Visit with Santa

Max did not enjoy his first trip to see Santa. He happily watched as Harrison talked to Santa, but then cried and clung to me when it was his turn. This was the best I could do for a photo -- Harrison and Max (and Henry) playing in the mall with Santa in the background. Merry Christmas!

Pajama Party

Max and Harrison had their first real sleepover last week. Grandpa Don babysat at our house, and it was easier to just have Harrison spend the night. They got a good report from Grandpa, Harrison slept in the guest room with no issues, and Max was so excited to have extra company at breakfast.

Baby Belly

I've been bad about documenting this pregnancy -- mostly because I wear sweatpants every day, I think. But I recently got dressed in real clothes for a holiday party and decided to pose for a belly shot -- just 11 weeks to go!

Snow Day

We had so much fun playing in the snow today. Max was too young to enjoy it last year, but he was so excited to go outside today. At first, he just stood and watched Justin shovel the driveway for awhile. But then we headed to Grandpa's and broke out the sled, and he could not stop laughing. We can't wait to go out again tomorrow.

Hiding

Max is really into hiding lately. He likes to hide with his dad, and they always hide in the same spots. Then they trade spots. So fun.

House Projects!

We have been in our new house for two weeks, and we have a couple of projects crossed off the list. We decided lime green was not a good fit for the master bath, and this was my first painting project ever!

Before

After

We also had to do something about our closet. There was so much wasted space with a single rod and shelf, so I designed a Rubbermaid closet, and Justin and his dad installed it this weekend. It's not a fancy walk-in affair, but it is a vast improvement!

Before

After

Playing with Play-Doh

Max and I are trying to spend more time hanging out at home. Usually, we are out and about visiting parks and running errands, but that will be harder when it gets colder -- and when baby #2 arrives! Playing with Play-Doh is one of his favorite new past-times. He will sit at his table for a good 20 - 30 minutes at a time, although I have to watch carefully because he will also try to taste it from time to time.

Where the Wild Things Are

For Halloween, Max dressed up as "Max" from "Where the Wild Things Are." The costume was inspired by the gold crown, which he landed at Harrison's 2nd birthday party in September. The rest of the outfit just fell into place, and the only item I had to purchase was a tail. Cousins Harrison and Parker celebrated at our house, and the boys had fun getting into character and trick-or-treating together.

Happy Cousins

Taking Care of Business

One of our first orders of business was to get the leaves under control. We have some really mature trees in our yard, and Justin has already cleaned the gutters twice. Luckily, the "fall" is slowing down. And he had a good helper.

Home Sweet Home

We are officially homeowners. We are settling into our new house -- a 1968 ranch over walkout basement. It is in a really great older neighborhood -- just down the street from a park with playground and walking trails. So far, we are really happy, but we have a lot of work to do to make it our own! Stay tuned for updates on our house projects!

Pumpkin Patch

What's fall without a pumpkin patch? And hayride? And hot apple cider out of John Deere mugs? Thanks to my uncle Tim and aunt Donna for hosting such a fun morning for the kids -- and the kids in all of us! Max mostly loved being so close to a tractor and carrying around his "ball" (i.e., pumpkin).

Rookies

Maxwell's cousin, Harrison, loves baseball. Since Max wants to do whatever Harrison is doing, sometimes he likes it, too. And sometimes he prefers to watch from the sidelines.

Labor Day Fun

An LA Vacay

Justin and I just got back from a whirlwind trip to LA. We wanted to get away before Baby #2 arrives. I had never been to LA before, and we wanted to get some beach time in as well as visit some friends and family who live in the area.

We stayed at Maison 140, a historic Parisian-themed boutique hotel in Beverly Hills. Despite a postage-stamp sized room (including the smallest shower I've ever seen), it was adorable and within walking distance to Rodeo Drive shopping and lots of cute little restaurants.

Our trip was at the end of August, so we weren't able to partake in any 9.02.10 festivities.

We didn't take very many photos, and none of both of us together, but here is Justin in front of a mural on Abbot Kinney in Venice.

We got to spend a little time with Justin's sister Lauren and our nephew, Leo, who might be the cutest (and most easygoing) baby ever.

Working at the Carwash