First Day of School

Well the day finally came - the first day of school! Both boys were very excited to go and Justin took the day off as well to help us all get everything there in time. We took some pictures in the morning before heading off to school Carter decided he wanted me to wait with him, so Justin went with Tyler. Carter ran around on the playground some and then lined up when Ms Bascone came out, He walked right into the room with no problems at all. Justin tells me Tyler did the same, not even looking back once he was in line. When we picked them up after school they both said they had great days. I can not believe I have two kids in school all day long!

Meet the Teachers

After a very busy day, the boys got to go to school, bring their school supplies and meet their teachers. Carter is with Ms Bascone, Tyler's teacher from last year. He went right in, found his spot, said hi to the teachers and wasn't nervous at all. Once Carter got all his supplies put where they should go we headed over to Tyler's new classroom. He is with Mrs Eschler this year and she seems very nice. Tyler was a little nervous, but was happy to see a few friends from last year in his class. He was also excited that he got his very own desk and all his workbooks were already inside it.  I think we will have a great year!

Zoo Time

We took a fun family day and headed to the zoo. There is a brand new baby gorilla and the zoo is always just a fun place to go anyway. The kids of course had a blast. They loved all getting to ride the train together, Tyler loved getting to watch the tiger who was pretty active and even swam some. Nolan and Carter liked the otters who were doing flips in the water and playing with a ball. We got to new the new (older) hippo as well and then we got a small glimpse of the baby gorilla. Only 3 days old and stayed right with his mama. A very fun zoo trip indeed!

Check-ups

Olivia and Nolan had their one and two year check-ups. As crazy as it it at the time, I try to do them together because it just makes more sense. So I will start with Nolan. He is doing great and, while still a little behind in speech he is better than where he was. She is happy to hear he is in speech therapy however. He can now go off of whole milk onto skim and h gained weight percentile so we don't need to be as concerned about getting enough calories into him. Everything else checked out perfect as well. His stats are: 26.7 lbs, 33rd percentile; 32.5 inches tall, 9th percentile; and his head circumference is 18.1 in, 4th percentile.

Olivia also checked out just great. She is actually ahead in most areas developmentally and no worries about speech for her at all. She does have a little excema that we need to put lotion on and watch but everything else looks great. Her stats are: 18.7 lbs, 11th percentile; 28.8 inches, 34th percentile, and her head circumference is 17 in, 7th percentile.

Two-Wheeler

Carter has been asking to get his training wheels off for a while, so we went ahead and did it. He was a little nervous at first, but once he got some confidence it took Justin holding hie bike three times before he was riding around the whole park on his own. So proud of him!

Cars!

One of the presents Nolan got for his birthday was a toy garage that he can play with his cars. He loves it and plays with it for hours on end. Taking cars in and out, down the ramp, thru the doors, he loves that thing. Its so fun to watch him actually play with toys now. His words are getting better with him playing with it as well, which is always a good thing.

Celebration

On Olivia's birthday, we had a joint birthday party for Nolan and Livi. We did an Elmo's Garden party theme, because Nolan loves Elmo and flowers were girly for Liv. The party went really well and all the kids loved jumping on the trampoline. Olivia really loved her cake, as did Nolan. Neither of them really got the holw present/birthday thing, but they do enjoy playing with all their new toys. Olivia got a new baby doll and she just smiled when she saw it, it was very cute. She also got a stroller and wanted to sit in it with her baby doll. Now she understands its just for pushing. Nolan loves all his Sesame Street toys and Olivia's toys as well. We are so grateful for all our friends who came to celebrate our beautiful babies with us! Enjoy the pictures!

Nolan's Birthday Montage

Two Years Old!

Happy Birthday to the sweetest two year old I know! Really Nolan, I don't know of a two year old who cares about others as much as you do. You are always willing to help clean up, clear your spot at the table without being asked, feed the dog, help me with the laundry, hold the door open for people, and get things for us. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though as you love order and know things should be a certain way. You know exactly where your milk goes in the fridge, you don't like it if there is trash on the floor, and you always sit in the same spot during speech therapy.

As much as you love order and being very considerate, you are fearless. You will jump into any pool regardless if somewhere is in the water to catch you or not. You climb on anything and everything with your monkey like grip and love to jump off of pretty much anything as well. You love to jump on the trampoline, do somersaults, ride your bike, and ride on your brothers' scooter.

Along with that fearlessness comes the most cuddly boy. We all say you give the very best hug. You rove to give bear hugs and kissed every night before bed. You love to sit in my lap when watching Sesame Street and you love to hold my hand when we go on walks. Lately you love to rock in the chair before bed while I sing you some songs, its my favorite part of my day. I hope that you are always willing to give us hugs and kisses like you do now.

You are such a great brother as well. Always making sure Livi has her milk  when you get yours out of the fridge. You also give her a hug every night as well. And when she wakes up from a nap and I tell you its time to go get her, you race up the stairs giggling and run to her crib. While you don't always like it when she takes your toys or your food, for the most part you are always willing to share and I love watching you take care of her already.

As much as you love your sisters, you would do anything to keep up with your brothers. You always want to do what they are doing. If they are on the trampoline you are on the trampoline,. If they are riding their bikes outside, you need something to ride on as well. You love it when they chase you around and giggle with delight when they tickle you or play ball with you. They think you are pretty great too.

Nolan, there are not enough words to tell you how much joy, laughter, and love you have brought our family.  From your crazy curly hair and infectious smile, to your mad face and crossing your arms when we tell you no, to you babbling away and we have no idea what you are saying to now with 3-4 word sentences, you have to be the cutest two year old ever. We love you Nolan Isaac - Happy Birthday!!!

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday Livi Joy! It seems like yesterday that you came into this world. It was such a special time with Oma being there and my first birth without complications, which just meant I got to hold you a really long time before they even worried about cleaning you off. You were breathtakingly beautiful from the start. Everyone commented on it. And while you are still so beautiful, even more is your sweet personality.

You make the cutest facial expressions that even on the worst days makes everything seem right. You love to crinkle your nose and do the stinker face, and you love to stick out your lips and do the duck face. Both always make us laugh. You love it when we come into your room after nap time or in the morning. You just smile and giggle and get on your feet as fast as you can.

You love to eat. And there isn't much food you don't like. You dropped your bottle and went to milk in a sippy cup with no issues at all and you would sit in your highchair all day if we let you. However you are still so tiny and petite. It must be from all your running around. Yes you are running now, and climbing on everything. Your new favorite spot is the patio table. You also love to be on the trampoline with your brothers and do you very well staying on your feet.  However you do not like to swing or be thrown in the air, and you let us know you don't like those things.

Its so fun to see how you are already so different that your brothers. You love to actually pay with toys and to put on hats and necklaces (if only you would keep a bow in your hair). You already know that the baby doll is suppose to sit in the stroller and to take it for a walk. The biggest difference is your communication. You are constantly babbling, but its amazing how much we can already understand. You also sign like you have been doing it for years.

Your favorite things - your brothers. They can make you laugh and laugh and laugh, and you have a very sweet laugh so they do it a lot. You love to be tickled, play peek a boo, and be chased around the room. The person that can make you laugh the most though is your daddy. When he comes home from work you yell daddy and run to the door and straight to him. And while you are not a big cuddler, you will let your daddy hold you for a bit and give you hugs and kisses.

You have brought us so many smiles, laugh, and plain joy Olivia. This year has been such a wonderful one because of you. We love you so much and can not wait to see you grow into the beautiful little lady I know you will be. Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Olivia's Birthday Montage