Visiting Sissy

Kate asked if I would bring Jake into school during lunch so everyone could see him. I don't think he's been there all year, and he's changed so much. His sister enjoyed showing him off. One girl actually said that he looks like he could be Kate's baby. Thanks. Don't remind me that I'm the oddball of the family. I wonder how many kids I would have to have to finally get one with dark hair??!!

I spent the day at mom and dad's with Izzy and Jake. These were my favorite shots of the day.

This last shot isn't great because the sun was so bright, but I just had to grab one of the bouncing.

Jake said something so funny in the car on the way home from school today. He and Izzy were watching Santa Buddies. It's a movie full of dogs that talk. Jake turned to Izzy and said, "When I grow up, I'm going to have a big dog." This kid is 2! Where did he get the grow up stuff? I was shocked at the complexity of this statement. Poor guy. I wonder when I should break it to him that his mom is very allergic?? Maybe by "grow up" he means adulthood?  Let's hope so, because I can't stand the thought of breaking his heart.

Weekend Recap

I can't believe it's mid-April, and Jake and I are already looking tanned! We spent most of Saturday and Sunday outside doing yard work, filling the sandbox with fresh sand, and celebrating Spring!  This is the way Jake likes to do it.

Our days were filled with sun and fun, and our evenings were just as busy. We celebrated with Richie's family Saturday night. It was his birthday and his sister's First Communion. Sunday night I took a photography class offered by our birth photographer. It was a class on building your business. We did a practice photo shoot with models, did some editing, and got lots of great tips from Kelly. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the shoot.

I think I did pretty well considering I was standing there with 9 other photographers trying to get my shot. I obviously couldn't frame them exactly the way I wanted to. I was certain I would leave there wanting a bunch of expensive lenses, but I was happy to find out that Kelly's favorite lens is one I already own...the 50mm 1.4.

I actually filled the little pool for Jake today. It was 86 degrees. Our neighbor came over with her two kids, and we spent the entire afternoon outside. Jake went back out after dinner to ride his bike. I don't know where he gets his energy. All of this goes on without a nap, too. I did tell my neighbor that if this warm weather continues, we'll be burnt out on it by July.

It all starts somewhere.

Jake got his first lesson in mouse manipulation today. He played at pbskids.org. He did really well and seemed to pick it up quickly. I'm sure this is just the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship. I'll be curious to see if he asks to play on the computer tomorrow.

This afternoon Jake got his stool out of the bathroom and carried it into the family room. I asked him what he was doing. That stool is suppose to stay in the bathroom. He answered, "I'm doing somefing. I'm doing somefing important."  I didn't know whether to laugh or be afraid. I sent him back into the bathroom to return the stool. Now I kind of wish I had waited to see what he was planning before I stopped him.

Thanks to Grandpa Gene for the reminder to put out our hummingbird feeder. I can't believe I forgot this year. The weather has been so warm and gorgeous that I'm sure they must be in the area or close. Jake and I went to Walmart again today to pick up a new feeder and a finch feeder, too. While we were outside placing the feeders, Jake spent some time playing bubbles. Unfortunately the playing is always short-lived and then the pouring begins. I'm not sure there is any bubble solution left.

Thursday Musings

Jake saw a dermatologist today. He's had problems with cracking under his little toes for an entire year. I've been treating them with hydrocortisone cream as suggested by the pediatrician. I've also tried Aquaphor and A&D Ointment. I never miss a night. He gets some kind of cream on his toes every single night, yet they continue to crack. The doctor did a culture today to check for some type of infection. In the meantime, we are treating it as a yeast infection and now have a prescription strength cream for that. I'm hoping it works. Poor guy. Cracked toes are painful!

Jake served as the entertainment in the waiting room at the doctor's office. He also told everyone goodbye on our way out. He is the friendliest kid!

I took him for a haircut after the appointment and then to Walmart. I haven't had a day at home all week, and I'm really feeling like I need one. I think our errands are done for the week, so hopefully tomorrow will be a quiet day.

Dan picked up a rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight. I made mashed potatoes, asparagus, corn, crescent rolls, and salad to go along with the chicken. I still can't believe how much Jake ate. He started with some grape tomatoes, carrots, and dip while I was cooking. He then ate 2 servings of fresh pineapple. He helped me make the mashed potatoes but was refusing to try them. Jake eats one type of potato...fries. I kept asking him if he would like a taste of the mashed potatoes while we were mixing them. He refused. I turned away from the mixer to wash a bowl; and, when I turned back, I noticed that he had licked the beater clean. So we can now add a second type of potato to his list of preferred foods. After the "appetizers", I figured he was probably full and wouldn't eat the meal. Was I ever wrong! He ate 3 servings of chicken, a few more bites of mashed potatoes, 3 servings of corn, and a crescent roll. He followed the meal with a bowl of ice cream for dessert. I can't remember the last time he has eaten so well.

I don't think I took my camera out today. Shock! Tomorrow is another day. ;)

The Great Outdoors

It's all about playing...especially when the weather is this gorgeous in April! It's been warm and sunny, and we just want to be outside. The days just fly when we are. In fact, Jake even asked to eat dinner out on the deck last night. I thought it was a great idea. We were grilling burgers...his favorite. Unfortunately the novelty of eating outside served as a big distraction. There was very little eating going on.

We happened to be riding bikes in the court yesterday when a neighborhood boy came out to shoot baskets. Jake immediately got off his bike and grabbed an extra basketball. In the court there are ALWAYS extra basketballs. Jake joined him at the basket and played just like a big boy. He took shot after shot lofting the ball as high as he could and chasing it when it got away. Not once did he ask me to chase the ball for him. How is it possible that he could look so tiny and yet so grown up all at the same time?

I didn't have my camera with me, but fortunately I had my iPhone.

We've also spent a lot of time playing with cousins this week. We spent Tuesday with Izzy and today with George and Sam at their house. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the action.

The hair blowing in the wind just cracks me up in this shot!

Jake is just so funny. He absolutely loves being on the go, so he is loving all the cousin play dates this week. When we were leaving George and Sam's house today, he asked me if we could go somewhere else next. I can't keep up with this boy! All of this is going on without naps now, too.

Easter Fun

Easter was such a beautiful day! Jake was great in Church. He was handed an unlit candle when we walked in, and this candle (as well as our candles) kept him occupied throughout Mass. The walk up to the altar and candle lighting were the icing on the cake for him. After Church, we did Grandma Sally and Grandpa Gene's house for an Easter egg hunt and lunch. It was so fun to be able to do the hunt outside. I can't remember an Easter this warm. We freshened up at our house for just one hour and headed to Aunt Janie and Uncle Paul's house for egg hunt #2 and dinner.  Jake took a little snooze in the car on the way there...never letting go of his Easter basket.

I was really happy with my pictures this Easter. I have a bunch of favorites.

Jelly beans were not popular with Jake. He was all about the Hershey's Kisses. I think I know what we'll use to potty train!

It seems like just yesterday that Carly and Kate were the little ones doing egg hunts.

Jake is crazy about Gracie. She takes good care of him...and brings him Girl Scout cookies!

I'm always so excited to get a picture of my beautiful girl.

Brendon and Jake have been big buddies lately. Brendon is very protective of his little cousin.

The big kids have to stick together! Kate is so happy to have Cam and Brianna in her life.

Ashley and Grandpa have always had a very special bond.

Sam gets a lift from his Papa. I think this is my favorite Easter picture.

Ashley and Izzy are definitely having fun during the egg hunt. I was excited that they stopped long enough for me to get this cute shot!

Sam and George sharing a quick moment of brotherly love...believe me...very quick.

I got this shot thanks to Em. I didn't even notice that she and Kate were sitting together talking. Em yelled at me to grab my camera and document the moment. My sister knows me so well.

It was a very Happy Easter!

Guess what I just bought?

I bought a domain name!!!  I'm pretty excited about it. I may not act on it right now, but I wanted to lock it up. Fun, huh?

I spent the day baking cupcakes and mini cheesecakes for Easter. Dan kept Jake occupied outside. We went out for date night to one of our favorite restaurants, and then I went a little crazy at Ann Taylor Loft. I haven't bought anything since the first of the year and am down almost 10 pounds. Some pre-Jake stuff will work, but I'm finding that it's not very comfortable. I was so excited to buy single digits again!

I promised some pictures from the photo shoot yesterday. Here are some of my favorites. I could photograph these sweet, beautiful girls every single day. I have so much fun with them. By the way girls, Jake is asking to come over and play at your house!

Happy Easter!!!