Mama's Boy

Oh, what a beautiful weekend. We had such a great time hanging out family outside enjoying God's creation. We unloaded hay to cover the septic, played on the playground, worked around the yard, played basketball and took a hike. It was wonderful. Last night we even had a fire in our fire pit and roasted marshmallows. It was a great weekend with lots of fresh air. I love fall.

On our walk Greg had the camera and took some awesome pictures of Brooks and some that actually included me! Thanks, Greg!

Getting Strong!

Tonight at dinner I told Brooks that he needed to drink more of his milk because "milk makes your muscles strong." So, for the rest of the meal and much of the evening we enjoyed Brooks taking a sip of milk and then showing us his muscles. He did this several times and it seemed to get more hilarious each time he did it. If anything, it was a great way to get him to drink his milk!

Blessed

We are so blessed to have two beautiful children. Brooks has begun to turn an "obedience corner" in the last few days and has been extra fun to be around. He is loving Sunday School and actually cried when he had to leave today. He recites his verses to us and loves to sing his songs from Sunday School. His little spirit is so sensitive and he has become such a lover. Lately, out of nowhere, he has been telling us he loves us. For example, I grunted yesterday while I tried to get onto the bed (sore from the marathon) and he looks at me and says, "It's okay Mama. I love you." It was an instant moment of MELT MY HEART, BROOKS HARTLEY.

Brooks is such a hard worker. When he plays outside (which we do everyday or bedtime is rough), he loves to "work". He has an amazing play set in the backyard, but he prefers to wipe the snow off rocks, clean his daddy's car, clean the patio and pick up sticks. He mimics everything his daddy does, so I guess I can see why he'd rather work then play!

My little Princess Belle continues to be just that. She smiles and recognizes faces now, which is an instant way to melt my heart. Her sleeping is still less than to be desired although she slept over at her cousins house this weekend and decided she'd sleep for 10 hours. Hmmm...nice. It was back to 4 hours last night since her parents were back in town! Thanks, Belle!

Brooks has a gentle spirit. He is rammy and totally boy, but also has such real sensitive emotions. He loves to tell his baby sister that he loves her and he randomly, out of the blue enjoys kissing her. He has done amazing adjusting to life with a sister, even though sometimes he'd like to be a "geel" (girl) as well!

Could I really be more blessed?

Doctor, Doctor

Brooks went to the doctor this week to get his flu shot. He did great and usually doesn't mind going to the doctor. In fact, he often asks to go to the doctor or tells us he's "sick" and "needs to go to the doctor". After visiting the doctor, he was more inspired than ever to give his little Chloe-Belle a check-up. He better get the most of it now while she still holds still for him.

Almonds

I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to Brooks when he told me that he "got some Almanins" (pronounced: All-ma-nins).

Look at me, Mom! I poured myself some almanins without help!

Only my child would rather have almonds and chicken over Candy Corn and Gushers.

I had to explain that if he ate all of these almonds in one sitting he'd get a tummy ache. He was so proud of himself for getting them on his own, but accepted that I had to put most of them back in the container.

2 month check-up

Chloe had her 2 month check-up yesterday. We found out she is no longer the petite little girl we once thought she would be. She has grown rapidly and now sits at the top of the charts for height, weight and head circumference.

Here are her stats:
Height: 23 inches (75%)
Weight: 12 pounds 7.5 ounces (89%)
Head: 16 inches (90%)

And we thought she'd be our little peanut! Ha!

We are thankful to the Lord that everything else is great with Chloe and she is in perfect health.

Fall is finally here!

Fall is in the air. It is so fun to dress the kids in fall colors and fashions.

Hmmm...wonder if they love their Chloe-Belle very much.

COUSINS!

As always, having a blast being buddies.

Our Cuties.

Oh, Chloe! You are growing up too fast and you are so beautiful.

Brooks insisted to wear his sisters flower. He seems a little bit overly happy to have this very feminine bow on. I am thankful he proves to be pure boy in so many other ways!

Sleeping?

No Way! Just playing with Daddy!

Sweet Great-Grandpa Russ

Chloe got to spend much of Saturday morning with her Great-Grandpa Russ. He loves cooing at her, snuggling her and feeding her. He had 8 children of his own and loved holding our little bundle. Chloe did great with him. He must have lots of experience!