Two months already?!!

How has it really been two months already?!!!

I am painfully aware of how quickly this little guy is growing. I finally had to pack up the newborn clothes a few weeks ago even though he has been out of them for quite some time. It's just so hard to realize that little stage has already come and gone. I really wish I could stretch that whole newborn-ness (probably not a word-but you get the idea) phase a little longer. Don't get me wrong, I adore all the phases in their own little ways, but that newborn phase they are just so helpless and fresh from heaven. I could just sit and stare at them while wondering about who they were just with and what they were thinking about me being their mother. I know, heavy thoughts for looking at such a sweet tiny face.

Anyway, John is absolutely adorable! We all love him so much. He has won us all over again and again with his sweet little smiles that sometimes make him look a little more screwy than cute. He is especially chatty in the morning. Sometimes we all stay in my bed and just smile and talk to him while he coos back. I'm sure we all look like the biggest goofs, but he seems to love it!

We finally got him some medicine for his reflux and things seem to be going a little smoother now. There are still many nights when I am walking up and down the street after the kids are in bed trying to get him to calm. There is some sort of magic in the outdoors for him~he's his father's son. He almost instantly calms when I walk outside with him. If I come back from a walk before he is asleep he screams the second we walk in the door! I'm so so grateful it is summer so I can go outside. I don't know what we would do if it were winter!!!

He is very aware of who his siblings are and whether or not they are in the room with him. He definitely wants to be a part of the circus all the time. If we leave the room without him he instantly starts his little cat calls for us to come get him. If we are gone too long it turns into full blown screams until we return and then he's all smiles again. He loves when Katie sings to him. He just looks right at her and she sings in her sweet little voice. It really does make your heart melt. And, Joey is so concerned if anyone tries to touch him or look at him. "He my baby bruder. No touch my baby bruder. I love him." Oh, I am lucky girl to have these little people!

So, he is still holding strong as the chunkiest baby in the fam.

11 pounds 6.5 ounces
22.75 inches
A full head of hair

**These were taken around 6 weeks.

The Pool

It has been super super hot the last few weeks so we have been playing alot in the water. I have braved the pool a few times with all three kids by myself! WOW! What a production. Thankfully, Katie is big enough that as long as she stays in sight with a life jacket I don't have to worry. Joey is getting less timid about the water, but he still hangs close in the splash pad area. theses two definitely love the water! So much so, that I have no pictures of Katie in the water. Bad mom!!!

John has dipped his toes a time or two, but mostly he hangs out in his swim suit in his car seat! He looks pretty stylin' though! Good thing he is such a chub--he fits in Joey's 6 month swim suit!

This is the Place

This the Place Heritage Park

We finally made it to "This is the Place Heritage Park" and it was a lot more fun than I ever remember! I think they must have done some significant improvements since my elementary school day field trips. The kids loved it! Not to mention the day we went it was FREE. There were tons of people due to the free factor, but it was seriously 100 degrees and so we didn't stay more than a couple hours and the kids seemed fine with that! We rode a few trains, played some games, ate popsicles, rode some horses, played in the mini farm town. Like I said it really was fun for them. I actually want to go back this fall when it cools down to spend a little more time. Katie really wanted to check out all the houses.




















I can't believe we got this kid to ride a horse. I would have bet a lot of money he would have chickened out, but he really enjoyed it! He does look a little skeptical in this picture though.

The 4th of July

Todd and I were in charge of our neighborhood 4th of July breakfast this year. I must admit I was seriously bummed we weren't going to be able to attend our traditional Huntsville breakfast and parade. I just love it there. I've loved it since I was a kid. It's just so small town and homey! It feels very 4th of July. Thankfully, my parents were able to take the kids Friday night so Todd and I wouldn't have to worry about them at the breakfast Saturday morning. At least they got to enjoy the small homey 4th of July! My parents seriously are great for taking them even though we ended up with two African Dwarf frogs and some random fish from the carnival festivities. ****Seriously, I don't need one more thing to take care of right now and we are now the proud owners of these ridiculous frogs that are so FRAGILE and have such specific needs. More to come on the frogs because they deserve their own post with all the drama they have caused!





































My mom seriously knows how to throw a party. Look at that cute cake she made with the kids. They just loved putting all the fruit on it! She always makes each holiday so special and important. It's probably why I love every holiday! I love her!!!!!































Now let's talk about the fireworks! Sugarhouse did not disappoint this year. And, despite all the warnings and that I'm a pediatric nurse, we did break out the sparklers in a controlled environment for the kids! Katie was a huge fan especially when she figured out she could write her name really fast. Joey was absolutely terrified of all things fireworks. We even tried the snakes to which he continued to scream. I really wish our camcorder could upload to this blog because his reaction is priceless and perfect blackmail someday!

A wonderfully hot Sunday summer afternoon. John is exactly 8 weeks old!

Notes from Katie

A recent note posted on Katie's door in response to a nap....

Fortunately, she had a lesson about peacemakers soon after. And, after Todd and I had stopped laughing, a little talking to from her parents about kindness and feelings.

***P. S. I heart this picture!

Oh, for the love of potty training

So we have been working on this.....

Need I say more?

Grandma's House

About a month ago Todd headed out for his annual Oregon trip. We decided to stay behind since John was so little. So, I spent the week at my parents for some extra help and to help watch my nephew. We had so much fun. They loved the bike path in the park, her big tub and cool shower, all the stairs, having pancakes every morning and just playing with grandma. They were so bummed my dad was out of town on business. They really do love to go to Grandma's. It's like a mini vacation for them and for me. I don't know what it is about home, but I instantly revert back to my younger years. I feel like I have chores to do, but at the same time it's nice to have my mom "take care" of me. I loved watching the cooking channel in the evenings with her and just chatting. She really is my best friend. I'm not sure how I will survive next year when we are in New Zealand. Good thing Skype exists!

Just one example of why she is so great. She would come in around 4:30 (she's a total early bird) when she heard John crying and take him so I could get a few hours of sleep. He had such terrible gas that he was only sleeping for an hour and a half at a time and then he would fuss for an hour or so and then sleep again. It really was exhausting. I'm so glad those days are behind us. I really was incoherent for those first few weeks. What did mother's do before Disney movies, especially when it was poor weather? I'm convinced that was the only way I made it. We would all snuggle up on the couch and the kids would watch while I drifted off for some "sort of" sleep. I swear you always sleep with one eye open during the day, but somehow it stills feels like a little rest. Anyway, we had a great time and the kids were super bummed when we had to return to "real life!"

**The little Strawberry Shortcake cradle was mine when I was little. It's so crazy to think that John was the same size as one of those dolls!

Father's Day

Father's Day was a bit of a bummer for this poor dad. Todd was on call all day which means he left around 4 am or maybe even earlier I don't remember I just know it was super early and then he got home around 11pm that night. So, our poor children were only able to wish their awesome daddy Happy Father's Day on the phone! At least he got to come home to this fun diplay of homemade cards, banner and presents! We love him so much. He was one great daddy!