Last week we were finally able to sit Natalie in the shopping cart at the grocery store. I remember Ryland's first time riding in the cart at Target, and how happy she was. I assumed Natalie would be just as happy, and she was! She was all smiles while we were shopping, and kept kicking her legs and waving her arms. It was incredibly adorable.

She also has started eating foods more and more. Her favorites are apples, oatmeal, avocado, and Cheerios. Her little hands are always grabbing for my food, as if she wants to try everything. It's so fun watching her learn and try new things.

Halloween

This years Halloween was very fun. Ryland surprisingly picked out her costume early, and I was able to buy/make parts of it. Champ and I brought back our costume of the past, Thing 1 and Thing 2, which we had been back in college. Although, our costumes were upgraded this time. Ryland was one of her favorite characters, The Cat in the Hat. And Natalie was Fish! We got many compliments on our costumes throughout the day, and Ryland loved that we were all dressed up. Later in the evening, we of course went trick or treating, and got tons of candy. Ryland pretty much prefers the m&m's. She has barely touched much of the other stuff. I think we even still had a few pieces of candy left in the cupboard from last Halloween.

Pumpkin patch

Yesterday we took the girls to the Pumpkin Patch. It was one we had never been to before, and we had a blast. Ryland was especially pleased with their bounce house and kiddy train rides. We spent 5 whole hours there, and Ryland still did not want to leave. We picked out pumpkins, toured the farm on a wagon, ate some kettle corn, made our way through a corn maze and much much more. It was a beautiful sunny day well spent. Ryland was wishing to go back when we got home. I love seeing such joy and happiness in her eyes. I can't imagine how much fun both girls will have next year!

Natalie on the left, Ryland on the right (in 2009 at the pumpkin patch)



Ryland on the left (2009 pumpkin patch), Natalie on right

Teeth!

Natalie is 6 months tomorrow. Where has the time gone, and how is this possible? She recently started cutting a tooth, which has been a long time coming. I feel like she has been drooling since the day she was born. Anyways, her bottom right tooth finally popped up a couple days ago. It's still hard to see, but you can definitely feel it. I can't wait to see those two cute bottom teeth when she smiles.

Here's a couple pictures of the girls wearing matching outfits. Ryland was very excited about wearing these. The look on her face says it all.

Colds, Shopping and Puddles

Well, it's been a long couple weeks as far as sickness goes. First off, Ryland had that stomach bug, then caught a cold which the rest of us caught as well. Luckily, Natalie has done pretty well considering it was her first cold. She nursed and slept a ton, and was extra cuddly (which mama likes). She still has a little lingering cough, but has otherwise gotten better.



This picture of Ryland was from the other night at the craft store. We were buying a few Halloween decorations, and Ryland decided she wanted to go to the counter and purchase them all by herself. She was standing in line and kept telling us "they're probably going to think its funny when they just see a little girl buying the stuff". She seemed so proud of herself, and I think it may have made the employee's day.



The last few days have been full of rain and wind, which I kind of enjoy. As long as it doesn't get dangerously stormy, I'm all for it. Ryland especially loves the rain puddles. She insisted on going outside to stomp in them, and since she had grown out of her rain boots, she went out barefoot. She had the biggest smile on her face the whole time, and was laughing as she ran around in circles. This little girl makes me remember what life is all about!

I'm currently sitting here in bed holding my littlest lady while she sleeps. She seems to have caught a bit of Ryland's cold and is a bit stuffy. Having two sick girls makes this momma a bit sad. Although, even when sick, they are still very happy and sweet. And very cuddly!

Ryland is changing a lot these days. She is working on learning to read, which makes me so proud. Watching her grow and learn is so amazing. She soaks it up so fast and is having so much fun doing so. Before we know it, she will be reading her own bedtime books to us!

Natalie is headed towards being a half a year old. Time has flown by. Her and Ryland are becoming best buddies. First of all, Ryland LOVES Natalie. Like hug and kiss her all the time type love. And second, Natalie always has her eye on Ryland. She thinks everything her big sis does is hilarious. Watching them bond as Natalie grows older is amazing.

Chewing on everything

Natalie's favorite thing in life, besides eating, is chewing. If you have something in your hands and you're holding her, watch out, because this girl will take it from you and eat it. I'm sure it's because she's trying to help her little teeth to pop out. She's showed signs of teething for months now, so not sure when those little buggers will show up.

Chewing on mama's water...



Chewing on a book...



Chewing on a teether...



"Playing" cards...