Story Time With Russell

Over the summer months, Russell's vocabulary has been increasing by leaps and bounds.  We're getting to that, "when did he learn that word?" stage (e.g. "frightened", "find it").  Bed time is a favorite for me because he is focused on reading and isn't distracted by his big sis, other toys, or food.  I remember reading this book with Annalise when she was the same age.  Time flies!





Here are some random factoids about Russell so we can look back and remember!

- Finally sleeping through the night (did so around 16 months)
- Bed by 7:30, wakes around 6:30-7p
- Take 1 to 2 naps per day
- Drinks an 8 oz bottle before bed, doesn't drink very much during the day.
- Wearing #4 diapers
- Loves the ocean!
- More selective eater than Annalise.  Loves oatmeal, rice, pancakes, pasta, bagels, apples, oranges, tomatoes, bananas, pears, and seaweed.  Not a big fan of bread.
- Seems to have stinky feet
- Sweats a lot
- Calls out "Mommy, mommy!!" when he wakes up
- Wants to be around Annalise all the time and do everything she's doing.
- Likes saying "Dump Truck" to any large vehicle.
- Fascinated by emergency vehicle sirens and always wants to be picked up to see one go by.
- Starting to sing random songs.
- He pushes his foot into your chest (footsies) if you sit next to him in his car seat.
- Is very sensitive and will kiss you or pat your head if you show signs of pain, sadness, or distress.
- Gets very angry if he doesn't get what he wants! (He's getting better...we think)
- Gets in these funny, hyper moods where he'll start yelling, giggling, and runs around.
- Goes poop after breakfast and dinner.
- Enjoys vacuuming and playing outside.
- Randomly says 'amen' when eating.

Camping at South Carlsbad

Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach.  Our second camping trip ever with the two kids.  First was last year at Doheny.

Kids enjoying the sand

Russell LOVED the waves.

Kids helping setup camp

    

 Pre-dinner smores....even let Russell have a bite.  Tracy came by and asked Russell if he had something yummy and he gave the biggest grin!

  

 

The view from our campsite

In our 8x10 tent there was enough space for Russell's Pack and Play, our inflatable Queen mattress, and...

a tiny 2' wide strip for Annalise to sleep on!  She slept like a log. 

 

Some Mommy & Daughter time in the morning

 

Some Daddy & Son time...

Anna's backpack sleeping bag.  Getting ready to leave.

 

Laugho Comparo

Similar ages. Similar contagious laughs.

Recital Vid

I'm Waiting For My Prince

Annalise has been going to her princess ballet class for a few months and is always asking when class is. Here are some photos from her 1st ballet recital just this last weekend. Honestly, I thought she'd have stage fright given the not-so-stellar performances she gave us at home leading up to the recital. However, some sort of magic turned on when she went on stage! We're so proud of her hard work and accomplishment.

Comparo: Halloween Costume

Comparison of our kiddos at the same age, same place.

Snow White and the 2 Dwarves. With special guest,"Lion."

"Really. When she looks back on the effort you spent in making her the Snow White costume, she'll be so thankful that you did. You will, too."

I'd like to think my words of encouragement helped motivate her into finishing the Snow White costume, but really, it was Tracy's desire to see her little girl in a hand crafted princess outfit. Thus far Anna has been a Lady Bug, a Bee, and now a fictitious Disney princess with an affinity for small woodland man-creatures. With each, we have distinct memories, but this year would be different because of how aware she is of things, and (lets be frank) this year she'll actually eat the candy.

"As for Russell, just throw him in whatever fits. He wont care. He's a boy."

The first of the weekend's activities was going to our church's Harvest Party. If you haven't been to one or would like to attend our's some time, you should! A Trick-or-Treat alternative with lots of games, activities, bounce houses, food, and candy. Russell preferred riding on mommy's back instead of being in his warm Lion outfit.

Anna with some friends. (Love the matching black eye with the boxing outfit)

Snow White and the 2 Dwarves + Russell

By far, one of Anna's favorite carnival activities: The Bounce House!

Cruisin...

Snow White taking part in one of the games.

Snow White meets up with 2 Bee friends

Her first cotton candy......and her last for a while.

Surprisingly, she didn't eat the whole thing.

The Lion emerges and is on the prowl! (with some help)

Snow White meets up with a fairy (good friend Abby)

The Lion and Snow White