Pumpkins and Costumes.

On Friday night we held our annual Pumpkin Carving Party.

Our friends and family joined us for some good food and lots of pumpkin carving. 

I almost didn't want to have the party this year since I thought having an infant and throwing a party would be stressful, and I was right, it was, but it was so worth it. Everyone always has a good time and really who wants to carve pumpkins alone. It's always better in a group. Plus we had prizes this year so that made it even better.  

Ethan started by helping Emily with her pumpkin.

 The girls enjoyed their pumpkins this year too.

 

Ethan was intent on getting every seed out. 

The good thing about having a party is that Jacob was passed around from one person to the next, which meant that my arms got a nice break.

No party is complete without cupcakes.

Pumpkins Galore.

Our little family of four carving away. 

It was a great night of carving!

With pumpkin carving done we were then ready for Halloween.

Ethan had been talking about his costume all week long but when the time came to put it on he wasn't too excited about it. So we made a big deal about how awesome he looked in it, plus I bribed him with some M&M's, and he wore it. 

Here's my little monkey and tiny skeleton.

We headed over to Erin's house to have dinner and go trick or treating. 

Jacob was too hot in his costume so he's now a little football player. 

The kids had a blast trick or treating.

 Yes that's Brett. He was dressed up as Jamarcus Russell, the dead Raider. Only Raider fans get it and a few loyal fans we passed by thought it was quite clever.

After a little bit of trick or treating we headed to the park down the street for a little carnival they have there. The kids got to play a few silly games which resulted in more candy, it was perfect for them. 

They had a great night. Abby even told Erin that it was the best party she had ever had in the whole world. Too sweet. 

Happy Halloween!!

2 Month Update.

Jacob is 2 months old.

Time is flying by. I know everyone says that, but really it's true.

He went to the doctor on Thursday and weighed in at 11 pounds, 11 ounces and 23 1/4 inches long. 

That puts him in the 50th percentile for his weight and 75th percentile for his height. Thankfully both kids have their Dad's height as of now and it doesn't look like they will be taking after short me.

 After 2 months of switching formulas the doctor decided that he probably does have acid reflux and it would be a good idea to try a little medication. So far it seems to be helping. He had been arching his back, crying and fighting us while eating and now he doesn't seem to be in as much pain. 

The doctor also has referred us to a physical therapist for Torticollis. Basically that means he has a "twisted neck" and we have to work out the kinks. Funny thing is Ethan had the same thing. Physical therapy worked great for him and I'm sure we'll have great results with Jacob too. I'm really hoping we get the same physical therapist as before. 

Jacob has also improved tremendously as far as the crying and crankiness goes. He's not crying all day long and he's able to hang out for periods of time without having to be held. He still wants to be held quite a bit but I think that's just the way he's going to be. I know one day he won't want me to hold him anymore and I'll be wishing for the days when he was a baby again. Don't get me wrong, some days when my arm is sore and my hand is numb from holding him I'm not too happy about it, but I've got to remind myself that he's only a baby once. 

So overall, things are going much smoother than before and we're starting to get into swing of things around here. I'm still hesitant about taking them out by myself but I'm getting there. It's just nice to have an extra pair of hands around for now.

Pumpkin Patch.

Over the weekend we made it to the pumpkin patch.

Ethan got to ride a pony, visit the petting zoo, ride the train, merry-go-round, and the cars.

He was thrilled with it all.

Jacob slept the whole time and I didn't want to take him out of the stroller for fear of him having a meltdown, so in the stroller he stayed. 

Unfortunately that means I have no adorable photos of the boys together. There's always next year. 

Without further adieu, here was our trip to the pumpkin patch. 

Next year I'll have cute pictures with both of them together.

(And if you were wondering, Ethan picked out his Halloween shirt this year. Not my first choice but he got to pick.)

Today.

Today I got to spend most of the day with just Jacob.

My Grandma picked up Ethan in the morning so he could play at her house with her, my Grandpa and Abby.

So Jacob and I started off by running some errands. I was so happy we made it without any crying. He's getting so much better. 

We spent the rest of the day at the house. I was able to get some much needed cleaning done while he slept and watched some of my shows one of my new favorite shows, Boardwalk Empire, I had recorded on DVR. 

That made me happy.

It was nice just hanging with the little man alone. The other times we were alone together were not so good, he wasn't too happy, but today was different.

Take a look at this happy little face.

He is seriously way too cute!

I am so loving his smiley little face.

When Ethan got home we headed outside for a little time to play.

We played some basketball. 

And Ethan has a new way of riding his bike.

He's flying.

And when Jacob got a little fussy Ethan "check him" (as he would say). 

Too sweet.

It was a good day.

Rainy Days.

So lets catch up.

Last week was pretty darn rainy around here and I was not too happy about it.

Rainy days are hard on a Mama with a rambunctious toddler and a newborn.

I was more than happy when the sun finally decided to shine again and we were able to play outside and walk around the neighborhood.

But while it was raining we tried to make the most out of being inside.

We made cookies.

I attempted to take a decent photo of the boys together.

We made a fort.

We did lots of arts and crafts, movie watching and lounging around. 

And during all of this Jacob was getting happier by the day.

But I have no proof because all the photos of took of his happy little face won't upload to this post. Oh well!
I'm sure I'll be taking a zillion more of him this week and hopefully it won't be raining.

Happy Days?

Dare I say it? 

I think the little man is getting better and he's getting happy. 

Can I get an Amen!

Yesterday he was able to sit in his little monkey chair for quite some time without screaming and he played on his little activity mat without a fuss.

I was able to get things done and it was glorious. I felt somewhat normal. 

I didn't want to get my hopes up for today but so far his temperament has been pretty much the same as yesterday.

It feels so good to seem him smiling and being content. All I want is for him to be happy.

Yesterday:

Today:

He's such a handsome little fella when he's not all red and screaming.

Round Here.

Things are gettin' better. 

The new formula for Jacob seems to be working much better. He's not as gassy, he doesn't scream as often and he doesn't get into a little ball and turn all red. That's a good sign. But he does want to be held...a lot. Like I said before, thank goodness for the people that made the baby carriers. I would die without them. I think he's just going to be one of those babies that likes to be held often. And I'll take that over the screaming any day.

Since he wants to be held so much I don't have as much time for Ethan and he occasionally gets himself into a bit of trouble. Like when he did this to his face...

And I don't always have time to serve him leftover birthday cake on a little plate. So we eat it like this...

The other day he wanted to cook so badly, but I wasn't about to try to attempt that while holding Jacob, so my Mom had this idea...

I gave him some macaroni noodles with a big bowl of water and he went to town. He first told me he was making honey and later he made soup. Where does he get this stuff?
He did get to cook with me the other morning though and he was so proud of the pancakes he got to make. Plus he got to use the flower cup (not a sippy) which doesn't happen very often. He was pretty excited.

I know I make Jacob out to seem horrible, which he's not, he's just a bit difficult, but there are times when he's happy...

 

Hello crazy eyes!

Other things that have been happening are...
I'm learning new quick ways to cook. The crock pot is my new best friend. Thanks to my sister and Grandma, I've made a couple of really good dinners. Can you believe I had never made a pot roast? Well I have now! Check that off the list.

I had my 6 week doctor appointment and everything looked great. She asked me if I wanted to go on birth control, and without hesitation I let out a big, "YES"! I love my kids, but no more just yet.

I can start exercising now. (I'm laughing out loud...when will I have the time for that?)

Oh and our TV was out of commission for 3 days. I discovered that I love my TV. I love the shows I watch every week. We will never be one of those families who doesn't watch television. I just can't do it.

That's it for now. TaTa!