Welcome to Fall

I can't believe our summer is officially over.  Although, for those of you in the west can understand, it really doesn't feel any different in terms of the heat and sunny weather.  My nesting has kicked in and I'm suddenly feeling the urgency to get some home projects finished before the weather begins to turn cold.

Just last weekend I washed all of my windows, inside and out, screens and all.  Which is something I've wanted to do forever but never had the will until now to actually get it done.  By the way, I'm so glad I did it.  It makes my house so much brighter and I can see the beauty outdoors with a clearer view!  I've cut down my 7 feet tall sunflowers since the birds ravaged every last seed by now.  I've weeded my yard...again...and hopefully one of the last times for the season.  I've de-cluttered my house and begun to make arrangements for our new addition in less than 5 months...yes, I like to plan EVERYTHING and really early on too.  The whole planning and preparing for me is my favorite part of nesting.

I've been using all of our ever growing tomatoes to make homemade tomato soup and stewed tomatoes for chili.  Although I am not a fan of all the work it takes to do so, I do like the fact that I grew them in my backyard and will use them throughout the year.  I love living a little more sustainable each day!

As for baby James #2, we find out in 3 weeks what we are going to have!  I am so excited!  My belly has "popped out" already...which is earlier than it did when I was pregnant with Park but I love it.  I am anxiously awaiting to feel the baby move inside me...which I know is going to happen very soon.  I'm so excited to meet our new baby and add to our family.  I look forward to Park becoming a big brother and taking on the responsibility of such.  He really likes to do things on his own, to show me that HE can do it, that he is a big boy so I know that he will love to "help" me with his new brother or sister.

Speaking of Park and to the answer of Marshall's and my prayers, he continues to do well.  He surprises me daily with new words I can now understand and loves to look at me, make funny faces and giggle.  He loves his friends and cousins and looks forward to our weekly play groups and play dates.  He continues to look forward to his behavior specialist that comes by weekly.  When he sees her pull up to the house he jumps up and down with excitement and opens the door for her.  The minute she walks in the door he sits on the rug and is ready to "work" with her.  She has been our saving grace...I can't imagine what we would have done without her help and encouragement these past few months.

Since Park is ever growing, curious and full of A LOT of energy, we decided it was time to purchase a play set for him outside since he seemed to be getting bored with his usual toys in the backyard. 

We bought it used so we had to replace some of the beams and still need to restain it but I am SO happy with everything it has brought to Park (and me:).  I love the idea of it being recycled, as the people we bought it from said it hadn't been used in a few years.  It was very inexpensive compared to one purchased brand new and it fits perfectly in our yard!  Park loves it.  He likes to take his cars and trucks up to the fort and push them down the slide as fast as he can.  He's such a boy!  He also loves to show it to his friends when they come over...I think he is really proud of it.

I hope the fall brings to all of you comfort and sweet, cozy days.  As for us today, I'm going to revel in the enjoyment of having my husband home and spending the day with my most favorite of all people!  I think we might head up the road to take pictures of the changing colors in the mountains and let the doggies run around.  Enjoy your weekend!

Mommy Bridget