influential photos

I loved the idea to take pictures of your kid's "influential people" during seasons of their lives. Here are two that I really have seen impacting our sweet girl Addelyn.

Top picture- Miss Kim. She has been Addelyn's Sunday School teacher. An amazing woman that has loved on Addelyn. She welcomes her with the biggest grin, encouraging words, smiles, and hugs. I truly believe she is making the church a place that Addelyn wants to go because she feels loved and encouraged.

 

Second picture- Ilene. Ilene started to babysit Addelyn when she was around 8 months old. I worked full time until Addelyn was two so you can imagine how much time Addelyn spent at Ilene's house. And now she is there part-time. Ilene has been amazing- more than daycare- but a place where Addelyn has felt loved, has grown as a little person, and has learned so many things.

I know that it takes a village to raise kids. Here are two of the many, many amazing people we have in our community of support. I'm so thankful.

blank park zoo

 A few weeks ago, Mark ran his Toughmudder race in MN, so rather than take the kiddos and attempt to watch a 3-4 hour race, on Friday, we headed to Ankeny to stay at Jill and Levi's apartment. We had a fun little night away, slumber partying at their place. Then on Saturday, Jill and I packed up some picnic lunches and headed to the Blank Park Zoo with the kiddos. We had a blast. It is a great zoo- fun stuff to see but you can do it in 1/2 day if you want (you can stay much longer if you'd like but with Jace along, missing a nap- this was a perfect amount of time.)

I had to get a picture with the kids and the giraffes. I could watch these amazing animals all day long. Definitely my favorite. Have you ever watched them poop? The weirdest thing to watch. Just saying...

 

And then the monkeys. Addelyn could have watched them all day. They made us laugh out loud a bunch, as they picked things off of each other and ate them. My favorite moment of the day- Addelyn was right up against the fence. A monkey sauntered up, sat down right next to the fence in front of Addelyn, and stared right back at her- inches from her face. Hilarious.

 

Big boy- we tried to get him to do a little stroller nap but of course, that was not happening. My kids officially (as babies at least) have not been ones who like to sleep places other than their beds!

He did great though. After our zoo fun, we got some ice cream and then headed home to be ready to see our "toughmudder" who successfully completed his race. He had a blast and only came home with a few good scrapes (and a sweet mohawk). Good job honey!!!

laugh of the day

A:  "Mom, you can probably start doing what the guy next door does when it is hot."
Me:  "Oh yeah, what is that?"
A:  "Hanging out outside with your shirt off. Only when it is hot though!"


After we finished eating:
Me:  "Addelyn, please bring over your glass."
(she is always supposed to clear her plate and glass and silverware- she had only brought over her plate/silverware)
A:  "Since you asked so nicely, I will do it!"

*Just felt the need to say that each one of these comments usually leads to a great teachable moment!

quotes of the week

Out of Addelyn's mouth this week:

"Dad Joseph!" (in an exasperated tone....)

"Jace, you are ree-dic-oo-lous." (ridiculous)  (Jace was doing something funny of course!)

A:  "Mom, I asked God for help and he said YES!"
Me: "What did you ask him for help with?"
A: "Can't tell ya, its a secret!"

A:  "Can I watch a movie at Papa and Nonnie's house?"
Me:  "You'll have to ask them when you get there."
A:  "Well, they will say yes. They are Papa and Nonnie!"

Addelyn came downstairs wearing a dress and heavy sweatpants underneath. I asked her why she was wearing such a unique outfit. "Oh, I want to sweat," she said.

Oh how I love these conversations with my girl!!!

eleven months

How does time fly by so quickly! I was thinking about a year ago, how my body was getting to the point of being a BIG momma, wanting a little baby to come out!!! And now it won't be long and we'll celebrate this little guy's first birthday. What a great year. I will say adding another kiddo to our family has been awesome. If every kid is this easy, I would take a few more! (I will get in trouble for this post when Mark reads it, guaranteed ha ha!) Here are some fun pictures of our eleven month old Jacers.

We definitely have some business in the front, party in the back action going on.

This boy loves the dishwasher. Can't leave the door open longer than a minute or two, otherwise, he is climbing inside and pulling out dishes!

Mark often mows right after work, at the same time I am trying to get supper ready and the same time of day where Jace wants more attention than usual. It is perfect, he loves to ride with Mark and help him mow!

Trying to take a picture of an eleven month old's face is so difficult! Of course, he is always chewing on something. We are outside a lot these days so I promise you he has already eaten way too much dirt this spring (or sticks, maybe some small rocks- we really have to watch him!) At one point, a few months ago, I thought he was teething but so far- just his eight teeth and nothing more yet. Just a lot of drooling and chewing.

This boy will not smile for the camera. He goes into a blank stare mode if he is really checking things out. So whenever we are in public places or if there is a lot going on around him, he often has this look on his face. 

Of course, always pushing the Directv buttons or the DVD. He has recorded so many random shows on our DVR!

Little man on the go!

Am I mean, I love the crying pictures!? This was when I took away something he was chewing on, he was fine a minute later.

He is mastering the sippy cup with water or breast milk in it (or prune juice on those much needed days.)

Other important things I want to remember at eleven months:

*Starting to eat food a little better. At least a little more finger food. Of course, loves his cheerios. Fruit- he likes. Veggies- not so much. The other night, I gave him a little roast. He gobbled that down. Oh dear, do we have a little meat and potato boy on our hands? I will not give up though- veggies every day! Last night he sucked on a piece of asparagus which was a complete surprise. Usually he smells the food, then closes his eyes and shakes his head if he won't eat it.

*Said "Mama" this month! No "Dada" yet. Says "uh oh" a lot. When asked what sound a duck makes- he quacks. Otherwise, just lots of babbles. He is signing "more" which he uses for about everything- if he wants to be picked up- he'll sign more, same for if he wants to nurse- he will climb up to me and push at my shirt- signing more. I love that he can kind of communicate!

*Still two naps a day and sleeping all night, thank you buddy. 

*He is a little lover (I love his cuddles) but is also on the go! Non stop moving. Kicking his legs, moving his arms, crawling, pulling up on things, walking along things or with his walker in front of him. I wouldn't be surprised if he is walking soon!

Little Jacer boy- we love you!

First of the season!

Picked up our first week's veggies today from the CSA we joined. YUM! We did a half share and I am excited about the variety of things we'll be enjoying!

surprise!

Mark's dad planned a surprise for Mark's mom's birthday. We all headed back to Perry and while she was out for her birthday with friends- we were waiting at the house to surprise her when she got home. I think she was PRETTY excited! The above picture of Addelyn and Trae is one of my favorites. Trae is three and Addelyn absolutely loves when she gets to see her cousins. Trae and Addelyn have a blast playing together.

Of course, you can't surprise Kathy for her birthday without Scratch cupcakes!

Nonnie with her grandkids, probably her favorite birthday present (I'm guessing....)