My baby no longer needs training wheels on his bike! We practiced a while ago in the front yard. It was shaky and he was afraid to not put his feet down and he kept running into things. But, last weekend, Greg took Rowan to the park to play baseball and ride his bike. He was getting all of the baseball stuff ready and couldn't find Rowan. He turned around and there he was...Rowan was riding his bike around the outfield like a pro!
Since I wasn't there to witness the momentous occasion, the next day we took Rowan to another park so he could show me his cycling skills and I could be his biggest cheerleader. Can I remind y'all...he's was just 4 years, 4 months when this happened! I'm not sure if that's too early or too late, but I'm very impressed either way! What a fun, happy, and proud moment for us all!
(Pic and video taken Nov. 6, 2011)
Rowan's been talking about his costume for this Halloween since the day after Halloween 2010! He was going to be Batman and his best friend, Charlie, was going to be Superman. He never wavered. Then, a few months ago, we were going through a magazine and he changed his mind just like that! I guess he decided Captain America was just cooler.
So, Rowan was Captain America. He decided Daddy would be Batman. And, he declared that I would be Spidergirl.
The weekend before Halloween, we found a festival at the elementary school where Rowan will go next year (assuming we don't move before then.) We thought it would be a great way to get him excited about Kindergarten and let him check out the layout of the land. We decided to get more bang for our buck (these costumes + accessories can get quite pricey) and wear costumes. Rowan was set! Greg...well, he decided that he didn't need to buy a Batman costume. He was going to pull together the best Batman costume ever from "things he already had around the house". The only thing we bought was the cape from the $.99 Store and that looked like a trash bag! Not bad for spending only $.99, but still...poor thing!
(pics taken October 29, 2011)
To be fair, Rowan thought Greg's "White Trash Batman"costume was amazing. And, noone knew us at the elementary festival. But, wifey was feeling a little embarrassed for her (Bat)man and decided we would not show up at Rowan's pre-school Halloween party or go trick-or-treating without the proper costume. As you can see...much, much better! And, it was really cool to see some of the younger kids interact with Greg. They really thought it was THE Batman. One little guy ran up and gave him a huge hug. Really super cute!
Oh...and, I talked Rowan into letting me go as a "Pregnant Lady!"
After trick-or-treating, we headed to the Walter residence for our annual yummy taco soup night (thanks Mel!!). So so good! Rowan, Charlie and Luke had a great time passing out candy to the trick-or-treating stragglers while watching a movie (see the candy bowl in Rowan's hands).
We had a fun & very happy Halloween season 2011! Wonder what costumes my boys will don next year...my bets are on the Superheros coming to life again! And, I can guarantee I won't be a "pregnant lady!"
(Pics taken Oct. 31, 2011)
After all that fun at the Pumpkin Patch, we headed over to The Moons for a Pumpkin Carving Party, complete with pumpkin decorating & carving, bobbing for apples, dinner & amazing desserts, moustaches, and a viewing of It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.
Thank you Izzy, JP, Lilly & Hank for such a fun, amazing Sunday Funday Night! Love you guys!
(Pics taken Oct. 23, 2011)
We took Rowan back to the same pumpkin patch we've been taking him to from the beginning. This year it was so much better - the set-up, the props, the photo opps. Rowan really had a blast this year...
...showing off his how strong he is and how huge his muscles are by picking up every single pumpkin there. The larger the better, of course.
...giddily running through the hay maze
...happily using the photo props (mom & dad too)
...allowing for some really great pictures in the midst of pumpkins
...posing with Casper and The Great Pumpkin
...and, being transformed into Batman.
(Pics taken Oct. 23, 2011. My belly at 19 1/2 weeks.)
Me and my expanding belly at 19 weeks.
Plus, Rowan getting one past me (of course!)
(Pics taken Oct. 19, 2011)
Greg decided it was time to teach Rowan how fun it can be to play hookie from school. So, he picked him up early one afternoon and took him for a bike ride to the beach park for some daddy/son bonding on the monkey bars. Plus, we were having a a heat wave in October, with temperatures in the 90s. That's the best excuse I've heard for skipping out of school (and work) early!
Can life get much better for a 4-year old? Based on the huge smile on this happy boy's face, I think not!
After getting just the right amount of sand in all the cracks and crevices, it was home for a little rinse in the sprinkler (and pee in the ferns). Again people...90 degree weather in mid-October!
(Pics taken Oct. 13, 2011)
We do love the occasional LA Dodgers live baseball game,but we're not really a TV baseball watching family. If you know us, you know that soccer RULES our roost. However, when the Playoffs came around and the STL Cardinals were in the mix, we jumped on board since the man of the house is a former St. Louisian. Daddy even bought his little buddy an official STL hat!
Rowan really got into watching the games, learning the players names, figuring out the rules, cheering for homeruns and swinging a white towel after a win. The day after he watched his first game, he insisted we buy him a real and official batting helmet! And, he's become quite the slugger!
Way to go Cards!
(Pics taken Oct. 12, 2011)
Here is my beautiful boy posing with my beautiful growing belly at 18 weeks.
(Pics taken Oct. 12, 2011)
The LA Drews, the Walsh clan (Parrish & Brendan, Carol & Bob) and Jonathan went for an exciting afternoon of whale watching off the coast of Long Beach. It was said that the great Blue Whale...yes, the largest creature on earth, were feeding off the coast and that we had a chance of spotting them.
I'm not really fond of being on a boat in the middle of the ocean, but this is not something we have the opportunity to witness when living on the east coast. And many people go an entire lifetime without ever seeing a blue whale. Plus, one of the books we're reading with Rowan is all about fish and whales, so I thought it would be a great family adventure.
And, it sure was...for many reasons!
It was a beautiful day! We sat in the front of the boat on our way out to the feeding grounds.
Once we got out there, we did see a blue whale that was feeding and were able to follow it for a couple of hours. We even got to see the baleen a few times as the whale "jumped" out of the water to get the food into it's mouth. We also saw Minke and Fin whales. It really was amazing.
About 45 mins into the trip, Rowan said he had a bit of a headache and he did not want to be on the boat anymore and wanted to go home! Since we were stuck, I sat down with him and was able to get him to take a nap.
By this time, the boat was stopped and just rocking back and forth as we watched the blue whale. Not a great thing for seasickness! Greg was in the back of the boat trying not to yack. Luckily, I had some nausea medication on me for my awful morning sickness and gave him a pill, which definitely helped keep the contents of his stomach down.
Rowan woke up from his nap and, although sadly not really interested in the blue whale, he was happily coloring and drawing pictures of whales for me. Greg came inside to stay with Rowan while I went outside to get some fresh air. I was out there for 2 mins when I was called in by one of the ship's crew members...Rowan had managed to projectile vomit all over his daddy, himself and the boat. We were now THAT family! (How Greg managed to not yack at this point is a wonder to me!)
To say the least, The LA Drews will not be participating in another whale watching excursion for quite some time...or maybe ever. But, since we've now seen the largest animal on the planet, I guess we won't need to!
(pics taken Oct. 9, 2011)
The dads organized a playdate and we had a great afternoon in Santa Monica with some of Rowan's buddies playing soccer and on the playground. Here are some pics of Rowan with Charlie - his BFF, Luke - Charlie's little brother, and Luc - one of his school friends:
(pics taken September 18, 2011)
Rowan loves Jonathan and can pretty much talk him into 2 things when he comes to the westside: 1. playing soccer in the front yard and 2. reading him a book at bedtime.
Here are some soccer pics (please ignore the ratty goals in the back. I've been begging Greg to throw these away, but I guess they do sort of serve the purpose.):
Thanks Jonathan for always finding time for our little guy and for always humoring him when he asks for your attention!
(pics taken September 2, 2011)
Well...the LA Drews have a very exciting announcement:
BABY ON BOARD!!
Baby Drews is due anywhere from March 14th to March 17th! Yes, a St. Patty's Day baby and if he/she was going to wait that long, I would fully expect a green beer in one hand and a head full of red hair. That being said, I have determined that the baby will arrive 3 weeks early (just like Rowan did) and closer to February 22nd - 25th. That's great for me, right!? I like Amethyst! So, we're super duper excited and can't wait to meet the little thing. Rowan is warming up to the idea and will now say hi to my belly (with a little coaxing) and has given us 4 name suggestions:
Girl - Tiny or Dawn Boy - Buddy or David
I have no idea where he's gotten those names and I have no plans to use them. But, I love his cute suggestions!
I was extremely sick until about Week 16. One night I was sick in bed and I was explaining to Rowan that my belly wasn't feeling so great and he had the perfect explanation: "Mommy, I think the baby threw up in your belly." Makes sense, right!?!?
I'm feeling pretty good these days. I'm still exhausted. And, this old body has a lot more aches and pains this second time around. But, I'm not complaining...too much.
I'm now 22 Weeks and can feel the baby kick and punch in there, which I love. What an awesome feeling! I'm also starting to look more pregnant than really chubby and that's good too.
I've been holding out on finding out the gender and wonder if I'll be able to make it until delivery. I know, I know! Just find out already! My life would be easier. I wouldn't have a bunch of yellow and green. I won't have to torment myself with a list of boy and girl names. It's still a surprise even if I find out while I'm still pregnant. Yadda Yadda Yadda! I get it! I do. I'm driving my husband and in-laws and a few friends crazy! But, for now, I'm holding out until this new little baby meets me face-to-face and you can't talk me out of it!
Here are the ultrasound pics from the beginning:
Download Ultrasound_6 weeks.jpg
Download Ultrasound_8 weeks 1 day
Download Ulrasound_10 Weeks 1 day
Download Ultrasound_13 weeks 2 days
Download Ultrasound_17 weeks 2 days
Download Ultrasound_20 weeks 2 days
A HUGE congratulations go out to our great friends Jos & Sarah, who welcomed Simon Michael Ehrlichmann on August 29th. He is perfect and tiny and beautiful and we couldn't be happier for the expanding Walshlichmann clan!
Since they live so close to where I work, I was lucky enough to be able to visit and cuddle the new little guy when he was just 1 day old. I had forgotten how tiny new babies are!
'
(pics taken August 30, 2011)
A few weekends later, Greg and Rowan were finally able to meet little Simon. Rowan wasn't impressed. Wouldn't even take a picture next to Simon and got incredible jealous when I was holding him. But, Greg sure thought he was a cutie patootie!
(pic taken September 11, 2011)
I'm sure this is the first of many black eyes my baby will have in his lifetime. And, it broke my heart.
This one was caused by his best friend, Charlie. They were at the park. Rowan was playing one thing. Charlie wanted to play something else. Rowan didn't want to. So, Charlie pushed him and his eye hit one of the bolts on the jungle gym pole. Rowan was so upset with Charlie he refused to go to the park for a few days. Of course, all was forgiven and quickly forgotten when the black eye disappeared.
And, the moral of this story is...boys will be boys!
(Pics taken August 30th, 31st and Sept.1st, 2011)
We have a huge "Congratulations" and so much happiness & love for our great friends, Parrish and Brendan, who are expecting their first baby (girl) in February. We couldn't be happier for them to become parents. And, we can't wait to meet Baby Girl Walsh soon!
(Pics taken August 19th, 2011 (14 weeks) and Sept 24th (20 weeks))
After spending much of our anniversary trip in a hammock in Hawaii, Greg was compelled to order one for the house so we could continue to relax. Here are a few hammock pics from our Hawaii trip back in June for our 10-year anniversary:
(Pics taken June 11 - June 18, 2011)
And,here's our little biscuit Rowan, who obviously loves cheesin' it up on the new hammock!
(Pics taken August 5, 2011)
Uncle Jon was in town for work...and, that's always a fun time. To top it off, our old friend and Greg's former bandmate, Chris, was in town for a visit.
(pic taken July 27, 2011)
On Friday night, the boys met Chris, Beth and Gabriel downtown for the XGames. Rowan loved watching those skateboarders up close and personal.
On Saturday, the gang headed to one of Greg's favorite hidden beach spots in Malibu called El Pescador. Unfortunately, I was sick in bed and missed the beautiful beach day. But, it certainly looks like they all had a great time!
Thanks for visiting us Chris, Beth and Gabriel! Hope you enjoyed LA! Come back soon!
(Pics taken July 30, 2011)
My very sweet and adorable nephew, Ayden James, got baptised on July 23rd. It was an honor to be asked to be his Godmother and there was no way I was going to miss the special event. Plus, what a great excuse to get our family together for some fun times. So, we made it into a mini vacation.
We flew into Charlotte, SC late on Thursday, July 21st. Tara and Ayden picked us up. After an exhausting day of flying, we grabbed dinner on the way home and hit the hay.
On Friday, Dad drove up from Tonnie's house and the big boys - Dad, Jon and Greg - went "sweaty" golfing. They were lucky enough to have an almost 100 degree day. So, during our girls' shopping trip to Wal-mart for forgotten toiletries, we got a call from our "sweaty" men to bring a change of clothes since they were soaked.
Friday night, we headed for a true southern BBQ dinner at Woodlands in Blowing Rock, NC. After stuffing our belly's with BBQ chicken, ribs, pork, cole slaw, hushpuppies, and fried okra, The Tripletts showed off the quaint little town of Blowing Rock. Such a cute town! We played, relaxed and strolled in the beautiful park. What a nice evening with my sister and her family!
Saturday was the main event! We had a beautiful private family ceremony and Ayden was a doll throughout the entire festivities, talking and being his cute little self. Again, I feel honored to now be Ayden's Godmother and feel blessed that Greg, Rowan and I could be there for this very special event.
Since the temperatures were record-high again that day, we decided to spend the afternoon at an Bo's Family Entertainment, an indoor game place with bowling and archade. Seriously, what could be better for a bunch of boys! Rowan was so incredibly excited to be with his cousins!. And, his cousins - Ben, Evan, and Carter - are all so good with him. And, as you can see from the pictures, he's practially attached to the hip with Carter. At the end of the day, the boys turned in their arcade tickets for prizes and Rowan got a ring like Evan and Carter. He called it his "Cousin Ring" and refused to take it off for days. And, when we got home, he put it in my jewelry box because it was so special. (Of course, we've lost it by now. I'm sure it's in the house somewhere and he'll be thrilled if I ever find it again.)
On Sunday, we drove to The Woody residence in Fort Mill, SC and spent the day in their hood. We set up camp at their community pool all afternoon and stayed cool for a few hours. Then, mom/Nana & dad/PapPap treated us to the yummiest pizza ever for dinner. When it was time to go, I told Rowan to say good-bye to his cousins and he said, "Bye guys. See you tomorrow." It broke my heart when I had to tell him we were saying good-bye for good since we were flying home the next day.
What two wonderful and fun days with both of my sisters, my nephews, my brother-in-laws and my parents! I don't think they could have been any better (although, a drop in temperatures by15-20 degrees would have been appreciated by, at the very least, the men of the group.)
Monday was bittersweet. Time to go home and get back to reality. We were exhausted from the time zone change and having Rowan in our room with us and from all of the family fun. But, we were certainly sad to go! But, before leaving, we met Jon for lunch in the cute little college town of Boone, NC where he works for some delish Thai food at Cha Da Thai.
Thank you, Tara, for getting Ayden baptised and bringing us all together for such wonderful family memories. Thank you to the rest of my family for making it such a fun, blessed trip. We couldn't have had a better time and can't wait for our next trip back to the southeast! Love, Love, Love to you all from The LA Drews!
(pics taken July 21 - 25, 2011)
The title of the post says it all! Can't get much better than running through the sprinkler on a hot summer day...for both kids and adults. This is Rowan's first experience with this awesome cooling off technique. And, Greg...well, who can blame him?! He had to show off his moves!
(pics taken July 17, 2011)
