Pixar's UP!

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!

Reid can Move!

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!

First Taste of Solid Food

On June 4th, Reid turned 4 months and that means solid foods!...AND...it was bananas...AND...well he hated it!

Birthday Dinner for Amma

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!

Taylor's 50's/Swim Birthday Party

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!

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!

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!

Disneyland with Friends

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.

Ring Toss

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.

Reid Rolls Over!

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.

Splash Pad Park

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.

Week 2: Destination-Chuck E. Cheese

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!

Memorial Day at Grandma Heaps'

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!

The Magical Cure!

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!

Reid's first Dip in the Pool!

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.

Scandia!

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.

Duck Park with Uncle Joe

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.

A Declaration must be Made!

I just need to state that my boys are so stinkin' cute! I love them to pieces.

My Hands are Amazing!

On May 18th Reid discovered that his hands could actually pick things up and hold onto them! He was in utter amazement. It is so fun watching him discover new things that he can do each and everyday. Yay for Reid and his amazing hands!

Spending a Saturday with the Houcks

On Saturday, May 16th, we spend the day at the Houcks' in Mission Viejo. We enjoyed a yummy lunch, good adult conversation, an amusing time watching the kids interact and play in the kiddie pool & also play this cool DVD Bingo game (a must have for Ethan's birthday). We also enjoyed a yummy barbecue dinner, and we ended the night with a family movie of Aladdin, which we had to order on Amazon for Ethan the next day. We had a great time with them! What a relaxing day it was.

Bike Riding at Dos Lagos with Daddy & Reid

On Jon's first week watching the boys he ventured out to Dos Lagos and let Ethan ride around while he and Reid watched. Ethan is getting better at riding his bike. It is a little harder to pedal than most bikes now a days, but this bike was mine over 25 years ago.
Riding through the bridge (who knows if this is even allowed).

Reid's 2nd Trip to Disneyland!

On May 14th after work Jon, myself, & the boys headed to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland! We went on our usual rides Small World & Pirates, and we also went on Buzz Lightyear, which is one of Ethan's favorite rides. It was also Reid's first time on it. The noise was a little much for him, and he got cranky a few times during the ride. Ethan & I also got to ride the Teacups, which is one of my favorites thanks to my mother (the teacup champion at Disney World)We had a very relaxing Thursday afternoon as a family.

Another Look Alike

I was really starting to think Reid looked more like me than Jon. I looked at baby pictures of myself and could really see a resemblance. I was getting excited since Ethan is a mirror image of Jon. I was excited that is until I took this photo of Reid & his Daddy. One look at the two of them and there is no doubt that Jon has produce another look alike. See for yourself. Don't you see it?

3 month old Appointment & Stats.

At Reid's 3 month well-baby doctor's appointment he weighed in at 12.1 pounds and his length was 25 inches. He is in the 90th percentile in height and the 50th percentile in weight. He received 3 shots this time: DPT, Polio, & his 3rd shot for Hep. B. I gave him tylenol for the DPT shot per Doctor Metsch's request. It was the first thing he has tasted other than breast milk. He seemed very interested! He is sleeping better at night only waking up about once a night. He is eating 5 ounces every 2 to 2.5 hours during the day. He is a hungry boy! He is now in stage two diapers. I only went to stage 3 with Ethan, so we will see how big this boy gets. He is growing so fast!

"I did something...Don't be mad!"

That is what I heard the first day I got home from work when Jon was off on paternity leave. I panicked. "What did you do? Are the boys okay?" is what ran through my mind. Jon had gotten the exersaucer down from the rafters and put Reid in it. Reid had just turned 3 months 5 days earlier. I did not think that he was ready for it, but Jon proved me wrong...which never happens by the way. Reid was standing and very sturdy in it and loved looking and touching all the toys. He is growing up so fast. It is amazing to watch him grow and do new things each and every day. So in the end, I wasn't mad at all just very surprised that my baby boy can do big baby things!

Thank you Auntie Monica!

During my first week back to work my wonderful Aunt came down from Portland to watch Ethan & Reid for me. She did the same thing when Ethan was born. I am so grateful to have her in my life. She is such a wonderful Aunt to me and my boys. She is wonderful with children. She never runs out of energy or things to do with the boys. She was great with Reid and Ethan became her little shadow. They went for walks, practiced writing, drawing, and played creative games like "bally", which is hide and seek but with a play dough ball, but Ethan could not get enough of it. She also has some magic about her because while she was here Reid slept through the night each and every night...but never to do it again since she has left. I need her magic! It was sad to see her go. We will have to make a trip to Portland sooner than later. Ethan talks about her each and every day. He loves his Auntie Monica and I love her too. Thank you so very much for watching my boys for me. I am so grateful!

Reid & Poppa

My dad is very hesitate around babies. I was the same way until I had Ethan. Apparently a trait that he passed down to his two children I guess. This is a picture of the first time that my dad held Reid. Now of course he holds him all the time, but the first time is always priceless. I know that he will have a special bond with Reid just like he has with Ethan. He is a great Poppa to the boys! Love you Dad.

Sleeping!?

Reid has a love for his belly! However, bellies are a no no. Jon & I have tried many things to get this baby to sleep on his back. The boppy was working for a while, but once he started squirming it made me concerned that he could suffocate if he squirmed down into it, so away went the boppy. Then we tried the sleep positioner and the pacifier. The picture above shows that on this nap it was successful. I believe the only time it was successful. In the end, Reid is a belly sleeper. Sorry folks it's true.

Happy 30th Stacey!

Krista, Stacey, & I spent Stacey's 30th (or 2 days after her 30th) at Glen Ivy. Stacey has loved this place forever, and she introduced me to this place soon after Ethan was born. I have been hooked ever since. And it is so easy to be hooked, since it is only 2 miles from my house. We spent the day lounging, talking girl talk, (learned some new things about Stac), and we each got a treatment, which is a must for me every time I go. I got a facial (I always do...it is the only part of my body that a stranger can touch...I know I have issues). Stacey & Krista each got a stress massage. We ate, lounged some more, swam, and covered ourselves in mud. It was a great day...I needed it probably more than the birthday girl being that 2 months prior I'd just had Reid.

Happy Birthday my dear best friend. I can't believe that we are both so old! It feels like only yesterday when you woke me up to go to Disneyland on your 15th birthday. We have known each other half our lives! You are such a positive influence in my life. I love you! Happy Birthday Stac!

Maverick's Birthday

On Tuesday, April 21st, we drove to Mission Viejo in the evening for Maverick's 2nd birthday. It was the first time that Bret got to meet Reid and only the second time Julie got to see him. It is always nice to catch-up with the Houck family. Their oldest, Genevieve, is only 2 months younger than Ethan, so it is always fun to see them interact and play together. The park where they had Maverick's party was great. The equipment was wonderful and the park was very clean. Ethan had a blast. I was so busy taking photos of Ethan on all the fun stuff that I failed to take pictures of the birthday boy. Sorry Mav. Hope you had a wonderful birthday. We sure had a great time seeing you.

Blogging

My modem is up and running like a champ again, so I can now return to the blogging world. Now just to go through and put everything in the correct order...remember I'm also doing this for my blog book, which I'm over half way done with. Hopefully I will start blogging (true blogs) again tomorrow!!

The Melting Pot

On Saturday I took Jon out to dinner. I set the time, location, reservation, and babysitter. Kudos to me! It was just Jon & I. This has only happened two other times in 4 years! My Mother was watching the boys. We had a wonderful dinner at the Melting Pot. It has the yummiest cheese and desserts. Yes you do have to cook your own meat, but it is a dining experience that is a lot of fun and gives you plenty of time for conversation. Our goal is to go out once every 2 months or so just the two of us. We will see if that happens, but we sure had a great time. It was nice, quiet, and relaxing! Everything we needed.