The "Fair"

As a boy from small town Iowa, state fairs pull at my dad's heart strings.  He usually drives to the Iowa state fair every year by himself to eat the fair food and see the animals.  I love that about him - always sticking to his roots...even if no one can go with him!  This year he went to the Missouri State Fair in Sediala, MO solo and talked about the food for days.

So on a BEAUTIFUL Saturday morning when I was looking for something fun to do with the kids while Jimmy got some alone time to work on (and attempt to finish) the kitchen table and bench and I wanted to go to the Old Settler's Day parade and festival in downtown Olathe, I knew my dad was just the person to call for some Charlie reinforcement.  

And yep, he pulled through.  Was a grandparent rock star!

He got to our house early, helped me load the car with the wagon and all our "stuff" and off we went to get some seats for the parade.

(on a side note - we went to this last year also with the Matlock family - Charlie enjoyed it MUCH more this year...it's fun to do things year over year and build traditions and really compare how much your kids grow and change in just one short year!)

Charlie LOVED watching from the seat in the wagon all the high school and middle school bands and cheerleaders and especially the floats that passed out balloons and yep, CANDY!

Luckily, my dad was willing to brave the front row when they started giving out candy and took Charlie to the front lines.  He said it was madness and he had to fight kids for suckers...

...but Papa succeeded with MANY suckers and oh boy was Charlie happy.  He even gave one to a little girl next to him!  And spent about 10 minutes in the wagon unwrapping the suckers and trying the all.  

After we had enough of the parade (all the while Maddie is in the Ergo with me fast asleep!), we headed to check out the vendors that were on the street.  My dad of course went RIGHT for the funnel cake truck.  Classic.

Charlie was a fan - after a little convincing.  

But let me tell you - this kid has got his papa WRAPPED around his little finger.

Charlie says "hot dog"?  Papa goes to get him a hot dog.

Charlie points at a snow cone...Papa gets a snow cone.  Oh boy.  Lucky kid!!

So then Miss Maddie needed to eat and we plopped on a bench while she snacked away.  Which another side note - breastfeeding baby #2 is just so much better because I'm not shy or nervous to feed her anywhere.  It was funny because there was actually a mom sitting next to us nursing her son too - but she went sans cover.  Still not that brave yet!!

While Maddie ate, Papa and Charlie checked out the booths and pretty much my dad chased him (poor guy!).  But then he told me that Charlie wanted to ride some rides.  So off to the ticket booth they went.  

First up was the carousel.

Charlie loves these things.  And has finally learned to wave at mom and Maddie on the side!!  Some day soon, Maddie will be on there too!

As we started walking towards the car, my dad told me that Charlie wanted to ride the car ride.  I was a little hesitant to let him ride by himself (i.e. inside I was freaking out and just imagining every horrible scenario you can imagine like Charlie jumping out mid-ride and getting his leg stuck in the ride and getting hurt, etc. - I know, but that's a mom brain, right?).  But Papa said he would do great and best yet?  There were seat belts in the cars.

Ok - you win dad.  I guess I have to lighten up and let him grow up at some point.

And I'm glad I did.  Because he LOVED it.  Every second.  Luckily Papa made sure that the horn honked in his car - although a completely deafening sound, he LOVED honking the horn for real.

He even got a little quality time with a cute girl.

Watch out.  Because I'm SO not ready for that to actually be happening, but it's cute to imagine.

So that was it - our adventure to the "city folk fair".  While there weren't any farm animal competitions, I think my dad had a great time and of course, Charlie absolutely had a blast and loved the food, the rides and the company.

We are SO lucky to have both our parents in town and we love getting to spend time with them on the weekends and do fun things like this.

And even better, my dad is ALWAYS up for a good time and fair!

Oklahoma over Labor Day

Here's the thing.  With a baby - it's easier to just sit in your house.  Especially when little lady wants to eat every 2 hours (which again, I'm fine with bc she sleeps at night - even trade Maddie!!!).

But throw in a toddler and sitting at home can get a bit boring - even if you have 17,000 toys.  Trust me when I say you can only watch Tarzan so many times.  

So with a long weekend of Labor Day that Jimmy had Monday off, we decided to pack up our van for the first time as a family of four and head down south to Owasso, Oklahoma to visit my best friend from way back when, Katie, and her family.  She has a sweet little boy, James, that is just 6 months younger than Charlie is expecting another little boy at the beginning of December!!  Lauren, Charlie and I made the trip down to Oklahoma earlier this year in February (here's that fun post here), with Maddie in utero.  This time was a bit different with her in the world, but just as fun!!

We headed on the road about 4:30 on Friday - only 30 minutes after our 4:00 goal...so that was good!  I had a full cooler packed full of snacks and sandwiches so we didn't have to stop for dinner, and Jimmy completely made fun of me.  Well come ON we will never make it if we stopped just 1.5 hours into the trip!!

I sat in the back seat and it was perfect.  I could get stuff for Charlie, throw food and drinks to Jimmy from the cooler in the back and entertain Maddie/stick her pacifier back in if she needed it!

We just made one stop around 6:45PM in Coffeyville, KS.  And it was perfect.  Maddie needed to eat and Charlie needed to stretch his legs, so we found an awesome playground and Jimmy and Charlie went to play while I sat in the car with little Miss and fed her.  Perfect combo if I say so myself!

We finally arrived and scooted Charlie up to bed in his own room, while we got all our and Maddie's stuff ready in the other room.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Katie's house?  They did a custom build last year and wow - it's seriously just so gorgeous.  All the finishes and little details are just perfect!!

We stayed up late hanging out with Barry and Katie and catching up before we hit the sheets.  Everyone didn't sleep the best the first night - but the next morning, Maddie was all about the bed...haha.

James and Charlie.  They are quite the pair.  I have a feeling these two will be up to no good when they get older - just like their moms were - haha.  No really.  But I cannot even begin to say how fun it is to have a friend that I met when I was TWO years old (yes, Charlie's age!!) still be my best friend and watch our kids get to know each other and love each other.  Last time, Charlie was a little too young to realize we were on a trip, visiting James, etc.  This time - all he talked about when we left was Oklahoma and James.  He still does!  It's just such a blessing to have them in our lives and so fun to see our boys play together - next time this year it's crazy to think that Maddie and Baby boy Ruddick #2 will be playing also!

Saturday morning after breakfast, we hit up the park at the neighborhood elementary, which they loved.  Also - the boys drove to Tulsa to get us some What-a-burger....YUM!  And then that afternoon hit up the pool, which was awesome.  It was HOT!!!  So luckily there was shade for Maddie and I to hang out.  These boys after they got out of the pool wanted to run around naked.  Oh boys.

Maddie and I wore our swimsuits, but home girl passed out right when we got there, so we stayed under the fan.  Then we had to go to Target after the pool because guess what?  I packed everyone else successfully - but forgot underwear for me.  #momproblems

After some brats that we grilled out for dinner, the kiddos headed to bed and the parents followed close after.  We were all pooped!!

Sunday morning in Oklahoma when it's like 100 degrees - what else do you do but turn on the sprinklers and run around naked??  Oh BOY they had fun.  We were laughing so hard.

Charlie HATED when the grass clippings got on him anywhere.  Diva.  James didn't mind at all and rolled around in them.  Love it!

Can't forget to mention that Katie and Barry have three dogs too (but they bought them all when they knew each other!).  Stuart might or might not be my favorite.  Don't tell.  He was basking in the sun shine perched on his chair.

Maddie and dad were just hanging out!

After that we got dressed and played some more..then it was time to head home.  

But we had to make one quick stop to get a picture of Charlie in front of Charlie's Chicken!  How fun!  We didn't eat there (we will next time), but Charlie loved it and talked about Charlie's chicken the whole way home and every time we stopped somewhere he thought that's where we were going.

Can I mention that my children were literally AMAZING in the car both ways?  Maybe it was because I had LOW expectations.  Very low.  Like I imagined screaming from both each way.  Nope, none of that at all.  Even though Maddie isn't a fan of her car seat, apparently if the car keeps moving she's fine.  She slept the WHOLE way home.  Yep - whole way.  Even through our one and only stop in Paola where I dragged her carrier into the bathroom with me for sure thinking she would wake up.  Nope, kept snoozing.  Apparently Oklahoma was exhausting for her.  Charlie napped on the way back (which was great because it was his usual nap time) and then we finally turned on the DVD with about 45 minutes to go. 

Overall - we will do it again.  I mean Maddie was a piece of cake - which I'm sure she won't stay like that for long.

But thank you Ruddick family for having us and letting us come SIT at your house for the weekend versus ours and let James and Charlie play.  We cannot wait for this sweet boy to make his way into the world and have lots of fun!

Weekending

Oh my - this weekend was good.

After a longish week that included lots of transitions (i.e. Maddie going to day care Tuesday and Friday with mom going into the office AND dad starting a new job)..I thought it might be BAD when Friday ended with a trip to the doctor.  However, after a looksie at Charlie (he had a fever at daycare and bad, yucky poop), no ear infection (yeah!) and no strep (even more yeah!).  Just got sent home with TLC, water and ibuprofen prescription.  Which I will take!

But guess what?  Saturday and Sunday were looking up.

The three of us spent the morning hanging out at home while Jimmy went to work the ACT.  We watched Tarzan, took silly pictures, played trains and beat on some drums to make some sick music.  And we danced to TSwift's Shake it Off like 5 times.  Amazing.

Then I got everyone (but myself) ready for the day and we headed to the park to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather.  Seriously.  It was amazing.

Then Jimmy showed up to play at the end and Charlie enjoyed hanging with his dad.

While I hung with this sweet girl!

After nap time - we busted out the new double stroller and headed to the zoo.  

I went back and forth and back and forth on what double stroller to get.  We actually ordered the Graco double stroller but got the wrong one that didn't connect with our infant seat (oops).  Luckily Amazon is amazing and let us box it back up and send it back.  I ended up going with the Baby Trend sit and stand after Maddie and I went on Thursday to Babies R Us to check it out in store and make sure her car seat fits.  I liked it because A) it wasn't that expensive at all ($139) and B) I don't need 2 seats because Charlie literally hates strollers.  So I was hoping the bend and place to stand would be a hit.  Jimmy assembled during nap time and boom - it was a hit that afternoon at the zoo.

Charlie especially liked that he could sit or stand and wasn't strapped in.  And could easily get in and out to go look at the animals.  I enjoyed the fact that he liked sitting versus fighting with us constantly.  And Maddie?  Well she's just wonderful all around and actually laid in her carrier about 3/4 of the time.  After a diaper change and quick snack for her, little lady was happy.  

Jimmy was super dad carrying the backpack and pushing the stroller.

MAD that we missed the first train.  Oops.

Train selfie.

Best part about the gold membership at the zoo?  Unlimited carousel and train/tram rides.  I mean this kid loves the animals at the zoo - but seriously, those rides are his favorite.  Oh and the Kid's Discovery Zone with the slides - yes, that is his new jam.

My parents and sister and Casey came over Saturday night and I whipped up Mix and Match Mama's Green Chile Chicken baked tacos.  They were delicious and SO easy - however, I will chop up the green onions next time - I didn't like the full green onion on the bottom because it was impossible to chew!

Sunday we kicked off the day at church...where Charlie is now in the bigger kids room (OMG - I cry) and Maddie is still doing great hanging out with us and napping during the service.

Then the typical naps and we got dressed to root for the Chiefs again.  Maddie and her outfits.  I love it.  As much work and stress as it is - it's worth how cute she is!  Too bad it didn't help the team.

Spent time at Jimmy's parents house playing with cousins and having so much fun and eating way too much candy.

Another update?  Jimmy finally got a bit of time to work on the table/bench.  It should be done by Thanksgiving #diywithkids #projectstake5months

Overall - I really enjoyed spending time with the babes and Jimmy and our families.  Seriously, these kids just grow up so fast - I'm trying to soak up every moment with them.  Going back to work full time is going to be a challenge for sure - so I'm thankful we get to ease into it with just a few days a week for the next few weeks.  There is just not enough time in the day!!

On that note - I have SO many posts I want to do and SO many projects to complete.  But I am just trying to realize that time is not unlimited and I do need to sleep, so babies and sleep are priorities right now.  Soon enough!!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Maddie is TWO months old!

Haha - your sweet little pose!  I love it!

Length:  24.25 in (98th %)

Weight:  12 lbs 13oz (90th %)

Head: 15.5 in (90th %)

Miss Maddie - while you were officially 2 months old last Thursday - I wanted to wait until we went to your 2 month doctor's appointment (at your NEW pediatrician) on Monday.  All before you start day care tomorrow (oh my!).  So here we go, better late than never, right?

Milestones:

• It's so fun that you follow things and focus more.  
• You SMILE!  Oh my goodness I forget how adorable a sweet little gummy smile is!!  And how it comes at just the right time in baby development because after 2 months girlfriend - we needed it!
• This month you performed magic with your sleep.  I really mean it because your dad and I didn't do anything too different...but you will go 6-8 hour stretches quite regularly. What stinks- which I know this the second time around - is that you will have good nights/weeks and bad nights/weeks.  So it makes it harder to get up after you have done so well!!
• We are still struggling with the temperature in your room.  We even had a heating and AC guy come out and check it out - looks like some of the vents have holes in them on the way to your room - so your dad got some stuff to fix it...just needs to find time to do it. For now, you are still in the rock n play in our room - but when you're at home with me during the day I've been putting you in your room to nap and you're doing great!
• Yesterday you officially moved up to size 2 diapers.  I forget how fast little babies grow!!
• I literally just spent the day going through your drawers and closet putting away all the newborn and 0-3 month clothes.  You are SOOOO long that all the PJs don't fit that have toes in them.  Silly girl!!
• You still haven't lost your any hair yet, which is great - but guess what?  It's a RED tint!  Oh my gosh!!
• Oh the silly bottle.  You are not a fan getting it from your dad, but others seem to give it to you just fine.  I'm interested to see how you do tomorrow - yes (TOMORROW!) at day care.  I know you will do great.

Things you like:

• You are still just a fabulous eater!  Still very efficient and in the words of your new doctor - you are MORE than thriving.  Since you are sleeping so long at night, we are doing 2 to 2.5 hours between feedings during the day.  Lady - I'll do more during the day if you sleep!!
• Guess what?  You still love being held.  When you sleep especially...so we are working on trying to put you down more but you are just so dang cute!!!  
• Still cannot get enough of our Ergo...I love that you love the closeness.  Again, the cooler temperatures make wearing the Ergo better.
• You and Charlie.  Haha.  He's starting to say "mine" to everything, but is still pretty sweet with you.
• Loving that pacifier still!!
• Ok so you made the switch this month and guess what?  You love the bath!  I don't know if we finally found a routine that works for you or what, but you just sit and stare while we rub you down.  I'm so happy because screaming baby in a bath is no fun.

Things you don't like:

• You still hate the car seat.  If we can catch you on the routine (eat-wake-sleep) when you are tired, you do fine in the car.  Like when we drove all the way to Oklahoma and you didn't really cry.  Then you slept the WHOLE way back.  So yeah, you hate it, but on longer distances like it!
• Still not a fan of the swaddle - but now you are officially a one arm out girl and we are going with it.  Crazy to think in just a month or so it will be time to move you to the sleep sack.  Time is flying!

Special memories:

• Getting our family together for your great-grandmother and great-granddaddy's 60th wedding anniversary! Loved seeing everyone and they loved getting to meet you.
• Your first road trip to Oklahoma - you did great and it was so fun!  James is having a little brother in December that you will show the ropes to soon!
• Your first smile and sweet laugh.
• Your first long night of sleep - heavenly!
• Our days together.  Just us.  I love it.  I'm so sad that it is coming to an end.  But so so thankful for the time that we have had together!! 

A note to our girl:

Second month is over already - I cannot believe it.  It kind of makes me really sad.  I am already wanting you to stay little.  And guess what? You are finally getting to spend some more time with your dad (after your crazy brother goes to bed!) and he's very very excited that you don't scream when he holds you.  I can already see you becoming a daddy's girl - you are smiling and laughing at him a lot!!

Tomorrow I go back to work - just part time in September, but that means it is your first day at day care.  I know you will be in EXCELLENT care.  And I have told Charlie like 14 times to go check on you.  Best yet?  Tomorrow is picture day at school.  On your first day!  And they take sibling pictures.  Oh my.  I cannot wait.

The doctor said today that the fun is just beginning and she is so right.  This next month I cannot wait to see you continue to transform into a sweet little girl.  It's crazy how fast you are changing and we love every minute of this life with you!  You make our family so fun and we love how flexible you are when we run you around everywhere.  You have had so many fun experiences already and so many more to come!!!!

Love,

Your parents

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Just for fun - here is Charlie and Maddie's TWO month side by side picture.

And some fun pictures from the month: