2025

Oh what the years will bring....

This weekend Cousin Michael and Aunt Aleisha came all the way to Muskegon to visit. It was such a special time for me. I was able to spend time with my wonderful sister who I miss and also see my precious nephew who is so full of energy. There wasn't much time for sitting down because the kids kept us so busy. Times have changed:)

It was hard to get the two to stay in one place and smile. Adeline's attention span is about one minute and by time she was ready Michael was tired of waiting so long. Here are a few candid smiles.

The two enjoyed tea time together and were both very good at cleaning up when they were all done. Adeline did very well sharing her toys with Michael except for her Barbie car. Michael loves cars and apparently so does Adeline. (or at least her Barbie one)

Aunt Aleisha brought some print outs of Elmo and friends to color. I have the Masterpiece's here at home if anyone would like to make a bid?

One of the closest shots we got of the two together smiling.

This shot was pretty funny. We were at the play land at the Mall and the two were both on the boat so we tried to take advantage of a photo opportunity. Once we started taking shots this kid jumps on the boat and smiles. He stays there the whole time. He was pretty cute so we decided not to ask him to get off the boat.

My special moment was this right here. Cuddle time with my sweetie:)

Side note: Two stories:
#1- riding in the car on the way to church we had both kids in the back of the Jeep and Adeline coughed. Michael was quick to imitate her with a cough of his own. Then it became a game and each one kept going back and forth coughing and looking at each other until the other went next.

#2- while at lunch on Sunday Michael I guess had to blow his nose so he took the napkin held it to his nose and made a LOUD spit noise with his mouth. Then he handed the napkin to Aleisha when he was done. SO FUNNY!.....Now Adeline does the same thing. She isn't as good on the loud spitting noise but she is definitely trying.

My first poo poo on the potty!!!

Today marks a BIG day for Adeline Kay Bean. This is the first day that Adeline officially pooped on the potty. (and it was a full load:)) She was very proud of herself as was her Mommy. We celebrated by dancing, laughing, clapping, and singing. (she also got two stickers)

Uncle John

Adeline had very special visitor's this weekend. Uncle John came up with his girlfriend Candy just to spend time with us. They arrived later in the evening Friday night and left Saturday evening before the weather got bad. Unfortunately I (Mommy), didn't take as many pictures as I would have wanted but here is a good shot of Adeline and Uncle John on her couch (of course). Adeline had no problem sharing her couch with her favorite Western Michigan Uncle.

I love my brother so much (as many of you know). I love watching him love on Adeline. He is a wonderful brother, brother-in-law, and uncle.

Thank you for the special visit John and Candy. We hope to see you again soon.

Growing Up

For many of you who know James or have spent time with him late at night you know that cereal is one of his favorite snacks. For me it is frustrating to hear him (James) stuff his hand in the box and shove it in his mouth. Not to mention that he chews with his mouth open:)

But......with this little one I find it adorable.

Yes....what you see is a box of Corn Pops. Not the most healthy snack (sorry Daniel) but definately a favorite.

Little Bean in action

I asked for a smile right before she stuffed her face full of cereal.

I am impressed with how much Adeline LOVES books. I don't think she would be upset if I took away all her toys and just left the books. Earlier this week I was cooking dinner and I came out to find Adeline on "her" couch, reading a book with her blanket.

Zipper. What a fun word.

This is how I found Adeline this morning. Apparently she likes zippers too.

28.

It's not every weekend that I get to go out to dinner each night. I guess this was an exception since I just completed my 28th year of life.

28.

I think this is old.

Two years from 30.

30 is definitely old.

I like 27 better.

James made sure that I felt very special. Complete with roses, cards, candy, dinner for just the two of us, and lots of love!!!!

Saturday my Dad, James' parents, and Erin came up. Although there is one thing that has changed when company comes over. Shall I just say that my birthday was not the main reason for our visitors....

Someone else was....

And I wouldn't have it any other way:)

Last Week...

Mommy: What sound does a sheep make?

Adeline: Ba, Ba

Mommy: What sound does a cow make?

Adeline: MOOOOOOO

We continue to go down the list all the way to a lion who goes ROOOAAAARRRR!

THIS WEEK.....

Mommy: What sound does a sheep make?

Adeline: Shakes her head no while sometimes saying "na"

Mommy: What sound does a cow make?

Adeline: Shakes her head no while sometimes saying "na"

Mommy: Adeline, are you going to respond to everything I ask by shaking your head and saying "Na"

Adeline: Shakes her head while saying "Na"

A night with the Rudd boys....

We were surprised with a special visit with all three Rudd boys. Daniel, Isaac and Will showed up at our house tonight with pizza and bread sticks. The truth is they did call before coming, but who could turn down these guys and pizza? Adeline was very excited when they came in through the door and was on her best behavior all night. We were very impressed and proud of Adeline for how well she played with the boys and shared her toys. Maybe some of her aggressiveness is wearing off?:)

Here Adeline is reading to Isaac
Here all three kids are sitting on Adeline's pull out couch.
A fun shot of a three Rudds. What I love is Will's tattoo on his head. Tattoo's are an incentive for using the "big" potty. I think the boys are getting pretty good at using the potty because when they were getting changed for bed they each had tattoo's ALL OVER their bodies:) It is so cute:)

We ended the night with Will and Adeline playing musical pipes. (Isaac was upstairs using the potty)

Thanks for coming boys. We had a great time!

Our Entertainer

Last night when everyone was arriving for our home community Adeline was ready. She greeted everyone at the door with a "Hi" and a sweet smile. She proceeded to make sure that everyone was paying attention to her and if they weren't we would hear a LOUD squeal(meaning....look at me right now).

We always put her on display with her most recent tricks that we go through one after another. Sweet eyes, high five, clap(to the song If You're Happy And You Know It...), scary voice....and the list goes on. She knows all of the Disney princesses by name all the way down to Mrs. Potts the coffee pot from Beauty and the Beast. Who would have thought that a purchase at Meijer for a Disney collection of books would bring so much joy.

By the end of the night she was pretty tired from running around, jumping on her couch and entertaining. After turning literally every page of my bible in my lap she closed it frustrated, stood up, and started to cry uncontrollably. Nothing happened. She just started to cry. The type of cry where you stop breathing for a couple seconds. With a lot of tears. It was really, really sad. Thankfully, with a big hug from Mom (and an animal cracker from the cupboard) she stopped just as fast as she started.

Dressed for bed (in her new princess pj's), hugs and kisses to Daddy, special "ba-byes" with a wave to everyone else Adeline and I went upstairs for bed. Our bedtime book for the night was one from my childhood "The House In The Hole In The Side Of The Tree". We said our prayers, gave each other Eskimo kisses, and rocked for awhile. Adeline was soon asleep.

She is so much fun. Our Entertainer. I love her.

P.S. We don't just watch Adeline all night I promise. We do read some scripture and have discussions too:)

Sweet Eyes

Adeline's New Couch

After having dinner with the Morse family Adeline thoroughly enjoyed sitting and climbing on Anna and Matthias' fun personalized chairs. So...when we left I told James that I wanted to get Adeline a chair of her own. We stopped at Meijer and found this fun couch on sale. It also pulls out into a bed.

She loves it!!!!

A day with Anna and Matthias

Tuesday I had the honor of watching Anna and Matthias Morse for the day. The more I thought about it I realized that I had three kids not much more than a year apart. Anna 28 months, Adeline 17 months, and Matthias 13 months.

We had a lot of fun playing with toys, fighting over toys, watching Sesame Street, reading books, playing tea time, and Anna and I enjoyed a special showing of Cinderella. And a bonus for me was that all three kids took a nap.

We had a great time together and Adeline is already talking about their next visit.

Go Michigan!!!!