Getting ready for Texas

I have been busy packing all day today! Tomorrow, the boys and I will be heading to Texas to visit Grandpa Dan and Grandma Violet. Please say a prayer for me because I will be traveling with ALL THREE boys by myself!! I hope that everything goes smoothly and we arrive safely. Nick and Uncle Doug (Nick's brother/ Noah's soon-to-be Godfather) will join us in Texas on Thursday. They are making the 16 hour drive together! I can't make any promises, but I will try to post pictures of our trip on the blog while in Texas.

This evening, we went over to Nick's sister's house for dinner. We ate the most wonderful and delicious chicken wings thanks to her father-in-law! Justin's parents are visiting from California this week. Lucky us because Charles (Justin's dad) makes the best wings and BBQ ribs! Here are some pictures of our evening. Enjoy!

Shhh....baby is sleeping

This past week, Noah has consistently slept throughout the night without waking up! Last night I put him to sleep at 10pm and he didn't wake up until 9am. Can you believe that I had to wake him up for church this morning? Now all we have to do is work on getting him to sleep in his bed in his room. Right now, he is sleeping in our room in the bassinet/pack-n-play. I think we will start trying after we get back from visiting Grandpa Dan and Grandma Violet!

Here are some pictures of Nick, Noah, and Joshua sleeping. The picture of Joshua was taken a few weeks ago when we were eating lunch. Joshua actually fell asleep while eating!! Poor baby! Just to let you know, I did move him to his bed shortly after taking the picture. I figured it would be a little more comfy than the kitchen table!

Say CHEESE!

Here is a video clip of Noah smiling for the camera. He really enjoyed watching the light on my camera flicker while filming! I wish that my camera had sound because he is actually cooing too. Maybe Santa will leave a new camera (one that records sound) for me under the tree this year (hint hint Nick)?

Vacation Bible School

This summer, Nicholas decided he would like to go to bible school. Three different churches in town , including our church, hold this week long event. Nicholas woke up early everyday this week and went to school from 8:45am-11:45am. He had lots of fun this past week learning about Jesus, watching plays, singing songs, making crafts, reading bible stories, and playing with the other kids. He had no trouble fitting in because there were some kids from his preschool class in his bible school class! This evening all the kids participated in a closing program. They wore their bible school shirts and performed songs for their families. Nicholas did sing, but decided not to do any of the hand motions that went along with the songs (I guess he didn't get my show choir abilities!) He did a great job and we really enjoyed the program! By the looks of the picture above, I am not sure if Noah was bored or if the music was that good that it put him right to sleep?

I can ride my bike!

Joshua has started riding his bike (with training wheels of course)! I am not sure if he didn't know how to pedal or if he was just being lazy. He had big brother, Nicholas, teaching him the art of bike riding. Once he started pedaling, he took off! He loves riding the bike down our driveway because it has a slight slope. The next thing we have to work on is teaching him how to use his brakes. Right now he steers the bike into the grass to stop. Why do I get the feeling we are going to have to keep the band aids handy? Here is a video of Joshua riding his bike.

Going on a walk

I really do not have anything exciting to post today. I spent most of my day catching up on laundry and cleaning the house (I know, YUCK!) This evening, Nick, the boys, Bella (the dog) and I went for a walk to Grandma Connie and Grandpa Bob's house. Nick and I have been trying to walk a couple days out of the week (I am still trying to loose the baby weight) It was so hot today. We decided to go for a little dip in Grandma Connie's pool. The boys enjoyed the water like always. Nicholas has fun running and jumping into the pool! However, my Joshua is content with just playing on the steps. I did not bring my camera along, but I do have some recent pictures of the boys in the pool. Enjoy!

2 Months Old

It was 2 months ago today that little baby Noah was born! Time sure is flying by! As you can see in the picture, Noah has been busy growing this past month. I think he is already trying to catch up to his brothers! He is a very happy baby (unless it's time to eat or if he needs to be burped) Today was Noah's 2 month check up with Dr. Raben. Yep, you guessed it. This visit included shots. Man-o-man did he cry!

Here are some things we know about Noah at 2 months:

• He is now 12lbs 12oz and 23inches long!



• Still has lots of dark hair although I think that it might be getting a little bit lighter.



• We still do not know the color of his eyes. Daddy thinks blue. Mommy thinks hazel/brown.



• Wearing 3-6 months clothing



• Still eats at "Mom's" and loves it!



• Still does not like to take a pacifier. Sometimes I really wish he would though!



• He goes to bed anywhere from 9:30pm-11:30pm and sleeps till about 5am



• Had his first shots 6/24/08



• Loves to smile and has even started talking (cooing) to us. Like I said he's a happy boy!



• Loves to swing in his swing and watch the fish moblie go round and round



• Loves to go for walks in the stroller



• Still loves to be carried around the house



• Continues to bring much happiness and love into our lives

Mr. & Mrs. Love

Today Nick's sister, Katy, and her husband, Justin, are celebrating their 2 year wedding anniversary! We would like to dedicate this post to them. Their love for each other has blessed us with a beautiful niece/cousin, Jamison. Thank you both for showing us that no matter the distance, love prevails! Congratulations to you both and Happy Anniversary!

Season Closer

Today was a very exciting day for us Walters! Our day started with church. Today's mass was in remembrance of Nick's grandfather. It was nice to have all of Nick's family and extended family in church today! Afterwards, the boys and I headed home to change clothes. Little did we know that Daddy had come home! He surprised us (he is good at that). We all headed over to Nick's Aunt Peggy's house for some lunch. The food and conversation was good!

Our day ended with Nicholas's last T-ball game of the season. This was his first year playing T-ball. He really enjoyed playing with his Daddy being the coach! By the end of the season, Nicholas was hitting balls that were pitched to him! We had a fun time cheering for Nicholas this season and can't wait to do it again next summer!

I'm A Big Boy

He did it! Joshua has officially mastered the skill of going to to the bathroom like a big boy! We have been working on potty training him for the past 5 or so weeks. We have had our share of accidents, but he was determined not to give up (neither was Grandpa Bob). He has been peeing in the toilet for a while, but only when you told him to try to go potty. Now, he will pee and poop in the toilet and will tell us when he needs to go! He still expects a Hershey Kiss after every trip to the bathroom as a potty prize (thanks Grandma Violet). We are so proud of our Joshua!

Update on Daddy

Sorry for no post yesterday. I was so exhausted and fell asleep while putting the boys to bed. I have been a single mom for the last 3 days with Nick being gone. He was in Qunicy Tuesday through Thursday. He said that he has yet to see any water. He has been stuck bagging the sand. From the sound of his voice, I think he is ready to come home! I do believe he is now in Jerseyville. He has not been able to call us to confirm that location. I am hoping that he will be home this weekend because his mother's family in having mass and luncheon in honor of his late grandfather, Bill Ganz. It would be nice to have him there with us.

The boys and I have been keeping busy while Daddy is gone. Yesterday, Jaycie (my best friend!) and her children (Jack and Livy) came to visit us. The kids have so much fun playing together. I only wish that we could get together more often! Jaycie and I took the kids to Pizza Hut for lunch and then headed to the park. Here are some pictures of us with our friends!

Oh, Joshua!

You know the phrase "kids, they say the darnedest things"? Well, my Joshua has been saying some really cute stuff here lately! I often catch myself thinking, "Where or who did he learn that from?"

For example, Joshua lost his voice recently and it's just now starting to come back. It was so cute hearing him talk with his squeaky little voice. Here is the conversation.
Me: Oh, Joshua you lost your voice.
Joshua: I didn't lose my voice Mommy. It's around here somewhere, I just have to find it.

Another example, I was asking Joshua where his brother Nicholas was because it was time to eat dinner. Here is the conversation.
Me: Joshua where is Nicholas at?
Joshua: I don't have no clues Mommy? (as he shrugs his little shoulders)

What will this little man say next?

Daddy to the Rescue

Nick's guard unit was called to assist with all the flooding the Midwest has been experiencing. Yesterday afternoon, he received the phone call telling him to report today at 5:30am with his bags packed. He wasn't told where they would be going or how long they will be gone. Nick thinks that it will be only a week at the most. I am hoping he can call us sooner than later to give us more details. Needless to say, he is gone and we sure do miss him already! I hope that he stays safe while helping those in need and returns home quickly.Here is a picture of Nick before he was heading out the door. He wasn't thrilled with the idea of me taking his picture at 5 o'clock in the morning!

I Can Smile!

There is something about a little baby smile that makes your heart melt. Noah has started smiling for us (and no it is not gas this time). His smiles are so precious! He has been smiling for us here and there, but his is definitely a pro at it now! I have been trying to capture him with the camera, but have had no success till today. After all the "goo-goo-gah-gah" and funny faces, I was only able to get a couple of pictures. I think that he is making fun of me in one of them (can you guess which one?)

Happy Daddy's Day!

Today is Fathers Day and we would like to dedicate this post to all of the fathers in our lives. We are so thankful for all that you do for us! We love you all so very much and hope your day is special. Happy Father's Day Grandpa Dan and Bob, Daddy, Uncle Bob, Daniel (yes,you are a Godfather), Doug (yes, you are a godfather too), and Justin.

28 Years and Still Going Strong

Happy anniversary to you Mom and Dad!

It's was 28 years ago today that my mother and father decided to share the rest of their lives together. Dan and Violet's story began when Violet turned sweet 16. She was having a birthday party at her sister's house. Little did she know that for her birthday she would be meeting her future husband as a birthday gift! My dad was good friends with my mom's cousin, Conrad. Conrad decided to bring my dad to the party and the rest is history!

Thank you Mom and Dad for showing us that love is a wonderful thing! May God bless you with many many more years together. We love you!

Bargain of the Week

So, I think I may have a new hobby (like I have time for a new hobby) I recently discovered Craig's List! For those of you that do not know about Craig's List, it's a website where people sell anything imaginable. The best part about it is that it is local! I made my first purchase today, a double stroller. It was such a good bargain, only $35! It is in great shape and works wonderfully. After cleaning it up, the boys and I went for a walk. I know that we will definitely get our money's worth. Well, I have to wrap this up because I hear Craig calling my name! LOL

Splish Splash

Noah had his first bath tonight with the help of his 2 older brothers. Lets just say that he was not fond of the water. You would think that he would have liked the water due to his name being Noah and all. I guess that is why Noah built the ark (so he didn't have to get in the water, and yes of course for all the animals too.) I know, I know, I crack myself up! Hopefully, he will start to enjoy bath time a little more. If he does not, we will have one stinky baby. Enjoy the movie and pics! Take note of how big my little Noah is getting!

It's about time!

Well, it finally happened. Noah's umbilical cord fell out today! We have been waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting......well you get the point. It seems as though it took forever to fall out. Maybe it seemed long because both Nicholas and Joshua's cords fell out within 1-2 weeks. This morning, when I was giving Noah a sponge bath, I noticed it was no longer there! No more sponge baths for Noah! He will have his first real bath tomorrow! I will make sure to post pics of the big event. Until then, here are some pics of my baby's new belly button!

The Great Outdoors

Today the boys and I took advantage of the nice weather! We spent the majority of the afternoon outside. We played with sidewalk chalk and the water table, played kickball, blew bubbles, and went on a walk. We kept busy that's for sure (or at least they kept ME busy). Lets just say that the boys had no trouble falling asleep tonight!