Dedication

We dedicated Kale back to the Lord this morning. We were able to have members from both of our families stand with us and celebrate with us. A friend took some pictures at church and I'll share some of those as we get them.Our sweet Kale with his cake.
Deedra's family together. Justin's parents with Kale.

New things for Kale

Kale has been experiencing new things left and right. He's growing up so quickly! He's tried cereal, had a ride in the baby jogger (Cedar got to go too...), and recently started rolling from tummy to back. He's so much fun!

Our Little Giraffe

Kale kept nice and cuddly warm tonight in his giraffe costume for Halloween. We thought the costume was fitting what with him being so long and all (and the costume was a garage sale find so it was the right price!) Last weekend we celebrated some family birthdays with D's family and Grandpa carved Kale his very own pumpkin.

Neck Strength

We've been working on Kale's neck strength. He's found himself in his bumbo much more lately. This weekend he enjoyed lunch with Dad (of course sporting his John Deere attire!).

One for the Team

Today was Kale's 4 month doctor's appointment which meant...MORE SHOTS. Man, those are not fun for Kale or Mom. I decided since he was getting poked, I would too. We stopped at a flu clinic on our way home and Mom got poked...Here we are displaying our "battle wounds." I think we both need a nap this afternoon!

Kale is now 27.5 inches long and weighs 15.3 lbs. He's a growin' boy!

The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

A tradition at my former workplace, was my co-worker Joan would host our student employees at her home during the fall for a warm meal followed by viewing "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" and a game of spoons. Although I'm not longer working, all of the student employees were returners so I was invited to join in on the fun once again this fall. It warmed my heart and spirit to see all of them again.

Been Farmin' Lately?

We traveled to Justin's parents' farm in MN to help with harvest. Kale had his first tractor ride with dad. When the sun got in his eyes, he wasn't so sure about things. Eventually, he got over it... A highlight for D was to ride with Justin's brother while he lifted sugar beets. Justin's brother, Nate, with a sugar beet. While home, we got to see lots of family. Below is cousin Jordan keeping Kale content. Cousin Tate is just 4 weeks younger than Kale. On Sunday was Tate's dedication. Afterward, we enjoyed a meal at Justin's sister's home. It was a great opportunity for a family photo. Oh the growing family! Christmas is sure to be crazy! Sister-in-law's pose for a photo. The 8 grandchildren.

Sleeping Kale

I'm a sucker for a sleeping Kale. I have to run and get my camera...For those of you wondering, yes, Kale has started to lose quite a bit of his hair and it looks like it is coming in blonde. Time will tell!

The Boys

The boys of our household...

Time with Papa

At the end of September, Kale and I were lucky enough to go with "Papa" on a work trip to an area where several of my college friends and their families live. We enjoyed meeting up with them for dinner and introducing Kale.

Overnighter

Kale had his first overnighter with D's sister and her family while we celebrated our anniversary. Kale did great for them. So great that Aunt didn't want to give him back! Thanks for taking such good care of our sweet boy!

Pumpkins are Taking Over the Land!

We planted 4 mounds of pumpkins in our garden this year. Not the little guys, the big guys. They have taken off like no other. Notice the "fingers" in the picture below. The vines are wanting to take over the entire yard, it seems with how they are creeping away from the garden. We are getting excited to harvest our pumpkins, have them on display, and take a few to our neighbors! Happy Harvest everyone!

The Ups and Downs of Kale

Kale can go from fun and silly to serious or sleeping in a snap.... Fun, silly Kale....
Serious, thinking Kale (notice the hand on the head; in the hair...this is becoming more common with him!)

Not so delighted about the hat or the Bjourn to go out for a walk with Cedar...

Snoozing and at peace and noticeably comfy...

Which Way to the Gym?

Kale greatly enjoys his "Kick and Crawl Gym" (thanks, Kristi O!). Unfortunately, we've got to work on him losing his lunch after his "workouts"...

Photo Updates

Our little Kale is a growing boy. At his 2 month appointment last week, he'd grown 3 inches since birth! Whoa! NBA, here we come! Must be all that sleeping he does... Getting Kale dressed is fun for mom. He's gotten so many cute things from so many people. The overalls are a personal favorite!

He's still not too sure about the camera. Hanging out in his "gym" today! All smiles at the gym. That's what mom likes to see!

New Journey

I, D, have resigned my position at work this past week. It was a difficult decision but I feel it is the right one for my family as I'll now be a stay at home mom for Kale. I started my 10th year this summer (while on maternity leave) and it's amazing how quickly those years went by. I only know that they'll go by even faster with my son. Below are pics of my lonely office and a few of my favorite co-workers. We posed through tears! Farewell, UNI. It's been wonderful. For all you stay at home moms out there, send me your inspirational thoughts or ideas for fun to get out of the house...I know I'll need those moments too!