busy!

REALLY busy! We have lots to do before we are ready for Christmas. I know I need to get pictures of Milo's birthday up (not to mention I think I forgot to put up Harper's birthday pictures also). I will try to get to them. Patrick is working on a big woodworking project for the kids and I am busily sewing.

I will try to do better as we start the new year. Maybe.

the stats

Milo and Harper both had check ups with their pediatrician on Monday. We drive to Toledo to take them to this specific office (just over an hour drive) because we like it so much. The staff is amazing with the kids. Going to the doctor can be kind of a nerve wracking experience for anyone, but the staff is so respectful of the kids and their feelings. They are very patient and always talk them through what they are going to do. We aren't exactly "mainstream" when it comes to many of our parenting choices, so it is helpful to go to an office where the staff is respectful and even supportive of our choices.

Milo at 3 years,
weight: 30 pounds
height: 38 inches

Harper at 15 months,
weight: 23 pounds
height: 32 inches

They are both very healthy and hitting all their developmental milestones on time if not early. We confirmed with the doctor that Milo has a dog/cat allergy. She gave us some ideas to try to help alleviate some of the symptoms if he is going to be exposed. He reacts so horribly and for days afterwards he is miserable, so we try to avoid exposure if we can.

getting ready

How is he going to be THREE tomorrow!? Yeah, I can't believe it either.

This week I have been working on a few craft things to make the day a bit more special. I really like adding fun traditions to special days like birthdays. I have gotten some great ideas from a few of the blogs I read. The Creative Homemaker is a favorite for birthday ideas. We don't do big parties, but I really think the kids enjoy the extra things we do to make their day extra special.

I made a balloon weight and you just add the number of balloons that represents the persons age. Since the party shop is closed tomorrow I took Milo today to pick out his three balloons. They have a million colors to choose from, but he was set on getting three red balloons before we even got into the shop. So red is what we got.



I made this wreath over the summer. I absolutely adore it. I think I ended up using 350 balloons for it! It was super easy to put together.



I make a number shirt & party hat for my kids each year for their birthday. They can wear the shirt the rest of the year and it helps them recognize numbers. When we went to get the shirt Milo was again set on red. I am thinking the child has his first favorite color.

he got it

Milo has been able to peddle his tricycle all summer, but had not quite gotten down steering. Today he got it. He peddled to the end of the driveway (for our mail pick up) and turned himself around and peddled all the way back up to the house.

pumpkin path 2010

Pumpkin Path 2010 from Heather Dost on Vimeo.

I think this fixed the pixelation issue.

got my hairs did

got my hairs did, originally uploaded by * Happy Family *.

Milo got his first haircut today! We kept most the length on the top and sides, but shortened the back to blend better. She cut about 2.5 inches off! It looks super cute.

cool like that

cool like that, originally uploaded by * Happy Family *.

I snapped this picture of Patrick on Saturday when we were at the Toledo Zoo of all places! I love this telephone booth. Patrick has been such a good sport about modeling for me when the kids are fed up with me and my camera.

I am in the last week of a 6 week online photography workshop by Maggie Holmes. I am starting to try to put all the techincal parts and creative parts of photography together along with the stuff I know about editing in photoshop. I still have so much to learn, but it really has been so much fun.

johnny appleseed

On Saturday we headed to Fort Wayne to go to the Johnny Appleseed Festival. It was PACKED, but we had tons of fun.

on the go

, originally uploaded by * Happy Family *.

He was off trying to chase his brother at the playground. He walks now, but usually chooses to do his version of "crawling" because he gets to where he is going faster.

practicing...

, originally uploaded by * Happy Family *.

alot.

those golden curls

those golden curls, originally uploaded by * Happy Family *.

He has really awesome hair.

goings on

, originally uploaded by * Happy Family *.

Me - I have officially turned my camera from auto to manual. I kept going back and forth, but it is permanently on manual now. I have tons to learn, but am feeling good about that. Editing is really overwhelming, but slowly I am starting to understand stuff. I am taking a two hour online workshop about Photoshop Elements next week at Everyday Elements. It was highly recommended by many at Clickin Moms.

Patrick - He just had a week off. Of course it was not long enough. He is keeping himself busy woodworking. He made a beautiful airplane for Harper recently. He is currently working on a playstand for Milo.

Milo - A total toddler. Some days I seriously think we won't get through the day, but then he goes and does something cute. He has a total mind of his own and is as persnickety as I am about stuff. He has a head full of the most fabulous blonde curls. And no, we are not cutting it.

Harper - Just had his first birthday. How is that even possible? I can't fathom that it has been an entire year since he arrived in this world. He is a total instigator sometimes. He is going to be that kid that climbs on top of the counter when I turn my back. He is into everything. No walking on his own yet, but cruises all around the furniture. He loves to eat all. the. time.

i know, i know...

..it has been a long time. I am starting back up again this week. Two kids keep you kind of busy.

teeth!

Harper got some. I cannot believe we are to this point already. One of his bottom teeth popped through today and it seems the other will probably pop through tomorrow.

Milo has all of his two year molars now. He now has all 20 baby teeth.