Whatta Weekend!

We had so much fun this past weekend in Kansas City. We woke up early on Saturday to get our family dressed and ready for family pictures.  With 6 crazy kids running around, we knew that getting a good picture would be a challenge.  Since it was only 44 degrees outside, that added to the challenge.  We haven't gotten the full results yet, but the sneak peak shows some promise.  Afterwards, the whole family gathered together to play, carve pumpkins, and watch the KSU football game on TV.  I love our loud, crazy family.  I was especially proud of Jonas who worked very hard to clean out and carve his own pumpkin!  We ended the evening with dinner at Mi Ranchito with the Guy and Perkins families.  YUM!

On Sunday, we went to the KC Chiefs vs. Raiders football game.  We tailgated in the parking lot and Buddy grilled up fajitas.  So much fun!  The Chiefs didn't give us much to cheer for, but we had a great time anyways.

Little Punkins

Locke's first pumpkin shopping experience.

Locke: 7 months

This weekend we celebrated Locke's 7 month birthday.  Let me share the highlights of what he's up to now:

• Locke cut his first TWO teeth this month.  They did not come easily.  There was much fussing and drooling and congestion.  But, they are IN!  (I know you're not supposed to compare kids, but it's interesting that Locke cut his lower right incisor first and Ledger cut his lower left incisor first.)
• Locke is wearing 9 month clothes.  And the 9 month pants are a little tight, so we may be upgrading soon.  The 12 month clothes look so big.  It's hard to believe he'll be fitting into those clothes so soon.
• Still wearing size 3 diapers.  We still blow out of our diaper often -- probably 4 times a week.  
• He is thoroughly entertained when you echo what noises he is making.  This is a game he never tires of.
• Locke is still a mama's boy.  I love it, but it gets exhausting for everyone.  Especially since Ledger is also especially mama-clingy right now.
• There is no sleep in our house right now.  Locke is teething and wanting to nurse all night, so we're just ridiculously tired.  
• Locke is trying solid foods, including graham crackers, bananas, deli chicken, potato soup, and just about anything else that he shows an interest in. :)

Every day this kid makes me smile.  He loves to laugh and when his face lights up, it's like sunshine.  I know these coming months are going to bring a lot of change and development for our baby and I just can't wait!

See that second tooth?  He hates when we try to photograph it!

I think he inherited his Mommy's double chin.

Ohhh, October

Michel Family

October Update

Locke:
Locke is getting so big.  My little man isn't so little any more.  He *just* cut a second tooth this week.  He does this adorable thing where he works his hands and feet when he wants you to come pick him up.  It's pretty cute.  He's starting to settle down at daycare again and take some good naps for grandma Jamie.  He is starting to eat some solid foods, but doesn't much care for the pureed baby foods.  Instead he's opting for things he can hold himself, like graham crackers, noodles, puffs, etc.  Most of it ends up on his face, shirt, or high chair.  But it's a start! :)

This is his one tooth.  I'll have to snap another pic tonight so we can show his second tooth too.

Who is THAT handsome baby?

Graham crackers... YUM!

Ledger:
Ledger started the month by pooping in the potty.   After months of bribery and encouragement, I never thought that would happen.  Now, two weeks later, he is doing GREAT and hasn't been in diapers at all for a few days.  He even stays dry overnight.  We leave the little "training" potty in his room in case he needs to go potty in the middle of the night and once this week he had pooped and pottied in there all by himself before we had come to get him out of his room  AMAZING.  Don't get me wrong, we still have accidents.  And sometimes he says he needs to go potty and he doesn't even get the words out before he potties in his pants -- but he is learning how to predict his potty and "hold it" for a minute until we get to a potty.  Important lessons for a 3 year old!! :)  I am so proud.  But, away from the potty, he continues to do things every day to surprise me and make me laugh.  He loves to sing the songs he hears on the radio and his favorites right now are "She don't know she's beautiful" by One Direction and "Whistle Baby" by Flo Rida.  We took the dogs to preschool this month for pets month and it was so funny to see him in his element talking excitedly to his classmates about the dogs.  So cute.  Preschool dropoffs are still a challenge, but every time gets better.

Potty time!

See Ledger's new short haircut?  It makes him look like such a big boy.

Chris:
Chris is still adapting to his new counselor position.  His toughest days are when he has to teach preschool and kindergarten.  Those little kids can be intimidating!!  He is also working through a particularly tough semester of grad school.  I am so proud of how well he is managing all of those time commitments!  The fall has brought some distraction in the form of fantasy football, Chiefs, and some upcoming concert events.  And no one loves a hoodie like my husband. :)

We met Willie the Wildcat at the South v. Central football game.  Ledger HIGH FIVED him!!

Yes, this picture is from September... but  who cares?

 

Kendell:

I am having an absolutely wonderful October, so far.  It seems like some things are finally falling into place and some of the stress has finally let up.  Phew!  I could not be more proud of the way Ledger has progressed in his potty training and the way Locke is growing and trying something new every day.  We had a week where temperatures were in the 50s during the day and we turned on our fireplace to heat our main room instead of turning on the heater so soon.  It was just so beautiful to have a fire burning -- I love fall.  And I am already fantasizing about decorating our house for the holidays...

K-S-U WILDCATS

I love this picture.  Ledger really loves being the "big" brother and  they are so cute together.