October in Pictures

Thanksgiving has come and gone already! (Which means so has November, but we won't talk about that.) I honestly can't believe there is snow on the ground and frigid temps forecasted for this weekend. I told Tom  the other night that I didn't used to really have any opinion regarding snow/cold/winter. Until now. Until I had two kids to get dressed and out the door and boots and coats and heavy car seats and honestly the thought of how much effort it takes makes me just want to cozy up inside. And it's only December 6th! Wish us luck this winter....ha.

On to pictures!

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Family:

I had a few from the end of September that carried over into October that I haven't shared yet....Tom left for his first business trip so I invited my parents up to hang out with us for a few days while he was in Chicago. And by hang I mean work. They're go getters, those parents of mine. Love that about them. In the short time they were here, Mom brought all meals, watched the kids while I worked, helped with baths and bedtime, and cleaned up our garden. That alone would have been awesome, but dad and I made a quick 2 hour trip to Lowes together and then he got right to work on a few spray painting projects, replacing various batteries around the house, sanding and installing new shelves for our antique armoire, and completely revamping our pantry. This includes taking down old wire shelves, filling holes, painting, drilling, installing, and hanging. (Are you tired yet?) Wow! And that was all in 1.5 days. They are selfless and so giving of their time and energy, especially when it comes to their kids and grandchildren. I so appreciate their love and help, and Tom couldn't believe all the finished projects. Acts of service is my love language, so I was feeling pretty loved by the time they left. And also sad because I had a lot more projects I could have used their help with! *smile.

My parents are awesome. 

Who walks in the door from a business trip with flowers and green tea for his wife?

This guy!

Oh man, these two....they never stop filling my heart with joy.

We cheered Auntie Erin on at the Twin Cities Marathon. SO impressed with her endurance and dedication to her training!

Gooooo, Erin!!!

Mimi and Papa came up for a visit so we checked out a local pumpkin patch (kind of) and apple orchard. It was freezing so we didn't stay long, but it seemed like the appropriate fall activity.

The kiddos and I went to visit my friend Lindsay and her family. She lives about 40ish minutes away so we don't get to see each other that often, but I was in her neck of the woods so it worked out perfectly. She and her hubby have FIVE beautiful children. I love big families so I'm just in awe. And her husband home schools. In awe again. 

Missing one child...

Celebrating our 6th anniversary with dinner at Red Lobster - one of my favs!

Like my mom said, it's good to get out and it's good to come home. Especially when it's coming home to these two pj clad kiddos.

Attempting some mid-day actual 6 month "birthday" pics. Sissy was more interested in whatever cartoon was on, and bud really just wanted to be picked up.

We "celebrated" Halloween with dinner at Miss Kathy's with daycare friends (she does a lasagna dinner so the kids and their families can basically eat and run - so sweet of her!), a trick or treating stop at TrishyJohn's house and then met up with Scott and Nikki at their church for carnival games. Gwendolyn cried when she had to take her shark costume off. My dad found it (he's an expert treasure finder) and it was a big hit!

Trick or treat!

Gwendolyn, Nathan and Jacob

Dinner time!

Gwendolyn:

Ohhhh shoot. This afternoon was so awesome. She and I went on an adventure together to both get haircuts. I've trimmed her hair several times, but I knew this shape up really needed the attention of a professional so off to the salon we went. The girl will do anything for a sucker. She sat so still and was so patient. It was adorable and for whatever reason, seeing her with her little bob at the end totally made me tear up. She looked so grown up!

She passed Toddler B swimming and is on to the preschool level!

This is her "I don't like falling out of bed" face. 

She was making the best faces this morning. We moved her to a queen bed this summer, and she's done great. I was sitting at the computer this particular morning and suddenly heard a loud thud and then the dreaded delayed crying. I sprang upstairs to find her laying on the floor beside her bed. She had rug burn on her nose (adorable) and of course was a bit shook up (that made two of us.) Thankfully she wasn't hurt and we now have pillows on the floor in case it were to happen again.

We got the American Girl catalog in the mail and she sat and looked through the entire thing. Every page. I loved those books growing up so of course I was right there with her.

Why must they make those dolls so darn gorgeous?!

Conrad:

Somebody was reeeally happy to see their daddy after work.

For our anniversary, I ordered pistachio fudge (best flavor ever) from the same place we originally tried it while on our honeymoon in Maine. Conrad was eyeing that fudge like crazy....

So daddy let him try it. Naturally. 

I wish I woke up this happy every morning. 

Hailey, Conrad and Joshua. Friends for life.

First time sitting up to the dinner table with the family!

I LOVE when I think he's sleeping and I'll peek under his car seat shade or blanket and find him wide awake and totally just chillin'. It's adorable. Cracks us up all the time.

Ohhh, I loved this little Gap velour outfit handed down from big cousins. 

And a baby in a vest?! Or ISU outfit? Yes, please.

Emma helps Kathy before and after school and she's so good with the kiddos. I always find Conrad snuggling with her when I pick them up. (Notice Gwendolyn in the back - ha.)

We all love it when daddy gets home from work...

I don't want to forget this sight...

I'd write more but this one post took me weeks. Lord help me. If only the blog posts I write in my head would magically appear in a post. 

Kiddos will be up any second so for now I gotta run *smile.

Happy Friday!

Conrad: 30 weeks

I'm now 7 months old! Due to the holiday, this is a bit late, but I didn't want to disappoint any of my regular readers by skipping a post. As my mommy says, better late than never.

Plus, let's be honest...a lot of you just come for the pictures. And I don't blame you. Is green not totally my color?!

(I think my sissy is very funny....)

• Another tooth popped through on the bottom. That makes FIVE!

• I am a really good eater and continue to get better and better opening my mouth wide and swallowing. I am still getting used to how things taste so I make some pretty funny faces, but I really like food even if my face would indicate otherwise. I get really excited when I see other people eating and have been known to help myself to other's food. I've even been practicing picking things up myself and putting them in my mouth!

• I'm back to drinking great from a bottle and sucked down the most I have ever at daycare on Thursday - 11 oz! Mommy has to scald her milk after she pumps in order for me to drink it, but she seems accommodating to my requests. Miss Kathy thinks I'm going to be a chef because I have such a refined palate. 

• I'm sleeping in my crib now. Mommy somewhat reluctantly transitioned me at the urging of daddy, but I did better than she suspected. The first night I fussed pretty hard when she first laid me down because I was used to being more snuggly and having my blankie over me, but eventually I fell asleep. But only for two hours; however, I fussed for only 10 minutes, fell back asleep on my own and slept until 6:15, which is longer than I normally make it! Subsequent nights and naps have been just as smooth for the most part, but mommy says I slept longer during nap time before. (I'm sure she loves getting to spend more time with me though, right?) I loved my Rock-n-Play while it lasted, but I agree it was time to move to the big boy crib.

• "How big is Conrad?!" and "peekaboo" have become my favorite games. Oddly enough, I also think it's hilarious when daddy catches me off guard and scares me. Mommy on the other hand, doesn't find this game that funny.

• I had my 6 month check up and despite not making it regular practice to roll over, the doctor said I'm exhibiting other things that are more advanced for my age (moving toys/objects from one hand to another, supporting my own weight while holding on to a chair, etc.) so she's not concerned. Phew! She agreed with mommy that it probably has a lot to do with my laid back and content personality. 

Stats as of November 18th, 2013:

Weight: 21.05 lbs - 98%

Height: 28.5" - >97%

Head: 19" - >97%

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! More on that in my next post. 

Until then...

Conrad Cross

Wordless Wednesday

Conrad: 28 Weeks

I have something very special in store for you today....the progression of a Conrad Cross (giant) smile!!

Would you believe I was actually tired and a bit cranky when these were taken? Sometimes it's just plain exhausting being so cute. 

• Along with 22 other kiddos, I was dedicated to the Lord last Sunday at church, hence my sweater vest. Mommy and daddy pledged some really big things that I think are worth sharing...

1. Do you recognize these children as the gifts of God and give heartfelt thanks for God's blessing?

2. Do you now dedicate your children to the Lord who gave them to you, surrendering all worldly claims upon their lives in the hope that they will belong wholly to Jesus Christ?

3. Do you pledge as parents that, with God's fatherly help, you will bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, making every reasonable effort, with patience and love, to build the Word of God, the character of Christ and the joy of the Lord into their lives?

4. Do you promise to provide, through God's blessing, for the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of your children, looking to your own heavenly Father for the wisdom, love and strength to serve them and not use them?

5. Do your promise, God helping you, to make it your regular prayer that by God's grace your children will come to trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins and for the fulfillment of all his promises to them, even eternal life; and in this faith follow Jesus as Lord and obey his teachings?

I'm so thankful for our church and those who have loved and prayed for me and Sissy.

• I'm getting the hang of this eating thing! I get really excited when I see other people eating and think it's only appropriate that I get to join in. No official jarred baby food yet, but am loving the applesauce, pears, and banana mixtures that mommy is making up. Avocado was ok. Egg yolk - not so much. 

In addition, I'm showing early signs that I'll be neat and tidy, just like my sister. I rarely try and reach for the spoon. We'll see if this continues when I'm feeding myself...

• Mommy, daddy and Sissy are always kissin' and squishin' me. They fight over who gets me and play a "no, MY Conrad" game. I'm well loved.

• I rolled over (back to tummy) for daddy when mommy was out. It's still not something I make regular practice.

• They've finally figured out a plan for my meals when I'm at daycare. To make a long story short, I'm just not a fan of heated breast milk for a couple of reasons (google lipase enzyme in breast milk). I'll take it if it's relatively fresh, but otherwise I'd prefer formula. Kathy says I'm an easy baby, but even more easy and content when my belly is nice and full. No more going hungry! And when she can, mommy runs over during lunch to nurse me. We're making it work.

• I totally sit up on my own now! 

• My wardrobe has grown to include 12 month clothes now. I'm in close running to having as many clothes as my sister and almost all of it has been graciously donated by family! Who says boys can't be fun to dress.

• I have four teeth now! Four teeth in one month. Wowzers. I think I deserve a short break from the teeth cutting business.

• Halloween was quite the silly event. They put me in a monster costume and took a bunch of pictures. They say it's all for candy, but I didn't see even one piece with my name on it. Sounds fishy to me.

But it was fun.

Well that's all for now! Thanks for stopping by.

Love,

C-Cross