Pumpkin Patch 2011

A few Fridays ago, we went to Patterson Farm for our now annual pumpkin picking. We had a great times with friends and family and were especially thankful that Jeremy got to go with us. My sister took some great photos. I can't keep up with the baby and take pictures anymore.

Family Picture Outtakes. haha

Haven coming out of the huge pipe slide.

Jovie in the corn.

Haven and Addie dancing in the corn.

Picking the perfect pumpkin. Well, not so perfect. It was falling over from being rotten the next day. haha

On the hay ride. I like laughing pictures because it shows us in our natural state. We love to laugh!

Stella, Emma, Haven, Addie, Bethany, Jake, Bonnie w/ Sawyer, and Jovie

Pop and Jovie

8 months old

Jovie turned 8 months old yesterday. These days are flying by and I feel like she will be a big kid like Haven soon. Jovie became a lot more verbal over the last month. She babbles and yells. I think she may have a deep voice like Haven. She is really sweet baby, but I think she may be spoiled rotten. She loves mommy time, but she has done well with bottles and staying with grandparents. Daddy taught her to clap on Saturday and she is still practicing waving. She is so cute and we feel so blessed to have her. She and Haven love each other and that makes me so happy.

swingin'

Both girls have been enjoying swinging on these nice, cool, fall days. Jovie even fell asleep for the first time in the swing the other day. Over the past few weeks, Haven has learned to swing by herself. She isn't pumping her legs very hard, but she learned to use her upper body to get her going. I think she got some extra cheering and clapping at preschool and that really encouraged her. She still likes to be pushed, but it is so awesome to watch her swing on her own.

our nephew jake

Jake was the first baby I fell in love with. I felt like he was my own for a while and it was my time with him that made me sure I wanted my own children. I can't believe he will be five in a few months and start school next year. Last Friday, we went to the pumpkin patch and on the drive up I noticed how much he and Haven favor even more now as they are getting older. The dark dots on their faces are from my camera, not bruises.

He was holding Jovie the other day and was being so sweet to her. I love seeing little boys be compassionate and caring. Jovie loves seeing Jake and Bethany. She gets so excited.

Preschool Pressure

Haven started preschool a month ago and I have been feeling the heat. It's not her, she is adjusting well. She doesn't cry anymore and she shares all of the fun stuff she did at school on the way home. She enjoys her new friends. However, I had heard other mothers with kids talk about all of the money and stuff that comes with school. I totally didn't think we would already be dealing with that in a 2 day a week, 2 year old class. For instance, we already got information about 2 fundraisers, 2 events that we need to volunteer for, picture day, and a book sale. We already pay a sign up fee and a monthly fee, now we need to pay for a pizza party, books, send candy, volunteer during the time I am paying them to have Haven, and pick out an outfit for picture day. Luckily, I didn't cave and buy a new bookbag and lunchbox. We just used what she already had, but I noticed a kid look at her lunchbox that we got for free and make a comment about it.

I am enjoying the 8 hours with Jovie a week and having a little time to get a few errands done. Haven is enjoying herself and I am thankful that she is doing well with being away from me. I just wanted to document this because I know it will probably just get worse and we have to decide how much we will do and how much money we will spend.

P.S. I am such a sucker for new books and pattern blocks. I bought 3 things from the book sale, but wanted it all. I am hoping the pictures won't be really good, because I am a sucker for those too.

Haven definitely doesn't feel the pressure. She fell on my fingernail somehow and scraped her nose. She said she needed a bandaid.

This picture is a major stress reliever. I have such funny girls.Note from dad: Thank you Jovie for censoring Haven's buck cratt so I didn't have to use photoshop.

Love Daddy.

Apples

Last Friday, my sis and her kids, Bonnie and her kids, Bonnie's mom, and me and the girls went to Apple Hill Orchard to get the fall season started off right. We enjoyed a story about bees, watched the cider making process, tasted a few treats, picked our apples, took a tractor ride, and had a picnic. It was a cool day in Morganton, but it was great compared to the scorcher last year when we picked apples. Plus, last year I was pregnant with Jovie and feeling pretty rough. We had a great time with our friends again this year. I took one picture the whole day, but my sister took some great ones.

pictures from my sister below: