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. 
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. 
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!
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 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!
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?
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. 
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. 
Ethan's sad face because we could not find the lions...too cute!
On June 13th, Jon & Ethan met up with Bret & Genevieve at the Angel game. The kids had a blast being kids and eating a ton of junk food & popcorn. The Angels won, a lot of home runs were hit, so Ethan got to see a lot of fireworks. Everyone had a great time, and I'm glad Genevieve & Ethan got to spend some time together. Go Angels! 
On June 12th, Jon & Ethan spent the day, just the two of them, at Disneyland. This was Jon's last day of paternity leave, and we wanted to make sure that Ethan got some alone time with his Daddy before he went back to work. They were able to go on all the rides that lately he could not ride because Reid was with. His first ride was Toy Story Mania. He of course loved it!
He also went & saw the Playhouse Disney show & also got to see the new Aladdin show. Ethan was super excited to see this show, since his new favorite movie is Aladdin... the cave of wonders being his favorite character...strange I know. Ethan is now 40" tall. So apparently, to Jon, this meant to take Ethan not on Thunder Mountain, not on Splash Mountain, not on Space Mountain, and not even on Soaring, but this meant to take Ethan on the Tower of Terror. The name alone should have told him that he was not ready for the ride. Ethan actually enjoyed the drop, but not the scary parts of the ride including the people that say good-bye to you( that's what he told me when he got home). After the ride, he cried a little and Jon promised not to take him on that ride for a while. Ethan quickly agreed. They then met up with Brennan & Sirimal for lunch and a few rides at the Disneyland side of the park. Before they left for the day, Ethan was allowed to pick one thing to get for the park. He picked a lollipop! He looks like he is in pure heaven in the picture; however he must have not loved it too much because the lollipop still looks brand new in the cabinet in our home...oh well. Ethan overall had a great day with his Daddy, minus the Tower, and can't wait to have another Daddy & Ethan day! 
My mother's birthday was on June 2nd; however she did not receive a cake on her birthday. Ethan was very sad and did not understand why Amma did not have a cake. Everyone gets a cake for their birthday, right? He promised Amma that he would make a cake for her. On June 11th, Amma's birthday was finally complete because Ethan (along with Jon's help) made her a chocolate cake with pink frosting, sprinkles, and candles. We sang Happy Birthday and everyone ate a piece of cake except for Ethan. He hates cake remember...well so does Amma...shhhh don't tell Ethan... (& Uncle Potty for that matter...so that's where he gets it). Ethan beamed from ear to ear with pride that he was able to give his Amma the one thing that she NEEDED for her birthday...cake. It was too cute.
On June 6th, Jon & I took Ethan to see Pixar's UP. My Mom was kind enough to watch Reid for us, so that both of us could go with Ethan. We have seen every single Pixar film together since Ethan was born. His first movie in a theatre was Cars when he was 11 months old. It has become a family tradition to see Pixar's new film each and every year. Jon & I loved the movie. I got teary eyed at least 2 times. I knew I would. Ethan loved the movie as well. Kevin being his favorite character, which was slightly surprising since he doesn't even talk. It was a great movie, and both Jon & I enjoyed the one on one time we had with our Ethan. We love him so very much!
Also on June 5th, we put Reid in a walker for the first time. This kid is amazing! I can't believe the things that he can do at 4 months old. I'm a happy & proud Mommy!
On June 4th, Reid turned 4 months and that means solid foods!...AND...it was bananas...AND...well he hated it!
On my Mother's actual birthday, we went out to dinner at P.F. Chang's. She likes it there. I don't think it is her favorite favorite, but she knows it is somewhere that we all enjoy including Ethan. Ethan was very excited that it was Amma's birthday. He couldn't wait to give her her present. However, he was very concerned that Amma never got a cake. Everyone needs a cake with candles for their birthday. He knows that it is just necessary...even if you do not like cake (like him) you still get a cake. He kept asking, Where is Amma's birthday cake and candles? He was very worried. This went on long after my Mother's birthday. We had a great dinner. Happy Birthday Mom...I love you!
The Sunday before Taylor's actual birthday was her birthday party. She wanted to have a 50's birthday party & a swim party. So Stacey got all the decorations and had the party at her parents' house so the kids could swim. The kids swam and swam and swam...that is except for Ethan. He refused to get in the water. I think it was because there were so many people that he did not know...again being very cautious. Taylor had a great birthday party, and I think that little girl got at least 10 new barbies to go into her growing collection. I know her mommy must be very happy about that...not really. Happy 4th Birthday Taylor...it was fun!
June 2nd is one of the most important days of the year for me because it is 3 of the most important people in my life's birthday: My Mother, My Aunt, & My Goddaughter
Happy 55th Birthday Mom! You are the best Mother in the entire world. You are the most kind individual that I know, and I thank God every single day that you're my mother...I love you!
Happy 55th Birthday Auntie! A lot of my fondest childhood memories have you in it. I love you very much!
Happy 4th Birthday Taylor Rose. I love you soooo much. You are the sweetest little girl in the whole world!
On June 2nd, Jon took the boys for the first time without me to Disneyland; however he was not alone. He met up with his friend Amy and her two children Mason & Avery, and he also met up with his friend Lee and his daughter Allison. They went on many rides during the day. While Jon was watching Avery & Reid (they were sleeping), and Amy & Allison went on a roller coaster, Lee took Mason & Ethan on Monsters Inc.. Ethan enjoyed the ride with Lee & Mason it was the one thing he kept talking about when he got home. They enjoyed a pizza lunch, and I think all my boys enjoyed a day out with friends. They all came home with smiles on their faces! Jon & the boys had a great time at Disneyland. I'm glad that Jon has great friends that he can spend time with.
The next Sunday we went over to my parents' house so the boys could swim. Jon & I would really like Ethan to know how to swim without floaties by the end of the summer, so it is very important that he swim, swim, swim. It is also important for Reid to continue to enjoy the water. During this swimming experience Ethan loved swimming with his Poppa & could not get enough of jumping off the diving board. He really is getting more daring in the water, and that is good for him since he is so cautious about everything. He is well on his way to swimming without floaties. 
At the end of May, Reid started to roll over from his back to his belly. He could already roll from belly to stomach since he was 3 weeks old. I was able to catch it on video. And yes, I know Ethan is calling me like a million times in the 29 seconds the video is long. He is not neglected I promise.
Later that week Jon meet up with his sister Joanna, her husband Kirk, and their three kids Bruin, Capri, & Hudson at a park near Limonite called Splash Pad Park. It had lots of play equipment and had a water area, so the kids could enjoy the cool water. Again Ethan was very tentative and never went near the water, but he sure had fun on the playground. His Auntie Jo also made sure that he had the most fun possible by helping him on the swings and some kind of glider (picture above). Reid was a quiet observer that day and watched from the sidelines in the stroller. Another fun-filled day for the Monroe boys.
During Jon's second week with the boys, he ventured out to Chuck E. Cheese. Ethan really likes this place because of all the tickets he can win. He really doesn't know what to spend them on. He normally wants a sucker or two. Suckers are only 10 tickets a piece, so we have a lot of extra tickets. Ethan had another fun time, and Reid was just content being out of the house for a few hours. Ethan is loving having his Daddy home during the day!
For Memorial Day we went to Jon's mom's house for a lunch barbecue & swimming for the kids and some of the adults. Ethan was more motivated about getting into the water this time and loved playing with his Daddy, Uncles, and cousins in the water. He loved the water so much that he actually cried when he had to get out. Reid loved the water for the second time. This time we were more prepared and he wore a hat and swimsuit in the water. (Jon forget to pack it for him the day before). We had a great time with Jon's family!
Do not adjust your computer screen. You are seeing the correct image. Monday of Memorial Day weekend I continued to have a horrible earache. I called my mother and asked her to make her candles. She made them and came right over. They are the most wonderful candles in the world. It may be too much information, but the candles suck out all the gross junk that is stuck in your ear. My earache was cured the second she removed the candle from my ear. I love those candles! They are the best!
Sunday during Memorial Day weekend I woke up with the worst earache and fever. I didn't want to be around Ethan & Reid, so I asked Jon to take the boys out of the house for the day. He ended up calling my parents. He packed up the boys and headed there later that morning. It ended up being Ethan's first dip in the pool for the summer, & Reid's first dip in the pool ever! Ethan of course was extremely hesitant...he is at everything he does for the first time. A lot like his Mommy. Reid however, was loving every second of the water. A lot like his Daddy. My brother Scott and his wife Christine we also there at my parents' house visiting. Cordie their dog also enjoyed the water. She probably enjoyed it the most of all. That dog could live in the water. I started to feel slightly better in the afternoon, so I met up with my family. I couldn't handle everyone being together while I was at home feeling sorry for myself and my earache. 
Jon took the boys to Scandia. Ethan has been to Mulligan's & Castle Park, but never Scandia, so it was a new adventure for him. He of course went miniature golfing. Jon attempted to golf too, but having Reid attached to him in the carrier made it a tad bit difficult. Ethan didn't mind. He loved playing by himself. He of course had to have a red ball! Red being his favorite color. After golfing, Ethan was able to play a few video games. All in all, Ethan had a wonderful day with his Daddy and little brother. 
On the 19th of May Jon took the boys to a duck park in Rubidoux ( thank goodness he didn't tell me he was going there before hand. I would have worried the whole time because well it's in Rubidoux). His brother Joseph met him there. Ethan had a blast playing with his Uncle Joe. It was all he could talk about for the next couple of days. Reid did very well as well (or at least this is what I was told). He loved just to watch his brother run and play around. He is a great observer. 
