September photo dump

building furniture with mommy

not thrilled about the puddle jumper

so much fun

"not super duper fast...just a little bip fast"

couldn't let big brother have all the fun

a few moments of quiet for mommy

pre-bed brothers

that smile

all ready for our family photos and Z-man throws up all over his clothes...in the van...on the way...he is totally fine...well played big boy.  I think Hunter was ok with the change in plans

turning in my heart monitor...pregnancy induced EVERYTHING...my insurance company loves me

t-ball

did well at the consignment sales

he pooped blue for days...but he loved the mini mouse cupcakes Zack picked out for my birthday

tear

can he fix it...because it's obviously broken...at least that's what mommy says so she doesn't have to shell out quarters

first day with Hunter in his moms morning out program

yep...

sitting in the waiting room for my EKG with no kids

On the Farm

Because we can't go through a fall season without stopping at a pumpkin farm...

The yearly photo by the pumpkin height chart

The best we got of Hunter

My goodness he is getting tall

We loved everything

the cow train

the swings

feeding the goats

this was as far as he got...he wasn't so sure about this thing

the hay ride

Hunter sat so still and so serious

3.5

I can't believe my kid (not toddler) is three and a half...

that's almost 4...

which is really close to 5, which means we are almost in Kindergarten...

eeeeeeeek...

Zack is the best kid I know...

He is funny, he is loving, he is smart, he is thoughtful...

and he never forgets...

remember that time you promised blah blah blah...well now you have to do it because I am totally calling you out..

He loves his little brother...

and is super excited to snuggle his little sister...

I'm so glad I get to be a part of his life.

Birthday Weekend

Adam and I thought it would be nice to take a little trip for my birthday/last trip ever as parents of 2.

We talked about Charleston or Savannah or Asheville or somewhere beautiful and fun like that but settled on Wilmington because we could get there in 2 hours and less time in the car when you are crazy pregnant with major back time was a major deciding factor...plus less time in the car = more time on vacay.

We started with some food (I talked Adam into letting me eat a hot dog...yummmm) and a trip to the beach...because you can't go to the beach without going to the beach...

but really it was miserable.  The wind was ridiculous and after pretending to enjoy the peace and quiet of an empty beach we left with our right sides covered in sand.

We stayed at a B&B our first time ever doing this and we really enjoyed it.

The house was actually owned by the guy who was the architect for the Washington Monument.

We ate Thai food (again...yumm).  We went to several historical homes and went to several antique shops.  And of course we ate a lot...

My favorite was our sunset cruise...I wasn't very hopeful the sunset would be worth it since there were heavy clouds and light rain all day, but the sky opened up just in time for a perfect sunset and started to pour as soon as it got dark.

I love when things work out like that.

On the way out we stopped at a garden that was recommended by another guest at the B&B where they filmed several movies.

Couldn't have asked for a more wonderful weekend.

Stella's Brothers

I took the boys out for a morning photo shoot in the shirts they never got to wear (from Easter) so that I would have some nice pictures of the boys for Stella's room.  I may not have gotten "the shot" I hoped and imagined...or even a shot of both of them looking at me...but that's reality for us.  Zack was quite cooperative and kept saying "I doing good job mommy?  I make you happy?" while Hunter (even with a bribe) at 20 months doesn't care what I want or what photo I'm hoping for.

Dear Stella,
These are your brothers...

for better...

or for worse...

Zack is going to really take care of you.  He is always concerned about what others are feeling and doing.

He loves talking to people and making sure everyone follows the rules.

I'm sure as you grow up he will be your confidant, your go to guy when (tear) you don't feel comfortable coming to your daddy or me.

Zack is a great big brother and will be a great big brother for you.

Hunter is going to be your partner in crime.  He is a cuddler and may not love that you will also need cuddles but he will warm up to you.

He isn't as much of a people person as Zack but once he loves you he LOVES you.  The smile he makes when you come into the room will make any day a good day.

Hunter is a beast...in a good way...I'm certain he will threaten and beat up any boy that looks at you...which for the moment you will hate, but someday will love.

Hunter may not realize he is a big brother until you start taking his toys, but he will always be there for you.

Thanks to your big brothers you will be one tough cookie, which your dad will appreciate.

We can't wait to meet you!