The Cage

So since Zechariah has been getting out of his crib all the time, we purchased a tent like net to go over it. When I asked about it at Babies 'R Us, the clerk asked if I was talking about the one to keep cats out of the crib; I told her no, the one to keep the kids in! She thought that was funny.

Zechariah thought it was really cool when it was first set up. He got inside and was jumping around and laughing. Then he must have realized what it was for because he started crying and scratching at it like a caged animal. He also ran into the side while jumping and running around in it. The first night he cried when we left the room and I can't even remember the last time he did that.He has gotten used to it now. We call it his rocket. He tells me to zip it up and then he yells "blast off!" It's a little bit of a pain at night when he has a bad dream or needs some comforting because you have to unzip it and zip it back up, which is not too quiet. Of course, once Ainsley is asleep she could probably sleep through quite a bit.

Happy Thanksgiving

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and pray that those of you who are traveling arrive safely and that everyone enjoys the day with their families...whatever your traditions are. I myself will be chowing down on some turkey and all the fixings! Mike is baking as we speak...banana bread, pumpkin pie, 2 pecan pies, and a french silk pie. But guess who forgot to get the cool whip?! No worries, I can't be the only one who forgets a key ingredient from the store on this wonderful day.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day and we are very thankful for each and every one of you!

My Little Boy is Growing Up...

and picking out his own lipstick! Yes, this is my son wearing not one, but two different shades of lipstick. Ainsley is always wanting to wear my lipstick so I let her, on occasion. Z often wants to do what she does so we keep some chapstick in the top drawer in our bathroom just for him. Well, he took the liberty of helping himself yesterday while I was feeding Jessica. I guess the idea of wearing lipstick like his sister was just too much to handle so he had to try it out. Of course, I tried really hard not to laugh when I came into our bedroom and saw him with a tube of lipstick in his hand and this goofy grin on his face. I must say, I really like the shade! I had to get a picture so here he is with his cheesy smile! I give him credit for getting most of if around his mouth...usually, when he puts on the chapstick he's putting on clear over to his ears and even on his neck. Reminds me of the time Ains got into my make-up at about the same age except she used my sparkly gold lipgloss on her eyelids! And it had a mint scent to it! Boy, was that hard to clean off her face.

Seriously, Z is growing up. He has been able to make it INTO his crib for some time now but this past week while Mike was away, he finally made it OUT. Last night he was "march, march, marching" up the hallway about 30 minutes after we put him and Ains to bed. Then he came out this morning at about 6 saying that he was "ready to get out now". I was hoping not to have to turn his crib into a bed until he was potty trained and needed a reason to have a big boy bed. I wasn't planning on spending the time and energy to potty train him until this summer but now that seems too long to keep him in his crib. Part of me thinks we should just keep him in the crib but the other part of me would rather he wasn't climbing with the potential to hurt himself. Either way we're battling to keep him in the bed or crib anyway, right?!

Well, things are going right along in our household. Jessica is getting more and more active and vocal, I just can't believe how quickly she is changing. She is full of smiles and loves her big bro and sis. Ainsley is entertaining as always. Last night when Mike came home, she was kind of in a weird mood so she was hanging out in her room. Mike was calling the kids to come wash up for dinner and she didn't come so on his way to the bathroom he asked if she would be gracing us with her presence. She got all excited and came running into the kitchen exclaiming, "Mom, did you hear that Dad thinks I have presents?! I don't have any presents...do I get a present?" It was hilarious! They definitely keep us laughing.

Long Week

Mike left for Kansas City and Massachusetts this morning...it's going to be a looooong week for both of us! Thankfully, the kids and I have many distractions such as ballet, school, a play date and BSF to keep us busy. And of course there are always errands to run and the ever popular lunch(es) with my mom! This is the first time Mike has been away since right before Jessica was born so it will be interesting to see how it goes with three kids to myself. There was one night during Jessica's first month that Mike had to work late so I fed the kids and got them ready for bed by myself and it went pretty well. That was mostly what I worried about was the nighttime routine with three. Mike always gives Ains and Z their bath and I give Jessica hers. She goes down a little earlier than they do so I'm ready for their goodnight kisses and prayers. I'm so thankful that Mike takes such an active roll in their lives and in caring for them. And it is so wonderful to have all that help when he gets home from work at night! I'm also very thankful for all the help from family when he is away. The thoughtfulness of a lunch visit, the extra time after ballet, or just the knowledge that I can call if I need anything while Mike is away. Love you guys!

The Things They Say

The other day my mom was over and Ainsley was calling Jessica "sweet pea". As serious as can be, she made sure to tell my mom that is was the pea you eat and not pee pee!

At Whole Foods Ains saw a hanging advertisement with an older lady on it. This is the conversation that followed:
Ains: Hey, that lady is cracking!
Me: Well, she's not really cracking, she's wrinkled from things like age, the sun, things in the air.
Ains: Is your skin cracking yet?
Me: Boy, I hope not but, it will someday and yours will too. That's why we have to take care of our skin.
Ains: You have nice skin, Mommy.

I may have nice skin but my driving doesn't suit her to well...

While out driving the other day, Ains said from her seat all the way in back, "Mom, you're a bad driver". To which I replied, "Thanks, Ains. Someday when you're driving I'll tell you that!"
Ains: You're not coming with me when I drive!
Me: Sorry to tell you but, when you first start driving, I have to come with you!
Then came the look of defeat in the rear view mirror.

Mr. Pumpkin

We were a little late in carving our pumpkin this year but, better late than never. And I guess we're doing better than we did last year when we didn't carve it at all!

Here is Mr. Pumpkin in all his splendor.

The kids really enjoyed pulling out all the seeds. It was pretty funny to see their reaction because I don't think they were expecting it. Especially Z because he was playing in the playroom and didn't want to do anything until he came in and saw Ains with her hand in the pumpkin. Then he dug right in and thought it was the best thing ever. We had a few pumpkin seeds flying around the kitchen by the time we were done.

Dig in!

Fall Festival at Calvary

Here are some pics of the kids before and during Fall Festival last night. Z absolutely loved his get-up and so did Ains.

You can't tell in the picture but, her hair turned out really curly and she loved it. I guess sleeping in curlers worked well for her!

Ainsley with some cotton candy...Z wasn't too sure if he was supposed to eat it or not. He wouldn't put it in his mouth until we told him it was ok to eat and put it in his hand.

In one of many jumpers. While Ains and I stood in line for the pony ride, Z took it as his mission to jump in every single one there.

Sitting pretty on her little black pony. Sorry the pictures aren't so great...the flash doesn't work too well if you're not a foot from your subject!

She really enjoyed riding the pony and was really glad we stood in line for so long...about 45 minutes, I think.
Z was crazy for the candy! Every time we gave him the bag to carry, he thought that meant he could have more, even when his mouth was full. He didn't quite understand that he couldn't just eat it all. Finally, we compromised on a sucker.