Fall Projects

Yesterday, we tackled a fall project that I had been wanting to do with Joshua. I told Joshua to collect some leaves on our morning walk. After his nap, we got the Crayons and did some leaf coloring. Mommy had to help a little bit, but he thought it was pretty cool that you could see the leaves through the paper. Makayla served as our encouraging "Peanut" gallery (har, har).

Pumpkin Patch Part II

Since Andrew didn't get to join us at the Pumpkin Patch the first time, we took a short trip over there again. This time, we actually picked out some pumpkins. Two minis for the kids, and some bigger ones that we are going to carve tonight. Joshua is already attached to the mini pumpkins ("pickies"), and wants to take them everywhere instead of his trucks. 

Pagosa

We got away last weekend, and spent a few days in Pagosa Springs, CO. The weather was beautiful, and it was nice to slow down for a weekend in the midst of a busy month.

Joshua took time out of his busy schedule to play a little Chess.

We visited the Hot Springs - smelly, warm, and beautiful!

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa, for taking us on vacation with you!

I love watching them play together.

Makayla's 9-Month Well-Visit

Makayla had her 9-month well-visit today, and she is doing great! She weighs 18 lbs. and 14 oz., and measures 28.5 inches long. Not much has changed as she is still in the 50th percentile for weight, and 75th percentile for length. She's as perfect as can be!

Super Powers

Joshua channeled his super powers for the San Francisco Giants last night. They won Game 7 last night to advance to the World Series. One of my friends has kids born in the same years as ours. Her husband told her that they need to have more babies because the Giants were in the World Series in 2010 (and won), and now they are in the World Series again in 2012. Andrew seems to think this is a great idea. 

Truck Man

Insert superhero music here... Gigi made Joshua a cape for Halloween. The back side has his initial, and the inside has his most favorite things - trucks! We are now referring to him as "Truck Man." He looks so cute in his cape. He's fighting the Smog monster one truck at a time! Thanks, Gigi, for such an awesome gift!

Balloon Fiesta

My college friends came into town last weekend for the Balloon Fiesta. I want to say this was our eighth Fiesta together. It all started with four college friends, and it has now turned into an event in which we crammed 8 adults and 4 kids into one house. I'm happy to report that we survived the chaos! We ate too much, we re-told college stories for the 42nd time, and we still enjoyed the Fiesta like it was our first. Overall, it was a perfect weekend!

Papi Zebra with his little zebras... This was Joshua's third Balloon Fiesta, and Makayla's first (well, second if you count in utero).

Joshua likes to make this face recently, as well as talk out the side of his mouth.

Mommy, don't make me hug Sissy!

This never gets old!

Mary, Me, Lindsay, Bethany

Grandma Zebra with her little herd

Mary, Bethany, and I all had little girls within 3 1/2 months. Bethany got the girls zebra costumes to match Papi Zebra. Our little zebras were so cute that we made the news broadcast!

Everly (Bethany's, 5 months), Makayla (9 months), Mariah (Mary's, 8.5 months)

Drummer in the making

We've got a drummer in the making. He had such good rhythm, and was trying so hard.

9 Months Old

"Dear Makayla, I am apologizing now for the day you go back and read this blog and find that I wrote much more about your brother's first year of life than yours." 

Yesterday, Makayla turned nine months old. It didn't even hit me until Andrew asked what day it was, and as I said the date, I realized that it was the date she was born on. People always told me that each kid after the first would have fewer baby pictures, a less-detailed baby book, pretty much less of everything. Check, check, check...all of that is proving to be true. Poor, Makayla.

So, here's a little recap of what's new with our little "Peanut"...

• Our long and lean smiley girl is starting to hold her own with big brother. She has the tightest grip you can imagine. This includes a tight grip on brother's toys, brother's hair, brother's clothes, and the list goes on a mile long.
• She hates baby food! We finally figured out it was the texture that she didn't like, so she is eating all textured food. Maybe we can finally get some meat on those bones.
• She hasn't started to crawl yet. She is perfectly content with rolling around the room until she arrives at what she wants.
• Like I said earlier, she smiles A LOT!!!
• She will talk your ear off if she's in the mood, and likes to mimic the word, "hi."
• She is infatuated with Brother, and everything that he does.
• She likes to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with brother.
• She loves music class, and constantly shakes her feet to the beat.
• Forget the baby toys, if it's Brother's, she has to have it (of course!).
• She will clap on command...also a favorite thing at music class.
• Everyone remarks how much they love her hair. Bath time brings out the awesome puffiness!

She adds so much joy to our lives, and we can't imagine our family without her. Even though we may not write as much about your first year, or take as many pictures, you are our favorite girl in the family ;0)

We're all about zebras if you didn't notice!

Pumpkin Patch

This morning, some women from our church met up to take the kids to a nearby Pumpkin Patch. There is so much to do there, and the best part is that it is FREE (music to a stay-at-home mom's ears). I have a feeling we'll be going there at least once a week throughout October. Oh, and next time, I will not be giving Joshua a bath before visiting (what was I thinking?!).

So many fun things to do, and yet the truck took first priority!

Makayla slept through most of the fun.

Our Own Mini-Fiesta

The Balloon Fiesta is in full-swing over here in Albuquerque. The winds were moving Northwest this morning, so we got an aerial show all to ourselves. I started hearing the sound of firing propane (you get used to that sound around here), and sure enough, there was a balloon right outside of our house. I grabbed the kids and headed out the door. We watched the balloon land a few houses down on our street, which was pretty impressive considering the tight space. Joshua had fun pointing out all of the balloons ("boons") in the sky, and was sad when they landed. We're planning on going to the Fiesta this Saturday with my girlfriends and their families, so hopefully the weather will hold up and he can see the big show!

Laundry Helper

Makayla was "helping" Mommy with the laundry today. I'd say her version of laundry looks much more fun!

Food Life

Look, I can balance puff snacks on my nose!

Messy Eaters

A boy and his stick

Joshua found a stick on our walk this morning. He drug it along the concrete walls, through the rocks, and tapped it against every fire hydrant we came across. There's something about a boy and his stick...

Train Them Up Right

We took in a UNM football game this past weekend. I love seeing the kiddos dressed up in their cherry-colored gear! You have to train them up right!