You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too...

So, I was talking to my friend Joanne about how cake has been our major staple around here. My mom came to visit last Friday and brought cake for dessert. Then Josh brought us his birthday cake last Saturday. Yesterday, Becca and Josh came over and brought over the cake that Paul had for him. Don't forget next Saturday is Alyssa's birthday. So if the next time you see me and my backside is larger, you'll know why...

Four Months Today!

Today Ethan is four months old! This last week he has been able to stand up if he leans on the coffee table or something stable. He can also push back in his walker! It seems as if his gross motor skills are taking off! He has almost mastered the crib but in the mean time has rubbed his face raw in the process. We got some advice from the nurse and hopefully he will be able to have pictures tomorrow with Daddy!

Just For You Alyssa!

My friend Alyssa is about to turn five. She just got to read our blog and loved the Chicken Lips song. I think I got a little carried away putting that song on the blog. Cause Amy and Autumn made me wear my chicken hat and sing the song to them. It's bad news to get 4 preschool teachers in the same room together. :)

But, I couldn't resist another one of my favorites to share with Alyssa. Have fun listening...

http://maryricehopkins.com/songs/FarmerAndTheSheep.aif

I hope Amy doesn't make me get the sheep out!

From Bassinet to Crib

This week has been a challenge. We had to move Ethan to his crib. I didn't think that it would effect me the way it has. It is kind of sad... my baby is too big for his bassinet. Although, I didn't think it would be this soon. He is only 4 months on Saturday. But he is almost as big as his friend Jonathan who is almost 10 months.
So, what does Ethan think of his crib? Guess...

Now a full-time Mom!

Last week was really hard for Ethan. I had to go into school and clean out my classroom, since I am changing my profession to a full-time Mom. I had to take Ethan to a baby-sitters. This woman is one of the most amazing Moms that I have ever met. So, I trusted her completely. When I finished at school I picked Ethan up and she said that he wouldn't eat much and only slept for 5 minutes! As you can tell from the picture, this little guy can get easily stimulated! So when we got home he ate at 5,6,7, and 8 pm and then crashed until 6:30 am! Wow! It has been nice the last few days to just be at home and stay on his schedule. He is so much more happier that way!

What a weekend!

We had a great weekend! On Saturday, Autumn, Amy, and I went and had our hair done in Aurora. It just happens to be one of my favorite places to go http://www.auroracolony.com/. Who knew a hair salon could be in a Victorian style home? It was so fun! Especially since I cut my hair all off! It is really nice since it has started to get hot. You really work-up a sweat when carrying a 17 lb baby in a car seat carrier! Afterwards, we went to the Starkey home. Which happens to be very far from Aurora... about an hour and a half away! I felt like we were going on a trip! But when we got there we had the best time hanging out and eating great food! Paul always grills a great meal and Lynn makes some AMAZING sides! It was like Thanksgiving in June!

Yesterday, we had Joanne, Eric, Alyssa, and Jonathon over. The guys watched the kids while Joanne and I were in the art room. We were suppose to be scrapbooking... but we only laid down a few pictures! We were too busy talking! The time went way too fast but it was a lot of fun. Dave cooked on the grill with the Santa Maria Seasoning http://www.susieqbrand.com/ that Josh gave us. It was so yummy!

Begging worked!

So, it worked! The Starkeys came over again after church. It was a great time as always! They always make me laugh! The best part of the afternoon was when Hayden and Ethan got to talk to each other. Well... let's just say that they somewhat looked at each other and that's about it. Amy and I can't wait until they can play together.

Ethan loves it when his friends come over to visit. The only problem is that he doesn't want to miss a thing, so he won't fall asleep... that is until Lynn holds him. Lynn is the only person that can put Ethan to sleep! I can't even do it! But once Lynn gave him up, he just woke up again. When the Starkeys left, Ethan was so tired that he ate and went straight to bed! He slept a straight 9 hours! Thanks guys! The both of us haven't slept through the night for a week!

It's all about the chicken...

I introduced Ethan to Mr. Chicken. He loves him! I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. The chicken is so soft, with a feather-like tail, and bean bag wings. But that's not the best part... Ethan loves to talk to him. You wouldn't believe how much too! Then I sing Mary Rice Hopkins' song called "Chicken Lips" while making Mr. Chicken dance and Ethan laughs. You can hear the song at: http://maryricehopkins.com/songs/Chicken%20Lips.aif

It's the teacher in me...

I can't help but laugh... we had a visitor over yesterday and when they were given a tour of Ethan's nursery they asked if we had a pet. They gave me a confused look when I said no. Then I had to explain the reason why I had a pet bed under a mobile (that I made with some pretty awesome double-sided scrapbook paper!) and what it was used for. Check out this book for many more cool ideas for infant-learning at http://www.gryphonhouse.com/Showbook.cfm?code=16917. It's right up my alley!

Please come over!

The last two weekends the Starkey family have been over. We are trying to get them to come over again tomorrow. I think begging might work!