Our Sweet Minnie

How cute am I?! Or, as Anna-Kate says, "I pretty."
And ready to go get some candy!

Hope these fall days are sweet to you!

Fall Festival

Saturday was our church's Fall Festival. They put on a huge, wonderful festival for the kids! There were games, inflatables, and pony rides. We had to take the now annual cousins picture. Superman, a Super Zebra, and Minnie Mouse! You can tell Anna-Kate was happy to see her cousins but not sure about the costumes.
Anna-Kate loved getting the candy after the games, but she did not always play. (It would depend on whether she liked the costume she saw on the person running the game.)

This soccer set up was the only one she walked up to with no hesitation and played.

Anna-Kate absolutely, 1000% loved the pony rides. You could tell she was so happy and proud to be sitting on that pony!

Daddy and Aunt Amanda got to take a turn around the circle with AK. My parents and sister were in town and got to enjoy the festivities with us!

Anna-Kate has recently decided that inflatables are one of her favorite things. (She went to Monkey Joe's for her cousin's birthday 10 days ago, and daily asks if we are going back today.) She loves them, but she makes Will do them with her, or maybe I should say, he does them for her! Oh, and he loves every minute of it!

Getting up this first little hill was the hardest. Holding a heavy 2 year old and slippery socks apparently make these a little more difficult to navigate. The funniest quote of the night: the first time they did this (I think 3 times that night), Will had to figure out his system. So, it took him about three tries to make it up this little hill. When they got to the top, AK said, "I did it!" You can see from the picture how much she did!

The above picture does a good job of showing this game's size. The below shows well how happy Anna-Kate was to be there!! Yay for dedicated and loving daddies!!

As you can see even getting out was part of the fun. Will said at one point while going through this big thing with AK, a little kid told him, "you are too big. You won't fit."

Thanks Providence Baptist Church for spoiling our children with such a wonderful experience!!

Quote of the Day

On Monday evening after Natalie had left, Anna-Kate started talking about the baby swing and vibrating seat still downstairs. Our conversation went something like this:
AK: That for babies? That for baby Natalie.
Me: That's right. Baby Natalie used them today. One day baby Benjamin will use them.
AK: Meredith [Natalie's mom] home with Natalie now?
Me: Yeah, baby Natalie is at home with Meredith.
short thinking pause
AK: Where is baby Benjamin's mommy?
Me: I am going to be Benjamin's mommy. And this [pointing to Will] will be Benjamin's daddy.
AK: ......[no comment]........you be Benjamin's daddy?
Will: yes, I will be his daddy.

I don't know if she was ready to talk about sharing mommy. At least she is starting to realize Benjamin is not just a random baby, but our baby!

My First Day

Hey!
My name is Natalie. Monday I spent my first day at the Simmons's house. Let me tell you: I had a great time! I'll show you a little bit about my day.
Right after I got there, Anna-Kate came over to meet me. I like her. She makes me smile.

After my morning nap, Mrs. becca said it was time to get outside for a little while. Anna-Kate walked for a little while, but she joined me in the stroller after not too long.

I didn't realize Mrs. becca took this picture! I may have dozed off in the stroller! She wasn't supposed to tell on me.

This was my favorite toy. The lion plays music, but my eyes kept getting drawn to the monkey. How fun is this!

Anna-Kate pushed her baby in the swing while I hung out with the lion and monkey.

Anna-Kate wanted one more hug before the day was over. I didn't mind.

I think I am going to like it here!

State Fair

I love seeing all the fair pictures! Will and I have been going since the year we were engaged, and it is not a tradition we are ready to miss! (We hadn't quite started dating the year before we were dating, so I think Will went without me. Shame on him!) We start at the same gate every year, by the free hushpuppies. This year they weren't set up yet, so we looked at the gardens first. Anna-Kate got a kick out of the carved pumpkins. She wanted to touch them all!

If you ask AK what she did at the fair, she immediately yells, "Animals!" That is what the fair is to her! Animals! To me and Will, the fair is food with some distractions in between. So, the fair this year was an animal/food rotation!
Looking at some goats and chickens with daddy.

Aaaaahhh, roasted corn! The main reason I can't wait for me and Will to finally breakdown and get a grill. Roasted corn, aaaahhh! The plan was for me and AK to share one. Will had his own. I ate one bite; AK wouldn't let go after that. So Will and I shared one. Then Will looked at me and my pititful look as I watched AK eat my share of our corn, and like a great husband walked over and asked for one more!

"No mom, I not quite all done."

(Not the most flattering shot of me) That pumpkin is 522 lbs! I think the watermelon was about 280 lbs. But, the real reason to share this picture: notice the pink duck that AK is holding. We gave in to one of those game vendors. AK had stopped to look at all the animals. The woman working that booth said she could guess weight, age, birth month, and even due dates. She said her due date had to be right within 2 days or we win. Will and I were feeling generous, so we gave in and let her guess my due date.

She guessed Dec 2! Dec 2, almost 2 full months before my due date. Needless to say, we won! A passerby actually guessed Jan 15. Not bad. AK picked out this duck, which is now named "fair duck." Kinda sounds like "bear duck" when AK says it.

Here is where there should be a picture of us eating lunch. Lunch wasn't anything too exciting, just the hearty that allowed us to eat our treat in a few minutes.

We found the PBS tent. Anna-Kate was in love! So many of her friends and so many toys! She was so excited to see Curious George and the Cat in the Hat (her 2 new loves), but this picture with Buddy from Dinosaur Train is the only one she would actually cooperate long enough to get a decent picture with.

It was starting to get close to nap time, so we knew if we wanted to happily enjoy our treat, it was time. The annual fried snickers bar!! Will loved not having to share his this year. And, AK loved it! My reflux would never allow me to eat a whole one, so I didn't mind sharing with AK (who as stated before is not the best treat-sharer.)

Our last stop before heading home was to see the chickens. At one end of the exhibit hall, you can actually hold some of the baby ducks and baby chicks. Do you see this grin on my AK?! She was fearless!

Will was supposed to be helping her hold them. But, she would walk a pace away from him and scoop up one of the baby ducks or chicks by herself. When they squirmed, she just let them drop back into the trough. Only about 3 inches at most; no ducks or chicks were harmed in the taking of these pictures! I love seeing AK so happy and bold!

What a great State Fair experience!

*Note: what is not mentioned or pictured is the massive tantrum thrown as we were trying to leave the fair about 15 min past 2 year old crash point. A certain 2 year old wanted her pregnant mom to carry her the 1/2 mile back to the car. Both parents did not appreciate this idea; 2 year old didn't appreciate being argued with. Nice thing is at the fair everyone ignores the l.o.u.d cries of a 2 year old being tortured apparently. About halfway to the car, I picked her up. She put her head on my shoulder and fell asleep before we got to the car. Apparently she was farther past her crash point than we realized.

Surprise Photo Shoot

If I had done this with planning, I never would have gotten amazing pictures. But, realizing AK was in a good mood and quick to grab the camera meant I got some of our best AK grins in a while!

How old is this child?!

Charlie's Angels, anyone?

and now sweet again...


even a little wistful...

Say "Cheese!"

25 Weeks

How far along? 25 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Not a pleasant discussion. Already more than with AK.

Maternity Clothes: Oh definitely! I have already had to retire 2 shirts because they don't keep my belly covered.

Stretch Marks: only the couple I got with AK

Sleep: Can't complain. I get up most nights to go to the bathroom once, someties twice. But, I fall asleep easily and go back to sleep easily. Lots of dreamin' going on!

Best Moment This week: Saw my belly move because baby boy was moving around so big! And, I ate pizza! Good, bad-for-you, but so yummy Dominos pizza (and a piece of Papa John's too :)

Movement: Getting bigger. I feel him daily. I tend to feel him best first thing in the morning and around 9 at night. Starting to feel him more, whether I'm resting or moving.

Food Cravings: Not as bad as they were a couple weeks ago. But, I still would rather have meat and bread! Subway and Quiznos get my business more than I would want to admit.

Gender: Boy! Still can't believe we are going to have a son!

Labor Signs: nope

Belly Button In or Out: In. (with AK, it only got a bit flatter as I got rounder)

Wedding Rings on or off: On, but I wear a ring on my right hand that I had to take off last night for the rest of the pregnancy.

What I miss: Bending down easily. Consistent energy. Normal body.

What I am looking forward to: No more reflux!!

Weekly Wisdom: Accept help when offered.

Milestones: A couple times last week, I told Will, "I think my feet are a little swollen." He wasn't sure. Last night, he said, "What's wrong with your leg?" I don't know what your talking about. And then he touches my leg. "Your legs and feet are a little swollen." Thanks for that! Already at 25 weeks, I am seeing swelling in my feet and legs. That can't be a good sign!

My Kind of Dinner

Will and I are foodies. We love food! We like trying new things. We like going out to eat fine meals. We like staying in and cooking our own fine meals or new flavors. (And, it goes without saying, we like our lazy meals and our junk food too. :)

After getting married, we started going to our current Sunday School class. Not long after, Brannon and Katy invited us over for dinner, reaching out to the new couple in class. Four years later, we still get together regularly for meals and fellowship. The following is why:

Will and Katy love introducing each other to new cheese. Will's goal is to find something new for him, something to stump Katy, and something I will enjoy too. (I am the pickiest about my cheese.) On Friday night we had Temptin and Sartori Pastorale Blend. Ever heard of those... me either!
I suggested a French night to Katy. I had the main dish that I wanted to try. Will always has a cheese appetizer that he wants to try. So, Katy took on the salad and dessert. This is the beautiful, so tasty salad that she created. Her homemade dressings are better than any store bought; this night was homemade French dressing.

Aaaah, Julia Child's French Onion Soup, aaahhhh.... Pause to remember the yumminess...... Find the recipe HERE. The soup did not disappoint. It was not too salty, the perfect cheesy. I may have to pause again to remember the yumminess......

Lots of details about the food, but the friendship we have developed with these two around food is even better! The food is just a fun centerpiece. Did I say "fun?!" Check this out!

Yes friends, that is my pregnant belly shining behind a torch! To go along with the French-themed dinner, Katy made Creme Brulee. They left out no detail and had the sugar with torch to finish it off before we ate it.
Katy and Brannon, come over any time!

Good food, good friends, good night!

Meeting Evelyn

I was definitley the proud and excited aunt; I showed up at the hospital about 11 min after I got the text that she was here. Look at this beautiful mom! this was about an hour and a half after Evelyn was born.
Love this sweet maternal moment caught on camera! Ashley might be one of the most natural, least-frazzled moms I have ever been around! With her almost 7 years of experience, she has taught me many things - and I have stolen some great ideas as well!

Did I mention that I am the super proud aunt?! (I could also mention here that holding this sweet hours old baby makes me so excited to meet my little guy, but I won't mention it so that I don't detract from this new little one.)

And the handsome proud uncle!! Love this sweet, paternal/uncley look on my man! Yes, my man!

The proud big brother and the cousin take a moment to enjoy exploring the thrills of the hospital room. This chair rocks, which made these two cousins howl with laughter! How fast time goes. These cousins are 7 months apart; Evelyn will only be 3 months older than our baby boy. This pose was Anderson's doing, which only makes it sweeter.

Brown family, we love you!! and we already love so much this new addition to the family! Welcome to the world and welcome to the family Miss Evelyn!

Proud Aunt

She's here! Evelyn M Brown

12 Oct 2011

7 lb, 11 oz

21 in.

What a sweet sight!

Fall Festival

We went to a fall festival at one of the parks this past weekend. The slides made the biggest impression on Anna-Kate! Will had to help her up, but then she would fearlessly go down on her own, landing on her face at the end. Then she would just sit up and start laughing, ready to go again!
Anna-Kate really enjoys Cars. She thinks Mater is really funny. She really enjoys Mack; yes, the big trailer that is in about 4 scenes. She thought the above slide was so cool!

Looking back on the weekend, Anna-Kate says (at least twice a day since):

"I go down big girl slide." Did you have fun? "I was awesome!"

I thought meeting Clifford would be the highlight, but the Cars slide totally trumped it! She wanted to give Clifford a high-five. And, then immediately wanted to go back down the slide! Looking forward to the fall festival at church now!

Hi!

Hi! I am Anna-Kate. I am 2, not quite 2 and a half yet.

I still like Elmo, but I don't watch him much. Because, I l-o-v-e Dora! I can say "Hola," "abuela," "abre," ... because of her. I also love Curious George and Mickey Mouse. (Maybe look forward to a Disney-themed costume this year.)

I have been in pre-school one month now. I love to tell my mom what I ate for snack and show her my stamp from music time. My favorite thing is getting to paint. Mrs. Kellie is so fun and she loves to push me on the swing.

I absolutely love books! Fancy Nancy, Clifford, Cat in the Hat, "Noah book," Give Mouse a Cookie ... Every morning I ask mom to get 2 books to take to the couch to read to me. I like to read them to myself too.

My favorite food is snack and treat. If mom would let me, I could just eat goldfish crackers, cheese, grapes, pretzels, fruit snacks, strawberries, and more cheese and crackers. I really like chocolate but mom only gives me a little at a time. Meat is still my least favorite, and pasta tops my favorites list for supper.

I really like my babydolls. I like to cook in my kitchen sometimes. I love to play ball with daddy and the running game (run around the kitchen and let daddy catch me). I love shopping with mom, especially when she buys me a new dress. Dresses are my favorite to wear.

I also like to play with the fat cat while my mom takes care of stuff at the bank.

(When mom is not looking, I sneak duck in to the store or bank with us.)

More Work Than One

We have started getting our guest bedroom ready to become Anna-Kate's big girl room. This has turned into a let's-transition-the-house for more than one kid in the house. In one of those cabinets in the entertainment center behind AK, we now have that fabric bin full of baby toys. I am hoping that AK's curiousity and enjoyment of the forgotten baby toys will be over by the time her baby brother is ready to enjoy them himself.
Worked out well that we brought out the baby toys. I have been watching once a week for about 6-8 weeks a friend's two little ones (a 2 year old girl, a 5 month old boy). The little guy appreciates having something around that I am not going to immediately take from his hands, something the girls can safely give him. (Sorry little guy for the pink blanket; we haven't added much blue to the house yet.)

This goes without saying.....

Three children are way more work than one! I am up and down the stairs. I sit down and then get back up. I sit down and then get back up. I don't sit down and I am back and forth from the kitchen to the living room. I change one dirty diaper and then another and then another. My proudest moment: I cooked supper while all three children were awake. I didn't give in to the huge temptation to ask Will to bring me home some ChicFilA!

Look forward to the posts about AK's big girl room!