Pumpkin Girl

We got this amazing pumpkin at HEB for $3.47. Yep, you read that right. Mali loves it, and I can't decide if I should leave it alone, carve it, or paint it.... what do you think?

Oh, and Mali wanted "steer" to take a picture with her. And don't judge me for the food on her face. She's still adorable.

Lucky Number 7!

Oh geez. My mom texted me yesterday morning wishing Naomi a "happy 7 months!" And I was confused for a second. Yes, my baby is seven months old. Seven. She is closer to a year old that she is that tiny sweet squishy little newborn I gave birth to. I simply can't believe it.

I did get some pictures at 6 months old, but never got around to posting them, so I'll include them here with the 7 month photos. Seven months... .sheesh.

six months

six months

definition of sisterly love

six months

seven months

another impossible time getting a sister picture

At seven months old Naomi is:

Crawling on all fours everywhere

Able to pick up finger foods and eat/chew on them

Loves to play with a silicon whisk

Wears 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes

Wears size 2 shoes

Is seriously happy with anyone who will hold her

Wakes up 2-3 times a night

Still doesn't have teeth

Loves her some sweet potato

Wears size medium cloth diapers

Wears size 3 disposable diapers for daycare

Is exclusively on breastmilk

Loves frozen teethers

Is starting to pull up on furniture

Thinks her sister hung the moon

Thinks her sister is the funniest person ever

Is ticklish under her arms

Loves to snuggle with mommy

Is starting to exercise her vocal cords, a lot

Is super happy when mom or dad wear her in her Beco carrier
Is 25.5 inches tall

Bush Forest: Eradicated

For those who have had the opportunity to see our home when we bought it must remember the giant, overgrown, possessed bushes we had out front. They are gone. And what is left in there place is a bit appalling. Such as: baseball skin, a ball, a hoe, various styrofoam cups from gas stations and sonic, a lawn mower tire, chip bags, roof shingles, a few plastic grocery bags, lollipop wrappers, plastic flower holders, a fire poke made out of piping, various candy wrappers, a single boot, dog collar, coffee tin, antique sprinkler head, flower pot, water hose, more styrofoam cups, newspaper, bee hive, and more miscellaneous trash. 

I think it's safe to say the bush was attempting to eat the neighborhood. 

I kid you not, Mali could barely fit between the bushes and the brick planter. We did not know there was a cement sidewalk in front of the bushes. And oh yeah, the sidewalk crack nearest where I'm standing taking this picture.... The bushes covered it. Boy, I am happy to see that plant monster gone. 

The Months Keep Coming

Well,
My sweet youngest turned four months old yesterday. FOUR. I can't believe how fast she is growing! It brings me joy and breaks my heart all in one breathe. (as does much of motherhood)

At four months old:

She is rolling a lot from back to belly.

She's rolled one more time from belly to back.

She can hold her toys well enough to get them to her mouth 

(especially her dolly!)

She is wearing 3-6 month clothes

Weighs over 15lbs 

(I'll get the exact number next week)

Coos and "growls"

Loves to sit and stare at her sister

Wears size medium cloth diapers

Met her baby cousin and great-grandparents

Was dedicated at our church

Can scoot around 360 degrees when playing

Can sit independently for a few seconds

Started sucking her thumb

Still exclusively breastfeeding

Class of 2013...

...You may now move your tassel.

Twice. Casey has graduated twice.

I don't think I have the words to really describe how incredibly proud I am of this man. 

He and I have been blessed to each have walked this stage. Although not together in ceremony, we were still with each other each time. First with Casey's double BA in English and Communication. Than I did with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, and finally with Casey's MA in English.

He has a Master's degree. A MASTER'S degree. Gosh, he worked hard for it, too. He sacrificed countless hours over the past three years to still provide for his family while reaching his goal to obtain this degree.

His proud parents

I promise Mali was in a good mood (relatively) that day.

I love this. Maybe she'll be a future Ram?

I love you, Casey. You have the most amazing work ethic I have ever known in a person. I'm so happy to have walked this road with you and see you come out on top! Now here's to the next chapter in your life, our life. :)