Pre-Halloween Festivities

So I now realize that my posts are going to be a little bit out of order...oh, well. We didn't have internet for a while so I got a little behind in my blogging so at this point it's just trying to catch up! We did a lot of our Halloween celebrating early since Tristan was going to be at work for Halloween.

We decided to take the boys out to Lattin's to do the whole pumpkin patch experience. Ethan was super excited about the wheelbarrows at the pumpkin patch and couldn't wait to help Tristan push it!

Searching for the perfect pumpkin
Found one! And he finally realized that he could RIDE in the wheelbarrow, too!
Before we went to pick out our pumpkin, we enjoyed all the other great things about Lattin's...namely the apple fritters! While we were enjoying them (and some hot chocolate for me) Ethan played on this little carousel.
Me and my boys by the fruit stand
We also took some time to visit all the animals there. There were chickens and chicks, ducks and ducklings, rabbits, cows, turkeys and goats. This is one of my favorite pictures because as my friend, Becky, pointed out, Ethan's and the goat's expressions are they same!
They also had a tractor ride that would take you out to the pumpkin patch, but we didn't want to wait for it. Ethan was just as happy to stand by it! That kid loves a tractor!
Waiting to get the scoop on the tractor rides
The fire department also brought a fire truck and you could climb on and in it. Ethan was in heaven!

Tristan and Ethan on the fire truck
We came home with a pumpkin for Ethan and a tiny one for Carter. He was none too happy about having to have his picture taken with it!
We also celebrated Aunt Desiree's birthday leading up to Halloween. Ethan's favorite part of the night was playing in Grandma's candy bucket (practicing for the actual day, of course!).
A few days later we got the paint out and let Ethan have at it!
Hard at work
The finished product. Something about it reminds me of Wilson from the movie Castaway!
One of the final things we did was another tradition of ours. Tristan I watch either a Pirates of the Caribbean or Harry Potter movie. This year it was the Deathly Hallows part I and building a spooky Halloween mansion. Here is our finished product:
We had lots of fun celebrating early with Tristan and getting the boys ready for Halloween!

Halloween

I had lots of fun ideas in mind for Halloween, but they were foiled by the fact that both boys were still not feeling well after several weeks of runny noses and coughs. So we started off our day getting ready for a trip to the doctor's office! We did our best to get into the spirit of the holiday, though!

Good morning from my 2 little monsters!

We had an early lunch, since our appointment fell right at lunch time. Yummy mummy dogs were on the menu!
Carter was flashing lots of cute smiles despite the fact that he had to be feeling yucky!

Our trip to the doctor's office revealed that both Ethan and Carter had an ear infection and Ethan also had a sinus infection...so we were off to Target to pick up antibiotics. I was already on antibiotics due to mastitis, so it was truly a scary Halloween around our house--especially since Tristan was out of town so I was on my own! By the time we got home, we were all exhausted. Ethan looked so pitiful curled up in this chair!
Carter was passed out, too!
By the evening, we all had a little more energy. I got the boys into their costumes and ready to make the rounds! Ethan was a construction worker, but wouldn't wear his plaid shirt, tool belt or goggles...I'm glad I didn't spend a lot of money on a costume for him this year! Carter wore Ethan's giraffe costume from when he was a baby.

First stop was Grandma Bernard's house. Aunt Desiree was on her way out the door but we snapped a quick picture with her before she left. Notice Ethan's costume is already off!
Grandma Bernard made a Halloween feast including this Pizza-filled snake...
and a goblin cheese ball with chips.
This was the best we could do for a picture...Ethan was running wild! He went out to visit a few neighbors and get some loot with Grandma Bernard...I didn't get to go with him so I don't have any pictures of it, but I heard he had a great time!
Next stop was to Grandpa and Grandma Walker's house. Ethan did a little better for the picture there. Maybe it's because he was a little more tired!
My sweet little pumpkin ready to head home after a busy day
We were sad Tristan wasn't here to celebrate with us, but we made the most of the day despite him being gone and all of the illnesses running wild at our house. It's crazy to think that next year I will have two crazy boys running around!

More Settling in...

Eventually, you just have to leave the house--even if you don't feel ready. This was our first venture out of the house as a carload of 4! Headed over to my parents' house for a visit.

Ethan learned pretty quickly that life with a new brother mean learning to A) be more patient when waiting for things, or B) become self-reliant and do it yourself. He had asked for a snack and then we got wrapped up in baby stuff...so he emptied the whole box of fruit bars onto the table, got a yogurt and then threw the fruit bar box away! We were cracking up!
Even though I wasn't ready to take Carter on many major outings right away, Tristan was really good about getting Ethan out of the house. One day they went for a visit to Tumwater Falls Park to see the water. I guess Ethan just sat on this bench and watched the water for a few minutes like this!
Playing back in the bushes
What is it about sticks that is so appealing to boys?
Another day, Tristan took Ethan to the Hands on Children's Museum. Apparently he spent most of his time playing with the trains (big surprise!).

It took a little while for things to start to feel normal as a family of 4, but I'm so grateful for the help of family, friends and my wonderful husband to make the process go as smoothly as can be expected!

Settling in--the first 2 weeks

We were anxious to get home to Ethan after Carter was born and were released just a little over 24 hours after we got to the hospital. This is us ready to hit the road!

We were very grateful that Tristan's mom was willing to stay the night with Ethan at our apartment. Tristan had gone home to play with Ethan and put him to bed the night we stayed at the hospital, but I hadn't seen him much at all. I was so glad to be home and start the process of settling in to our new routine. Welcome home, Carter!

Honestly, the first week or so are still just a blur of diapers, feedings, and wonderful people dropping off meals to us...we were exhausted! But, we were very well taken care of by friends and family. My best friend, Kelly, set up 5 or 6 meals to be brought to us and even came and got Ethan one Saturday to get him out of the house for a little bit. Ethan loves his Aunt KK!

Ethan loved looking at his "baby brubber"...

All the boys together
Juggling the kids

My mom and dad also dropped off a meal and stopped by for a few short visits during our settling in phase.

One thing we've learned: life with a newborn means lots more time for a toddler to get into things they shouldn't be in to...yes, that is sharpie marker on my son's face and in his hair, and yes, it does make it look like he's wearing pink eyeliner...
We tried to keep Ethan busy helping us with as many things as possible. Tristan made cupcakes with him one morning.

Carter's first sponge bath at home...not so happy at first!

By the time he got massaged and rinsed with warm water he was much happier and content!
Ahhhhh!

Because Carter was jaundiced, I tried to give him some time in his basinette by the window in our room. Here he is soaking in the rays!

It seems like Ethan grew up while I was in the hospital. He went with Tristan to go to the store one day and the sight of him carrying this diaper box up the stairs for Tristan made me realize what a big boy he's become!

Here's proof that even though it didn't feel like it at times, we actually did get some sleep! Carter napped a lot during the day and we got it in whenever we could!

As crazy as it feels at times, we are so glad to have Carter as a part of our family...and we love him to pieces!