Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween from Ariel and Sebastian!

 

Hanging out with Chester Cheetah at the Frito Lay Halloween party

 

fist bumps

 

 

 

 

 

Ariel and Belle

 

Jack O Lantern carved by Saylor and daddy

 

5 Months!

Gray is 5 months old! Here's what he's up to these days: - Started cereal and veggies (loves squash and green beans the most so far...gets pretty excited about them!) - Eats four bottles a day (6-8 ounces) at 7:30 11:30 3:30 and 7 (all vary by 30 mins) - Still napping 3 times a day - first nap is pretty variable and some days it's just while we're on the go - Sleeps 12 hours at night from about 8 to 8. Many nights I have to go in around 4 am to give him paci, but usually just once and he's out again till morning - Sleeps mostly on tummy - Rolls both ways, but more often from back to tummy - Is getting closer to sitting alone (definitely still falls over at this point, but closer!) - Making lots of noises! Cooing, more squealing, laughing, raspberries, some consonants - Loves his play mat, cuddling, to lay on tummy and play with ball, read books, etc. Loves to laugh and play play peek a boo, and especially loves his big sis. Seems to like his bath just fine - not really a big reaction either way with it actually. - Does not love: having to wait if he's really hungry, teething pain - Still very laid back but starting to develop a bit of an opinion (again, usually if it's about being hungry) - Is definitely teething (with any and everything in his mouth, loves to munch on our fingers, drooling, etc.) We had a week or so while on vacation that he was pretty fussy (for him) didn't want to eat, having blow out diapers, etc. and the dr.s office told me it was probably all related to teething. But of course still no teeth! - Getting more hair and has pretty blue eyes - Has not discovered his toes like Saylor had at this age - Is very wiggly! More wiggly than Saylor was...I think he's going to have that boy tendency to be on.the.move! - Had first (and hopefully ONLY) trip to the ER after a fall from out kitchen counter. Completely my fault though an accident, worst night of my life, lots and lots of tears on both his and my part, but he is just fine. :) So very thankful God answered our prayers and he was ok! We love you so much, sweet Gray!!!

Precious

Last night Saylor woke up around midnight, crying and sick. Between the hours of 12 and 6 am we made many trips to the restroom. :( I hate watching my kids throw up (especially when it's repeatedly). I feel so helpless because there isn't much we can do for them and I know how very miserable the feeling is. Not much worse in my book. But as yucky as last night was, I was thankful for it, too. Matt and I have always been intentional about not sleeping in Saylor's bed or letting her sleep in ours...she is already not the greatest sleeper and I know this would lead to terrible habits. But, whenever she is sick like this, one of us usually sleeps with her (both because we know she feels terrible and to ensure we can get her to the bathroom in time). I secretly love it when this happens. She is so cuddly and sweet and there is just nothing like getting to hold her when she really needs me. I can't believe she is almost three years old. In every way she has become such a big girl, so I am cherishing any moment I get to snuggle with her these days. And I know it won't be long before we're in the same boat with our little guy. Love these precious two so much......

Fun in the car!

So this video is hard to see and kind of long, but you get the point. I love it so much!

Family Vacation

We just returned from a week long family vacation to Austin and Blanco in the Texas Hill Country. Our trip included a fabulous wedding, quality time with two sets of good friends, and four days of relaxed, no-agenda family time at Aunt JoAnne's beautiful ranch house. It was wonderful!!!!! We definitely enjoyed a get away from our daily routine and had fun making lots of memories!

  One of the windmills at the Ranch

  The llamas

  We went to see them every day!

  We spent LOTS of time in the beautiful pool

 

  At a nearby wildflower farm

 

  Cuties in their coordinating pj's (a gift from Mare)

  Campfire with a beautiful starry night sky and of course:

  smores!

  Matt and Saylor spent one night outside in this tent. Well, almost the whole night. She woke up at 3:30 and asked to go back inside because it was too windy. But not bad for her first night in the wilderness!

  It was so cute...she was thrilled to do this special thing with her daddy!

  Sweet boy

  We spent lots of time in this hammock. :)

  And enjoyed every sunset and a few sunrises. :)

 

 

 

Almost every morning these deer were super close to the house

Reading him a story of course

On a little hike. So thankful for this time away with the ones I love!

Happy boy

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." 3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. 4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. 5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Feeling so grateful for this one all weekend. Please look at those legs!!!