Thursday, March 31, 2011

Another Little Artist

E learned a new trick which she loves, drawing on the Magnadoodle! We have one that's been stepped on by C and J but is perfect for her to climb on and explore. C and J were teaching her and sure enough now E will pick up the pen and make marks on the toy all by herself. I'm definitely not ready to let her try crayons yet but got to admit I'm particularly proud of my little artist.

C showing E how
She will do both handsAnd she wants to put the pen back in it's spot after

Fun Outside at Ami's

Some more fun pics from our weekend at Ami's. Ami took C and J on a wheel barrow ride up and down the drive way. Super Ami showing her skills again. Here's also a pic of all of us in Ami's yard enjoying her cool Mountain getaway. Thanks so much again to Ami for taking care of us and giving us such fun-filled love-filled memories.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fat Cat aka Zeus

I hope the kids will have pets someday but right now as they're very young and our rental house doesn't allow them they must remain content to just visit their Grandmother's pets. Both grandmas have Balinese cats (long haired Siamese, a result of Siamese combined with Persian) who are sweet as can be and neither believe themselves to be cats. My mom's cat which used to be mine when I was still at home is Zeus. And Ibu (hubby's mom) has Oaf-e who also is referred to as Imp and Meow Mix and is actually Zeus' great niece.

This past weekend we got to visit not only Ami but Zeus too. And in his huge furball-ness and crazy personality as always he made sure to make an impression.

C and J loved petting him and even E went up to the glass door to try and say hello. I had some nice time playing with him and am still in shock that he's the same little kitten that used to climb in bed with me and drape himself across my forehead to sleep. Even hubby who is allergic was able to play with Zeus with the help of some awesome new allergy meds and some rope which Zeus didn't really chase but grabbed then would let himself be dragged on his back, belly waving around the deck. I wish I'd gotten a picture of that but alas. Here are some of the sweet memories of Zeus last weekend though. And Ami even held him up to wave his paw at us as we were driving away lol.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

E and "Real food"

We officially started E on solids March 18th at 6 months and 3 days old. She has only had fresh food so far and I hope to experiment with making more of our own baby foods soon. We haven't done this that often since she had some left over congestion from the cold the kids got over 2 weeks ago so she's been nursing extra but I still don't feel there's any reason to rush the food introduction etc.

First food was sweet potatoes. She's also now had Banana, cantaloupe, and this weekend at Ami's she got some mashed apple which she enjoyed. E does well with the spoon and actually will grab the spoon and shovel bites in her own (occasionally getting them in actually) when she thinks I'm going too slow lol. I know we need to get more veggies in next but as I said this isn't a daily thing for us at all so slowly but surely.

Here's the first eating pics we got from Ami's house and the Apples.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Playing together

I love watching the kids play together. E's adventures in standing attempts have made this play recently even more fun. She can now can get up to standing at her play table (and wherever else) all by herself and we have entered the cruise mode lol. If she can climb it she will and if she can cruise it she will. We're still working on the standing independently and still at only a few seconds on that one but she gets more excited with every added second.

Here's some pics of C, J, and E at the play table (C and J were playing first but E was very apt to join in and got up beside them to join in the fun).

A computer/net free weekend

So I'm behind for sure now and I'll be playing a lot of blog catch up the next few days. Also I'll be uploading pics again soon hopefully when I find my camera cord which has disappeared temporarily.

Friday we started our real break with a weekend getaway (which unfortunately got a very late start but that's another story for another day) and I swore off the internet/computer for the weekend to give myself even more of a break. I'll admit I missed messaging some friends but overall it was a relief to just enjoy my surroundings without checking updates, updating what I was doing, or even uploading pics.

The down side of this is now Monday I had 3 pages of email to sort through, loads of pics to upload and lots to catch up blogging on lol.

We had a wonderful relaxing weekend in North Ga at my Mom's (Ami's) house. Hubby put up an owl house for her so hopefully she'll have a real owl there for our next visit. The kids had lots of fun running her ragged. At one point she even took them in a wagon up and down her driveway. We all needed the break and loved the trip.

Also this trip was the first time E had been to Ami's house and marked the first time my dad met E. I know crazy since she's 6 months old now but with his busy work schedule and us not being able to arrange time to travel up when he'd actually be home it'd taken this long. E was in her warm up mode and he was pretty exhausted from the long work week before but the kids still loved seeing their Grandpa and even opened some very late Christmas gifts lol.

I'll update more later and hopefully add pics. I need to run another load of homecoming laundry lol. I feel like even getting back to our normal routine though we have so much more energy thanks to the wonderful weekend. Now on to a great week to come :)

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sleepy girl

E was very tired and I was getting ready to put her PJs on for bed and this happened. I thought it was too sweet not to get a pic but couldn't move to get the camera. So this was taken with the comp. web cam. Still precious though :)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Big Boy Bike!

This was late evening so not the best light wise but J couldn't wait to try his new bike out :) He loves the cars theme as well which already matched the helmet he already had. You can see the little trike he used before in the background. This is definitely a big upgrade though C and J both want E to use the "little bike" now lol. Now to get C and J both off the training wheels comes next.

Awesome Day

Once again this week is going super fast and yesterday was so busy I missed the blog. But I'll try and make it up tonight.

Today began with me being exhausted thanks to a long late night before so all I wanted to do this morning was take a nap. But my sweet hubby had other plans. And surprisingly I have to admit it was worth the lack of sleep lol.

After breakfast we took the kids to a park nearby. The weather was gorgeous and as always my little ones astounded me with their playground feats and their sweet personalities interacting with the other kids. We walked around the park some and then went out for lunch.

A friend of mine is selling Scentsy, an awesome smoke free candle alternative (if you're interested check it out here) and one of her most popular scents is Cherry Limeade. Talking to her about it has gotten me wanting the real thing so we went to Sonic for them. 20 minute drive but totally worth it lol. Then we went to Olive Garden for Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks. The kids also had Ravioli and after playing they had definitely worked up appetites.

Our next adventure was getting J something we promised him for a bit (since he's now officially a Big Boy) his big boy bike!

He picked out a cars bike on his own and loves it. We had some dusk and night time riding when we got home and when C and J had to come in both couldn't hold their excitement about more riding tomorrow (hopefully the weather will be good for it).

We decided due to some residual congestion at night time we'll be going up to North Ga for a day and planning a long weekend trip for later on. We're a little disappointed about cutting this trip short but excited about making the most of the day up and hoping that Ami will be able to come visit us for the weekend.

Also speaking of scheduling hubby noted he now only has 6 weeks left of classes! Isn't that crazy? I can't believe that we're so close and just praying the next few weeks of him finishing and us finding the best job and figuring out the best next move for our family go as wonderful and easily as possible :)

I'll add some pics of the kids on their bikes later, definitely an awesome day :) Hoping the rest of the week is wonderful too!

Monday, March 21, 2011

E's everywhere!

Mobility is fun for sure, but definitely a challenge even the 3rd time going through a baby going mobile. I think with C and J now being potty trained and having full reign of the house E's mobility has been even more challenging than theirs was. I can't gate off the living room, kitchen, or bathroom this time. And E's favorite game now that she can crawl at top notch speeds is Racing Mommy.

Though I'm fine with doorway blocking I can't stand the idea of the Rugrats style enclosure and I'm sure C, J, and E would hate not being able to play with each other as easily. But doorway blocking means potential potty delays which are risky with toddlers who seem to get the urge out of nowhere. So C and J are learning to keep doors closed and being more watchful about anything left on the floor (and couch, chairs, tables for that matter) since it's all fair game for E if it's within reach.

When I have to run to the laundry closet, bathroom, or kitchen really quickly I place E on her play mat at the far side of the living room and so starts the race. Can E get to Mommy before Mommy gets back? I swear she's fast and it feels like these days she's everywhere.

E also loves to chase her siblings to their room as they laugh with excitement trying to out run little sis. And she will also race me if C and J forget to close a door. Her favorite is trying to get to the bathroom. Luckily Mommy has won that race so far but E will sit and laugh the second I close the door in a "You got me this time Mommy, but next time you may not be so lucky."

And I realize just how quickly things may change. E is already working on standing unsupported (letting go on her own for several seconds) and I know whether she walks as early as big sis and big bro (8 months) or later it will definitely happen in no time.

It's so interesting to me that all my little ones are so different and unique and that you can recognize it even this early on. E has such a happy personality already (when she smiles she does so with every part of herself), and every time she gets one thing down she seems to be looking forward to what she can do next. I am excited to see what she has in store for us next and to continue the challenge of trying to keep up with her adventures.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

And so begins the break

Tomorrow is Monday and for many this means the end of the weekend and return to work. But we are blessed this week for that not to be the case. For us tomorrow means adventures with Daddy in the backyard, sleeping in, pancakes, and the excitement of getting ready to visit Ami in the North Ga mountains in a couple days.

Today was a normal Sunday filled with fun and relaxing as usual but it's interesting how knowing you don't have a deadline or restrictions on the following day, and week, seem to lift all our spirits. Even though I don't think the kids realize the fact it's a longer break, they are even excited. C loved telling Daddy she would get to tell him "when the sun is here" tomorrow because he won't be at school.

The kids are all well now though E's still teething and C has a residual cough, everyone is in wonderful spirits and no fevers. This is such a blessing and makes me even more excited about making the most of the week to come.

I hope that with all the fun to come this week I can add in more educational out of the ordinary activities too.

Today officially began Spring and the Bakers are getting ready to welcome in the Season! Hope everyone else has a wonderful week and enjoys the gorgeous weather and their many blessings as well!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Saturday Fun & Snuggles

Saturday we rode bikes. J is definitely ready for his big boy bike (which we will be getting soon).




Afterward the kids were worn out and this happened of their own accord.

Catch Up post

E has been working on standing the last couple days. Late Thursday night she actually let go while holding Daddy and stood on her own for several seconds. I can't believe how big she's getting. Here's a couple pics of her recent adventures with experimental standing.Friday J got a haircut (way overdue) and C wanted me to fix her hair too. This was a little more difficult since we want her hair to grow out and it's in the very layered stage getting thicker daily. But we did manage 1st braid despite my very active 3 year old making it a bit more challenging than necessary. It was still cute I think though a little lop sided. Reminded me of my mom trying to get me to sit still while she fixed my hair (though I was a couple years older and past the shaggy stage lol).
J mid haircut (he's very active too)Still Mommy's sweetheart and Snugglebug despite being my Big Boy tooSome pics of the girls playing :) E's shirt says Thank Heaven for Little Girls

Friday, March 18, 2011

Our 4 Year Anniversary

Today was hubby and my 4 year anniversary. I can't believe only 4 years ago we stood together on a windy mountain top in North Ga and vowed to love one another and spend our lives together. So much has happened in those 4 years. We have grown as a family and as people but we remain so very much in love. I can honestly say I'm married to my soul mate, the love of my life, and my best friend. I am so amazed at the husband and father he has become and I am so blessed to be sharing my life with him. I can't thank him enough for how happy he makes me more and more each day.

We didn't get to do anything too crazy to celebrate today but once again it was a perfect day surrounded by love. Hubby made the most of it even though we were at home the majority of the day and it was perfect just like our wedding day was 4 years ago, most importantly because we were and are together.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

A Needed Break

Today was a little challenging at the beginning with hubby returning to class but it soon brightened up. The kids were better today. We haven't had a fever since Tuesday now and the main annoyance left seems to be congestion.

It was gorgeous outside and though we didn't do anything too crazy to celebrate St. Patrick's day it was a treat for all of us to go out and play in the backyard. Today gave us lots to celebrate. First of all hubby is now off for the next week for Spring Break! Tomorrow is our 4 year wedding anniversary. The weather was perfect and we all seem to be getting well again! Hopefully we will be able to visit my mom/Ami next week.

The kids had a lot of fun getting back to their regular play and learning routine plus even more time outside than normal despite a bit of residual stuffiness and I'm looking forward to them getting better and better and us enjoying the weather even more in the next few days.

Here's a few pics from today's backyard adventures. We all needed this after the extra time stuck inside this week due to the colds.

My Princess C :)My Little Man J (who will be getting a hair cut soon lol)Exploring with Big bro, E's in froggy pose here
Standing up by herself on the playset (so proud!)
The girls playing inside later