P is for Pumpkin

This year, like every year since the kids, we went to Moore's Pumpkin Patch. It's right off the freeway and you can't miss the ginormous Super Slide and huge blow up pumpkin. Cheesy? maybe, but we always have fun.

This was Baby B's first trip to the pumpkin patch. It was a warm sunny day as usual (gotta love California living!) and Baby C got to ride some rides and run around in the hay. I wanted to go on the Super Slide this year, but Baby C refused to come with me (it probably seems extra ginormous from her height!) and I felt a little ridiculous going on my own...oh wells, perhaps next year. =)

Here are some pictures of our adventure:

Daddy Paparazzi

Sisters!

Hanging out in the wagon.

Gotta love those sprouts! aka ponytails...

Baby B was very focused on that pumpkin...we ended up buying it.

That one was hea-vy!

I have 2 teeth now!

Baby C riding the train.

Troublemaker-in-Training

Over the last couple weeks, Baby B has really come into her own and quickly establishing herself as "troublemaker-in-training". She is definitely following in her sister's footsteps. We've since had to bust out the childproofing gear once again and Baby B just giggles in excitement because its just another new thing for her to fiddle with.

She also had a cool language breakthrough the other day. After a challenging trip at Safeway, Baby B was "helping" me unload the groceries when she grabbed the bananas and repeatedly said "Nana, nana, nana!" I finallly figured out she was saying "banana" and she was relentless until I sat her down in her highchair and peeled a banana for her. She then happily and quietly devoured about a quarter of the banana. In that moment, I realized why she was so fussy at the supermarket...I THINK she just wanted a banana to chew on! It was one of the first items I put in my cart. Go figure!

Baby B is pretty proficient at crawling, cruising, yelling at what she wants, and has a serious curiosity streak. Which is all pretty normal at this stage, but when it's your second child, you almost DREAD them becoming mobile (read: two mobile kids, running in opposite directions)...at least that's how I feel. With Baby C, I distinctly remember things getting simultaneously easier AND harder after age one and becoming mobile. The newfound freedom is exilarating for the young toddlers, which means you have to watch them like a hawk. Their language skills are developing, but it can be quite frustrating (for everyone) when they are so vocal, yet have trouble conveying their needs. I know every child is different, and I look forward to getting to know our little Baby B.

Anyways, one thing is for sure, we've got lots of cool adventures ahead!

Sick Days

Germ season is upon us. Both girls have snotty noses and Baby C has a cough too....and now I think I am coming down with whatever virus they have...and of course Daddy J has been out of town for the past couple days...timing is everything! [rolls eyes]

We've been hanging at home for the past couple days just in case - I hate to spread germs! (even though I know some parents are not so cautious, obviously!) Baby C went back to school today (where I am sure is ground zero). Despite being under the weather, the girls have been in good spirits (minus a few challenging Baby B nights), and no fevers at all, so I know they are not contagious.

Here are some pictures from our "sick days" at home:

Baby C wanted to go outside to play, but all the "equipment" was dirty, so I gave her a bucket of soapy water and sponge, put an apron on her and told her to go for it. She made an effort for about 15 minutes and I had to finish the rest. Then she informed me that she wanted to go back inside AFTER I filled the water table up with fresh water (again with the timing)...which then I used to water the plants with, even though we just had a major storm...sigh!



Here's a picture of Baby B playing in the kitchen. Her personality is really coming out and she is becoming more interactive each day. She is also getting around (via crawling) pretty fast. She is also cruising and finger-walking with brief moments of standing unassisted. We recently just put the safety gate back up in the hallway so she can't climb the stairs. Looks like we will be busting out all the childproofing junk again. Fun times! =P

Happy Birthday ZR!

Today we went to Super Franks to celebrate my cousin's son's birthday (does that make him my second cousin?). They did a "walk-in" party in the Safari Adventure room and it was a blast as usual. Baby C always has a good time there and Baby B is starting to enjoy it too as she gets more mobile.

ZR is two now and quite a little character, completely 180 of his sister at this age...and keeping my cousin JR and her husband on their toes! It's amazing how different siblings can be, I guess its a testament to the "nature" part of the age-old "nature vs nurture" debate!

Man, Super Franks was packed today with all the party rooms filled, and with the parties running about $350-$400 for each 2 hour slot, the owners must be rolling in the dough! Now why did I not think of this business idea? I just love it there, the space, the concept, and even the food and drinks are decent! =)

Here are some of my fav pictures from the party. We only took like 150 of them! LOL! Not too many of Baby C - she was moving too dang fast!

Baby C and Birthday Boy ZR playing "jack in the box".

Good times....

Baby B driving already?!

Rock that fishie!

Just me and the girls!

Baby B posing with the firetruck.

Girls rule!...at least Daddy J!

Cleaning Crocs

Yes, they are in the dishwasher!

Baby C outgrew her stash of Crocs so I thought I would get them nice and clean to store them away for Baby B. they came out a bit faded (I did not even use the heated dry), but they survived!

Walk For Juvenile Diabetes

Last weekend we attended the JDRF Walk in Walnut Creek at Heather Farms Park. Kaiser had a small group organized by Daddy J's finance team.

Gotta hydrate!

It was a leisurely 2 mile walk and I borrowed a double jogging stroller from my friend MA for the occasion. The girls were behaved for the most part, but there was a little stroller drama. This was the first time they've rode side by side (my other strollers are tandem), so I guess it was kind of an experiment for everyone too.

At the beginning of the day - when the stroller was still novel.

Mid-walk - when the natives were getting a bit restless.
Baby B was in Baby C's "personal space" and Baby C did not want to share her cool new Kaiser water bottle...about 10 minutes before that, there were some hair pulling issues...girls will be girls! LOL!

It was beautiful fall day with plenty of sunshine. We enjoyed some KFC grilled chicken for lunch (they donated) and Baby C enjoyed the bouncy houses and kids activities that were set up.

We took a balloon bouquet home to play with...it barely fit in the car with the ginormous stroller, plus our usual junk in the truck, AND our friend CE as a 3rd row passenger!

Everyone got a nap in the car on the way home (including Daddy J), why-o-why must I be such a good wifey? LOL!

Dessert?

Mealtime is always a struggle with Baby C. She eats sooo slow. She is a petiteactive toddler, and I don't want her to run on fumes all the time (which is what it SEEMS to run on). I know some people say don't bribe kids with dessert, but honestly, we'll try just about anything to motivate her to eat just a few bites...some nutrition...some substance!

Here's a picture of her enjoying her "reward" - a Tofutti sandwich (soy). Personally I love ice cream sandwiches, but don't you hate it when the "bread" gets all stuck up in your grill? LOL!

Busy Busy Busy...

OMG, I've been sooo behind on this blog! Last week was especially busy because Baby B had a milestone explosion. She is now officially mobile - crawling forward and is starting to cruise along furniture, AND cut her first 2 teeth. Its funny because Baby C did all these things at about the same time too - 10-ish months...but its not like I am comparing or anything....hah!

And to top it all off, Baby B's sleep "schedule" is still out of whack, so I am a perpetual zombie...plus honestly, Facebook has been eating a lot of my time. That dang site is so addicting. =P

Life's been a bit hectic, here is a "teaser" of upcoming blog entries I need to catch up on:

• Monterey/Santa Cruz Weekend
• Baby C's New Dance Class
• Walk for Juvenile Diabetes
• Adventures With Food

Stay tuned...