Peek-a-Boo

Tonight Jake and I got out his bus tent and tunnel. I have been so excited to get it out now that Lindsey is crawling. She took about 2 mintues to check it out and watch Jake go through it before she took off. I am not quite sure she knew what to make of either of them but it was fun to watch!

SOOOooooo BIG!!!

Today was Lindsey's 9 month well baby check-up. First and foremost she got rid of the ear infection. Hooray! Second, she is hitting some major mile stones! She is crawling all over, standing in her crib, trying to pull up on furniture already, cutting her bottom 2 teeth (one has pushed through), sitting in the big car seat, babbling like crazy and growing at an insane rate! She is in the 96% for height and weight, at least she is balanced. The doctor said she is expected to be tall. She weighs in at a strong 23lbs.1oz and is 29 1/4" high. I can't believe how big she is. I have a feeling she will be just like her Auntie, tall and slender. I know in the next 18 years she could work off those thighs! Even so, I love her to pieces. She is always happy and loves to play and explore! She has added so much joy to our family in the last 9 months! Look out world, here she comes!

1 week--2 great parades!!

This past Saturday I took both kids to the Can-Am Parade and Tuesday night I took Jake to the Lewis County Fair Parade. It is kind of funny, Jake gets so excited to grab all the candy but eats none of it, a mom's dream! We are gathering it all summer and sending it to Lee in his next box! Both parades were great, it is always fun hanging out with friends! Thanks to Jen's family for inviting us for dinner!

Go Jacob Go!!

Jacob and I have been working on riding his old bike without training wheels. I was hesitant to take them off his new bike, so instead I took the training wheels off his old one. We practiced a few times a week. When my dad was here this past week he asked Papa if he could help him too. After about 4 times of a little guidance, he was off and cycling! He is working on starting and using his brakes to stop now, not his foot. He was so excited and asked Papa every night to ride his bike! Way to go Jake!

Lindsey Crawls and A Letter from Dad

Lindsey started crawling over all last week. It is official! She also is already trying to pull up on furniture, I need to put an end to that! lol She has bumped her head numerous times and tries to get in to everything, including Jake's toys, garbage, drawers, baskets, etc. I am very afraid!
Thanks for the letter to Jacob, Lee! He loved it! We miss and love you!

Lindsey Clapping

Check out that Ponytail!!

Lindsey's hair is getting really long, mostly on top. I have to put it in a barrett each day or a ponytail to keep it out of her eyes. She also loves clapping, you can see her doing it in the picture! She is crawling all over too! We are babyproofing all over again!

A Visit from Nana and Papa

This week my parents came to visit. We were jammed packed with things to do again. We also made a trip to Sackets with the kids. My mom was craving Tin Pan for breakfast and it was Lindsey's first time there. She ate everything! We also got to feed the ducks afterwards and Jake checked out the boats! Thanks for a fun 4 days!

The end to a great week with Aunt Laurie.....

The week with Aunt Laurie ended with a few great sunny days, very hot, but fun! Laurie bought Lindsey a little pool that we finally were able to put her on. It is like a small mat with a bunch of shooting fountains on it and sprinklers. The only negative was that it uses hose water which is pretty cold. Therefore, we thought when it was 90 degrees outside it was the perfect opportunity to put her in it.
On Saturday it was a perfect afternoon. We took the kids to Sackets for dinner, played at the local park and then had ice cream. It was the perfect ending to a great week together.

More Pictures from the Week

Lindsey loved the pool!
I Love this--Leah and Lindsey were giving each other kisses in the pool!!

Adventure Camp--the rock wall!

What a Week!

I can't believe the weekend is here already. It seemed like yesterday that my sister got here, but we had a very busy week with the kids. It was super hot but we made the best of it and both Jake and Lindsey were happy to get some special one-on-one time this week. We started off with sparklers and snappers to celebrate the 4th of July, Aunt Laurie and Jake worked on Lego's all week (his new favorite thing), I bought Jake a new Big Wheel to cruise around on, Lindsey worked on crawling which she has mastered now, we stayed cool in the kiddie pool, flew kites, Jake had adventure camp and swim lessons, dinner with the Charltons, swimming at Mrs Puccia's, a trip to the mall, and the list goes on. It was a jam-packed week but so much fun. The kids and I will be so sad to see her leave on Sunday, it was great having an extra pair of hands and the kids really enjoyed having her here. It was also nice to just have my sister/friend to chat and hang out with. Here are some pictures from the week!

Happy 4th of July!!

We love you Daddy!

Happy 4th of July!! Take a moment today and remember all of our soldiers, past and present, who continue to serve our nation and protect our freedoms. We thank you!
To our soldier and our hero, we love you and miss you!

Shrimp Boil

For the past few years one of our native Watertown friends hosts a shrimp boil. This year would be no different. The Charltons decided to continue the tradition and I am soooo glad they did, it was fun and delicious! It was beautiful weather, great friends, my sister was there, the kids had a blast, it was perfect! Thanks to the Charltons for hosting, it was awesome! A great way to celebrate the 4th of July!

Periscope Project

On Friday, Aunt Laurie came to visit and Jake was so thrilled. On Saturday morning we headed to home depot for their monthly kid project. This month was a periscope. Jake did a great job as usual and Lindsey was entertained by all the hammering and of course, snacking!

Major Castana

Here are some pictures from Lee's promotion ceremony. The only picture I don't have is of Lee's bruises. It is an Army tradition, a crazy man one if you ask me, that once you get promoted your comrades can either shake your hand or punch you. That's right, I said punch! So of course, guys being guys, about 20 of them gave Lee a good shot to the stomach or chest. He is pretty sore but took it like a man! Way to go babe!

Watching the Fireworks

Jake and I ate a funnel cake and ended up watching the fireworks with the Martinos and Bradfords. It was super fun, he was exhausted though, after battling the traffic we didn't get home till 11pm! Can't wait till next year!

Happy 4th of July to our friends and family, especially Lee! We miss you and love you Lee! Thank you serving our country! We are the Home of the Free Because of the Brave--that means you!

More Mountain Fest Pics

Kicking off July!

What a better way to kick off July than at MountainFest on Fort Drum with our friends! On Thursday Jen and I took the kids to moutainfest where they jumped and slid on the bouncehouses, ate lunch, checked out some really cool helicopters, hummers, MRAPs (now I know what these are Lee) and ran off some energy. Lindsey hung in for a while then decided to take a snooze, must be the BOB stroller! That night our neighbor babysat Lindsey so I could head back to Drum to watch the fireworks with Jake. It was nothing like watching them last year in Maine with Lee, but we will look forward to seeing them again next year with him and Lindsey!