Reid is 6 months old!

Reid is growing up so fast! He is the fastest 6 month old crawler that I have ever seen. He is babbling all the time. Mama, Dada, Baba, & Baber. He is standing up on his own. He is trying so much to catch up with his older brother. He is an amazing little boy. He is ahead of the curve in all areas...that is except for sleeping through the night, which we discuss every in the middle of the night feeding. He is the happiest baby and we are so happy he is ours.

Happy 4th Birthday Ethan!

Ethan is the sweetest little boy I have ever met. He is always making sure everyone is happy and taken care of. He loves to cook, bake, play sports, play video games, and make Reid laugh. His bright blue eyes will cheer up anyones' day. He is an amazing little boy, and Jon & I feel so blessed to have him as our son.

For Ethan's 4th birthday we took him to Disneyland, which is one of his favorite places to go. He had to go on his new favorite ride, Splash Mountain, two times. He also got money from Disneyland since we are already annual pass holders. He only wanted a warthog and Mickey Mouse. He happily found both items that he wanted. He then declared he would save the rest for another day...so much like his Mommy. He had a great time at Disneyland. Happy 4th Birthday my baby love. We love you to the moon and back!

4th Birthday Party for Ethan

Ethan had his 4th birthday party on Saturday, August 1st. He wanted a Donkey Kong and Yoshi birthday, which was a difficult task, but I accomplished it the best I could. He enjoyed a day with his friends and family. We ate his favorite foods from Wood Ranch his favorite restaurant. He played games (games that I remembered from my own childhood birthday parties), jumped in a jumper, ate cake (with Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Mario), opened presents, and hit the pinata. What more could a four year old asked for his birthday!

First Day of Preschool!

On Tuesday, July 28th, Ethan had his very first day at preschool. He is attending Crossroads Christian School. His teachers are Miss Patty and Miss Jen. His classroom is room 6. He really wanted to be in room 8, since that is his favorite number, but he goes to room 8 on enrichment days with Miss Molly. He loves school! His very first day he was a little nervous and cried just a little bit as Daddy left. He is very shy, likes to watch and observe the other kids, but loves to help his teachers. Everyone tells Jon & I how wonderful of a boy Ethan is. He loves it when he is a helper of the day. His favorite job is song helper. He loves to sing his songs. One of his favorites right now is the song, "B-i-b-l-e". My little boy is really growing up, and we are so proud of him.
In front of his very first cubby!

Legoland with Daddy

On July 23rd, Ethan & Jon went to Legoland. It was first going to be another family trip, but the more we thought about it, we knew that Reid would not enjoy himself there. So instead of a family trip, it became a Daddy & Ethan trip. Ethan had a blast with his Dad. They went on every ride that he wanted to go on. The first one being the Dinosaur Rollercoaster...he went on it twice. He also enjoyed all the "getting wet" rides. I am so glad we are able to take Ethan on special adventures with just him. I think it is so important to spend quality time with each one of your children separately as well as together. I think we are on the right track. Before they left the park for the evening, they went to see the new aquarium and Ethan thought it was pretty neat. Ethan had a great day with his Daddy at Legoland!

Sea World as a Family of Four!

On Thursday, July 16th we took the boys to Sea World. It was Reid's first time going, and I was just excited that Jon was able to take a day off of work...finally. Ethan was able to see all the shows that he wanted to see. We started off with the Dolphin Show...which they really need to change up because the same old show is getting pretty old...Ethan even knows that the woman is going to fall in the water. Then we were off to the Shamu Show, which of course is Ethan favorite. He loves to chant "Shamu...Shamu!" We ended the day with the Seal and Sea Lion Show (Reid & I did not see this show, because Reid finally fell asleep). Ethan loves any place with animals. He loves exploring, touching, and observing everything. Reid enjoyed most of the day because he was outside, but got alittle cranky as the day went alongbecause he was not able to crawl around and be mobile.

We had a great time together as a family! Yay for family time.

Crawler

July 14th Reid is truly on the move. He is no longer slowly crawling. He is now going a hundred miles an hour all over the house. He is truly determined to be where ever we are and to keep up with his older brother. Watch out World Reid is on the move!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jay

Later on that evening we met up with Jason, Debbie, Russell, Jessica, & Joy at Wood Ranch to celebrate Jason's 22nd birthday. Ethan loves his Uncle Jay & we think he is pretty special too. Happy Birthday Jay!

A Summer's Day at Disneyland

On Sunday, July 12th Jon & I took the boys to Disneyland. It was Reid's first time on King Tritan's Carousel, Toy Story Mania, & seeing the Aladdin show. He feel asleep halfway through it, but the rest of us thoroughly enjoyed it. Ethan experienced some firsts too. He went on a jellyfish ride at California Adventure (it was a very mild take on the Tower of Terror). We also had a very strange Monsters Inc. ride adventure. While on the ride the ride stopped, not that uncommon. I thought maybe someone in a wheelchair was getting on the right. However soon a person came on the loud speaker and said that someone what be with us shortly. The lights then came on and the characters stopped moving. We waited about 5 minutes until someone came and unlocked us from our taxi. We then were able to walk the ride. Ethan thought that was pretty exciting! He also declared to Jon when we saw him that, "Mommy broke the ride!" I also got to take him on Star Tours for the first time. He did not like this ride at all. He cried and cried after this ride (I wonder if he really thought we were flying...hmmm...). Our lunch at the park was yummy....Corn Dogs!! They are worth the long wait at the cart...we promise! All in all, we had another great time at Disneyland. Ethan's official new ride is Splash Mountain. He went on it twice while were there. Gotta love that child switch pass!

Reid is 5 months old!

The day after the fourth of July Reid turned 5 months old. He is still eating 6 bottles at 6 ounces each. He is having a hard time sleeping at night right now. He is waking up about 2 to 3 times a night. Which is making his Mommy & Daddy very tired right now. He is still not liking the solids, so we will try again in a month or so. He is sitting up completely on his own and can get himself to this position now. He is also starting to crawl, and I know that he will soon be all over the house. He is slowing growing out of his 6 month clothing. I can't believe it! He is becoming such a big boy. We love our little monkey.

4th of July

Our evening started out with dinner at Agave, which is an awesome Mexican restaurant. If my father likes it it must be good. After dinner, we went back to my parents' house and lit off a few of our own fireworks. I was a bit nervous. You see, growing up we never had fireworks because they were not allowed in the county I lived in...i used to watch the firework shows from the corral of horse, so this was a very new experience entirely for me. Ethan loved to watch Daddy light the fireworks and wait to see what they were going to do. Reid not so much (picture below to show the type of mood he was in by 8:45).

After our own fireworks, there were a few sparklers. Ethan enjoyed holding his and swinging it around and around. Uncle Potty enjoyed his sparkler too. He can always put a smile on my face.

After the sparklers, we hopped in our cars to see the fireworks at the Red Rock Hotel because the fireworks show at the Clubhouse was cancelled this year. However, we soon found out that it was going to be impossible to find parking or a place to view the show near the hotel. My father had a great idea to go back to the Clubhouse and watch the firework show there. We were a little afraid that we were not going to be able to see the show, but once the show started we new we had one of the best spots to view the show (the 6th hole to be exact). Ethan loved the show and Reid slept through most of the fireworks (it started at 9:30).
We had a great time at Red Rock ( minus the sleepless night for Jon & I) and can't wait to do it again next year!

4th of July dip in the Pool

The early afternoon on the 4th, we headed to the Club's pool, which ended up being at least 3 different pools and a mini water (fountain) park. Reid immediately loved the outdoors and the water. He is such an outdoorsy kid. Ethan on the other hand was very tentative about going in the water: 1) because he said he was not a good swimmer (we are working on his self-confidence) and 2) he did not want to swim if there were other people in the pool. Jon & Reid jumped in the water and well Ethan had a meltdown (picture below). He crouched on the grass for about 10 minutes crying, while I & Uncle Potty took pictures of the event (nice I know). I tried to pick him up and throw him in the water, but he jumped right back out. Finally Jon got out of the water and handed me Reid (poor Reid...he was loving the water too). He took Ethan into the water. It still took Ethan a good 5 minutes to stop crying while in the water, but after that, he was having a blast. Ethan has such a funny personality. Reid eventually got back into the water with them, and the three of them enjoyed an afternoon in the pool.

Golfing with Poppa at the Red Rock Country Club!

During the 4th of July weekend we drove to Vegas to spend the holiday with my family, which this year included everyone! On the 3rd, Ethan got to practice his putting with his Poppa. He has been looking forward to golfing with his Poppa for weeks. As we were driving there, he kept asking if we were there yet because he didn't want to be late for golfing. He got very tired very quickly due to the fact he was running around after the ball also because it was 100+ degrees outside. I hope Ethan continues to have a love for golf. His Poppa sure loves it, and it would be wonderful for them to have a special hobby that they can do together.

Another eventful experience that Ethan was eagerly waiting for was riding (or driving) Poppa's "cart", or golf cart. This opportunity came that evening. Ethan, Reid, Jon, and my Dad rode in the cart to the Country Club where we were having dinner. My Mother & I drove separately...not so exciting Ethan said. He loves riding in the cart. This was also Reid's first time in the cart. He loves the outdoors and seemed to really like the cart ride. It was a great day the day before the 4th.

Wheel of Fortune

Ethan's favorite game show is Wheel of Fortune. Perhaps because Mommy loves the show, or perhaps because it has his favorite color red and letter and words that he just loves. Ethan has to try to say the puzzle before the people say it...this is with a little help from his Mommy. One funny thing about this show however is what he thinks they win at the end. He knows that they win money, he gets that, but he will always say at the end of the show: Oh, they didn't get their family back, or they got their family back! You see during the final puzzle, they introduce the contestants family and they are standing in the audience. If they win, the family gets to run down and be with them. If not, they are not seen at all. Ethan thinks either they get their family back (they win), or they don't (they lose). It is too cute!

Surprise 30th for Briz

July 2nd is Briz' birthday, but Stacey held his surprised birthday on Saturday (this is the only picture I got of the birthday boy that night...sorry). Briz' had many friends over. There was lots of food, fun, & laughs by all who were there. Happy birthday Briz! Welcome to the 30 club.

That thing called a Bumbo

Reid loves is walker, his exersaucer, and rolling around town, but he does not get this bumbo thing, and neither does his mother. I know people rave about this thing...that is why he has one in the first place, but what his he supposed to do in this thing? I think the problem is he loves to move...heck he is almost crawling at 4 1/2 months. In this bumbo all he can do is sit...this is it, sit. As you can see in the picture above he looks quite thrilled. The only thing that this bumbo is really used for is entertaining Ethan (see picture below). He loves to sit in it...this also shows how super skinny he is...another story all together. The bumbo is a real dumb-o in Reid's and my opinion.

Look at what I'm working on!

Reid is now 4 1/2 months old. He is rolling, rolling, and rolling, walking in his walker, and beginning scooting. He is also beginning on working on sitting up on his own. He is still very wobbly and not completely sitting up straight yet, but he is well on his way. He is such a big boy already!

Guess What I Am?

Ethan has this game called, Guess What I Am? He loves to play it, and we play it with him all the time. However, on this day he thought that his little brother should get a turn. He gave the card to Jon to place near Reid's face, and then Ethan told Reid, "okay Reid, now ask your questions." It was too cute. For one, that Ethan thought that Reid could ask questions, and two, because look at that peacock face!

Reid's Walker Adventures 2

This video was taken on June 26th. Reid's getting a lot better!

4 1/2 Month Stats.

Reid's well baby appointment was on Thursday, June 25th. He is 4 1/2 months old. He weighs 15 pounds 12 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches tall. He is in the 50th percentile in weight and 90th in height. He received 4 shots this time. He did not cry for the first two, but after that he cried and cried. I gave Tylenol per Dr. Metsch for the DPT shot. Reid was a little bit more fussy than usual for the next 3 days or so. Poor little guy...shots are no fun!

The Matching Shirts

I was so excited to find shirts for the boys that were so similar, since they are almost 4 years apart in age. This is what they should have worn at the zoo, but the weather had other plans. I love my boys, aren't they cute?

Father's Day at Disneyland

On Father's Day we decided to head out to Disneyland. We went on the regular rides like Small World & Pirates. However, Ethan also tried 2 new rides that he is now tall enough for. The first new ride that he went on was Splash Mountain. He got to go with Daddy, while Mommy feed Reid and put him down for a nap. Ethan loved the ride! He came off the ride smiling and saying that the birds were very mean to the bunny. We almost bought the picture, but there were too many strangers on the ride too make it worth our wild, but someday E we promise.

The second new ride that he went on that day was Big Thunder Mountain and he got to go on this ride with Mommy. He was so excited to go on a train ride.

However while on the ride his excitement turned to fear. The ride was a little too fast for him. He got off the ride and started to cry. The cry always makes Jon & I laugh because his head goes up like he is a Peanuts character. He said that he did not want to go on that ride again.
Our stay at Disneyland was short, but we had a great day trying new things on Father's Day.

San Diego Zoo

The day before Father's Day, we headed down to San Diego to go to the zoo. We had the boys in matching short outfits. When we got out of the car, we realized that the weather was not going to cooperate with their attire. It was cloudy, drizzling, and cold. I really wanted to just get back in the car and drive home, but Jon being Jon, he looked at me like suck it up, so I did. The first thing we did when we got in the park was go into one of the shops and buy the boys sweatshirts. For Ethan, I bought a child's small and I bought Reid the smallest size they had a 2T. I thought for sure that the sweatshirt was going to drown Reid, but I was wrong. I struggled getting the sweatshirt over his head. The shoulders and the length fit perfectly. The only thing that looked too big was the length of the arms, which Reid did not mind since he loves to chew on things. I could not believe that my little 4 month old could wear a 2T sweatshirt...crazy.

It continued to drizzle and Reid was due to eat, so I feed Reid while Jon took Ethan to see the giraffes. After the giraffes, Ethan was very hungry. The boy does not like to eat breakfast (he is so like his Mommy), so he was hungry and wanted a hot dog. He ate the whole thing in less than 5 minutes. We then walked around and saw the koalas and wallabies. Then we got to see get an up close look at a camel. Ethan said it felt like S, which was my parents' horse. He did not want to feed it, but I did. We both laughed when the food of choice was celery...we both thought that was a little strange. We then walked and walked and walked until we got to Elephant Odyssey. Ethan loved this place. He played on the display animals and looked at the elephants for well over 30 minutes. He loves elephants.

While we were at the elephants, we met up with Stacey, Taylor, and Brennan. We continued to walk around the zoo. We saw polar bears, flamingos, monkeys, and hippos, but Ethan really wanted to see the lions. We tried to find them before lunch, but our bellies were growling louder than the lions, so we decided to eat. As we were all eating, it began to drizzle again. After lunch, we looked at all the snakes. I was surprised Ethan was not afraid, since he is afraid at the pet store. After looking at all the snakes, we decided that it was time to go since it was still cold and wet. Ethan never got to see his lions, which he is still talking about. We do however have annual passes now, so we will be back and he will eventually see those lions. Even though it was wet and cold, we had a fun-filled day at the zoo!
Ethan's sad face because we could not find the lions...too cute!