Bouncing Leah

The last week or so Leah has been bouncing off the walls-well, the floor anyways. Isaac got this for Christmas over a year ago and it's been getting lots and lots of use lately.

St. Patrick's Day

Even though it's not really necessary to celebrate it, St. Patrick's Day can be fun with the kids. I bought them some green snacks and treats and was sure to dress them in green for church. We didn't talk about the whole pinching thing and I don't think they have any idea what the deal is with all the green and rainbows, but they had a fun day anyways.

leah4\

Jared William

On Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 12:16pm Jared William Chapman joined our family. He was 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long. He has lots of blonde hair and big blue eyes. I was induced at 7:30 that morning after weeks of expecting to go into labor on my own. Dr. Mintzer just broke my water, hoping to avoid pitocin. It took a while, but a little after 10:00 my contractions finally started really kicking in. Shortly after noon I was ready to push and after a single push Jared was here! Labor was not my easiest or quickest, but I was able to do it without any pain medication. And it was certainly quicker than most girls go through so I really can't complain. Jake was a great help and support-I can't imagine going through labor without him! Due to enhanced visitor policy at the hospital because of the flu outbreak, the kids weren't able to come see him in my room. We kind of broke the rules a little and Jake brought Adam and Leah on Friday morning to see us in the waiting room. I went home that afternoon and I was ready to be back in a comfortable bed and rocking chair! Jared has been a content, mellow baby so far. He loves to be held chest to chest and is a great little snuggler. Nights have gone well-he's up around 3 times a night, and I really wouldn't want it any different. I am tired, but not exhausted. I feel so blessed to have this little guy in our family and can't wait to see who he grows up to be (well, I can wait-I love these short newborn months!). A few pictures of our little Jared.....

September marked the start of preschool for Miss Leah. Finally! Isaac started almost 3 weeks before her so she had a long wait. She was READY!

 Just two weeks later, we left for our every-other-year trip to FL with my Family. Those two weeks must have been uneventful because I have no pictures from then! We flew out VERY early on a Saturday morning. Thankfully we didn't have any flight issues and were prepared with lots of snacks and things to do.

 We hit the beach the first day and never looked back to the chilly Fall we left behind at home.

 Several days we fed popcorn to the seagulls.

 We watched the sunset.

 Jake and I enjoyed some adult time. We were able to go out two nights-once with my sister and brother in-law and once just the two of us. Even though our ride was a 15 passenger van, we weren't complaining about a date in FL with free babysitting!

 We attempted to make a pool for the kids.

 And fed the seagulls-again.

 The kids looked even cuter in the sand and sun.

 We burried Uncle Eric

 See-they are so cute in the sand and sun!

 Grandpa kept the boys busy many times playing or trying to catch fish or crabs.

 We headed into Tampa to spend a day at the aquarium and IKEA. My dad had never even heard of the place; they'll be making a trip to Minneapolis soon since that's the one closest to us.

 The aquarium included a fantastic splash-pad area for the kids. Just enough spray to keep them cool in the hot FL weather.

 On our way back to the beach!

 One more sunset as a family.

 We finally had a day windy enough to try the kite.

 We rented two bikes and took turns. Here's mom and dad riding away.

 Jake and Isaac were eventually successful at catching some little fish.

 One day there was a great tide pool for the kids. It was even warmer than the ocean and nice and shallow.

 Our only crab catch of the trip.

 By the end of the week, feeding the seagulls took on a new challenge-feeding them from our bare hands. We all took a try. Isaac took a little coaxing, but finally got it down.

 Our last night we hit up a local mini-golf place that included a pond of baby alligators to feed.

 All week Jake had been trying to catch little lizards. This was his final attempt the night before we left for home.

 Even the airport in Tampa was exciting for the kids since they had a play area similar to what we have in the mall.