Soren's First "Real" Trip

So, we managed a trip to Washington with the two kiddos. It was spectacular! They did so well and enjoyed all of our wonderful side trips to museums, islands, cabins, shopping, parks and many wonderful friends...not to mention grandma and grandpa! It was truly wonderful...complete in a way and a beautiful way to end summer. Until the next plane trip...I'll have to start praying now that they fall asleep on the airplane again.

Milk Maidens

Milk Maids, Lactating Ladies...however you look at it, here we are. This is a part of our original "girls night out" group that are now "mommies up all night" group. We've traded our scrapbooking, movies, drinks and dinner for boppies, burp cloths, breast pads and hooter hiders. Our common bond...our babies. We all share a very special gift of new life and also give a special gift of breast milk to our little ones. It's a lot of hard work and dedication...but completely worth it!

Jenny and Caedon, 8.5 months, Erin and Noah, 6 weeks, Elaine and Daphne, 1.5 weeks, Nichole and Soren, 9 months.

Guppies and Goldfish

It's official! They passed their first swim lessons and had a blast! It was a wonderful sun-filled two weeks of lessons! That's a lot of sunscreen, no naps, water socks, swimsuits, hats, beach towels, snacks and the kitchen sink for a 1/2 hour a day! Whew...until next summer.

Chloe learned to plug her nose and put her entire head under the water. She learned her kicks and strokes too!

Soren is a little Guppie! He splashed and kicked the entire time and loved getting drenched!

Mom and Dad are so proud.

The Wandering Wilders Begin

The Wandering Wilders...seems fitting for our family, don't you think? As we approach each day, wondering what may come, at this stage we wander through:

Smiles and Tears
Diapers and Potty Training (done!)
Nursing and Sippy Cups
Laundry and ...More Laundry
Toys and ...More Toys
No Sleep and No Naps (for Mom!)
Love and Ever Growing Love
Learning to Share and Sibling Rivalry
Husband and Wife (who?)

But through the wandering of each stage we develop character, and character hope, and hope, a future because our Lord is good! I am so grateful for this stage...and the many many more to come.

Stage Now

Diapers, Nursing, Excitement, Crying, Wonder, Naps (or lack there of), Smiling, Cooing, Crawling (scooting), Up ALL Night, Rocking, More Nursing...AND Lot's and Lot's of "Why, Mama's", Energy, Reasoning, Naps (or really lack there of), Kindness and Love, Imaginary Play, Cooking and Mama's BIG Helper...

These are just a few of our favorite things consuming our lives right now...
Chloe, now almost 3 1/2 is an amazing three year old! She is so smart and kind. She is learning about Jesus in Sunday School and asking lots of questions like, "Is Pastor God" or "How did Jesus make Fruit Leather?". She still loves art, gymnastics, imaginary play, learning to play the violin and now, a new concept, sharing with brother. She is just SO sweet.

Soren is now 9 months. Where did the time go? He is proving to have other sounds out of those sweet lungs other then cries. Lots of coos, ga-ga's, MAMA's! He is crawling and cruising all over the place and is so happy! My little man has grown up...over night!