Back to School

It is my favorite time of the year, late summer/early fall. I love the crisp cool evenings that signal that Fall is just around the corner. I love the Indian Summer days, the fresh fruit and veggies from the garden, the beautiful fall colors. And, of course, I love the Back to School frenzy. This week, the kids had their first days and we took the obligatory first day pictures. Corbin started 2nd grade in Mr. Kelly's class at Walnut Grove, Trent started his second year of preschool going four days a week in the Blueberry room, and Becca started pre-preschool in the 2 and you class (both at St. Andrews Christian Preschool). I think the kids are all going to have wonderful year.

What a difference three weeks can make...

It was three weeks ago that Mark said to me one evening, I think we should sell our house and see about moving into something bigger. My initial response was we aren't ready to do that. But the idea of being able to move into something with at least 4bedrooms, no more room sharing really caught my interest. I had my doubts. I wasn't sure we would be able to financially, so Mark suggested we contact a family friend, who is also our mortgage broker.

A week later, we meet with our broker and he gave us the go ahead. Two days later we met with our realtor. One week later, our realtor came back, took pictures and we wrote up the listing. And yesterday, it officially went on the market. And tonight, we have our first showing.

The past three weeks have been a world wind. We started by getting rid of a truck load of stuff for rummage sale, then rented a storage unit and filled it up with more stuff. Next came the painting and touching up any projects around the house. Then the house was scrubbed from top to bottom. And finally, the house pressure washed, the lawn manicured, weeded and new bark chips. The result- a house that is ready to be sold! Now, lets keep our fingers crossed we find a buyer quickly. Keeping the house in such pristine conditions with three young kids and a dog on the loose is going to be another challenge altogether!

18 Months

Becca is officially 18 months (and two days if you are keeping track). She had her 18m doctor's appointment on Monday. She weighs 23 lbs (36%) and is 31 1/2 inches tall (40%), and head circumference 18.75 inches (77%), and according to my math that makes her 100% perfect!

Becca isn't a baby anymore- she all toddler. And a busy one at that. Some days she has me pulling out my hair trying to keep up with her and her "exploration" (by exploration I really mean hurricane like mess making). She has above average physical abilities, which I would celebrate although it means she can climb and reach everything in our house, she has figured out how to open all cupboards and drawers, and has even figured out how to open the sliding glass door and escape to the backyard. She is working on mastering doorknobs, and then I am really in trouble. Right now, the ability to shut all the bedroom & bathroom doors is really my only link to sanity. Despite driving me crazy, I really do adore her and marvel at her determination, curiosity, and strong will.

On a side note, Becca's hair has started to really grow. Unfortunately, it appears that only the back part got the hair growth memo. So, Becca is rockin' the mullet look for now. The best part- the sweet little curls.

Oh, how I adore this little girl.

17 things about our amazing 17 month old

I glanced at the calender today and saw the date- 1/21, which means Becca is another month older (for the record so is Corbin- he is 88 months old today. But that is besides the point, and it would be silly to keep track of Corbin's age in months). I missed posting anything on Becca's 16 month, so I figured I'd do a two month update on all the amazing things Becca is up to. So in no particular order:

1. Becca loves to be helpful. She helps me with laundry (and yes, she is actually helpful here. She will load the washer while I fold a load).
She also loves to feed the dog. This is not particularly helpful, I can do it quicker myself, but she sure does enjoy it. Especially when she gets to sneak some dog food for herself- yep, she likes to eat the dog food and is probably the reason she likes to help feed Zoey. Other chores she helps with- putting her clothes in the dirty laundry, putting books away, and wiping off the table. She loves to help.

2. Becca enjoys working out with us. She has even learn to jump with both feet off the ground- a milestone usually reached between ages 2-3. She is also very helpful for tackling you during push ups and sitting on you during sit ups. For the most part, I only work out when Becca is napping, but Mark will work out when he gets home, and when he does, he is lucky enough to have a very cute and helpful workout buddy.


3. She has picked up lots of new words. Some of her favorites: Baby (more on that later), Zoey, Belly button, Spoon, and Matt (as in Uncle Matt).

4. Becca can feed herself with a spoon. I can place a bowl of yogurt or applesauce in front of her and most of it will end up in her mouth.


5. Becca loves Zoey. She gives her kisses and hugs all the time. And when she gives Zoey kisses, she licks her.

6. Becca has a total of 13 teeth now.

7. We are back to waking up once or twice during the night. Not sure why this is happening, and although I would love to have a undisturbed night sleep. I am trying to savor the snuggle time I get when she does wake up.

8. Becca can carry her own diaper bag- And she enjoys it!

9. Babies, babies and more babies. She is obsessed. First word she says every morning is baby, which means she wants all of her babies in her arms to start her day. She spends her day pushing the babies around in the stroller or shopping cart, rocking them, and feeding her babies. And anytime we spot a kid under four- she shouts BABY. I am not sure the three year olds appreciate being called a baby by a baby. She doesn't seem to realize she is still a baby herself. (case in point: when she sees a picture of herself, she points and says, "baby" and when I say it's "baby Becca", she says, "no. baby.")

10. When she isn't playing with her babies, or dancing, her favorite toy is this:
For a very active 17 month old, I am always shocked to see her sit and play with this for 30 minutes at a time.

11. Becca is obsessed with shoes. She loves to pick out which shoes she is going to wear each morning. Unfortunately, she is not fond of wearing shoes. They rarely stay on her feet for more than 5 minutes in the car or shopping cart, or stroller. So it is a constant battle. My current favorite shoes for Becca, these boots from Cara and Matt:

12. Just call Becca, "Little Miss Attitude". She can give you some evil looks. She has figured out how to throw a full out tantrum by throwing herself on the floor and kicking her legs, which she does when she doesn't get what she wants. And, if she is really mad at you, she just closes her eyes and pretends you are not there.

13. She loves her brothers. She randomly gives them hugs or kisses. She follows Trent around all day, much to his dislike. Although, occassionally, Trent has started incorporating her into his games. They play house or king & queen together.

14. Becca has moved out of the high chair (see the pictures above using a spoon). When we still had her in the high chair, she was clearly very upset not to be at the table with us. Since we only had four chairs for our table, we had to go buy some more just so she could join us.

15. Speaking of sitting at the table together, it is Becca that makes sure we say prayers before dinner every night. As soon as the last person sits down, she reaches out her hands to initiate prayers.

16. Becca loves bellies. She has been banned access to her own due to some diaper exploration and smearing. Now, Becca always has a onesie on to keep her out of her diaper. So, when she needs to cuddle, she crawls on your lap and finds your belly. It truly is the way to Becca's heart. Here is a picture of Becca with Uncle Matt- she found his belly:

17. Becca is a trouble maker- just this week, she has unraveled a whole roll of toilet paper, broke one of our bowls, lost Mark's keys, a remote, and a phone, dumped out the box of Q-tips, my purse, and emptied the bookshelf. She spilled my juice & Trent's water. She is definitely a busy girl and into everything.

*Hope you enjoyed getting to know our 17 month old girl a bit better. Becca is changing almost daily. I am seeing our baby turning into a mature little toddler, tantrums and all, right before my eyes. It is quite amazing!

15 months

Becca is 15 months today! How about a dance party to celebrate?!

Just to see you smile...

I'd do anything, that you wanted me to. This Tim McGraw song pops into my head when I see this picture. Becca's smile totally melts my heart and I find myself willing to do almost anything to get her to smile. Today Becca is 14 months and acting so big!! She has learned to say cheese when I get the camera out. This is her "Cheese" face- not quite the smile I am looking for, but still cute.

Blogiversary

One year ago today, I joined the blogging world with my first two posts (Welcome to my Blog and Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch). One hundred and thirty four post & one year later, I am celebrating the anniversary of my blog. I have enjoyed blogging as an easy way to document our life, and to share pictures and stories with our friends and family. Thank you for reading and taking time to follow our family.

13 months

In addition to today being Corbin's birthday, Becca is now 13 months. And acting as big as ever! She can say a handful of words- mama, dada, hot, more, zoey, yes, no, and maybe a few others. She is giving wonderful hugs and kisses. She carries her baby around the house, rocking her, kissing her and ever so gently patting her bottom(and then occassionally throwing her). Becca also loves to dance, shuffle her feet, and even attempts to jump. And just when it seems like she is growing up way too fast... her shirt puts it all into perspective

Happy 4th Birthday Trent

Four years ago, you were born. You were perfect.

You made Corbin a big brother. And brought daddy and I so much joy.
And then three years ago, we were celebrating your first birthday. We watched you smear chocolate frosting all over your face.

And two years ago, you turned two.
At your party, you got stung by a bee near your eye and threw up, but you still managed to smile and make a wish.

And just one year ago, we celebrated your third birthday.

And your smile continued to brighten our lives.

AND TODAY- you turn four!

I am so proud of you. You are a wonderful, fun loving, spirited BIG boy!

and your smile continues to warm my heart. I love you Trenton Jacob!

Happy Birthday Becca!

Today, our baby girl turns 1! I am in awe of how quickly this year has flown by. She has grown so fast- here is a slide show with pictures taken each week so you can see for yourself:

Becca Rose, we love you! Happy First Birthday Sweet Girl!

Eleven Months

I held Becca last night marvelling that my baby is almost a year old. I have no idea where the past 11 months have gone, but I am getting excited to celebrate her first birthday in one month.

This month Becca accomplished a huge milestone: WALKING! Not just a few steps here or there, but as many as 20-30 steps at a time. At this point, she is walking almost half the time. I am amazed how fast she is figuring this walking thing out. Watch her go:

First Steps

*UPDATE 7/12: Becca's new record is 10*

Becca is regularly taking 4-5 steps at a time (7 is her record), before flopping to the ground. Here is some video evidence: (notice the belly flop she does once she stumbles- this is also a regular occurrence)

For all of you anxiously anticipating Becca's first steps...

What's that? You're NOT anxiously anticipating Becca's first steps? Oh, I guess it's just me. Oh well... Here is an update anyways.

Becca has mastered cruising, but is very hesitant to let go. Last week, Mark claimed Becca took four steps as she walked from the couch to him. However, since I didn't see it, we have no pictorial evidence, and she hasn't repeated the action, I am claiming it didn't happen. (what can I say- I want to witness Becca's first steps first hand, I am selfish like that!) I actually started tearing up when Mark told me I missed it (I was just out of the room helping the boys for a minute). I have seen Becca, on several occasions, take one (maybe two) unassisted step(s) as she cruises from one piece of furniture to another. So she is getting closer to independent walking!

Becca can push herself to standing from the floor, without holding on to anything. But then she just stands there not knowing what to do next.

When did the boys start walking? Well, since you asked... Trent started walking at 10months and 10 days, and Corbin started walking at 11 1/2 months. Looks like Becca might split the difference and start walking right around 11 months- that is my prediction. What do you think?

Ten Months Miss Becca!

This month, Becca has gotten another tooth (bringing the tooth count to 5), she is working on walking and loves to cruise, she is BUSY BUSY BUSY- causing trouble wherever she goes (favorite trouble making: playing in the dog's water). We are still working on not biting (pulling hair, pinching, too) and sleeping through the night. Here are a few Becca pictures from the past month.




And in honor of Father's Day- a few recent pictures of Becca with her daddy