10 Months!

Brooks is 10 months old!

This was one of the first pictures I snapped...Sitting pretty still.

And about 5 seconds later, he's planning his escape.

And another 5 seconds later, this happened! :)

10 month photo session done after 10 seconds!!

Another month has flown by, and Brooks has continued to grow and grow and grow! I can't believe he is 10 months old! He'll be one whole year before we know it! He is a firey, wild, little man! Mostly, he is firey in a good way...Like when he tries to grab toys that his big sister has stolen from him or when he crawls just as fast as he possibly can to chase Jon or me or Kylie! But sometimes, he is firey in a not so good way...Like when he SCREAMS because he is not getting what he wants (i.e. food, attention, sleep)! He is a mover, and he just doesn't stop unless he is sick or sleeping. He is happy to play, and crawl, and wiggle, and squirm all day long. He puts EVERYTHING in his mouth! He has the best giggle and the cutest smile. His top two teeth are giant chompers that make him look like a such a big boy. His eyes, oh I could go on and on about his eyes. They are big, and blue, and sparkly with beautiful, full lashes...And I just love them! He has one adorable dimple just like his sister, except it's on his right cheek! He still has his chubby baby thighs and rubber band wrists! Chubby babies are the best! :) But what I like best about Brooks is how sweet and loving he is. He cuddles and kisses. He smiles and laughs and talks. He follows us around, pulls up on our legs, and says, "da-da-da-da," as if he has the most important story to tell! Life is so wonderful with our little man in it!

Brooks is making it obvious about the things that he likes. First and foremost, he likes to move. Cuddling with him lasts about 5 seconds before he is on to the next activity. He loves attention, and anyone who will get down to his level and give him some undivided attention. He adores Kylie! He stares at her in their bedroom and in the car until she talks to him. When she does talk to him, he giggles and laughs for the entire "conversation." The boy also loves to eat! There has not been one thing that I have given him that he hasn't devoured in seconds. I can't even name his favorites because he doesn't discriminate at all! I hope he keeps that trait! He is still addicted to his pacifiers. I'm using the plural here because not only does he use one as they are intended to be used, but he also likes to fall asleep with one in each hand! :) So, yes, he sleeps with at least 3 pacifiers! It's kind of hilarious! Also, he enjoys making loud noises. He bangs, and yells, and squeals, and pounds...The louder the better!

Oddly, although he likes making loud noises, he does NOT like loud noises that he didn't create. In fact, he HATES them. These noises always result in screaming! Some examples include the vacuum, the dishwasher, sneezes/coughs, and trains...all of which occur fairly regularly. As I alluded to before, Brooks does not like to wait for food. If someone (anyone) is eating and he is not, there is usually some sort of whining/crying. He also doesn't like getting his diaper changed/getting dressed. This is only because he is being forced to be still for more than 5 seconds. Diaper changes have officially become wrestling matches. There is a lot of gator rolling on Brooks' part, and head/leg holds on my part. It's not fun!

In the milestone department, Brooks is continuing to stay right on track (YAY!). This month he has perfected his speedy crawl, mastered pulling up (the first time was on September 4th), and started cruising! He is definitely still a long way from walking, but it's so fun to watch him try to figure out being upright! Some big cognitive developments are happening too! He does "so big," gives kisses (big, sloppy, open mouth kisses), wiggles and dances (flails his arms wildly) on command, and seems to be saying "da da" purposely for both Jon and me. I still haven't heard "ma ma," and knowing my kids, I'm sure it will be awhile! :) Brooks popped another tooth through last week...It's the one on bottom left next to the middle two, and the right side one is on it's way too! It's really been non-stop teething for him over the past few months! As for his schedules, he is taking a 5 ounce bottle every four hours at 8am, 12pm, 4pm, and 8pm. Currently, he is getting about 50% breast milk, and 50% formula. I am in the process of weaning off the pump, and I hope to be completely off it in the next few weeks. So he will likely be on formula for about a month or two before he goes to cow's milk. He eats solid food with Kylie and I at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast usually consists of oatmeal and fruit, and lunch and dinner is typically finger foods from my meals plus some sort of pureed baby food. Although he is not quite the sleeper that Kylie is, Jon and I have really been blessed with good snoozers. He sleeps from about 8pm-7:30/8am, and naps from about 9:30-10:15/11, and again from about 1:30-3:30/4pm. Brooks is wearing all 9 month and 12 month clothes, size 3 or 4 shoes, and size 4 diapers.

We are loving this little man more and more with each passing day! He keeps us busy and moving, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Our hearts are so full with love for our Brooksie Boy!

Fall Fun in Pictures

The weather is certainly starting to feel a bit fall like out here on the East Coast. It's actually been quite perfect...50's and 60's in the morning which has been just wonderful for running, and 70's during the day which is comfortable for playing outside. There has been a lot of sun, and everyone I meet is in a great mood because who wouldn't be with weather like this! The kids and I are really enjoying our days. Here's our weekly recap...

9/13/13

Another trip to the Please Touch Children's Museum with Ashley and her girls.

9/14/13

Enjoying an apple at the orchard!

9/15/13

Kylie was in time out for hitting.

Brooks put himself in time out to be like his big sis!

9/16/13

Loving the swings at the park!

9/17/13

My adorable babes! :)

9/18/13

Kylie started gymnastics this week!

Here she is perfecting her forward roll!

9/19/13

Helping me bake cookies, flour on the nose and all!

9/20/13

My latest completed project...

Four smatching cloth napkins!

This pattern came from my sister-in-law's blog: The Handmade Girl.

Ever since these were posted way back in May, I knew I had to make them!

I love how they turned out!

If you want to make your very own, you can get the pattern HERE.

Apple Orchard!

Last Saturday felt a little too much like fall for me. It was the coldest day we've had since we've been here with high temperatures in the low 60's. It was sweatshirt and football and chili and apple cider weather, so what better fall activity to do than a trip to the apple orchard. And this was not just your typical apple orchard. This was a massive orchard/farm/garden with markets and farm animals and carnival-like activities! For you Rochester peeps, think Tweite's + Apple Ridge + Oxbow x 10! It was AMAZING!

My new friend, Ashley, and her little family met us out at Linvilla Orchards that morning, which was about a 30 minute drive from our downtown abode. Ashley has two girls who are almost exactly the same ages as my kiddos, and her husband is a resident in radiation oncology. So we have a lot in common and a lot to talk about! :) Together, the 8 of us, walked through the apple orchard, rode a hay ride, checked out the gardens, and played in the giant play ground. We picked apples, peaches (yes, they can grow peaches out here!), tomatoes, and peppers. That was just what was in season right now. Apparently, they also grow strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pears, pumpkins, and pretty much any vegetable you can think of! I can't wait to go back for pumpkins later this fall and berries next summer!

We headed back home after about 3 hours of fun, but I think we could have easily spent all day out there! We didn't even get to see the petting zoo, food stands, or markets! To top off the fun-filled morning, we stopped at Chick-Fil-A for lunch! I LOVE CHICK FIL A! Clearly, we had a good day!

Here are some pictures of our family walking through and posing in the orchard.

A little photo montage of Kylie eating an apple!

Jon, the apple guru, loving his first bite!

Brooks just wanted to hold his!

Daddy helping Kylie pick apples.

Here is what Jon made from our loot.

It's spaghetti sauce made from the tomatoes and peppers!

Delicious!

Two for One...

I'm using this one post to recap both our trip to Minnesota AND my weekly pictures!

We made it! We're alive! Thank you for the positive thoughts and prayers! We flew to Minnesota and back to Philly safely and without too much trouble! We left on a Friday morning, so Jon was able to help me get my baggage carried and checked before leaving us at security. The flight itself was delayed, which annoyed me a little since I had perfectly timed out the flights to coincide with my children's happy times. Luckily is was only an hour delay, and both of them did pretty well. Kylie watched movies and Brooks took a nap. We arrived in Minneapolis to Jon's brother and sister-in-law! It was great to have them there to help me unload! We had lunch with Tony, Ingrid, Elias, and Espen, and then drove down to Stewie during the kids' afternoon naps. They both slept and I was finally able to enjoy a little peace and quiet...and a Diet Coke! :)

9/6/13

 Playing in the Philadelphia airport before leaving!

Exhausted and napping on the drive from Hudson to Stewie!

Once we arrived in Stewartville, we had a jam packed schedule to maintain! But I love being busy, so it was wonderful for me! We went to a Stewartville Tigers football game on Friday night. We got to sit in the crow's nest because my dad was the 2012 fan of the year! Kylie loved playing with her cousin, Emmit, and cheering on the football players. She yelled, "Good job, guys!" on nearly every play!

 Watching the Stewartville Tigers football game with Emmit!

Can you tell they are having fun!?!

Trying out her "big girl" bed.

This was her first time in an actual bed, and she did great!

Saturday was my friend, Marissa's, wedding! My sister went with me since Jon stayed back in Philly to work, and my mom watched my kids! I was so thankful to have the company of Mia and a little break from my sweet babes! Marissa's wedding was beautiful, and it was awesome to see most of the Pink Stars (Ruthie couldn't be there because she was in labor with her brand new baby boy, Henry!).

9/7/13

 Marissa and Jay saying, "I do."

Another Pink Star bites the dust!

L to R: Kristin, me, Marissa, Schro, Molly, and Amanda

We missed you, Ruth, but congratulations on your beautiful baby boy, Henry!

On Sunday, my Grandma King (aka Super Grandma), made a huge home-cooked meal for almost the entire King side of the family. It was basically a Thanksgiving Feast. I'm grateful that she did that and had a huge get together while we were home because we will definitely miss that this Thanksgiving! We also visited my Grandpa Don and Judy on Sunday for my Grandpa's 79th birthday! It was so fun to see him too! I think he loved seeing some of his great grandchildren on his b-day!

9/8/13

 Brooks trying on a baseball hat!

Miles and Brooks just being buddies!

They are a little under 2 months apart!

 Johnny, Rochelle, Emmit, and Kylie taking a gator ride!

Don't worry, they stopped for the picture...Emmit is NOT standing and riding! :)

On Monday, we went back out to the farm for another visit. We enjoyed another delicious meal and lots of gator rides! My friend, Molly, also came over for a visit! It's always so much fun to catch up with her. My Aunt Nancy came over for an evening visit as well! I always love hanging out with "my best friend." (Nancy once told my sister, that "her sister (meaning Mia) was her best friend." She was trying to say my mom was her best friend, but ever since then, I've been Nancy's best friend!)

 9/9/13

 Reading with Grandma Susan!

 Playing with Auntie Mia!

 It was SUPER hot!

Playing at the water table!

Brooks sporting a mohawk!

Jon said he looks just like a King in this picture!

Tuesday was a little less chaotic. We ran some errands in Rochester, got Kylie's hair cut, and had lunch with my friend, Anne! Anne is always a blast...She has so much energy! Then Tuesday night, my friend, Jess, was celebrating her 30th birthday with some girls at Chesters! I was so happy that her celebration coincided with my trip home, so I was able to join her! It was AWESOME! Sadly, I forgot to get pictures with both Anne and Jess! Boo!

 9/10/13

 Kylie getting her second ever haircut.

She was awesome!

 Watching garbage trucks out the window in her undies! :)

Wednesday, we had one last lunch and gator ride at the farm! It was also my parent's 37th wedding anniversary! Way to go, Mom and Dad...That's a long time! :) And then we headed back up to Hudson to spend a little (not enough) time with the Barlows! We played, ate, and chatted with Tony, Ingrid, Greg, Elias, Espen, Kriss, and Doug! We were spoiled with yet another delicious meal!

9/11/13

 There are some really cute spots for photos at the farm.

I just had to take a couple of my boy!

Enjoying one last gator ride with Grandpa Jimmie-John and Grandma Susan!

Thursday morning, we got up, got ready, and headed back to the airport. Kriss and Tony drove us so that Kriss could help us back into the airport. I really had too much stuff...I need to scale back next time...There is no way I could have done any of that completely by myself! I owe a huge thank you to my airport chauffeurs, Tony and Kriss! This flight was a little later, and bumped into the kids' afternoon naps a little bit. They were quite a bit fussier at the end of the flight. Kylie was throwing multiple temper tantrums, and Brooks was screaming...for about the last 30 minutes! I was in a full out sweat! But we survived, and I'm sure we'll do it again! We arrived in Philly right as Jon was finishing up in the OR so he was able to come and get us! Huge lifesaver!

9/12/13

Barlow cousins!

L to R: Espen, Kylie, Brooks, Elias!

Overall, it was an AWESOME trip! Can't wait to visit again!

Our Last Pictures of the Summer...

Apparently, summer is officially over. The "big" kids are back in school, the morning air is feeling crisp, and Labor Day has come and gone, but we are still enjoying our days outside while we can! The weather has been absolutely perfect here the past few days, and we are taking advantage of it. We have been to the park almost every day, and we even took a day trip up to NYC to visit the Griffiths on Labor Day! Here's the proof:

8/30/13

 This is another quilt I made for my Pink Star friend, Ruthie!

She is due with her first baby, a boy, in the middle of September!

I procrastinated again, but oh well...It's done now! :)

I mailed it the other day, but I don't think she has received it yet, so fingers crossed that she doesn't check the blog anytime soon!

I want it to be a surprise!

8/31/13

 Check out these two future Badgers on the first game day of the year!

Badgers won! YAY!

9/1/13

 Enjoying another beautiful day at Rittenhouse Square!

I have a feeling you are going to see a lot of this lion sculpture over the next year!

9/2/13

 We had a wonderful time visiting with the Griffiths in New York City.

The weather was a little grim, but we enjoyed some yummy food and, of course, great company!

Kylie and Ella had a blast playing and hanging out!

Aren't they the cutest!?!

9/3/13

 This is what Brooks does about 50% of the time when you ask him, "How big is Brooksie?"

The other 50% of the time, he will just give you a blank stare! 

9/4/13

 Doesn't he looked thrilled to be sitting in his stroller while Kylie enjoys the great outdoors!

Sorry, big boy, but your time will come! 

9/5/13

I think she surprised herself!

She climbed up the lion sculpture all by herself!

So proud!

Tomorrow, Kylie, Brooks, and I are headed back to Minnesota for a quick visit. We are flying. I am terrified to fly by myself, let alone with two crazy children and all of our belongings. Please send positive thoughts and prayers for safe and uneventful travel my way! Thank you!

I'll post pictures of our adventures when we get back to Philly!