Christmastime!

I know, I know, we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet. But Saturday night was the Christmas Lights Parade in downtown Decatur. And we went. But I have not started decorating our house yet...but I'm ready to! It wasn't too cold (a bit windy) and Ethan had a good time. Nora did what she does...slept.

Santa's Reindeer were even there.  I couldn't get a decent picture of Ethan with them.

There was an official 'lighting ceremony' to turn the Christrmas lights on.

Nora in her new hat.

We met Braden and Heather there.

This was the boy's favorite float (along with the firetrucks)

Daddy and Ethan heading to the car

Happy Friday!

As I was laying in bed this morning with both, Ethan and Nora, I couldn't help but think about how blessed we are!  So...I thought I would share a few pictures of our 2 little blessings from the past few days. 

Look closely and notice the remote in his hand.  He turned the TV on in our bedroom, found the golf channel, and was happily watching The President's Cup when I came in to see what he was doing. 

Clean baby Nora

They are so much alike!  Watching some golf video on the iPad.

All ready for bed!

He has been wanting to hold her, so I had to take a picture.  He also wanted to wear his hat in the house...

Morning at the Park!

It is November 14 and it was 70 degrees this morning!  Aside from the wind, it was beautiful so we decided to head to the park.  Side note...this was my first time leaving the house with both kids alone, and we all made it home safely!  We played on the playground, explored the area and looked at the water fountain or water 'mountain' as Ethan would say! 

Fun times!

Crawling through the big orange tunnel

Checking out the 'naturally' green water

Nora enjoyed her morning at the park too!

Such a cute kid!

Visitors

Grandma Karen and Grandpa had the day off on Friday, so they, along with Uncle Dustin and Amanda headed up to spend some time with Ethan and Nora.  We were happy to have them.  Ethan loves the extra attention and people to play with! 

Grandpa and Nora time

Kick ball with Dustin and Grandma Karen

I Love My Uncle(s)!

2 Weeks and 2 and a Half Years

Nora is 2 weeks old today!  And Ethan is (almost) 2 1/2 years old.  Where did those last 2 years go?!?  Anyway, they both had doctor's appointments today and did great. 

A Little Sleeping Looking Here...

Nora weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs 12 oz.  That's over a pound more than when she was born (she was 7, 11)!  The doctor was impressed and happy with her progress.  She is eating and sleeping well and I don't think I could ask for more out of our sweet 2 week old!

Ornery 2.5 year old

Ethan is also doing great.  Weighing in at 28 lbs and is 2 ft. 11 in tall.  He got 2 shots today and was a trooper.  He was rewarded with 2 stickers and 2 suckers before we left the office.  The good news is, he won't have any more shots until he goes to kindergarten!  He keeps telling me that the band-aid on his leg is feeling better.  Such a funny kid.  I love to hear the things that come out of his mouth. 

Week in Review

I realize that it's been a whole week since I last posted.  We've been busy just staying around the house.  We are all getting settled and adjusting well to having Nora home.  Ethan loves his baby sister.  He likes to look at her toes and pet her head.  On Saturday night we made our first trip to church as a family of 4.  Nora did great...she slept the whole time and Ethan, as always, had a good time in his class.

Ready for 1st time to Church

Ethan likes to help carry her carseat

This is just one from around the house.  Ethan was talking to her so I grabbed the camera.  He's such a sweet big brother to Nora!

On Monday afternoon, my mom came up to spend a couple days.  She left today :(.   It was so great having her here.  Jared decided to get sick on Monday night, so it was especially nice to have my mom here to help out.  (He's better now after spending most of Tuesday in bed).  She says she didn't help out much, but I disagree!  She was great at occupying Ethan, holding/cuddling with Nora and doing laundry.  Thanks so much for coming mom!  It was fun!

Ethan is really into this Batman book.  My mom got to know it well!

Max, Ethan, Grandma Terri and Nora

Nora Photoshoot

Nora is 1 week old today!  Yesterday, during naptime we had a little photoshoot.  I am by no means a photographer, but I think I got a couple decent ones.  We had a real photoshoot today (with a real photographer) and I can't wait to see the pictures.  Until then, these will have to do!

Day of Friends!

Yesterday we watched Ethan's friend, Braden.  The two boys get along so well...most of the time and just enjoy being together.  Jared is still home so he was a great entertainer for the boys and we all had a good time. 
We started the morning off playing in the basement with some blocks...

Making tunnels for the cars to go through

"Off-Roading"

2 4-wheelers make for some crazy boys!

After playing downstairs, it was time for coloring.  Both boys picked train pictures and stayed on the paper instead of the table!

Notice Braden's 2 hats...

And just look at that adorable face.  She had a good day too!

 I was a little unsure how naptime was going to go, but as you can see...success!  We were going to nap them in separate rooms, but Braden wanted to be with Ethan so there they are, and asleep.

2 Worn out boys

 The past couple days have been beautiful, so after nap we headed out to the backyard for some fun.  Jared was great with the boys...up and down the treehouse and slides, playing baseball and golf and any other outside games they could find.

Braden loves this bus.  And Ethan was happy just to ride along!

Rock Wall Fun on the Treehouse

Braden getting ready to slide.

Playing some catch with Daddy.  Have I mentioned how great it has been with Jared home this past week?!?  Sadly, he goes back to work tomorrow :(.

 After a fun filled day, Braden's mom and dad, Heather and Eric, brought dinner and stayed to enjoy it with us.  We are so lucky to have them as great friends. 

Heather meeting Nora

Eric being crazy with Braden and Ethan

 

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat was last night in the good 'ole Village of Mt. Zion, so we suited up and headed out.  Ethan was definitely getting the hang of it after just a few houses.  He started noticing which houses didn't have lights on, and decided that they didn't have any candy left.  We started our night by walking around the circle in our new neighborhood.  Ethan got quite a haul.  Then, after a dinner intermission, we drove back to the old neighborhood to see the Neighbors.  Ethan loves going to their house and they were excited to meet Nora (who didn't seem impressed with her first Halloween). 

Our Little Pirate

The Pirate and Pink Skeleton on our way to trick or treat

"Trick or Treat" at Miss Ruth's!

Braden, the Cookie Monster with Ruth and Ethan

The Whole Cookie Monster Family

Our First Halloween with Nora!

Our 2 Skeletons.  Ethan does such a great job when he holds Nora. 

Showing off his costume change

Day of Firsts!

Nora had her first doctor's appointment this morning.  She and I headed out while Jared and Ethan stayed home to play.  The doctor was very happy with Nora's progress and weight gain.  She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz at birth and 7 lbs 2 oz when we left the hospital on Friday.  This morning, she weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz (50th percentile) and still 20.5 in long (90th percentile).  We go back next week for a follow-up for Nora and Ethan's 2 1/2 year checkup. 

Dr. Bassnet and Nora

After we got home from the doctor's office, lunch was approaching.  I've been craving some Mexican and it's beautiful out so we decided to head out for lunch.  Nora slept the whole time and Ethan enjoyed his chips & sauce and taco.

On our way out after a successful 1st outing as a family of 4!