Halloween 2013

We had a very special Halloween this year! First of all, I was neither pregnant nor toting a newborn around. So there's that as a change. But mostly special because we had my parents in visiting for the week. This was altogether new territory because 1. We have never had family visiting for Halloween and 2. I never trick-or-treated as a child. For Real. We handed out candy, sometimes we even dressed up and went to the church carnivals. But I have never trick-or-treated, until now. And it is so fun! Especially when you have these cuties in tow...

Seriously. So, So fun!

Plus, we have enough candy to handily make it through to Valentine's Day. 

Until next Halloween...trick-or-treeeat!!!

Andrea

notable notes

I have recently realized I write my best blog posts UNDER PRESSHA. As I am now sitting on my couch, having recounted what I wanted to write while doing the dishes, because I am indeed living the posh life...my daughter sits in her highchair throwing the goldfish I just gave her and looking at me longingly with one hand waving, "aww don!!!" and my son is trying to hand me his newest prized possession, a plastic motorcycle from the dentist's treasure box.

See what I mean. Lots of pressure.

So, let's get right to it.

Notable this week...
1. Olivia is now into EVERYTHING. She has skipped the six months I thought I had before the stage of "my house looks like a warzone 100 percent of the time because my daughter only pulls things off shelves and out of cabinets, etc. but does not possess the ability to put them back."
This currently is the most dominating realization of the week and/or month. Oh, and she also likes to eat dirt. awesome.

2. We went to see Enough Said, the movie starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. We loved it. It was excellent, highly recommend it.

3. Charlie has amazingly decided to save his money from the chores he did this week and not go to Target's one dollar aisle of junk....err...amazingness. Honestly, it sucks me in, all too often with it's luring seasonal bargains, but alas, our prayers have been answered (until next week) and he isn't going to blow his $1.60 (10 cents per chore) on yet ANOTHER car/action figure/made in China piece of high quality plastic.

4. We are now the proud owners of 24 pieces of child-proofing gear. We never bought it before now. Today in fact. Charlie was a quick learner, we just shut all the doors, told him no...he was over it. Not so much with little miss O. She's particularly fond of the toilet. I'll leave it at that. So, BuyBuy baby here I come.

5. I was serious about that movie.
5.1 The Wood Brother's new album (Muse) came out Tuesday. To say it's literally (or litrilly according to Chris Traeger) the best album that came out Tuesday is a complete understatement. Spotify it, buy it, love it.

Until my next cohesive train of thought comes..

Andrea

Smattering.

I would love to be the disciplined person who weekly sits down and recalls the funny moments/stories, pictures of the past weeks.

Um.

I will pray on that.

I am not there.

I am lucky to take a shower on a daily basis.Without being interrupted.

SO....here's what happened the last few weeks, and I'll get back to you on the disciplined plan.

I especially like the ones with things on Olivia's head. That's her favorite. 

Reflections

Our sweet Olivia turns one this week, which of course feels like yesterday! And doesn't at the same time. I remember vividly where we were last year at this time...Charlie was starting his second year of pre-school, I was a human watermelon. We were living in a different house. We had family lined up through October to help us out..And we were waiting anxiously to meet our baby girl.

I am very thankful for this last year. I am so glad to have learned what we have learned. Charlie is growing, maturing, questioning, loving and learning quickly how to be a great big brother. Freddie and I are continuing to learn each other and our kids and leaning on one another constantly. Olivia is growing, vocalizing and absorbing all of her environment and continuing to be the epitome of an "easy baby".

All that to say we are blessed. We are thankful..we love our family. And we are grateful for coffee, in mass quantities.

Andrea

Here are a few highlights from Olivia's party...

picture credit: Ana Gibson

The Beach..ahhhhhh.

Oh the beach. The sand. The waves. The never ending entertainment of people and children alike. This was our very first trip as a family of four. I know. Olivia's almost one, how in the world could this be our first trip? Quick answer? Awesome parents and family who have come to us throughout the year! But I digress.
We rented a condo in Destin, FL and we were right on the beach. I must say we had originally not booked this particular condo but one a short walk across a small street to the beach. Um, this was the best upgrade ever. Worth every penny to be plopped right on the beach. And for the obvious reasons. And not so obvious. Obvious: Olivia needed a blankie to take a nap in the shade. No problem! Not so obvious: Ready to head in for a family nap? No need to pack everything up right this second and haul sleepy, grouchy children and the half a house it takes to go to the beach back up the elevator.
All that to say we had a delightful time...err, uh besides the Tropical Storm who happened to be named Andrea and the small stomach bug experience the boys had the second day. Other than that. Great! Here's the pictures :)

Enjoy.
Andrea