Belated Firetruck Update

This was actullay like way back in September...but I haven't dumped my camera in a while...and these pictures were on Justin's computer so I could just use them without much effort.

This is at one of the Farmers' Markets that happen during the summer/fall.

Our first Saturday after both parents left, we went and visited this bustling event. It was the Kid's Day, and there was a fire truck, a police car, and an ambulance for the kiddos to climb up in, explore, and just get to fully enjoy!

Caleb was so excited to wear a Fireman's hat (really heavy, actually...I am holding it up from the back). And he loved the spinny thing on the front (what is the purpose of that?). We recognized it from one of his favorite internet videos:
Lots and Lots of Firetrucks!

That's also me and Caleb in the police car. There's a few more from this event I'll have to post later (like his delighted surprise at meeting his little boy idol B at the market...and successfully holding his hand out of pure excitement!! Too bad B isn't as enchanted with him...) And even more since then...

At any rate, I knew some pictures were needed (M is about 3 months old here); it's been a while. Still gotta give y'all a tour of our apartment.

Attack Ducks!

Okay, for reals. You read that right.

Last Friday we took the last few minutes of daylight and went and fed the ducks (with pancakes from an Institute Breakfast a few weeks back; they were still frozen...ducks didn't seem to care).

Anyway, we started off trying to encourage them get out of the water. You know. placing some pieces on the rocky bank, tossing a few out into the water so they'd notice them. Those little duckies started to come on up to us. Caleb was so excited! We had to work on throwing the pancakes and not just holding onto it. He had so much fun chasing those duckies around!!

Then...we noticed the ducks were still coming. From all the way across the little pond. Quickly. Eagerly. And they just poured onto the bank where we were. Seriously. I was getting a little freaked out because they weren't scared of us at all. They came so close and I was afraid they were gonna get Caleb's little fingers because he was still holding onto the bread too long.

When we were all out of bread, we just walked to our car. By this point, we'd already walked back most of the way to the parking lot: about 15 yards, and the ducks still followed us with such urgency and they were still coming off the water.

I almost ran to the car. It was fun. Caleb had fun. But man, I had no idea ducks liked pancakes so much.

Ode to my Life

I feel an itch to blog. Not that I have anything particular to blog about...but it's all the non-particulars that are on my mind.

1) The Relief Society Broadcast last week was fabulous! I had a headache that night and almost didn't go...but I got Mackenzie to bed a little bit early and headed out. I made it before the opening prayer! Yay! I really enjoyed the last talk by President Uchtdorf. Those 5 reminders were exactly what I needed to hear. I love hearing instruction from the Lord's servants that I know is what He wants me to hear. Wow, I'm excited about General Conference!! I just need that nourishment, encouragement, direction, reassurance...whatever you wanna call it, I need it.

2) Caleb. Nuff said, yeah? haha, he's a crazy boy! We've had a few concerns with his development, but since we moved here to IA he's really progressed rapidly! We're so proud! He had his well visit on Monday and the doc (both of 'em) said that there doesn't appear to be any problem, but that if it makes us feel better, come back in 6 months and have him evaluated again. Basically, he's been talking up a storm. I can't believe it. He'll say stuff and I'm just like, "How on earth did you pick that up?" or "Did you really just say that?" And his screaming has reduced dramatically. relief! He is such a big boy...oh! and he hasn't bitten Mackenzie since last Thursday! That's almost a whole week! yay! I'm just so glad and so proud he's made some big steps lately. What a wonderful boy!

3) Mackenzie. My baby girl...she's 4 months old! I can't believe that. I just can't. She's my doll. She's just started laughing and I love it. She was completely entertained yesterday when Caleb grunted at her. He'd grunt and she'd giggle. I was quick enough to catch it on film...but our camera doesnt' upload directly to blogger..so it makes it difficult to share. But she was like 15 pounds and 22 in? I can't remember, but it's written down somewhere. She's long, but even though her weight is up, compared to her length she's not that chubby. She has graduated to the crib. She has no interest yet in rolling over, though. Soon, I'm sure!

4) Justin. He's so busy with dental school. I'm so proud of him. He's working so hard in school and doing quite well and he still has time to spend with us...we went to a pancake breakfast, we went to the fire station, he gives me foot massages (yeah, I know!), he makes dinner...he's amazing. Just plain and simple. I love reading with him, or watching Prison Break (it's addictive, don't start it!); and his Family Home Evenings are always so creative and appropriate for Caleb. He's a great Daddy...Justin is a great man.

5) Church and such: I still have no calling. I'm told that I've been pegged for one, but I haven't been asked to serve in any position yet, even with my approaching the Bishopric inquiring about said pegging. Nothing. I haven't had a calling since Mackenzie was born. Count it. That's 4 months! I'm kind of enjoying the break, though having something to prepare for and contribute to would be nice. I like our ward a lot. The people are so welcoming, and even though there are a LOT of professional student families, there are quite a few of permanent families as well. It's a great mix. There's some ethnicity in there too.

6) Me. Whew. I'm doing great. I have so many projects to work on(thus why blogging doesn't happen as much). I'm making Caleb's Halloween costume (and ours if there's time). Nothing fancy, mind you, but it will still take some cutting and sewing and fitting. He's going to be Nemo! (be sure to watch for pictures) He's so excited about it! We're still working on 'trick or treat' but we've got a whole month! so with that, and the never-ending quiet book...still getting settled, crocheting various gifts and jackets and blankets...I just printed about 300 pictures. Got them mostly put into an album, but I haven't written about them. Gotta do that. Baby book updates. Oh! I grind my own wheat for bread. That's been fun. I'm re-learning how to be a mom/wife/homemaker now with 2 kids. But I have no school. I still completely enjoy it.
I'm still meeting people here. I haven't "connected" with anyone yet, but I'm trying to stay involved and outgoing. There's plenty of people that I can have a good time with. We have a sewing night every Thursday...library visits, volley ball; it's just a great complex I live in. Lots of great families and gals for me to get to know.

Wow. Like you wanted to read a novel today, eh? Well, maybe you did, but not necessarily about me. haha It's an ODE. Anyway, that's me and my family lately. Lots going on. I'm loving it. I love my family!

Baby, baby!

Caleb loves Mackenzie. And when he found this "baby" among some stuffed animals that Grandma and Grandpa brought up for me to go through, he adopted her.

He carries her around and yesterday I gave him a burp rag for his baby. He loves to give her her binky and cracks up when I make sucking noises. Oh I love my little boy. He's getting so big! Grandma and Grandpa also brought up a twin mattress and box spring for when he's out of the crib. Well, for fun, the past few nights we've asked him if he wants to sleep on Mama and Daddy's bed. The response is a little boy flopping onto his tummy and closing his eyes.

Well, last night, he rolled off. By the time I made it upstairs, he'd fallen back asleep. Good thing we have a bed rail that I got off of Freecycle (love it!).

Grandpa Hart and more fun

It's so fun when grandparents come to visit!

Caleb warmed up to Grandma and Grandpa so fast! We'll have more pictures with Grandma Sugar later. He's had tons of fun playing with "papa." I love this cuddly picture. And the bottom right picture...they are walking and balancing and Grandpa showed Caleb how to stick his arms out to help balance himself. He looks like a little bird or something. So cute!

And who doesn't love bike rides with Daddy? I'm so excited for when Mackenzie is big enough so we can all go out together. Caleb's helmet has little flying pigs on it so we call it his "piggy hat" and he snorts every time he sees any sort of helmet. lol, we'll teach him English one of these days!

And my sweet baby girl. I've been trying hard to get some smiles...and I've been a bit successful! She loves to sit up...

And when I blow my lips. I just love her smile. It's fun to me how she still looks so much like Caleb, but she's starting to look so much like herself, too.

Anyone else think they look a lot alike?