Girls Weekend

I was trying to arrange childcare coverage for Miranda's bachelorette trip when Scott asked me if I would chaperone his field trip to Natural Bridges the same week. I asked Karen if she was free and bought her an inexpensive flight. 

It was really hard for me to leave Jane, but I'm grateful Karen was available and willing to come help. I had a great day with Scott. He read everything there was to learn in the center.

The class did the full tour and I saw more butterflies than I've ever seen in the monarch grove.

Then they had some play time on the beach and I talked to some of the other parents. It was nice to get to know some of the kids and parents better since I haven't volunteered in the classroom this year.

Scott loved playing frisbee, but his favorite part of the trip was the Izze I brought for his lunch. He's so easy to please.

I loved being one-on-one with Scott, but I was so glad to get back home to this baby. Mostly to nurse.

She didn't even notice I was gone.

Scott was complaining about his shoes the next morning and I found this.

John and I went out to a movie another night and bought this giant popcorn for the cost of a half hour of babysitting we didn't have to spend.

Plus we don't leave her with babysitters yet, just other moms who are more comfortable with a fussy, needy baby.

Karen didn't seem to mind the extra snuggle time.

We also drove up to Katie's to visit on their early school day.

Karen took the 6 big kids to the park while Jane was napping and Katie was tutoring. When she woke up I fed her and tried to take a picture, but she was so wriggly.

She arched her back and scooched down the couch and was so proud of herself.

So many hungry babies.

Then I ran off to Disneyland with Miranda. It was great knowing John would have some help with his mom at home rather than trying to coordinate getting the kids all over to different places and be running ragged by the time I got back. I had to send him a few food pictures to make him jealous. 

We were excited about the holiday treats and tried as many as we could fit into two days. He sent kid pictures to help me not miss them, but it felt like payback.

The bride-to-be!

Shannon made us matching "mermaid of honor" shirts and Miranda gave us the coordinating mermaid fanny packs and dinglehopper ears.

I did my best to stay hydrated and pump to keep up what little milk I make. It looks like a more impressive amount when you stock up for 72 hours in the freezer.

It was hard for me to be away from Jane, but good to sleep through the night and not juggle the kids' needs for a few days and have uninterrupted grown-up conversations and celebrate Miranda.

Jane Meets the Beach

We went over to Santa Cruz to take family pictures, but they didn't work out, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather.

Scott looking so handsome in his cardigan. We went to the pier and got seafood.

The sea lions were very vocal.

We also checked out the marine sanctuary we've walked past for years.

It had some cool exhibits and the kids enjoyed it.

Baby Jane was unimpressed. It was very small, but free.

We walked down to the ocean and Jane's mood improved.

Her first trip to the beach!

Not a great picture, but the only proof I was there.

Naturally, Jonah could not stay away from the water. Scott got a little wet, but Jonah was soaked completely.

Perry dug right into the sand.

They had a blast running back and forth.

So many cute footprints to show their tracks.

It was a quick trip, but we're looking forward to more.

October II

Two trash trucks at once on our walk home from school. We didn't even know where to look.

I love her tiny shoe socks.

Jonah snuggling his baby groot in our bed. We frequently have to separate them to get anyone to sleep at night or they'll talk forever.

Angelic baby walking to school all cozy.

And the tiniest, cutest yawn.

Sporting her Harry Potter onesie from Amanda.

Perry helping her try to sit up for the picture.

We made ice cream for letter I in preschool.

Unsurprisingly it was a big hit. We did another batch that night as a family.

Jonah changing Jane's diaper.

And getting her dressed in clothes he picked out.

I knew he could do it and he jumped at the chance when I asked him.

He has always been very nurturing and loving to animals and younger kids and baby Jane is no exception.

Helping me make copies at school for the teachers.

Perry made himself a bed of pillows.

Her little tongue kills me.

She smiles so easily now and we all eat it up.

Family movie night has become one of all of our favorite traditions. We're watching some classics they may have skipped over and they always love them.

Jane slept through most of the movie.

Jonah's eye bruise healing nicely.

It mostly looks like eyeshadow.

I love this outfit from my friend Miranda's mom.

Trying to eat daddy.

Giving us such faces lately.

Perry wanted to wear overalls, but Jane's were a little snug.

Too distracted to burp.

She says it's fine, I'll just spit it all up later.

Plotting something nefarious, I'm sure.

Jane was congested and everyone wanted to see the Nose Frida in action. She loved it at first and it worked really well.

Much happier when she can breath.

Ready for an ice cream social.

Perry got his own overalls.

He was so excited.

Jonah went to a classmate's birthday party at Netflix which was really cool.

Jane was surprised and maybe disapproving.

Also happy.

She discovered herself in the mirror.

Which is great in the car.

Every time I trust Perry with my chapstick I remember why I don't trust Perry with my chapstick.

Scooched herself down her bouncy seat. Oops.

New giant hair ties.

Smiley turtle face

Perry doesn't understand personal space, but Jane doesn't seem to mind.

Big stretch in her little jams.

Jonah and I have been making each other mazes. Perry's are too crazy to understand, but Jonah's are actually fun to do.

She handles being put down better if she has lots of people around entertaining her.

Goodbye squeezes before school.

Little pumpkin trying out the big girl stroller seat. We took a long way home and she fell asleep on the walk.

Sitting up in the bumbo seat.

Karen brought this dress for Jane when she came out for her blessing and it's so soft and stretchy.

Brother shenanagins, sharing a costume and trying to sit down in it.

Such a beautiful baby

Her big open smile reminded me of a picture of Scott in this romper, so I dressed her in it.

And added a little bow for fun.

So impressed by Jonah's creation

I helped Britta try on wedding gowns one Saturday and had lunch with the ladies afterward. The Charlottes loved Jane.

Meanwhile, the boys were working in the garden.

And we did some baking

Cute new jammies her Grandma brought back from Yellowstone

First time wearing them and tried her best to stain them.

Freshly washed baby in new, clean jams.

Another day, another gift in the mail. My friend Bonnie gave her this and it was a little big, but I wanted to try her in it.

The little hat and swan were too much.

Meanwhile, Perry picked out some books for us to read.

Enjoying some Cardinals time with daddy.

Happy little sister

Watching Perry clean the sliding door. She'll sit in the swing outside for few minutes and watch the boys play.

So much snuggling.

Slightly cooler weather means we can try some new clothes.

Sweet Jonah loves his baby.

Perry likes interacting with her more as she gets bigger.

Naptime at the book store.

Such a sweet pea.

I love her Jane dress

Multitasking

Perry has been into puzzles again lately.

Baby cardigans

and the toddler in a sweatshirt with leggings. The cutest.

Can't stop kissing her

Such a big girl now.

Looking angelic in white fluff.

Story time with Jonah

Another month soaking up every good memory we could.