Leaves

I am continually amazed at the fall here in NWA. The past two weeks I have wandered our neighborhood drooling over the incredible colors splashed everywhere. It's a little sad how a camera doesn't come close to capturing what the trees look like in person, but I couldn't help but try...

A Cute Dragon

Ethan was a vegetarian dragon for Halloween. (I say this b/c I didn't notice how much squash he had on his face till after we got him home that night) He wasn't overly happy about putting his costume on until he saw Tate the Bumblebee and Wonder Bread Kate. As the three kids took turn having meltdowns towards the end of the evening, we parents finally admitted that the night was more about us and the pictures. If our poor children survive us...

Chris & His Boss "Hard at Work"

Troy "the Boss" pre-race:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FeUgRBUBB4
Chris pre-race:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLzqav61G20
THE Race:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rTuyHt80MI

This race has been planned for a couple weeks now. Bragging rights and $25 were at stake. It started out close in the beginning, but my speedy baby tore through the finish line first. We're going out celebrating tonight! Thanks for dinner, Troy. :)

a Cowner...a Soonboy...a Cooner?

With rival schools (and families), this poor kid is going to be so confused. He'll probably end up going to Texas...

The Pumpkin Patch

We took Ethan to buy a pumpkin and to get the standard "baby in the pumpkin patch" picture this week. I don't think he was nearly as excited as were were. As soon as we sat him down, the straw took up all his attention. And even with Chris' best song and dance routine, we still couldn't get him to smile. Oh, well..."pensive in the pumpkins" works too.

Bath Time

Ethan's new favorite bedtime activity is bath time. He gets so excited when he sees that water running that he tries to push out of my arms into the water...he's getting rather strong, so I could be in trouble soon. He enjoys laying on his back and kicking as fast as his little legs will go - splashing water EVERYWHERE. He just giggles and sticks his tongue out as we attempt to dodge the waves.

How you doin'?

This picture just makes me laugh... It's a mix of Joey-meets-Senior-pictures.

Crawling

It's been hilarious watching Ethan's personality come out while he's been learning to crawl. The poor little guy gets so frustrated that he can't quite make it all work. For awhile he would just scream because he was so mad, but just yesterday he started breathing heavily out of his nose and pursing his lips. (you can click on the picture to get a better view of his new "I am mad" look) I am sure seeing me laughing and snapping pictures while he was hard at work didn't help things...

Another fun month.

September was another fun month in Ethan's life. He was in Oklahoma 3 out of 5 weekends, he watched his Uncle Josh get married, he developed an unknown food allergy, he learned that he can climb out of his swing, that he can scream and get people's attention while shopping with mom, that walking (with assistance) is much more fun than "tummy time", and that a little scooting/crawling across the floor will cause parents and grandparents to do very funny and strange things (like victory dances and weird cheers).

Another cousin for Ethan...

Jon and Katie sent us this picture last week. Jack has no idea how much his life is about to change... My life stopped being fair the minute Jon was born. :)

A new toy...

One of Chris' co-workers gave Ethan a toy of her son's that he'd outgrown. I really thought it was too big for Ethan, but we sat him down in the chair and he LOVED it. He pushes the little light and it sings to him and turns on/off. Ethan has been sitting in the chair every chance he gets with his hand propped up on the light...laughing. Ah, he's so fun.

7 Months Old

It's really hard for me to believe that the E-Train has been around for 7 months now. I can hardly remember life without him. (Well, I can vaguely remember being able to sleep in..) It's been another eventful month in his life. We've been to the creek and to several pools; started eating solid foods only to develop a food allergy that wreaked havoc on this face; taken several trips to see family in OK and Alma; fallen off the bed for the first time (if he survives me, it will be a miracle). We've found our feet and love trying eat them, and we're getting this sitting up thing down to a fine art. He's also VERY chatty and his babbling continues to make me laugh and my heart melt. (ask me if him asking "why" 13 million times a year or so from now elicits the same response..) I really didn't think that having a kiddo could be this fun...Okay enough gushing.

A Good Cousin

We had lunch with my family on Sunday, and Ethan and Jack were naturally thrilled to see each other. (okay, so there were more indifferent at first, but they warmed up to each other) I am not sure what it is about babies, but it seems like as soon as you sit them down in front of each other they start poking at each other's face. Well, true to form, as soon as Jack got close to Ethan, he stuck his finger right in Ethan's mouth. (better than his eye) After recovering from the surprise (as seen in the above picture), Ethan went to town sucking on it. Both boys didn't seem to understand why everyone got suck a kick out of the gesture...

Weekend with Grandma Debbie

We went to Oklahoma this weekend so we could attend Grandma Debbie's annual company party. The company had a cookout at the Bricktown ball park, which was a great idea if weren't SOOO hot! (what happened to our beautifully mild summer???) In spite of the heat, we all had a great time. It's hard not to have fun with cousins around!

A Chew Toy

Ethan has to be teething. He's chewing on everything in sight....including his Dad's nose. Anytime he's near Chris' face, he latches on. It was hilarious at first, but I think Chris is getting a little tired of drying his face off every time.

Maggie

Last weekend we were in Stillwater. We got to see Ethan's new girlfriend, Maggie. They hadn't seen each other in about 5 months, so they had a lot of catching up to do.

"Swimming" with Tater Tot

The boys "swam" last week in Tate's little pool. I really need to get Ethan out more...his skin is still glowing.

A Morning in the Square

We had a fabulous time with my family in town two weekends ago. We all walked down to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and had breakfast at a local coffee shop. I am not sure how it happened, but both Jack and Ethan ended up in just a diaper in the fountain. Jack LOVED getting his face put in the water streams...Ethan wasn't as big of a fan. I am sure we all looked hilarious with our cameras while we stuck our half naked babies into a city fountain.

Expressions

The little man is getting more and more expressive - especially with his eyebrows. We had gone on a walk and I had gotten distracted with a small project in the yard. Rather than yelling to get my attention, he just stared at me with these big puppy dog eyes. Unfortunately for him, it didn't get him out of his stroller faster. Instead, I had to run and get my camera. After about 15 pictures and some time laughing, he finally was rescued.

Yumm, Rice Cereal....

We had our first attempt at "solid" foods this week. (I use the word "solid" very loosely) I think we ended up with more cereal on his bib than in his belly, but it was entertaining watching him try to figure out what to do when the stuff hit his mouth. I am sure that Chris and I were pretty entertaining too, running around with the camcorder and the camera getting this experience in as many different angles as we could. Yes, he's our firstborn, if you didn't know.

4th of July

For the 4th we went down to Mulberry to relax on the river with some of Chris' fam. Ethan was able to sport his new swimsuit, his OSU cap, and his VERY pasty, white skin! He seemed very indifferent about the water until one of his cousins, trying to help cool him off, poured water on him and scared him. After one scream, all was well. It was a great way to spend the 4th, but I have a feeling next year will be a whole lot more entertaining...

Sitting Up

It's getting exciting around here as the E-Train is starting to sit up on his own. He's still pretty top-heavy, but he seems to get stronger and stronger every day. We're finally putting the boppy to good use as it cushions his crashes...

The "Big" Cousins

We headed South last weekend to hang out with Chris' family for Father's Day. Ethan was able to hang out with his big cousins, aunt, uncle, Granny and his grandpa. I think Ethan enjoyed being the center of attention and having his every need catered to. (wait, he gets that all the time..) Papa David, the brave man, even watched his four grandkids while we went out to dinner and a movie with Chris' brother and his wife. Of course Papa David did a great job, but I am thinking if we add a few more kiddos into the mix one of these years he may have met his match...

5 Months Old...

Things are getting fun around here. Ethan's personality is starting to show more and more, which has been so fun to watch. He's pretty "chatty" - babbling with anyone who will pay attention to him.. He must get from his Dad. :) His new trick of rolling over has dominated most of his time (sleeping and awake). His 11 hour stretches of sleep at night have been interrupted with him waking up on his stomach, in the corner of his crib unsure of what to do. Some yelling to wake mom seems to do the trick. He's also started to giggle when being tickled - I think it's the sweetest sound I have ever heard.

Rolling Over

(my youngest brother told me that I sound like I am talking about a dog...) But, nope, I am talking about my favorite kiddo - he's learned how to roll over recently and it's his new favorite trick. He loves it so much that that's all he wants to do. I can't nurse him (unless he's super tired) b/c he's tries to roll out of my arms. The only way we've found that he will eat is if we put him on the floor and let him get in a semi-rolling position. His singe-mindedness is already making life interesting...I can't imagine what the future holds!

The Jackster & E-Train

We got to see Jack and Katie briefly on Friday. It was fun watching the boys start to actually notice each other - even if it means Jack poking Ethan's eye out. They're 7 months apart, which right now seems like a huge difference. But in a year or two Ethan will be able to keep up. Right now they're working on their "friar tuck" hair-dos.

Grandma V

Grandma V came into town this week to visit. Ethan loved getting to spend some time with her. In between the "O-S-U" chant and "Ride 'em Cowboys" (sorry Hoyle family!), they played patty cake.

Snug as a Bug

Every morning, right before nap time, Ethan helps me make up my bed. (Well, he lays there and drools while I make the bed.) This morning I propped him up on our pillow and he "chatted" while I tracked down all of our other pillows. He looked like a little man waiting for his breakfast in bed. It's really getting a lot of fun as his personality starts to show...

Sleeping Baby

There is something so sweet and innocent about a sleeping baby. It continually amazes me how easily Ethan can fall asleep and in the strangest positions and places. Regardless of where we are, I can't help but stop and watch him sleep for just a little bit (and, of course, snap a few pictures!).

Marley Farley

We gave our sweet kitty cat up for adoption today. (well, he's generally sweet) Ever since Ethan's arrival, poor Marley has been quite resentful of his new, "backseat" position. We thought that things would get better, but he only grew grouchier. Our dear friends, the Hartmans, offered to have him join their family as they moved back home to NC. So we took them up on the offer. They will be a great new family for the black fur ball. As I lovingly petted Marley good-bye this morning, he looked into eyes, meowed and then bit my hand. Enjoy North Carolina, Marley.

A new favorite toy...

Ethan has a new favorite toy - his exersaucer/jumper thing. (yes, that's the technical term for it) He loves sitting in that thing jumping around and working his legs. I knew we needed to figure something else out when he kept standing in my lap jumping and hitting me in the face with his head. He's definitely an active little guy!

Are we there yet?

We went to OKC this past weekend to celebrate Chris' mom's birthday and Mother's Day. Ethan held up like a champ on the 4 hour car ride. Half way there I checked on him and took this picture. He didn't fuss too much, but he was definitely ready to get out of that carseat!

3 Months

It's been a fun month as Ethan has more than doubled what he weighed when he was born and has changed like crazy. He's aquired several new talents - one being that he has started sleeping 8-9 hours straight at night. I've hardly known what do with that much consecutive sleep! He finally figured out how to get his hand to his mouth (his poor face has taken a nice beating in the process), and two days ago he mastered sucking on his thumb. He's so fond of the thumb that he's been trying to sneak it in while eating. We have to fight to keep it out of his mouth! And my favorite new talent has been him smiling at me...does it get any better than that?!?

It's official...

Josh proposed to Caylee when she met in Ireland last week, and she said yes! We're super excited to have such a godly, fun, passionate woman join our family. I have never seen my little brother glow like he does when he's around her. It's only fitting he marries someone that has a name that starts with a "C" - we have 12 "C" and "K" names in our family!!

Easter Weekend

We went to Oklahoma this weekend to celebrate Easter with my family. Chris' mom came in town for the evening to see Ethan too. He was so excited to see her that he fell asleep on her and then managed to pee all over her. He also throws up on my dad everytime he sees him...I guess bodily fluids is his love language. Jon, Katie and Jack spent Friday night with us. I think Ethan and Jack really hit it off...they're even dressing alike.

I love this face!

3 Weeks

Well, the little guy has been here for 3 weeks now and it's hard to believe that his due date isn't till tomorrow! The last three weeks have been a blur...but a good blur. Ethan has really been such a good baby - all he's done is sleep, eat, and make dirty diapers. We've worked through the falling asleep during feeding (so much so that he more than gained his original birth weight back by his 2 week appointment - he was a whopping 6 lbs 5 oz!). Now we're slowly working on coming up with a bedtime routine. (it looks like our night social life will have to be put on the backburner for awhile!) It's been so fun to watch his little personality form...we've decided he will probably be a tad on the dramatic and quirky side. Man, he steals my heart more and more every day!

HE'S HERE!

Ethan David decided to suprise us last week by coming three and half weeks early (he didn't get the memo that we were going the full 40 weeks...). My water broke Sunday night around 11:45, we got to the hospital around 4:00, and about 5:45 Ethan joined us. He actually came so quickly that the doctor didn't even make it. It all happened so fast that it took about 48 hours for everything to set in for Chris and me. Everything is going well so far. Ethan has been such a good baby and I am starting to get used to operating on sleeping for two hours at a time!

Week #37

Where we are this week:
Babies come to term anywhere between 38 and 42 weeks--your 40-week due date simply marks the midpoint of this period. By the end of this week, your little one will be officially "on time" whenever he makes her entry into the world.

It's hard to believe we're getting so close! Reality set in when one of my friends, due a day before us, had her baby two days ago. Hello!!! This weekend we're going to try and get the nursery as finished as possible. (For anyone having a baby, I can't stress enough ordering a crib EARLY. We ordered ours three months ago only to find out that it's back ordered again till the end of March-1st of April!!!) We'll figure something out... More than anything, I think we're trying to get mentally prepared for the new change that is about to take place in our lives. (not that you can really prepare for that sort of thing...) It's been really hard for me to imagine having my life revolve around a little baby. On another blog (http://theologica.blogspot.com/), Chris found a quote from Martin Luther that was very challenging to me...

Now observe that when that clever harlot, our natural reason . . . , takes a look at married life, she turns up her nose and says, “Alas, must I rock the baby, wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries, heal its rashes and sores. . . ?” [LW 45:39]

What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful, and despised duties in the Spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight. . . . God, with all his angels and creatures is smiling—not because the father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith.[LW 45:39-40]

Jack at 6 Months

The Holidays

Christmas and New Years was wonderful this year. We spent Christmas with Chris' family and New Years with mine. Between all the families, we were able to celebrate Christmas a total of four different times...that's taking full advantage of the holiday! While we enjoyed every minute of this year, it was hard not to think about how different things will be next year... We'll have a 10 month old in tow and we won't be "the kids" anymore. We'll have two little ones at my parent's house, and the video camera that used to be so intent on catching moment of us, will be much more focused on the grandkids! (as it should be) We've even started talking about what traditions we want to start with our immediate family. Crazy - I guess I am a grown up afterall!

Obsessive Aunt?

I can't help it...he's just so stinkin' cute! (I can't imagine what I am going to be like when it's my kid.)

The Running Man

Chris had his marathon this past weekend in Tulsa. He's been training for it for the past three months and it was so cool to see him accomplish this goal. He finished in great time and, minus the sore legs and nasty blood blister, he's feeling really good. I am so proud of him!

A Name for Baby H

We've been debating names for Baby H for the past month and have gotten no closer to deciding. So, we thought we'd see what other people thought about the names we've narrowed it down to (it worked for the Davis'!). Here is what we have thus far:

Cade
Carson
Connor
Austin

We're drawn to the "C" names but not strictly limited to them...thoughts?!?

Week #24

This is where Baby H is this week. (we're slowly narrowing down names...)

- Baby gains about 6 ounces this week. The weight is in muscle, bone mass and organs.
- His body begins to fill out with his appearance increasingly becoming more like a newborn.
- Taste buds begin to form. If mom drinks something strange or bitter, baby may be observed showing his distaste.
- Little creases have appeared on his palms. The muscular coordination of his hands has improved as he sucks his thumb.
- Over the next seven days the sweat glands will be forming in the skin.
- His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
- Baby weighs 1.3 pound and is 11.8 inches long.....almost the length of a ruler!

JT in his Bumbo Chair

I swear this little guy makes my heart melt. Of course this picture just made me laugh...all he needs is a beer in his hand and I know for sure that he's his dad's boy.

IT'S A BOY!

We had our first ultrasound yesterday and found out that my expanding belly is holding a baby boy. It was one of the coolest experiences to see the little guy squirming around in there. And it was such a relief hearing that everything looked normal. The whole ultrasound he was standing on his head and, surprisingly, was a little modest for the first few minutes. The technician couldn't get him to uncross his legs!!! Finally he did give us a good flash, and much to Chris' delight, he was most definitely a little boy. We're still working on a name for him...we may end up polling our blogging friends like the Davis' did and see what everyone thinks! We'll see...

Week #18

This where Baby H is this week...

Your baby's brain is growing rapidly. By this stage, all of the major areas have been differentiated. The cortical layers, which govern specific brain functions, are beginning to form. The fetus may exhibit signs of a primitive body language in utero, such as recoiling when the needle for the amniocentesis comes too close for comfort. Within the next few weeks, she'll be able to hear voices outside the womb and respond positively to music or loving words. It's time to fine-tune your singing and storytelling skills!

Busy last few weeks...

We have been all over, or at least it seems like it, the past few weeks. We were able attend my sweet cousin Kayla's wedding in Texas three weeks ago. Of course she looked beautiful and it was great to see that side of the family. Two weeks later we headed to New Mexico (again) for my cousin Mark's wedding. The whole even was wonderful and such a testament to their love throughout all they've been through this past year. Last weekend we headed to Oklahoma for Chris' 10 year reunion and for my annual reunion with "The 8". It was a total whirlwind but we managed to get it all in. I even got to see Chris' high school and the town he grew up in. It was a fabulous weekend. Now we're ready to be home for awhile...

Domesticated...kinda

I decided to attempt a recipe from this months Real Simple. With a name like that, they have to have simple recipes, right?! Well, this was one was pretty easy and it turned out amazingly well! I was so proud of that golden bird that I had to take a picture of it. It even tasted good. Of course my cooking high was quickly deflated as the cobbler I made tasted like foot. I guess you can't win them all....

Week #15

Man, I have really sucked when it comes to the whole blog posting thing. One major thing that has happened since the birth of adorable Jack Tyler is that we found out he'll be having a cousin come February 18th-ish! It's been really surreal but it's really starting to sink in...especially now that I have a little "pooch" that I can't suck in! This is where Baby Hoyle is this week:

Your Baby
The body is now growing faster than the head, balancing out that brain-heavy look and making the fetus appear more baby-like. The skin is covered with lanugo, an ultrafine hair that protects it until birth. There's also hair on the baby's head, and the beginnings of tiny eyebrows. Your little one is now about 4 inches long and weighs just under 2 ounces.

Jack Tyler

I got to meet my adorable nephew this weekend! Could he be any cuter???? I don't think so!!!

A Whirlwind

So, I guess it is time to start blogging again. After leaving my job at BSC, I suddenly didn't HAVE to be in front of a computer for 8 hours a day. So I didn't want to be at a computer at all! Email, blogging and the like all went on the back burner... But now it's time to get re-acquainted with cyberspace.

A lot has happened in the past two months. I've been to St Louis, Tulsa four times, Stillwater two times, Norman, Eureka Springs, Harrison three times, New Mexico, Denver, Ft Smith twice, and Mulberry. We've celebrated family birthdays, my cousin's wedding, my parent's 30th anniversary, our 2nd anniversary, AND the birth of my precious little nephew, Jack Tyler (pic attached)! We had a huge water leak in our upstairs bathroom that flooded our downstairs about four weeks ago that we just now got all fixed. Needless to say, it's been kind of crazy around our house!!!

I think I have finally gotten settled in to not going into an office everyday. As silly as it sounds, I really had a hard time with that for the first month or so! I didn't know what do with myself! But it's been a complete blessing to be able to work out the house. God is pretty cool!