September is for Soccer!

Allen was so excited to play soccer with all of his friends.  He chose the name "Team Cookie Goal." Randy Preston coached, and teammates were Annabelle Mintzlaff, Jack Lindsay, Braylon Trauthwein, Sophie Preston, Natalie Clinkenbeard, Claire Rasley, and Hannah Dill.  During the first two games, Allen was very hesitant.  Coach Randy held his hand and ran with him, but he really didn't want to play much.  "I just get so nervous with all those grown-ups watching me" he told me.  During the third game, something clicked, and he took off.  He scored a few goals, got the medal for "hustle", and was on cloud nine.  He didn't look back.  He and Jack became a dynamic duo.  Jack was always very sweet and generous in passing the ball to Allen and letting him score.  Being with friends, snacks, playing on the playground, being awarded the game medal, and scoring goals were highlights of Allen's first soccer season!

 Sometimes it's more fun to wrestle

 See how attentive he is to his Coach

 Fun singing on the sidelines

 Coach Randy holding Allen's hand

 Goooooooool

 Sweet Cousins cheering on Allen

 Team Cookie Goal

Daddy's Home

These kids love when their Daddy gets home!  (Daddy loves it too!)

Allen's 1st Soccer Game

 Annabelle, Allen, Claire

 Hannah, Claire, Braylon, Natalie, Jack, Annabelle, Allen, Sophie

Juliana - 4 months

Juliana is 4 months old today!  She spent the day at Ms. Devon’s house, where she slept most of the day.  We think that’s great because then she’s awake with us from about 4 until 7:30 when she goes to bed for the night.  She still wakes up 2 or 3 times to nurse in the night.  Over the last month, I’ve started back to work, and she seems to be adjusting well.  It’s mama who’s having a hard time!  I feel so lucky and blessed to be working part time and have two extra days with her and Allen, but those other 3 days are still hard.  She has her checkup on Monday, and I will add stats after that, but I can tell you she is growing!  She started laughing out loud this week, and it is magical!  I challenge anyone to not smile when she is giggling or chuckling in her adorable baby way.  She is also chewing on her hands a lot; I think teeth might be coming soon.  She is very strong.  She is also a bit particular and already makes her desires well known.  Allen has completely adjusted to sister’s arrival and has no residual frustration or anger.  What a wonderful time it is with both of them!  She is usually content if she’s able to participate in whatever is going on.  She’ll stay in the baby bjorn, if she’s turned out, for quite a while at the grocery story, Allen’s play dates, or running errands.  As Allen says, “we love her sooooo much!”  

Stats at 4 months:  16.7lbs (92%) and 26.25 inches (99%)!

8/29/13 - Juliana laughs at Daddy!

Soccer - 1st Practice

 Allen & Braylon Trauthwein

 Coached by Randy Preston

 Allen & Daddy!

Juliana in August