December in pictures

Seems like forever ago that it was Christmas, but it really wasn't. Does that mean it's been a long January? I do believe so. Maybe because we've been "locked" up in the house due to the cold. Thankfully I'm not one to get "cabin fever" and enjoy the excuse to stay in comfy/cozy clothes, do laundry, play with play-doh and clean out closets. Oh, who am I kidding....we're in comfy/cozy clothes either way. And despite being in the house a lot, I'm still late on my monthly picture post. What gives. 

Answer: bad habits.

Other answer: procrastination.

Story of my life.

Onward and upward!

Let's talk about our December!

Miss Kathy does a parent's night out in December where the kids come over from 5-8 pm in their pj's and make a present for their parents, eat pizza, and watch a movie with popcorn. Doesn't that sound so fun?! I always love to see the creative gift that Kathy comes up with. There's just something about seeing the face of your child as a penguin that makes me tear up. So sweet!

My  mom is an expert soup maker (among many other things.) She doesn't make a bad soup and it's often without a recipe. We're lucky enough to be the frequent recipients of her soups when they come to visit because they like to leave us with food to freeze (um....amazing?!) SO when she suggested I make soup for some neighbor ladies I was having over for a Christmas brunch, I thought "what a great idea!" 

Well, soup is yummy. But all that vegetable chopping and chicken shredding and everything takes a lot of time. It was worth it, of course, and after doubling the recipe and working like a man woman during two nap times (Gwendolyn was at daycare) I felt like I had conquered the world when I was done. Can you tell I don't cook much anymore? Ha.

Miss Kathy updated the kid's pictures on their bins. 

O

M

G

Her first hot chocolate at a play date/Christmas party!

The kiddos watching Frosty....

Family movie night!!

Gwendolyn:

I made the mistake of thinking I could just run into Toys R Us to grab a few gifts we'd ordered online. Well, this doesn't work well for a little girl who has never been in a TRU. She was ENTHRALLED.

And how could you not be?! It was toys galore! I was even in shock. She wanted everything, and not going to lie....so did I. (Have you SEEN the Barbie section?!) We settled on a pair of Frozen shoes and I was able to make her forget about them so she got them at Christmas.

A different day...she couldn't find out sunglasses so she borrowed mine. She is also actually asleep. Play dates are tiring.

Conrad:

Would you believe this little guy is actually home sick from daycare with his first ear infection? 

This is a more accurate picture of how those days were...poor baby boy. He did not care for taking his meds and would get so mad at us...

I'm gonna get your face mama!

He loved the feel of the velvet on his feet. It was so cute.

And then he fell over...

I suppose this is why they suggest you don't let your baby sleep with blankets...

Happy boy...

Separate posts about our family Christmases coming soon! (I hope!)

Conrad: 38 weeks

Just days away from turning NINE months old! Mommy wonders where the last three months went, and is already talking about looking at dates for my first birthday. GASP!

These pictures are getting harder and harder. I think it's hilaaaarious, but I sense mommy doesn't agree. I have no idea why! If they'd just give me the darn paper like I want, then I'd look at the camera like mama wants. Seems simple to me. Even Sissy gets in on it and tries to make me smile (see 3rd picture with her "Rudy" out of focus on the left.) It really is a family effort.

• I cut two more teeth - up to 8 now! Things have evened out a bit and I now have four on top and four on the bottom.

• I've recently become a biter of shoulders (ouch!) and shirts and scarves. And when daddy tells me to stop swaying side to side at the table for fear of rocking too hard, I don't listen and keep doing it. I'm normally extremely sweet, so mommy hopes this isn't a sign.

• It took some training, but I've been sleeping through the night the last four or five nights. I go to sleep between 7:30-8:30 and sometimes wake up around 5 or 5:30, but since I'm catching on to the fact that I won't get room service until after 6:00, I put myself back to sleep. That is until 6:18 and then almost on the dot, I'd like my first breakfast. I eat and then sleep again until anywhere between 8:30 and 9:00, depending on the day. 

• Mama has now seen me roll over TWICE! And I'm really focusing on strengthening my core so I can eventually push myself back up when I fall over. Sometimes it takes mommy longer to get to me than I'd like. 

• I suddenly came down with pink eye last week. Of all the things to get, it wasn't that bad and went away almost immediately after starting the eye drops. Going to the doctor means I was weighed! Any guesses on who much I've gained since November 18th?

THREE POUNDS!

I weigh just over 24 lbs.

I had noticed my cheeks looking fuller, but wasn't quite expecting such a high number. Although, this shouldn't be surprising since I'm now regularly eating two to three meals each day in addition to nursing.  I've also mastered the bottle and am taking 6 oz each bottle now while at Miss Kathy's. Grandma says I need to burn more calories, which could be a good idea. 

Hope you're all staying warm! I've just about had it with this cold winter, although watching Sissy and Daddy build a snowman together last weekend was pretty fun. Maybe next year I'll be able to join them!

Sleep well,

Conrad

Gwendolyn at Christmas

What a difference two years makes! I can hardly stand it!

 - 2011 - 

- 2012 -

- 2013 -

So many differences, but the same sweet spirit. So thankful!

To my boy...

Dear Conrad,
I had wanted to write you a letter when you turned 6 months old and now here we are just a couple of weeks away from 9 months! The last three months have just kind of been a blur with my fall photography season and then the holidays. I have so much in my heart I want to tell you, so here I sit hoping it flows effortlessly.

You are just plain awesome. Our family of three before you arrived was really great. We were close and had such a fun time together. It never really felt like anything was missing. But then you joined us, and it felt so right and so natural and you fit in so perfectly. And really all that time there was so much we were missing, we just didn't have any idea. We were missing your adorable baby laugh and your chubby hands and your handsome brown eyes and your double chin and your bald head that is oh so soft and your fabulous thighs and your serene personality and the way you use your whole face to smile and your baby hugs...oh how I love my baby hugs. We were missing the beautiful relationship that has formed between you and Gwendolyn and all the funny conversations we have about you and how much we just love and adore you. You've filled in spaces and gaps in this home and family that I didn't even know were empty, and our lives are so much richer because of you.

You're 24 pounds of pure love, Conrad Cross. We often "argue" over who gets you, and even when I've been with you all day, I miss you like crazy if I just so happen to get an hour or two to myself to run errands or go to the gym. And the days you and Gwendolyn are at daycare are great in so many ways, but I always look forward to pick-up time. You have such a delightful personality, and I'm often asked if you're always so calm. If you're fussy, it's usually because you're tired, hungry or want to be held, all of which are pretty easy fixes. Daddy and I are always amazed at how content you are. I feel like I'm always saying things like, "look at him - he's just sitting here." You won't hear me complain that you're a cuddle bug because I love some good quality baby snuggles. Well...actually you may hear me complain just a little bit because you can sometimes make it difficult for mommy to get anything done. A naturally cuddly baby going through separation anxiety is not a good combination. But we make it work, because I know this time is fleeting and you won't always fit so perfectly in my arms. I'd hold you all day if I could. There's nothing more I'd love to do, but I also know it's good for you to play on your own. Oh, and mommy has a house to take care of. And meals to prepare. And work to do. (Conrad snuggles sound much better than all of that.)

You were a great sleeper, but then regressed this fall and have been pretty hit or miss since then. I'm not upset though. Teething is tough work. (You now have EIGHT teeth!) You slept through the night Monday night though! 8:30 to 6:30 and then again until 9:00. I'll take it! The next night wasn't quite as smooth, but then last night was until 6:00 so I forgive you. Naps are random. You usually take a great morning nap (1-1.5 hours) and then recently your afternoon nap has gotten the short end of the stick and some days I'm lucky to get 45 minutes. Stinker!

Some of my favorite moments with you are after you've nursed at bed time and are asleep on my shoulder. I wish I could bottle up the feeling and sound and smell of those minutes because they're the best. I never knew how much I'd love the sound of your deep sleeping sighs. Or the way your arms spread across and hug my shoulders, and the way your head - so heavy with tiredness - just naturally falls against my cheek. And there we sit and rock in the dark. Sometimes I multi-task and spend these precious moments reading on my phone or catching up on emails or texts, but if I'm going to be doing those things anyway, I'd rather you be asleep in my arms while I do them. I often get texts from daddy..."are you coming back down?" It's true I like to linger. It's a quiet and peaceful time.

I would have thought you'd be eager to catch up to Gwendolyn, but you haven't been in any big hurry to be on the move. It's fine by me. I've secretly loved having you stay a stationary baby for longer than what is typical. You always have your eye on her though watching to see what she's up to, so I'm thinking it won't be long until you're getting up in her business. She rarely says a bad word about you, but that may change once you're messing with her baby dolls. Especially if they're sleeping. We all know we have to be veeeery quiet when they're sleeping.

You...

gained 3 lbs in the last month

love puffs and food (see above)

are barely fitting into 12 month clothes (see above)
will eat most baby food veggies as long as they're mixed with applesauce

immediately look for Sissy when I get you out of your crib in the morning

sometimes yell at us for no reason

put everything in your mouth
like to check people out and watch and observe

flutter your hands when excited, just like Gwendolyn did (and she still does)

wear size 4 diaper

would prefer if mama is never out of sight

have very squishy cheeks

love your daddy

pull hair and scratch faces

give the best baby hugs
think your sister and daddy are both hilarious
sway side to side when you're happy
are down to two naps
do this really cute thing where you flutter your fingers by your face
rarely spit up
love to have your back and head rubbed
look so handsome in your Sunday best

are (slowly) learning some sign language

enjoy a good book
still need burped
get very distracted while nursing
have the BEST baby breath
have a twinkle in your eye

play happily in your jumperoo

wear a lot of zippered fleece pj's

find bath time super fun

love watching the big kids at daycare

will go to anyone

play well on your play mat
don't like your nose wiped

roll over occasionally (mommy finally saw it!)

are an amazing traveler

have the best baby laugh

are extremely ticklish

have a double chin with the cutest little dimple in it

prefer someone be holding you if at all possible

bring us immense joy

are very, very heavy to carry in your car seat

get adjusted at the chiropractor's about once a month

love buttons and strings and glasses and earrings

have a connection with your sissy that is truly unique

rub your eyes when you're tired

no longer suck your thumb (boo)

have never used a pacifier

blow reeeally big raspberries when you're frustrated/mad

smile with your whole face

have the best grin
have quite a few nicknames: C-Rad, C-Cross, Bud, Goose, Goosers, Connie Connie Connie Conrad Cross (daddy), Conrad Crossy (sissy), and Brother
often suck on your bottom lip

get a lot of comments about your size

have a large head (but we still love you)

have an even bigger heart

I am so thankful you're my son. We pray for you every day and we won't stop. I am overwhelmed with love for you so much that there are times my heart feels like it can't possibly hold any more. It's a demanding job being your mommy, but by God's grace I think we're doing pretty well. The last 8.5 months have taught me a lot about myself and brought to my attention areas in my life I still need a lot of work, but I think that's what parenting does. It forces you to be self-reflective and honest. I want to be the best mama I can for you and Gwendolyn, so that means taking difficult but necessary steps in order to change and grow. And of course, it's so worth it because we should always be striving to be more like Christ. Parenting is a sanctifying process. Thank you for teaching me so much. I can't even put into words how thankful I am that God chose us to watch over and care for you on this earth. Between you and your sister, I feel like the luckiest mommy out there. We do a lot for you, but you do so much for us as well. 

I can't wait for what is to come!

It'll never be long enough, but I'll love you for as long as I'm given.

Love,

Mommy

Conrad: 36 weeks

Hi everybody! Hope you had an awesome Christmas! I'm a week late in posting so I better get right to it!

• My first Christmas at Mimi and Papa's was really fun. We played and played and slept and ate. It was really fun to see my cousins Grant, Brooke, and Luke after not seeing them since last May. Santa brought me new books, summer onesies, toys, and another pair of my favorite Zutano booties. (You can never have too many booties.)

 - I was up on average of 2 - 3 times a night while at Mimi and Papa's. Just too much excitement to sleep!

• My first Christmas with mommy's family was quite all right too. It was our third time (well, my first time...) meeting at a water park hotel in Okoboji, IA. In addition to playing with my cousins, practicing my rolling skills with Grandpa, celebrating Jacob, Aunt Nikki, Noah, and Uncle Scott's birthdays, and hitting up the arcade, I was finally able to show off my buff bod and go swimming for the first time. I was a bit nervous at first, and preferred to be held than sit in the shallow end, but eventually found my preference to be the lazy river. Now that's riiiight up my alley....it was very relaxing.

- I got lots of books, my first airplane, and one of those pop up toys that every baby needs!

- I slept great the first night there and not so great the next two nights, but mommy is always quick to forgive. I just bat my brown eyes at her and give her a big baby hug.

• Mommy and daddy say I'm an awesome traveler and they really appreciate it. Between a bag of toys, puffs, and my entertaining big sister I can make a 3.5 hour car ride NBD.

• Make that SIX teeth! Three on the top and three on the bottom.

• Peek-a-boo will always make me smile.

• I think I pull off footed pj's pretty well, don't ya agree?

I turn 38 weeks old (8.5 months!) next Sunday so stay tuned for another update in just a week or so!

I do appreciate your friendship.

Love,

Conrad Cross

p.s. Mommy messed up on my sign. She needs a vacation!

A Year in Pictures!

It's amazing to look back on a year and see all that took place. I recall all of these moments and memories so vividly. Some feel like yesterday while others I can't believe were a part of this past year b/c it seems like forever ago. I think back over the emotions involved, and have to admit it's been an emotionally exhausting year. From joy that will bring you to tears to a tiredness that will drop you to your knees. We've laughed and cried and clung to God who always sustains us even when it feels like we're completely on our own. He's blessed us in so many ways, and I think I'm the luckiest mommy and wife in the world to have the family I do!

I tried - I really did - to pick just one picture from each month that summarized that month, but who am I kidding....not possible.

JANUARY:

We took a baby-moon to Mexico and had a fabulous time!

Meanwhile, back home Gwendolyn didn't even notice we had left and was having the time of her life with Mimi and Papa with frequent visits from TrishyJohn.

FEBRUARY:

Pretty in pink.

She wore her first barrette and had her nails painted "just like mommy."

She also found my baby bump to be a comfortable resting pillow.

MARCH:

She blossomed before my very eyes while going to our ECFE music class. We had so much fun!

Our annual progressive dinner in Charles City with my girls. Got to meet baby Hattie for the first time!

Naturally, Gwendolyn joined us for the main meal at my parent's house.

She turned two and we celebrated like crazy! She loved her new gifts from Miss Kathy, Trisha and John, and Erin. It was the beginning of a precious relationship with her baby doll who she named Leah completely on her own.

Spent an afternoon at MOA.

APRIL:

The BIG month of baby brother's arrival!

37 weeks...

A trip to the Minnesota Zoo. Freezing and tiring, but fun.  

It's due date day! Still with no baby, so we went out to lunch together.

And we soaked up our final days with the Ohio Barntsens before the moved back to Mason.

Conrad Cross was born April 28th, 2013

7:26 pm

8 lbs, 7 oz

21" long

An awesome 4-hour labor...I'd gladly take that every time!

The first time she laid eyes on him...

He's home! She was thrilled.

MAY:

Sleeping, happy baby boy. We adjusted to our new normal with lots of help in the beginning from both sets of parents. 

We said good-bye to Greg, Natalie, Grant, Brooke, and Luke. 

#rough

#gratefulfortwoyearstogether

It soon became quite obvious that we were going to have a big boy on our hands...

We also said good-bye to Leo after finding him a new home about an hour away. Little did we know he'd pass away in June, only two weeks after he was adopted. Pretty sure they were the best two weeks of his life though!

Road trip to Charles City for Memorial Day!

JUNE:

We didn't sleep much. Between a newborn and a toddler who suddenly started having a hard time sleeping, we just took one day at a time.

Happy Father's Day, daddy!

Daddy and Gwendolyn went on their first date....to McDonald's and a movie.

Gwendolyn took a short summer ballet creative movement class. 

And she started swimming lessons!

This was my life for weeks on end this summer...an exhausted toddler and a relaxed and chill newborn (thank you Jesus!) I'm so thankful that's all behind us.

Conrad turned three months!

JULY:

First day at Miss Kathy's...

Had a very small little surprise dinner at our favorite restaurant for Tom's 30th birthday. The next day we spent the day together at Valley Fair and realized we aren't quite as brave as we once were.

Then it was off to celebrate Conrad's first 4th of July at a waterpark/hotel about an hour away. It was an awesome family weekend!

Next up:

A trip to Council Bluffs for a relaxing weekend at Mimi and Papa's.

And then a trip to Charles City to go the Floyd County Fair and see Grandpa and Grandma.

And take our picture with a baboon, of course.

AUGUST:

Ahhhhhhhh......one of my favorite places on earth - Hidden Haven Resort. 

Our Sinclair family vacations up north never disappoint.

We transitioned to a big girl bed after a certain little someone climbed out (unhurt, thankfully) twice.

And the silly, sweet, goofy, content, loving personality of our precious Conrad continued to shine. It's been amazing getting to know him!

SEPTEMBER:

Libby and I threw a baby shower for Amanda back in Charles City - such a special day to honor her and baby Fletcher.

While there, Aunt Becca surprised us and "stopped by" with Weston. So fun!

We went on walks...

And I turned 31. 

WHAAAAA....

We made a trip down to Des Moines to see Tom's dad receive an award and I organized a pizza party (thanks for hosting, Malynda!) to see some college girlfriends. It was so wonderful to have everyone together and see the nine kiddos!

OCTOBER:

Conrad cut two teeth in a matter of days. What a trooper!

He also started sitting up on his own.

Celebrating our 6th anniversary at our favorite restaurant - The Lob aka Red Lobster.

Cheddar biscuits....mmm...yes, please.

Never get sick of seeing these two enjoy life together!

A freezing trip to an apple/pumpkin orchard...

and a fun Halloween rounded out our October.

Also in October we took Gwendolyn's 2.5 year and Conrad's *almost* 6 month pictures with the help of John and Trisha. We were low on light and the kids did amazing. The Lord really blessed our efforts b/c Gwendolyn was totally on and gave us some of her best genuine smiles yet (helps to have some photographer's tricks up my sleeve) and Conrad was his normal happy self in his one-piece sweater. The one of them together - it's my favorite picture of all time! We have it hanging on our wall, and I find myself stopping to look at it often. I love them so much sometimes my heart feels like it could explode.

Also - even as a photographer myself - planning family pictures takes time.and.effort. I know it can be stressful. I literally spent weeks coordinating and finding our outfits (my husband is hard to dress) but with the right planning, it's so worth it. We actually had FUN and celebrated with dinner at Olive Garden afterwards! 

NOVEMBER:

Conrad was dedicated at church along with 20 other babies and children. Amazing!

Erin, Natalie, Kristin and I threw a baby shower for Trisha and Baby Dirl Deutsch. My house was transformed and a fun time was had by all. Can't wait to meet our new niece basically any day now (although we're hoping for another 3+ weeks, right Trisha? *smile)

Another trip to Mimi and Papa's house for Thanksgiving.

DECEMBER:

On our way home from Mimi and Papa's house we stopped to meet the newest member of the Fab Five, now the Fab Twelve - Fletcher!

Our Christmas cards looked horrible (boo cardstore.com) so here were my favorites from our little holiday session. Never too many pictures of the kids! Ha.

I hosted a brunch for seven of our neighbors. With the enormous help of Tom and two friends from our small group, we all had a wonderful time. They ranged in age from 30 to 92 - imagine the conversation! It was great. Hoping and praying for more opportunities to get to know these women!

We attended Miss Kathy's annual Christmas party...

BFF Serena.

Santa made a last minute stop at our house. Gwendolyn continually said she wanted "bunnies, barbies, and a pink teddy bear for Christmas" so I just couldn't not do it. I knew she'd love to play pretend with dolls and house stuff so just couldn't pass up a great deal I found on Craig's List. I also found a pink teddy bear even though she already has a pink teddy bear. But this one is larger you guys. She named her "Robin."

"Christmas morning"

Real Christmas morning

Christmas with the Barntsens!

What a year! Add in there just over 90 photography sessions and I'd say it's safe to say it was filled to the brim. Feeling so blessed.

Happy New Year from the Barntsens!