Playtime

Harper is a good big brother and shows us his sweet side when he asks Wren, "How's your day?" Then, he'll give her a few kisses and carryon with what he was doing. If Wren is crying, sometimes Harper will tell her to "Settle down!" and other times he'll reassuringly say, "It's okay Wren. We're almost home." Things like that. He really wants to be able to pick her up, but we have to always remind him to ask us first so we can help. Once Wren is smiling and more responsive with her expressions, I think they are going to start having lots of fun together.

Human jungle gym, with Josh working intently on a fire-fighting airplane for Harper.

Wren's starting to enjoy "playtime" or at least time to stretch out. 

Lists

Other than grocery lists and thank you lists, I haven't listed anything since Wren was born. Well, that all changes today. Here are my new lists to start tackling:

Sewing To-Do:

• Halloween Costumes (Harper, Wren, Alyssa, Josh)
• Duffle Coat for Harper
• Take Moda U quilt to be quilted, bind quilt
• Reinforce old diaper bag 1/2 done
• Flower pillow 1/2 done
• Liverpool tunic (yay for being nursing friendly!)
• Pretty-as-a-Picture dress
• Socialite dress (not nursing friendly, so this is low priority)
• Purple knit dress (ditto not nursing friendly)
• Fabric "tree" for kids' room
• Duffle coat for me
• Christmas dress for Wren
• Stocking for Wren
• Winter pjs for Harper 
• Velveteen bedspread
• Bind Argyle Quilt
• Doll for Wren (Christmas Gift)
• (2) Christmas gifts - secret :) 
• Snowflake Apron

Other Projects:

• Paint thread holder
• Refinish/paint end table (+ new hardware)
• Make and print Harper's photo albums 1/2 done
• Finish photo gallery in dining room (so close!)
• Vacuum window sills
• Wash/clean windows
• Weed/trim the yard
• Clean refrigerator

Okay, now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I guess I should break it down by month again to make it more manageable. Oh, another thing I hope to work on soon is getting some of my handmade crafts up for sale. Josh has been working on a website for me - www.alyssajoystudio.com - so I hope to get that up and running in the near future!

Afton Apples

Last Saturday afternoon, Josh and I took the kiddos to the Afton Apple Orchard. It was nice to get out as a family and do something different and fun together. 

Harper loved, no wait...LOVED, the hay ride. I think he ended up riding it at least 3 or 4 times.

The llamas, goats and sheep are scrambling for the best spot to be fed.

Picking apples with daddy. Harper seemed to find the ones infested by bugs but had fun doing it, so Josh and I would toss them back under the trees when he wasn't looking. We went home with a small bag of Haralson apples to make a couple pies.

One of the tractor drivers noticed how much Harper loved the hay ride and stopped out in the field and asked if he wanted to drive (we were the only passengers). Once in the driver's seat, he of course wanted to turn it on. 

I carried Wren in her ride the whole time at the orchard, so here's a picture from Sunday morning since she didn't make an appearance in the photos above. :)

What we've been up to

 Seeing lots of friends and family.

My friend Allison and her daughter Olivia came to visit and meet Wren.

Playing outside.

Reading LOTS of books...something I can do while nursing/holding Wren.

My mom and I took Harper to ride a couple rides at the MOA. He had a blast.

Spending time with our friends, the Hollerans.

Wren's Baptism

Wren Margueritte, Child of God

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis

August 26, 2012

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate Wren's baptism with us. It was a beautiful day with a nice service and beautiful music by Naomi and Steve Staruch. Wren did a great job and hardly fussed. Harper also behaved well and participated in the baptism. We are blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family willing to drive from near and far to be with us (we even had some surprise guests!).

Wren wore the gown both my sister and I wore.

The baptism was performed by Pastor Kris and Pastor Mary.

Being baptized.

Our family with Wren's Godparents, Luke and Melissa Walchuk.

The Kontak family.

 The Jagdfeld family.

Unfortunately, we failed to get a group picture with the Olson family. :( After the service, we enjoyed a tasty meal prepared by all our family members.