Memorial Day Weekend

Wow!  What a fabulously wonderful weekend we had.  Friday night I dropped Jackson off at his Aunt Kat and PawPaw's house so that he could travel to Iowa with them for my cousin's graduation.  He was pumped about this because it was the first time he has really gone on a trip without my parent's or myself.  Jackson also got to experience staying in a hotel for the first time.  My first baby boy is just getting too big for his britches!

Saturday was sort of a dreary day for us.  It was cloudy, rainy, and a little chilly but that didn't stop us.  Noah and I went to a BBQ at my friends Curt and Sarah's house.  This was a special time for Noah because he was getting to meet a lot of people for the very first time.  He was really really good and everyone got to take their turn at holding him.  There were also two other babies their that were really close to his age so it was fun to talk with their mommy's and compare notes on how all of the babies are doing developmentally.

Please excuse the red eye on these pictures, I am in desperate need of a new camera!



Caycen and Noah- 11 days apart in age




Sara and Noah




Megan and Noah

Matt had to work at his part-time job on Sunday but after he got off we headed up to Lewis and Clark park to enjoy some more friend time.  We had a great time and it was so nice to get away from everything and just sit back, relax and talk with other adults.  We did take Noah with us of course but he did great and we were able to stay until about 10:30 or so.



Noah's new buddies- Skyler and Hannah

 The next morning we went to pick up big brother from his trip.  Boy did Jackson have a fabulous time!  He told many stories and showed us all the new jewelry he got out of a machine at a restaurant that they went to in Iowa.  Aunt Kat, Paw Paw, and Jackson brought Noah back a surprise also.  They got him a miniature sock monkey.  It is "Noah-sized" and he absolutely loves holding it and chewing on it.

He likes to hold on to the monkey's tail.



Or, just cuddle with it...precious!

 To end the day and also the holiday weekend we invited my parents over for a BBQ.  Matt grilled ribs, chicken, and corn on the cob and I made macaroni, baked potatoes, pasta salad, beans, jello cake, and strawberry shortcake.  So much food, but it was such a good time.  Mom and Dad were able to spend time with both Jackson and Noah and we were all able to enjoy a meal together.  Such a beautiful weekend with my wonderful friends and family.  I couldn't ask for anything else. 

Economics 101

So during the last week of school (last week) Jackson had to turn in his Economics project that we had been working on.  The assignment was to make something(s) that could be sold.  They were going to make a mini store and be able to buy and sell all of the different things from their classmates with their "fake" money.  Jackson was very much into this project.  In fact, he was much more excited about this project than any of the previous assigned ones.  Jackson decided that we wanted to make bracelets and necklaces.  So in my mind I was thinking how in the world are we going to make necklaces and bracelets for the girls AND boys? 

So, I was off to Wal-Mart to figure this out.  I bought quite a few supplies and brought them home to let Jackson decide which ones he wanted to use.  Jackson chose to use the colored beads, alphabet letters, and yarn.  We worked with about 5 spools of yarn and a ton of beads.  Over the course of 2 nights Matt, Jackson, and I sat at the table making all of his goods that he was going to sell.  He was super excited to take them to school.  They were made with sayings like:

-I "heart" Bieber
-KU Rocks
-Girl Power
-I "heart" shopping
-Bobcats (school mascot)
and many more....



Jackson working hard




Lots of beads!



Matt showing off his work!




Finished Bracelets




Finished Necklaces



More necklaces

I am pleased to announce that when Jackson got in the car last Wednesday after school he was super excited because ALL of this things sold!  Good Job Jackson!

A Great Visit!

Last weekend we had some awesome visitors come up to Kansas City to spend some time with us.  My Aunt Nan, Aunt Marsha, and Aunt Nancy came up from Owensville, Missouri to visit us!  Jackson, Noah, and I were all super excited about this!  They were here from Thursday night until Sunday afternoon.  Friday Noah and I went over to my Mom's pretty early in the morning and shared breakfast with them and then came back in the evening to share dinner and visit some more.  Noah did awesome and Jackson spent the night with my Mom so that he could be there to spend some more time with his Aunts. 

Saturday we took them to Nebraska Furniture Mart and showed them around and that evening they came over to our house to hang out.  They even brought Strawberry Shortcake!  YUM!! 

Sunday we went over to some more family and had brunch.  We visited with Jeff and Eydie and their family. 

I am so very happy that they were able to come up for the weekend and I hope that we are able to visit more with each other as my kids grow up.  I would love the opportunity for Jackson and Noah to know their Aunts on the Miller side better. :)  I also know that this visit really meant the world to my Dad, and for that I am truly grateful. :)

Aunt Marsha and Noah



Aunt Marsha and Jackson



Aunt Nancy and Noah

Big Smiles for Grandma




Aunt Nan and sleeping Noah

 

Science City Bound.

So, I am a little behind.  Last Thursday I had the honor of accompaning Jackson's 3rd grade class to Science City.  I was very excited because I missed their last field trip to see a play.  We dropped baby Noah off at Aunt Kim's and stopped and picked up a couple donuts and juice for breakfast.  Jackson was so glad that I was able to go with him this time.  He helped me pack my sack lunch and even offered me one of his capri suns.  So sweet. 

Of course as with any field trip the classrooms were all chaos.  Everyone I believe had sugar for breakfast (including us) and was ready to go.  Kids always seem to want the seat on the bus that is all the way in the back.  I seemed to have forgotten why until that day.  As we were driving along screaming back and forth just to have a normal conversation because it was so incredibly loud with 40+ 3rd graders it came back to me why that seat was so darn neat!  The first bump we hit I swear my butt came off of the seat and went flying what felt like 10 feet in there air.  Now, 10-12 years ago I probably would have no problem with this and maybe even think that it was a little bit fun.  Now though, it was horrible.  My bottom was so sore and I came to the conclusion that I am officially "old", or maybe just a true adult!

The first thing that we did when we arrived at Union Station was to check in and have everyone get their arm bands on.  This in and of itself was a 15 minute venture.  I was very fortunate to only have Jackson and one other little boy in my group.  Then we were off to see the IMAX production of Ocean Wild.  For a movie that was supposed to be about the wild in the ocean, all I came out of it with is how sardines are caught and made to eat.  I was really disappointed as were most of the kiddos with this.  But oh well, we were on to lunch and then the real fun began.

Lunch was lunch.  Nothing real exciting.  All the kids were really just hurrying to eat so that we could go play!  I tried telling Jackson and his friend that we would follow the map given to us and go through each place in Science City in order.  Guess what?  That didn't happen at all.  They wanted to go to the helicopter and then they wanted to see the animals, and then they want to uncover fossils.  We were up and down and all over that place several times that day.  I don't know why I had thought we would be able to be structured with two 8 year olds!  They had a blast which the pictures would show.  I did have to bribe Jackson to get him to pose for me and take pictures, but hey whatever works!


He was excited about the "lightening" hitting his hand.

 

Posing for the camera.



He came up with this pose all on his own!

The bus ride back was still loud but in a quieter way if that makes any sense.  The kids had all had fun and we had a very sucessful day and I feel like everyone had a great day and learned a lot at the same time.

All the while Noah was having a fabulous time hanging with Kim and Aiden for the day!

Aiden and Noah

He was so happy! :)

3 Months Old Already!

Wow!  I can hardly believe that my precious little Noah is already 3 months old!!  Where did that 3 months go?  It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital and he was so very tiny and slept all the time.  He is now babbling, responding to toys, smiling, batting at toys, and holding on to things.  Going from 2 months to 3 months was a huge change for Noah.  He is so very interactive with people and things now.  He is a slobbery mess sometimes and I swear that he is already starting to cut teeth.  On a more happier note, he is sleeping through the night now!  Although I have to admit that I sometimes do miss those middle of the night feedings.  I felt like Noah and I really had some bonding time during those.  Noah is still sleeping in our room for now.  I keep telling Matt that we need to put him upstairs in his crib but then night time comes and I decide that he needs to sleep just one more night in our bed!  Next month I will have an update for you on weight, height, etc. after his doctor visit.



Ok, so he wasn't too happy here but if you look closely then you can see him holding on to his hanging toy!




Gotta love baby smiles!




These pictures were a little bit more challenging to take then they have been in the past!  All he really wanted to do it chew on the sticker.




Such a big boy!



To Work Or Not To Work?? To Work.

This week has been a really challenging week for me.  I know in the back of my mind that this is the last full week home with my precious baby boy.  He will be 14 weeks tomorrow and I do realize how lucky I am to have been able to stay home with him this long, as many people don't get to do that.  Although I really want to be a stay at home Mom, now is just not the right time for me.  I am completely amazed at how supportive my husband has been with me staying home this long and I know that he would love nothing more than for me to be the one taking care of Noah everyday, not someone else.  After much discussion it was mutually decided that right now isn't the time for me to take that on; although it is still my end goal. 

We researched quite a few people/places, but found "the one" this past Monday.  Her name is Heather and she is the wife of someone who works at NFM.  She is also super close to our house which is a major plus.  Together they have 5 children including 17 month old twin boys!!  Matt and I were super impressed with her during our interview.  She did not shy away from any question we asked and was super straight forward about everything.  Now, if she can just put up with me!?  That is the question.  I am sure the first week is going to be a tough one with lots of phone calls to check on Mr.Noah.  I know in my heart that he will be very well taken care of but somehow that doesn't make it any easier. 

One thing that is making this transition a little easier for me is the fact that I am going back to less hours.  I will now work 8-4:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 7-10:45 on Wednesdays.  I will still get some special time Wednesday afternoons with by baby.  Since Matt is off on Mondays and Wednesday mornings that means that Noah will only go to daycare Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday each week.

My only hope is that we will be in a place for me to stay home when the next addition to our family arrives. That is as soon as I can talk Matt into it. :)  I mean who wouldn't want to leave this face??

All Smiles!

Sleeping Angel

My Little MVP

The Bobcat's had their first tournament appearance of the season in the Jayhawk Classic.  They played 3 games, two on Saturday and then one today.  They went 3-0 and won the tournament for their division.  Jackson played pretty awesome for their first time on the field this year.  Jackson plays 1st base, and he loves it.  Jackson got quite a few good hits and lots of outs at first base.  He played so well during the last game he was awarded a medal for MVP of the last game.  I am such a proud Mommy right now.  I can't describe how excited he was and I have the pictures to prove it!  I am such a proud Mom right now.

Ready to field a ball at first base!

Jackson with his trophy and MVP medal.

                                                     

Jackson's team

Coach Russ and Jackson

Grandma, Grandpa, and Jackson

Paw Paw and Jackson

Bumbo Time!

This past week we decided to try out a new "gadget" with Noah!  We put him in his Bumbo for the very first time.  Although he still has a hard time holding his head up, due to the fact that he hates tummy time, he seemed to enjoy it.  We got a few smiles before his little head decided it didn't have any more strength.  Some pictures to share-
                                        

12 Weeks Old

                                            

"Oh no, there goes my head!"

"I'm getting tired now."

Garage Sale Bargains

Ok, so I will admit- While I have been to many, many, many garage sales over time I have always been somewhat hesitant to actually buy toys for my kiddos from them due to germs.  I mean you never know what has been done with that toy.  Well, I am finally getting over that now with Noah.  I figure if I can take them home and clean them with some antibacterial cleaner than they will be fine.  I have also chose to garage sale due to the fact that you never know how long you child is going to be interested in the different toys.  I know Jackson had several that he NEVER played with while others became his favorites.  Anyway, below are a few pictures of some of the bargains that Noah and I got on Friday at some neighborhood sales.
                                          

$5.00- It even has batteries!

                                         

$10.00

                                        

$5.00

I got several other small toys also, and even a pair of 3-6 month Baby Gap jeans for $1.  As you can see I am very impressed and proud of my first garage sale purchases for Noah.  Hopefully more bargains coming soon.

Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day is a day I look forward to all year.  Not just because I am a mother, but because I get to honor my Mother!  This year we had a couple different places to go and people to see but I have to say that my favorite was going to my Mom's for breakfast on Mother's Day and just spending some time together.  Matt and Jackson played outside and me, my Mom, and Noah hung out together. 

Our next stop was Matt's Dad's house.  We were able to celebrate with his Grandma, Mom, Step-Mom, Sisters, and a lot of extended family.  Noah got to visit with his Great-Grandma Daisy and got passed around and held by all. :)  Some pictures of our time there-
                                                   

Four Generations

                                                    

Grandma Daisy and Noah

Next we were off to my Aunt Kathy and Uncle John's to celebrate with the other side of the family.  Jackson immediately ran outside and started playing with all of his cousins so of course no pictures of him.  I will have to start getting better about making him take some pictures.  Noah got loved by everyone and was so good.  Usually he gets a little fussy when he is over stimulated but thankfully all was well and I think he had a good time too.  Just a few pics below of our time at Aunt Kat's.
                                                  

 

Great Grandma Winnie and Noah

                               

Mia loving all things "Noah"- Her baby needed to be fed so she used Noah's bottle.

                                           

Four Generations

                                          

Great Grandma and Grandpa with Noah

It was such a wonderful day spent surrounded by family.  I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day than with all of the Mother's that have inspired me and taught me how to be the Mother I am today.