Claire's 1st Birthday

We took our first overnight road trip as a family of 4 this weekend to Oklahoma for Claire's birthday party. Both boys did amazingly well in the car, and Owen even slept 7 hours straight on Friday night for me. (although I wasn't able to enjoy it b/c I kept waking up expecting him to want to eat...) It was fun spending time at Mimi and Papi's house, and we loved seeing Jack and Claire. Ethan got to see his friend, Maggie, too. He hugged her goodbye, but she was playing coy. It was a great weekend with family, but I think it may take a little bit to recover. Chris and I were exhausted when we got home. Who would have thought adding one more kid to the mix to take so much more out of you!

The Sand Box

Ethan had some friends over last week, and the sand box was a huge hit. At one point all six kids were in it at once. It was hilarious watching the different personalities manifest themselves while they were playing. Kellen sat in one place, happy as can be, playing with the sand. Sam put everything in sight in his mouth and seemed to enjoy the way everything tasted. Every time we turned around he'd have a stick or a blade of grass hanging out of his mouth. Drew and Ellie were all over the place exploring. And Ethan and Xander, being the older ones, seemed to enjoy arguing over toys and bossing the other guys around. This is going to be a fun summer....

Owen's Big Weekend

Owen turned 2 months old this past Sunday and was baptized. Big stuff! Mimi and Papi came to spend the weekend, so he was able to bond a little with them. He also got to meet his Uncle Josh and Aunt Caylee for the first time. (Caylee is a photographer, so I put down my camera when she's around...unfortunately that means no pictures of her!) Owen is starting to spend a little more time awake these days. Although he caught his big brother's cold last week and spent three days sleeping it off. When he is awake, he loves making noises, eating, being held, and watching his big brother. I am looking forward to seeing more of his little personality emerge...

My Guys

We're starting to get into a routine of things these days. I am finally remembering to brush my teeth on a regular basis, and we've even managed to get out of the house before 10 am a few times now. Ethan seems to enjoy being a big brother. His main goal is to get a laugh or smile out of Owen. His hugs seem more like body slams, but we're working on it. Owen has been a great baby. He's only waking up twice during the night, and we're hoping that moves to once here pretty soon. He's started smiling quite a bit and his little laughs are pretty darn cute.

Happy Easter!

And we're back!

It's hard to believe that Owen has been with us for a month now. It's all been a blur. We've been so blessed to have both grandmas come stay with us, friends bring us food, and Chris was able to take a week off of work. Now it's time to get back into a groove of things...and hopefully that means a little more time to blog.

Owen has been a wonderful little guy. Overall he sleeps really well, and he loves to eat. (you can tell by the chubby-ing of cheeks from the top left pic to the bottom right...a day old vs. one month) He only cries when he's hungry, and man, does that kid have a set of lungs. He's even managed to wake Chris up at night which is a pretty amazing feat. When he's actually awake, he really seems to soak up everything around him. With an older brother like Ethan, there is usually a lot to soak up...

(sorry the video is sideways again...I can't figure out a way to rotate it, and I forget that when taking the video with my camera)

This is Ethan singing "Amazing Grace" while standing on a platform in the downtown square. I missed the first line or so, but hopefully you can tell where it picks up. "...that saved a wretch like me..."

Ethan has handled the new "life change" pretty well. He loves trying to make Owen laugh - does it get much better than a captive audience?! He has had a couple nightmares/night-terrors that have kept us all up for over an hour in the middle of the night. After the second time, we took him to the doctor who said it was just his way of dealing with his world being out of whack. Poor guy. But we've had a good week w/o any issue, and I think we're on our way to being back to normal.

And, since I am bragging about my guys, I had to brag on my wonderful husband too. He's truly been amazing this past month. (not that he isn't normally amazing - it's just been a good reminder) Chris has cooked, cleaned, rocked Owen in the middle of the night, played non-stop with Ethan, taken care of me, and managed to make it to work every once and awhile too! Having another baby has been a good reminder of how much I need him around, and just how lucky I am to have such a servant-hearted hubby.

Surviving

Ethan seems to be doing pretty well adjusting to having a new little brother around. We've had our moments, but with the attention from grandparents and friends, he's making it. His Aunt Connie and Uncle Skip got him a harmonica for a gift (little did they know that harmonicas are his latest obsession - thanks to Stevie Wonder), so he's been a VERY happy guy. It's hilarious watching him walk around the house jamming out. Owen has been able to sleep through it all so far...

Owen Christopher

Little did we know how well Owen Christopher had things planned! He waited for us to get everything done we needed to, and decided to make his arrival Sunday morning. (the 22nd...just like Ethan's birth date) I started having contractions around 3:00 in the morning, and he entered the world a few short hours later at 7:14 weighing 6 lbs and 2 oz. He's been a great baby. Just like his brother, all he wants to do is eat and sleep. I hope that continues!

An interesting morning...

It looks like Owen is setting the stage for his very own kind of entrance into the world. I woke up at 2:30 this morning with mild contractions and couldn't go back to sleep. So, I ate, caught up on emails, did some wrapping up on some design work, and then tried to go back to bed. The contractions kept coming every ten minutes and were lasting ten minutes. I got Chris up around 3:30 to let him know, and he called our doula around 4:00 to see what she thought. Everything we've heard from her and our doctor was "the MINUTE" something happens, head to the hospital... But we only know how to deal with water breaking and intense pain, so we're not sure what any other "something" looks like! She told us to wait till they were a little more intense and somewhat closer together. By 6:00 they were a little more intense, so we called my parents to get them on the road. And then all contractions stopped around 7:30. I have had one since then...what in the world?!? We've been all geared up for another fast, out-of-the-blue delivery. My legs are shaved, toes painted, and my make-up is on - where's the kid?!

My parents are now here, which is really a relief knowing that I don't have to get someone to our house to watch Ethan when things really do happen. They brought some furniture we've been waiting on, so that's all set up and ready to go. And I have to remind myself that the longer Owen "cooks", the better it is for him. It's just so hard not being in control of the situation! Oh, how God likes to teach us things...

Hopefully there's more to report soon!

Ignorance is Bliss

On Monday after our doctors appointment, I was sure we were having a baby that night. Obviously, nothing has happened yet, so I am convinced that it's better to have no idea what's going on down there! He'll come when he's ready... We got the "Your Baby is 37 Weeks" email today - that's the same email we got two days before Ethan made his arrival. Could the boys be on the same time frame? Who knows...

How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel.

Getting Very Close

We had our 37 week doctors appointment yesterday, and come to find out I have been having some contractions! (I never had any sort of pain/discomfort/warning with Ethan...my water broke and I was in full blown labor) I knew things were going on down there, and my doctor said he was pretty sure they were Braxton Hix contractions - till he checked me. I am dilated to a 4 and 85% effaced. Hello!!?! The doctor was pretty surprised how low his head was too (stage 1 as opposed to a negative 1 where he expected me). Now I feel justified for the millions of bathroom trips! Thankfully we've made it to week 37, so having a water birth is a feasible option. Our only fear is that we won't make it to the hospital in time to have the tub set up. Ethan's labor was barely over 5 hours, and the doctor is expecting this one to go faster. So, at the first sign of anything serious, we're supposed to head that way. Craziness.

Scary Boogers

We made an "almost trip" to the ER on Friday with Ethan this past weekend. For some reason, he woke up screaming at 10:30, and all the usual methods of consolation didn't work. He wanted to be held, then he didn't. He wanted to be tucked in, then he didn't. And the weirdest thing was that he kept asking me to get the boogers off of his fingers!! We turned the lights on to show him there were no boogers. We stripped him down to make sure there was no rash or bites. He had no fever or any other sick symptoms. We let him "cry it out" for awhile. When we asked him what was wrong all we got was "Boogers on fingers." Strange. Finally after an hour and a half of this, we put him in the car and headed for the hospital. And, naturally, he fell asleep almost immediately. So, we drove past the hospital and took a scenic night tour of Bentonville. I carried Ethan to his bed after the drive and he slept w/o making a peep till 8:30 the next morning. We still have no idea what was wrong with him. I really hope this isn't God's funny way of preparing us for a colicky baby...

New favorites...

I'm not sure why I even bother buying toys for Ethan sometimes. It seems like it ends up being the most common/random objects that he could play with for hours. His new favorite thing is a step stool that we keep in the laundry room. His new found height has enabled him to reach things on the counter that he's never seen before, and he thought he could get the front door unlocked with it the other day. It's getting a little scary the new things he's trying...
Another new "favorite" is the desk his Pa Pa brought him. It used to be Chris' when he was little (I think), and Ethan has LOVED sitting at it to draw, play with play dough and eat. He requests to eat every meal there, but I get a little lonely at the table so I make him sit with me sometimes.

Ethan's Second Birthday Party

Mimi and Papi came up this past Saturday to kick off Ethan's 2nd birthday party. Papi built Ethan a big sandbox for our back yard, and he had Ethan help him put it together. Ethan loved carrying around Papi's tools and banging on stuff.

Later that afternoon, we had a few friends from church and family members over for cupcakes and a basketball pinata (unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of that). Ethan's Grandma Debbie got him a tent full of balls which was a huge hit with all the kids.

My brother's family stayed that night with us. Jack and Ethan enjoyed practicing for their future rock band, bonding over juice boxes, and breaking in Owen's bed with some jumping. It really was a perfect weekend!

AMAZING Baby Books...

Okay, I have to put a plug in for my friend Kobie's AMAZING baby books that she's designed. I looked all over for a cool baby book for Ethan and couldn't find anything anywhere. I cannot wait to get one started for Owen...

"Sorry Mimi, I am a Sooner."

Yes, those are the words that came out of my son's mouth last week when Mimi was here visiting. We had the OSU basketball game on, and my mom asked Ethan if he was a Cowboy. Very seriously, and completely unprompted, he responded with those words. My mom and I didn't know if we should laugh or cry... I guess I'll give brain washing my second son a try, because obviously Ethan has gone over to the other side.

Miss Maymi

Ethan loves Miss Maymi (Amy), and this is one of the reasons why...she'll wear his OSU hat. The hat fit on her head before we started taking the picture, but it kind of popped off by the time the flash went off. It makes me laugh. Sorry, Amy, I had to post it!

A Big Help.

For those of you who know how not prepared we were when Ethan made his early arrival two years ago, you'll be super impressed with how prepared we are this time around. We've gotten all of Ethan's baby clothes washed, sorted and either hung up or folded. The crib is ready...nursery done (other than finishing the glider)...diapers purchased... Now all we need is a baby. Of course Owen will probably go past his due date.

Anyway, Ethan has been a big help getting everything ready. He's loved going through all his old hats and shoes and trying them on. He played in a tub of baby socks for 15 minutes straight. And his old Halloween costume provided a lot of entertainment too. The only problem is when I try to explain why we're putting all of the things in Owen's room, he melts down with a string of "mine"s. Lovely. It's going to be quite an adjustment for us all with a new little person around!

Funny.

It's pretty entertaining what people feel like they can say to a pregnant woman, that they probably wouldn't ever say otherwise (or at least I hope). Today I was asked how much longer I had till I was due. When I said March, the response was: "Wow. By looking at you, I would have guessed any day." Really? After I recovered from the laughter, I tried to let the well-meaning man (who is married with children) know that that's not something a pregnant lady wants to hear! That got me thinking about some of the better comments I heard over my two pregnancies...

"You look fluffy." (yes, fluffy)
"You're really starting to gain weight in the hips."
"I could have sworn you were having a girl b/c you're carrying it so widely."
"It's okay you're showing early - your stomach muscles are shot from your last baby."

Ah, the entertainment.

Two

I can't believe my little guy is TWO years old! It's truly amazing how much Ethan has grown and changed in just two short years. We've been watching some old video of him as an infant...then learning to walk, crawl, eat, talk, and develop his own little personality. I have loved watching him become passionate about balls, goals, drawing, and guitars. He seems to thrive being around other people (and of course performing for them). And his sensitive spirit to others makes me smile and worry all at the same time - I am not going to handle him getting his feelings hurt very well! My favorite things that he's doing right now are his random out bursts in dance and singing, his unexpected hugs, and his sweet voice saying "HOLDEE (hold me), MOMMA!". The thought of loving another little guy as much as I do him boggles my mind. I know it will happen, but I sure am nuts about my first born!

Stuffed Animals

Oh, how I love this age! (I think I say that a lot...) Ethan's imagination is really taking off, and it's been a blast to watch. He's really started to play with his stuffed animals. It started with Jenny, my dog that I had when I was his age. He's put his OU jersey on her and tucks her in at night "snug bug" (aka "snug as a bug in a rug"). I caught him the other day throwing her down the stairs and then asking her if she was okay. Luckily she was. Last week he started changing his animal's diapers (this could come in handy with a baby on the way...), and this morning he lined his animals up on his bed and told them to watch him play basketball. They're a great captive audience!

And we're back!

I finally broke down and bought a camera last week. We still haven't found our other camera with all our Christmas pictures on it...so very sad. But it was great having a camera to document our trip to Mulberry for Alyssa's birthday party.
We were able to spend Saturday afternoon with Grandma Debbie and Nanny. I am not sure who got a bigger work out - Ethan or Grandma - that afternoon. They chased each other in circles, played air guitar and tickled each other a lot. Ethan crashed that night with out a sound.
Ethan also got some serious bonding time with Uncle Greg. Once Ethan decided that he wasn't that scary, he talked Greg into helping him do numerous pull ups, and they took turns flipping each other over. (that's what Ethan is doing on his back) Uncle Greg also took him on a walk to see the horses, which was a big hit. Sunday started bright and early with Ethan waking up at 5:45. His first words were "Papa" and "ball". Pretty standard. That afternoon was spent celebrating Alyssa's 10th birthday. Ethan was sure to be a big help with opening her gifts up and helping her eat her cookie cake. He also enjoyed chasing Adam around the house (I didn't manage to get a picture of Adam being stationary...). And I think the highlight of the day was family Rock Band time, where Alex let Ethan help him play the drums. Ethan crashed within 5 minutes of being in the car on our way home...

Just like Dad

I still can't find my camera, but this is one of the pictures that I had already gotten off my camera before Christmas.

Ethan adores Chris and that adoration has translated into a love for anything OU. (that's the only logical explanation, right?!) Chris wore his OU shirt and stocking cap to run in one day. Ethan promptly went to his room, got his OU shirt and hat to match. I never thought that I would think my child wearing OU garb was cute, but I have been wrong before...

Lost

I have lost my camera...the camera with all of our Christmas pictures on it. I hardly know how to blog without pictures to post. I am pretty sure we made it to the car with it on our way back home, but I can't figure out where it went from there. Sorry grandparents! Hopefully I will find it soon!

Christmas Parade

We went to the Downtown Bentonville Christmas parade a few weeks ago with Ethan's friends, Xander and Chaucer. Ethan enjoyed watching all the people walk by. He enjoyed the candy they threw at him even more. He didn't end up falling asleep for a nap that day thanks to all that candy...

An Empty Nursery

(this picture has nothing to do with this entry - I just thought it was funny)

Last night Ethan slept in his new room complete with a "big boy" bed. We'd tried naps a few times in there this past week, but I think the new place was too exciting and he never actually made it to sleep. So, we decided to move him in there for the night so maybe he'd realize you could sleep in there. He did great - till 5:30 this morning. I think he woke up, saw all the sports balls on the wall, and was ready to get his day started. I am now second guessing my sports theme decorating idea... It was a little bitter sweet when I walked by the empty nursery. I know it's not going to be empty for long, but it's crazy how milestones just seem to keep flying by.

"Potty Training"

For the past month or so, Ethan has been asking to go potty almost once a day. I certainly wasn't expecting him to be ready to potty train so early. The way we even realized he was ready was pretty funny...we had a family friend over that took Ethan potty after Ethan asked him to. He didn't realize that Ethan had never actually gone potty! So, finally after our trip to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving, and he had gone several times a day, I decided it was time to officially start the process. We got him a cool toilet seat and I was getting ready to make the purchase of "big boy underwear". Two weeks ago was our first day of training...and he has yet to go in the toilet since then. Seriously. I should have known that as soon as I decided it was time, he'd change his mind! So much for the dream of only one kid in diapers.

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving with my family this year in Oklahoma. Ethan had a blast with his cousins, grandparents, and uncles/aunts. So much so, that it took several days of being back home to reprogram him to be used to playing by himself! Uncle Jon took the boys on a "tractor" ride, which Ethan is still talking about. And Jack and Ethan really seemed to enjoy playing with each other - especially jumping in the crib and playing with the noise maker Ethan sleeps with. Who needs toys?! Claire is growing like crazy and is scooting all over the place. (the picture of Ethan, Jack and the bear crack me up...my son wakes up about like I do...not quickly...)
One of the perks of Mimi's and Papi's is the basketball goal Papi lower for Ethan. Every moment that we'd let him, he was outside "shooting". Of course a little help from Papi always made it better.Ethan did a great job on the car ride both ways. We brought a whole box of books for him to read and between that, drawing and sunglasses, he was a happy camper.

Buddies

We're really blessed to have a group of buddies to play with. With 6 boys and one little girl, it's pretty crazy when we all get together. Right now it seems like there are light years of difference between the oldest and the youngest member of the group, but we realized last time we were all together that in about 3 years it won't make any difference at all. I think all the moms are looking forward to the years ahead when we can send the whole group outside to play and we can actually carry on a whole conversation. We're going to get there eventually, right?!?!

Trouble

We had "one of those days" last week where Ethan was on a roll... I let him play outside while I was cleaning breakfast up - only to find completely soaked from head to toe with water from the wagon. I stripped him down and threw all his clothes in the dryer and let him draw while we waited for his clothes to dry. Next thing I knew, he's found an ink pen and drawn all over his legs and arms. He had drawn such good footballs though, there was no way I could get on to him! Finally he had dry clothes, and half way through getting them on him, my phone rang. While I was on the phone, he managed to pull off all the couch pillows (I think he was aiming for the cat with each throw), and then he entertained himself or quite awhile jumping off the couch onto the pillows. Oh, how that kiddo makes me laugh!

Speaking of the cat...he's been missing since last Wednesday... When Ethan looks in our backyard, he says "cat gone". We've driven around looking for him, but I think someone must have seen him and decided he needed a new home. Honestly, I am not too sad b/c it's one less thing I have to worry about. But I do feel bad that Ethan's buddy is gone. Maybe after Baby #2 is born, we can think about a new pet. Maybe.

The Big Cousins

Ethan's big cousins, Alyssa and Adam, came to stay with us a few weekends ago because Alyssa had a soccer tournament. Ethan loved having a new captive audience. They both played ball and drew with him - Ethan was in heaven. Seeing Alyssa play soccer also gave him a new interest in the sport... He's enjoyed kicking his soccer ball up and down the hallway and yelling "goal!"

Pumpkin Patch

I've been a complete slacker lately when it comes to updating my blog. My apologies, grandparents. :) A few weeks ago we went to a local pumpkin patch with Ethan's friends, Xander and Chaucer. The really weren't as interested in the pumpkins as they were the cool wagons and tractor. (the top left picture is Ethan's new smile...is cracks me up every time he does it...)

Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year. Ethan was a country western singer - inspired by his new favorite toy guitar....and what we had around the house. Most of the time you couldn't tell what he was b/c the hat and guitar were being carried by Chris or me, but when it was all put together he was really cute. We weren't able to hit all the hot spots that we'd planned to, but we did manage to make to a "Trunk or Treat" extravaganza with our friends the Crawfords. The boys did pretty well - minus a few fights over the guitar and sheriff badge. It's pretty amazing how much Ethan has changed since last Halloween...

I am such a sucker.

In the midst of our chaotic last few weeks, for some reason I decided we needed to add a new pet to the mix. Adjusting to a new place has been a little harder on Ethan than I had expected, and it was making me so sad to see him stand at our back door looking for the kittens from our old house. We had met Oscar the "tattie" a few weeks earlier at a friend's, and last week she called saying he was ready for adoption. So, we immediately headed to her house and Oscar has been with us for the last week. His status as an indoor pet is still undecided, but the litter box is almost worth it when I see Ethan getting such joy out of carrying that poor cat around wherever he goes.

Moved

Last week we finally moved into the house that we'd been wanting for the past six months! It's been a complete roller coaster, but the Lord gave us this house in his perfect timing. I think I would have been a little more sentimental over our last house if the closing on it hadn't been so dragged out, but we still told our first house good bye the best way we could. The morning started out early with Ethan telling the baby kittens (he calls them "tatties") good bye. He stayed with one of my friends while Chris and I went to the closing. We met the lady that bought our old house and we were so excited that a single mom buying her first house would be the person living there. After closing, Chris headed off to one of the biggest meetings of the year with his job and I waited for the movers to come.My parents were life savers and came later that day to help us get settled. Mimi was on a mission and got us out of all but three boxes in the day and half she was there. Papi, with Ethan's help, put together our table and numerous other things. Ethan is still talking about Papi and the tools. That Saturday, Debbie came to visit and watch Ethan while Chris and I took a break and went on a date. Ethan hardly knew what to do with all the grandparents!So, we're on the road to getting settled into our new home. It's definitely going to be a long process as I have mentally started painting walls and buying new furniture, but we feel very blessed to be where we are as we plan for Baby Boy #2 to come in a few months!

It's a BOY!

In the midst of unpacking on Thursday, we had an ultrasound to see how Baby Hoyle was growing. We found out that baby #2 is a BOY and is developing beautifully! He was an active little guy and earned the term "stubborn" by the doctor because he would not cooperate giving the positions the doc needed. I guess he comes by it legitimately... They were finally able to capture a profile shot, and I am pretty sure he's going to be quite cute!

First Wedding

Yes, I should be packing, but I decided I needed a break...so, I am blogging about our weekend. Ethan was in his first wedding. My cousin, Katelyn, got married, and she asked Ethan and Jack to be ring bearers. She was very, very brave. Both boys looked adorable in their tuxes, and they seemed to enjoy wearing them while flirting with the bridesmaids. They both made numerous practice runs down the aisle, and they appeared to have it down to a fine art. BUT we didn't account for the lights being really dim and the church being packed. Ethan got too excited when he saw Papi and he took off running down the aisle towards my dad w/o Jack. Jack got scared and turned back to me and Katie said "I'm scared" and refusing to move. The wedding planners, Katie, me and Katelyn were almost in tears from laughing so hard. I can't wait to see the video...

Meal Swapping

One of my friends had the fabulous idea for us to swap meals every other week. We make one meal, quadruple it, swap, and then we only have to cook once for several days meals. I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first, but it's worked out beautifully. I have loved pulling a meal out of the freezer the night before and throwing it in the oven the next day. That's my kind of cooking!

(this is a picture of us all exchanging our meals one night after a church event...it was pretty funny having us all whip out our coolers in the street!)

Cheese

I hadn't actually thought to ask Ethan to smile before I took his picture until last week. He was singing for me on the bed again, so I got my picture and told him to say, "cheese!". He thought that was so funny. And then out came this goofy, crooked smile. Oh, how he makes me laugh.

Family Photo Op

Ethan was in a particularly goofy mood last week and insisted on wearing a hat that was way too small. I had to take a picture, of course, and he kept giving me different funny smiles. It turned into a rare family photo shoot that I thought I would share.

Good news!!!

We got a call from our realtor and we have a closing date!! This one should stick. It looks like we'll be moving October 15th now - WAHOO! Three weeks to pack should be just about perfect.

The Bears

Crystal Bridges, the museum going in behind our house, brought in its first work of art...a sculpture of bears by Paul Manship. They've placed it off of a garden walking trail that is a few blocks from our house. So every time we walk or drive by, Ethan makes a roaring sound (that's how he says bears right now). We try to make it to visit the bears a few times a week and walk the trail. Ethan will give the bears a high-five and the we're off to explore the woods. He's even started reading to me the tree and plant markers...."ball" and "bat" seem to find their way into every description.

Labor Day

I am so blessed to have 8 good friends from college that I get together with every year on Labor Day. A lot of us only talk a few times a year, but when we all get together it's like no time has passed. I love it. We've gone through a lot of big life changes with each other throughout the years, and there is so much history that it seems to make the friendships increasingly priceless. We met in Dallas this year at Kim's house, and amazingly, we didn't have any kiddos with us. (thanks husbands and grandparents!) We ate a lot, swam, and talked the whole time. I think we could have done several more days, but life was calling. I am so looking forward to next year!

KOBIE - WE MISSED YOU!!!

House Update

I got a couple calls and emails from people this week asking how our new house was, so I thought I should give an update on where we are with things. It's been somewhat of a roller coaster the past few weeks. Due to it being the end of the fiscal year, the government loan that the lady buying our house is getting ran out of money. We're hoping that in October, they'll just continue the budget and she'll have the money for our house. But worst case scenerio, with the election year, something weird happens and it's January before she has the money! JANUARY! And me 8 months pregnant! Yikes. We're praying that's not the case. The people that own the house we're trying to buy have been pretty cool so far. We have a 30 day contract extension, so all is well right now. So we're sitting in a half packed house praying that things happen sooner rather than later. God has used this waiting time to bless us (in spite of my bad attitude) - with the Fanny Mae/Freddy Mac stuff going down, we were able to lock in at a lower interest rate and save a good chunck of money monthly on our new mortgage! I told Chris that "Momma is going shoppin' ", but he didn't seem to think that was too funny. :)

First Race

Chris ran a 5K on Labor Day and took Ethan along for the ride. I can't even run a mile, so Chris is my hero. Ethan loved "running" with his Daddy and watching everyone around him. After the race, we let Ethan out of his stroller and he tried running really fast like everyone he had just seen. Unfortunately, his sandals weren't great for such high speeds and did a face-plant on the concrete. His forehead had a nice, big bump on it, but a little bit of Gatorade and a football made everything all better.

Rock n Roll

Ethan has a new obsession - playing his guitar-bat (that doubles as a microphone) and singing "Na Na Na Naa" by the Kaiser Chiefs. I thought if we didn't play "kid music" that I wouldn't go crazy listening to his music. Wrong. I am so sick of the KCs. Anyway, we have this song on repeat and Ethan loves to sit on our guest bed and sing the song over and over again. Of course his version has the word "ball" in a lot, but it has definitely provided a lot of laughs for Chris and me.

Pa Pa

Ethan got to see his Pa Pa play softball last weekend. Of course he was in complete heaven with balls and bats all over the place. Pa Pa won a pretty big place in Ethan's heart - all we heard for the next few days was: "Pa Pa". "Ball". "Bat".