Pre-Halloween

On Wednesday we had a Halloween Party for Mom's Club (our playgroup). Josie didn't want to wear her REAL Halloween costume - so she wore her Princess Dress. She had strict rules though: NO tiara, add some boots, Nolan had to be her Prince. Well, Nolan didn't have a Prince costume on hand - so he was the next best thing: a frog.

The other day Jack came home from school with a book he made in his writing center. One of the pictures caught my attention...can you guess what it is??

Nothing but Noley - 2mth Stats

There's no 3rd child syndrome around this blog. Nolan is getting plenty of pictures and posts.

Last week I was determined to get this child to use a pacifier. He hates them. After many hours of "training" - he still hates them. Why? Because they aren't the real thing.

We've had some nice weather the past few days (not today). Nolan borrowed Jack's shades while we played outside. He doesn't look thrilled about them.

And yesterday was Nolan's 2mth check up. He is still winning as "Biggest Becker Baby!" He's gained over 6 pounds since birth and now weighs 13b 13oz. (76%) and 23in long (36%). If you're wondering how that compares to Josie you can click HERE and Jack click HERE. (Jack's post reminded me about Virginia - his nurse - wonder what she's up to these days?!?)

Pumpkin Carving

Remember those pumpkins we bought a couple weeks ago? Well we finally got around to carving them. First we had to clean out the pumpkin guts. Tyson didn't enjoy this part, so he wore gloves. I can't talk about it. It's not his fault. He did not attend the "Jerry Clevenger School of Pumpkin Carving" from 1982-2004... Regardless. The pumpkins got cleaned out.

Then the kids each chose a pumpkin face. Thank you, Google, for all of the great "image" choices!

Showing Jack my best Pumpkin Carving face

And then I started carving. There is something slightly therapeutic about carving a pumpkin. (I might be weird)

Then THIS happened. Josie's dang pumpkin was so hard to carve - it literally broke my knife.

 TA DA! Each kiddo with his/her pumpkin. Jack's pumpkin is "scary/mean," Josie wanted a "happy" pumpkin (of course), and Nolan got an "alien" pumpkin.

(Reviewing my camera after our photo shoot: two shots of Jack w/ pumpkin, two shots of Nolan w/ pumpkin, 15 shots of Josie in 15 different poses)

Here they are - all lit up and ready for Friday night!

Nothing But Noley

Nolan received a little present from Denmark the other day. This is his new melton hat. He's pretty hip for a 2mth old. It really accentuates his cheeks, which - he's discovered - middle aged women find irresistible.

In Halloween preparation, I decided to buy a curly black fro at Target. I'll admit - it was in the Dollar Spot and it was an impulse buy. Target will do messed up things to your budget. This beauty will reside in our dress-up bucket...but Nolan had to try it on first.

And I finally caught his big grin on camera! He was a happy boy...for about 5 minutes, until he realized I wasn't actually holding him in my arms. 

My Little Helper

The other night I waited for Tyson to take the kids upstairs for bed, so I could give Nolan a bath. A few minutes later - Josie came back down looking dejected. "Awwwww, I want to give Nolan a bath!" So I let her help.

 Look how proud she is of herself.

But then you see Nolan's face and he's like "WTF, Mom?!?! I thought the bath was supposed to be RELAXING." Josie - still proud of herself.

Family Walks

We've been trying to make a habit of doing something as a family every Sunday. Lately our go-to family event has been a 2 mile walk. Last weekend we walked the trails around our neighborhood.

Checking out the pond. We saw some fish jumping and Jack wanted to catch them with a stick. A fishing pole may be added to his Christmas List.

Such a goof.

 Josie loves to perform.

 Daddy and Jack

Jack took over the camera to work on his photography. This is one of the pictures he took. He named it "Tree Butt" (four year old humor).  Next Sunday our Lions are playing EARLY on Sunday (9:30am) so that leaves LOTS of extra time for Family Fun Day.

Two Months Old

Nolan wanted to show everyone what his favorite hobby is right now. It's standing up. All I can say is..."UH OH. I think I'm in trouble."

Noley  is officially two months old (yesterday). I can't believe it. I know people say it all the time...with kids, time really flies. Unless it's any day between 4:30pm and when Tyson gets home from work, then time feels like it's standing still.

He's a serious boy, just like Jack was at this age! He saves his smiles for his momma and his big brother. And sometimes Daddy & Josie get one. Happy 2 months, Nolan Walter. We love you so much.

Similarities in Siblings?

Here they are...in order. What do you think? 

Do you see some similarities? 

I just see three healthy babies. 

Very thankful, very blessed.

Feeding Ducks

Before we get to the ducks...this is Nolan's best Milton impersonation from Office Space. "Ummm, I believe you have my stapler..."

Last Thursday we visited the local cider mill. They give out free day-old-donuts so kids can feed the ducks. I believe this is where the phrase "Lucky Duck" comes from...

Jack and Josie had so much fun feeding the ducks! They came right up to us, begging for donut crumbles.

See - they love each other! It's become more evident since Nolan's arrival! They spend lots of time destroying playing in the basement together and I've adopted the "survival of the fittest" mantra of parenting. Solve your problems, kids...I don't have time to figure out whose turn it is for what. If you hit and get hit back - I don't want to hear any crying. Keep your %&#@ hands to yourself. I rarely get called on to intervene, so I think it's working. Or they're just quietly beating each other up - ninja style...either way...

8 Weeks

Before I forget - Nolan is 8 weeks old today! And as you can see from the picture, he doesn't miss a meal. I spy arm chub and I love it!

Here are a few things we know about Nolan:
- He has a dimple on his left cheek (adorable)
- He has red/auburn hair (for now)
- His eyes appear to be blue...but sometimes I see hints of brown, so we aren't 100% sure yet
- He wants to be held/cuddled ALL.THE.TIME
- He has a serious...and I mean SERIOUS - temper. You'll know when he's mad. Everyone knows when he's mad.
- He loves his brother & sister. Hearing their voices or seeing their faces makes him happy.
- He's strong. He loves standing up on his legs and gets really proud of himself.
- He will NOT take a pacifier. (sidetone: I never believed moms who said that their babies wouldn't take a paci...until I had a child that refused to take a paci. I've tried every day (for 8 weeks), multiple kinds - NOPE. Seriously frustrating.)
- Despite his anger & stubbornness - He's VERY loved.

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we ventured to the Pumpkin Patch...and when I say "ventured" - we basically turned left out of our neighborhood & we were there. Regardless - we needed pumpkins and George Farm has the best prices in town!

We left Nolan asleep by the barn...yes, there was a person there & no, his stroller was never going to make it into the pumpkin patch. We found some great pumpkins!

Jack really wanted one that was basically a small planet. But I wasn't strong enough to pick it up, so it will stay there until a stronger mommy comes along.

Nolan slept through the entire event. No worries though, he got his very first pumpkin! Stay tuned for our adventures in carving...

Nothing but Noley: 7 Weeks

 Nolan spending some time with Daddy before bed.

 Starting to get some chunky cheeks. 

 This was the look I got when I put him down after carrying him around all morning. 

Not happy. Might be spoiled.

His favorite time...bath time.

Just a dude, some warm water, bubbles, and a view of some pine trees.

Fire Station Field Trip

Last Wednesday Josie, Nolan, and I joined Jack and his class for a field trip to the Northville Fire Station. Josie took it upon herself to join the class. She was an active participant.  Jack was, too, for that matter. He was practically giddy (because as you know, he was a fireman for Halloween - TWO years in a row).

The Fire Chief got into all of his gear to show the kids what a fireman looks like when he responds to a fire.

All of the kids got to get into the big fire truck. Josie showed her lack of school-ness, by butting in front of all of Jack's classmates. Big brother set her straight.

See how giddy Jack was - he struck a pose by the fire truck. 

It's Fire Safety Month! Don't forget to talk to your kiddos about two ways out of your house and a family meeting place! Oh - and check your smoke detectors! {that message brought to you by my former Insurance Agent Self}

Let's Celebrate!

We went back to Warsaw last weekend to CELEBRATE the the ADOPTION of Joe & Gina's kiddos. They had a BIG party downtown Warsaw and it was so much fun! The food was catered by a food truck - AMAZING. And then, there were Betty's Cupcakes and Cookies. I'm pretty sure 5/6 children in the family were on a sugar high for most of the night. But, just as adults can "over-consume" on adult beverages - the kids can party with sugar.

 Walker is newly one and he's a man on a mission. For those who know how busy Jack was at one - I can tell you, I think Walker is MORE active. Hard to believe, I know.

Jack and Grandma Shirlee waiting by the food truck. Jack looks exhausted. And he was.

My Aunt Sue was showing my Great Aunts their newest GREAT GREAT NEPHEW, Nolan. Doesn't Nolan's face look hilarious?!? He definitely had some WTF moments, as he was passed around that night.

Nancy and Denny came for the party, too! They were two extra sets of hands and eyes...as all of the kids were ready to wreak havoc on the city of Warsaw.

Josie - BIG fan of the Photo Booth. Huge. I'm pretty sure I never saw her without a prop.

Jack loved the props too - especially the "MusTake" (great combo of mustache and mistake). The only problem is he's not exactly sure where the mustake should go on the face...

Gina's dad (that's not her dad above) provided a party bus and a carriage for rides around town. I have to admit, it was great entertainment for the kiddos. Jack and Josie took a carriage ride with my Aunt Suzie. Oh look - Jack was eating something other than cookies & cupcakes...DORITOS. Nice. Well, we can pretend the cheese was giving him a serving of calcium. #momoftheyear

My brothers and I have been blessed with some wonderful Great Aunts in our lives. Here we are pictured with my Great Aunt Mary.  She's 98 and still amazing. Also - because we rarely have all three of us together - please note the Clevenger Blue Eyes in full force! Those genes are STRONG, I tell you! I have three blue-eyed kids to prove it.

More pictures to come...