Smiles for daddy

Ryan and Patrick came down to the studio so I could test my lights. Nothing better then watching the two of them interact. Patrick can't help but smile when his dad is around and I can't help but smile to see them together.

PS... Patrick has a new tooth again. although it isn't the other top tooth, it is the one next to his top tooth. He has a funny lookin' smile these days!

In the thick of it

Patrick enjoyed "helping" as much as he could with the kitchen project.
Patrick loves riding on daddy's shoulders. It is so cute how he will use his ears to hang on.

Isn't it fun when there are no doors so you can just play directly with anything in the cupboards?

Taking a ride with Grandpa and daddy!

Praying....

If you follow some links off of my blog you will read My Charming Kids. There is a little boy, Stellan that is sick. Please think of him and his family and pray that he makes it through this nightmare of a situation.


Click here to see all the photos of Stellan's name.

Kitchen remodel Part 2

Wow, what a long, hard working weekend it was. First, we finished priming the kitchen last week before the in-laws arrived.

Before any real work could start, Patrick needed to try out his wagon(refinished after years of use by Ryan).

On Friday, Paul worked to get a few coats of paint on the cupboards while Linda worked on priming the doors.

The cupboards needed a little work, so Paul and Ryan worked on that a bit Saturday morning.

Finally the new countertops are on! (well not secured, but on anyway!) Paul and Ryan worked on the hole for the sink and showed off their better sides.

Sink is in, along with our new refridgerator. Once again, Ryan shows off his backside, I think there is a trend here.

Patrick wanted to help out too. Here he is showing off his painting skills.

And although still not finished, we have something that looks like a kitchen!


Next up: install the dishwasher, secure the countertops, finish painting the trim and doors, install the hardware and then I think we will be done!

I ♥ faces No Flash Entry

Here is my entry for this week at I ♥ faces

I have a dirty little secret to admit, I suck at natural light since moving to a DSLR. I just can't seem to find the right combination that will give my photos the pop I want without a flash. So for this week's contest I dug deep into my archives to find some favorites from the point and shoot days of my early photography.

This weeks Kid's entry is my niece, Madison. I loved this photo when it was taken and with a couple extra new technology tweaks, I love it even more!


My sister will kill me for this next one, my adult entry, but I love it. It is one of the real pictures I have of her with a "real" smile. She is notorious for doing "fake" smiles when the camera is on her. This one is especially great, because she always lights up when her daughter is close.

Kitchen remodel Part 1

So we have begun our kitchen remodel. Which is certainly an interesting process with a baby! So here is a before look at the kitchen:(ignore the cute butt!)

We started by cleaning out the cupboards so that everything didn't end up with a layer of sawdust.
Patrick helped to pack up the booze. He had to change his pants for the job, so hence the shirt with the monster PJ bottoms!

Taking a break with daddy.


So first step was cleaning out the cupboards, second was taking off the cupboard doors and hardware, next was sanding, then priming and painting.

Here is Patrick helping with the sanding.

Who knew a spatula could provide so much entertainment!

The out-laws arrive this evening to help. They'll help this weekend to finish painting, installing hardware, new countertops, new sink/faucet and new dishwasher/refridgerator. You'll notice the new range already installed above. whew.. this may be the end of a perfectly good relationship between Ryan and I. Wish us luck!

First Steps!

I wanted to get this up today despite being home sick. Although because I was home, Ryan and I both got to witness this amazing milestone. Patrick took his first steps from me to Ryan today. It was so cool to witness as he was so proud of himself and smiling from ear to ear. He has been so hesitant to let go of our hands when he is standing. Today I let go of him and instead of sitting right away like he usually does, he just stood there for a second or two, looked at Ryan and the walked to him. Then he repeated this a few more times between us. So fun!

Sorry, no video as our camera is still in sunny FL!

Nice weather

We finally have nice weather! Patrick and decided to make our first trip to the park this year to enjoy it. He had a good time crawling around and thought the slide was really fun. He also enjoyed the swing.

You can also see evidence of his new tooth up top!(did I mention his eye tooth is also coming in?? ugg, what a week!)

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Happy Patrick's Day!

Happy Birthday Shay!

Shay turned 1 yesterday. Sorry, I'm a day late. Here is a little walk down memory lane for this special little girl in our lives.

Holy Cow!
You are sure a lot like your mommy~ you are on your own schedule and do as you please already! Coming 2 days earlier than expected and surprising everyone. I'm so glad that you are here safe and sound already. I am really looking forward to meeting you as well. (it'll be at least another month yet maybe) Mommy is really excited that I already have 2 friends born only 2 days a part and only 4 oz different! Be nice to your mom as she recovers and enjoy your first moments in this world with your mom and dad!
love lots,
baby bliss

Shay and Patrick on their first of many walks together.

Shay and Patrick enjoying a playdate

Getting ready for lots of babies in a picture

And enjoying a snack most recently.

I ♥ faces St. Patrick's Day entry

I think I may have to do a whole week of green in honor of Patrick's Week! But here is my entry for I ♥ faces. They are featuring green this week. Perfect for my little Patrick!

11 months

Wow, is this the last month that we count in months? Or can I get away with it for a while? This has been a busy month for Patrick. He has learned new tricks and is changing by the minute.

Playing
Patrick certainly has some favorite toys lately. (Beyond cords, the telephone and the remote controls, which are still his favorites)
He loves his push toy, Sophie is getting chewed on a lot lately, he has started playing with trucks and learning how to push them, he has enjoyed this really annoying ball toy from his uncle, and his basketball hoop from Great Grandma Hilma. He also enjoys anything with wheels, especially his cart (although he still get's upset when he hits a wall and can't turn around) As far as non-toys, he loves the dishwasher (climbing on it and taking out all the dirty dishes) he has also been a big fan of the spatula lately, he also enjoys the humidfier in the nursery so much that sleeping is difficult because he gets mad that he can't play with the humidifier. go figure.

Moving
Patrick has become very efficient at crawling. He is fast these days and will be in the next room before we even turn around. He loves to walk holding our hands, but gets mad when we try to let go or stop following where he wants to go. He can stand if he doesn't realize he isn't leaning on something. He is also getting better at walking with just one hand holding on. He is great at going up the stairs and learnign to go down. He has learned how to climb off of small objects as well.

Sleeping
Patrick is getting much better at sleeping. We can mostly predict that he will be in bed by 9pm and sleep until around 3 or so with a brief waking to nurse until about 7. There are plenty of exceptions to this, but they are exceptions.

Eating
Patrick is mostly eating what we are eating now. It is much easier for meals this way. His best meal is dinner and he seems to really eat a lot (until we look at the floor and realize that 2/3 of it is there instead!) He loves brocolli, cheese, chicken, pears, peaches, bananas and oatmeal. He also enjoys the occational Nilla cookie with dad.

Tricks
Patrick has learned a lot this month. He is close to talking real words, but still practicing mostly. fofo, papa, kaka, mama, dada and such. He has said Kitty and Up along with mama and dada, but hasn't repeated the first two. When asked what kitty says he will sometimes reply with a "hisss.." He is getting better at "so big" and loves to growl with daddy. They have a great time playing at the dinner table lately.

Other things
Patrick has 3 teeth now and is working on his 4th. He is in mostely 12-18 month close and our home scale had him at 20lbs. He does really well when we take him out to eat. He flirts with the waitressess and enjoyes new settings. He loves play dates and does great with other kids his age. He always lights up when he sees other kids as he seems to just "know" they are little. We have noticed that he is remembering things more as evidenced by our recent trip to FL and remembering the plane tray.

Our Patrick is just a joy and we enjoy hanging out with him. I will probably still call him my baby even though my baby is turning 1 very soon!

Talking, well sort of.

So I have a couple of talking stories to share. First, is the dialog between Patrick and Miss Cleo the cat.

Patrick typicaly lights up when he sees her and then runs/crawls over to her so that he can yank on her colar a bit.
Today he got home and saw Miss Cleo, got his typical wide mouth smile and said "Hsss...!"
So I said back to him. "Patrick, what does kitty say?"
Again. "Hsss...!"
*laughing* "Patrick, what does kitty say?"
and Again. "Hsss...!"

I am thinking this will be a constant fixture in our house that kitties don't say "meow" they say "Hsss..!" (no comments from those who know this kitty and know how true this is!)

About 3:30 am...

Catharine: So… Question.
Ryan: Yeah?
Catharine: Our boy.
Ryan: Yes?
Catharine: I’m still keeping an eye on him?
Ryan: (Pause) He’s in his crib sleeping.
Catharine: Then who’s in my lap?
Ryan: That’s the cat.
Catharine: ….Oh.

ah yes, sleep deprivation at it's finest.

no, I don't remember hardly a word of this, I am a bit prone to talking in my sleep.

Happy Birthday Mr. Miles!

Hey there!
My Mommy and daddy are so excited that you arrived yesterday. They just know that God has great plans for you in your life and they are honored to be a part of this occasion. They can't wait to meet you in person. I am also looking forward to meeting you as well. I just know we will be best buds. I can't wait until we can hang out with our dads and invent cool stuff to make money with, or perhaps our moms will have some fun adventures to take us on. The future is looking bright. Give me another month or so and then we'll see who has more hair!
love lots,
Baby Bliss

1 year ago today, a little boy came into our lives. Thank goodness for this precious, adorable little boy. His name is Mr. Miles and he is 1 today. Thanks for some wonderful 1st year memories, we can't wait to make a lot more!

Visiting Patrick on Miles' 1 month birthday

Visiting Patrick on Patrick's first day home

Hanging in the studio

Best buds



I will post soon all about my 11th month old, Patrick!

nom nom nom

We finally made it to church last night after a way too long hiatis. We enjoyed a great soup dinner and then on to church. Patrick did really well just sitting on my lap and listening to the singing. When the sermon started, Patrick decided he was hungry. So, sitting in the back row I began to descretely nurse him. or so I thought. Patrick decided he would express his happiness at eating by begining a nice chorus of "nom, nom, nom" "NOM, NOM, NOM" "NOOOMMMM, NOOOMMM, NOOOMMM". Ryan and I began laughing so hard that we had tears running down our cheeks. Other congregation members also heard him and began turning around. Needless to say, he got bumped off and we decided to walk around instead. Nothing like a child to make you into a very humble person!

Is spring here yet?

I was reminded of this photo by reading another blog today. This is a photo of my favorite apple tree growing up. I used to try to find flowers for mom on mothers day and since there weren't a lot blooming, I would usually just snap a branch off of this tree for her. I love the memories this photo of that tree brings now that we have sold our farm and thought I would share.

Aunt Leah's eyes?

Ok, I was looking at this picture again and had to post again. I noticed this just slightly the other day. But it appears that Patrick right eye is more blue and his left eye is more brown/green (when looking at the picture it is left eye blue, right eye brown/green). Could it be that he has two different eyes like his Aunt Leah? Click the photo to make it larger and see for yourself.



On another note, a milestone for you.
Patrick climbed off a stool during our St. Patrick's day photo shoot. He did it all by himself without help and without falling!

oh and I better mention that Patrick slept all night and past our alarm this morning for the first time! Woohoo! This was especially nice since it took us 2 hours to get him to bed in the first place.

It's almost my day

What day you ask?
My 11 month birthday..
well almost.
Miles 1 yr birthday?
almost...
Shay's 1 yr birthday?
almost.
No sillies!

ST. PATRICKS DAY!

Here is some green and a tease for what is to come...

Fun at the dinner table

Patrick loves dinner time. He is becoming quite the good eater as well. One of his favorites lately is brocolli. Ryan isn't sure where this came from, since it is his least favorite. He also is enjoying some chicken lately along with all sorts of noodles. Patrick has begun to learn some new tricks and dinner seems like the perfect time to practice. One of those is "so big". The thing is he usually has a fist full of food when he raises his arms above his head. This results in some very messy dinners!

The Ladies Man

Patrick has enjoyed some fun times with his lady friends. This past weekend his daycare buddy Layla came to visit for a photoshoot. She attempted a kiss, but Patrick wasn't having it.




Tonight Shay came to visit for a playdate. They enjoyed a little basketball, chasing the kitty and a snack together.




With all these girlfriends it is lucky there is Miles! Gosh beside Miles (oops and Jack! thanks Jack!), Patrick is friends with: Shay, Layla, Tayla, Elizabeth, Nina, Sophia, Lucy and many other girls in our life. Bring on the Strawberry Shortcake! (perhaps dad can give you some pointers!)