Apparently in toddler-speak...

The simple word "up" means:

1. pick me up
2. I would like to nurse (now!)
3. give me some of that food that you are serving the other kids

Good morning, little one

Adelle has been scary lately. My sweet little peanut was replaced by a cranky, opinionated toddler whose favorite word is no (not just a demure little no, either. We are talking the sassiest, loudest NO! that a 16-month-old can muster). She is in a good mood sometimes, but you can't count on it. It has been challenging, for sure.

This morning, she had woken up to nurse at 6:15 and then apparently Issy stirred and woke her up again at 6:45. I laid down in Issy's bed to nurse her again and snuggled her close to me. She started out a bit restless, but as she nursed, the good hormones worked their magic on us- she stopped fiddling, I could feel her breathing even, her little tummy rising rhythmically against mine. And I was filled with love and gratitude for her. She is a challenge at times, but so wonderful. So beautiful. Learning, imitating, growing. I am thankful for those peaceful moments, wrapped up in blankets and warm milk and love.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

The homeschooling group we belong to had a group get together at the pumpkin patch and we got to go earlier this week. The patch we went to had a lot of fun things to do- a zipline, bouncy mat, tricycle track, playground, big slides. And there was a great selection of pumpkins in their "school" patch. It was a lot of fun!

Adelle says, "Hmmm, which pumpkin should I choose?"

Zipline

Adelle was not feeling very cooperative with the group picture effort. In fairness, it was almost naptime for her.

Silly boys

Backyard

One gorgeous fall morning.

Isaac- the party

He wanted a chocolate cake with strawberry icing. And Thomas. This was the craftiest concoction I could come up with that met all the specification. He was a happy boy :)

Lots of fun stuff. Can't believe what a big boy he is getting to be!

Fall is here

Finally! We were able to go to a great little nature area a couple of times last week- once with my sister and her kiddos and once with a friend. It was so gorgeous. The leaves are starting to change, the weather was beautiful. Love it.

Jude and Isaac are best friends.

Big grasshopper!

There were several logs that had turtles lined up on them.

That is one big spider :)

Sweet Isaac is 6

Six years ago today I gave birth to my first son. His pregnancy was a challenge and a blessing. His birth and first few days were likewise.

My firstborn son is sweet, sensitive and beautiful. What a wonderful little boy.

First kisses

Little bluelight special. Later, we thought he looked like he needed a snuggle so we took turns holding him and sitting under the lights.

Settling in. Again.

Life is pretty beautiful here. I really like the new house. This is the view out my back windows:

It is like a little oasis in the middle of the busy East side. Joe has been coming home for lunch- we love getting to see him in the middle of the day for a little bit. I am really grateful that he no longer has to spend an hour getting to and from work.

The bedrooms are unpacked and decorated. We have moved so much in the last few years that I really want the kids to feel like that is something that is theirs no matter where we live.

Joe is on TEC this weekend, which is a little stressful, but life will die down a bit when he gets back. Finish organizing here and settling in.

But so far, I love it here. Love. I think this might be a really good fit for us. It is nice to feel at home.

There we go.

All moved. Unpacking at the new house and cleaning up the old house. Wondering when the newness will wear off and the kids will stop running around like I fed them each a pound of sugar?

Other than that, we are fine :) Looking forward to being settled and starting school again!