Discover the Dinosaurs!

I forgot to post about our weekend! On Friday, it was an absolutely beautiful fall day, so we met some friends for lunch at Crema Cafe and then headed to the Monona dream park. Saturday we lazed around, and Sunday we went to lunch at Diego's and then headed to Discover the Dinosaurs, at the Alliant Energy Center. Kate was so fascinated; she wasn't just rushing through like some of the other kids; she actually wanted to know the names of every dinosaur, what its diet was, etc. It was very cool! And of course she loved the bouncy house, inflatable slides, etc. We even got to go mini-golfing while there. It was the perfect way to spend a rainy November Sunday.


At the park on Friday:

 At the Dinosaur exhibit:

Our week so far...

I've been having the best week with my little sweethearts. I always say this, but I am so, so, so blessed that I am able to stay home with them. Of course we have some frustrating moments sometimes (who doesn't?) but overall, I absolutely love my "job". I wake up happy every day, looking forward to new activities with my kids and memories made with them. I wouldn't trade these years home with them for the world; it's so rewarding.

On Tuesday we went to "Storytime with a Twist" at the library, where they do a puppet show along with the stories. Kate loved it! Her friend Mary (from music class) was there, and afterward the two girls had fun doing the crafts together and playing on the computer. We also got a *ton* of new books (I am so glad my daughter loves to read as much as I do!)

On Wednesday we headed to the gym for an early morning workout before going to storytime at Animart. Every week, they have a "pet of the week" that corresponds to the stories; this week, it was an adorable puppy. Kate was so excited; she loved petting and holding it. Afraid of animals, this one certainly is not! Afterward, we hung around in the store playing with the kittens and puppies, and looking at the birds and other animals. Then we had a few errands to run, but afterwards, we headed home for lunch and then a wonderful tea party with her dolls (complete with real tea). It's so amazing seeing my baby girl turn into a full-fledged "older kid" (as she puts it) who has ideas and thoughts and preferences. We had the best, funniest conversations during our tea party; she is such a riot. At bedtime, she told me that the tea party was the best part of her day, and she loved me so much and I'm the best mom ever. (Awwww.....)

Today Meghan and her kids came over, and Kate and Adelaide played so well together. It's so cute seeing their little imaginations take flight!

My smiling boy at the library on Tuesday:

At Animart's Storytime on Wednesday (Kate's in the purple shirt and green pants):

 Kind of blurry but still cute

Alden and Owen; Alden kind of looks like, "Hey, why isn't this guy able to play?"

Owen's Two-Month Appointment

We had Owen's two-month appointment yesterday; he's doing great! Up to 11 lbs 9 oz (I believe; I can't quite remember. I know it was 11 something) and 23.25 inches. He's a little above average for height, and a little under for weight. He is doing great holding his head up, and the dr. was impressed at how smiley and alert he was. Unfortunately, the poor guy had to get his shots, but he seemed to have recovered pretty quickly. Afterward, the kids and I went to lunch at Diego's and then headed to the children's museum for an afternoon of fun. Owen slept the whole time, so Kate and I had fun playing, doing puzzles, and making pizza and pies in the "diner."

Here are some shots of my cuties beforehand in their pumpkin outfits (Owen is clearly not happy about the photo taking):

Two months old today!

How is it my adorable little man is already two months old?! We spent the day by going to the gym in the morning, then a playdate at our new friend Madeline's house, and then home while Mama did work and Kate and Owen both took long naps. Here are some shots of Owen by the bear today to mark his growth.

 

Here he was at four weeks: