Fall Fun

Two pumpkin patches this year!  Schusters in Dubuque and Pumpkin Patch Pizzaz in Monticello.

Johanna Birthday videos

Johanna's 3rd Birthday

THE BIRTHDAY
We were able to celebrate Johanna's birthday along with Cali's with the extended family, but then had a quiet birthday at home with just us on her actual day -- if you call a Mommy/Daughter trip to the water park a quiet day.  As for the cake, Daddy got very ambitious and we were all able to help.  Johanna did a great job sorting the M&Ms and even helped put them on the cake.  She was so excited about her birthday that we had to create a count down "calendar" and had something to do each day before her birthday so she could see the progress towards the day.

HER PERSONALITY
Johanna really enjoys her little brother.  If you call him "my baby" she gets upset and says "He's not your baby, he is the WHOLE FAMILY'S baby".  She is a good helper.  Sometimes when he cries, she says "Stay there mommy, I will take care of it" and she tries to help by turning on his music or talking to him.
She is starting to get the hang of a few games and is quite good at playing the memory matching game.  She had a little trouble adjusting to her new room at school but has now gotten the hang of it and seems to enjoy her new friends and teachers.  She has gotten into the phase of not wanting to do anything without mom or dad by her side, especially mom.
She has a wonderful imagination and is fun to play pretend with.  Most of her sweet and kind phrases she learns from Daniel Tiger "I like to be with my family... dah-da-da-tah".  If you do something she doesn't like, she will let you know and may stomp her foot or slap the table/floor/chair.  She is getting very good at rolling her eyes and huffing at us.  She had her first time-out at school for causing a fight when not wanting to share.

JOHANNA-ISMS
But its very special to me.
Sometimes you do, sometimes you don't.
I never heard of that before.
That's OK though.
What's that thing again?
I need you.

Johanna Interview

What's your name? Johanna
How old are you? 3
What is your favorite thing to do? Play outside
What do you want to be when you grow up? Horse
What is your favorite food? Macaroni
Who do you like to spend time with? Cali
What do you do really well? Dance with Jay
What makes you laugh? Daddy
What is the best time of the day? Playing with mommy
What are you afraid of? Spiders
Who is your best friend? Cali and Jay
What do you like to do with your family? Do games
What do you love to learn about? Colorful leaves
Where do you like to go? Hyvee
What is your favorite book? Corduroy
If you had one wish, what would it be? I would wish for a fart (then she giggles uncontrollably)

2nd haircut

Long overdue!   She wanted a picture and it only took us about 30 shots to get one that wasn't blurry due to her movement.

Walter 3 Months

 

We will keep this short and sweet, because frankly, Tony and I aren't getting much sleep these days!  Walter continues to have an easy smile.  He has started to laugh a little, mainly when you tickle him but nothing too organic yet.  He has started to get really angry when he is extra tired so supper time is usually screaming time.  Walter has also started to reach out and grab things (with purpose), and boy does he have a grip!  Johanna is starting to learn to keep her hair away.  No sitting up on his own yet but he likes that bumbo chair because sitting is his favorite position.