11.30.10 - Window shopping

Grandma and Grandpa Shepherd asked for our input on picking curtains and window treatments for their new house so we spent some time at the mall tonight looking (and playing) around.

11.29.10 - Behind Door No. 2

Nate loves closing the door to his bedroom. He's laughing here because he thinks it's funny that it slams into his dad's head while he's trying to take this photo.

11.28.10 - Grandpa's basement

We went back over to Grandma and Grandpa Shepherd's new house today so Angie could take a tour. While she looked around, Nate practiced his standing with grandpa in the basement.

11.27.10 - Carriage rides

We braved the chilly nighttime air tonight to ride the free Carriage Rides at Bradley Fair. It's a fun time but if you go take a blanket and be prepared to wait.

11.26.10 - Standing!

Nate's been practicing his standing lately but tonight was the first night he stood in his crib!

11.25.10 - KitchenAid dishwasher

Angie has a KitchenAid mixer and Daddy has a KitchenAid dishwasher. No kidding, while unloading the dishwasher this morning before beginning Thanksgiving dinner pies, Nate managed to pull himself up on the opened lid and started going through the silverware.

11.24.10 - Feed The Children

Some days, I swear these kids are going to eat us out of house and home. But, as Angie said recently, "We may struggle with what to make for dinner, but at least we can make dinner." It was a stark reminder for me how fortunate we are, even on days when it's hard to see.

11.23.10 - This boy needs a car or two

Nate likes to push things around the house. So, if you're wondering what to get him for Christmas, get him so cars and trucks! Poor kid, we're still pretty heavy on girl toys around here.

11.22.10 - Grandma's (new) house

Grandma and Grandpa Shepherd closed on their new house today and we got to take a tour before dinner. Nate loves it! It's a big house with room for lots of toys and only six blocks from our house. They'll move in in a week, after all their new furniture and appliances arrive. We can't wait to have them closer!

11.21.10 - Weeeeeeeeeee!

It was ... Absolutely. Beautiful. Today.

In fact, Wichita may have set a record high today (eat your heart out, Hawaiian vacationers!) so between lunch and afternoon naps we squeezed in a few minutes at a nearby park. We've been there before and Maddie loves the slides. Today, Nate got to play, too, having a ball on the swings with his Mommy.

11.20.10 - Not my mom

Aunt Emily is staying with us tonight because her job brought her to town. But it just so happens that tonight is Bunco night so while Angie's away, Emily helped entertain Nate. They played a few toys and read a few books. Nate did fine but this look seemed to sum it up: "I have no idea who this woman is but she's NOT my mom, dad!"

11.19.10 - I got the fever

Nate's fever just isn't going away but it isn't getting any worse. We've been taking his temp regularly and pumping him with baby Tylenol. Being sick sucks. :(

11.18.10 - Poor baby

Nate's been fighting a slight fever today. He woke up after being in bed for an hour tonight. After changing his diaper, he rolled over on his tummy, butt in the air, and laid there on the floor. Poor guy, he felt so rotten. So I stretched out next to him and snuggled. I don't know if he felt better but it made me feel better for him.

11.17.10 - Full house

Fortunately, I think there's room for at least one more.

11.16.10 - Driving Miss Maddie

We went shopping for a new kitchen sink faucet tonight at Lowe's and Nate drove the car cart with Maddie. Although Maddie wasn't interested in it at first, she later walked over to one and wanted in. It was their first time to take one for a spin and they had a pretty good time although they're terrible drivers.

11.15.10 - Baby cages

Angie's boss in the library at KU refers to playpens as "baby cages." When you have two kids (and one on the way) you can't afford fancy baby cages so diaper boxes will have to work. :)

11.14.10 - Monkey hat

We ordered a monkey hat pattern online a few days ago and hired a co-worker to crochet it for us.

11.13.10 - Full belly

When I have a full belly, I like a nap, too! I usually make it away from the dinner table, though!

11.12.10 - Time for bed, little monkey

And you, too, Nate!

11.11.10 - Bottoms up!

Whoa, brother! You're gonna give yourself whiplash!

11.10.10 - What's in a name?

Water.

11.09.10 - Puhsketti

As with Maddie, there was no shortage of photos from today from which to choose. Nate had spaghetti for the first time and, well, is this not the stinkinest cutest boy you've ever seen??!!!

11.08.10 - Speaking of monkey

Nate's sock monkey watches over him as he drifts off to sleep. I wonder if he dreams about monkeys?

11.07.10 - Monkey toes

Angie thought Nate had monkey toes as he pushed against his high chair tonight. He really is our little monkey.

11.06.10 - Teefers

Rosy cheeks (and six poops) means one thing: those dang teefers!

11.05.10 - Hi, Mom!

Nate's been waving a lot lately. We think his first word might be "hi!"

11.04.10 - Grandpa and me

On Halloween, I snapped this impromptu photo of Maddie and Grandma Shepherd only to realize later that I didn't have one of Nate with Grandpa Shepherd. Since grandma asked me for a print of the girls I thought it only right to also have a photo of the boys. My parents have really stepped up and helped us out tremendously with our day care needs since Nate was born. (And we snapped this photo tonight as we were getting home from work.) Heck, they've even been known to fold a load of towels and wash a sink of dishes now and then. We really couldn't do it without them! I didn't know any of my grandparents growing up so I'm grateful for this time our kids get to spend with theirs.

11.03.10 - Massive forehead

Nate's nine months old today and getting so big. Unfortunately, so is his forehead, just like his dad's. Sorry, dude. Maybe you'll have all his other redeeming qualities. :)

11.02.10 - Voter fraud

Warning: This blog post contains rare political commentary.

Maybe that clown is right and there is a voter fraud problem in this state. Sadly, one day I'll have to tell Nate that his vote, in this state, likely won't count for much. But at least he'll get a sticker out of the deal.

11.01.10 - World Series cheer

It's a new month and we're still playing baseball. Yay, baseball! :)