A Camping Story

Once upon a time there was a family that went camping. They had neutral expectations, of course hoping that it would be fun, but not knowing what to expect with a three-year-old and a nine-month-old. They got a little bit of a late start because of a nail in a tire, but they got to the campground eventually. They set up the camper and even had some special neighbors.

 

Later in the day they all got their swimsuits on and headed out of the camper, only to see black clouds. But, after a drive around the park the rain abated and they were able to play at the beach. Both kids LOVED the water.

 

And what camping story would be complete without mention of a campfire? Hot dogs and and marshmallows were roasted, and the Mom and Dad even got to enjoy the romantic firelight after the kids were fast asleep in the camper.

 

And although everyone in the family had a fun time on the trip, there's NO question who had the best weekend ever. Horseshoe with both parents, a playground across the street full of new friends, baseball and football with dad, bike riding, no naps or baths and LOTS of S'Mores!

 

Kissy Kissy

 

Mae's Nine Month Well Check

Mae went to her Nine Month Well Check the other day. Turns out my arms and back aren't hurting for no reason. She weighs 20 pounds, which is the 69th percentile. She is 30 inches long which is the 99th percentile! And her head is the 49th percentile. Everything checked out great and Dr. C said she could have any table food and even some milk products (of course doing the three day rule).

 

Daddy's Girl

There's no question that Mae loves me. HOWEVER, her face lights up completely when Brax gets home at the end of the day. She thinks he's the best and I'm so thankful! I have such a sweet relationship with my dad and I really hope that Mae and Brax can have that same great relationship!!!

 

Thomas' Bike

 

 

 

 

Thomas just got his first bike. He loves it and thinks it's hard all at the same time. I forgot how hard it is to learn to pedal! And our driveway isn't the best place, but I'm sure we'll find lots of fun places to use it!

A Few Funnies

Thomas says so much funny stuff, and sometimes we forget it. Here are a few.

Kim: Do you know what letter "ice" starts with?
Thomas: No
Kim: Guess
Thomas: No
Kim: Guess
Thomas: I'm not going to play guessing games. Just tell me.
(I know that was slightly disrespectful, but it was just so funny...)

Kim (to Thomas golfing): Did you get an eagle?
Thomas: No, not this time...
A few minutes later
Thomas: Mom, watch me! (hits the shot) Did I get a duck?


Thomas' reward for sitting while I cut his hair is that he gets to use shaving cream in the bath afterwards. That happened this morning. This evening:
THUD!
Kim: Thomas, what are you doing?
Thomas (running into Mae's room with shaving cream on his hands): I was just getting the shaving cream into the bathtub for tomorrow.

Nine Months

 

 

 

Brax and I can't believe our sweet baby girl is 3/4 of a year old. Unbelievable how fast it's gone!!!

Mae is still wonderful! She's all over the place. Loves to crawl. She's pulling up on anything that stands still long enough!

She eats as though every meal could possibly be her last. She's eating about 12 ounces of baby food a day, and a bowl of cereal. Plus, she's eating between 20 and 30 ounces of formula (how's that for a range?!). I've been feeding her baby food twice a day, but tomorrow, I'm going to three times.

I'm also happy to announce that from that last month picture to this one Mae has started sleeping through the night. I must say I am probably more glad than anyone else! :) I know I feel SO much better as a mom on a full night of sleep!

She's so cheerful. She loves to laugh (especially at Thomas) and LIGHTS UP when Brax gets home at the end of the day. She plays so well with whatever is available and babbles almost constantly. She may even give Thomas a run for his money.

I've forgotten to say that she's been giving kisses for a few months now. And also loves to put her head to one side, and then the other.

One funny thing about her: She HAS to sleep in a sleep sack. If she doesn't (even for one nap time) it is inevitable that she will get her leg up to her thigh through the slats of her crib and then get stuck. EVERY TIME! I didn't even know they made sleep sacks bigger than for nine months, but apparently they make them up to five years. We may have to invest!

I included a picture of Thomas because he so wanted to be included. And here he is at nine months.

Coming Soon...

A "Dick and Jane" themed playroom. I'm SO excited and full of fun ideas!

 

Playing (at) Church

 

 

 

 

One of the perks of being good friends with two people that are on staff at a church is that sometimes you get to use the facilities. Today was rainy and so Bobi Ann, Kati Ann, Thomas, Mae and I went to the indoor play area at their church. The kids had a great time running around and Mae had a fun time on the floor. Jared even stopped by for a visit...

Scrunchie Nose

 

This is one of Mae's current favorite expressions.

 

First Sunday Wearing Shoes...

 

Daddy Love

 

 

How cute...

 

are Thomas' freckles?! I can't even stand it!!!!

Scissors

 

 

 

This was part of the letter of the week (hence the hearts on the paper), but Thomas has had so much fun that I felt like it deserved its own post. I bought Thomas his first pair of safety scissors, which he has been asking for for awhile. I just always forget. He LOVES cutting. The first day he sat at the kitchen table and cut for an hour while I fed Mae, emptied and filled the dishwasher and swept the floor. He's a three-year-old boy. He NEVER sits for even half that long. :) It's so fun to watch him!

"H"

 

Happy Meal, hose, hammer*, hop, hands, etc. and in case you missed it Thomas singing/saying Joshua 1:9.

*The hammering was recommended to me by Bobi Ann, who got it from her mom (whom Bobi Ann calls the "Preschool Whisperer"). It was hammering golf tees into styrofoam and Thomas LOVED it!!!!

All Over the Place

 

 

 

Mae is ALL OVER THE PLACE and into everything. Especially computer cords and Crocs. She especially loves to pull up on Thomas' Sit-N-Spin. (Doesn't she look SO michievious in the first picture?)

Have I Not...

This week the letter of the week is H. It's not really over yet, but this is too cute to wait to post! I was so proud of Thomas that he has been listening!



Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

(Thanks G.T. and the Halo Express!)

Funnies!

Kim: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Thomas: A doctor. (pause) On an airplane.
Kim: Ok, that sounds good.
Thomas: But, how will I get to the airplane?
Kim: You'll probably have to drive there.
Thomas: (thinking) I'm going to need my own car!

Thomas: What are you doing?
Kim: Putting on my makeup.
Thomas: What?
Kim: My mascara
Thomas: Does that scare the birds away?

And Thomas' current favorite phrase: Oh my gosh! I never thought of that before!

Mae Crawling and Clapping

I know the quality on this is awful because I did it with our webcam, but there she is doing her slightly odd one-legged crawl. Our children apparently don't like to conform to the normal crawling rules. :) And she's learned to clap too!

Big Girl Carseat

 

A few weeks ago we moved Mae to her big girl carseat. She was getting SO heavy in the infant carrier that I wasn't even taking it out of the car anyway. She loves sitting up more! Only three and a half more months and we can turn her around! :)

Letter of the Week "G"

 

 

Glitter, glue, gas station...