Our Gifts From God, Noah and Faith

Dada's Bowling Tournament!

2011-04-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

Daddy bowled in the state bowling tournament again this year. Luckily, it just so happened to be in Dayton this year!!! So we got to make a weekend visit with Gammy, Poppy, and Grandpa Sacksteder out of it! That is one of our favorite kind of weekend!

Faith's Sophie!

2011-04-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

This Sophie is one of the best baby items created. Faith loves, loves, loves it! Mommy, daddy, why didn't I have one when I was a baby??

Faith!

2011-04-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Noah's 3rd Birthday Invitation In The Making!

2011-04-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

I am having a fireman themed 3rd birthday party! This includes a trip to the local fire station and a party back at our house! I love playing with my firemen, fire trucks, and fire station so I am super excited about this party! Here are some pictures of the making of my birthday invitation this year.

The invitation!

Cute but blurry. Cute but my hair is a little messed up.

Cute but bottom lip isn't showing.

Cute but too silly.

Almost perfect....

PERFECTION!

Faith got in on the action too!

Sweet Faith - 6 and 7 months!

2011-04-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Peas and Acorn Squash!

2011-04-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

Faith has been on puree's for almost 2 months now and has not yet become a huge fan (that includes cereal). We aren't sure the reason for her dislike (ie. if it's the taste or the consistency or what). Mommy has tried to change the consistency and that doesn't help too much though she does seem to prefer the more runny version over the thicker. Mommy usually get 5-6 bites in her before she seals her lips so tight that she can't squeeze the spoon in anymore. Sometimes she even gags and acts like she is going to puke. That stinker! :) Faith has had peas and acorn squash (both pictured below) and sweet potatoes and butternut squash (which we can't seem to find the pictures of). Maybe she will get a taste of fruit soon! Also, as you will see I am mommy's big helper. I love to help feed Faith!

Noah!

2011-04-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Noah putting on the Varejao wig! :)

And Noah just being his sweet, handsome, happy self!

Momma and Her Babies!

2011-04-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

This momma is SOOOO IN LOVE with her babies, me and Faith!

Faith and Jaden!

2011-04-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

We had our friends, Sarah, Scott and Jaden over for dinner the other weekend! Sarah and Scott just recently moved back to Cleveland (both of their hometowns) from DC. Mommy and Sarah knew each other from college and daddy knew Sarah from high school. Sarah and mommy were due just 2 days apart (with Jaden and Faith) and Jaden is 2 weeks younger than Faith. We had a great time and can't wait to see them again!

Faith and Jaden both had blowouts so we thought we would snap a few pics of them in their diapers!

Barney's Birthday Bash!

2011-04-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be able to celebrate Barney's birthday with him this year! I wasn't that into Barney (key word = wasn't) before we went to the Barney show but mommy and daddy thought it would be fun for me and also wanted to see how I did sitting for a somewhat lengthy period of time for future reference (ie. basketball and baseball games, circus, other shows, etc). And I did enjoy watching my Barney movies in the car during our road trips down to Columbus and Dayton. I just really didn't watch Barney much on tv but I wasn't really into watching anything on tv. Well, I had a blast at the Barney show! I sang and danced but mostly just watched in awe! I even got popcorn, skittle, a balloon, and a stuffed "BJ." I talked about the Barney show for weeks and weeks (as I am still talking about it) and am looking forward to the next time I can go! (Hopefully, Barney comes again next year)! I am really good at imaginary play and pretend that I am Barney, or BJ or Rev, or Baby Bob or Mr. Knickerbocker, or even a tree (given the day). Mommy, daddy, Faith, and Bailey are all assigned roles to and we reenact the show. I play music on my keyboard and sing and dance. We play this game...hmmm...almost every day! Yep, I am now a HUGE Barney fan! :) So, mommy and daddy, I would say it was definitely worth it to go to the show because I obviously really enjoyed it if I am STILL talking about it!!!! Thanks! :)

Spring is in the Air (We Hope)!!!

2011-04-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful, I mean BEAUTIFUL spring-like day on St. Patrick's Day this year. It was so wonderful and we enjoyed a nice afternoon outside!!! Faith, went for a stroll, Bailey went for a walk, and I went for "a mow!" Your welcome to all the neighbors grass who I cut with my bubble mower! Just when I thought the afternoon couldn't get any better, our neighbor Cyndi got me my very first milkshake, a Shamrock Shake, to be specific. A Shamrock Shake is a green, mint flavored milkshake from McDonald's with whip cream and a cherry on top. Delicious!

Visiting Dada at Work!

2011-04-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite week day outings is a visit to dada's work! We love being able to see dada for a little bit in the middle of the day since we ALWAYS miss him so much during the day when he is at work. We also get to see Gramps and Aunt Heather when we go to dada's work. That's icing on the cake! And I can't forget Buddy, the cat! Buddy, the cat lives in the factory and I always pay him a visit, or two, or three when we go to dada's work. Another reason why I just LOVE this outing....because Gramps gets me not one, but two treats out of the vending machine every time I come!!!! :)

Faith sitting pretty.

And standing pretty!

Dada and Faith!

Dada and his two little loves!

A Rough Couple of Weeks With a Bout of Illness

2011-04-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Just about 1 week after we were at the pediatrician, for a well visit, where the pediatrician had asked how our winter how been with illness and mommy had happily replied, GREAT, we were hit and hit hard! Did mommy jinx us or are the virus's just running rampid now?!?! Faith and I came down with the same horrible cough and cold at almost the exact same moment. One Friday afternoon, we both coughed within minutes of each other and within 24 hours we were both down. It was almost a week of coughing (ALOT) and a little more than a week of other cold-like symptoms. It included another visit back to the pediatrician and breathing treatments for both of us. NOT FUN! :( My poor baby, Faith, and I were completely miserable.

Not long after we got sick, mommy started to show similar symptoms. Mommy coughed and coughed and coughed for a good 3 or 4 nights in a row, ran a fever, and blew her nose more than she ever remembered having to before. Mommy was pretty miserable to but maybe she would take the cough and runny nose any day over 1 fractured and 2 displaced ribs. Yes, mommy's ribs are "broken" and she is COMPLETELY MISERABLE. Poor mommy is suppose to be taking it easy but that's pretty much next to impossible when there is a (almost) 3 year old and (almost) 8 month old to take care of. We are all just hoping mommy's ribs found a way to heal QUICKLY without the luxury of "taking it easy."

And wouldn't you know it, just a week after I got better from my cough and cold, I came down with a 103 temperature and a really red, swollen throat. I didn't want anything to do with food and sleeping wasn't the easiest either because my throat hurt so bad and my fever didn't help me be comfortable either. Ugh! Well we hope the Sobel house is free from virus and any other sicknesses for quite awhile. We feel we have had our fare share and honestly, I'm not sure how much more my momma can handle. We are really wishing you would come soon/like tomorrow spring. And mommy says next year, if you haven't come to use by April 1, we are going to come find you!!!!

Faith's Second Time Having Cereal!

2011-02-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

Faith gets really excited and giddy during her mealtime (which for now just consists of a few bites of rice cereal)! It's so funny! She still doesn't know quite how to eat her cereal and still doesn't seem like she really cares for it but she is nothing but smiles and giggles the entire time! She also kicks those legs a mile a minute!

Faith's First Time Having Cereal!

2011-02-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

Faith had her first taste of yummy rice cereal on her 5 month birthday (Feb. 3). I think more came out of her mouth than went in but it's just going to take time for her to get used to it, mommy says. Since I am 2 going on 18, I told mommy, "I will feed her." Mommy let me give Faith one bite and she did the rest!

Faith - 5 months!

2011-02-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Our little beauty (cont'd).....

Faith - 4 months!

2011-02-05T18:40:00.000-08:00

Our little beauty....

And handsome little me....

Gammy, Poppy, and Addie Came to Visit!

2011-02-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Gammy, Poppy, and Addie came to our house for the MLK weekend! We had a BLAST!!! We started off the weekend fun by going to the bowling ally (a first for both Addie and me). We were excellent bowlers. Neither of us got a gutter ball!!! :) We had a great time bowling. The next day we enjoyed a swim at the indoor pool! That was also very fun! When we weren't out having fun, we were having fun playing at home! I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend than being able to play with mommy, daddy, Faith, Gammy, Poppy, and Addie!!!

This is what you get these days when you ask a 2.5 and 3 year old to pose for a picture.

Or this.
This ramp thing came in good use. It helped our balls roll a little faster down the lane.

Right down the middle!

Addie's turn.

The pro showing me a few pointers! :)

Oh, and look, there's our other pro helping Addie! Haha! :)

And one more pro! :)

The mama and her little love!

The world's greatest Gammy!

And the sweetest Faith on earth!

Gammy and Poppy and 3/5's of their grandchildren!

Gammy, Poppy, and Faith.

One of Gammy's heavens on earth!

We had a wonderful time with our favorite visitors! We miss you TERRIBLY Gammy and Poppy! XOXOXO!!!

Faith - 4 Month Stats!

2011-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

Faith had her 4 month pediatrician appointment at the beginning of January. Dr. Sangree was soooo happy to see Faith again and said she looked GREAT! She was very impressed with all of those wonderful, healthy baby rolls she was sporting! Faith was 25" long and 15 pounds and 5 ounces. This put Faith in the 75% for height and 90% for weight. Faith had to get a couple shots which she was not so happy about but after a quick cry, she was back to her content self. Once again the vaccines wiped her out for a good two days. We will see Dr. Sangree again at the beginning of March for Faith's 6 month.....then again in April for my 3 year visit.

Faith and Noah!

2011-01-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of recent pictures of me holding my baby sis in our pj's!!!

Faith in the Bebepod!

2011-01-11T16:02:00.001-08:00

Faith's first time sitting in her bebepod!

Woodpecker!

2011-01-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

We had a woodpecker right outside our window the other morning and it was soooo loud but so cool!!! Can you see him in that tree, right where it branches off into two parts, to the left?!?! :)

First Time Finger Painting!

2011-01-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Go Browns!

2011-01-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Browns are a little, or alot, harder to cheer for than the Buckeyes but my daddy is a very loyal fan so we will be too! Faith is the cutest Browns cheerleader anyone has ever seen and me, well, just put a headset on me and I would fit right in on the side lines!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T11:18:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!! We had a wonderful 2010 watching me turn into a little man and preparing for our precious arrival of our beautiful little girl, Faith. We feel so very blessed to have each other, good health, our loving families, and so much love! We are looking forward to the joys and memories that 2011 will bring! We had daddy's family over to celebrate New Year's Day and mommy took 1 picture (the picture taking is definitely different with the second child but mommy tries her best).

What a Warm Day to End 2010 With!

2011-01-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

A very rare occurrence-a 50 degree day at the end of December in Cleveland, Ohio. We took full advantage of it and.....PLAYED OUTSIDE!!!! We took Faith for a walk in her stroller and I drove my truck! It was GREAT!!!!!!!

December 30, We Said Good-Bye to My Beloved Paci.

2011-01-11T11:11:00.001-08:00

Mommy scheduled me a dentist appointment on December 30 and during the upcoming weeks approaching my dentist appointment mommy and I talked alot about the fact that my dentist, Dr. Parrish, may ask me for my paci. Mommy had been looking at my two front teeth alot and was a little paranoid that my paci was affecting them. Mommy told me that the dentist may say that paci is hurting my teeth and that we would have to give her paci so it stops hurting my teeth. December 30th came all too fast and the next thing I knew mommy, Faith, and I were driving to the dentist, paci in hand. :( At the dentist, Dr. Parrish said my teeth were just beautiful. The dental hygienist cleaned my teeth with the "tickly toothbrush" which I sat very still and opened very wide through. Then Dr. Parrish said it would be a good idea to give her my paci and in exchange for it she gave me the coolest electric fire truck toothbrush, with flashing lights, that I have ever seen!!! I also got to pick out not 1, not 2, but 3 prizes from the "treasure table." And lastly, mommy, daddy, and Faith took me out for an ice cream cone!!!

YUMMMM-EEEE!!!!!!!

The next few days without paci were interesting. Day 1: Nap time-cried for 1 hour resulting in no nap. Bedtime-went right to sleep (because I was exhausted). Day 2: Nap time-cried off and on for an hour and a half before falling asleep. Bedtime-went right to sleep. Day 3: Nap time-fell asleep within 10 minutes! I only asked where paci was a few times but I knew the answer.

Sweet Faith!

2011-01-11T11:04:00.001-08:00

Faith has been sucking on her hand, searching for her thumb for a couple of months and she just found it (right after Christmas)! You should have seen the smile on her face when she found that thumb....actually you can...mommy took only a million pictures of it! :)

Faith is SO INCREDIBLY SWEET AND PRECIOUS and we are SO IN LOVE with her!!!!

Christmas!

2011-01-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning FINALLY arrived! After all of the talk about Santa and his reindeer over the past month+, I was anxiously awaiting Christmas morning. The two things I asked Santa for were my big boy bed (which I knew was being stored down in our basement but I was asking that Santa bring it up from the basement into my bedroom) and scissors. Santa must have thought I was a very good boy this year because I received BOTH (and more)!!!! Santa brought my big boy bed up to my bedroom while I was in Dayton at Gammy and Poppy's. When we returned home on Thursday, December 23rd, I ran straight upstairs to see my big boy bed all set up in my room! I was SO excited and giddy about my bed. The rest of the evening, I would ask mommy and daddy if it was night-night time and go upstairs to look at my bed. When it was finally time for bed, I was so giddy, I just kept giggling and I was arranging all of my blankets and pillows over and over again and saying "okay, okay." I slept great the first night in my big boy bed! (Okay, well I guess I don't need to make a separate post about my big boy bed). :)

Back to Christmas morning. I woke up bright and early to find that Santa had come, eaten his cookies, drank his milk, and left lots of presents for Faith and me! Thank goodness for the reindeer dust/food that I sprinkled on our driveway on Christmas Eve to help the reindeer see our house!

I was very excited about my stocking this year and all of the goodies that Santa left in it! I was also excited to see what was in the boxes that I (or daddy) :) unwrapped!

Santa also brought Faith, Bailey, mommy and daddy some presents too!

After we finished opening presents we loaded up the car and headed to Aunt Kristi and Uncle Dustin's in Columbus where mommy's family was congregating to celebrate together! There we opened more presents and had a great time hanging out and playing!!!!

Christmas Eve!

2011-01-10T17:57:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve was celebrated at Aunt Stacey's house. Faith and I looked very cute in our Christmas Eve outfits that Nana bought us and I had ALOT of presents to open. I wasn't as into opening presents this year as mommy and daddy thought I would be. I actually preferred mommy and daddy to open them for me. I think next year will be there year where I rip through them all!!! :)

My Special Snowman Treat!

2011-01-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful neighbor, Cyndi, gave mommy this special snowman treat for me! It was a marshmallow snowman on a graham cracker with pretzel arms and a chocolate kiss hat! Very cute and very delicious!!!

First Snowman and First Sled Ride!

2011-01-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Once a little bit of our snow melted, daddy and I went out and made my first snowman! We ran out of time to accessorize him (and even give him eyes, a nose and a mouth...poor snowman). But we had to fit a sled ride in too since I had never sled before (sledding on the grass in the fall while mommy was raking leaves doesn't count)! I had a blast!!!!!!!!!!!

And I couldn't play in the snow without tasting a snowball, of course!

Once we got inside, we made some hot chocolate to warm up (another first)!

Visiting Santa at the Mall!

2011-01-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Faith and I dressed in our Christmas outfits and mommy and daddy took us to the mall to visit Santa. Santa was very nice and I sat on his lap without any hesitation (which I think shocked mommy and daddy). Faith was very brave too!

And didn't she look just ADORABLE!?!?!?

And I love holding my baby sister!

And what do you know!?! We also saw a cow!!!

Just a Little Bit of Snow, No Big Deal!

2011-01-09T18:32:00.001-08:00

What, you don't consider snow past the seats of the chairs, to be just a little bit?!?! :) Ummmm....yeah, Cleveland lake effect snow is crazy!!! COME ON SPRING!

Happy Hanukah!

2011-01-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Hanukah at Aunt Stacey's house in early December. I got the coolest gift ever, a three story fire station fully accessorized, and Faith got a very comfy giraffe pillow/mat (that Bailey has since claimed for his own). I was very into lighting the Hanukah candles this year and after the first couple nights I finally started to understand the fact that we don't blow these candles out.

Christmas Lights and Santa!!!

2010-12-06T12:55:00.001-08:00

While we were visiting Gammy and Poppy, we went to go see Christmas lights and Santa. The lights were beautiful, the air was a bit chilly, Santa Clause was SO NICE AND JOLLY, we saw the friendliest penguin ever (it was Victor, one of my Gammy's co-workers), we met a couple firemen who let me where their helmet, we went on a horse drawn wagon ride and even a train ride! I have to make special mention of my experience with Santa. I have met Santa before but this experience was much different than previously. In the past, I was really only comfortable looking at Santa from a distance. This year, when I went to meet Santa he had a very nice conversation with me before even suggesting I come sit on his lap. I kept some space between me and Santa while we spoke about what exactly I wanted him to bring me this year (ie. scissors, a big boy bed, mickey mouse, oh, and mickey's little piano that he plays on his cartoon). After I warmed up to Santa, I somewhat gladly sat on his lap (as long as Gammy held my hand). After I hopped off Santa's lap and said my ever so polite good-bye's Santa handed me a yummy green sucker!!! As we discussed, I will be leaving Santa "cooked" chocolate chip cookies on Christmas Eve (not "frozen" one's). Hmmmm.....I wonder why I asked Santa if he likes his cookies cooked or frozen?!?! :)

Faith - 3 months!

2010-12-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Faith is already 3 months....where has time gone!?!?! She is absolutely precious! At 3 months Faith is sleeping anywhere between 5 and 7 hour stretches at night. She is usually asleep between 6 and 7 and wakes up between 7 and 8 or sometimes 9 the next morning. She is up for an hour and a half or so in between naps and usually takes either a good morning or good afternoon nap. (Mostly afternoon and good=2.5-3.5 hours). She eats every 2-3 hours. She is a pretty happy and content baby when she is fed and rested and usually only fusses when she is tired or hungry. She doesn't care for her car seat or car very much though. She loves her bouncy seat and grabs the rings off the monkey and holds on to them for a while. She follows me around alot (with her eyes, that is) and I would say her favorite thing to do is watch me! She smiles at me alot and actually she just smiles alot. She is starting to laugh a little too. Faith is now sleeping in her own room (in the pack n play). She will get the crib in a few more weeks when Santa (aka dada) brings my big boy bed up from the basement. Faith is not interested, at all, in taking a bottle.......yes, we know, YIKES..... this is not good considering mommy does have to go back to work eventually......

The plan is to try to give her a bottle every day until she finally takes it. We are on day 4 and still no luck.... hopefully, we will have a positive update soon!

Faith is a little piece of heaven on earth (as am I mommy and daddy say)! We love you our baby girl!

Oh, and if you didn't notice, Faith is growing nicely and is actually quite a little butterball!!! :)

Aunt Lori's Wedding!

2010-12-06T12:41:00.001-08:00

I was the handsome ring bearer in Aunt Lori's wedding and I have to say I did a fine job of carrying the ring bearer pillow up the aisle (though it was a pretty short aisle). :) I got all dressed up in my suit and tie and had a great time! Faith got all dressed up too in a pretty white dress and I have to say she was BEAUTIFUL (just like the bride herself)!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heading Down to Dayton for Aunt Lori's Wedding!

2010-12-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

To make our trips down to Gammy's, in Dayton, and Aunt Kristi's, in Columbus, go by a little faster mommy and daddy bought a dvd player for the car! It is very cool! It straps right around the headrest and it even came with 2 screens so Faith can have one too when she is old enough to watch! I was over the moon watching Cars and Curious George while eating my PB&J on the way to Gammy's the other week!

It was Faith's first long car ride and let's just say it was a LLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGGG ride. Poor baby........ She gave mommy this look more than once.

Happy Birthday Da-da (November 30)!

2010-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

Mommy and I made a delicious oreo brownie desert for da-da's birthday!

Practicing my "happy birthday" song before da-da arrived home.
Trying very hard to be patient until I was allowed a piece....it wasn't working too well....

the icing was just too tempting....

and I went back in for seconds before mommy moved it from my reach!

Turkey Time!

2010-12-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

Gammy had a great idea to start the festivities of the Thanksgiving holiday...to make Turkey center pieces! That Gammy, the preschool teacher, is always thinking! Addie and I painted our turkey's. Next, I traced mommy's, daddy's, Faith's and my hand on different colors of construction paper and cut them out for the feathers. I added a couple of legs, a beak, eyes, and a wattle (the hangy down red thing) and then I had a turkey!

Mommy, daddy, Faith, and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Cleveland at Aunt Stacey's house this year. We enjoyed a delicious meal with Aunt Stacey, Uncle Brian, Taylor, Aunt Heather and Nana.

Faith spent the evening cuddling with everyone!

And I spent the evening dancing! :)

Faith's First Time Swimming!

2010-12-06T11:49:00.001-08:00

We love swimming so much that we can't go all winter long without it so fortunately we belong to a rec. center that has an indoor pool! We usually go swimming throughout the winter a couple times a month. We went to the indoor pool for the first time this winter a few weeks ago. Faith slept most of the time but woke up with about 15 minutes left to swim. Mommy wanted to see if her cute little swimming suit fit her and see how she liked the water too so she went ahead and got her ready for her first dip! The indoor pool we belong to is a couple degrees too cool for our liking so mommy just let Faith go in for a quick swim. Faith was unsure what to think......she liked being in the water but may have wondered why it wasn't as warm as her baths! She did look very cute in her swimming suit with some ruffles and a little tutu!

Faith's First Bath In The Big Bathtub!

2010-12-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

Faith has graduated from Mr. Bear Sponge on the counter to the baby bath tub in the big bath tub. Faith LOVED it!!! She was nothing but smiles and was just kicking away the entire time! I think she could have hung out in the tub all day. :) I even helped mommy wash Faith!

Tuesday Nights Are Mommy and Noah Nights!

2010-12-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday night, daddy goes bowling so mommy and I get to spend the evening together (after Faith goes to bed). We usually play with some of my favorite toys (my fire station, cars) or we play "gym" down in the basement. Sometimes we "relax" on the couch and watch my new favorite cartoon, Mickey Mouse. Often, mommy gives me a special treat on our special night. This time it was popcorn!!! Gosh, I think mommy is just in heaven when she is with me (and Faith, of course). And especially when she sees me just completely happy (which I think I am alot)!

Faith's First Snow-November 6, 2010!

2010-12-06T05:27:00.001-08:00

Faith had a few snow flurries on November 6th which we classified as Faith's first official snow fall. It won't be long until we are posting Faith's first blizzard like snowfall. But for now we will be happy with these flurries.

Gym Class!

2010-12-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

My absolute favorite activity is gym class! Mommy, Faith, and I go 2 or 3 times a week and the other 4 or 5 days I ask, several times, if we are going to gym class. Also, one of my new favorites games to play is pretending I am the teacher at gym and mommy and daddy are my students. I sing, lead the stretches, lead the activities, and the puppet show! I am quite the gym teacher! I was very fond of one of the gym teachers, Melissa, but unfortunately Melissa had to quite. This was about a month ago and I still ask if Melissa is going to be there every time we go to class. I love doing all of the fun things that gym class provides (as long as mommy is right beside me). I'm not sure why (and neither is mommy) but I do not let her leave my side....if she gets to be even 3 feet away from me, I reel her back in. We have been going to gym class for 2 months now (since taking the summer off) and mommy has been waiting for this separation anxiety to go away but it seems to be getting worse....or at least not any better. I guess I just want to make sure mommy is having as much fun as me and that's why I want to keep her so close! :)

There's the Melissa.
And Melissa again.

And Faith comes to gym class too! Sometimes she hangs out, sleeping in her car seat and other times she is snug in her wrap attached to mommy.

Faith and Noah - November!

2010-12-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

We had a great November! Faith is growing so fast and is a very round healthy baby! :) She is smiling all the time and we have gotten her to giggle pretty good a couple of times! She is a joy and has added so much to our family! She loves watching me play and run around. She loves her bouncy seat too and just kicks away while she is sitting in it! She is taking 1 good nap most days (approx 2-3 hours) either in the morning (which usually is the case) or in the afternoon. She eats about every 2-3 hours and is usually sleeps for 5 hour stretches (sometimes on the rare occasion longer and sometimes on the rare occasion shorter). We LOVE our Faith! I am loving mommy being on maternity leave and have been soaking up every minute of it! This means that I have not been going to Suzi's (my sitter's) house as much as originally planned (that being once a week). Mommy hasn't pushed the fact because she too is loving having me around EVERY DAY while being on maternity leave. I love playing with my fire station and pretending I am a teacher at gym class. Speaking of gym class, we attend gym 2 to 3 times a week and I LOVE IT!!! I may only be 2.5 but I think I am 18.....as I like to do everything "all by myself." I spread my own pb&J, carry my plate from the counter to the table, fill up my water glass from the fridge, and I even think I can poor my own milk. I also know how to work our remote controls which includes turning on and off the tv and playing, fast forwarding, rewinding, pausing and stopping one of our tivo'd shows. One thing mommy does not let me do "all by myself" is pick up Faith which I have told her over and over that I can do! Hmmmm.....mommy does know best, I guess!

Enjoy our sweet baby, Faith and handsome me!

Faith's 2 Month Pediatrician Appointment!

2010-11-08T18:38:00.001-08:00

Faith had her 2 month pediatrician appointment at the same time. She weighed 11 pounds 8 ounces which puts her in the 75% for weight and she was in the 50% for height. Faith got 3 shots and 1 vaccine orally. Dr. Sangree said Faith looked GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!! The vaccines really knocked her out. She slept the majority of the rest of that day and took a 4 hour nap in her car seat the next day which consisted of sleeping through gym (which is very loud).

My 2 1/2 Year Pediatrician Appointment!

2010-11-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

Faith and I both had our doctor appointments last week. Mine was for my 2 1/2 year. I impressed Dr. Sangree once again not only with my HUGE growth spurt-I jumped from the 75% to the 90% for height!!!! But also verbally and physically. I weighed in at 33.5 pounds which puts me in the 75% for weight. I also got the flu mist and a shot which I did not shed a tear over. I really, really wanted to....but I didn't!!!!

Halloween!

2010-11-08T18:30:00.001-08:00

This year for Halloween, I was a fireman (are you surprised?!?!) and Faith was a beautiful ballerina!!! It was a little cool (50 degrees...maybe even mid-40's after the sun went down) so Faith stayed in this year. But don't worry, I tried to share my candy with her (though mommy says she can't eat it yet). As a side note, I am an excellent sharer for a 2 year old. I had a great time trick-or-treating and as soon as I got home, I was very ready to eat a piece of that candy I had been collecting!

Mommy loves this picture of the way Faith is looking at me. It makes her smile and think this probably won't be the last time Faith gives me that look!!!! :)

Sharing my candy with Faith.

Faith's Baptism - October 24, 2010!

2010-11-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Faith's baptism was on October 24th and we were blessed with a beautiful day for it! It was very nice to have our family there to celebrate this special day!!!

There's no doubt about how much I love my Addie!!!

And Faith was just a doll baby in her BEAUTIFUL baptism gown!

Yep, we are just having the best conversation!

Aunt Lori is Faith's Godmother.

And Sonny is her Godfather.

Sam's Birthday and Jungle Terry!

2010-11-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Sam had the COOLEST birthday party ever this year!!!! It was a dinosaur themed party and Jungle Terry came too! He brought alot of his neat animal friends for us to pet! I am going to invite Jungle Terry to my birthday party someday too (but for my 3rd birthday, I would like Fireman Sam to come).

I petted a little bird....

then put my hands on my head so the birdie didn't land on it or drop anything on it....
and covered my ears (and I can't remember why)...

This was the male bird and he was acting macho for his lady.

These two turtles had a race to see who could get out of the circle the fastest...

the girl won.

Sam got to ride on this very big turtle because it was his birthday.

And he got to hold the alligator...because it was his birthday.

I just petted his tail. YIKES!

Then Jungle Terry brought out his enormous snake! Sam is awfully brave holding it that close to it's mouth. DOUBLE YIKES!

Again, I just petted his tail.

And a tarantula....TRIPLE YIKES!!!

Sam also got to sit in the driver's seat of Jungle Terry's truck...because it was his birthday! I hung out right by my favorite, Grace!

I am quite bashful and shy at times.

Also, during the party, I had fun wearing my dinosaur head....

hitting the pinata....

and eating cake!

Browns Away Game Tailgate!

2010-11-08T12:26:00.001-08:00

This was our 2nd Annual Browns away game tailgate at the Gile's house and once again, we had a great time! I won best dressed, by the way!!!

A waterfall in their backyard....
serisously!?!?!? :)

Faith's First Bottle!

2010-11-08T12:00:00.001-08:00

Faith had her first bottle around 6 weeks and who was it that gave it to her....daddy, I mean me!!! I was so proud when I was giving Faith her bottle!

Playing in the Leaves!

2010-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Later that day, after daddy had blown all of the leaves into a few very large piles, my neighbors and I had a great time playing in them!!!

Blowing Leaves With Dada!

2010-11-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

Daddy was out blowing leaves and I wanted to help. Who says that my pretend fireman hose can't blow the leaves??!?! And I couldn't blow leaves without my fireman helmet! I am OBSESSED with firemen right now (especially this specific cartoon called Fireman Sam and my toy fire station, fire trucks, and fire fighters).

I thought it was hilarious when daddy was blowing me with the leaf blower. Don't worry, I blew him right back with my hose backpack! :)

Newborn Pictures!

2010-11-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

The photographer who took Faith's newborn pictures did an AMAZING job and Faith, herself, also did an AMAZING job. Faith was very sleepy and cooperative. When she would start to get upset a quick feeding from mommy would calm her right down and she was once again the PERFECT subject of this photo shoot!

PERFECTION....every last one of these!

The proudest big brother in town!

We couldn't forget Bailey!

And ME, of course!!! No wonder I make mommy's heart melt every time she looks at me!

Faith - Weeks 6-8!

2010-11-08T06:11:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful Faith!

If you can't tell, I am soooo in love with her! I want to hold her and kiss her and talk to her ALL THE TIME!

Baking Challah Bread!

2010-11-08T06:02:00.001-08:00

Mommy and I thought it would be fun to bake some Challah bread. Mommy was telling me how delicious it tasted. We mixed the ingredients together, let the dough rise, kneaded it, rolled it, and braided it, sprinkled it with cinnamon and sugar and baked it.......let it cool and took that excited first bite...........and it was DISGUSTING! We definitely did something wrong....hmmmm....

Fall Festival - Patterson's!

2010-11-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

Patterson's Family Fun Fest is definitely our favorite! We had a great time last year not only with the activities they had but also picking apples (delicious apples) so we definitely wanted to do it again this year! We went with our wonderful neighbors this year and had a great time. Though there was one disappointment.....we couldn't pick apples this year. I am not sure why not but I will make sure this doesn't happen next year. Boo! :( We had a GORGEOUS day for the festival and it was packed! I rode another hayride, played on fun cars, little tractors, sandboxes, big slides, got a face painting, rode another horse and went through a corn maze!

Faith joined us again!

My besties and neighbors...Sam and Grace!

Fall Festival - Aurora's and Sirna's Farm!

2010-10-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do this time of the year is to go to the fun Fall Festival's! We went to Aurora's where we went on a hayride, painted pumpkins, played games (and won prizes) and rode a horse!

THIS IS ONE OF THE SWEETEST THINGS EVER...I WAS HOLDING MY BABY FAITH'S HAND ON THE HAYRIDE SO SHE WASN'T SCARED!

Though my excitement may not have shown, I LOVED riding that horse!

Fall Festival #2 was at Sirna's Farm. There we went on another hayride, pet a few farm animals, got my face...I mean arm painted, and played in a "corn" box. This festival was "okay" but one we will probably not go back to. The highlight of the event....there were chickens roaming everywhere....there was even one under our car!

Faith joined us for both festivals, of course!

It's That Time Again....To Go To The Home Depot Workshops!

2010-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to do in the winter when we can't go outside and play is to go to the Home Depot workshops the first Saturday of each month. We started in October on a chilly, rainy Saturday and we made a fire boat!

And Snoopy was there!

Painting My Pumpkin!

2010-10-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

This year, we opted to paint our pumpkins! I had a great time (it was my first time painting)!!!! I could have painted for hours but mommy said we would paint another one another day (and we did). My pumpkins turned out great!

Maybe next year we will carve our pumpkins!!!

Another Caterpillar Friend!

2010-10-12T18:39:00.001-07:00

I found another caterpillar outside the house and this time it was a white one. Mommy and I caught him for a few minutes to admire him and then we let him go!

Helping Mommy Clean House!

2010-10-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Not only am I a huge help with Faith, I also love to help mommy clean the house. There's nothing I would want to do more than be down on my hands and knees cleaning the floor! :)

Faith's Nursery!

2010-10-12T18:32:00.001-07:00

I won't go into detail but Mommy worked very hard and for a very long time on Faith's nursery (and she even hired someone to do the painting). But didn't it turn out beautifully?!?!? Haith is sure to love it for many, many years!

What's that you say? Something is missing? Oh, the crib? Yes, we know. I am still using that since Faith will be bunking in mommy and daddy's room for the next couple of months. I am well aware that my big boy bed is down in the basement though and know that it will be making it's way up to my room sometime in the near future.

Go Brownies!

2010-10-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again.....time to cheer on the Brownies in high hopes of a winning season. We will see. Our Brownies ma now be the best but Faith and I might just be the best looking Browns fans around!

Tummy Time!

2010-10-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

The ever so important tummy time. I've been there and done that so I am showing Faith exactly how tummy time goes.

First, we started on our backs and I showed her the fun toys to look at...

then, Faith found the mirror.

Mommy loves this pic!

And on to the tummy!

You're doing great baby sister!

My turn! I wanted some of mommy's attention and praise too!

Faith also tested out the bouncer too!

Playing Together Already!

2010-10-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I've mentioned it before but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my baby sister, "Faif Ann" as I call her. Mommy tells me that I am going to have alot of fun with her when she gets a little bigger and starts crawling and walking but I am already having alot of fun playing with her!

First, we played with stuffed animals...

next, with my tools (I think it's fun to fix Faith)!
And sometimes we just have fun sitting next to each other!

Baby Legs!

2010-10-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

Faith has the cutest little leg warmers called baby legs! Thanks Aunt Kristi, Uncle Dustin, Cousin Addie, and Baby Chase!

My Bean Bag Chair!

2010-10-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mommy and daddy bought me this really cool and huge bean bag chair to replace my rocking chair so Faith could have it! I've had it for months now but mommy just got around to taking pictures of me on it. I love it!!! I love sitting on it with mommy or daddy or both of them (and now Faith too) and reading books and cuddling!

Station 43!

2010-10-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went out to dinner for the first time as a party of 4! :) The restaurant of choice, Station 43. It was a very cool little restaurant where I received a fireman's hat and a cup of chocolate ice cream for dessert!

Faith was all dressed up!

My fireman hat!

Faith slept the whole time.

And I thoroughly enjoyed my ice cream!

Corn on the Cob!

2010-09-19T17:47:00.001-07:00

I really, really enjoyed corn on the cob this summer. Mommy use to cut it off the cob for me because she didn't think I could eat it right off the cob. Boy, did I prove her wrong!!! :)

I had the best time eating my corn on the cob!

Baking Cookies!

2010-09-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Mommy, daddy and I baked sugar cookies and used my star and circle cookie cutters and also added a little color with some sprinkles!!!!! I love to bake and ask mommy pretty much every day what we can bake. Oh, dear mommy says! Mommy doesn't have very strong will power when it comes to sweets and baked goods so we've resorted to baking corn bread and low fat muffins as some other options besides cookies!!! :)

Hanging Out With My Friends (aka Stuffed Animals)!

2010-09-19T11:05:00.003-07:00

Bailey fits right in!

Doesn't he? :)

Out And About With Faith!

2010-09-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

As I said previously, Faith hasn't slowed us down too much. Mommy, daddy and I like to plan special activities outside of the house on a regular basis and since Faith's arrival we have managed to get out quite a few times for a few special activities. We went to Aurora Farms to feed the ducks and do a little shopping....

And Preston's Hope park (my favorite park)...

And the Cleveland Zoo (to name a few)....

Thank You SOOOOO Much, Gammy!

2010-09-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, Gammy, MY Gammy!!! Thank you so much for spending NINE days with us and helping us out so much while we were adjusting to our new way of life with the addition of baby Faith. You are THE BEST and to quote mommy, "I don't know what I would do without you, Gammy!" You took such good care of me when mommy and daddy were at the hospital and at home if mommy or daddy had to tend to baby Faith, you are one of my best playmates (where did you learn to be such a fun playmate for a toddler??? Oh, maybe from all those years of being a preschool teacher!), and you were so helpful around the house while mommy was busy with her babies. You are so special to me Gammy and I know you are so special to mommy too...I can see it in the way she looks at you and in the way mommy looks when you have to leave. She tries to turn her back to me before she starts to cry but I can see the tears swelling up in her eyes, hear her sniffles, and see her hands go up to her face to wipe away the tears. I know. I don't know how we would have made it through week 1 of Faith being home without your help so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! And Gammy....most of all, thank you for LOVING ME SO MUCH! I LOVE YOU, GAMMY! And I am so excited for Faith to get to know her Gammy like I do. She's going to love you just as much!!!!!!!!!

Faith's First Bath!

2010-09-19T11:03:00.002-07:00

Faith takes a bath on Mr. Bear sponge right now until she graduates to the big bath tub. Mommy said this is where I started too! I am a very big helper and love bathing baby Faith with mommy.

My Caterpillar (For 15 Minutes)!

2010-09-19T11:03:00.001-07:00

Gammy and I found a caterpillar while outside playing. We got a little dish and collected a few pieces of grass and leaves to put in the dish to make Mr. Caterpillar feel at home in his dish. Unfortunately, Mr. Caterpillar didn't care for his dish very much and made a quick mistake approximately 15 minutes after my little fingers captured him!

Do you see Mr. Caterpillar over there on the left side of the dish!?!?!

Mommy's The Big 3-0!!!

2010-09-19T11:02:00.002-07:00

Mommy turned.....oh no, I have to say it mommy...the big 3-0 on Tuesday (4 days after Faith was born). We celebrated a little early though since Gammy and Aunt Kristi were in town during the weekend. While mommy and daddy were still at the hospital with Faith, Addie and I baked and decorated mommy's birthday cake. We also practiced singing happy birthday which Aunt Kristi got on video and is sooooooooooo darn cute by the way! After dinner, the night mommy, daddy, and Faith came home we sang happy birthday to mommy and ate the delicious cake we baked! On mommy's actual birthday we had another cake, her favorite, a cookie cake!!! Gammy was still here to celebrate with us and we invited our neighbors over for some cake too!

Misc. Pictures of Faith First Few Weeks!

2010-09-19T11:02:00.001-07:00

If you can't tell, I just ADORE my baby sister, Faith!!!

Faith sleeping peacefully.

Faith hasn't slowed us down too much..we still try to get out whenever we can and Faith is cooperative most of the time. Daddy and Faith...sleeping.

Faith sleeping in the swing.

Faith!

Faith sleeping in the boppy.

Faith and her paci.

Faith sleeping on mommy in the moby while we are outside playing.

First Few Days Home With Baby Faith!

2010-09-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Mommy and daddy decided (before even arriving at the hospital) that they would only stay 1 night instead of the typical 2 night stay because they don't like, I mean, can't stand being away from me. So day 2 of Faith's life arrived and mommy, daddy, Faith and the hospital staff all prepared for their check-out. Faith was dressed in her first outfit and the 3 of them arrived home around 5:30pm. Anxiously awaiting mommy, daddy, and Faith was....ME and Bailey and Gammy and Aunt Kristi, Uncle Dustin, Cousin Addie and Baby Chase! I was so happy to have my mommy and daddy home and was thrilled to finally have my "baby sister" that we had been talking about for several months! We took a few quick pictures outside the house, ordered a couple pizzas, and mommy and daddy enjoyed their 2 wonderful blessings (and our other family members). Later, I opened a few presents that my baby Faith got me; my very own digital camera and a few books!!! Aunt Kristi also took a stab at being a photographer and snapped a few very precious pictures of Faith. Thanks Aunt Kristi!

Ready to go home!

Mommy and Faith!
Daddy and Faith!

Our first family picture with Faith!

Kissing my baby Faith!

Admiring her!

And more kisses from Addie!

Opening my gifts from Faith!

Aunt Kristi's pictures of Faith!

JUST PRECIOUS!!!

SHE'S HERE!!! SHE'S HERE!!!

2010-09-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

It was almost like Deja Vu.....

A brief recap on the 24 hours prior to my birth-Mommy and daddy went to Sushi Rock Thursday night and enjoyed some delicious (and a little spicy) sushi, mommy woke up at 6am Friday morning (she was 38 weeks to the day) complaining of minor lower back pain, mommy got out of bed every 5 minutes (which daddy was quietly keeping note of) as she felt like she had to go to the bathroom, around 8am the lower back pain had progressed from mild to uncomfortable, mommy and daddy called the Dr. who had advised them to go to the hospital, mommy and daddy arrived at the hospital around 9am and mommy's pain had progressed from uncomfortable to painful, 11:56am I WAS BORN weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and 19 and 3/4 inches long!!!

On Thursday, September 2, mommy, daddy, and I went to Sushi Rock and enjoyed some delicious (and a little spicy) sushi. Mommy had been to the Dr. that morning and mommy was 2 cm dilated. Throughout the day, mommy was feeling a little bit crampy and by the time we were headed home from sushi, mommy's crampiness had become a little worse. Mommy and daddy went to bed at 10 pm and mommy spent that first half hour watching the clock and timing her lower back contractions which were coming every 10 minutes. Mommy really wanted to make it through the night though so she wouldn't have to call anyone (specifically, Aunt Heather who had graciously agreed to be our emergency contact to come over and be with me) and wake them up so they could come over and stay with me while mommy and daddy went to the hospital. Plus, mommy really wanted to get a decent night sleep for one last night before having a newborn to tend to several times throughout the night. Mommy rolled over to tell daddy that the contractions were coming every 10 minutes but daddy was already asleep and she didn't want to wake him so she rolled back over, watched the clock for a few more minutes and surprisingly fell asleep. Mommy woke up at 2 am (on Friday, September 3rd just one day shy of 38 weeks) to stronger contractions coming every 3-5 minutes. Again, mommy was trying to buy Aunt Heather as much time as she could so laid in bed watching the clock until 3 am. During that hour mommy had thought of a dozen things that still needed done before leaving for the hospital (ie. writing down instructions for taking care of me, setting out my milk and water cups, cleaning out Finn's (the fish) bowl, etc.). She got out of bed at 3 am to start addressing these last minute things (gripping the kitchen counter in pain every 3-5 minutes). At 3:30am mommy grabbed her cell phone and took it upstairs and sat in bed. A few minutes later daddy woke up and saw mommy sitting up and asked what was wrong. This was the first time mommy informed daddy about her contractions that she had been monitoring since 10 pm the previous night. Mommy called the Dr. who instructed her to go to the hospital. Daddy called Aunt Heather who came right over. After the 45 minute car ride to the hospital (thank goodness they were driving in the middle of the night because if it was rush hour or even in the middle of the day the drive could have been twice as long or longer) and 3 quick phone calls to Gammy, Nana, and Gramps, they arrived at the hospital around 5:30 am. They put mommy right into a Labor and Delivery room, checked her cervix which was still only dilated at 2 cm, confirmed that her water had still not broke, and said they would be back in 2 hours. Mommy almost had a heart attack when they said 2 hours as she was in a great deal of pain and knew she didn't have a chance of getting any pain killers or an epidural until they came back to check her cervix and she didn't know how she was going to get through 2 hours with that kind of pain. Mommy spent the next hour gripping the bed rail, and calling...okay....calling loudly...maybe some would say screaming for help. Daddy spent that hour massaging her lower back. After an hour and no response to mommy's pleas for help, daddy went out to the nurses station asking for someone to come in and check mommy. A doctor came in to check mommy and she was now 6 cm dilated. The second mommy heard 6 cm, she asked if she could have an epidural now. Within minutes, Dr. Reider was called to come to the hospital and mommy's labor room filled with nurses and doctors preparing the room for delivery and to give mommy an epidural. Just a minute after mommy was given an epidural and she laid back down her water broke. This was something mommy said she would never forget. It felt like the biggest water balloon ever had popped inside mommy and the sound of all of that water hitting the floor with probably 10 nurses and doctors surrounding her.....was crazy....mommy never would have imagined the bag of water was that large. A couple nurses instantly grabbed a handful each of towels and soaked up the water. The flurry of activity continued and then Dr. Reider arrived!!! Dr. Reider delivered me too and he is such a great doctor and human being. He is so nice and gentle and personable and sensitive and supportive and encouraging! He constantly checked with mommy to make sure she was okay and told her she was doing great about a dozen times! That may seem like 2 small things but mommy said those 2 things about Dr. Reider made a huge difference in her labor experiences. I think mommy and daddy could go on and on about him. Dr. Reider checked mommy's cervix and said that the baby's head was right there and whenever she was ready to start pushing, he was ready! A few minutes later mommy told Dr. Reider she was ready! After 2 minutes of pushing........

Faith Ann Sobel was born at 8:02 am weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19 inches long. And she was JUST PERFECT!!!

Block Party 2010!

2010-08-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

We had our Block Party this Saturday and had the most gorgeous day for it! Not a cloud in the sky!!! Mommy says those are her favorite kinds of days! Some would say it was a bit warm but not mommy (even being 37 weeks pregnant). My mommy would take 90 every day of the year if it meant she didn't have to experience Winter so since she loves Summer soooo much and dislikes Winter sooo much more, she will never, ever complain about the heat (though she may secretly think it's too hot sometimes)!

The block party was a blast! There was a bounce house, the fire truck and ambulance came to visit, cornhole, tons of kids, lots of wonderful "special treats" including chips, cookies, AND a block party tradition, the "gutter sundae!" What more could I have wished for???

Anyone want to play me in cornhole?

Treat #1, a very delicious cookie!
Grace and I sitting on the back of the ambulance!

Yep, you are seeing straight. That's me driving the fire truck!!! How cool is that!?!?!

Taking Sam for a ride!

And then Grace!

Exploring the back of the fire truck!

Waiting in line at the gutter sundae!

Still waiting...patiently...to fill my cup up!

Enjoying my THREE different flavors of ice cream, topped with sprinkles, m&m's, and whip-cream!

No, mommy hasn't completely lost her mind...yet....she finds her biggest joy is watching me have the time of my life and boy did I ever eating this wonderful ice cream sundae!

Bailey's and My Haircuts For Baby Sister's Arrival!

2010-08-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I took Bailey to the groomer's earlier in the week so he would have a nice haircut when baby sister arrives. He had become pretty fluffy and with it being nearly 90 degrees most of the summer was probably pretty warm too! Bailey got a very good looking haircut and while we were waiting for him to be done mommy and I had a lot of fun visiting da-da at work and going to my favorite park, Preston's Hope. Mommy will think twice about bringing me along next time she has to take Bailey to the groomer's though....I didn't want to leave him there.....it took much convincing for mommy to get me back in the car sans Bailey.

A few days later I got my haircut so I look nice when baby sister arrives too! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE getting my haircut. I get to ride in a very cool car chair, eat snacks and watch movies while I get my haircut and then afterwards I get a sucker from the treasure chest!

Mommy says I go in looking like her baby and come out looking like a big boy and she just can't believe a few little cuts of hair can make such a transformation.

But, gosh, does she think I am HANDSOME!?!?! Enjoying my sucker!
She thinks Bailey is quite handsome himself too!

36 weeks!

2010-08-25T07:25:00.001-07:00

Nothing too new at 36 weeks. Mommy's belly is still growing which is good news because it means baby sister is growing too! Mommy is feeling good and we are all getting VERY excited!!!

Memphis Kiddie Park!

2010-08-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend mommy, daddy, Aunt Stacey, and Uncle Brian took Taylor and me to an amusement park made for little kids just our size!!!! There were approximately 12 rides for us to have a blast on. We started at the boat ride but after sitting in the boat with Taylor for a second or so, I wanted right off. I watched Taylor ride....then we walked on to the next ride...where I watched Taylor ride again. Next we stopped at the carousel and I hopped right on my horse (because daddy was able to stand right next to me). It just took 1 horse ride and I was all warmed up and ready to move on to bigger, better rides....like airplanes, bumpy cars, rockets, race cars, the boats, trains, and even a roller coaster called The Little Dipper!!! Mommy almost had a heart attack watching me on the roller coaster (aka whiplash city) but I loved it and even wanted to go on it again! It was a blast!!! Thanks cousin Taylor for going with me!!!

Maternity Pictures!

2010-08-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

While down in Columbus visiting, we used my sister's photographer to snap a few maternity pictures! She did a fabulous job and we are so thrilled with the pictures! This is a very special time for us and we had pictures taken when Noah was growing in my belly so wanted to do the same for our baby girl! We will always have these pictures to look back on to help us remember the special feelings we had while waiting for the arrival of our wonderful children!

Toledo Zoo!

2010-08-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

For the second summer in a row, mommy, daddy and I drove to the Toledo Zoo to meet our friends (The Condon's) from Detroit! Kayla is only about 3 weeks younger than me and I really enjoyed seeing her again! Kayla has a new baby sister so we were able to meet her too! We had a great time walking around the zoo and spending approximately 3 hours with each other!

Kayla and I haven't missed a beat since seeing each other about a year ago!

We saw gorillas,
elephants,

hippos,

rhinos,

and giraffes. (Just to name a few).

I walked around the entire zoo and spent more than half of the time pulling my wagon around the zoo (with Kayla in it)!

We also saw polar bears (and one big pretend polar bear)!

We couldn't leave the zoo without riding the carousel!

A Chocolate Ice Cream Cone!

2010-08-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

We had our wonderful neighbors, Doug, Cyndi, Grace, and Sam over for a cook-out last weekend and we enjoyed ice cream cones for dessert! I had my first CHOCOLATE ice cream cone! Mommy remembers having a picture of herself when she was about my age, eating a chocolate ice cream cone and having it ALL OVER her face so she thought I needed a picture of this "first" too!!!

And, yep, mommy says I look just like she did!!!!!!! :)

Laying in Bed with Da-da!

2010-08-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

I LOVE weekend mornings! Sometimes after I wake up, mommy or daddy bring me into their bed for a little bit and we talk, giggle, read books, and watch cartoons for a few minutes while we all wake up! Mommy grabbed the camera this particular morning and snapped a few pictures of me cuddling with MY da-da!!!! Oh, my da-da who I just think the world of! I love you SO SO SO much!

My Sandbox!

2010-08-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have a sandbox on my swing set but with it being such a hot summer, mommy and I have spent the majority of the summer at the swimming pool so we have played in the sandbox only a couple of times. We had a little bit of a cooler day last week (low 80's instead of 90 degrees) so we decided to break off the cover of my sandbox! I had so much fun making sand castles, playing with my trucks in the sand, and filling everything up with my shovels!

Sushi!

2010-08-10T07:48:00.001-07:00

Mommy and daddy LOVE sushi so much and I may just take right after them! I tried a piece and almost ate the whole thing!

My First Cup of Lemonade!

2010-08-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors were having a lemonade stand on a very hot summer day (oh, wait, almost every day this summer has been very hot) so daddy and I walked across the street to buy my very first cup of lemonade! It was YUM-E!!!!!!!!!!!

2 going on 18?!?! I'm standing just like da-da!

This lemonade stuff is so refreshing!

Da-da and I talking about our lemonade drinks!