Happy 1st Birthday AJ!

So...our baby boy turned one today...UFF!  Where does the time go?  The days go by so quickly, as do the weeks, and so on.  Just last night Brent said, "I wish I could remember this moment for the rest of my life."  He was referring to Finley and Ace all snuggled up watching a movie together.  It's so true!  I only pray that we can learn to live each moment to it's fullest...in doing this, I know I need to improve on listening, watching, seeing...so that these moments do stick with me forever!  It's so easy for me to get wrapped up in the day-to-day routine of life.  I know there are many times throughout the day I brush something off that one of the kids is saying, doing, asking, etc.  For my heart's sake and for the kid's sake, I need to improve on letting go of "routine"! 

 

It really does feel like just yesterday we were preparing to meet Mr. AJ!  I was at work (in labor) trying to clear my desk and get everything ready for those that were going to cover for me while I was out.  After that, we took the kids out to Lynn's and had to ask her if they could spend the night because Nana & Papa left on a last minute trip.  She excitedly responded "of course"...what a blessing to not have to worry about the two older kiddos as we prepared to meet baby #3.  We came home and I asked Brent to mulch the leaves while I continued to labor in the house...those that know me, know that I always have a to-do list for Brent.  Why should it be any different while I'm in labor?  Ha!  I whistled for Brent and off to the hospital we went.  Two hours later we met AJ...who we initially named Max...but we couldn't bring ourselves to put it on paper.  So he wasn't meant to be "Max"!  :)

 

AJ is such a happy boy!  He is very generous with his smiles.  He looks so much like Brent to me...and as a friend from church pointed out "has Brent's eyebrows" too!  He loves to play rough and doesn't mind when the two older kids rough house with him.  His taste pallet is expanding, but for the longest time he would only eat sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, and fruits (all baby food).  For the last 5 months he has slept like a champ...but we won't talk about those first seven months!  UFF DA!  He now loves to walk and usually walks himself silly...until his little legs just give out and he can't go anymore!  He jabbers...says his name and "Ace".  We've also noticed quite a temper in him...he is very strong-willed...and naughty!  He will test our patience!  :)  But we all love our Mr. AJ! 

Happy 1st Birthday AJ!

 

Blue cupcakes

Mini ice cream cone cupcakes

Which like a real ice cream cone...

...melted!

Ice cream toppings

Loving his ice cream party!

Yeah...I'm ONE! :)

It's obvious Ace loved the ice cream party too!

I love this...AJ is chewing on a bat while the kids open his presents!

Yep...still chewing on the bat!

Ace showing off an armload of clothes that AJ got from Nana & Papa!

Ava teaching me how the bulldozer works!  AJ loves to push the buttons on this tractor...he had to hold it in his highchair tonight as he ate supper!

What Are They Up To?

After lunch, we settled into the living room for a break before the party...until belly laughter came from the kitchen...

 

They look pretty guilty!

Painting the cupboards and dishwasher with water from Ace's cup!  :)

Such good kids...

Helping to clean up their mess!  :)

Cousins

These girls played SO hard today!  I have a feeling they will all sleep well tonight!

Finley actually asked to go to bed early tonight!  HA

Naomi was nice and played a little bit with Ace...but for the most part,

the boys were pretty "uncool" today! :) 

I actually heard Ace say the one comment Brent still gets teased about..."But the girrrls..."

And if you've every wondered...

...even princesses eat puff corn! :)

Cutie

Twins...in their striped, green polos!

Helping Daddy blow off the patio before company arrives.  Maybe he really is left-handed?!?!

Anatomy of a Swing...

First...the back swing

Then...good, forward motion

Last...good follow through

 

Yes, the ball is still in the grass, but I'm pretty sure it was his practice swing! :)

Whee!

Our little daredevil...

...loved every moment of this!

Lefty

Ace inherited my left-handed swing...what a lucky boy! :)  

 

Using a cut down, right-handed iron...he somehow makes it work!

He lines it up to swing right-handed, but ends up swinging left-handed.

Loves golf...will he follow in Uncle J's footsteps?

Cute Kids

Enjoying the beautiful fall days we've had...

 

I cannot believe he is almost one!  And yes...that is snot coming from his nose into his mouth!  UFF!  We've all had colds that just want to linger.

 

After dance class...strike a pose!

Finley is slowly adjusting to her new schedule. 

Monday = school & dance.  Wednesday = school & Awana. 

Both are long days, but she is doing well!

Oh...this silly boy!

Looks like it's time for a fall haircut! :)

Sorry!

On Saturday I mopped our wood floor and tile floor and informed the kids that they had to "stay off until it was dry!"  It was like their world came to an end...suddenly the toys in their rooms were no fun, the books in their rooms were boring, and the basement was not cool! 

 

They insisted on laying in the hallway...

...pouting and complaining until I allowed them to step on the tile!  :)

TROUBLE!

Not even one-year-old yet...but he already knows how to push our buttons!  :)  AJ seems to love to get a rise out of Brent and I.  The word "no" generates a huge smile!  We shouldn't be surprised that he and Rookie seem to be buddies...(side note:  we almost lost Rookie yesterday, but after about 45 minutes, a neighbor kindly returned him)...This afternoon the two of them spent some time behind our couch...until I realized what they were doing back there!  See the outlet in front of AJ?  UFF!  

 

Undies

When I promised Ace "tractor undies" before he was potty trained, two things never crossed my mind...1) that he would train as easily and quickly as he did; and 2) that tractor undies are impossible to find!  So I took matters into my own hands...quickly made last night, but they earned BIG smiles from him this morning!

 

Totally Creepy

When I walked into the elementary school on Monday to pick up Finley, there was one voice echoing through the halls...and I knew the voice! :)  As I got closer and closer to the library, the voice got louder and louder!  Yes, it was little miss Finley's!  When I turned the corner to walk into the library, I saw Finley and another girl hiding under a table.  Finley saw my shoes and said "shh, shh, there's my mom!"  They giggled and then Finley popped her head out and said, "MOM, we drew these pictures to creep you out!"  This is a phrase I have NEVER heard her say!  "Mom, doesn't this picture totally creep you out?"  HA!  Yes, but I think hearing you say 'totally creep you out' creeps me out more!  :)  The things they learn in school, right?  

 

Here is the creepy picture! :)

Last Days of Summer

We are trying to enjoy every moment we can outside...before the long, cold winter days hit us! 

 

It's official...he is walking as of today!

He has taken steps here and there for the past couple weeks...but is now walking and loving it!

Resting those chubby legs!

Cute boy!

Pretty girl!

Swinging silly...shortly after this picture, Ace fell and bonked his head.  He stood up and said, "Whoa, that was fun!"  BUT he didn't get back on the swing!  HA!

Teasing me as I'm telling him "NO!"

Wrestling with their little brother!