Postman Alan

One of the many gifts Alan got for Christmas from Grammie and Grampy was a Melissa and Doug mail box. As you can tell from the photo he might have a career as a mailman in his future.

This moment

I was trying to get dinner ready so we could eat at 5:30 promptly but Alan was becoming increasingly impatient to go outside. So I decided to take a break and chill with him in the backyard.

I'm most of these shots he's getting gravel and dropping it in old post holes which is apparently very entertaining.

Alan hates hats

Alan hates hats, unless they belong to Rosie.

Who Needs TV...

When you have a salad spinner?

Happy Rosie

Marie Rose is a very happy little girl who loves to share her smile.

Brotherly Love

Alan loves to snuggle with Rosie. Here they are after his nap last week.

Busy day

I remember last Thanksgiving so well--our first big holiday with a baby, our first in our own home, and my first time cooking it all. To say I over-planned and over-cooked is an understatement! Although I didn't cook everything I had planned we had way more than enough of sides and desserts.

I really do enjoy the preparations that go into making a meal although it is often very stressful and that I don't enjoy. I paired down this year's menu in hopes of making it as close to stress-free as possible, we'll see how it goes.

Here are some pics from today as well as a few from last year at this time--I can't believe how fast it has gone.

Our New Ukrainian Catholic

This past weekend Rosie received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. But the festivities started before this weekend. About a week before the baptism Margaret and I (as well as Rosie) met with Father for our baptism class. There Margot was "churched" and Roise had the "prayer of naming"

Then on Saturday the big day arrived.

First Rosie was made a catechumen at the back of the church. Then Father carried her in a purple cloth (representing original sin) to the front of the church.

She was then baptized and vested in her baptismal clothes.

We did not get any photos of the Chrismation (confirmation for you Roman Riters) or First Holy Communion. 

Parents and God Parents

Home Depot Nurse-In

No, there's not an actual nurse-in at Home Depot but I'm in the car (in the HD parking lot) nursing Rosie while Alan sleeps. We have to grab a few things here and the kids are recharging before our next errand--it's so exhausting to be a baby/toddler! Errands take extra long these days with two of them and one nursing but they really are sweet little ones and I'll take the extra company for the sweet moments like this. Even if it means get in and out of the car us a 10-15 minute process.

Two Times the Fun

Here are some pictures from this past week. Alan and Rosie are becoming better friends and he's becoming quite the attentive big brother. Today she was crying in his crib (where I had put her for protection while I quickly got dressed) and he went in and gave her his sippy cup. Whenever she cries he runs to her, pointing and saying "uh oh!" in order to tell me that she needs me. He's also very sweet about giving her kisses everyday. I can't wait to see them play together once she's older.

Family stroll

We've been enjoying our break from work while Mike is on FMLA, it's been so nice to have him on our morning walks and throughout the day. Last Saturday we walked to the playground and here are some snapshots of the views I had. These children are such blessings!

Welcome Rosie!

Marie Rose Schay was welcomed into our family on Saturday, October 6, at 4:25 am. She weighed 7 lb and 15 oz and was 21 in long. She is the sweetest and most beautiful little girl we could ever ask for.