Quick Takes #115

1. Hit 26 weeks gestation mark this week which also means that the countdown to Baby #3 due date stands at less than 100 days ~ cool and a little intimidating.  Anyone want to explain zone defense to me?
2. Still opting to work with the limited vocabulary, but man can Liam pack a whole lot of charm in his "Hi".
3. Debates start in a week ~ Yes I will be watching (sleeping children allowing), you?
4. Lisbeth is largely adjusting well and liking Pre-K, wrote her name for the first time ~ but nine days in she has asked to wear a dress EVERYDAY so far ~ this is new, different and slightly disconcerting, but also kinda fun.
5. Crazy refs ~ I'm glad the lock-out is over, though it will definitely reduce the bizarreness level of watching the NFL.
6. Hopefully going apple picking on this last weekend in September.
7. Happy October!

Please head to Conversion Diary for the rest of this week's Quick Takes.

Wordless Wednesday: The difference of a couple of years

one month old

two years old

Vacation Recap ~ Maine 2012

Having found finally the camera cord ~ the long awaited (by perhaps only me) vacation recap post:

This August on vacation we went to the beach and flew kites, 

went to the pool and had fun swimming ~ becoming more and more independent as the week went on, 

went to an old fashion beachside amusement park and in Liam's case for the first time rode the rides, and then ate some yummy pizza before the thunderstorm started ~

 and helped with the home repairs.

Choo Choo! Guess who is 2?

 Enjoyed some cupcakes on his actual birthday! We had also hung his Thomas the Tank Engine birthday banner which he noticed first thing when he came down in the morning.

 All dressed up and ready for my party!!

Loved the train on the top of his cake and blew the candles out himself!

After which our camera decided to go on the fritz ~ anyhow while cake was enjoyed by the partygoers presents were opened and enjoyed by the birthday boy, ably assisted by his big sister!  A wonderful time, hopefully enjoyed by all who attended.

Wordless Wednesday: First Day of Pre-K

Quick Takes #114

1. Mini-family birthday party yesterday complete with cupcakes for the newest toddler in the house.  Bigger party with friends this coming weekend.  He very happily and excitedly noticed his birthday banner ~ and grunted and pointed appropriately.
2. Gymnastics started today; much better about waiting her turn ~ and maintaining her balance on the beam since the spring.
3. Glad that a lengthy trial was avoided in the case of Bishop Finn.  Praying for healing for the parishioner of Kansas City as well as here in Philadelphia.  And that this is the last trial for a long while.
4. First day of Mother's Day Out and Pre-K orientation today ~ hard to say if the kids or the grown-ups are more nervous?
5. Pool emptied and put away, leaves bags bought, and the a/c has been off for the last three days ~ the seasons are a changin.  Hopefully the coming week will bring a pumpkin latte!
6. There is a part of me that truly wonders if Liam was just waiting to be 2 to really start talking.  Nothing major happened this week, he just seems to be inching up on several different words.  Time will tell.
7. Good weekend to you all!!

Please visit Camp Patton and the lovely Grace (filling in for the lovely Jen) for the rest of this week's Quick Takes.

Happy 2nd Birthday Buddy!!

Thanks for bringing so much love and laughter into our home!!

Quick Takes #113

1. Second children of course bring some milestones or challenge/achievement already experienced by their older siblings but also often their own, individual, 'never happened here before' events.  And so it was this week when having heard Liam wheeze this weekend, I took him to the pediatrician on Monday and brought home with me a nebulizer machine.  He is now fully recovered and I'm hoping the machine now packed away does not see much action this fall/winter.
2. Speech therapy Take 2: a new therapist starts today ~ the first one apparently left the agency to take a full time job.  New words we are hearing despite the month's delay in starting therapy (the first therapist only came once for a 'get the know the family meeting') eyes, out and apple!
3. Was great fun this week to see on Facebook and emails so many first day of school pictures as nieces, nephews and friends started their school years. For us this excitement starts next week.  Wishing everyone a great year!
4. Have truly enjoyed the conventions and speeches, but am now SO ready for the debates because as grateful as I am for the fact-checkers I would really like the hear the details and nuances from the candidates themselves.
5. A great post by Lisa Jo of tales of a gypsy mom:100 ways you know you are a mom, such a great mix of things I already definitely identify with and stuff I have to look forward to.
6. The problem with having a largely laid-back, happy with most activities toddler ~ figuring out what core, BIG present to get for him, for his birthday, next week!! 
7. Good Weekend!!

Please visit Conversion Diary hosted by Jen for the rest of this week's Quick Takes.

Happy Half-Birthday!!

 6 months brought the introduction of solid food, and amazement of finding ourselves already halfway through your first year!

18 months brought a photo shoot where you totally charmed the photographer and me!

4 1/2 years old at least merits a blog shout-out.  

So Happy Half-Birthday Sweetie as you edge ever closer to being a true handful!!