it's starting to look a lot like hallowe'en

I remember trudging through a foot of snow most years that I went trick or treating so it feels strange that on Elliott and my walk this afternoon (3 days before the big night) we were in T-shirts and I was still sweating by the end. It is a gorgeous day here in New Brunswick and I can hardly wait for the big night. Kate is so in to things that are out of the norm.  The celebrations will start tomorrow at her little school's Halloween party. On Sunday I believe we are going to try to make it to the My Gym Halloween party, carve a pumpkin and then head out for a bit of trick or treating.

I also recall being more excited for Halloween than I was for Christmas. The excitement is so much sweeter in anticipation of Kate's reactions. Here's how we are getting ready:

And here is our Kate ready for black and orange day at her school. I love this kid.

I know my girlfriends back home are having their annual Halloween party - have fun and send me photos. I'm jealous but looking forward to seeing you all soon. XOXO

full house

We had a house full of crazies on Sunday - Paul, Janice, Candace, Carter and Lydia. It was a gorgeous day and we were able to spend some time outside enjoying the late Autumn sunshine together after the kids took a break from wrestling.

Peek a boo handsome Carter.

Me and my little man.

The kids lining up to have a "few" chips.

Cleaning up after a tough, messy day.

What a great day - thanks for the visit. Next blog - Halloweeeeeen ooooh. Have a spooky one. aj

my fave fourteen

My little man isn't so little, we visited the doctor today for his 2 month check up and he weighed in at 14.2 pounds.  I checked Kate's baby book and she didn't weigh that until she was over 5 months old.  He's also over 24 inches tall. This explains why my back feels like it's on fire. 

The man in all his glory this evening.

Elliott's big sister and her pathetic substitute for a puppy.

In other news Kate is doing so well at her little school. She has a lovely group of girlfriends. When we arrive in the morning they run to the door to welcome her and then the hugs start and sometimes even the kisses. I'm actually jealous of her network. In a way she reminds me of me always surrounded by the best girlfriends. Speaking of which I miss all of you! xoxo aj

i'm thankful

Though a little late saying so I have so much to be thankful for. Namely my family - immediate and extended. I know it's the expected thing for me to say - but quite honestly I never expected to say it.

Our Jorgensen Sandwich had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend on the island. Kate had a sleepover with the cousins and Cody, Elliott and I were treated to a lovely dinner out (just the 3 of us) and a hotel stay in Charlottetown. Thank you Grammie, Aunty Candy and Uncle Paul. Grammie Donna cooked a terrific dinner and overall we just had a great weekend. Unfortunately I forgot my camera at dinner so you'll have to settle for photos of our turkey - Elliott - in Charlottetown.

My baby bear all dressed up ready for a walk to dinner. Elliott was a huge hit with the waitresses at dinner. His Pappa suggested that the 2 of them hit the town there was so much action.

Me and my little man.

Mr. Jorgensen.

Kate doing what she does best - poking at her brother's eyes. I just can't believe I caught it in this shot.

This thanksgiving, we are also thankful that only one child screamed at a time on our way to PEI and one on our way home. I am also thankful Cody didn't kill Kate during her Thanksgiving dinnertime "Time Out". On a final serious note, I am truly thankful that Elliott has joined our family. Every day he is more lovely and every day I fall more in love with him.

I hope you all had lots of love this past weekend too. xox aj

kate's first 4 letter word

Well anyone who knows Cody and I well, even not so well, knows it was just a matter of time until our talkative toddler picked up her first four letter word. The time has come and the word is sh*t. She loves it. She just knows it's bad. I've been trying to tell her the word is shirt but she's no dummy. Luckily she has only been saying it right after we let it slip but with 2 stressful little ones, it seems to slip a lot. That and her Pappa still thinks it's funny, so he let's it slip more readily.

Our baby girl - one step closer to being sent home from friends' houses for having a potty mouth. Mommy and Pappa are sorry!

Hope things are less sh*tty where you are and that this blog doesn't overly offend. aj

bye bye grandma & grandpa

With every hello unfortunately comes a good bye and it came all too soon. Grandma Sherri and Grandpa George flew home this past Friday and as always I - and now Kate - miss them already.  Kate became fast friends with Grandma and even faster friends with Grandpa this trip and it was the hardest good bye yet. Kate was so smitten with Grandpa George I hated seeing her lose her friend. We had a great visit and the weather turned for the better and were able to get out and explore a bit. Highlights:

Elliott's first visit to the ocean and the beach that I'm sure will bring countless good times to the babies. That's Kate in the back before she decided to go for one last swim for the season.

Grandma and Kate snuggles.

Kate with Grandpa George aka her Elephant whom she willingly allowed carry her for miles when we visited Hopewell Rocks.

In other news I thought I would share a couple photos of our hikers who somewhat safely made it home from their adventure. Not sure if they loved their 50 km hike, as I heard mention that convicts should be forced to do it. They faced and overcame becoming lost on km 9, a day and night of steady downpour, steep inclines and harder declines and oh they tried to outrun the tides coming in and nearly lost as the waves crashed them against sheer rock. I hate to think that 4 beautiful babies could have fast lost their Papas to the ocean. Well at least it made for good stories. 

Uncle Paul - look closely as he is actually soaked up to his neck due to the previously mentioned tidal meeting. Also note only one hiking pole made it.

Papa looking tough but not overly thrilled.

Happy Autumn to all and a huge congratulations to my friend Diane who gave birth last week to a healthy and beautiful second son Misha! All the best Jaegers as you get used to your new family. xox aj

hello grandma & grandpa

Grandma Sherri and now Grandpa George have arrived safely and are being put to work.  Kate is thrilled to have all the great playmates.

Here is Grandpa only moments after arriving last night.

Grandma and Elliott.

Grandpa and Elliott.

Baking a cake earlier this week.

We have for the most part been staying close to home. Kate has been teething and has been a little moody and the weather has been pretty rainy. The weather is supposed to be clear for the next couple of days so we're going to try to show Grandpa some of the sights before they head off to Nova Scotia on Monday.

In other news Cody and Uncle Paul have checked in from the Fundy Trail a couple of times. Cody reports that the hike is tough, all steep ups and downs. They are about 26 kms in now so they're committed. I wish them good luck and good knees as they finish up.  Kate misses her Pappa and we want to see him soon.

Kisses to all (but mostly to Elli). aj