A different look

So after that last post, I noticed that we usually do Olivia's hair up which changes her look completely! And for those of you who don't get to see Livi on a regular basis, you need to see her different look. She's like another baby! Either look, I LOVE HER!!!

The cutest face...

Even with a snot factory, this little baby is the cutest thing! She has the funnest personality!! She'll give you a little cheeser rain or shine...even when she's about to cry or crying. She now has 2 teeth on the bottom and is crawling! And her hair is getting so light, she now matches her siblings. Except for her mop on top which is atleast 4 inches longer than the rest and 3 shades darker. We are so proud of her! I can't believe she's so big! We love her so much!!!

The tour

Brody Boot Cassidy

We have been teaching Brody answers to questions like "How old are you?", "What is your name?", things like that and Brad will often ask to remind him. Lately, I've been working with him to say both his first, middle and last name. The other day we asked him what his name was and when he said "Brody", I said, "Brody Gunnell?" and he said "No, I'm Brody Boot!" We have no idea where this came from. He does wear his boots to church and they mention it to him on occasion. This has evolved now so when you ask him what his name is, it's Brody Boot Cassidy.

Olivia is so close to crawling it's crazy! We have wood floors so she slips all over the place and frequently bonks her face on the floor...good thing she doesn't have teeth yet!

Brylie is getting so big! I think if they would let her, she could go to kindergarten and do well (although I don't think she's emotionally ready to leave her mom and dad, her brother or her sister). We aren't ready to let her go. I am actually quite glad that she still has 2 more years.

Brad is really liking working! He tells me all the time how nice it is to get something done that he doesn't have to remember for 3 months for the final. I think they are glad they've got him too. Thank goodness for a good job especially in these tough economic times!
And I am enjoying getting settled! It's nice to know where our stuff is and I hope to be a little more organized the next time (and hopefully the last time) we move. I love being home with the kids and hearing the funny things they say or do and to hug and kiss them when they get hurt or tickle them when they need a good chuckle.

We are living the dream!

We went to Tiny Town, Colorado on Labor Day this year and it was pretty fun! The highlight of the trip was the ride on the train. Here we are ready to roll!

Graduation

Yeah, I know it was over a month ago but we had stuff going on to say the least. I did want to post pictures of the blessed event because it really was an accomplishment that we are very proud of (we are proud of Brad, he's proud of his accomplishment)! We were lucky to have Grammie, Pops and Lisa here to celebrate the big day and then help us move!

Just in case you don't know, the kids and I are so proud of Brad!! He is the best dad and husband anyone could ask for! We are so happy that now he can come home and see us on a daily basis! We love you Dad!!! Congratulations!

Clapping and almost crawling

It's been forever...you might not recognize our little mohawk baby Olivia but here she is clapping and almost crawling. We are already in our new place for now but not quite to the point where I'm happy to share pictures. Give me a little bit and we'll get some up for ya'll.

Things are very good in Colorado! We really like it here so far. Brad has a commute he isn't a fan of and it makes his hours about what they were when he was in law school but, it's SO nice for him to be making real money, and not to worry about being prepared for tomorrow's class.

All the kids are doing well, growing like weeds and have acclimated to our new surroundings quite well!

We are so grateful for everyone who has helped us through this process, especially Grammie, Pops and Lisa who made the trip with us and worked tirelessly moving us in, building something, cleaning or watching the kiddos. You were lifesavers! And also to Brad's work...I cannot find words to express our thanks for everything these last 3 years of school.

Pictures to come shortly!!

So funny

The 6 month sit

Olivia has learned to sit. She's a little wobbly but can do it.

Just one more thing to brag about...

Poor Brylie must be so bored here...she learns things faster than I can teach her! A few days ago, we were all just sitting around while Brody read books, Olivia played with toys and practiced rolling over, and Brylie was coloring letters as she calls it. She kept asking me how to spell my name so I told her letter after letter not really paying attention. Then I saw this!

You can see, even Prince Charming was crying with joy. I shrieked with joyous surprise and then saw this!

Cute girl! Like father, like daughter. And yes, she did just turn 3 in February!

Fly Whisperer

Lately, we have had ridiculously large amounts of flies in our house. At first I blamed it on the maggots we had in our big trash bin outside that turn into flies and then fly into our home through the gap in the weather stripping (it's like the size of a peanut at the very bottom corner) but now I'm beginning to think it's because of this guy. Meet The Fly Whisperer!

Now when you think "whisperer", you assume they have the best in mind for their animal but not in this case! He lures them in and then kills them. I have watched him catch one hanging out on the window sill, dropped it and then picked it up again. And I assure you, it was alive both times it was caught. He has brought me dead flies in his hand and most recently, in his toy microphone.

And then there's those I just find laying around.

Poor guys! But I really don't care how they get out of our house as long as they are gone! And you never know, Brody may star in the next Animal Planet's "Fly Whisperer".

Out with the old, in with the semi-new

We said goodbye to the much loved "Amry" last week and welcomed a new vehicle into the driveway. Unfortunately, when Brad went to renew the safety on the Amry, the guy wouldn't do it because he'd be surprised if it lasted another 100 miles. So we did some shopping and found this awesome buy and I think it suits Brad very very well!!

Position of choice

Olivia is such a funny sleeper, the second I put her into the crib (she's already asleep, I know, I know, she should fall asleep on her own by this age) she immediately turns her head back into this position. Can't be that comfortable, can it? Maybe I should try it.

Michelin has a new face...

...or could with this hot bod!!

What do you think?

It's Not Easy Being Bald...

Poor Olivia...We can do a few things with a mohawk...

But hair has nothing to do with how cute this baby is!!!

What a haircut can do

Last night I gave Brody the summer buzz and have been amazed ever since at how grown up a haircut can make him look.

My oldest two can now pass as twins.

And here's some more just for good measure!

For your sakes...

I will update for all of you who are hanging by our every blog post...you've been hanging for quite some time now. My kids will look so different to you all. Well, maybe not THAT different but Olivia might. She is growing up faster than I imagined. It really is true, the older you get the faster time goes. Unfortunately for my kids, I'm getting older making time go faster for them. Well, at least in my eyes. I can't believe how much kids can change in such short periods of time.


Brody is talking more than ever and often makes us chuckle with his phrases. He is such a boy but has no steady playmates that are male so he thinks playing with dolls and being a princess is typical boy behavior. He figures out ways to incorporate his lion and tiger into the mix to add some testosterone. I can't get over how cute he is! His run is darling with one arm pumping for speed, or as fast as his short little legs can carry him! He is my little buddy and I'm finding that he truly treasures the cuddles I give him in between my constant time with Olivia. We manage to squeeze some in there.Brylie is getting so big, I think I give her way too much responsibility. She doesn't let me down however and I feel a little bit better when I realize that I was in her shoes and did fine with the responsibility and even enjoyed it. In fact, I think I'm doing her a favor to a degree. Some kids don't learn responsibility until they move out of the house. She could move out in a few short years with all she's getting. Although, I'd like to keep her as long as possible!

Olivia is growing bigger in height and girth! She probably weighs in around 17 lbs if you ask me. She is cooing like crazy and has started laughing a little. She is also learning to form sounds with her little mouth and is almost blowing bubbles. She eats up any attention she may get and lets us know when she's not getting all she wants! I love that she's getting a little older in that she is spitting up less and going longer in between feedings! I can't believe she is almost 4 months old. Her sleeping habits are becoming more frequent in the night...I am dreading the time we teach her how to sleep through the night (cry it out).

Brad and I couldn't ask for better kids and cuter too! And I couldn't ask for a better husband! He truly works as hard as he can to juggle all he is working on currently! He is a trooper and I love and appreciate him! Thanks hun!!

Hope these pictures tide you over until our next post.

Miracles DO happen

Brylie decided to be potty trained and when I say potty trained, I mean she's only had 5 accidents and wakes up dry. It has been about a week now! I am so proud! And she's not 5 years old like I thought she'd be!!!

We had an outdoor activity at our house that was fun for the kids but Dad wasn't so thrilled about it (writing on the door). Sidewalk chalk works on more than just sidewalk.

It has been fun to see how much Brylie loves Olivia and how much Olivia loves Brylie. Here is a video of the two talking!!

Can't Get More Precious Than This

Nipples...

Today Brylie said to me while we were sitting down for dinner, "Mom, I need my nipples; they're over there." Now we've had the nipple conversation with me nursing Olivia so I know she knows what nipples are so I thought she was trying to be silly but her face told me she was serious and she really "needed" her nipples. So while I was quickly thinking of a tasteful way of telling her, "No, remember what nipples are..." she said, "They're over there in the window" where we keep her chewable vitamins. And it clicked. She was not really talking about nipples at all. Phhhhhew! Silly girl! I love you! And then I gave her a vitamin and she was happy!

Olivia

After several requests, here is Olivia today smiley as can be! We are so glad to have her in our family and healthy.