I Forgot

...how messy it is to clean a self feeding baby.

First Tooth

Yesterday, Dallin's first tooth broke through. I thought, where is all the screaming, and bawling, and nights of no sleep? Oh, that was Kyle and Blake. Dallin just took it in stride. I didn't even know it was about to come through. He actually has been pretty happy these last few days. I'll try not to jinx myself. Hopefully we all stay healthy during Christmas break.

Note to Santa

Kyle wrote a letter to Santa in his class at school.



It's hard to read. What it says is, "Dear Santa, I was sorta good. I want a general greivous light saber for Christmas." Sorta good!? Yeah, that is what he wrote. I have been laughing about that.

Actually, Kyle has been awesome. He is the sweetest boy, so helpful, kind and loving. When Brian or I explain spiritual things, he just gets it. He remembers everything (sometimes to my detriment). He helps both of his little brothers, who just light up when he is home. Nobody can make Dallin giggle like Kyle can. And Blake gets so excited when they play together. He is amazing to have a conversation with; he is like a little adult. Age 6 has been just wonderful. I have loved watching him grow and change.

I think he may just get that light saber he has been asking for.

Happy Birthday Brian

33!






I don't usually do anything cool for his birthday but this year, I actually thought of something good. Since Brian never looks at this blog, I can say what he is getting. It won't ruin the surprise.
All he really wants is a snowmobile. But that is not going to happen right now. Maybe next year. So, instead I am arranging for his brother Scott to surprise him next Monday with a trip to go snowboarding. Brian has no idea. He actually thinks that I am having a day to myself, like a hair appointment and stuff. So he is expecting to stay home with the kids and play mom for the day. But his brother is going to show up instead and go snowboarding. Yay! I hope he has fun.

The Joy of Discovery

Dallin has figured out the pincer grasp. It is so cute to watch the intense look of determination as he uses his fingers instead of just a closed fist.





I sure have changed as a mom now that this is my third child. Yes, that is an orange peel he is chewing on. You are technically not supposed to give citrus until one year, but I just didn't see any harm in it. And no allergies sprung up. He didn't really even eat any; he just had the small remnants of an eaten wedge. He loved it and threw a fit when I took it away. He definately loves being able to feed himself.

Compare

I am trying to decide who Dallin looks more like, Kyle or Blake. I found some pictures to compare them.





So far, I think he looks more like Kyle. But other days he looks more like Blake. What I do know for sure is that he looks a lot like Brian!!

Thanksgiving

What a blessing to have a whole day set aside to think of what I am grateful for. Of course, I am grateful for my family, my home and all the good food.



The stranger danger phase is in full effect for Dallin right now. Also, all the noise of having a house full of people was hard on him, but he warmed up after a few minutes. Then he was his normal smiley self.



The cousins came and had so much fun! I love that the boys have great family that they can play with. Jake and Allie are such good kids. They all got along great, there were no battles or any sadness. Just some crazy giggling and squealing. It was awesome.



I filled the boys plates and the boys kept asking for Turkey. I kept thinking they wanted more turkey meat. But these cute little turkeys were what they were asking for. So after eating a good amount, they got these treats. Cute! They were a pain to make though. The oreos kept breaking on me. But they still came out ok.



After most everyone went home, the boys and I made these little pilgrims and Indian. We talked a little about what Thanksgiving means. Kyle said he was glad that the Indians gave us this country. Uh, I don't think he really got it. But oh well. So does the girl pilgrim really look like she went shopping at Victoria's Secret? I guess she kinda does. That is supposed to be a bib, by the way, not a bra.

I certainly have much to be thankful for. This is a year that I do not want to repeat, but I have seen many blessings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A lollipop makes everything better

Dallin has been doing so good with solid foods. So I decided to introduce some of the meat babyfoods. It didn't go so well. He thought it so bad that he made gagging noises and literally shivered. Poor kid. He was very patient about it, he never cried, just kind of stuck his tongue out like he wanted to get rid of it. We happened to have some lollipops around so I made him a peace offering. Of course that was a hit. I doubt that he actually swallowed anything because it all just drooled out onto his bib. That is what baths are for.



Guess we will be sticking with fruits, veggies and cereal for now.



A year or so from now, I probably won't love that he sucks his thumb, but right now I think it is the cutest habit ever. He only does it when he's falling asleep. It helps him not need me so much in the middle of the night. Cutie pie.

I'm a Fan

I refused to read Harry Potter for the longest time. I am not a sci-fi/fantasy fan so of course I wouldn't like it. After much prodding from the book club girls, I finally I gave in. Turns out, these are some of the best books ever. A deep moving story about good vs. evil and how love conquers hate. Amazingly well written.

One of my problems with all the Harry Potter nerds was that they would get so ridiculously into it. Wearing costumes, saying wierd things like, "lumos," having the chills when anyone would say Voldemort and listening to the chat groups online (though after the cliff hanger ending of book 6, how could you not?). I am eating my words, I so wanted to dress up as Hermoine this year. And, as you can see my blog is well decorated for the upcoming movie release.

I am officially a Harry Potter nerd.

Costumes

The boys are at the perfect age to enjoy Halloween.




Kyle as Optimus Prime! He looked great! Love it! He loved having my umbrella to keep dry. I think that was almost as fun as anything else.



Blake was Darth Vader. This costume came together so well. We already own the light sabers. The helmet was a DI find a few months ago and Grandma made the cape, thanks Grandma Bonnie! So I just bought the bodysuit and mask. Perfect! He looked so great. About halfway through trick or treating, he looked up at me and said, "I wanna go home." So I helped him carry his helmet and everything else. Suddenly, he was ready to go for more. He didn't mind the rain at all. I first was trying to keep Blake under the umbrella, but he didn't care. In fact, he was seeking out the mud puddles to jump in. They were both pretty well layered.




Enjoying the spoils.



OH! I can't stand it! So cute! I was lent a costume for Dallin, but I just couldn't resist buying this one. He is only this age once. So I splurged. So worth it! Those chubby cheeks!



Sweet baby!

Happy Halloween!

;)