The Perfect Fall Weekend

My favorite season of the year is here, and we are trying our best to enjoy it to it's fullest.  Because pretty soon the snow will be flying, and we will be forced to stay inside.  I don't want to think of that right now, though.

Fall is absolutely gorgeous, and I love to look at the leaves changing.  The dark red/purplish ones are my favorite, and Carl prefers the bright red ones.  Like the one that we had the joyous opportunity to enjoy for about a week in the comfort of our own home.  This beautiful tree is one of three grown trees that is housed in our own backyard, and delivers much discussion about the changing of seasons.  God's creation is so amazing.

This past weekend, we participated in one of my favorite Fall activities---a trip to Prairie Du Chien, to look at the leaves, and enjoy the Open House that was taking place at the Apple Orchard.  We go up to Prairie numerous times throughout the Summer months, and I enjoy our time up there so much while the sun is shining, and our time is spent on the beaches playing in the sand.  But I also enjoy a brisk day at the Apple Orchard, and a view of the beautiful valleys filled with the different colors of trees.

We went to the Shahata Apple Orchard last year, and I really enjoyed it.  They have activities for the children, a very neat Apple shop, and a Pumpkin Patch.  So, we decided to attend again this year with the kiddos, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

It was cold, and I did not pack appropriately for my children.  I felt so bad for Carson, as I failed to pack mittens for the poor guy.  He had a hat, and a light jacket, but that's about it.  He enjoyed some outside activities, despite his frozen hands.

Natalie also enjoyed her time spent outside with the animals.

I bundled Weston up, and he enjoyed the Apple Orchard from the comfort of the Baby Bjorn.  I absolutely love that thing, and he never makes a peep while in it.  Even with 35 degree temps, his nose bright red from the cold.....he just hung out and continued to smile at every person that passed by.  He is a true gem---that little Weston of ours.

We enjoyed walking around, and doing some shopping in the neat store that was housed at the Orchard.

Carson really wanted to go on a "trailer" ride, so everyone hopped on, and the tractor took them around the Orchard.  I stayed back with Weston, as I didn't feel he needed to be out in the cold that long.  We picked up some Jonathan apples, and enjoyed some cider while waiting for the crew to return from the hay ride.  Carson took his blanket to keep him warm, and came back with an apple he picked all by himself!

We all had a great time at the orchard, and I see this becoming a tradition that we will continue for many years.  I enjoy looking forward to the different traditions that we have as the seasons change.

After the Orchard, we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant & coffee house called "Simply."  If you are ever in Prairie Du Chien, I highly recommend this little place!  I seriously think it is a hidden gem in this town.  We ate there for the first time a few weeks ago when we were in town, and it is now a 'must-do' on my list any time we go back.  They have delicious sandwiches, coffee of any kind, amazing smoothies, big cookies that are a hit with a toddler, and the atmosphere is just so fun.  Even my hubby, the pickiest eater 'round, enjoyed his sandwich, and said he would go back.  If we head to Prairie this Winter or early Spring, I told my better half that we are going to have a date there, and enjoy a good cup of joe, sitting on the couch, playing a board game of some sort.

I personally highly recommend their chicken salad sandwich.  It is amazing, to say the least!

Saturday afternoon we hung out, and headed home on Saturday night.  Carson enjoyed an evening with Grandpa and Frannie, and came home on Sunday with some treasures!  Frannie and Carson went back to the pumpkin patch on Sunday morning, and Carson picked out a pumpkin for He and Weston all by himself. He was so proud of the two pumpkins that he delivered to my arms.  I love to watch him carry his own pumpkin around, and say..."this is really hebby (heavy)" in such a dramatic way.  He is too funny.  The wheels in his mind are always turning.  I love how he picked two pumpkins out, and they are sized appropriately for he and Weston.  He is such a sweetheart.

I enjoyed a little one-on-one time with my little W on Sunday before big brother came crashing through the doors to sit on him.  Thus is true.  Carson thoroughly enjoys sitting on Weston's back, or legs.  I don't know why, but he finds it to be hilarious.  He is so gentle with him at times, and then turns around and sits on him with a sneaky smile on his face.  He is testing us, no doubt...it's just too bad it comes at the expense of taking Weston's breath away.  Literally.

This is the face I enjoyed on Sunday morning.  He is always so happy, and I absolutely adore this little boy.  He can make a bad day turn great instantly, and I look forward to seeing this smile every day when I pick him up.

This little guy is on a fast track to getting places, and will be crawling before we know it.  And, I am not. ready. for. that. yet!  

I sit here and reflect on this weekend, and love the memories that we are making with our children and family.  This was a perfect fall weekend in my book, and I love that I have the opportunity to experience these kind of things with my loved ones.  Thank you, Lord.

FIVE Months

Five months have come and gone, and my little miracle is growing before my eyes.  He won't slow down---and I hate it.  I want him to stay a baby forever.  Don't get me wrong, I love to watch him grow, learn new things, and develop his own personality.  I just wish he could do all of that, while staying little.  Is it possible?  No.  And I know that...it just makes me sad to think that my baby is almost a 1/2 year old.  That is just ca-razy!

Onto the fun stats, and a whole lot of pictures.  Because when you have such a cute subject to photograph, it's hard not to take so many.

-Weight:  15 Pounds 

-How much is he eating now:  During the day Weston drinks 5 ounces about every 3 hours.  We have tried cereal, and he doesn't really care for it much.  So I added a little bit of sweet potatoes to it, and he seems to enjoy it a lot more.  Weston will have a bowl of food at supper time, and then have his bottle later that night before going to sleep. 

-Wears size 2 diapers.

-How long does he sleep at night:  Ha.  This question almost brings me to laughter.  Probably because I am partially sleep deprived, and that just causes me to smile about things that generally wouldn't cause me to laugh :)  He goes to bed about 8:00 at night.  Lately...as in the last 2 weeks, he has been up at 11:00, 3:00, and 6:00 for a bottle.  And will be up for good with the 6:00 bottle.  My child clearly doesn't need as much sleep as I do, because this is just a crazy schedule if I have ever heard of one.  Haha.  But it's ok.  I know this is just a phase, and probably won't last long.  Not to mention, the bonding time during the night really is welcomed, and I do enjoy it!  

-What size of clothes is he in:  Weston is in most 6 month clothing, and some 9 month stuff.  I have been having a lot of fun dressing him in some of Carson's clothes, and remembering the special times I had with Carson when he was a baby.  Unfortunately they don't get to wear a lot of the same stuff, due to the different seasons that they were born in, but I am sneaking in a few things here and there.  And having so much fun with it!

-Learned anything new this month:  This little scooter of ours is all over the place!  He rolls from one end of the room-to the other...in a matter of seconds, I swear!  

This month he has really started to get up on his knees and "rock."  I don't think it will be a few months before we have a crawler (this makes me want to cry!)  I feel like Weston has such a strong urge to keep up with Carson, that he needs to get places.  Oh, and he is a very determined little guy......so pair the two together, and I think he will be on the move sooner than I would like :)

-Is Weston a good traveler:  Weston is a pretty good traveler these days.  We went through a little rocky time, but he is a lot better now.  He obviously has his moments, but it's good!  

-Did Weston celebrate any holidays this past month:  No big holidays this month.  But be on the look out the next few months.  Between birthdays and holidays, we are going to be on the go and very busy!

-Recognize anyone new:  I can really tell that he recognizes Mama and Daddy.  It is the highlight of my day--to see his big gummy smile.  He is so happy, and we get to see it often which makes for things to be even more grand!

-Anything else:  Weston is such a happy baby!  He is such a joy to be around, I just can't express my feelings enough about this little soul.  Our family is so complete with him, and I just smile every time I think of the thought that I have two boys at home.

He is still displaying his adorable array of expressions.  He is so full of them, it is too funny!  We all play on the floor at night, and we usually all just laugh at Weston, and his killer cute looks.

Weston has also been drooling a lot an insane amount lately.  We have now entered into this stage, and I remember it so clearly with Carson.  His shirts are soaked, his fingers are always in his mouth, and there is always a string of drool hanging from his mouth.  Always.  But---only a cute baby can pull it off, right?  Weston still has it goin' on!

Just recently he has become a rather "difficult" eater, and will usually only let me feed him.  Carl is getting rather frustrated, but I continue to remind him that this phase will soon pass.  I am adding this to his journal so I can look back on it, and smile as I remember this phase.

Weston is also really enjoying his jumper these days.  He loves to be upright, and be able to look around.  So the jumper is a perfect place for him---he can play with his toys, and look around.  He doesn't miss a beat!

I don't think any one person has come to the conclusion on just how many chins our little guy is sportin'.  Haha.  I absolutely love it!  :)

I have to add this "big milestone" into this journal entry, because Daddy requested it.  He tells me that this should be considered a "holiday"....but I said no.  So, I am at least adding it in somewhere!  This past month, Weston got the opportunity to enjoy his first Monday Night Bengals football game.  This was a BIG deal in our house----let me tell ya!  If you know the Hubby, you know he is a big die hard fan.  All of my boys were decked out in their Bengals attire, and I must admit---I really enjoyed the view of my Men dressed in Black :)

Carson and Weston are the best of friends, and I can see a relationship developing already.  It brings such joy to my soul seeing these brothers interact with one another.  The second Weston hears or sees Carson, he has an instant huge smile plastered on his face.  I could sit and watch the two of them play all day!

I am going to end with these two pictures.  They are so funny to me, and instantly bring a smile to my face!  I mean, who doesn't love baby leg rolls?  I am in love with them.  And the other picture?  Just makes me laugh.  It's like he is so excited to be the little brother.  The picture truly shows what his personality is---so relaxed, and laid back.  He likes to just "hang out."  :) 

My heart is happy thinking about these two little souls that the Lord has entrusted us with!  We are so blessed.

Happy FIVE months to our littlest miracle!