Barrett is 4 months old!

Three months ago I never thought we would make it this far with my sanity, and here we are, I think I'm OK. But don't ask Mark, ha ha. Barrett is 4 months old and a complete joy to be around. He is very happy, smiley and a good boy. He is even on a pretty good schedule. He goes to bed around 8, I wake him and feed him at 10 or 11 and he now sleeps until 5 or 6 and goes back to bed until 9. Then he naps from 11-1 and 3-5. Not to bad. And Brett still can't give enough hugs and kisses. It will be nice when Barrett is just a little older. Right now Brett moves so fast and Barrett just can't move his eyes fast enough to follow him, and of course Brett is far to busy to slow down. I found this hibiscus at Stein's and just had to have it. They have such unique colors now with the new hybrids. And of course, my silly boy. I can't wait for the next few weeks as the annuals really fill in, I will post some pictures of flowers as they are in bloom.

Feeding Scooby

I can't believe it has been a week and a half since I've posted, sorry I'm slacking. We had 10 yards of bark delivered and it still wasn't enough. We've planted approx 600 annuals and about 30 perrenials. Needless to say I've been spending my time outside and haven't had much time on the computer. Still no excuse. We have had 2 showings in the theater and so far, the reception is great. All of Mark's hard work and attention to detail has really paid off, people love it. So to schedule your night, just give us a call. We don't get out much and really look forward to company. The kids are typically both sleeping by 8. Speaking of the kids, Brett has been outside every second with his dump truck and wheelbarrel helping spread the bark. Of course this leads to more work for us, but don't tell him that. He loves helping. Barrett is such a happy baby now. He rarely crys. Some mornings I can't believe he is still sleeping, well he isn't, but he is content to just lay in his crib and look around, he appears to be very patient. I still haven't forgotten the first 10 weeks, but he is making up for it. He still won't sleep through the night. I just can't seem to get him to eat more during the day and he is still up once through the night. I started feeding Brett cereal and then solids around 4 months and as soon as Barrett can sit good in the high chair, I'll do the same for him. I'll bring it out in a couple of weeks and see how he does. He has started to grab toys and put them in his mouth. You can almost see him thinking, it is so cute. And Scooby is such a good dog, Barrett is giving her a treat, and she is so gentle.

Graduation Day!

Oh how corny, yes graduation was today, and yes Brett is only 3. Even though I thought it was absolutely adorable, I realize it is only something a parent probably understands. And for me it was the hats that were the best, and Pomp & Circumstance played as the kids came out, it was too cute. Brett went to Camp Minikani 2 days a week for 2 hours. I wanted him to have some exposure to structure, meet other kids and learn to follow instructions from someone besides me. He has never gone to day care so this was a first. It sounds like he did great, well he graduated anyway. And I don't think they are passing him just to be rid of him, ha ha. He so nicely shook hands as he received his 'diploma'. There was a little girl in his class whose daddy just returned from deployment for the navy. She was suprised to see him at her graduation and they handed out American flags to all the children. He was such a nice guy and when we shook his hand and thanked him for serving in the military for our country, he said it was his honor. Wow. So Brett is officially out for the summer. I did sign him up for an outdoor adventure class one day a week for the summer, the kid can't get enough of playing outside, so I'm sure he'll love it.

Car Show

We drove to Waukesha for a Car Show on Saturday. Brett and I are the cool ones in the NSX, Mark had it especially shiny. Barrett and Mark arrived together in the Mini; poor Barrett. The organizers took pictures of the nice looking cars, so here is our NSX. I'd post a picture of Mark's Mini Cooper but it didn't make it in any pictures. Brett was able to identify the Ferrari's we saw, there were quite a few. Lots of Porsche's, some Lotus, I guess that would be Loti, Ford GT-40, Corvettes, etc. It was a great guy thing and I enjoyed looking as well.

Turkey Day

And no I don't mean Thanksgiving! Lucky for these guys I don't think it's hunting season. Not that we hunt anyway. We have seen lots of turkeys around our subdivision, some days I've seen a flock of as many as 20 - 30. But this morning I can only assume this is a male and female (I'm no expert, but it is spring time) out for a morning stroll. We have never had turkeys right in our backyard like this, it was a special treat. It is a good thing Wilbur was still asleep in his cage, he has seen them in the field across the street before and screamed very loudly.

Mother's boys

Too bad Brett is so silly, that was such a great shot, but his silliness is what makes him, him. The other pictures are with the same stuffed bunny, yep we still have it and both boys are about 3 months. On occasion I see a strong resemblance in the two of them and think Barrett looks a lot like Brett, but I think this proves that it is only the occasional look, and they are both very different. OK maybe not very different, but. And how funny to me to see how serious Brett was and really still can be, and such a big smile from Barrett who seems to be a little more relaxed and willing to go with the flow. (Especially now that his heartburn is treated)Brett made a mother's day gift for me at Camp Minikani. A hand print in stone, how great, I'm sure most mom's have one or two of these. And one better the teachers recorded his answers to a few questions. For example, I love my mom, "because she gives me big hugs". My mom is special to me because, "she plays with me". Mom gets REALLY upset when, "I hit my mom". (Ah ha he does get it!) My mom's favorite activity is, "blowing bubbles". What a treasure for me to have! It is so nice to know he embraces the time we spend together just as much as I do. I have started Yoga recently on Tuesday and Thursday. I am also going to start pilates on Mondays. All classes are 7:30 - 8:30 and at American Fitness in Hubertus, WI. If any one is interested in joining me, let me know. All the hype I've heard about Yoga is true, I'm loving it. I'm suprised how I am actually getting a workout, meditation, and relaxation all rolled up into one hour. Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there!

Theater

Look closely and you'll see progress. The walls are no longer drywall on the lower half, Mark is almost completely done making the fabric covered acoustical frames for the entire room! The black lines in photo 3 will disappear once Mark puts the acoustic treatment in the frames. And let me tell you, if you don't already know he is a perfectionist. We are up and running just in time for a rainy night or day. We will be offering screenings for now to one couple at a time. Unfortunately we don't have a couch for the back row yet, we just haven't found the right one, or the time to look. Please give us a call or drop a note to check out schedule. I usually have Brett in bed by 8 and Barrett by 8:30 just in time for a 8:45 start, and let me tell you it is just like a theater, but with privacy. The kids are doing great. I had Barrett's 3 month pictures taken, and he is proving to be just as photogenic as Brett was, I have some great shots coming. He really is a new baby now. He is smiling all the time, he is reaching for stuff, and the cutest is when he studies his own hand like it is some foreign object. He is a doll. And Brett is taking after Mark and I, he is so excited to buy and plant flowers outside. I think it will be a thrill for him to watch his own plants grow through the summer.