Birthday Boy

Today was this little guys birthday.  Happy Birthday Spencer!

We started the morning with a special breakfast.  Cinnamon rolls & bananas.  Balloons & a super fancy yellow table cloth (not really but the kids thought it was pretty awesome)

We spent the day playing outside, running errands, and celebrating everything Spencer.  After dinner it was time for what we were all waiting for...the CAKE!  And I think it is safe to say it did not disappoint.

(not to shabby if I do say so myself)

Spencer did not hold back.  He dove into that cake like a seasoned pro, must be genetic!

There was a lot of cake to eat.  Good thing Spencer had some people around who were willing to help!  I totally caught Isaac sticking his finger into the cake earlier that day.  It probably was a lot to ask of a 2 year old.  Natali was cute, she told everyone we saw today that it was her baby brothers birthday.  "He's turning one.  We are having cake tonight when Daddy comes home!"  Pure excitement.  She really is getting into this whole birthday thing.

 Happy Birthday Spencer...We Love You!!!

A Year Ago...

A year ago today I went into the hospital to meet out little boy Spencer Chase!  He was a whopper, 10.5!    All I can say is I am glad that I am not pregnant now.  I can't believe a year has passed.  So much has happened.  Spencer's birthday kind of marked the beginning of a whirlwind year for us.  We made it, graduation is well within site.  Our move is approaching.  Life is about to change again.

I can't believe this little chunk has been with us a year.  In so many ways it seems like yesterday that I was making those long (and painful) walks from my room up to the NICU to see him.  But at the same time I can't imagine our life with out this little guy. 

(Oh my gosh look at those ROLLS...I love it)

Spencer you are a joy in our family!  I love coming and getting you in the morning, you are so happy to see me.  You light up when you hear your brother & sisters voice up stairs.  You have bananas every morning.  You L-O-V-E veggie straws.  You drink your milk from a sippy and you love to drink it and then let it slowly run down your chin.  You & Dad love to throw balls back and forth to each other.  You like to come into the kitchen and chase balls all over our uneven kitchen floor.  You are starting to pull your self up (a little).  You clap, wave high to people, and pretend to answer the phone when it rings.  I love you Spencer!  Thank you for being a part of our family.  Happy Birthday little man, you are just the sweetest!

Destroyed

Yes this is a picture of my diaper bag.  More specifically my diaper bag DESTROYED.  That's right I had to DESTROY my diaper bag.  The nifty little ipod zipper broke (although I have yet to store an actual ipod there).  I get a replacement because I haven't had the bag for a year yet.  But in order to get a new bag I had to DESTROY my current bag.  "Cut the strap and the main compartment," were my instructions.  I can't wait to get me new bag, it's the newest version and a new color!  I know it's just a diaper bag, but it was a little painful taking my scissors to it.  Ouch.

Weekend Get Away

Both boys snoozing away on our ride home from St. Louis

We took a little road trip down to St. Louis to visit one of my dearest friends.  She was up visiting her family so before we move down south we took one last chance to meet up.  I got to see her new baby, eat at Lions Choice, relax, talk, watch movies, drink diet cokes together, talk, get pedicures, talk, eat, and did I mention talk!  It was great.  We had planned to explore St. Louis more, but the weather was not cooperating.  But we made the most of what we had.  It was quick but so much fun.  The kids were tuckered out from all the playing.  Thanks for having us down Amanda...what a great way to spend my b-day weekend!!!

Silly Sleepers

Spencer:
The other morning I went down to make sure he had fallen asleep for his morning nap.  Cute little man had fallen asleep sitting up playing with his little head resting on the edge of the bumper pad.  It was pretty cute!  


Then yesterday I went down again to check on him and he had both little feet sticking out from under the bumper pad.  It makes me laugh that he finds the corner of the crib and gets all scrunched.  Silly little baby (that is almost one years old)!

Isaac:

I am scared.  I think Isaac is hitting the "Terrible Twos"! For our kids it hits late in the two's and is really more like the Torturous Three's.  I remember when Natali was going through that, um shall we say stage, and thinking Isaac would never be like that.  He would just be my sweet Bubba.  Oh how the tides are turning.  This little man is starting to give me a real run for my money.  Thankful he still has really sweet moments in between the rage.  

Like his younger brother Isaac has also been found in some unique sleeping positions.  Several nights I have gone in to check on him & Natali before going to bed and Isaac will either be asleep on the floor, laying on Natali's bed, or half on the bed & half on the floor.  

Thursday I went in during nap time to find out why it was so quiet (it can be a bad thing sometimes).  Luckily he was just asleep.  This is how I found him.  Nothing crazy, but enough that I chuckled to myself.

(notice the blanket over the head, motorcycle fallen out of right hand, fishing pole out of left hand, and Natali's shoes on his feet)

Soccer Time

Natali started Spring soccer today.  She was excited.  With new soccer shorts and pink shin gaurds she was ready.  Today was just practice.  Meeting the team, getting your team shirt, and ball.  She was pumped!

Practice Time

It was a good day!

Strawberries

Fresh strawberry jam, a little bit of butter, on hot rolls...yes please!  Costco had a steal of a deal on strawberries last week and so I figured it was time I learned how to make homemade jam.  With just a few phones calls to make sure I was doing it right (thanks Kel) and some time at the sink cleaning strawberries I ended up with some jars of pure bliss!  I like this...I like this A LOT!

11 Months

(photo taken by the lovely Chrissy)


Spencer is 11 months.  I love this little boy!  He is so cheery and happy.  I love his blue eyes and his crazy blond hair.  His chubby kissable cheeks and all 7 of his baby teeth.

• His mobility is getting faster and faster each day
• He's learning how to perfect the army crawl
• Has mastered moving from tummy/back to sitting (it's taken him awhile I know)
• Becoming more vocal when food does not come fast enough, when mom leaves the room, and when brother & sister take his toys
• Finds all the things that we don't want him to on the floor
• Trying to pull himself up 
• Loves to sit on the grass
• First time in a swing at the park this week, smiled the whole time
• Loves to eat mangos, avocados, peas, bananas, veggie straws, cottage cheese, cheese chunks, ice cream...pretty much anything we let him try (not in love with red kidney beans)

Happy 11 months little man!

Spring Came

Despite my doubts, Spring has finally arrived in Des Moines.  I know I am jinxing it but I couldn't help but celebrate.  I'm no dummy,  it wouldn't be Iowa without a mid April snow storm.  But I am loving picnic lunches, playing at the park, sun kissed cheeks, and all the promises of Spring!  just not the allergies