What's up...

...with the Becker Three.

Jack has been REALLY into building things with Legos. He was recently introduced to the regular size Legos and Tyson & I have enjoyed watching his creativity come alive. Here he is showing a "Robot Monster."

Josephine is still enjoying her Mommy & Me class. Last year I worried that she would be sad to be away from me...and now I know that's entirely FALSE. She would be JUST fine without me.

Nolan spends his days cuddling with his mom, napping in his carseat (because we are always on the go), and he's also earning his keep as a MODEL for the Printed Poppy.

Last Friday night we had family pictures taken. If ever there were a person who didn't believe that the TERRIBLE 3's are worse than the TERRIBLE 2's...just come hang out with Josie when she's tired. She's hands-down the most stubborn child I know. She wasn't interested in taking pictures. So heads up - our Christmas card might be a little on the "BAH HUMBUG" side.

And finally, Nolan recently received an elephant towel from two friends he will come to know & love - Mark and Karen Dixon (lake buddies). Bath time is his favorite time of the day, so this towel is a big hit. Tyson didn't believe me when I told him how excited Nolan gets for bath time. He can anticipate it. Then I had Tyson give him a bath and he saw it for himself. Pure joy.

A Convo with Noley

Nolan recently had a conversation with Tyson and his Grandma Nancy...I believe it went something like this:

Nolan: "Isn't milk the greatest, guys?? It's so delicious. I love milk."

Tyson & Nancy: "Milk is pretty great, Noley...but there is a whole world of food for you discover. Wait until you try fruit, and chicken, and CAKE."

Nolan: "Cake? I have no idea what that is but it sounds AMAZING! When can I have some?"

Nolan: "Seriously though - how many chins do you think I'll have once I can eat some cake?"

Happy Halloween!

Last night was Trick or Treating in Northville. We had two ninjas and a last minute costume change, Josie decided to go with her Princess costume 100%. She was a pirate for school, but by 4pm her costume was trashed. Good thing we had some backup options.

 Nolan's FIRST Halloween. HI -YA!

 The red ninja is ready for candy.

It was cold. VERY cold. And windy, and rainy, and awful.

Tyson and I needed adult beverages to help warm us up! Our drinks got colder the longer we were out with the kids.

Success! Lots of delicious candy to rot our teeth!

Don't worry - Nolan didn't participate in trick or treating. He passed out candy with grandma & grandpa at home.

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.