Highland Park Adventure

Mommy didn't want to wake up this morning when you both decided to start your day, so Daddy postponed his work and substituted for Mommy, only for about an hour though.  Mommy stayed up until 3:30 a.m. working on homework and organizing pictures for baby books.  Mommy decided that a day at the park was needed, especially if I were to stay awake. 

Mommy packed the usual snacks and supplies and we headed to Highland Park.  Jude, this was your first trip to Highland Park.  We left Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo behind because they would have never made it.  Instead, Grandmoo drove them and met up with us later on.  When we arrived, Bodhi, you of course wanted to swing.  So Mommy got you both out to swing for a while.  Afterwards, Bodhi, you played on the play equipment, but this didn't last long before Jude began to cry.  So, Mommy broke out the snacks and everyone had a bite to eat.  Jude, you were not thrilled about having formula, and it actually made you gassy.  So, Bodhi, Mommy chased you around the park with Jude on my hip.  Mommy, wasn't having so much fun so I packed you both up in the stroller and we began our exploration of the park.  We saw ducks, dogs, and squirrels, not to mention several beautiful trees.  Everyone was happy once we were moving.  Jude, you fell asleep. 

Grandmoo showed up with your guys' fuzzy brothers.  Bodhi, you started screeching.  You didn't realize right away that it was Grandmoo, Mr. Murff, and Mr. Arlo.  You always screech when you see an animal, but once they got close, you really had a fit :)  We all walked along the Indian trails, across an old bridge, and went to see Big Ben or Old Ben and the Old Sycamore Stump.  Bodhi, you again got out of the stroller and was running all over the place.  Jude, when you woke Grandmoo startled you by making monster noises, and you started screaming because Mommy was out of sight.  Grandmoo felt so bad for scaring you, meanwhile, your sister took off for some play equipment nearby.  Once Grandmoo and Mommy calmed you down, Jude, Bodhi had disappeared hee/hee (only about 30 feet away playing) but still, it startled us both.  We spent a total of three and a half hours at the park.  Bodhi, you had a blast! Jude, you enjoyed yourself most of the adventure, but I think you would have rather been back at home instead.  Bodhi and Mommy will make you an outside guy before you know it!  Mommy loves spending our days at the park together!  We will definitely be visiting Highland Park more often.

 First stop on our adventure

 On our way to the play equipment

 "Swinging Buddha" :)

 Bodhi, you LOVE to swing ;)

 Juder's in deep thought

 Bodhi climbing the slide all by herself

 (Mommy had to hurry to catch up to you after taking your picture)

 Juder's happy at this point in our adventure

 Bodhi and Jude checking out the Highland Park waterfall ;)

 Bodhi and Grandmoo on the slide

 Bodhi and Grandmoo checking Big or Old Ben out

 A Few Highland Park Sights

 On our way home... Bodhi you are never happy to leave!

Poor Buddha, Grandmoo scared you!

An Inside Day

Bodhi and Jude, we were all stuck inside once again today.  It first rained all morning, then it turned to a snowy rain this afternoon, and by this evening it was snowing.  For the last couple of months, Mommy has looked all over the place for a weather shield for your stroller, but they were out of stock EVERYWHERE!  Mommy has one on back order, so who knows when it will arrive.  Until we receive it, we're stuck inside on wet days :(  Mommy dressed you Bodhi, in your "Wish for Rainbows" t-shirt since it was so nasty and wet out, but no rainbows today.  Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to get out and burn some energy off... fingers crossed, because Bodhi, you get a little crazy when you don't get to go outside!  You fed Mr. Murff about 100 treats today, chased him, and pestered him, poor Mr. Murff.

The highlight of the day were the visitors that stopped in to visit.  First, GiGi came by right before you both went down for your naps.  She played and visited with you both for about a half hour.  After you both woke from your naps, sister Kelly and the Governor were here to see you both.  Sister Kelly brought her computer to show the new skin or decorative computer cover she picked out.  Bodhi, you went nuts.  You love the computer.  Mommy keeps her computer closed so that you won't get on it.  Sister Kelly showed you several You Tube videos of bunnies (since she's a bun Momma of three).  You loved watching the bunnies and you even gave sister Kelly a kiss so that she would continue playing the videos for you.  Jude, you are always hesitant to leave Momma's arms, but you quickly warm up to who ever is holding you :)  You laughed and smiled when the Governor held you! 

Jude, you started stage one banana's tonight.  You seemed to enjoy bananas as much as you enjoy apples :)  Bananas were your sisters favorite for the longest time. 

"Loved Buddha"

Juder's and the Governor ;)

 Sister Kelly showing Bodhi bunny videos on You Tube.  Jude in the background studying his sister :)

 "I'll give you a kiss if you play another video."

Bodhi running to get Mr. Murff another treat ;)-

Happy Nineteen Months Bodhi!  You are growing up way too fast!


Wet and Wild

Bodhi, you were wild again today... and even more so this evening after you tasted Mommy's coke and after Daddy gave you a jello fruit cup :)  You started the day off rough though.  Mommy brought you downstairs with her and Jude while Mommy exercised.  You cried and screamed once again (Mommy tried one other time with the same outcome).  You don't like Mommy exercising for some reason, you wanted me to hold you, anything to stop me from exercising.  Mommy thought for sure you'd get into it and want to dance too, since you LOVE to dance, but nope.  Tomorrow, you'll go back to playing in your room while Mommy exercises.   Jude, you just bounced away in your bouncy seat, happy as can be like every other morning.  Every time I would look over at you, you would smile. 

This afternoon was rainy so we didn't get to take our walk.  Mommy could tell everyone was on edge without their walk.  Mr. Murff barked all day long, Bodhi, you ran around terrorizing Mr. Murff and attempted to tease Mr. Arlo.  Jude, you weren't satisfied unless Mommy was walking you around or holding you up so you could play.  However, you are getting better at sitting up.  Today you sat up and played with a toy for a good ten minutes before toppling over. 

This evening, after Daddy came home, Mommy decided to get all the shopping out of the way.  Mommy knew this was going to take up the rest of the evening, but I decided to take you Bodhi to Target with me.  Jude you stayed with Daddy and the boys.  Bodhi, you were so happy to get out of the house and were an absolute angel.  This is amazing since this was right after your sugar intake, in which you were bouncing yourself all over the couch.  We were shopping for a total of two and half hours.  You didn't fuss once.  You were sooooo good, and seemed to really enjoy yourself.  You love to people watch just like your Momma and Great Papaw Grills ;)  Mommy decided after Target to stop in at Old Navy since you were being so good.  You would take the shirts Mommy picked out for you and Jude and fold them, flip them, and lay them out in the cart.  It was so funny watching you.  You were mimicking your Momma and everyone else who was flipping through the clothes!  You even threw a shirt out at some point and Mommy had to go find it.  When I did find it, it was laid out neatly on top of a pile of women's shirts.  You obviously took great care in putting this shirt back... and somehow managed to do so without me noticing. 

When Mommy dropped you off at home before going grocery shopping, Jude was asleep, and Daddy tells me that you, Bodhi, ate both of his whoper juniors hee/hee  Daddy said you are such a sucker :)-

 Bodhi watching the rain and wanting to go outside and play

Wild Woman!

Bodhi tormenting Mr. Murff

Bodhi you are such a little monkey ;)

 Bodhi shopping with her Momma :)

Juder's sitting like a big boy and playing with a toy

"Focused Buddha"

You were really concentrating on playing with your toy ;)

 Happy Baby :)

 Jude relaxing during tummy time

"Look Momma, I can sit and stick my tongue out at the same time!"



Sharing Laughter

Bodhi, you were out of control and such a spaz today hee/hee  You and your brother were non-stop laughing at each other, it was so cute.  Jude, you would start belly laughing and then Bodhi, you would get tickled and start laughing hysterically,  and then Jude, you would pick up when Bodhi stopped.  This went on all day long. 

  

Jude, you did not enjoy our walk today for some reason.  Mommy took you, Bodhi, and Mr. Murff to CVS in the stroller to pick up your medicine, and about half way through the walk you started to cry, but you calmed yourself.  Once we arrived at CVS, Mommy strolled everyone through the drive through to make the pick-up,  and Jude you started to cry again.  Mommy felt like a horrible Mommy because you started crying and the ladies inside were glaring at Mommy, as if you were crying because you were freezing to death.   You were both bundled of course, but I think today your belly was bothering you, Jude.  

Bodhi, Mommy completed your intake for speech therapy today.  You embarrassed your Momma though... when the lady arrived you were hanging all over her, wanting her to pick you up and carry you around, as if you never get any attention!  I could not believe it!  You are so independent and you usually don't want people to love on you, especially strangers. Well, unless Jude is getting too much attention, of course!  Now you will complete an assessment to see if you qualify for speech services.  Mommy thinks you'll start talking any day.  When Mommy and Daddy ask you to say a word, we can see your lips try to form the word, and sometimes you actually repeat what we've asked you to say. We'll just have to wait and see.

This evening Daddy put you to bed, Bodhi.  Mommy went out to dinner with Sister Kelly and friends.  Mommy was so worried about you!  It didn't help that before Mommy left, you shut your hands in the bathroom door.  :(  Jude, Mommy was able to nurse you to sleep prior to leaving :)

 First time side by side in your high chairs!  Jude, you were banging your hand over and over on the tray demanding to be fed.  Mommy is just waiting for the two of you to start flinging food at each other.  Mommy actually thought this would happen today, but luckily it didn't ;)

 Bodhi, you just completed your intake and some snacks ;)

 "Laughing Buddha"

 You two took turns laughing hysterically... it was so funny watching you both! :)

 Bodhi's turn!

 Jude, you laughed so hard you became disoriented and tried nursing your sister's bum!

Bodhi found this unacceptable but funny! :)-

A Road Trip and A Long Day

Today was such a busy day.  Mommy and Daddy were working on work and homework all morning, and then this afternoon we packed everyone up and headed to Lafayette.  Our first stop was DCS, where Mommy use to work.  Mommy first took Bodhi inside to visit with all of her old co-workers and friends and to also pick up Jude's blanket that Aunt Carla Payne made for him.  It is absolutely adorable :)  Mommy loves it so much and it means so much to Mommy that Aunt Carla took time out of her hectic life to make it, as well as the matching owl wall hanging that she previously mailed us and is now hanging on you and your sister's wall.  Aunt Carla also made you, Bodhi, the most beautiful wall hanging and matching quilt before you were born.  Mommy knows you both will treasure these forever.   Mommy hand picked the fabric and Aunt Carla added her own artistic touch and supplemental fabrics.  She is so talented!  Bodhi, you love blankets and as soon as Aunt Carla handed it to Mommy and Mommy took it out of the wrap, you instantly started feeling it with your hands and face, saying "awwwww."  You are too cute!  Mommy then went and brought Jude in from the car to visit everyone.  Jude, you were in the car with Daddy while Mommy and Bodhi visited.  You eventually got restless and Daddy had to get you out of your car seat and walk you around.   Jude, you loved all of the attention and smiled at everyone.  You are such a ladies man hee/hee ;) 

Afterwards, we went to Target to get a bigger car seat for you Bodhi, the car dealership to get a quote for the busted fog light, and to TJ Max and Hobby Lobby for a little shopping.  When we returned home, you both were ready for bed, despite sleeping the whole way home.  Poor Daddy had to stay awake and drive while we all slept ;)  He's such a good Daddy! 

Today was such the busy day, Mommy forgot to take pictures of the two of you.  Jude you rode in a shopping cart for the first time (after Mommy sanitized it of course).  Mommy saw on the news where a study revealed 73% of shopping carts had fecal matter on them, this really grossed Mommy out!  Anyway, Mommy snapped some night time shots of the two of you. 

 Sweet Dreams Baby Bodhi ;)

 Don't let the bed bugs bite Baby Buddha!

Jude's quilt made with love by Aunt Carla

(the pictures don't even begin to show how absolutely adorable this quilt is)

A Day of Fun and Relaxation

We had yet another excellent day and another perfect evening with surprise visitors throughout.   Jude, you started your morning at 6:30 a.m. watching the morning news with Daddy so that Mommy could sleep a half hour longer :) Afterwards, you bounced while Mommy Zumba'd.  Bodhi you were perfectly content watching cartoons and drinking your juice in your crib while Mommy exercised.  Usually, Mommy has to try to fit exercising in while you both are napping or during what is supposed to be "nap time."  Instead of playing in your room this morning, Mommy decided to mix it up and have morning play time downstairs.  Bodhi, Mommy sat Jude on the couch with pillows surrounding him so that I could run upstairs and get him a new outfit... he pooped up his back yet again.  Mommy told you Bodhi "don't let Bubs roll off the couch," not really expecting you to watch him.  When Mommy came back downstairs, in a dead run, I found you standing in front of Jude with your hand on his leg.  Mommy was highly impressed :)  You are such a good big sister.  Jude, you pooped in the sink today during your morning bath, and that's after pooping up your back.  Mommy thought you were done, so it's really my fault, but it's a first.  Bodhi has never pooped in tub hee/hee   Playing downstairs actually went very well this morning.  Jude Mommy kept you awake and alert until 12:30 p.m.  You and Bodhi both took a nice long nap at the SAME time today, YAY! 

This afternoon, Mommy bundled you both up and took you for a walk and to play at the park.  Mommy took you both to Foster park, which was quite flooded.  Mommy wasn't going to stop and let you guys play, but when I got you out of the stroller to walk for a while, Bodhi, you ran like heck toward the children's play area.  So, Mommy decided to let you play :)  You went on the play equipment today Bodhi.  Mommy had to chase after you, because Mommy wasn't expecting you to actually walk on the equipment.  You usually walk around it and put rocks on the slide and then wipe them off.  Mommy got to you just in the knick of time... you decided to go down the slide without your Mommy and luckily I was able to grab hold of your arm before you flipped head first down the slide.  Accident adverted!  Jude, you cried the last half of the way home, you were hungry.  You eventually fell asleep, so when we arrived home, Mommy was able to get Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo out to take them on a slow and short stroll.  We have to take it easy on them because they both are out of shape and have horrible hip problems.  Mr. Murff was not too happy when we left him behind for our long walk. 

Jude, you finally got to taste your first stage one fruit... apples :)  Your brother, Sean Franky, fed you your first bites.  You loved it!  You looked so disappointed when you finished the jar, you would have ate another jar, I'm sure. Bodhi, you love when Sean Franky comes to visit, you particularly like when he chases you and throws you in the air :)  You also sat with Grandmoo watching cartoons while Mommy nursed Jude to sleep.  Today, was such a good day and no spooky incidents to report :) 

 Bodhi just got busted... trying to climb the stairs to get to her Daddy who was eating a pickle

 Daddy heard all the commotion and came and gave you a bite of his pickle... you are such a sucker Bodhi!

 Bodhi and Jude in front of the Army tank at Foster Park... Mommy thought we better get a picture before someone decides to get rid of it too!  Not that I really understand why we have it at the park anyway ;)

 "Really Momma?"  "Can we go play now?"

 "Adventuresome Buddha" ;)

Mommy use to watch Grandpa Kurt play softball from the top of this slide.  Mommy also use to do flips off the bar... don't get any ideas Bodhi, you will NEVER!

 "Hungry Buddha"

 Bodhi exploring the play equipment ;)

 Juders swinging

 Franky feeding you your first bite of apples... Holsapple's love apples ;)

 "Mmmmmm!"

Grandmoo watching cartoons with Bodhi ;)  Bodhi you were wanting Grandmoo to wrap you up in the blanket, and she did... you were in heaven!