Sleepy Girl

This girl had a GREAT night. She went to sleep close to 10 last night and slept until 7 this morning--in her own bed! And then I fed her and she fell asleep in my bed until 9. Seriously, she is amazing! I should knock on wood to not jinx myself, but why could my other children not have slept even a little bit like she did. Had I not had to have gotten up with Carson a few times last night it would have been a perfect night.

Pool Time

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was warm and not humid and a great time for us to take Harper to the pool for the first time. She enjoyed the trip, but not the water. The boys--we think they are part fish. They never want to leave the pool.

Happy Birthday Ayden!

Davis had a great time at Ayden's birthday party this afternoon. Harper went along to say "hi" but had to go home, it was much too hot for her. Davis loved the dunk tank, the swimming, the pinata and of course the food! He loved playing with everyone! Thanks for a great time Betsy!

This boy is in underwear!

We could not be more exicted. He started showing interest in May and we just helped him when he wanted help and let it go if he didn't, then one day he said he was ready to be a big boy and wear underwear and that was on Wednesday of this week--so far he is doing great! We are so excited for him! A little sad he is growing up but certainly not sad to be changing one less diaper around here! Yahoo C!

Harper Loves Grandma

Keith's parents are here visiting. I think my little people are in for a bit of spoiling...what do you think?

Harper is 12 weeks old today!

Happy 12 week birthday! If anyone calls her "3 months old" before next Thursday the 2nd we might have to rumble. My baby can't be that old yet!!

BTW--the scratch on her forehead was my fault. I poked her with my ring...bad Mommy.

I think we got a sucker...

Well, it was bound to happen. So far none of our kids were attached to anything..binky, etc...but I think we have a thumb sucker and somehow I think that may be the most dangerous of all, sure she can find it on her own...but you can't exactly take it away...

Everybody loves Noggin

Davis had no interest in rest time today so I put a blanket on the floor for Harper so she could hang out with us, how cute is it that he went and sat by her. He loves to talk to her. And, from her grin, she seems to be enjoying the Noggin too.

It's gettin' hot out here!

Another fun morning of water sliding was had by all. From 10 to 1 we had two slides in full swing, of course one of them we have to return to the friends we borrowed it from and that will make the little people sad. Blake came over this morning and so did Ashton and Garrett. Lots of boys running around. It is suppose to be over 90 all week here and I think it felt like it was 110 out there today! Either that or I am getting old...no comments needed on that one. Harper was momentarily happy in the heat, but she much prefers to nap inside in the air conditioner. She is just like her Momma! I like it not too hot and not too cold. Is that really asking too much?

The little people.

Here is the picture that I got of the three of them. We got a big one in b/w and framed it for "Daddy's" office. The kids love to see themselves in his office when we visit.

Happy Father's Day Weekend

I tried to get a picture of the boys and Keith when they gave him the gifts they made him...let's just say that didn't work out so well...no one wanted to listen.

Keith took this picture of me and Harper on Saturday. I realize that I have so few pictures of her and I together that I need to work on that more! Harper is so sweet, and looked super cute in this outfit she got from our friend Terri.

Saturday we had our baptism class in the morning and went to Mara's second birthday party in the evening (Mara lives next door). Sunday Keith and I helped out in our children's rooms at church and that was fun, certainly gives me a greater appreciation for the work they do. We are helping out next weekend too. Then Sunday evening we went to dinner with Jeni and Chuck for Father's Day. Good weekend full of fun stuff.

And today, I think a little water sliding is in order.

I need a nap...

...and I have no reason for it! The baby has slept great three nights in a row, but have I slept--NO. What the heck is wrong with me and why can't I just sleep already. I really am tired. I really do want to sleep. I really don't need to be up every hour at night for no reason. Is this just a bad habit, have babies trained me to do this? And if so, how do I retrain myself. Sleep I love you, I miss you, come back.

So Sassy!

Miss Harper is so sassy in her stylin sun hat and shades. Yes, it is so much fun to dress a girl!

Today we had a whole bunch of friends over to play in the water outside and while it was loads of fun, I did not manage to take any pictures (insert shock here) so you will have to imagine "Ratzlaff Water Park" as Keith calls it, two big water slides, slip and slide and a few other sprinklers and a kid pool. So glad our friends came to play--it was fun to visit and the food was awesome.

Harper and Payton's First Playdate

Well, it was a short playdate as Payton just wanted to borrow a pair of Harper's pants. Her skinny pants that is. You know the ones you fit in when you are not bloated. Payton was born four days after Harper and also with red hair. Payton is petite like her Mama, lucky lady! And then there is Harper who looks like she might snack on Payton...at least Harper can certainly open her mouth wide enough to try. Gotta love that gummy grin!

These will be fun to share at a graduation party one day a long long long time from now. I hope they will always be friends.

Harper is 11 Weeks Old Today!

Turning 11 weeks can make you very sleepy.

Guess Who Slept All Night?!

And is still sleeping strong now. And, no it was NOT me. This girl slept from 10 to 5 then ate and went back to sleep. Of course I was up every hour making sure she was breathing or waiting for her to wake up and eat. I have never had a kid sleep this much at night before...not sure what to think of it...other than I must learn to let go and sleep 'cause I could use it!

Harper Takes a Bath

First the dirty girl gets naked

Then we talk about how chubby she is.

Then we play in the water and she laughs and laughs.

When I tell her we are done she is not so sure.

Of course getting dry is lots of fun too.

Then, why not try on some cute glasses while you are drying.

Now we are dressed and wearing a faux hawk. Gotta love that red whispy hair.

Phew, taking a bath is exhausting. Must take a little nap.

Big Brother Davis

He asks to hold her almost every day now, I think he kind of likes her. I really think it is sweet when I catch him telling her stories. Cute stuff.

Sunday Drooly Sunday

We had been outside playing and came in for a break. She loves it outside, but she always seems to fall asleep on me out there...

Poof

Where does the weekend go? When Keith in on call I think it is over before it ever starts. We did have fun at the park Friday night. I think that the walk around the lake is a wonderful way to end our days...now if only the rain could stay away this week so we can enjoy more of them. I also need it to stay away tomorrow since there are 50 people coming over for outdoor water fun (not the kind of fun with thunder mind you).

On Saturday Jeni came to watch the boys while I was helping at a fundraiser at our preschool. Miss Harper was a bit fussy so as soon as Keith got home Harper came to visit him for a bit. She is always so laid back...not sure where that came from other than she must have known I had other things I needed to do than spoil her by holding her all day. Silly girl.

And it seems like we just got up and here it is 10:30...again, where does the time go??? Or is this just what happens when you get older...

*Newsflash* Carson Eats!

This week has been a strange week around here...Carson has eaten at least two meals a day this week, this has never been done before....and today at lunch he at not one, but TWO PB&J's. Seriously amazing. I think it was because we cut them out into dinosaur shapes...not sure, regardless it was a good thing. Of course, now that I have typed this he may never eat again...and why oh why did I not take a picture...still in shock I suppose.

Miss Harper is 10 Weeks Old!

Our little Bugsy is getting bigger every day. Keith thinks she is outgrowing her 0-3 month jammies, I assure him this cannot be true. He says she looks like she is parashuting out of them. I again disagree. This girl still has a bunch of 0-3 month clothes with tags on them!! She cannot move to next size and she must stop growing this quickly. Somehow I don't think she will listen to my direction....and this is probably a sign of things to come since no one listens to me around here anyway.....

Home on the Range

Well, it has been a week full of rain and animal lovin' at the Ratzlaff house. Yesterday we went to Faulkner's Ranch with our friend Terri's Mom's group. It looked like it was going to rain all day but we were lucky and were under cover during the five minute downpour that did occur when we were out. However, others out on the hay ride were not so lucky. How much did that suck for them? Wet kids, wet hay, eww.

Davis had fun riding the pony and feeding the animals, but Carson would not feed anything or ride anything...except the hay ride and even that I think he was unsure about. Of course later when it was time for a little faux cow milking he was all over that. What does that say about our little man...interesting...

And as if this was not fun enough I managed to lock our keys in the car. Now that--that was a good time. How stupid was that and what a total waste of money to get them out...not to mention that it made Keith oh so happy. I do think that it would be a great occupation...the guy pulled up didn't even turn his car off had the door open in less than 60 seconds and didn't even ask who we were...all kinds of job opportunitites here...anyway, good times.