Patrick Lovin' and a Real Bath

Elizabeth was laying on the playmat over the weekend when Patrick decided that maybe she does exist after all, came over, said hi to her, and gave her a kiss. Since he usually ignores her, I'll take this as a step in the right direction!

Also, Elizabeth finally got upgraded to a real belly button, so she got her first bathtub bath last night. She was the calmest of the three kids, and didn't really fuss except when I washed her head.

Wearing the Green

We're celebrating our VERY scant Irish heritage here! I found $5 shirts yesterday afternoon by chance, and Grandma found a sleeper for Elizabeth. Christopher was a bit miffed this morning that Patrick was getting another special day since he just had a birthday. I tried to explain that although it was called St. Patrick's Day, it wasn't actually about his brother, Patrick. He asked if we could all wear blue (his favorite color) on St. Christopher's Day, to which I said sure - assuming I remember since it isn't until July!

Also, for those not on Facebook, two gratuitous baby shots of big girl Elizabeth. These are actually from last week - she's even bigger now!

New Baby Pictures!

We had our 20 week ultrasound today and saw a squirmy, healthy baby. He or she weighs in at about 3/4 pound and looks great. Here are a few pictures of the newest Schneider-in-training.

Waving hello
Tiny feet - one in each frameProfile shot

Gumby Baby - Folded in half with feet next to head

Here we have the big brother in training "rocking" his baby Elmo in a dump truck. Gotta use what you have, right?

What's In A Name?

After much coaxing, pleading, and promises of playing Cars Movie with him, I've finally gotten Christopher to start practicing letters. We worked on two the first week and three last week and this week. On Monday, he wrote his name (well, the first part of it) all by himself for the first time.
Needless to say, Mommy was very pleased and Christopher wanted to know if we could play tractor tippin' now. I have a feeling I'm going to be the homework Nazi in a few years...

LOOONG Ago Legoland

Many moons ago, back in May, we took a day trip to Legoland while we were in San Diego. The boys loved it and it was perfect for the under 8 crowd. They did have some stuff for the bigger kids, but we mostly skipped that. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

It was downright chilly when we got there and predictably, Christopher was in a funk about it

Dinosaurs seemed to make things better, though

Digging for dinosaurs! I think this was their favorite part of the whole day and we came back at least 3 times.

Standing on the brown squares made the fountain start and that instrument play music. Christopher thought this was the neatest thing.

Taking a little break to build legos, of course!

Cruisin' with Dad

Fascinated by the saxophone, again.

Christopher got to drive his own Lego car! He made it almost the whole way around in the 2 or 3 minutes they had...

Patrick meeting a good friend

I promise we'll do something interesting enough to take pictures soon!

Apple Pickin'

Last weekend we went out to Apple Annie's orchard in Willcox, about 1.5 hours east of here. It was a great time - the boys got to pick apples and peaches and have ice cream and fudge after lunch. And Grandma, Papa, and Daddy got to taste wine on the way home. What's not to like!


I now have enough peaches for a cobbler and a crock pot of apple butter cooking as we speak!

Really funny action shot!

Better pic of Christopher and Daddy
Patrick got in on the act too

Look what I got, not that I'll actually taste it...

Uncle Mark, the Pied Piper of Little Boys

Were you talking to me?
Waiting patiently for hot dog lunch

Funny name for a winery

No Babies in This House

Here we have the face of a boy who has pooped on the potty!

He even went on the big potty with the little seat - no baby potty for this big guy. For his efforts, he was rewarded with his very own Bertie the Bus. He is now running around screaming GO and BUS at the top of his lungs.