Halloween 2017

Lions and tigers and bears...OH MY!  Our family halloween costume was so easy and so much fun to put together this year. Addie was the perfect tiger "princess", Bella's roar was the perfect accessory to her lion costume, and Noah was my favorite little baby bear.  A few white t-shirts and a sharpie pen later and Eric and I joined in on the fun too.

This year we had a full day of fun on Halloween.  We started the morning at trunk or treat at Addie and Bella's school and it was the perfect way to kick off the day.  The girls were so excited to wear their costumes and it was great practice for trick or treating later on that night.  We teamed up with our neighbors and decorated our trunk as Mickey Mouse, complete with the hot dog song which was a hit with all the little ones.  After a quick non-candy lunch and afternoon naps, it was time for round 2 of halloween fun.  We had our neighbors over for an early dinner before it was time to trick or treat.  We tortured them with a few quick pictures and off we went. 

This was by far my favorite year for trick or treating.  Addie literally ran from house to house collecting candy with her buddies, she was on cloud 9!  Bella chose to hang out in the wagon with her little friend, but did still get wheeled from house to house to fill up her pumpkin full of candy, smart girl!  Noah was happy to be along for the ride even if he wasn't rewarded with candy.  After about an hour we convinced the kids it was time to head home to check out their stash.  The kids shoved their faces with as many pieces of candy as possible, the adults enjoyed some pumpkin cheesecake and hot apple cider, and we all ended the night on a sugar rush!  Halloween 2017 was my favorite yet and we are all sad that it's over, but it's only the beginning of the holiday season and there's so much more fun to come!

Our Chi-Town Adventures

Our Chi-Town Adventures

Chapter ONE:  Our Delayed Departure...

Eric and I hoped on a plane a few weekends ago to visit Kristen in Chicago.  Since Noah is still nursing it just made more sense for us to bring him along with us.  Addie and Bella stayed home with our amazing babysitter and had their own little staycation.  We woke up bright and early Saturday morning, grabbed our bags, and off we went.  Well, kind of.  We actually missed our first flight...by 2 minutes!!!! Luckily, we were able to get on another flight only an hour later.  That was our first (and last) hiccup of the trip, but a very annoying and expensive one.  We decided to stay with Kristen that way we could hang out when Noah was sleeping and it worked out perfectly.  We arrived around 10am Saturday morning and were very excited about our fun-filled weekend we had ahead of us. 

Chapter TWO:  Chicago - Where have you BEAN all of my life?!?  

We were first timers and I was so impressed with Chi-Town.  It's a beautiful city that has so much to offer!  I'm not sure why I waited to long to visit?!?!  There's something about the beach/city combo that makes it such a unique and pretty city - and it's so clean.  We did all of the fun touristy stuff when we were there.  We walked up and down the Navy Pier, explored the city by boat on the architect tour, checked out the "bean", ate Garrett's popcorn, drank a beer at Lottie's aka "Molly's" from Chicago Fire, ate deep dish pizza, saw Wrigley Field, walked along Lakefront Trail, and checked out the city from above...

Chapter THREE:  Livin' life on the LEDGE, literally....

One of the coolest things we did was went to the top of Sears Tower on the sky deck.  Interesting Fact - It would take 865 Noahs to reach the top of the Sears Tower.  Sears Tower is 110 stories tall and one of the tallest buildings in the world and from up above we got to see a pretty cool view of the city - and show off our black and gold since it's always Steelers Sunday in this family no matter what city we are in!

Chapter FOUR:  It's BEAN real!

We came, we ate, we drank, we explored, we left.  All in 48 hours.  Thank you Chicago (and Kristen) for a great weekend.  We are already planning our next trip to Chi-town!

Noah Ryan - Month 5

I would guess you are 17-18 pounds right now.  We have your well check next month!

AT FIVE MONTHS YOU ARE:
-LAUGHING :)  Usually at your sisters!
-Loving your excersaucer
-Practicing sitting up every day with help
-Constantly blowing raspberries and babbling
-ALWAYS covered in drool - maybe we will have teeth soon?
-The most popular little guy in our house!  You are constantly smothered by your sisters, but you handle it like a champ.

HEALTH

You've been pretty healthy this month and are certainly growing, so much so that you are already outgrowing a lot of your 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers.  Slow down baby boy!  Next month we have your next well check as well as your follow up ultra sound and appointment with the urologist.

EAT
Not much has changed this month with your eating schedule.  You still nurse in under 5 minutes, prefer nursing from the right side, and eat 4 times during the day and once or twice during the night.  You are a happy, healthy, growing boy and I'm happy I've been able to give you exactly what you need.  We are going to start solids very soon, so stay tuned next month for an update on how you feel about something other than "mommy's special milk" as Addie calls it.

SLEEP
This month has been kind of rough in the sleep department, but you are not to blame!  You were happy as can be in your own crib in your own room, your sisters, not so much.  They started waking up in the middle of the night ready to read books and play.  Instead of being awake with a newborn, we were up with two very opinionated toddlers.  Most nights we ended up doing a room rotation at 3am.  Bella went back in your room which meant you came back with us.  After we were able to get a few nights of good sleep and we were done with our fall trips, we put everyone back where they belong and so far so good.  Lately you've been doing a really great job putting yourself to sleep when I lay you down drowsy.  Occasionally you wake up and fuss for a few minutes, but you are getting better at putting yourself back to sleep.

LIKES & DISLIKES
Right now you love playing and exploring all of your toys and put just about anything in your mouth that you get your hands on.  The excersaucer and your bumbo are your favorite places to hang out when you are not in mommy's arms because you like to be able to be in on the action.  You've also started to love the park, whether you are sitting up in the stroller or hanging out in the swing, you are all smiles.  The pacifier, your solly wrap, and chewing on your hands continue to be favorites.  Getting your nose suctioned and getting out of the bath tub are your least favorite things.

PERSONALITY
You are the absolute sweetest little boy and I can't believe you are already 5 months old! We are completely obsessed with every thing about you and you are by far the most popular person in our house right now, from your chubby cheeks and chunky thighs, to your squeals of excitement and adorable facial expressions, we seriously can't get enough.  You are never ever left alone (unless you are sleeping) and usually have very little personal space thanks to your sisters and you are completely okay with it.  You handle life with 2 sisters and being the 3rd child like a champ - you are easy going, flexible, and so much fun.  Noah, you're pretty awesome - we love you buddy!

FAVORITE MOMENTS
-Bella started preschool this month, so for the first time in your life we have one on one time every single week and I kind of love it!
-We are loving all things fall around here!   You've been on many trips to the pumpkin patch, love Steeler Sundays as much as we do, and are very excited to celebrate your first Halloween in a few weeks!
-We brought you along to Chicago this month to visit Kristen while your sisters had a fun weekend at home with the babysitter.  We survived your first flight and had a blast exploring Chicago since it was all of our first time.  We went on the architect tour, visited the sky deck and the bean, and even took you in your first bar - Molly's from Chicago Fire.  It was a fun (an exhausting) weekend, but we can't wait to go back!
-We also took a family road trip to Pittsburgh to see Grandma and Pap.  I was very nervous the car ride was going to be a nightmare, but you surprised us all and slept the majority of the time.  Finally, I have a kid who enjoys sleeping in the car!  Woohooo!  We had a fun-filled weekend of visiting the pumpkin patch, family dinners, going to Kennywood, and cheering on cousin Bryan at his football game.
-I never want to forget how Addie greets you every morning with the sweetest "Good morning buddy!  Did you have a good rest?" and Bella squeals "BROTHER" in excitement over and over again the second she sees you, like she just can't believe you are still here.  It's these little moments that literally make my heart explode!

Back to School 2017

We officially have not one but TWO toddlers in preschool!  Bella started this week in the 2 year old class and Addie has been going for about a month in the 3 year old class.  That means that my little guy and I have some quiet time for SIX whole hours every single week...and it's amazing!

Addie is absolutely loving everything about school.  On her very first day she ran into the room without any fear and hasn't looked back since.  She asks if she can go every single day and comes home with the cutest stories about what she learned or who she played with that day.   Snack time, the playground, and music class seem to be her favorite so far, but she also loves to show off all of her art work!  She absolutely adores her teachers, as do I.  It's only been a month so far, but I just know Ms. Tanya and Ms. Ellen are the perfect fit for my girl.  Addie's enthusiasm for school makes the teacher in me so proud and so thankful that we found the perfect preschool.   I can't wait to see her progress throughout the year and I hope her eagerness to learn and make new friends only continues to grow.

Bella had her first day at the same preschool in the 2 year old class this week.  We decided to send Bella this year because anyone who knows her knows that she is a stage 5 clinger.  She is a mommy's girl at heart!  We wanted to sign her up this year to give her a chance to interact with other kids her age and have some time away from me in hopes that she breaks out of her shell a little and I know she can do it!  Addie had her all hyped up for her first day, she was so excited.  She put on her backpack (that is bigger than her) and off she went.  There were a few initial tears at drop off, but by the time I dropped off Addie and peaked back in her room she was already happily playing with her teacher.  Her teachers are equally amazing and welcomed her with such open arms that any hesitation I had about leaving her immediately went away.  They even sent me a cute picture of her on the playground on her first day!  I cannot wait to watch Bella shine in her own little way this year.  I hope she makes new friends and has fun...and by the look on her face when I picked her up on her first day, she definitely did!

I thought this was the perfect time to ask the girls some questions that would be fun to look back at for years to come.

How old are you?
Addie: three
Bella:  two

What is your favorite color?
Addie:  pink
Bella:  pink

What is your favorite food to eat?
Addie:  pizza
Bella:  "I don't know" (Bella's new favorite saying and she thinks it's hilarious!)

What is your favorite TV show or movie?
Addie: Vampirina
Bella:  Minnie

What is your favorite toy?
Addie: my babies
Bella:  "I don't know"

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Addie:  princess
Bella:  shoe model ;)

What do you love most?
Addie:  You guys :)  Mommy and Daddy and Bella and Noah and Pooper (aka Cooper)
Bella:  "I don't know"

I hope your back to school came with as many smiles and excitement as ours did!

Noah Ryan - Month 4

Here are your numbers:

WEIGHT: 16 pounds 2 ounces (68th percentile)

LENGTH:  26 inches (63rd percentile)

HEAD:  44 centimeters (84th percentile)

AT FOUR MONTHS YOU ARE:
-Sleeping in your crib at night in your own room :)
-Rolling over from back to front
-Grabbing for and holding on to toys
-Sitting up in your bumbo
-Getting hair again, no more baby balding!
-Smiling, drooling, and spitting up...constantly
-Still farting like crazy

HEALTH
We had your well check with Dr. Fink and you are a happy, healthy, growing little boy.  I explained to him about our new struggle with nursing on the left side.  He checked your ears and they looked great, so it confirmed that you just prefer the right side.  I've always produced more on that side and you are a boy who likes to eat!  Dr. Fink also gave us the green light to start baby food, but I don't think you are quite ready yet.  Addie started solids at 4 months and Bella at 6 months, I think you will be somewhere in the middle.  We ended your appointment with your next round of vaccinations and I think it was harder on me than it was on you.  You were all smiles minutes later!

EAT
I am still exclusively breastfeeding, but we had a few hurdles this past month.  There were a few days where you would refuse to nurse.  I never was concerned you were starving (because hello baby rolls!) but I was concerned something was wrong.  Was it your ears?  Was it your tummy?  To this day, I still don't know because your mini-strike all of a sudden ended just as quickly as it started.  All was good, but then, you started refusing the left side.  I have always produced more on the right and I think it's more comfortable for you.  I always offer the left side first and can often times trick you into eating from that side.  Breastfeeding is hard, even the 3rd time around!  I am proud to say we overcame our obstacles and are still going strong.  You nurse every 3-4 hours during the day and 1-2 times at night, usually a total of 6 nursing sessions per day.

SLEEP

I am happy to report that you are sleeping in your own room at night in your crib!  Yayyy!  Your sisters are sharing a room, which has freed up your room for you!   The transition was something I have been dreading, but you did much better than I thought you would.  We have way more good days than we do bad, so I'll call it a win!  On a typical day you wake up around 7:30-8 and nap on the go about 2 hours later.  Your afternoon nap is around 1 and usually lasts 2-3 hours and then you cat nap again before your 7:30 bedtime.  You are (almost) sleeping through the night with only 1-2 very brief nursing sessions.  We are working on teaching you how to fall asleep on your own by laying you down when you are still awake and I am one proud mommy when you fall asleep all on your own.

LIKES & DISLIKES
You are a water baby and are the happiest when you are in the tub.  The bumbo, your pacifier, blowing bubbles, and eating your hands are some of your other favorite things right now.  You think your sisters are hilarious and I know I'm going to be jealous when they get the first laugh out of you.  Tummy time is your least favorite thing.  You get upset after about 2 minutes and start crying, Addie comes to the rescue and insists we flip you back over.  I'm also convinced you don't like clean clothes because within minutes of getting you dressed you are covered in droll and/or spit up.

PERSONALITY
This past month has been so much fun!  You are much more alert and started "playing."  You like to hang out on your play mat or in your bumbo right in the center of the action.  You are such a happy guy about 97% of the time, but lately I've been getting a taste of the "witching hour" and man can you be needy.  Luckily, Daddy has experienced it first hand so really makes an effort to be home by 6pm so we can have all hands on deck.  Your sisters usually smother your Dad the second he walks in the door and since they are entertained and have Daddy to referee for a little, you get my attention back and all is good in your world.  I know this is only the beginning of a very fun phase of baby hood and I can't wait to see where it takes us.

FAVORITE MOMENTS
-This past month you got to spend some quality time with your Godmother.  Aunt Leah came to town and you gave her all the baby snuggles and smiles, it's safe to say you already have her wrapped around your little finger.
-You also got to meet you Uncle Jay this month.  The Hazelwoods came to visit and we had a blast celebrating Bella's 2nd birthday, going to the beach, and just catching up!
-I've started bathing the 3 of you at the same time and it's made an already fun activity even more fun for you.  You absolutely love bath time!
-We went on a "Farewell to Summer" trip to the Outer Banks, just the 5 of us and it was amazing.  The weather was perfect and we had fun showing you around town.  We took you to the sand dunes, to some of our favorite restaurants, mini golfing, and to Manteo, which is were Daddy and I had our wedding reception.
 -Everyone knows I love coordinating outfits and with the girls I've loved doing mommy and me twin days ever since Addie was born.  Well, you've had your first twin day with Daddy and it was adorable.

Farewell Sweet Summer of 2017

It's hard to believe that the summer is already coming to an end, but it will forever go in the books as one of my favorite summers to date.  I will miss so much about summer 2017 - hours upon hours spent at the pool and splash pad, beach sunsets with my crew, fun at the "gardens" - both Busch Gardens and the Botanical Gardens, extra time with Daddy, lots of fun play dates with both new and old friends, serious fun at little gym, weekly neighborhood dinners, spending the 4th in Pittsburgh, and family vacations in the Outer Banks.  Last, but certainly not the least, we will always remember this season as the season that we brought Noah into this world.  We grew from a family of four to a family of five and enjoyed every second of making memories and celebrating firsts with our favorite little man, as well as watch Addie & Bella grow up in the blink of an eye as soon as we brought Noah home from the hospital.  Of course there are some things I won't miss as well...the never ending buckets of sand in my swagger wagon, mosquitos (oh how I despise those little creatures!), sunscreen (another of my least favorite things), and having to always carry around a battery operated fan to keep our little man cool in the hot, humid days.  Overall, summer of 2017 was oh so sweet to us and I will always cherish the memories that we made.  Farewell sweet summer of 2017, helllooo all things pumpkin spice and the cool, crisp air of fall days :)