Christmas Pics, Crazy Snow, and Baby

So life is busy for us right now. We are learning how to "manage" life with two kids and are adjusting to some new realities and goals like--how to get out the door to go anywhere in under 45 minutes...getting at least three out of four of us to have their eyes open for our Christmas picture, how to take care of a disobeying 13 month old while nursing, and the list goes on! Seth is doing well. He is growing every day and will be three weeks old already tomorrow! He's a pretty mellow guy and Ethan is in love with his little brother. He loves to kiss him and pet him on the head...it's adorable.

We contemplated using this as our Christmas card this year...

But we ended up going with this one...

Seth LOVES to be held. He is generally happiest when he's fed and snuggling.

One thing we have been working on with Ethan is "couch time". He can play with one of his toys or look at books. Even though we are still working on staying on the couch...I think it will pay off big time when I need to be in two places at once!

This is the "view" from our basement living room window...

Our Christmas tree...More snow pictures...my Grandparents are in town and my Grandpa decided to shovel off the deck so it won't collapse! Thanks Grandpa : ) IT's probably a little weird taking a picture of myself, but I had to show you what my new best friend is right now...the Snugli! This thing is worth it's weight in gold.

Welcome Baby Seth!

Seth David was born Saturday November 29th at 7:05 am. He weighed 7lbs. 5 oz and measured 19.5 inches in length. We are so delighted and thankful to God he is a part of our family!

Seth before his 1st bath

Momma's boys

Ethan very curious!

So, let's see...what has been happening in our lives these days....

We celebrated Ethan's birthday with my family and some friends last week. He definitely enjoys sugar. That's my boy! : )

Gotta love the color : )

It's been getting very icky outside but the other day Brett bundled Ethan up and they went for a jog in the rain. Ethan got to wear his new little snowsuit and stayed toasty warm.

So Ethan is still not walking yet! In some ways I'm really hoping he does figure it out soon with the baby coming in like three weeks so I don't have to figure out how to carry a one year old and a newborn everywhere...but I guess if that's the way it goes we'll learn to deal with it for awhile!

I found a pattern online for a nursing cover thing and made it yesterday. It was really pretty simple to make and I am not a seamstress At All (the total cost was just around $8). It was fun picking out the fabric!

This morning I had an OB appointment and at 37 weeks I am dilated between a 1 and 2...that's the latest for us! These are some beautiful flowers my wonderful husband brought home for me the other day! In the background you can see we've had some really cozy fires! I love sitting by the fire in the evening...so relaxing.

More party fun...

So, I've been trying to learn to knit. It's been such a fun thing to pick up after Ethan is in bed for the night and Brett is studying!! It's been something to do to relax but be somewhat productive at the same time. This is a little hat I made recently...

Ethan and Daddy

Fun times with cousins...

Present time...I love my hippo!!!

Playing at cousin Alivia's party in the castle!

Just a couple more cake pictures...

More??

Birthday Party Fun!

We just got back last night from visiting Brett's sister and family for our niece's 4th birthday princess party. It was a lot of fun! Later, we were able to have a little celebration for Ethan's first birthday which is on Thursday! He absolutely loved the cake. It was so cute to see him touch the cake...then pick up the cake....then start to squish the cake...then taste the cake...then devour the cake! We are still amazed that our little guy is fast approaching his first year of life. What a blessing and joy he has been to us in our lives. We love you, Ethan Daniel!

Summer Fun!

Naptime in the stroller...Ethan's super-clearance summer REI "flap happy" hat. I like it because it covers the back of his neck from the sun!
On a "hike" out at Liberty Lake!
Ethan's first lawn-mowing job with Daddy. He's a big helper : )
A pre-race shot of the boys before Brett ran the Sundae Sunday 10 mile race yesterday. I didn't take a picture after the race but he did great and had a really fun time. We were his cheerleaders as he came into the finish line. "Go Daddy Go!"

The next Michael Phelps?

Vacation!

We went on a little vacation after Brett finished his last final for the quarter! We spent the first night in Leavenworth. Here is Ethan getting a driving lesson at the Starbucks parking lot in Ritzville. This is before our vacation but we have gone on a couple fun bike rides with Ethan in his little bike trailer. Brett's sister gave us the bike trailer since her two kiddos have outgrown it. Ethan enjoys it!
Here's the view of the river from our little room in Leavenworth. So beautiful and really hot out!
Here's Ethan and Daddy in the pool. He loves swimming!
Here's a goofy picture of us all at the Leavenworth hat shop. Brett and Ethan weren't too excited about trying on hats and taking pictures at first, but I think they cooperated nicely : ).

crawling or something like that

Ethan has been "crawling" for awhile now, but more than once people say "I've never seen a baby crawl like that!" He's added some rolling over in with his crawl so all that to say...it's special. Oh, he loves cell phones...he'll pretty much do anything to get to one of our phones.

Ethan and his Buddies

Julie Thiry and I were trying to get some pics of our babies together. Guess which one thought his mom was funnier? They were really cute together!

I love my Daddy!
My uncle is pretty cool too...