Beautiful Baby Boy

Goo-Goo-Ga-Ga

No more silent films! I have finally bought a new camera that makes movies with sound. The first thing I wanted to capture on film was Noah's voice. He is such a little babbler (especially when he is excited) There is something about his little high pitched cooing that brings a smile to my face no matter what. I dare you to try not to smile while watching this video. I swear he is infectious!

Fall Festival

This was our 1st Fall Festival and we were lucky enough to have Grandpa Dan and Grandma Violet along for the fun. Every year, the elementary school's PTO hosts a Fall Festival for the students and their families. Nicholas and Joshua loved it! It was like a huge carnival......cotton candy, bouncy houses, game booths, and more.

The first thing that caught their eyes was the wagon ride that was pulled by tractor. We all know about their obsession with tractors. Grandma Violet, the boys, and I climbed aboard the wagon and went for a spin around the track! We literally had to climb up this huge haystack to get on. For a minute, I thought we were going to lose Grandma Violet in the hay!

Next, we headed for the enormous bouncy house. The line couldn't move quick enough for Nicholas and Joshua. As soon as it was their turn, they darted into that thing! One part of the bouncy house had a wall climb. Nicholas was able to make it up and over. However, my Joshua was not so Daddy had to intervene.

Next, came the bungee cord trampolines! These things looked like so much even I wanted a turn! Thank goodness for Grandma Violet waiting in line for us because this was the hit of the festival. Everyone wanted a turn to jump. After waiting patiently, Nicholas and Joshua were strapped in and up and down they went!

The last thing we tried out was the wall climb. Nicholas wasn't to sure about climbing all the way up this tall wall. Joshua on the other hand was like "let me at it!" ( I don't call him my daredevil for nothing) The results were Joshua was able to climb 1/4 of the wall. Nicholas got about 1/2 way up it when he looked down at me and said, "Mom, I can't do it." I kept telling him, "yes you can Nicholas! Use your big muscles! Pull! You can do it! Don't give up!" At the top of the wall was a bell to ring when you made it all the way up. Joshua and I started chanting to him, "RING THAT BELL, RING THAT BELL.........." Next thing I know Nicholas was at the top and rang the bell! Everyone in line clapped for Nicholas. He was so proud of himself!

My 1st Food

I am not sure about this Mommy.
Okay, okay...it's starting to grow on me.
Yummy!
All done!

Last night, before bedtime, Noah had his first taste of baby cereal! I was planning on starting him on cereal last month, but decided to hold off until he could sit up better. His first reaction was just like my other two boys. They all made this face that says, "what is this stuff? Yuck." The second to third spoonful was more like, "Okay, I think I can get to like this stuff." By the fourth spoonful we were in business! I can already tell that he is going to be a messy eater. Oh well, I guess it's revenge from my mother! She always said I was a very messy eater when I was little.

P.S. This post is dedicated to Jenny (Nick's cousin)! Thank you for the many boxes of cereal that you sent!

Give me a M-A-S....

M-A-S! Give me a C-O-U.....C-O-U!

Give me a T-A-H.....T-A-H!

Give me a M-A-S C-O-U T-A-H .....M-A-S C-O-U T-A-H!

Yeah MASCOUTAH!!!!!

I know, I know! I am not a cheerleader anymore,but I can not help but get into the spirit after today. You know, I wasn't voted "most school spirited " for nothing! Today, Nick, Joshua, Noah, Bella, and I went to Mascoutah High School's homecoming parade. We decided to take a walk up to the elementary school where Nicholas would be watching it with his class and teacher. We were also able to hang out with Grandma Connie for a little while. Here are some pictures from the parade, enjoy!

Just Like Grandpa Dan

Grandpa Dan and Joshua in their cowboy gear
Joshua getting ready for his cameo in the remake of Footloose

Grandpa Dan and Grandma Violet recently bought Joshua his 1st pair of cowboy boots for his birthday. Let me tell you, he was so excited to get boots just like his Grandpa Dan. He has admired Nicholas's boots and would try to wear them around the house (that is when Nicholas would let him) Every time we go to San Antonio we say that we are going to buy him his boots, but for some reason we don't. Well, no more waiting. My baby got his boots!

5 Months Old

Can you believe it? Mr. Noah turned 5 months old today! He is getting to be such a big and strong boy. This past month Noah has been busy working on developing his personality. He loves to laugh and babble on and on. He is always so happy and smiley! I have truly been blessed in so many ways.

Here are some facts about Noah at 5 months old:

• He now weighs about 16 pounds (this is estimated using our bathroom scale)


• Wearing 6-9month clothing and Size 2 diapers


• Still eats at Moms, but we will be starting cereal on Friday (stay tuned for the posting)


• Still enjoys sucking his thumb


• Likes to play with mommy, daddy, and big brothers on the floor


• Adores his Daddy! Noah's eyes are glued to him the moment he sees him walk into the room.


• Recognizes his name


• Reaches for toys when held in front of him


• Has begun sitting up all by himself! Not quite a pro, but he is working at it.


• Starting to see a tooth bud (bottom front right) We had to break out the 3 T's (teething tablets, Tylenol, and teethers) All in all, he is good sport when it comes to teething!


• In his spare time, Noah enjoys playing in his excersaucer and swinging in his swing


• Everyday he makes me realize just how beautiful my world is with him in it!

Apple Picking

Today was Nicholas's first Kindergarten field trip! We went apple picking at Ekert's. Nicholas is a pro when it comes to picking apples because this was his 3rd apple picking year in a row! However, this time Nicholas was able to ride a school bus to the orchard. He was so ecstatic when he found out he had to ride the bus! I was lucky to share this fun day with him while Daddy stayed home from work to watch Joshua and Noah. Nicholas was paired up with another classmate, Dominic, for the day. It made me sad to know that for some reason or another Dominic's mom or dad could not come to his 1st field trip. I did my best to patch the void. I made sure to take pictures of him too. I plan to print them tomorrow so that Nicholas can give them to him to give to his mom. They had lots of fun together and are now good buddies!

After School Play

Beep! Beep!
Cheese!
Hi Mommy!
Joshua and Noah switched seats. Chinese Fire Drill!!!!
Bella is tired after playing baseball fetch.

The boys, Bella, and I decided to take advantage of the nice weather after school today. I am sure that the cooler weather will be settling in before too long. I will miss being able to take the boys for a walk or sitting outside while watching them play or ride bikes. I will have to start brushing up on my board game skills for when the weather gets colder!

Fun Times in Rock Island

We had a very eventful weekend! Nick and I had a great time at Brad and Brianne's wedding and the boys (along with Bella) enjoyed staying the weekend with Grandma Violet and Grandpa Dan. Nicholas, Joshua, and Noah were able to see the John Deere Museum in Moline thanks to Grandma and Grandpa. For those that do not know, my boys are HUGE John Deere fans so of course they loved it!! Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of them at the museum because Nick and I had to check in to our hotel and pick up Nick's tuxedo for the wedding.

The rehearsal and dinner was on Friday evening. After all the "serious" wedding stuff, we all decided to head downstairs to Bennigans for drinks. After a "few" drinks there, we decided we needed music! In the pouring rain (it never stopped raining the entire weekend) we all went to The District (similar to The Landing here in STL) We stopped at a bar where we listened to the Ruben Studdard of Rock Island band play. 2 appletinis and 2 beers later, I was ready to go back to the room (to go to sleep people! come on now!)

Saturday was the big day! Brad and Brianne said "I DO" and yes, of course, I cried! My Nick Walter looked so handsome in his tuxedo. Whenever he gets dressed in a tux it reminds me of our wedding day! After the ceremony, I headed back to the hotel with the girls for appetizers and more appletinis (I had to do something while I waited for Nick) The reception was lots of fun (as you can see from the pictures) But, we didn't stop there! The bride (dress and all), groom (tux and all), and the gang headed back out to The District for more drinks. The night ended at 3 am!

Sunday, Nick and I headed to Sterling/RockFalls to pick up the boys. I was able to briefly visit with my relatives. Even though my time was short, it was nice to see everyone. We are now home and exhausted! Thank you Mom and Dad for watching the boys!