"Baby Stein"

This little fella is turning into a "baby stein"! He is OBSESSED with the Baby Einstein video's, which he calls "baby stein" repeatedly until we comply with his request. Ever since he began his love of these videos he has an appreciation for classical music, practices sign language, and I've noticed his hair starting to stick up more than usual....He's actually turning into a young Einstein! This kid makes me giggle on a daily basis. He has provided some much needed comic relief during a pretty difficult time dealing with the declining health of my grandpa. No matter how crappy my grandpa feels, he manages to muster a smile when Mino comes around the corner to give him a high five. It's impossible to stay in a bad mood with this hilarious little boy asking me "Mom, what doin", or "Mom, how's you oatmeal, good?". I never get tired of hearing him sing "I Got a Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, which is a good thing because we listen to it about 20 times a day! Love you Mino-head!

Gotta Get That Paper!

This afternoon after Max went down for his nap, I went on an organizing rampage. Hank was keeping himself occupied with his Nintendo DS, and obviously got hot, hence the shirtless look. Man, I must have been cleaning longer than I thought, because this is how I just found him. Not sure where he found that dollar but I'm not about to take it away from him! I wonder what he's dreaming about...

So Long Training Wheels!

The boys and I took a walk in this beautiful fall weather we are enjoying and I noticed how well Hank was riding his bike and how easily he touches the ground now. I suggested we take his training wheels off and he was a little hesitant at first. We've tried this a couple times before but he was too nervous and afraid of falling. I reassured him that I would be right next to him and wouldn't let him crash, so he agreed. After approximately 30 seconds he was cruising around the neighborhood so fast you never would have guessed we just took his training wheels off. Max was clapping and saying "Good job Hank". Hank can't wait to surprise Randy with his new skills when he gets home from work today.

Focus and Concentration!

Look at that confidence!

KIOP!

"Kiop" is the sound Hank makes during his Tae Kwon Do routine and is the sound he made as he smashed this board in half with his foot during his latest belt test. Hank didn't hesitate once during his test and completed every task Master Augustine asked of him. He is now a Blue Dragon. Nice work Hank-man!

Nothing much going on around here. Hank is looking forward to a field trip to the pumpkin patch this week and a play date with his buddy Crew. Max is talking like crazy all of the sudden. My favorite phrase of his is "Hey....what you doin'?" If you're lucky he's called you and personally asked that question. Randy's been busy selling policies, playing with the kiddies and helping a elderly widow change the oil in her tractor. I've been easing my anxiety over my nephew Jack's spinal surgery by baking like a mad woman. I think I've made approximately 20 dozen cookies this week. I'm so grateful the surgery went so well and he's on the mend. This morning the boys and I had some fun with the camera while we waited for Randy to wake up. Here are the highlights...

Bob the builder, I love how he wears his hard hat backwards.

He's trying to be cross eyed...his eyes aren't like that normally, I promise!

Perfect shot of the snotty nose and chipped teeth!

He totally looks like me when I run...future cross country star?

Max had to join in of course.


and my favorite action shot...

It makes me giggle every time I see it!


Again...we've been really busy, as you can see! This photo shoot went on for an hour. My kids love the camera, what can I say.

So It Begins...

I knew this day would come, however I wasn't prepared for it to come so quick. Hank is officially too cool for his mom, or worse yet, EMBARRASSED of me. The above picture was taken at Rusty and Collette's wedding this summer and I have it displayed in our living room. Today Hank opened the cabinet where the picture is, and asked me...

"Mom, can we delete this picture?"
"I love that picture Hank, why would you want to delete it?" (Notice how he chooses to use the word delete instead of take down, or move...he really wants it destroyed!)

"It's not cool mom, I don't want Nicole to see it."

My heart broke a little, not going to lie. The only thing giving me comfort is looking at the joy on his face in the picture. He wasn't too cool 3 months ago!