New Daycare - Day One

Day One at the new daycare was a hit. Upon arrival, Bennett was immediately off exploring his new surroundings like he had been there dozens of times before - gently grabbing books, balls, crawling through the tunnels - and didn't seem to mind one bit that he was staying there without us (not that I really doubted he would). He approached the room and his new friends with the kind, friendly demeanor that he usually does and it was sweet to see. He had a great morning and I was told that he did not cry or fuss once, he ate everything that was put in front of him, and he was very interactive, curious, and gentle with all the other children. When I picked him up, he was sitting at the table finishing his mid-morning snack with his new friend, clapping and chatting away, similar to what he used to be known for back in Seattle when he was the chatty little boy during meal times.

Way to show your spirit and independence Big B!

At the Lake

All About Saturday

Everyone loves a good Saturday.

We had fun taking Bennett on his first trip to the Mall of America this morning, then had a great time playing and chatting about life and kids when Jill, Shawn, and Nova came over for dinner tonight. Yes, I do love a good Saturday!

the laughter and joy of kids being kids...

...and soon 2 more will join in the fun!

It's A.........

That's a good question!! We had our big gender ultrasound this morning and after trying, waiting, trying some more, and going into ultrasound overtime at the appointment, the gender of this baby remains to be seen!!! Baby Lou refused to uncross or move his/her upper legs for even a glance at the anatomy. I have to give credit to our technician as she was trying so hard and re-visiting the possibility whenever there was hope as she could feel and hear my pleads to know. I am definitely not the kind of person who can NOT know, so I might beg for an anatomy check at my next appointment or see what my other options are!

Baby Lou - you have us wondering!!

Whatever the case, we really just hope for a healthy baby as we guarantee we will love this child with the fullest and proudest of hearts!

sweet baby boy/girl turpin - 19 weeks old. oh, how we love you so. (i think you look like your daddy.)

All Good

It's been a great week and we have a few important updates that have happened for our family. First, the Tuesday evening home inspection went great. The house is quite solid and everyone seems to think we have gotten a great value so we are really happy. The only items that came up as potential problems that should be fixed right away were the aged roof, which the sellers had already agreed to replace within the purchase agreement, and a vent that needs to be fixed and put through the roof, which will be simple as the roof is already being replaced.

We also found what seems to be a great childcare center for Bennett in Minnetonka. We sort of waited until now to secure this so that we could get into a place that was convenient to wherever our home would be. Bennett will start for a couple of hours at a time over a few days next week and will likely attend about 2 1/2-3 shorter days per week once we get into a routine. We also lined up care for the baby on the way so they can of course both attend the same location. We have no idea what my work schedule will be when the new year hits, but at least we will be prepared for the kids to go part-time if needed.

Things are good!!

Oh, Sunny Days...

We Got It!

There is always something to toast to!

We spent a couple of hours with a group of friends this evening to celebrate our Colorado friend who was in town with her two kids for the weekend. I have to say it's great to be back and see everyone so often!

Then tonight, our little family of 3 and one on the way raised a bottle, a water-filled wine glass, and a pear to the news that we will soon be homeowners again!! After a few counter offers back and forth this week, it was solidified today that we will be owners of the house we love in Minnetonka! We really are thrilled to know that it won't be too long before we can officially settle into a home of our own again. It means so much to me to have a happy home where friends and family can laugh and create traditions, so I literally cannot wait to get in there and make it ours! Let's hope all goes well until closing!

Cheers!

Walking and Playing at Lake Harriet

Zoo Day

Today we spent a few hours at the Minnesota Zoo with some of our favorite big and little buddies!

What a beautiful night for our lake walk!

Morning in the Park

Another Fun Tuesday

It was wonderful to have Uncle Casey spend the entire day with us again today. He was a huge help, especially on such a busy day. It was filled with even more excitement when Uncle Cor and Cousin Maddie were able to join us later this afternoon. We all definitely got plenty of laughter and play time in!

On a side note, after another house hunting tour with our agent last night and a second visit to one particular house this morning, we decided to put an offer in on a house in Minnetonka today! Although we had not imagined ourselves living in this area, we realize it's only a few extra miles west of the city and the home has everything on our list (which has really not happened yet - so we love it!) The home is in a wonderful, quiet neighborhood on a large lot with easy acccess to all that we need, so we have our fingers crossed once again that we will be able to call it our home sweet home soon!

Sunday Night Already?

The weekends go too fast but my bath awaits! We hope everyone had a great Sunday!

Breakfast, Zoo, Sculpture Garden & Pizza

We started our morning at the Egg & I for a giant breakfast of eggs and pancakes for all. We then hit Como Zoo, a perfect activity for such a sunny day. Bennett loved seeing the polar bears, giraffes, and turtle (one of his favorite words) the best and let us know by his screams of 'hiiiiiiiiii'' and waves to the animals. We captured more sun in the sculpture gardens this afternoon, then headed to St. Paul for a pizza dinner with our friends Beth and Brian.

Thank goodness for Saturdays!