Day At The Dentist

Just this past week we had a family day at the dentist.  Most of you probably think that doesn't sound like too much fun.  But for me, I was ecstatic!  I absolutely LOVE going to the dentist and to top it off, this would be Tessa's first official trip.  We had brought her to our dental office in Omaha back when she was two (per our pediatrician's recommendation) so that she could become familiar with an office visit.  She enjoyed herself then, but I still wasn't sure how it would go since she would be the big three year old sitting in the chair this time.  Well, as you can see from the photo below, she wasn't nervous at all because what's not to enjoy when you can watch your favorite show during a cleaning!  Thank you fate for Mickey being on TV during this hour!!!  

Once the hygienist was ready to begin, she showed Tessa all the equipment she would be using and let her touch and hold each of them.  I really loved how they explained each step to her and made sure she was comfortable during all of it.   

Tessa picked Strawberry flavored polish and she said it tasted very "yummy." 

It was time for the dentist to come in and count all the pearly whites and take a closer look.  As so many of you parents can attest, getting a child to brush their teeth and to brush them well is no easy fete.  I was worried we'd receive an unfavorable report; but believe it or not, her teeth looked great!

At the end of it all, Tessa was able to pick out a new toothbrush.  The hygienist told her they had plenty of princess ones to choose from.  Miss Tess began to frown, looked at her, and then looked at me and softly said she didn't want one.  I wasn't sure why as she seemed so excited initially.  What she meant was that she didn't want a princess toothbrush.  She turned back to the hygienist and asked if she could have Mickey Mouse.  Luckily they found one in another room and she couldn't have been happier.

The final event for being such a good girl during her cleaning was to go to the treasure chest and pick out a toy.  She left with some stickers and a bracelet - what a negotiator!

By the end of our 2+ hour trip, we had three successful dental appointments.  I was so glad that we had done our "research" and decided on this office - we had such a great experience.  

Oh, I am certain none of you could look at these pictures and not notice the fact that my child is wearing neon green ball socks with red sequin shoes - all I have to say is "some days you pick your battles." ;)

F-A-L-L

I don't know about any of you, but I just can't seem to get enough of Fall!  I am obsessed with all things apple, pumpkin, and spicy.  The weather here in Iowa has been perfect these last few weeks; chilly in the morning and evening (perfect for sweatshirts) but still nice and warm in the afternoon.

It's that time of year when we have the most family traditions.  One of them is to attend an apple orchard to pick our own apples and another is to make a trip to the pumpkin patch.  Unfortunately, our family orchard and favorite pumpkin patch (Vala's) are back in Nebraska so we will be continuing these traditions at new locations this year.  For those of you in the area, what do you recommend?  Where is the best place for picking apples and the most perfect pumpkin patch for kiddo fun?

We will definitely be doing these events soon as I am very eager to have some pumpkins around the house.  However, I will admit that we do have two little decorative ones already from the amazing Des Moines farmer's market.  Miss Tess needed to have one in her room as well as one downstairs on the fireplace.  She is as obsessed with them as I am and literally carried one of them with her for an entire day.  Some kids have toys, mine has a pumpkin.

Another exciting part of this season is the food!  I don't know about any of you, but I get the desire to bake and bake and bake when the weather turns crisp.  Wait, did I say crisp?  Apple crisp anyone?  Do any of you have favorite "Fall" recipes that you could share?    

Wee-Ones

Tessa
We call her "Boo."  She is full of life and always on the go.  She loves being outside on her play-set, riding her quad & tricycle, reading books, and torturing playing with her puppy Mason.  She has a few dollies that mainly sit on her shelf because her Mickey Mouse plush is her "baby."  She recently started gymnastics and loves all things beam and bar.  She is the best big sis; tolerating little brother 90% of the time.  Although, she has started a new thing where she says "Tell Brady I said this, or I think that."  We're not sure why she won't tell him since he's sitting right next to her, but never the less, we oblige.  Her voice never stops and sometimes she utters words that melt my heart; "Mommy, you're my best friend in the whole wide world."  But, we are three years old now so that sweetness can turn in an instant!  She sure keeps us on our toes!

She mastered shopping at a young age

 

My Little "Boo"

It is well known that I am NOT a cook, but when it comes to baking; sign me up!  I love that she enjoys helping me too!



She might look like her daddy but she has full blown sass like her mama :)

It happened - she turned 3!

 Brady

 We call him Brado way too often, and sometimes an "Alfredo Brado" sneaks out.  He is our little preemie but growing quite a bit these days.  I have a feeling we are only a week or two away from having a full blown walker (I'm not sure if I'm excited or dreading it - probably both)!  Mr. Brady is allergic to EVERYTHING so he keeps us all on our toes when new foods are introduced (such a struggle).  Little man ADORES Miss Tess, runner-up would have to be daddy, and I'm pulling a close third.  Despite that, we do have some great moments together because he is such a snuggle bug!  When he isn't tormenting big sis, Brady loves to get into any drawer, cabinet, or door to "rearrange."  He also loves to bang, clang, clink, pop, or slam whatever is in sight.  Yes sir, we have a boy on our hands.  But one thing is for sure, you'll rarely see this boy without a smile on his face.  He's the happiest human I ever did see!



Baby Brown Eyes

This was my attempt at fitting a child in a stocking...

One of my all time favorites

At yet another hospital appointment...never seems to mind

Taking a ride on the bottom of the slide

Thank you Pottery Barn Kids - he could spend hours on this lamb (sissy's lamb)

Quick photo before leaving for his first day of school in his big boy classroom (no longer an infant to them)

I'm Back!

It only took three years, but I am back and slowly figuring out this world of technology that I have been so absent from as of late.  

There once was a time where I "blogged" and as I look back and read old posts, I am ever so grateful for those days.  I honestly can't believe how many of the little details I have forgotten over the years!  (I'm blaming it on lack of sleep - literally no good sleep in the last three years - I am certain you fellow parents can attest).  
Being able to read over old posts bring back many wonderful memories.  For my own sake (and for the kiddos because we all know the memory isn't going to get better with age), I am going to start writing and sharing my thoughts, stories, and posting pictures with y'all again. 
I hope you follow along!

(and if anyone feels obligated to help me make this page look somewhat presentable - I would understand)