Blake - 5 months

Have I said how fast time goes by? Oh, yeah, several times now, haven't I? It's amazing to think that Blake is 5 months already. He's growing every day, doing new things and making us smile. He's getting better with his hand-eye coordination, loves to be tickled and thinks his big brothers and sister are the coolest! They definitely can make him smile.

Here he is in his Nebraska attire (thanks, Aunt Julie!!). He would say, "Go Big Red," but he's kind of mad at them right now for being soooooo pathetic! Just kidding ... that was his mom talking.

Apple/Raspberry Pickin' in Tehachapi

Grandma Gotcher has started a new tradition ... last year, she discovered that we could go to Tehachapi and pick our own apples and raspberries. This year, Blake got to be part of the tradition (Katelyn is in Lincoln with Daddy). It was a perfect day ... the weather was not too hot, not too cold. Our first picking was apples ... and then we drove up a little further to the raspberries. Max made a new friend. He was not too happy to have to leave his kitty friend. The kitty followed him everywhere and was so friendly. It's too bad Steve's allergic ;)

Here are some photos from our day!

This is so funny ... Izzy singing!

Max and Izzy are quite the pair. They are seriously like siblings, playing together all day. It's quite funny to hear Max say, "Izzy QUIET" when Izzy is barking. You can hear them fighting in the other room (or hear Max telling Izzy what to do!). But yesterday, something really funny happened. Max happened to be yelling (for whatever reason I don't know) and Izzy decided to join in. At first I thought it was a fluke, but most of the time we can get her to do it over and over. Here's what they do:

Blake - 4 months old

I know everyone's probably tired of hearing me say this, but seriously, where does the time go? How can Blake be 4 months old already. I miss his baby-baby stage, but yet love watching him get bigger and smarter! He is ALWAYS smiling (unless he's hungry or tired) and the kids really love having him around. Max is always saying, "Blake cute." He is so good with him. We haven't started eating solids yet, but make take that on later this month. We'll see!

Blake ... playing around

It's so fun to see Blake getting bigger and learning new things. He loves to play on his tummy and always rolls to it if I put him on his back. It's annoying at times (especially when he's supposed to be napping), but I'm glad he likes to play with his toys like that. He's chewing on everything and getting better at using his hands. Here he is at his favorite spot!

Where did the summer go?

I can't even believe how fast this summer went. Between swimming and hanging out with friends, it just flew by. I was sad to see summer go, but we've settled into our routine again and the kids are enjoying their new year. Katelyn LOVES her teacher ... we never hear the end of it! Here they are on the first day ...

Blake ... is now 3 months old!

Well, I'm a little late getting these taken, but at least he's not 4 months ... yet! I have a week to go.

Here are a few from our session today!

the kids

Well, I should say the "big" kids, since Blake isn't in here. I needed help setting up my lights before a shoot, so the "big" kids jumped in and goofed off. Here's one that's not too goofy! And one that is! LOL!

Vacation Bible School!

Wow, I'm tired! We had VBS this week, and it was exhausting (I was the photographer for the week), but fun! The kids had a really great time and learned a lot! Max was in the nursery, but they brought the older kids in the nursery out to recreation time and music time. It was such a blast to watch him sing along and do all the motions! He did such a great job and loved it!

Here are some pictures from our week!

I guess I could take pictures of ...

my big kids lying around watching TV all day or playing Webkinz on the computer, but it's just not as cute as Max. It's just not. In fact, it's more irritating than anything, so they're usually being sentenced to more chores. Maybe I should take a picture of that?? So, Max has been his entertaining self as usual. Today was definitely his day for that.

Scenario #1: (this picture were staged, as I wasn't "ready" for what was happening when it happened). Max walks out into the living room with my deodorant, applying it correctly to both armpits! At least he's learning proper hygiene at a young age, right? (Photos courtesy of Katelyn)



Scenario #2: Because he knows he can't run outside naked (although he's tried several times), Max decided to get himself fully dressed in order to go follow Daddy outside. He put on everything by himself, and actually got the shoes on the right feet. However, the shirt was inside out and the shorts were on backwards, but what do I care ... one less kid to dress every day!!!! Woo hoo!!




Scenario #3: This we label as "The Breakout." Of course, we had to put chain locks on all the doors about a half a year ago, because Max had figured out how to get outside with the other locks ... too many times we found him chasing Izzy (who loves to escape also) down the street. So, tonight we find him first trying his little stool and when that didn't work, he pulled out the big guns ... the barstools. Yep, that works. Now what do we do? And notice he's naked again! (Photo courtesy of Katelyn)

How did I miss these?

I was looking back at some old pictures (wondering if I'll ever have the time to get my own pictures printed), when I came across these. I had them ready to add to my blog and everything, but I don't think I ever did it.

Max has discovered that he can climb on stools, chairs, pretty much anything to access what he wants, and usually what he wants is something sweet (sounds like his mom, doesn't it!). I heard the chair moving, and came out just in time to catch him in the act ... of course, I had to get the camera out!

4th of July

I didn't get a lot of photos this 4th, but I did get a few. Here are the boys! Of course, Grant had to blow up a couple army men. We spent the evening with friends from church. The couple hosting the party had a fabulous pool, complete with slide and waterfall. I wish I had a camera there, since Max was jumping off the waterfall with the big kids. It was crazy!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

blackout ...

Well, life is always an adventure in this house, and last night was no different. In fact, probably more of an adventure. We got home right at 6 p.m. to find the garage door not opening. I figured something was wrong with the garage, but promptly found out upon entering the house that it wasn't just the garage that had problems! The whole house was without electricity. So, we spent the night hoping that it would come back on ... and soon. Unfortunately, it didn't come back on until 10:30, but meanwhile the kids and I had fun in the dark. Max took a bath by "candlelight," the kids played on the GameBoy until the batteries died and then Max, Katelyn and I played UNO. Fortunately, Blake slept the whole time. All we could think was "how in the world did the pioneers do it." It definitely made us appreciate the little things we just come to expect!

Sidenote: When the PG&E guy called me back after the power went back on, his first comment was, "So how do you like me now?" He must have known how happy we were to have our air conditioning back!! (it's only been 106 here!!!).

Blake ... is 2 months old!

WOW! Again, time has flown by. Here is Blake at two months.

Happy Belated Father's Day ...

I had good intentions. I usually do. I just forget things. This being one. I bought this cute shirt well before Steve's parents even came to town. Did I remember to put it on Blake? Hmmm, well if you know me, you know I forgot. So, I had to do a photo session just for Grandpa. Happy Father's Day! Just a few days shy ... sorry!

I also included a behind-the-scenes shot. You can see why Blake is laughing! Never a dull moment in our house!

thumb sucker?

Well, I've been wondering if this day would come. Blake is pretty picky about when he will take a binky (only when really tired, and it doesn't stay in long), but for the most part he's only been sucking on his fist. Tonight, Steve called me in to see what Blake was doing ... awwwwww, thumb suckers are so cute!! Too bad it's a hard habit to break.

the fancy laptop ...

I really do need this laptop. It's not just a toy, and I didn't buy it just so we could take these goofy pictures on it. But, you have to admit, it sure is a lot of fun, and my kids definitely think that's what I should use it for. Almost everytime I get on it, they're begging to take some pictures.

Enjoy!!