When Gus was Lucy's (current) age.....

He looked like this:

Gosh I love my cute kiddos. (big and small)...

Bonaparte Lake

Gus and Daddy, on the hunt for some fish.

Gus selects the perfect fly for the job.

The colors are starting to change and there is a nip in the air- ah, its fall!

Party- pooped out

One minute, she is playing with her toys, and the next: well, she's out! I think its the second child bonus: sometimes she starts to fuss but I am busy with Gus, and then I go to her and she has already put herself to sleep. This is what happened last night, while we were eating a lovely meal that Matt fixed for my birthday.

"Her's is thirty!"

Gus told everyone today: "My mom is having a birthday. Her's is thirty!"

And the first thing he said to me this morning: "Mom, can I help you eat your birthday cake?"


This is one of the best birthdays ever for me. I have my two kids, my husband, my home, my family, my health, and my career. So much to be thankful for. And I am not driving a minivan and not wearing 'mom' jeans. Wrinkle cream is right around the corner, though!

Lucy's 4 month stats

Length: 24.5 inches (40th percentile)

Weight: 14 pounds, 8 ounces (50th percentile)

Head Circ: 16.5 inches (60th percentile)

Today was Lucy's 4 month old check up. She charmed the nurses with her giggles and dazzled the entire office with her nude baby buns en route to the scale. She handled the shots well, and let out a cute little nervous toot right before they poked her. Lucy's parachute reflex is that of a 6-9 month old baby (advanced child!), and she is doing just fine, as we all know.

Lucille is 4 months old today!

As you can see, Lucy is now pulling off her socks quite regularly. We go to the Doc tomorrow to find out how big she is now. Time is just passing so quickly! It's bittersweet...

Swan Lake Camp-out

Gus, Grammy Kath, and Fredddie (Stanley, too in the shadow).

Gus was in weekend mode.

Lucy and Grandma Connie. Lucy wearing a hat that I used to wear (nearly 30 years ago).

...and Lucy napping in the trailer.

We have to use the "RB" as much as we can before the weather fizzles, right? It was a gorgeous weekend- a little chilly at night- but we all had a ball.

Big Day

I took these pictures of the kids today after work, while we were hanging out and watching the nightly news. Today is a big day: happy birthday Aunt Holli! - wow, the big 3-0, happy birthday cousin Dan, and he gets the best birthday present of all: a brand new baby! Dan and Misty welcomed Aidan Darby Steven O'Brien today: 9 pounds 9 ounces. Baby boy is healthy and Misty is doing fine.

7 years ago we were glued to the t.v. (Matt and I, in Missoula). Wow, the world has changed so much since then and these kiddos are a wonderful reminder that life goes on... for the better, methinks....

Sleeping Babes

Looks like we have a thumbsucker in the house!
(this morning, cuddling on daddy's side of the bed while Momma was in the shower)

And Gus, dreaming away downstairs....

Fun in Walla Walla

The three cousins.

Lucy and May, having a little chit chat.



Gus, thouroughly enjoying the bunnies and pony ride at the Walla Walla County fair.

Uncle Ben and Miss May

Cousin's Conversation

First Day of School

Today was Gus's first day of Preschool. He loved it, and was sad when it was over after 2 and a half hours. He will go two mornings a week to the three-year-old class. He has his own cubby and desk and a whole batch of new friends. I can't believe my guy is all grown up and is such a big kid now. All of these new adventures we are having are so much fun- I can't wait to see how he does and what he learns this year.

Real Men Wear Babies...

(and drink white wine)

Note the drool stain left by Lucy, as well as just how cozy (and sound asleep) she appears all wrapped up with Dad.

Baby Girl, Big Cuteness.

The Gus Man

On Daddy's Lap