If this isn't entertaining yourself...

...I don't know what is!! Drake's been crawling for a little over a week now, and he has this little game that he plays by himself. He first started doing it with a plastic Easter egg. He crawls to the egg, picks it up, and tosses it/pushes it. Crawls to the egg again, picks it up, and throws it (or pushes it) again. He seriously will keep busy this way for 20 minutes or more. He will play it with anything he finds -Mia's sock, a little wooden toy, his medicine dropper, the egg, a squeaky ball, it doesn't matter. It is the sweetest thing to watch him play, he gets such a kick out of himself. It's amazing how different his and Mia's personalities are! He is so self-entertained, especially at this age, and lets just say Mia... was not!! Here's a video of him playing his little game with the top of an ice cream cone...

It's been super hot here lately, and now I know why we don't go outside too much in the afternoon! This morning we went to a kid's concert at one of the nearby parks, and I thought we were going to melt. And it was still early! I sure am thankful it's not this hot here all the time. I like to take the kids outside to play, but in heat like this, it's tough taking them outside! Thankfully Drake is sweet, sweet, sweet. I don't have to get him out of the house too much. He's pretty good no matter what, he doesn't complain much. But Mia has been a different story. Anyone with a strong-willed child knows to cherish those moments when they have good days, and thankfully in the last couple weeks I have had a few of those. But she's been arguing with us CONSTANTLY and always wants to control the situation. Today she actually wet her pants (on purpose) because I put her in time out. Oh how I wish it were cooler outside so I could get her out more!

I think I've mentioned here before that I've taken a few photography lessons, and I've been 'studying' a ton - reading lots of books and tutorials, practicing, talking with photographers, practicing some more, staying up late to do it all, etc. I think I am going to start a little photography business! I would love if it works out. I've done 3 newborn sessions and have also taken pictures for Cole's birthday invitations (thanks, April!). I've been so busy learning all I can and practicing, that's mostly the reason I've been so bad about posting on here! My next step is to get a website up and running - I have a domain already, but I still need to put together a site. Once I get it all together, I'll of course post the link on here. In the meantime, if you're in the area and are thinking about having photos done soon, give me a jingle!

As a side note... I know some of you edit your pics in Photoshop - if you do, there is a really good contest going on at MCP Actions (www.mcpactions.com/blog) right now to win Portraiture, Noiseware, and RealGrain, which if you were to purchase costs $300. It can't hurt to put your name in the bowl! (If you have no idea what this is, just disregard!)

Wow, sorry for the book. Until next time!!

Round Round Get Around, I Get Around...

Drake is crawling! He started on Tuesday night, and he's already gotten quicker. And yes, my life is changed! I used to be able to sit him down on a blanket with toys, and he would entertain himself for quite a while that way. Not now! He's all over the place and always wants what Mia has. She, of course, is quite the little boss, telling him what he can and can't have, where he can and can't go, and what he can and cannot do. It is funny and exhausting at the same time!

Drake also got another tooth (a top one), and the other top one is ready to break through. I can also see a few others under his gums. He's getting teeth so much quicker than Mia! She was almost 10 months before she cut her first tooth.

A couple funny Mia stories (since I know that's why most of you check this anyways!) The other day I asked her to pick up her puzzles before her nap. She was dilly-dallying, so I asked her again. Then I told her she'd get a time out if I had to ask her once more, and she goes, "Mom, be patient." Little stinker.

Then Brock was getting ready to take her up for a bath, and she was drinking some water. She kept drinking (we don't want her to drink too much at night in fear of wetting the bed), so Brock asked her if she was done. She goes, "I'll just drink some butt water in the tub." Gross.

Oh, and I'm sure you'll be interested to hear the latest about her husband. She's told me a few times that Quincy isn't her husband anymore. I was telling my mom this and we were laughing, so my mom asked her if she had a new husband. Mia says, "No, we're just friends." :)

8 Months and ready for the defensive line...

Drake is 8 months old today and is ready to scoot. He can move in all directions except forward, but he sure is trying! :) We cracked up at this picture - looks like he is ready to play some football. Mia is two and a half as of yesterday - how time flies! We've just been taking advantage of the nice weather and staying busy!

Tonight at dinner Mia says to me, "Mommy, thank you for setting the plates. And thank you for getting the dishwasher." (she meant unloading the dishwasher) "And thank you for cutting my nails this week." Oh how quickly they learn to be nice when they want something!

Pictures!

Alright, I'm starting to get yelled at for not posting, so I figured I better get some pics up! Everything is going great around here. Drake is on the verge of crawling. He can get from one end of the room to the other by scooting around, it's just a matter of time until he's actually crawling. Mia's been having fun playing outside, she's been as crazy as ever. Here they are!

Trying on my mom's glasses

Eating popcorn and watching a movie on a rainy day