She loves you. She loves you not. She loves you!

Liv has adjusted great to school. She really loves Kindergarten, and loves her teacher. We have, however, had one big adjustment related to school. Gwen waits all day for her sister to come home, and by the time Liv does come home, Liv is tired, over socialized and isn't interested in Gwen at all. This is a big change for Gwen, since just weeks ago they were the best of friends and played all day together. So inevitably Gwen feels bad and Liv is frustrated. I've been trying to figure out what to do, and have watched it all slowly get better. Today we had a breakthrough...Yeah! Liv was going across the street to play and really wanted Gwen to come. They played all afternoon. Liv watched over Gwen. Gwen was gleeful over the whole situation. And I have a perma-grin. There isn't much that makes me happier than seeing these girls playing happily together =0).

It feels so good

I am admittedly horrible at laundry. Today I washed folded and put away my loads all in one day. That is an accomplishment, and I feel good about it.

October 2nd in Maine

I went on my first post baby exercise outing this morning. Which included walking Liv to school and then pushing Gwen in the stroller, carrying Beckham in my front pack and walking a couple of miles around our neighborhood, not much but at least it was something. I was reminded how much I love Autumn. It was nice to feel a tinge of inspiration again (I even thought about starting a painting).... it's been a while. I think pregnancy and sleep deprivation had sucked it right out of me. {Gwen teasing me by sitting on the footrest at the front of the stroller}{Liv's class just happened to drive past us in their school bus on the way to their pumpkin patch field trip.}

Happy Birthday Johnny Appleseed

Sir Beckham

Beckham turns 4 weeks old tomorrow. I can hardly believe it. I'm trying my best to drink it all in. He is the perfect snuggley, peaceful little guy. I keep thinking that I am at the perfect point in my life. I adore our kids ages. Beckham has hit this 3 week growth spurt full on. His appettite has monopolized all of my free time lately. I have to admit that I'm looking forward to his every 2 hour feedings to spread out a bit =0). Here are some recent photos. I (of course) think he is beautiful.

I had to throw this one in there just because it is so typical, and that makes me smile.

MudFest

We packed up and headed off into the sticks this weekend to get in touch with our inner hillbilly at the Pittston 4x4 mudfest.

trying our best to play the part.the festivities

I couldn't possibly explain the mud runs.... See for yourself, Click here for some true redneck entertainment-->

video by BR

3 Years Old!

This little one turned 3 on September 8th.
We had a fun little family and friends get together at our house complete with pinata, playset and birthday cake. There has been a lot of excitement at our house surounding Beckham, and Liv starting school, so I was glad to have a special day just for her. And boy was she excited! I don't know anyone who shows true, gleeful excitement quite like this little gal. She is such a joy. Happy Birthday Gwenabeanie, we love you!

Kindergarten!

Liv started kindergarten on August 31st. 3 days after Beckham was born. I was a little worried about all of the changes she had in such a short time, but she has done great. She LOVES school. One of her favorite things is riding her bike to school every day. Gwen, Beckham and I enjoy it too because it gets us out on a walk every morning, and it is pretty cute to watch Liv. Here are some pictures of Liv on her first day. BR blocked off his first appointment so that he could join us.

This is my sister

She is creative, fun, great conversation, reads stories with very entertaining accents, and she has always looked after me. Did I mention she is fun?? She really is. She left her husband and 4 kids for a week so that she could come out and take care of us. We all (Me, Brad, and the girls, and Beckham) loved every minute of having her around.

Thanks to Bridgette for watching Gwen, and Brad for watching Liv at the office after school, Angi and I spent a whole day at the coast with just Beckham. We ate "coffee pots" (a local sandwich...yum) on top of Cadillac Mountain. Drove around Acadia National park, and shopped and looked for rocks in Bar Harbor, where I forced her to try lobster ice cream =0).we introduced her to whoopie pies, red hot dogs, crab rolls, tubing, the rope swing, and driving the seadoo. We voted her "best rookie tuber!" She had serious skills. She went against Brad and wore him right out. Our girls are seriously in love with her, and for a good reason. She is such a fun/silly play mate. We can't wait to see you again soon Angi!

"Angi, I can't wait until I go to Grandma's house, and I love having you here at my house." -A note from Liv

More Blessing Day Pictures

I originally tried to download these pictures, but they took way too long and I didn't want to wait around for them. So here they are a few days later.

Blessing Day

My boys, on Beckham's blessing day. Beckham's little outfit belonged to Brad as a baby, it was even cuter in person =0).

CBR

I've had lots of questions about this little guys name. He is, in a round about way, named after Brad. I came up with Beckham a long time ago, and mentioned it to Brad along with about 50 other names. Brad immediately loved it. Cole was our second choice. I really wanted to name him after Brad and Brad really wanted him to go by his middle name (Brad is C. Bradford). Brad came up with the idea of naming him Cole Beckham...C. Beckham, giving him the same initials as his dad and grandfather. We hadn't finalized the choice before he was born, but as soon as he was born, my first thought was that Beckham fit him. So here he is. C. Beckham--> These pictures below are just one of the perks of having my sister in town. Thanks Ang =0).

Snap shots from Beckham's first week

For my parents because they can't be here yet and I know they are dieing to snuggle him.

One day old.... I adore this moment.

One of the only times he has opened his eyes.

Love you mom and dad. We send you all of our love! Wish you were here =0).