a 2.5 photo shoot with Chuckles

Recently, prior to our new addition, I took Charlie off on an adventure. . .one where he had fun exploring and I had fun with my camera! It was time to capture Chuckles at the ripe old age of 2 and a half. When Luke was 2 and a half (2.5 years ago to be exact) I had a photographer friend in town who took Luke off for a photoshoot. Back then I still had my baby pocket camera and loved a good pic, but wasn't in to photography yet (although lately I haven't done much studying or practicing like I'd like to). We ordered some prints of Luke and have them hanging in our bedroom.

So, a few weeks ago, because my friend has moved out of town, and Charlie reached 2.5 years, it was time for us to venture out to the same locale and for me to shoot away. Little Charlie had a blast playing with leaves and running around through a tree hole. He was quite cooperative and I love his expressions! He is such a sweet, caring, energetic, independent, joy-filled boy! At 2.5 there is never a dull moment and we are cherishing our Chuckles. I now have some photos to print of Charlie to add to our bedroom! Hooray!

the need for speed--Happy 5th Birthday Lukey!

Our baby turned 5 a couple of weeks ago! No sillies, not Miles. Time doesn't fly that fast! However, our first baby Luke (all of our boys will always be our babies) did just have a birthday. He went from 4 to 5, which to me, is big kid world in the blink of an eye. It feels like we were in the hospital having him yesterday. But really, it was Miles. Except that it wasn't yesterday. You know what I mean.

Anyway, our little Lukey has been loving all things related to speed lately--particularly, Lightning McQueen. And if you aren't sure who Lightning McQueen is, you must not have boys or have been to Target (or any retail store for that matter) recently, because this race car from the movie, Cars, is everywhere. So, for his birthday, we called on race fans from all over and had a party geared toward speed! And, being that his party was about 10 days after Miles was born, I sure felt like I needed some speed--if you know what I mean--but I wouldn't do that, don't worry!

Race fans. . .start your engines!!!

We started out with a bing bag toss into tires (like Mater's junkyard)

and the kiddos made license plates like Lukey is modeling to wear during the big race. . .

but before the race, they had to fuel up with cake and ice cream of course. . .

and then they were ready to speed off. . .

Lukey opened some sweet gifts from some sweet friends. . .

while the "behind the scenes crew" made their own license plates. . .

and Mommy and Daddy's too, so we could have a family pic, but Miles was already asleep by then.

And this piece of art was made by my talented sister, aka Aunt Mary. . .

Happy Birthday Lukey. We are so proud of you and love you with all of our hearts!
Happy 10-10-10 to our Speed Racer! We thank the Lord for you everyday!

pumpkin pickin'

I love the fall. I love the colors, the, pumpkins, the hay, the smells, the food, the football, the crisp, cooler weather, and because it begins special times of traditions with family--like picking out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch! Though we usually head down to Hernando for a fun pumpkin patch adventure, it looks like it might be tough to get there this year, you know, with a new baby and all, not to mention various birthday parties and an upcoming beach trip with grandparents for the boys. Sooo, we drove down the street to pick out pumpkins from a local church to support a mission trip!

I'm pretty sure Charlie didn't remember picking out pumpkins from last year, but he was quite into it this year. Found a pumpkin and it was love at first sight! The thing weighed a lot for a small bit like him, but Chuckles was determined to carry it with him through the pumpkin patch. And in the car. And wanted to have the pumpkin sit by him at on the table. And wanted to take it to a birthday party yesterday. And wanted to sleep with it (but we didn't let him). Cute!

Luke was also excited about picking his pumpkin and of course, was determined to find the BIGGEST one, though in the picture below he's holding the smallest one. But, what is it with kids' obessesion with big? It seems they all think the biggest wrapped present must be the best, ya know? Actually, don't we all do that? Like at Christmas, don't we all get a little excited about the big unknown present? Unless of course we see a very little box, say in turquoise, wrapped in a bow. Then, we my sister and I get all giddy. But I digress. . .

And Miles, well, he was along for the ride. He slept right through the adventure and missed out--because it was fun picking out pumpkins with our family of five!



Silly faces!!





Pumpkin pickin' 2010



baby Miles. . .the first few days

sweetest little thing

Hello family and friends! I have finally returned from almost 5 weeks of non-posting! Hope you are still reading--or that you will return to reading as I return to blogging! I'm sure that most of you know by now, we welcomed our third little boy, Miles Court into the world at the end of September! I think I should mark my return into the blogging world with pictures of our precious new addition and a couple of tid-bits about our first week or so with Miles!

Though we are not even 2 weeks into Miles' new life, sweet Luke and Charlie seem to be adjusting well so far. Luke is definitely more hands on and curious about Miles, diapers, sleeping, etc. He loves to give Miles hugs and kisses. Charlie is a little more cautious, not super eager to give out hugs or kisses, but follows his big brothers's lead. He is definitely more curious about breast-feeding and pumping and all that goes with a new baby than Luke is. His questions are entertaining, "What's that?", "Where's the milk?", "Why is Miles doing that?", etc. All in all, we think Luke and Charlie love their new little brother and we know Miles will be looking up to them soon!

As for Miles, he is adorable! We aren't sure what color hair he will have--it's kind of brownish, redish right now--but it is spikey and he certainly has more hair than either of his brothers did at this point. He's a sleepy little thing, during the day. He most certainly does not like to be awake when he eats, which makes meal times s-l-o-w or makes him hungrier earlier. We had a rough couple of nights where he screamed for hours, which is somewhat expected, but he's gotten on track and is doing pretty well at nights. However, I'm probably bringing on a long crying spell by even saying that. Miles seems to have a twinkle in his eyes as if he's wise to the world and I swear he's already smiling--though I know you are all thinking, "Oh sweetie, that's just gas!"

We are beyond thankful to the Lord for our newest little blessing and we appreciate all of you for your sweet phone calls, emails, notes, visits, etc. welcoming Miles into the world! And without further delay. . .




first little cries

 


Mommy, Daddy and baby Miles



big brothers greet Miles

"Ummm, what do I do with this?"

Mimi and Grandpa meet their 3rd grandson

Aunt Mary and Kevin welcoming Miles

Miles already snuggling with Daddy

Our newest little angel!

Mommy and her baby