No more binkie for Addison!

This past weekend was an eventful weekend....for Addison. We decided to take away her binkie (pacifier). She was only getting it at naptime, bedtime and car rides (if that is not enough). Bob and I always said we were going to take it away by the time she turns 2 and well, that is just 6 days from now. She was a bit devastated to say the least. It took 90 minutes for her to fall asleep the first night and her first nap on Saturday did not go too well either. We kept her very busy this weekend with a b-day part to attend, a Cardinals game and a bbq. We kept her up late every night to insure she was going to be tired and maybe would fall asleep ok because she would be exhausted. I guess it worked. She has slept pretty darn well despite not having her binkie (she was very attached to it). She is still asking for it but hopefully will recover from this shock very soon. We are anxious for her 2nd b-day on Sunday....she is such a big girl.

Also this weekend we stopped swaddling Lucas. That may not seem like a big deal to most people especially if you don't have kids, but Lucas was swaddled with his blanket every night for bed. He took this change very well though!

Here are some pictures from Sunday. It was actually not extremely hot for a change so we got to spend a ton of time outside. I was able to take the kids for a walk in the morning and we hung out in the backyard with the neglected swing set. The kids had a great time and even played to together for a little bit.

Trip to Chicago!

The 4 of us took our first trip to Chicago together. It sure is not easy traveling with a toddler and a baby but it went pretty well.

We got to finally meet Venessa and Jimmy's new baby Erica. She is 6 weeks old and tiny and adorable.

We went to Mia's (Becky and Cort's daughter) 1st b-day party. I think Mia had a great time. The party was a lot of fun. Becky really made is special for Mia. Isn't she just so cute.

We went downtown one day and spent some time with Marina and Corey.

Addison just loves Marina and Corey's dogs. She was scared of them at first but as you can tell she loves them now.

Lucas turns 4 months old.

I knew Lucas was going to be big at his 4 month appointment today....he is 16 lbs 6 ounces (he is 4 months and 1 week). He is now in the 75th percentile. He is 25 1/2 inches long (also the 75th percentile). Lucas is now wearing 6-9 month clothes and a size 3 diaper. He did well with his shots (just cried until I was able to pick him up) and we got the go ahead to start spoon feeding rice cereal and even yellow veggies if he takes the cereal well. To say the least....he is a much bigger baby than Addison ever was. We love our big boy!

I just love his smile!

They love each other so much and that makes us so happy.

Addison's new thing is saying "I have an idea". I am not really sure where she got that from.

Addison's first trip to the movies.

It sure has been hot here in St. Louis. It is just awful and has been about 100 everyday for the past week or so. It is even supposed to get hotter. Tuesdays high this week is expected to be 104. I would take a cold Chicago winter day over this heat anyday!

Addison and I had a big day on Saturday. I decided that I wanted to take Addison to her first movie. Normally that would be crazy to take an almost 2 year old to the movie, but Addison is very good about sitting and watching an entire movie (I am not sure if that is a good thing or not). Bob was helping his brother put in tile floors on Saturday so I took Lucas to my parents house and Addison and I went to the movies and saw Shrek (the 3rd one, not sure of the exact title). Addison did so well. She really enjoyed the popcorn and she sat on my lap the entire 90 minutes of the movie (she was too little to hold the seat down). I don't think it was the best movie for a toddler but oh well, we went more the experience anyways. She laughed out loud at the funny parts, talked to me throughout the movie (sometimes a little too loud), gave me hugs and told me she loved me. That night she was telling my mom about the movie and said "it was dark in there". So, our first trip to the movies was great and I can't wait to take her (and Lucas) to many more!

Here is a cute picture of Addison laughing.

I think this might be the first picture of me with both kids. Not the best picture, but I love it.

This is my nephew Avery (Kevin's son). Nicole (Kevin's fiance) came to St. Louis for a visit with Avery. He is 10 months old now and just so darn cute. He is crawling everywhere and pulling up and just full of energy. He loves to have his picture taken as you can tell.

Lucas rolled over.

Well Lucas rolled over for the first time on Thursday- August 9th. Of course he chose to do this while my parents were babysitting so Bob and I did not get to see it. I guess he did it twice (from back to belly). He has not done it since, but we are still thrilled. I was hoping he would roll over before his 4 month appointment coming soon cause I know his doctor would ask if he was rolling over.

Here is a picture of Lucas bonding with his daddy and a bottle of beer (he he).

Here is a cute picture of my two boys! So sweet.

And a few more pics from the weekend.

Things are going well. Lucas was sick with his first cough this week and unfortunately was not taking much of a bottle but he is doing so much better the last 2 days. Saturday night he even slept from 10pm until 7am. Bob and I were thrilled but I am sure this is not the end of middle of the night feedings.

Addison is getting ready to be a 2 year old in a few weeks. She is mostly a great little girl but for some reason the last few days she showed her frustration when she does not get what she wants. I sure hope it does not get much worse but I have a feeling this is just the beginning. On a brighter note she said a 7 word sentence today. She said "Mommy, I can't find Lucas' binkie anywhere." I just love hearing her say all these big words and sentences.

Lucas now is a big fan of his saucer. It is amazing to see him really start to play with the toys on it.

Here is a picture of Lucas standing which is a new thing he loves to do.

Not only does Lucas like his saucer but Addison likes it too.

I was able to get Addison to sit still for a minute and take a quick picture with me.

A weekend of birthday parties.

We spent our very hot weekend at 2 birthday parties. Saturday we went to Molly's (our niece) 3rd birthday party. I think the high was 96 but the kids of course wanted to play on Molly's new swing set. (Addison insisted on all the hair clips).

Sunday we attended Mackenzie's (Addison's good friend) 2nd b-day party. We did not think it could get much hotter but the high today was 98. Addison enjoyed her cupcake as if it was her birthday. She also loved getting to sing happy birthday twice this weekend after all the practice this week. (Again, she insisted on all the hair clips).

Lucas and his friend Tommy.