Backyard Adventures

Over the nice, long, relaxing (ahhhhhh) weekend, Kirk and I got the chance to "camp" with the boys.  Honestly, we couldn't have asked for nicer weather.  The clouds rolled in during the evening but left the rain behind, and we enjoyed a nice cool breeze while roasted some marshmallows for s'mores.  Baby Michael seemed to enjoy laying on the air mattress and looking up at sky and trees.  Gabriel and Kirk told stories while I just savored the moment. 

Sandord Zoo

We took a trip over to the Sanford Zoo a few weeks ago.  It was a nice family outing.  Personally though, I thought they were lacking in the animal department.  But the boys enjoyed themelves.

Here's some photos.

26 Weeks to go....

Yesterday marked my 14th week of pregnancy.  The week before I received an epidural injection for the herniated disks in my back, and it easied much of my pain and discomfort so I'm feeling my better...knock on wood.  And since the pain has easied, I'm able to take nice long walks with the dogs and Gabriel.  Excercise helps my energy level tremedously so I'm thankful for that.

Here's a few photos from the past two weeks.

Throwing a tantrum because we wouldn't give him the keys to the John Deere.

Mother's Day Lilies from Kirk and Gabriel

Waking Up

Round Two

We have a new baby on the way!  If all goes well (knock on wood) he or she should be making the grand appearance around December 1.  We planned for this child and I was so focused on making it happen, now that it's actually happening, well....I'm getting nervous!  Since Gabriel has turned two, caring for him has become much easier.  He can ask for what he wants, he can tell you how he's feeling, and he understands right and wrong (but that doesn't mean he always does the right thing!).  So I'm nervous about going back though the baby stage, with a two year old as well.  Luckily, Grandma is three miles down the road. 

So, a little about my two year old.  He is a talker!  I love hearing his little voice.  Honestly, it melts my heart.  He is a very sweet boy and for the most part, he listens well.  However, lately he has developed a "stinker" side.  When he is about to do something he shouldn't ( ie, pulling the dogs tails) he looks at me and gives me his stinker face which consists of a big goofy grin and squinted eyes.  It's funny and adorable at the same time.  It's hard not to laugh, but discipline is a must so I try and be firm.  He understands time out and doesn't want to go, but unfortunately for him, he's visited it a few times.  He cries throughout the whole thing (usually a minute or two in the time out chair) and then we talk about what he did wrong and he says and signs "I'm sorry." Gabriel is a good eater and sleeper.  He still sleeps for 11-12 hours a night (no more waking up to nurse!  He was weaned a week before his second birthday so he finally sleeps throughout the night). And he takes around a three hour nap.  His favorite past time is throwing things up to the roof or sky.  He loves to play on his new swing set (birthday gift from Mom and Dad).  And recently, we signed him up for baseball and he loves it!  His favorite part is taking orders from Coach and the stamp he receives at the end of each practice.  He is a very happy boy and honestly, he has filled our lives with so much joy.  Here's hoping baby number two will follow in his footsteps.

And some photos....