Life Update

Next week, August begins. Summer is flying by quickly around here. I try to keep our summer low key but somehow it ended up much busier than I initially thought. Today though, we are hanging out on our small piece of land and enjoying apples from our apple tree. This experience is new for Riley and his feelings are written all over his face.

It is fair week here and the kids are also loving this experience. We took the kids to play a few games at the carnival and see all the exhibits and animals and the fair. Payton's dance instructor happens to have pigs entered and let Payton feed a marshmallow to a pig. Guess what animal Payton wants next?

And speaking of dance teacher, Payton took dance class and gymnastics this summer. It was a good way for us to test the waters at a discounted rate. She had a blast but I'm not sure what she'll do this fall. Between the two classes and the library's reading challenge, we were really busy during the week with activities. It was a lot to take on with 2 kids and balancing out naps, meals, and moods.

Although I don't know what she'll do next, we have a month to decide and just be. That's a beautiful gift. I love having a free schedule and days of no hurrying. So, if you need us, we will be walking, eating popsicles to beat the heat, dining on the patio, and doing any silly thing that comes to mind.

And while we're at it, we'll be sure to keep checking for chicken eggs. Yes, EGGS. Our chickens (well at least one) are finally producing eggs. So far we get one egg daily. We are celebrating each and every one.

Have an eggcellent rest of your week!

Our One Year Old

My youngest baby turned 1 last week. I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear. Time seems to have picked up the pace since bringing littles into the world. I can hardly wrap my mind around that.

We now have a 1 year old and a 3 year old running around. When did that happen? It's so surreal.

We spent most of the week celebrating Riley's birthday. Our daughter has a blast singing to him, hanging up decor, and baking cakes for both his smash cake photo shoot and birthday party. He is one happy, lucky boy to have a sister, parents, and family that love him so and came to celebrate his birthday with him.

Riley was such a mess after eating his cake at his birthday party that he got a bath outside, in a storage tote. Grandma added bubbles to it and we watched him splash and play until he was about to fall asleep. He took an extra long nap that afternoon.

We were also a bit late to the game in getting Riley baptized, so we got this done on his party weekend. The intention was that this would make it convenient for our families to attend the baptism. Riley's godmother was unfortunately not able to make it though so we had a grandmother stand in for her. 

Riley, you are such a blessing, so easy going, and always care free. You have made the best addition to our family. Your happiness is so contagious. As I write this today, you went your longest stretch of sleep last night, 8:30pm to 7am. Other than that, you have gotten up at least once (but normally 2-4 times) every night. I'm not sure if you're sleeping through the night will last but I sure enjoyed a good nights sleep!

Happy Birthday Riley. We love you!

Our 4th of July

We hope you had a great extra-long 4th of July weekend. We enjoyed lots of sun, fun with family, and watching the holiday through our children's eyes. It doesn't get much better than that.

We kicked off the weekend with a visit from my brother, his fiancé, and my nephew, who happens to be 5 months younger than my son. 

They stayed with us for a few days before returning home. My husband still had a few more days at home with us. We stayed around the house. We swam, played with all of our animals, watched a play in the park, brought out the chalk, and shot off fireworks in the evening. 

Our kids are exhausted as we resume somewhat of our normal schedule. We are spending today relaxing and catching up on sleep.

We are starting to plan for our little mr. To turn 1 in exactly 9 days! That day will be here before I know it (or am ready)!

Enjoy your week!

Oh, How I Love Summer

I haven't had a free moment to blog about our summer, but it's been off to a great (and busy) start. We've been busy enjoying life to the fullest. Our days are filled with breakfasts on the patio, dancing, gymnastics, company, walks, kitties, parades, parties, and pool time. 

At the end of last summer we snagged a great deal on an above ground pool. We were hesitant to put up this summer, but it's totally been worth it already! We are using our pool almost daily.

Last night we went to our nearest big town and watched a live performance outside. It was so fun but the drive home was oh so not fun. Think screaming vehicle. Our toddler is still passed out at 9am (unusual for her these days) while our infant didn't sleep much last night (par for the course). I'm really just going to dump photos of our last few weeks, so here we go:

And can I just say, I feel like I no longer have a baby on my hands but a not quite walking, but close toddler on my hands. He's so grown up.

And he turns 1 in 13 days. My goodness time goes fast.

Summer is my jam! Let the good times roll!

Riley is 11 Months

My beautiful baby boy is growing so fast. I'm sad to see his sweet baby face changing into more of a toddler face but I'm also loving the personality we are gaining more insight into. Riley, you are one of the sweetest babies I have ever met. You especially love your mama and sissy. 

Age:  11 months

Stats: I should delete this section, I have no idea. He is wearing some 12 month stuff and some 18 month clothes.

Nicknames: Riley, Bug, Baby, little guy.

Milestones: Riley loves to babble talk. He is slowly picking up the sign language we are working on but he may not use much anyways. He is already saying "nana" for banana, "Dadda" and "tada." His sister is in dance class and says tada after everything now. He must have picked up on this.

Riley still sleeps horribly at night. He is the best day time sleeper though. If he was my first child, I would be getting tons of day sleep in and/or have a clean house. With a toddler in tow as well, I have a messy house and get no sleep. I've accepted this is just a season of life.

Favorite things: Riley is really starting to show his interests now. He loves trucks, babies, his pacis, books, bath time, and his mama. He loves to eat and so far hasn't turned any food down. 

Signature moves: Spitting in command (or when he wants attention), cuddling, saying "tada" with his hands in the air are all signature moves with Riley. He moves fast and can be out of a room in a split second so he keeps me on my toes with his disappearing act.

Next month, my youngest is 1. How can that be?

Saying Goodbye... And Hello

This is a post that is very challenging for me to write. If you aren't a lover of animals, you probably want to stop reading now. If you do love animals, I hope you can understand (and possibly) relate to experiences we have currently endured.

Our family loves animals. Those that come into our lives are welcomed with open arms and become a part of the family. Since being married, we have had 2 dogs that we cherish dearly. They were our first babies. 

A few years ago, we moved to the country. One of the things I didn't plan for was additional pets. We have had 4 cats total over the short time we've lived outside of town. They have all been outdoor cats due to our allergies. Still, we connect with them and love them so. 

My daughter had latched on to a baby tomcat that randomly arrived at our house and rarely let him out of her sight  (or grip) when we were outside. He was the perfect companion for her and tolerated how much love a toddler can show (physically). He was always near her and followed her everywhere she went. 

I have cherished watching their relationship grow in the last year. Unfortunately, our time with him ended too soon. With outside cats, we are limited to how much protection we can provide these animals. They are so vulnerable to predators, the weather, and vehicles (we are near a busy road). We have worked hard to decrease these risks, but only so much can be done. 

As we have been mourning the loss of one beloved cat, we welcomed our first litter of kittens into our family. Five beautiful babies arrived early one morning last week. My daughter and I were blessed to bear witness to this event. Payton was attached instantly and I can honestly say it was love at first sight.

Goodbye, for now, to our cat who bonded so well with our baby. Hello, to the babies who helped us expand our hearts and deepen our love for all things animal related.