus on each phase they are in as they are in it but sometimes my mind wonders. I saw him growing up as he drove me around the lawn. It's hard not to see it when I see his father in him so much. Sometimes he is such a mini Matt it is scary!

And then there are those moments when I ask him to look at me and he pulls out the four year old Wesley and I smile from ear to ear.

Father's Day

2011-06-29T13:12:00.000-04:00

I'm late once again but it's better to be late than never to write at all, right? Either way, I'm here now because if I don't write it down I just might forget what I great day we had and that would be very sad.

Every year Father's Day falls on a tractor show near us. Which means every year we spend Father's Day breathing in tractor fumes and going for rides in the tractor parade. I used to ride with Matt similary to the way his cousin Jeremy is, by standing on the back but since having kids I have taken to photographing the event and letting the kids ride. This year Wes insisted that Jeremy ride with them. He just loves Jeremy.

Wes rode on a seat that Matt made on the fender and Felicity drove. Matt said that she actually drove for a good part of the parade. She loves to ride on the tractor or four wheeler with her Daddy or anyone who is willing to give her a ride!

The show was full this year and it was the first year in a long time that I remember it not raining or being so stinken hot that your free helium balloons pop the instant they get into the sweltering car! This year our balloons made it home or I should say one made it home. I accidentally let one fly out the window of the car while trying to take a photo of the guys driving the tractors home. Oops!

Wes is right at home at these shows. He walks around and shows off the equipment like he runs the place. This year he led Jeremy around more than Matt but that was just fine with Felicity because it meant she got her Daddy all to herself. She eats up anytime alone with her Daddy.

A trip to the Gas Up would not be complete without seeing friendly familiar faces or riding on the pedal tractors. This year Felicity and Bradley were big enough to pedal the tractors some.

The ride home is always a favorite! Matt took Felicity for the first time, I was leery on letting her go for such a long ride but she and Matt insisted so I followed in case she needed me. She did not. Wes of course went with Jeremy.

We rounded out the night with a camp fire, hot dogs and smore's. It was a great day and Matt deserved every moment of it!

Perfect Timing

2011-06-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

I had this brilliant allbeit late idea for Father's Day. I would have my friend Heather over to take photos of me and the kids and I would in turn take some of her and Brad for our husbands.

This of course was a mere couple of days before Father's Day. I am always so prepared for everything. Ha! Or not!

Well the day arrived. I believe it was Friday. Correct me if I'm wrong Heather. The sun was out and it was perfect to take photos outside. I felt horrible. I called and pushed back the time till after naps. Heather was more than flexible with my time change. On her drive over however the skies turned dark and one hoot of a storm rolled in. Seriously, it down poured for a good 1/2 hour.

We decided to just let the kids play inside for awhile and after an hour the sky cleared up and we decided to head out into the soggy yard to get at least a few shots. We could not go in the fields as planned or sit any where besides the picnic table.

We literally took photos of each other for 5 minutes. The kids were just too excited about the puddles and ducks to concentrate on anything but fun. It was fast and furious.

I however am in love with some of the shots that Heather got! This one above was caught the moment that Felicity jumped off the table without any warning. I just happened to catch her and Heather snapped and perfect time. I love this photo of us!

Sometimes it does not matter what plans you have, God has a better one. It may seem totally wrong at the time or ill planned but God is up to something bigger.

I am so glad we trudged through the mud and got soggy bottoms sitting on the picnic table to get these special moments. It was not what I planned but I love how God worked it all out and Matt was thrilled with his Father's Day gift!

Thanks Heather!

Super Man

2011-06-27T12:52:00.000-04:00

Working on 5 posts! We have done some fun things that really need to be documented and since some plans I had for this week fell through, I now have extra time to write them down.

Mud

2011-06-13T14:39:00.000-04:00

It has rained here a lot in the last couple of days and rain means mud and mud means fun!

Wes loves puddles.

I love watching him have fun.

Felicity loves to play alone in the mud and totally freaks out when her brother splashes her face or heaven forbid it knocks her in said mud puddle.

She prefers to get muddy all on her own.

Wes however will get dirty with or without anyone's help.

He also has no problem finding slimy grimy friends.

I love this dirty little kid, no matter how many of his slimy friends he hangs in my face.

Love him more than he loves mud!

Memorial Weekend

2011-06-06T14:34:00.001-04:00

Sunday night on Memorial weekend we made a trip to WalMart to pick up a couple things. While I was getting the cart, Matt was holding Felicity's hand and she let her legs drop out and twisted at the same time. Matt felt and heard a crack in her wrist and my tough little cookie started crying.

I could immediately tell that she was hurt. I assumed she would be fine with a couple snuggles and kisses, but quickly saw that she was not moving her arm and was holding it very oddly so I began to worry. I'm not the worrier in our family, Matt holds that title but even I was seeing an ER visit in our very near future. Matt took her to look at dollies as a distraction and then to the car to get her binki (yes she still has a binki....stop judging me Julie :) She did ok with the distractions but would not really move her arm and whined "boo boo" and pointed to her wrist.

Once home I got on the internet to look up what a wrist fracture or dislocated wrist would look like or what it's symptoms would be. Finding nothing useful, I called a friend with a sports medicine background and we headed to her house. I wanted to see what she thought before we spent a holiday weekend night at the ER.

After what I thought was a thorough examination of her wrist we decided as best we could without an x-ray that her wrist was not broken or out of place. We gave Felicity some infant advil, a popsicle, a kitty ice pack and headed home.

The night was pitiful and more than once I almost packed her into the car to get an x-ray. Morning finally arrived and as a last resort I wrapped Felicity's wrist in some sticky gauze. She was less than pleased with me doing so but almost immediately stopped whining. We saw improved movement within an hour.

We decided to carry on with our Memorial Day plan to go the the park and get ice cream. As soon as we arrived at the park any remaining thoughts that an ER visit was unavoidable vanished.

Felicity ran full steam ahead to the play ground and grabbed a hold of the bouncy toy with both hands. She then ran to the ladder and climbed it to the top of a slide. She was acting absolutely perfect. Matt and I exchanged many surprised looks and kept saying "look what she's doing" and "well it's definitely not broken".

Her recovery was much faster and easier than we thought it was going to be but we are so thankful that she is no longer in any pain.

Now that the fear of our little girl being in pain and spending time in the ER were behind us, we got done to the serious business of having fun and exploring the park.

Wes showed Felicity all the "cool" bugs, where to find and how to hold armfuls of pine cones, and how to shoot water from drinking fountains.

After hours of fun we went to our favorite ice cream place and then headed home for a family nap. When our long naps were over we rode down to Matt's parents for a small picnic.

Wesley was thrilled that Matt's cousin Jeremy was there and Felicity ate her weight in pasta salad and watermelon. Then of course we ended the night with some delicious Father/Son bonding time. We had much to be thankful for and great memories were made during this year's Memorial Day weekend. What did you do?

My boys

2011-06-04T21:57:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day was another cherished family day. I'll post about the first portion of the day later but for now I just have to share this. Matt and Wesley bonded over a four stroke engine and it was beautiful!

It was an unplanned time of bonding, giggles, and grins. We were driving back from Matt's parent's house (if you remember they live within viewing distance away). Matt and Wes on the bike (it's an on/off road bike, today it was off road) and Felicity and I on my four wheeler, when Matt decided to take Wes on an adventure through the fields and around the backyard. It say Wes was thrilled would be an understatement!

The boy could not stop laughing! It was precious. I did not have time to play with the settings on my camera and to be honest action shots are not my best anyways but I will cherish these memories for year to come!

These two boys are make my heart so happy and to see the two of them sharing such a great time was amazing.

This evening alone will keep me smiling for a long time.

Family time

2011-05-31T06:47:00.000-04:00

I was supposed to post this two weeks ago but I never did. It was such a fun day that I don't want it to go unblogged even if it is much later than it should be.

We took the kids away from home for the day. We wanted to spend time with them without any interruptions or home responsibilities. It is all too easy to put off playing because you see that the laundry needs folding or the grass needs to be mowed.

So we packed up, stopped at the grocery store for a sub and drinks and drove about an hour from home to visit a park we had never been to.

We had a blast!

It is so great to get away even if for just a couple hours and spend time together as a family.

There was a lake at the park and the kids had fun throwing sticks and rocks it the water and watching the Canadian Geese take off and land. Felicity was fascinated by all the "pitty" treasures she found at the waters edge.

Wes went a little wild at first and ran from one play area to the next, jumping, climbing, hanging, and randomly shrieking.

We walked up and down the sidewalks collecting flowers, stones, sticks, and looking at ants. Matt brought Wesley's bike and he zoomed past us and all around us. He even tried unsuccessfully to ride in the sand.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Matt decided to try to take the wheels off of Wes' bike. Felicity kept giving them to me and saying "Uuut Oh Boke", it was very sweet.

Matt walked up and down with Wes for a little while but it was obvious that Wes would rather just play and did not have the motivation to learn a new skill right then. Matt put the wheels back on loose,r so that Wes might learn to stabilize the bike a little. We will give two wheeling another try some other day.

In all it was a perfect day. After leaving the park we went to an Apple orchard, fed ducks, tasted yummy samples and bought fudge. Once home we all took a short family nap and then continued relaxing and hanging out outside in our backyard. We were all refreshed and happy after a day of just being together!

Quickly

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

The time is quickly approaching when this sweet little girl will no longer be the baby of the family. When she is grow up right before my eyes. The day she turns into a big sister will be a wonderful day her and I. It will also hold just the slightest bit of sadness because as I watch one beautiful baby enter my life, I will watch another turn into a big girl.

Sure she'll still be the same but not the same at the same time. I've seen it happen before. So when she puts her arms up and asked to be held, I hold her. When she wants to snuggle in bed at 6am, we do. When she cries and asks me to re-wrap her baby for the 10th time in 2 minutes I do it again. When she walks around in her diaper and pigtails I take mental pictures to remember forever that she was once a baby too.

I remember how fast Wesley grew up into a boy once we brought Felicity home. He seemed to change and mature literally over night. He was and still is such an amazing big brother.

Since this is the second time I am going to be bringing home a baby to a home that already has children in it, I am cherishing every moment I have with my baby girl and her helpful big brother.

She adores babies and tends to her dolls for the most part very sweetly. Matt and I joke about her swaddling her little brother and fighting with me over who gets to hold him.

I know that she is going to love her brother. I know that I am still going to have time for her and Wes and that I can do this whole being a mom of 3. I just want to memorize everything about this season that we are in right now. Felicity's sweet button nose, Wesley's unruly hair, early morning snuggles with my Peanut, quiet time with Wes while his sister sleeps, holding each of their tiny chubby hands in mine as we walk across the lawn to check on the baby robins, being able to carry all my children at the same time, and watching their little faces light up as they feel their brother move inside me. These are things I don't ever want to forget!

We are all so excited and unready for this little guy to arrive. With the other children I was ready months ahead. Bags packed, tiny clothes folded, baby book purchased and filled out, coming home outfit neatly tucked into my hospital bag, name completely and 100% picked out, and even diapers in their own spot. This time is different, less planned and organized. Oh I am sure it will happen, I'm just too busy loving on my precious ones that I already have filling up my days. I know that I could make them play alone and do it but I have not. I'm totally relaxed and calm and joke that have no clothes for my sweet baby to wear when he come home.

Maybe next week or the week after, I have 7 to go, that's plenty of time. Today I am going to collect dandelions and blow the with my children. We are going to walk barefoot in the soggy back yard and not care that our feet resemble those of dirty hobbits. We are going to be a happy trio and love it because soon we will be a lovely bunch of 4 and that is going to be a totally different kind of wonderful.

A beautiful new life.

Full the max.

Dirty Face days

2011-05-28T10:12:00.000-04:00

The weather here has been perfect during the day and full of rain and thunderstorms in the evenings. Perfect weather for eating ice cream cones outside and not worrying about cleaning up till its past bed time and the sun is slowly setting. I don't know about you or your family but over here, we stay up much later in the summer because we just can't waste the sunshine!

We had our first of many ice cream cones at home the other night. Then while Matt mowed the lawn I played with the kids in the field and took some fun photos.

I watched as Felicity failed to keep up with her super speedy brother,

And learned the fine art of blowing dandelions.

Explained to Wesley that mustard weed is fun to pick but does not taste like the mustard that he loves to put on his hot dogs and hamburgers.

We all found out that we really DO love butter by holding buttercups up to our chins and seeing the yellow reflecting. This was something that I did as a little girl and have fond memories of.

Attempted self portraits with my kids. Even if it is blurry I can't help but LOVE this photo. Wes' smiles are completely contagious! I can't look at this without smiling back at him.

These next couple of photos make me so happy. They are truly Felicity faces, that until now I have failed to capture with my camera. This is what we call her crazy eyes face. She makes it often and it cracks me up everytime.

Here is her grumpy face which usually follows her crazy eyes. She will go back and forth between the two faces till she gets you laughing. It's a trick of hers to try to get out of trouble as well. She knows it makes me laugh and trys to use it to get me to forget that she's in time out or being disciplined.

What's a mom to do with a face like this?

Or this? I seriously have some beautiful kids!

Who love to swing with their Daddy.

I did not do a very good job of capturing these moments but their little faces couldn't have been happier.

I just love days like this!

Perfect late Spring days. Perfect in a very dirty faced way.

Time Away

2011-05-16T15:17:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I surprised Matt with an early birthday present. I trip for just the two (or three if you are counting our littlest boy) to the Finger Lakes. Originally I was going to take the kids but thought Matt and I could use some time away to just be us together. Let me just say that had my sister in law not been so excited to have both kids for the weekend I would have totally backed out on leaving them!

I wasn't the happiest camper for the first half an hour or so of our ride to the Lakes. I hated leaving the kids. I knew they would be fine and that time away was a good thing so I talked myself got out of my funk and remembered my reason for leaving them in the first place.

My husband and how much I love him!

We camped at a little campground with nasty showers. The kind of showers that have things living in them, the kind you wouldn't dream of removing your shoes in. It was quiet there and that is what we wanted. I forgot when planning this trip that I chose Mother's Day weekend and it appeared that not many moms go camping on Mother's Day so we kind of had the place to ourselves.

We spend almost every second of daylight outside, talking, walking, eating, sitting, and taking photos of beautiful waterfalls.

All I have to say is Ithaca is Gorges! I saw that on a bumper sticker and thought it was kind of funny. Funny but so true.

We walked and walked and walked. It was perfect. We joked about all the falling rock zones and planned escape plans for if they started falling while we walked under them. We were silly and that was so refreshing.

We ate picnic lunches with sun on our faces. Talked to the kids at night and watched movies in the dark.

We covered the majority of two state parks chuck full of gorges and waterfalls in one day. There was an endless supply of thing to do and I found the most awesome places to do photo shoots!

On the way home we stopped for custard cones and Matt bought me a raspberry bush! I can't wait to pick raspberries in my own back yard.

So leaving the kids was not such a bad idea. In fact I think we should do it once a year because the amount of closeness and fun Matt and I had in 2 days was so refreshing and exactly what we needed as a family. Spending time alone was not only good for us as a couple but for us as a family unit.

We are already planning a return trip this fall, with all three kids and talking about possible places to go on our next "just you and me" weekend.

Little Peeps

2011-05-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

We have been having a blast these past few weeks playing outside and visiting with friends and family. Easter was great! We went to my Aunt Mary's house, which was sweetly decorated with Felicity's favorite treats, Peeps!

My mom and two youngest siblings came up to spend a long weekend with us. Wes survived his first car accident, when my mom hit a deer. Her car is still at a local shop getting fixed but thankfully no one was hurt, you know besides the deer.

Our ducklings are no longer babies! I can't believe how fast they grew. We are still waiting to see if we have girls or boys are a combination of the two. I realize this photo only shows two but there are still three ducks.

My baby is still growing happily. Matt and I are amazed at the positions he gets in and how crooked my belly looks at times. We are still working on a name for this sweet little guy. We have a few we like but nothing for sure yet. Any suggestions?

We are love love loving all the sunshine! The kids hair is already lightening up as quick as their skin is tanning. I am so thankful that they did not inherit my pale freckly skin!

Wes is teaching Felicity all the scary ways to play on the swingset. She quickly and easily climbs the ladders but thankfully is not allowed to crawl across the top like her brother yet. I am sure though if given the opportunity she would give it a try.

I have to get a post up of all things they have said lately. They are full of the funniest things!

Oh and share with you the wonderful kid free weekend I spend with Matt camping last weekend! So fun.

Birthday Girl

2011-04-15T21:51:00.000-04:00

How did my baby grow up so quickly?

When did she get so fast?

It must have happened so slowly I did not see it happening. It must have, because I have been watching this beautiful little girl everyday of her sweet life and somehow I still can't believe that tomorrow she will be having her second birthday. That Sunday she will be officially two. Two! Seriously, how did that happen?

Mommy's Honey Bear. Daddy's Peanut. Wesley's sisder.

You bring such joy to my heart with every snuggle, every smile, laugh, goofy giggle, every day.

You are quite the little character. You play hard and snuggle sweetly. You love to dress up and be told you are pretty. You love your boots and getting dirty playing outside with your big brother. You boss him around in a language that only you understand and surprisingly he sometimes listens. There is no one word to describe you, you are so amazing and a gift from God.

You are stubborn in a totally different way than your brother, and very determined. You are not easily persuaded to do anything you do not want to do. Your sweet kisses and hugs melt me every time!

Everything Wesley does you try to do by yourself. Your independence is really showing up lately and you often will ask not to hold my hand when you jump off the last step. You drink your milk out of a big lidless cup at meal time and try to dress yourself. You are not so independent that you don't enjoy being carried to bed every night or snuggled every morning and for that I am thankful.

If allowed you would wear a skirt, tights and jewelry every day. Anything Pretty is always your favorite. Sometimes you cry when I make you wear jeans or overalls. It's just part of your spunky personality and I would not change it about you ever!

I love how your whole face lights up when I come home and how your eyes sparkle. How your lips are so perfect and your button nose so cute. How your ears stick out just the perfect about and how you pinky fingers are crooked. I love how you ask to be held and how you ask to get right back down. How you love your binki, bear, bunny and brother. How you say and wave good bye to the "kiddy", "roo roo", "ruby", and "cacks" every time we pull out of the driveway. I love how tiny your hand feels in mine. How you make crazy eyes to make me smile. How your belly sticks out and your tongue moves so fast when you says "tickatickaticka". I love you for so many more reasons than you may ever know.

These two years that we have been blessed by you have been amazing. You changed our entire family for the better. Wesley adores you and wants to protect you. Daddy talks about you as if you are his treasure, his sweet Peanut. And I love you more than you'll ever know, more than I can properly say but I'll spend everyday showing you how thankful I am that God gave you to us.

Happy 2nd Birthday Felicity Thea! You are so loved!

Before And After

2011-04-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

This week's shot is from my recent trip to visit my mom. She and her husband asked me to take photos of Dan's son, who is graduating with my sister Jill this year. We did not have a lot of time and the day was very dreary but I got a couple of shots that I think turned out pretty good. Does anyone have any tips how to tone down red cheeks? It was cold and windy so his cheeks got redder as the mini session went on.

Before:

After:

This was taken on my Nikon D3000 and with a 35mm lens. Edited in Lightroom 3.

In a Nutshell

2011-04-06T12:50:00.000-04:00

I love visiting my family but hate leaving them behind. This time was exceptionally hard on me probably due to me being pregnant but also because I had not seen Kirstie in months and missed her a lot. Everyone had plans to be here around the time that our little guy is due to arrive so I know that I will get to see them all again soon.

We filled our weekend with many small trips. One was to Harrisburg,

where we walked across an old very windy bridge. Our destination was a mall with a huge clock. The clock was very neat and full of things to watch. Everyone loved it.

Sunday, we revisited Gettysburg and took some senior photos of my step-brother Nick. Wes got plenty of piggy back rides from pretty much everyone.

He was very much in love with the bright yellow rain coat that Kirstie bought for him! It was great to see the kids enjoying all the attention and love that is poured on them by all their Aunts, Uncles, Yaya and Dan. Felicity keeps asking where they are now. It's bitter sweet.

Kirstie and Felicity sporting sunglasses even though the sun never really showed us much love all weekend.

Later we were off to High Rock and the park near it. What you don't see in this photo is that Wes flew off the merry go round and through his hysterical laughter said "oh I peed myself!". Maybe you had to be there but it was pretty funny.

The park was very retro in its equipment which was pretty neat because we don't have a lot of old parks like that around here anymore.

Even Matt had a lot of fun playing on the toys.

High Rock was frighteningly wonderful. I am not a fan on heights so it was scarey to me but I loved all the bright graffitti colors on the rocks. I did have to be carefully not to get any of the "not so lovely" words and drawings.

It was a packed weekend but a good one.

It's always good to spend time with family. To those of you who have immediate family members close by, don't take that for granted! It is a real blessing.

24 weeks

2011-03-31T13:05:00.000-04:00

Today I had my glucose testing. I have always passed these with my other two pregnancies so I am thinking that I passed this one as well. My appointments are a breeze this time around, with Felicity she had a small heart calcification so I was monitored closely and with Wes I was so ill and his was head sitting on my cervix that I was monitored more often as well. This time everything is going swimmingly. The only downfall is I don't get to see this little guy as often. I do get sick on occasion but it's nothing compared to Wes' pregnancy. My blood pressure is perfect! With both previous pregnancies I have had issues that ended up being the reason I was induced. So far so good, and I am very happy about that!

An other great thing about this pregnancy is that I am feeling well and able to do everything that I did pre-pregnancy. Sometimes I forget that there is a tiny baby forming inside of me but his powerful kicks are always a happy reminder. I am two pounds lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight, so I am still able to wear my fat jeans buttoned and my maternity jeans give me a sever case of saggy bottom. I know this will change soon so I am enjoying this comfortable (saggy bottom) stage.

I don't have any cute photos to show you but I'm hoping to get some this weekend while at my mom's house. I really don't look pregnant as I'm over weight to begin with but I want to get a few anyways. I have to run now, to fold and pack clothes for our trip. We are all super excited to see Kirstie and miss the snow storm that is supposed to dump up to 14 inches of heavy wet snow on our home this weekend!

Little bit of everything

2011-03-28T15:50:00.000-04:00

I have been seriously neglecting my blog lately. I know it's not the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last. I love it but it takes time and I just have not been making it a priority, not to mention the fact that for over two weeks I was completely without a computer (it broke AGAIN), this winter has been very hard on us all and we have been sick more than not sick lately. It's been rough. At this moment, no one is sick and the computer is working so not making this a priority is my only excuse. So all that being said I am here to play a little catch up game..again.

I mentioned earlier that we now have three Peking ducklings. I failed to mention that our beloved Tom and Donna met a very sad sad demise. The hungry culprit was caught and won't be munching on our pets any more. Needless to say there were tears shed and these 3 little guys or gals made one sad little boy a little less sad. On a side note, three ducklings, in upstate NY where there is still snow and freezing temps is not a great idea, let's just say they are a lot of work but it'll be worth it, or that's not I keep telling myself anyways.

We are still combating cold weather and there is always the potential for more snow well into April. I'm so ready for Spring! Ready for sunshine and color, oh how I miss color. These snowy photos are from a week or so ago. Most of our snow has melted but it is still barely above freezing and windy enough to take your clothes off the line.

We are playing name games over here. I pick a name and Matt picks a reason he doesn't like it. It sounds worse than it really is but I would love to have a name for the little boy I feel moving around so often. We are all in love with him already. Wes couldn't be happier to have a brother. He wanted a boy because as he so wonderfully put it, "I don't need another sister. I already have one. I need a brother to help protect my Peanut (what he calls Felicity)!" I have to say Felicity is going to be very well protected.

I have a whole post planned for Wes and all his wonderfully insightful questions. He asks questions that I would never think of asking. He thinks of things differently than I do so coming up with a way to answer him in a way that works for him has been a slight challenge for Matt and I.

Little Felicity is kind of clueless about her soon to be big sister status. She still loves being the baby and cuddling with her Mommy. She is in love with all things girly and shoes! She is finally communicating in semi sentences and perfecting her pout when she is told she can not do or have something. It's seriously cute and not working as well as she was hoping.

This week is full to the max with cleaning, working, doctor appointments, kindergarten (I can't believe I'm about to have a kindergartner!) registration, packing, couch repairs, laundry, and driving to PA to see my favorite middle sister KIRSTIE, who is visiting my mom from Texas! We are all excited to get to see her again.

I won't promise more timely updates but I will try. Until next time I hope you are all well and having a great week!

Good things come in...

2011-03-22T20:49:00.000-04:00

THREES!

Three little duckies for my three little loves.

Did I say three loves? Sure did! Our family will be welcoming another sweet boy in the middle of July!

So it only seemed right to get three sweet little duckies for my sweet babies.

Critique This

2011-03-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

I've been nervous about joining this blog hop but I'm going to do it because I really think I can learn a lot from all the talented ladies who join in. Here is one from a slightly warmer more colorful time... Be gentle. :)

Taken on my Nikon D3000 and 35mm lens. Editing done in Lightroom 3.

This Girl

2011-02-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

This little girl is happy go lucky.

This little girl loves to be outside.

This little girl loves rides with Daddy.

This little girl loves to wear hats as much as she loves to be snuggled.

This little girl knows what she wants and is not afraid to tell you.

This little girl has a wee bit of a temper.

This little girl sleeps soundly in her toddler bed.

This little girl will do just about anything you ask for an M&M.

This little girl has a secret.

This little girl has a secret she really wants to share!

This boy

2011-02-21T20:59:00.001-05:00

This boy is one of a kind.

This boy is a free spirit.

This boy is imaginative.

This boy is strong.

This boy is silly.

This boy is a leader.

This boy hears music in his head and sings along.

This boy is one of the best brothers I have ever seen.

This boy is full of life, love, laughter, and as curious as a cat!

This boy is Wesley. My sweet vibrant, teeming with energy boy.

Miscellany Monday

2011-02-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

1. Today is my first ever link up with Carisa Graham and her Miscellany Monday link up. I have been reading Finding Joy's for ages now and I finally writting my own.

2. I have been feeling an extreme desire to go through every single thing in my house, and I mean everything. I want organization and space. It's driving my bonkers. I'm officially motivated enough to really get down to business!

3. We had 60 degree weather and sunshine on Friday! It was beyond wonderful. Saturday it was 20 degrees, windy and snowing. It was sad, BUT we did get to spend an entire day outside playing and soaking up as much sun as possible! It was lovely.

4. I am working on a very special post for later this week! I am very excited. :)

5. After nearly 2 weeks of having family around, we are trying to get back into our regular routine. Wes cried yesterday that he missed his "yaya" (my mom) and had to call to talk to her and everyone else in the house.

6. Wes insists on being called different names according to whatever he is imagining he is at that moment. Lately he has been a beaver, actually chewing on wooden furniture, a worm, a soldier, Captain Hook, and a fixer just to name a few. His imagination is extraordinary!

7. I FINALLY got my eye brows waxed! So exciting!!

8. I learned the cold way that wearing crocs in the winter is really not the brightest of ideas.

I learned

2011-02-17T15:29:00.000-05:00

Today I learned that even if you set clear painting guide lines, it is not a good idea to go outside to do laundry while there is painting going on.

That if you combine all the paint colors and drop them on the floor, it makes redish sludgy mess.

That Wes can get a lot more done in 5 minutes than I can!

That even a mess can be beautiful.

Yet another lesson I learned today is, that no matter how big of a mess my little boy makes, I love him more.

And finally, making him wash all his messy paints off in the bath room sink, is a perfect way to ~~waste water~~ spend quiet time.

Before and After

2011-02-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

This was a spur of the moment photo taken without any thought of settings. As you can clearly see the settings were way off and the noise is intense! I just loved the moment between my two darlings. I did what I could to save it and I don't think it is half bad.

Before

After

Make sure to check out everyone else' edits!

Run Away

2011-02-07T16:39:00.005-05:00

I have run away to my mom's for a mini vacation! Poor Matt had to stay home to make the money and feed the chickens. The 6 hour car ride went very well minus the explosion on someone, who shall remain nameless' pants in a truck stop in the mountains. Not fun. We will be heading home Friday morning so until then you will not be hearing for me at all or very very little. I hope everyone has a great week.

Sweet Dreams

2011-02-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

This past week everyone but Matt has been hit hard by a horrible head and chest cold. Wes rebounded the fastest and Felicity is taking the longest to recover. I have been so busy sneezing, wiping noses and cuddling that I have not had time to write about something very special that happened. I am both happy and sad about this as it is just one more step to my baby no longer being such a baby.

Saturday, Felicity took her last nap in her crib. We have not taken this crib apart since Wes slept his first night in it.

Even with her terrible cold, Little T kept climbing out and I was scared that she would slip and fall on one of the many toys on the floor.

I even tried putting her in a sleep sack to make it harder to climb out but the little monkey still managed to get out!

I can't believe that she is old enough to be in a bed already. She seems so tiny to me. It seems like just yesterday I walked in to find her standing up in this very crib for the first time. I am going to miss getting her out the crib. Her little body bouncing up and down, holding onto the rails and throwing her arms up for me as I got closer. I miss it already.

She, however does not seem to miss it at all!

I will admit my timing for making the switch may have been perfect and terrible at the same time. By the time we cleaned the room, took apart the crib, set up the bed and rearranged the room to fit two beds, we were all ready to nap. Add to that the fact that Felicity and I could not go 5 minutes without blowing our noses and I really don't think this little sweetie really had the strength to fight getting out of bed.

I simply rocked her for a minute and laid her down. She got up once to get a "bebee", I told her to lay down and that was it. She slept soundly for 2 hours before walking to the stairs and calling for me.

I thought bed time would be harder with Wes being a mere 5 feet away but I was pleasantly surprised. After reading their stories, saying their prayers and administering kisses and hugs, I walked to the door way and waited. Twice she jumped out of bed and climbed in with Wes. I simply said "back in your bed" and she ran to her own. Within 5 minutes both kids were sleeping. Seriously 5 minutes!

Sleeping so soundly that I was able to turn on their bedroom light a little while later and snap some shots of them slumbering away. Wes is a wild man, even in bed. He never really stops moving. And yes that is a huge banana dog (he calls it Banana Bear) in Wes' bed. It was given to him by Matt's cousin. I can't stand it because it is so large and ugly but Wes hasn't slept without in months!

Felicity was snuggling Teddy and sleeping as sweetly as I left her. She looks so little in her bed.

I am so thankful that she is transitioning well in her new bed. I am thankful that she is growing so well and is able to be in her own bed. I am thankful that today her cold seems to be a little better but just a little sad to not come into her room and get her out of her crib.