Baby Number 2

We are just hitting the 6 month mark with baby #2. We are now in the process of switching furniture around the house. Office to the basement, Dominic to the 3rd bedroom upstairs.

Our ultrasound at 20 weeks/5 months went well and below are some pictures of "Xerxes" as Mike likes to affectionately call this baby. We didn't find out what we are having, like we did with Dominic. I like the surprise too much.

Making Cookies

We tried making cookies this year after Thanksgiving. It ended up being an activity over days as Dominic's attention span isn't too long. He favorite part was the mixing. He was the most engaged during this part.

As for the decorating...it was more about eating the frosting after one swipe on the cookie than anything else.

Now cookies are his favorite thing to ask for...and he'll ask anyone. We were in Home Depot the other day and another customer walked by. Dominic proceeds to say "Hi" enthusiastically, which is nice and make people smile...but then says "Cookies?" Like everyone is walking around waiting to give him one. Goofy kid.

Fall

Halloween was fun for all of us this year. Dominic liked dressing up and telling us a pirate says "aarrrgg". The first house he tried to walk inside...thankfully it was just a neighbor. After a couple of houses he got the hang of it and kept wanting more candy. I don't think he really knew what he was getting but he was excited that he was filling up his little bucket with stuff.

Grammy & Papa G. came with us. I know...this isn't the greatest pic but it's what I got.

Fun for Dom...work for Mom and Dad.

These are my favorite pictures from fall. When Mike pulled out the mower and started it up, Dominic RAN for his mower yelling for Daddy to wait. He was so excited to mow just like him. Sometimes Dominic (being 2) has a short attention span but he "mowed" for quite a bit with Mike with a big old smile on his face.

Funny Hands

Dad's turn to post again and what better way to post than with another funny video. Dominic is learning first hand (pun intended) what makes playing "Simon Says" so much fun. I love his last little comment.

Just for Mommy

While Mommy is away, I made a post for her. I miss you mommy. Come back soon.

P.S. Daddy says it's ok to wear pj's all day.

August

The two big events in August were the family vacation with my family and Dominic's birthday.

He loves his cake!

Lovin his new chair.

And his microphone...

Vacation to Myrtle Beach -

The first day was a long one...We had a 6am flight and Dominic didn't nap much with all the traveling. By the time we got to dinner, he was about to fall asleep eating. Poor kid.

We also celebrated Mike's birthday the first day on vacation. Not a bad way to start your birthday if you ask me.

Swimming in the ocean with Dad.

One night was went to a carnival that was right on the beach and just a few blocks down from our hotel. It took Dominic a ride or two to realize the rides were fun. I think we all had as much fun just taking pictures of him on the rides.

More time at the beach.

What is vacation without some ice cream?

We tried going mini golf. Most days the weather was great. But When we went golfing, it had been raining on and off, it was super humid and absolutely no breeze. We were all so hot and sticky. I think Dominic was just too hot to get into it but we tried!

Our last day we visited Ripley's Shed Aquarium. We thought he would love the fish but most of the time he just wanted to run around. I guess that is the attention span of a two year old for you.

July

In July, we were home more and had time to do fun things near the house.

We spent some time at Cosley Zoo one Saturday morning. We thought Dominic would be more interested in all the animals than a year ago. He still loved the ducks, which we got to feed. The other animals just didn't hold his attention very long. He just wanted to run the whole time. He has so much energy...we let him.

Okay...when have you ever seen a deer with it's tongue hanging out? This was too funny. Just too hot I guess!

He likes helping Daddy cook too. Hopefully he'll take after Mike and make a good husband one day who does all the cooking!

What is summer with out popsicle?

Mike did the garden again this year. We made a raised bed and it did much better. One day Dominic and I were playing in the yard and we made our way to the front. I started pulling weeds and showed Dominic how to pull weeds too. At this age, chores seem fun! Well, couple days later we walk back to the garden to see all the veggies and he starts pulling off the leaves to the basil. Good memory...just the wrong plant. It was one of those things that seemed like a good idea at the time.

We also were able to see our friends with the triplets, Abby, Josh & Jack. After a little bit the kids had fun playing together and swimming in the pool too.

July also included the Sara Lee Picnic at the Morton Arborteum. We've heard they have a great children's park but it was the first time we visited with Dominic. He had a great time exploring and seeing other kids.