HaPpY HallOweeN!

Christian is 6 weeks!

Christian and Phoenix

Phoenix checking out the new little person (Christian was about 1 week here)

We weren't sure just how Phoenix would react to a new member of the family (and no longer being the "baby") but he is doing pretty well overall. He likes to keep his distance, but is no longer afraid to be in the same room as that "noisy thing." I am excited to see what Christian will think of Phoenix when he begins to notice him. Phoenix is very gentle with children and I hope that they will be the best of friends. :)

My three boys :)

Hello Again!

This past weekend (Saturday - Tuesday) we enjoyed a spur of the moment visit from my mom and her childhood friend, Kathy. It worked out just right for the two to take a spontaneous road trip from Colorado to visit us and for Kathy to see her son who is going to a school in Ridgecrest. Other than the craziness on Saturday (Edwards had their air show, which brought in almost 300,000 people!) it was really nice to see my mom again. It had only been a couple of weeks since she was here last, but it kind of breaks up the monotony of everyday life.

Grandma E and Christian

Me, Grandma E, Christian, and Kathy shopping in Valencia, CA

My mom must miss us (or at least Christian)...she threatened to take him home with her in her pocket. :o)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Fall, Winter, Spring at Edwards = WIND (okay, actually it's pretty windy almost all of the time, either a cold wind or a hot one. Most of the trees here can testify to that as they do not grow upright but instead at an angle.)

It has been much cooler these past few days here and extremely windy! This weekend while feeling in the autumn mood I made these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Delicious! Those of you who know me know that I LOVE chocolate, so of course these are no exception. :) After baking I left a few out and put the others in the freezer for later.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins from recipezaar.com

30 minutes/10 minutes prep

Makes 30ish muffins (I got 34)

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil (yes, really 1 1/4 cups- this is not low cal.)

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used mini)

1. In large mixing bowl beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla, and oil until smooth.

2. Mix dry ingredients together and mix into pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.

3. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full.

4. Bake at 400 F for 16-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

40 Weeks/ Christian is 3.5 Weeks Old

So today was my actual due date, which is a little hard to believe that we would have had to wait another three weeks to meet our sweet little guy. He is sleeping better through the night now, waking about every 3 hours, but that is okay because I know then that I can at least expect 2+ hours of sleep between feedings. I am sure that he will begin to sleep longer stretches as he gets bigger and can hold more food in his little tummy. On Thursday he weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. at the pediatrician.

He is a little more alert during the day now, and I adore his little baby coos and sounds. Again, we are so thankful for Christian - truly a bundle of joy!

Christian was concerned while watching the Denver Broncos game with his daddy

Embracing "Autumn" in the Desert

I heart autumn! It is absolutely my favorite season, which makes it hard to live in a California desert that doesn't really have four distinct seasons. I was laughing with Steve the other day because I feel as though we have become a little "Californified." This past week and a half has been a little cooler, and when I say "cooler" I mean day temps of 80 degrees. Steve and I are literally wearing jeans and long-sleeved shirts...how sad is that!? Meanwhile, in Colorado it is 20 degrees today and snowing. Growing up in Colorado, when the temps finally hit 60 degrees people would be wearing shorts and sandals.

Anyway, I am fondly thinking of you all who get to experience fall and a more defined change of season. The trees here are turning a slight brown and there is a definite "chill" in the air that hardly compares to the golds, oranges, and beauty of fall in Colorado.

Things I love about autumn/memories of autumn:

• The changing colors
• Crisp, cool fresh air
• Sweaters and warm, cozy clothes
• Hot chocolate after school
• Pumpkin and apple spiced fall candles
• Walking in the gutters to and from the bus stop in order to crunch all the leaves that have collected there
• Weekends filled with football and my mom's warm "Mrs. Field's cookies"
• Hot Starbucks drinks (white mochas and chai lattes are my favorite)
• Shopping excursions with my mom including craft fairs
• Spending time with family

Autumn obviously brings back happy childhood memories and has a special place in my heart. What is your favorite part of the fall season?

Happy Boy!

Proud Parents

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our sweet baby boy!

Family Visit and 2-Week Checkup

This past Saturday Christian got to meet his Aunt Kristi, Uncle Kevin, and cousins Logan and Kaitlyn for the first time. They made a special detour up to the A.V. to see us for lunch (at BJ's- where else?) and a quick tour of Edwards AFB. Lucky ducks are going to be at Disneyland for the week (Kevin has some work stuff in L.A.) It was fun to see them all, even if just for an afternoon- look forward to seeing you guys again soon!

Aunt Kristi and Christian

Logan being silly

Kaitlyn loved her pizza!

Uncle Kevin and Christian
~

Today Christian had his 2 week well-baby check-up. He is currently 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 3/4 inches long. He had dropped to 5 lbs. 12 oz. last Monday, so this was a great weight gain. He is looking healthy and is always eager to eat! (Must take after his daddy.) Now if only we could work out this sleep thing...

Christian is 2 Weeks!

Its hard to believe that Christian is already 2 weeks today! Grandma E was able to fly in the day after Christian was born, and Grandpa E came last Friday. We enjoyed spending time with them and Christian even visited Santa Monica, his first beach excursion, although he slept through the majority of the trip. :) My parents left on Wednesday, so sad to see them go...another reason why we wish we lived back in Colorado, close to our families and friends.

We have been trying to establish a routine with Christian (ha ha.) He has been feeding well, but still has his nights and days mixed up, which has been hard on mommy. I miss my sleep! He has his 2 week well-baby check-up on Monday, so we will see how he is growing. Thanks again to everyone for your prayers and support.

Christian in a "newborn" sleeper from Emily, although it is still too big for our little guy.