Playdate with Bella and Oliver

Today we went over to my highschool friend Michelle's house to meet her new baby boy Oliver. He was so cute and Austen loved seeing another baby. Addy and Bella had a blast playing together and are already talking about the next time that they will see each other. Too cute! Enjoy the pictures!

Apple Orchard

My parents were watching the kids on Sunday while we were out celebrating our anniversary. They took the kids to an Apple Orchard and Addy loved it! She couldn't stop talking about it. Here are some pictures that my parents took. I wish they would have gotten a picture of them with the kids, but we will have to work on that for next time. Enjoy!

Addy's 1st trip to the Dentist

Yesterday was a big day for Addison. She had her first dentist appointment. She was so excited and did surprisingly well. She even got her teeth cleaned with cookie dough toothpaste! She was excited about picking out her own toothbrush and stickers. I told her she is lucky that I never get stickers when I go to the dentist. She was so cute to say "Here mom I got you one too" I told her that is okay those we hers so she said she would get me a sticker next time. That is my little princess. Here are some pictures from her first dentist experience.

Welcome Colson "Cole" Thomas

We are so happy for our friend Katie and Alan along with big sister Alyvia. Colson was born on September 16 and weighed 6 lbs 11 oz. We can not wait to meet him and for Austen to have another buddy!

I recently came across this and it was the perfect time for me to find this. Lately I have felt that Addy really pushes my buttons lately and I feel that I have been saying "No" to her a lot and getting mad. I am really discovering the challenge of having two and diving my time, but I feel I do the best I can.


Loving Two . . .

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you’ve never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, “Please love only me”. And I hear myself telling you in mine, “I cant”, knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I’m afraid to let you see me enjoying him as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.
More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven’t taken something from you, I’ve given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.

I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you only differently.
And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you’ll never share my love. There’s enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply

I love you both. And I thank you both for blessing my life.
- Author Unknown

Austen is 8 months old

Our little boy turned 8 months old on Tuesday. I can hardly believe he is already 8 months old. He is very busy and really wanted to crawl, but not quite there yet. He still loves watching his sister. Here are his 8 month pictures! The best I could get.

Who Loves Iowa State??

An Afternoon at the Park

This past Friday was so nice that my mom and I decided to take the kids to a park. Here are some pictures. Austen had a lot of fun and of course so did Addy.

Playdate with Keira, Owen and Kellen

This week we had our good friends over for a playdate. Addy and Keira had fun playing dressup and pretending they were going to the store. Owen made Austen and Kellen laugh. Natalie and I were actually able to chat and visit while the kids played. We love having them over and looking forward in seeing them again.

Sunset Festival

This past weekend was the Sunset Festival. Addy couldn't wait to go to the carnival and go on the rides. I was a little nervous for her to go on some of the rides so we stuck with the easy ones. Here are some pictures from our time at the Fest!

Sunset Parade

My mom took these pictures since I had to work during the parade. Addy had a great time and from the pictures so did Austen.