Fall is in the air

Though it snowed recently, it was actually quite warm this weekend. But for now, fall is in the air!

The air is crisp and cool and the leaves are changing color and falling to the ground.

We enjoyed a little bit of time outdoors today. Baby A absolutely loved playing in the leaves!



Mama and son enjoying a quite lovely day

Happy Birthday BFF!

Yesterday was my BFF's birthday! Our families spent the afternoon together. We all had a great time as witnessed by this photo...

(((you're welcome Kasey, LOL)))

More pics can be seen at her birthday post on The Strait Scoop.

play WITHOUT purpose

So often, I find myself doing things with definite purpose and plan... and very little spontaneity. Today I decided to take a different approach. Baby A, Maggie, Chloe and I went for a nice leisurely stroll. Normally A rides in the stroller for a walk/hike, but not today. He got to roam around!


I took this photo to remind me of the ever present and ever fleeting sweet moments I have with my son. He held on tightly to my hand as we walked down our steep driveway.

I want to remember the simple moments like these, because soon he won't want or need to hold my hand when we go on walks.

He eventually got tired of walking and enjoyed time riding around in the Beco.

We (mostly I) talked about the trees , rocks and streams we saw. We listened for the water in the stream that weaves around near the road. We touched the leaves and listened to the wind. And A's favorite part... playing with lots of icks (sticks).

We walked to the clubhouse/pond area. He loves the pond and desperately wanted to get into the water. Too cold. Instead we played and laughed and had a good time on dry land. I'm blessed to have a (mostly) easy to please little guy.


My sweet boy


It was so nice to play without purpose... to just enjoy each moment without worrying about the time or responsibilities.

First snow

We are having our first snow of the season. It is only September 21st AND it was in the 70's yesterday. Crazy, crazy weather!

Baby A is a bit under the weather (no pun intended), but I let him go outside for a few minutes to enjoy the snow.

17 months old

Baby A is 17 months old today. Where has the time gone?



What has he been up to lately? Well...
He can say about 25 words.
He is now running.
He LOVES to give hugs and kisses.
He calls out "Mama" in the morning.
He calls his dad "Mama" sometimes.
He LOVES to dance... seriously LOVES to dance.
He LOVES being outdoors and would spend every waking minute out there if he could.
He pretends to talk on the phone.
...and much more!

Princess Party

Little Miss Hannah turned ONE on Saturday. She had a spectacular Princess Party on Sunday. We were so lucky to be there and share in her special day!

Pretty decorations


The birthday girl


Lots of friends and family were in attendance


She seemed to have fun with the cake


Later that day... playing with her nephews


The following day... saying goodbye to Grandpa at the airport

Lunch with Granny G

Today we had lunch with Granny G. We had some yummy food and good times!

First flight

Yesterday, Baby A flew for the first time. He was pretty intrigued by the airports and he did really well on the flights. Pics from the day...

Saying goodbye to Dada


Ready to go in to the airport


Checking out the airplane


Waiting for the flight


Riding on, running on and loving the moving walkway


Saying "cheese"!

Best of friends

Baby A and Maggie are quickly becoming best of friends...


And just for fun...this picture makes me think of a toddler version of Chris Farley. What do you think?

Out for a stroll

Baby A, Maggie, Chloe and I all went for a walk today. We walked to the big pond by the clubhouse/swimming pool. I wanted to see if Maggie would like the water. She doesn't yet realize she can swim with those big paws of hers, but she loved the water none-the-less.

Ready to roll


Leaves are beginning to fall


At the pond... Baby A LOVES the water


...as do the doggies


Water, rocks and sticks. What more could this boy ask for?


Mama and son... both messy from the water, but happy to be outdoors and enjoying life!


Tickles


We had a really nice stroll. The dogs were good and A was in a great mood and happy to be outside. Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE where we live? It is amazing here. Serene and beautiful. What a lovely day!

Cuddling with Dada at the end of the day

Re-named

Thanks to the suggestion from my cousin, we have re-named our dog Maggie.


Friends - Baby A and Maggie

I'm sure she'll end up with many nicknames (like all of the other beings in this house)... but for now she is just Maggie.

Just the beginning

I know this is just the beginning of life with a boy...

He climbed into one of my planters and was playing with (and eating?) the dirt.

Boy (noun): a noise with dirt on it.

How true that is.

16 1/2 months old

Baby A is about 16 1/2 months old now. He's learning and changing all the time. Here's what he's been up to lately:

LOVES to take a bath and says 'ba' (bath)
LOVES bubbles and can say 'bub-lll' (bubbles)
Can say 'na' (snack)
Tries to be bossy with the dogs, saying things like 'dow' (down)
Imitates animal sounds like growling and moo
Loves to say Mommy - sometimes toward me, sometimes not
Really likes petting (or terrorizing) the doggies and says 'do' (dog)
Tries to say shoes
Jibber jabbers alot

Likes to try to help out around the house, like putting things in the recycle bin or trash can, try to sweep and even trying to vacuum


He loves to give kisses, even to the dogs.

He really likes music and dancing. He's really getting into dancing more and more. He has some pretty fancy footwork.

He's learning to step over things (like a door threshold or rock) instead of getting down to a crawl.

He's learning to listen and obey pretty well. Also, learning to be more quiet so he can get away with more stuff before we can tell him to stop. LOL

He likes to walk around with his arm cocked back ready to hit anyone who passes by him. "No hitting" is heard a lot these days.

He loves the wheel accessory for Wii Mario Kart. Turns it like a steering wheel (not sure how he knows to do that.) Kind of makes a vroom noise when he does it.

He loves to close cabinets, doors, etc.

He knows about the display on the back of my digital camera and likes to see the pics right after I take them.

He loves his toothbrush. He doesn't seem to mind us brushing his teeth. He really enjoys when it is his turn to brush them.

Sometimes he tries to say cheese and scrunches up his face when I go to take a pic of him.

He amazes me just about every day with something new he's learned.

And let's not forget, he seems to be at a point where he only needs one nap a day. I have been dreading this, but it was inevitable.