April Instagram

 I took a lot more photos this month compared to March! Here are my phone pictures from April:

 Row 1: Caught looking for snacks, big boy in a little car seat, handsome babe in chair, first time on the swings!

Row 2: Ute fan, matching brothers, beautiful blossoms in our yard, alone with my maple bar

Row 3: Setting up birthday, birthday boy with presents, birthday waffles, Dinosaur park

Row 4: Birthday dinner at McDonalds, the big 3-0, mowing the lawn on his birthday, the Bradshaws

plus more!

 Row 1: birthday dinner, finding his eggs, big boy in a high chair, surprise party for Benji

Row 2: handsome baby on Easter morning, finding their Easter baskets, dyeing eggs, awesome sale

Row 3: Superman!, Divergent with Ashley, cool baby, caught in the pantry (again)

Row 4: Temple Square, beautiful Norah, by the fountain, squishy nose grin

Plus: some box fun

 Playing at Castle Park

4 Months to 4 Years

 Easter breakfast at Grannie Annies

 Let the coloring begin!

 Blowing kisses! Farewell April!

Max at 7 Months

 Lucky number 7 for this little man.

 Words cannot describe how much JOY he brings into my life. He is a very happy, content baby who has become very busy and curious. No more laying still for pictures. He wants to MOVE. Whenever he gets the chance.

So this photo shoot is all over the place because I wanted to experiment with different light and backgrounds. Plus, like I said, this kiddo wants to move all the time. These first few shots I hung up a white sheet and tried to get Max to sit still.

Anyway, isn't he dreamy?

Max has mastered the scoot and pull technique when it comes to crawling. He can also sit himself up from his tummy. He is very stable when it comes to sitting and its fun when he sees someone and starts crawling towards them. 

 He LOVES toys and pretty much anything he can get his hands on. This has lead to tasting grass, dirt, wrappers, leaves, magazines . . . ANYTHING. He has 4 teeth now and more on the way and all he wants to do is chomp! Note the drool!

He is so squirmy when it comes to changing his diaper. Singing songs helps, but his mission in life is to roll over and dive off the dresser. Luckily that hasn't happened. I've resorted to changing his diaper/clothes on the floor more often than not.

 He is getting better and better at grasping onto things like puffs and baby crackers. He usually gets most of them on his lap, but sure loves them when they get in his mouth. He is eating mostly 2nd stage baby food and has tried a few other solid foods like eggs, pancakes and bread.

Note the look of determination on his face when I opened the door for a different lighting technique. It surprises me how fast he is!

He is on a good routine with 2 naps a day and 2 solid food feedings. He'll sleep from 8pm to 6-7am. What a good boy knowing that mommy needs sleep in order to function!

There's something about this next photo that I love.

Other things Max loves:

-being outside

-swinging on the swings

-laughing at brother and sister

-being rocked to sleep

-bathtime

-reading books (and usually chewing on them)

-going for walks

He also has a cute squishy-faced grin. He does this when he's excited about something.

 Every day I hope for time to slow down, so I can savor each moment. Although busy and tiring (when is it not truly), I love this stage of motherhood.

Happy 7 months Maxwell Dean!

Easter

 Easter Saturday we got up bright and early and went to the annual Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. We're not technically in the neighborhood anymore but we enjoy this one far more than any of the organized city hunts. Each child left with at least 12 eggs and everyone was happy!

Once they told everyone to go, Logan bolted across the grass. I had to sprint to chase after him while Benj took off after Norah.

  

Logan actually collected too many eggs and had to put some back on the grass. He didn't seem to mind.

An attempt at a picture together. I HAD to post it because their faces are classic. Norah was mad because she wanted chocolate immediately (like her momma) and this is Logan's new smile when we tell him to say cheese. Oy.

 A little better, but I never got a good one. Note the chocolate in Norah's hand.

 One happy girl.

We were joined by Grandma Bradshaw, Uncle Brett, cousin Chase, Grandma and Grandpa Croft and not pictured was cousin Christy and her boyfriend Parker.

More candy Mom!

Max hung out in his car seat for a bit.

Norah and Uncle Brett

I think this picture is so sweet.

 We went to breakfast at Granny Annie's and had Benj's surprise party later that afternoon (see previous post).

Sunday morning the Easter bunny came!

Checking out their goods. I think the Easter bunny can forget the eggs next year. The kids were only interested in the baskets!

Logan with his stash, including new sunglasses.

Norah with hers and looking very stylish.

And Max with his bunny straw and yogurt melts.

Grandma Croft reading Logan his Easter book.

Since we had 1:00 church, we had a nice brunch and then took some photos in the backyard. 

Norah was ready with her pose. :)

We love Grandma!

Best photo of all 3. This was even with 4 adults trying to get their attention. Impossible I tell ya. Aren't they a dashing group?

Max's first Easter!

 

 This kid didn't want anything to do with pictures, but he sure looked handsome!

Grandma gave Norah her beautiful dress and Logan his cute yellow outfit.

Chasing bubbles!

And the best attempt of our family photo. Wouldn't be too bad if Logan's arm wasn't raised. Plus none of the kids are looking at the camera. Haha. We tried.

HAPPY EASTER!