Ring Bearer-ing

Posted in Living Rude-ly by amandarude

On Saturday, June 21st, Max had the opportunity to be a ring bearer for the second time at our friends’ wedding. Jonathan and Emily were so sweet to Max and got him a “state ball” or for those of you who don’t speak Max, an Iowa State basketball. He loves it and has been sleeping with it since the rehearsal dinner on Friday. What a great way to say thank you to Max!

All dressed up and ready to go!

Being the mother of the ring bearer is quite the job! Ha! It was busy but I really enjoyed it and was so excited that Max (and Jason as a groomsman) could be part of their special day! We ordered Max’s suit awhile back and it turned out to be a pretty good deal! We had to get the pants tailored a bit to fit him, but he looked pretty darn handsome if you ask me!

Busy with the trains!

He was such a stud at the rehearsal. He walked down the aisle like a champ. On Saturday, he did a wonderful job at pictures and kept busy playing with trains until it was show time. He was so sweet when it came time to go down the aisle. I helped him get started and then my friend Jill directed him where to go while I snuck up to the front of the aisle. At first he couldn’t see me and Jason motioned with his eyes (while on stage!) to move closer to the aisle. When Max saw me he sprinted down the aisle and almost tackled me down with a big hug! As promised, we went back to the room with the trains and all was well!

Jason and Gwenyth during the daddy/daughter dance!

Congratulations Jonathan and Emily!

3Jun2014

Summer

Posted in Living Rude-ly by amandarude

Thanks to Frozen, whenever we hear the word “summer”, Max and I break into song! We are going to get gorgeously tan this summer! 😉 We have already packed so much into these first few weeks and I can tell that this will be a very exciting summer of firsts! This is my first full summer with two kids and my first summer with a two year old! (A two year old who likes to run and go places!)

Here are some fun things we have done so far:

: Max loves filling up the pool!

: Gwenyth was checking out Brother’s shoe while she waited to swim.

: Two cuties in a pool!

: G loved the pool!

: Playing with kitties at grandma’s house!

: Loving this kitten!

: Max and Hailee. 🙂

: Too much fun at grandma’s house!

: The pool is very useful, even when not filled with water! G might get more use out of this pool than originally thought.

: Progression of getting tired playing at the basketball courts with Daddy.

: Taking a snoozer.

: Wiped out.

: First facepainting experience!

: G loved the party in the park!

: Basketball on one cheek, football on the other. Pair that with a burger in one hand and chips in the other. Day made.

: He was so excited about Thomas, he fell asleep.

: Blurry, but all my loves at church!

: My little gal, conked out after Connor’s birthday party!

This is also the first summer with my big boy using the potty! We are about three weeks in and I am so proud of Max! He is doing very well and seems to enjoy using the potty. It is quite the adjustment to be at the mercy of your child’s bladder, but it is also nice to not have to change two kids’ diapers each day! Yay for Max!

Gwenyth is getting her first teeth. Poor girl seems to be having a rough go at it. I can see the two front, two bottom, and one canine trying to pop through. My baby girl is growing up!

31May2014

Dates with Daddy

Posted in Living Rude-ly by amandarude

We go on a lot of field trips, just the three of us, so when Jason gets the chance to come along, it is extra special! The kids love playing with him and are always excited to show him around their favorite places.

We surprised Max with a visit to Chuck E. Cheese, and he hasn’t stopped asking to go back! He loved playing basketball and seeing Jason almost beat the record. Gwenyth was amazed at all of the flashing lights and games.

This year, we became members of the zoo and are so excited to use our zoo pass! We have been three times already and plan to make many, many more visits. Max often asks about going to the zoo within ten minutes of waking up. “I get ready and go to zoo. See animals?” What a funny guy! He loves to ride the train and his favorite part is going through the tunnel.

: Gwenyth admiring her big brother playing basketball.

: Max shooting hoops.

: Going for two!

: Amazed at Chuck E Cheese

: Max and daddy at the zoo.

: Feeding the parakeets

: Looking at the birds.

: Max’s turn to feed!

: My boys on the train!

: What a good looking family, I have!

31May2014

Gwenyth 9-10 Month Update

Posted in Living Rude-ly by amandarude

Gwenyth turned 9 months back on May 1st. She went to see Dr. Secory and proved that she has been growing!

Stats:
Height- 28 1/4in, 76%
Weight- 19lbs 12oz, 76%
Head- 47, 99%

She can now eat anything (except for honey) and has been enjoying eating anything her big brother eats. We went to Pizza Ranch as a family the other day and she was in pizza heaven! She was so happy to be sitting in a big girl chair and eating peas, biscuit, potatoes, chicken, and pizza!

She sleeps in her crib now and is doing so well. We used to hear from her about 5AM to eat, but lately she has been making it to 8:30 or even later! When I first bring her out in the morning, she will scan the room and look for her big brother. She gives him a big (toothless) grin and sometimes even giggles!

She is not yet crawling, but is so close! She has a super reach and can reach most anything by just rocking and scooting, so I am not sure if she is totally motivated to crawl.

Here is a sweet comparison of Max around 10 months and Gwenyth about the same age.

Here are my little chunky babies in the tub around the same age. Look at Max’s chub!!! 🙂

25Apr2014

The Zoo

Posted in Living Rude-ly by amandarude

We went to the zoo today and wow! Max was so pumped! I realized we never went last year because I was pregnant with Gwenyth and I didn’t feel like walking around in the heat. So he hadn’t been there since he was a little guy! What a different experience!

What a wonderful day with friends! The highlight for Max was riding the train and going through the tunnel! So blessed to have such great company at the zoo!

15Apr2014

Playing Around

Posted in Living Rude-ly by amandarude

Iowa weather is crazy! One day it is 40 degrees and the next day almost 80! Regardless of the weather or the location though, these Rude kids love to play!