Travels in Montana

Life has been passing by like a bullet train and we are holding on for the ride. The last few weeks we have been whisking around trying to get too much in from Bozeman to Hot Springs and everywhere in between.

This is what we have been up to:

Francesca took her first ski lesson and rode the chair lift for an hour and a half (mom didnt pack the camera) and we shot down to the Museum of the Rockies so Frannie could see her Dinosaur friends. She asked if we could eat them and if daddy could kill one for her. We told her the closest we could get would be to have a pheasant for dinner. Frannie takes everything in at this age and would love to take on more. She is all ready to be 4 this month and learn about everything! One thing that she devouers with vigor is books. We are hoping Gabe likes them as much because we have quiet a collection going on (just started collecting books on Dinosaurs). I am really looking forward for my little best friend to be 4!



Frannie with her favorite T-Rex





Look at that!




Dinosaur Attack!!

 

Gabe has kept me busy by all the things he wont do (like take a bottle) and what he keeps doing (getting ear infections). He loves watching Frannie and Murf and is always happy (so that makes it easier on me). We are doing some follow up with an Ear specialist next week in Missoula, another car trip, and are hoping to know what are next step is with the ear infections. poor Gabe. Good news is that his first tooth has sprouted!! He has been fighting with that tooth(teeth) for two months and we were relieved that one finally showed up. Now we start another adventure-teething....



"Let me help you with the laundry Mum-mum"



Everybody wants to help





Helping with the Laundry



We went to the Symes Hot Springs and met our friends Ed & Pam last weekend and ended up in the ER here in Helena for insane vomiting (me more than the rest). Good thing is that we are all on the mend and are taking a break from going away from our house. We are very happy to be at home. 



Soaking with Ed and Pam





Sardines getting ready to go on a walk



Bringing up bebe- 7 months

Holy smokes- raising kids is a lot of work (but most of you already know this)!
It seems like it has been a never ending one thing after another and I have a feeling that this is the way things are when you have kids. But then again, we get to have them. That makes it all worth it. Sleep would help also...

So, we all have made it seven months with bebe #2. He has been great-easiest bebe in the world (mostly if that is possible). Gabe has taught me so much about patience. He, like my great black dog, is really here to be with us and doesnt worry about anything else. He sure lights up when he is with us and his caretakers and enjoys doing whatever we do. no, he doesn't need much fussing about or devotion. He is just happy. Happy at 7 months I'll take. That means we are making it.

Gabe to date does not have any teeth. I am hoping they'll show up this month or next and that he wont be crawling,ever. (yes, ever). I am terrified about the thought of him being mobile or bipedal. He will be a monster! He is already getting into everything and not aware of how strong he is. Before he was born we called him Hercules b/c of his size. Now I am seeing a comeback of the name due to his strength. He has a checkup on his ears today so we'll see if he is finally over his ear infection(s).(since I wrote this he has another ear infection -2 days after his appointment he got another one. This is #4 in two months. Not sure what we are doing next)

Frannie is still in love with her baby brother after 7 months and that also tells me that we are making it. I see her still need my attention and still need to be 3 but also still need to be the big sis. She had a great weekend with her friend Freya and skiing. She is working on numbers and counting and still loves her animals and horses.

I got in this weekend (somehow) making some bbq sauce, valentines chocolates, cheddar crackers, doing laundry and sheets, cleaning house, exercise (on friday), and errands this weekend on top of the family plans. Still working on sleep but that isnt my fault...even the dog strives to keep me awake. Will I make it to 12 months?? I'll keep you posted


7 months and were still smiling




Little Centerfold- he looks older than he is since he is so skinny




Toes are fun




Why not roll over? Gabe would rather be this way




Growing up and exploring eating. Gabe is really changing fast these days



First mohawk-why not, he has enough hair to do it? (it only stays like this after his bath)

Yes, it is time for the baby cage. Sorry Gabe, but this is part of growing up. He seems to like his new place!

Home-Bound

Time is an odd things for us these days. "What day is it, what week is it, when was the last time....?" Things keep moving at a superfast rate and all the while we stay at home. Home has been the place for us this January while we nurse the baby back to health. First ear infection, than another, than RSV, and now another ear infection. The RSV virus really knocked him down and and now he is getting back to normal strength and then....he started screaming and having a hard time sleeping, really hard time and I knew it was back. We try to keep him healthy but that little guy keeps picking up every germ at daycare. So, we are staying put at home mostly and spending time together getting through it. Gabe is 6 months now and really starting to get around (rolling) and sitting. Life keeps moving, through the sicknesses and the winter, and we are happy to be a family and able to spend time together. Before we know it, life will unthaw here and we will be scattered around our summer plans and wishing for the time to cuddle and stay at home.

6 months

Cuddle time on couch with a snack

Sitting in crib getting ready for a nap (notice the drool-where are those teeth?)

trying to get those teeth to come

Snow day



Aren't three-year olds cute???



Looking out-

Everyday, as I gaze into my childrens speckled eyes, I feel gratitude. I struggle through my days like any 30 something mom of two trying to hold down a job, a marriage, a family, a sense of self. This life keeps me busy and appreciative and looking out. "what's next" is a constant thougth that comes across my mind-the dishes, the laundry, the games, the good night kisses, the dogs head resting on my back when I am sititng on the floor saying "I'm here too and I appreciate you", the next adventure, the next year. time to start looking in I think, don't you? This year will be a time for me to slow down, not look ahead and take time to enjoy the life I have always wanted. Having time with my family will be on my "whats next" list and figuring out how to make that work amongst all the other "whats nexts" will be a challenge.

We spent Chistmas nestled at home, warm and cozy and relaxed. The kids spent time playing and taking naps while Lou and I managed to rest a little too. It was too bad they did'nt get to share the time with friends and family more, but there will be time for that in the future. Gabe had an ear infection and we were all pretty warn down and needed the break.



Christmas meal




Big boy at the table




crazed christmas face





enjoying his truck from santa




Frannie and her horse barn




all tired out -








first fight over a toy



New Years was a bit of the same, time together. Frannie got to go to a big movie with her dad (they watched the Adventures of TinTin) while Gabe, Murf and I took in some afternoon sunshine and went on a long hike. The first day of the year was spent soaking and taking in some hot springs (Gabes first time). We are back to our normal routine. Hope you all enjoy the coming year and are blessed with good health and wonderful friendships

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