Learning to Swim - Part 2

Few words are needed...

Orange You Glad I'm Cute?

Yes, I am... because this guy stirs up trouble. Brock is in a playgroup this year and he absolutely loves it.

Eat! Eat! Eat!

Every mom likes to document the first time her baby eats food... today was that day for Olive. She was taking down the rice cereal pretty well in spite of Brock yelling, "Eat! Eat! Eat!"

Lashes

Brock's lashes always get to me. I am still amazed at how long and dark they are for this little blond boy. The other day he fell asleep on the way home and I moved him to the couch. As I sat there I just kept staring at his lashes - what I would do for those!!! This picture doesn't even do them justice - they are so thick, and long. When he closes his eyes - they lay flat on his cheeks.

Brocky Turns 2

I can't believe our little Brock turned two years old. We decided to just have some family over for a get together and have cake. Since there was no party planned I thought the least I could do was make him a fun cake... well I tried. My only hope was that he would recognize who it was. I guess you could say it was a success. He looked at the cake and immediately said, "Sully!" (from the movie Monsters Inc.) I know it's not that great, but he could tell and that was all I cared about. We all sang to him... this is Owen's favorite part - the kids practically screams Happy Birthday and then ends it with, "Cha Cha Cha... Kumbaya - Stick your head in Hot Lava!"
Brock was really excited about all his new presents, they immediately busted out the fire engine tent from his Grandma Vicki. I think they crammed 7+ kids in that small tent.
Happy Birthday Brocky boy... this birthday was just another reminder of how close we are to this new baby coming.

Finally... A Post!

I know... I know... it's been forever since I have made a post - I think this is the longest I've gone. Good thing it didn't turn into a "picture posting war" with anyone! Well, here is recap of all the happenings here.
First and foremost - we got the inside of our house painted which was a nightmare but well worth it - before and after pictures are on there way Mom. Let's see... what interesting things have we been up to...

Well, last week I decided that I needed to have Owen's allergies tested. It's a long story as to why, but not as important as how sad it was to have it done. I heard of the pricking, but I have also heard of so many people that have had it done - that I really didn't think twice about it... that was until we were in the middle of getting it done. The poor guy cried so hard I even got a little choked up during it all. They pricked his poor little back almost 50 times. It must have been torture. When it was done he was fine and he only has a handful of "mild" allergies. The big red spot under the "H" is what a severe allergic reaction would look like - notice only a few red dots here and what were those?? Oh yeah, that would be EVERYTHING he eats - chicken, beef, turkey, milk, peas... Oh Boy!

This last weekend we went up to John's nephew's baptism and enjoyed some family fun time. The cousins had a large ugly lizard and a King snake. John has been talking about getting Owen a snake for a while now and I keep saying that he is too young to take care of it.Owen was definitely fascinated with the snake, but he wanted to hug it and kiss it - um... maybe he needs a dog or better yet a stuffed animal - you don't want to hug a snake too tight! John was so into the snake - I would notice he was gone only to find him upstairs alone holding the snake. I have to say the snake is way cool, but when Owen was done he just flung it off him... um... yeah-no!Today I tried taking some photos of the kids on our front porch for a special Father's Day surprise... it didn't go so well - time for Plan B!Tonight John took Paige on another date night. He's been trying to take her consistently each month (for the past 6 months or so), but sometimes it ends up being every 6 weeks or so. They do fun things like go to the mall, get sample make-up put on at the MAC counter, go to dinner, buy tacky jewlery that Paige pickes out, see a movie - you know... whatever. Paige always dresses herself (she always wears a dress) and does her own make-up (usually a ton) and hair - who am I to say how she should dress when she is trying to look her best for her Daddy Date? Sometimes, I just have to look away as they walk out. John is always very sweet to her - he opens the car door, holds her hand and tries to teach her how she "should be treated" when they are out. It's a bonding time for them and well, let's be honest - Paige doesn't need "Daddy Issues." Tonight they went to the Spectrum, road the Big Wheel, shopped for a necklace (I'll have to get a picture of that) and went to a new cupcake shop (to compete with Sprinkles) called Sweet Lorraines I think it's safe to say they had a great time.

Lastly, here is Brock - seriously, this guy melts my heart... and look at those teeth!

Owen's Field Trip

Today was Owen's first Field Trip to the mini farm near our house. We go every year for preschool and it was his turn. He was so excited and he kept talking about his "field trip" - I don't even think he knew where he was going or what he was going to do. He just knew it was exciting and that Brock was coming too.

One of the first stops was (what I'd like to call) the "Bunny and Guinea Pig Pit." It's an enclosed area full of rabbits and guinea pigs. Owen just loved it. Brock was a little afraid at first. We got there right when the farm opened so all the animals were hungry. Brock was very curious, but didn't want them jumping on him.
Owen was all to eager to hold the "bunnies" - he called them all bunnies even if they were guinea pigs. Brock eventually warmed up to the pit and wanted to sit on the log with all the other big kids. He wasn't interested in holding any animals but you couldn't wipe the smile off his face. So cute! (Elle looks a little worried here) Next the kids all went on a train ride. Brock made it a few laps before screaming so hard they had to stop the ride and get him off. I think it was too much for him to see me over the fence and go right past me. Owen seemed to love it! Here are all the kids (minus Brock) as they came around the bend. What a cute group of preschoolers!!! Lucky for the goats we still had more carrots. Owen (and his friend Londyn) really loved feeding all the animals - any animal that would eat from them - they would feed. After some sheep, a cow, lamas, an ostrich and more farm animals they took rides on the horses or in this case was it a Pony? Owen said he wanted the "black one" and that is what he got. This kid is a far cry from Paige. She was always terrified and refused to ride the horses whenever we came there. Good job Owen! What a fun trip - I was dreading bringing Brock but he really enjoyed himself and it wasn't that bad. Nothing a tube of anit-bacterial foam couldn't handle right?

The Trouble Maker

Talk about trouble. Trouble is this guy's middle name lately. If he isn't getting into Paige's "prized possessions" he is making a mess of Owen's latest masterpiece or better yet, emptying out all my cupboards and make-up drawers. This guy has hit is "terrible twos" at an early 14 months old. I tell you - we don't know what to do with him. I'm convinced the older two have corrupted him and they are all in cahoots to make my life difficult. Ahhh... lucky for him he is still so cute. :)

My Baby is 1

I can't believe that one year ago today this baby boy came into our lives. I really get choked up thinking about how fast he has grown. I can honestly say that he has been a pure joy this past year - other then taking 11 months to sleep through the night (yeah, you read that right). He has been all smiles all the time. And for any of you that know him you know I'm not just trying to paint a rosey picture... he is such a sweet-heart. Here he was 1 year ago.

Goodness! Look at this boy and that little face.

It wouldn't be a birthday without family, friends and some cake. I think he's a little intimidated by the 50+ eyes staring at him and his bright cake (yep, I made the cake - WOW is it bright!!!).
Oh!!!! Poor baby boy didn't like all the attention or better yet - he wasn't into the messy cake. Stop the torture and get this boy cleaned up!

Lucky for everyone else my friend Davlyn made us this beautiful Red Velvet cake. It was so moist and yummy! I seriously suggest you try hers sometime.
Well, he was a tad bit timid of the cake but made enough of a mess to get washed up. What would a birthday be without getting in your birthday suit.
Opening presents was a lot of fun for this boy. Lucky for him he had a lot of help from his cousins and friends. Happy birthday Brock!
For the record this boy took 5 steps today! Way to go!!!!

I'm an idiot!

I can not believe that I dared to take on the line for Santa just days before Christmas all by myself. I went without a diaper bag, no snacks and no toys. One hour later this is all I got. I seriously thought that I would be in and out. Poor Brock was over it by the time we got to the front of the line. I seriously think if we would have gotten right in he wouldn't have been scared of Santa. Well, live and learn right? Next year I'm going the first week of December!

CAUGHT!

That's right - I caught you. This little guy is getting into more trouble these days, from getting stuck places to making messes and dumping out all the toys. Who would have guessed such a doll would cause so much trouble - and where do you think he learned it from... well that second picture is of Owen back in April '05. Yep - those kids teach each other everything! Too bad I didn't get one of Owen turned around ;)

Big Boy Brock

Our little guy is getting so big. He has been moving around so good for the past month and he has been getting better and better at crawling. He is now to the point where when he has his eye on something he gets there pretty quick.

We went to the park yesterday and he had such a blast on the swings - he even took a short cap nap while in it. I can't believe this guy will be 7 months on Sunday. Wow time flies! And yet some how I am still struggling with this baby weight - I can still call it that right?

I'm Seeing Stars

Movie Stars that is! Here is Brock and me playing around with some sunglasses.