Potty training is interesting

So We have started potty training Michaela. 

So far it has been interesting to say the least. She has successfully pooped a few times on the potty but has only begrudgingly (is this even a word!?!) peed once. She holds it, it mean like all day. And we are pumping her full of water an juice and salty things. And if she does have to go and starts. She stops, just like that. Sometimes is doesn't even hit the floor. So I guess that is nice because I am not mopping up puddles left and right.

The other fun thing about potty training is the outfits. NO pants and Just Fancy Panties. She got her first Hello Kitty this is summer so right now those are the fave.

Today after Nap this was her chosen look 

A sweet shirt from Grandpa

Her tutu from her 1st birthday 

Shiny purple Chucks

Close up on the shirt

So her by the way

Later she added a hat to complete the assemble. 

She is so done with the camera

This pregnancy has bee so different from the other two, mostly it is the heartburn however that is giving me the grief. Since I only have a month and a half to go I will just suck it up and keep putting down the Zantac.

In preparation of the new baby, Marty and George have been busy working in the garage on Michaela's bed. Since the girls are sharing a room I wanted storage beds, so that when they get older and need room to play they still have storage without having to have a dresser. As most people know I would so live in a Pottery Barn Catalog if I could. 

And of course I feel in love with this bed, but so not the price. 

Yikes! 

You have got to be kidding me!

But bless the internet and handy husbands. I found this handy little blog that had plans for ... you guessed it an knock off version!!!! 

Right! I know, Love it!!

George has been working out in the garage like a man who eats saw dust and wood glue for every meal. Here are just a few pictures of his manly handy work.

A-MAZ-ING I know!

I can't get over how great it looks and how cool it is that Michaela and eventually our new little girl will have a bed that their Daddy (and Grandpa, Papa and Brother) made.

second side all finished and the front to go!

And really, how hot is a handy husband. They should make a cologne that smells like cut lumber. Right!

He is just too handsome!

I mean could he get any cuter!

This is Marty's first school picture, so I am guessing that there are 18-20 more of these coming over the years, but I can't beleive that my baby boy looks so grown up!!

I know that I have totally failed in keeping up to date on the goings on around here but life just seems to happening faster that I can type. 

Marty loves school! He is learning to write and read. He enjoys all his friends and I know that all the girls in class love him. It is a little like Beatle-mania when he gets dropped off in the morning. 

Michaela is fear-less as ever. Unless you are Santa and then not so much. She has taken to each new challenge like a battering ram duck to water. Jumping right in and going for it. We are looking forward to seeing her continue to blossom into the adventurous and vibrant girl I know will take a few years off Daddy's Life. 

This pregnancy is going well as the others did. Not really better or worse just different. Which of course is what "they" tell you.  

I think that I am still in a little denial that this baby is due in February and not April, because if I accept that then it is like right around the corner. And other than lots of plans and hunny-do's we are so not ready. I am sure once the holiday-crazy is over it will set in.

This fall has been a carload of ups and downs. We finally got a minivan (:-0 I know!!) We always said that we would never, instead simply buy one big honking SUV.  But having rented 1, bought 2 and now are the proud owner of 1 (long story), I have to say, they kinda rock.

Turning 27 definitely comes with a great birthday present.

With Christmas Vacation literally around the bend I hope I will have more pictures to share, but who knows when they will get posted. 

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

We Love You and God Bless 

The Arthur's

Pumpkin Patch Fun

As always we have visited a pumpkin patch in costumesto get readt for Halloween. This year was no different. Marty has been into superheros this fall, most notably Spiderman. He and George have enjoyed to selection of cartoons available via netflix, including the 67 collection thru the early 90's we watched as kids. Michaela could have had a costume this year, but I could not decide and she didn't care. So, some hand-me-down tights, a cute shirt from Target and a 10 minute tutu = Super Cute!

 It's all pictures so enjoy!

Spider-Man, Spider-Man does what ever a spider can. 

 He climbs hay bales of any size

 Goes down slides

 On all sides

 They had a blast with this cut out thing

 All three kids got into it!

 Michaela spoted Mickey from across the patch and made a bee line. 

 Halloween Hugs

 Those blasted piggy tails sure can tickle.

They had a blast for sure! 

Love to every one!

Light, Camera, Chase!

I truly love being a mom to my little ones. I can flip back through pictures and just smile at all their antics, attitudes and reminisce on how little they were.

However, when my model is a hyper-active 18 month old it makes getting product shots a little tricky. Tons of half face shots, or blurry images makes for some serious photo editing. 

Since we are constantly on the move, I have found the sports setting on my camera to be oh so helpful. That and the trap and distract method which involves one swing and (sometimes) a helpful older brother.

 

This latest photo seesions pretty much go like this:

(all the head bands are now available in Kayla's Kloset)

Michaela, Please don't eat the dirt!

 Look at Mommy!!!! (hand waving, chessey grin)

Andie

Look! What's Marty Doing?

Audrey

 Ok Lets Swing, WwwwwwwEEeeeeeee!!

 What a pretty....oh shoes

 Oh look there's Marty! Marty do something funny. Thanks Bud!

Holly

 Oh and just for fun. Michaela had a little Daddy time and I just could not resist sharing! 

 What a perfect pair of piggies tails! 

Oh and rolling on the front lawn = Blast!

 

New season, New Collections

Do you ever sit down in your craft room, just to made something pretty? 

No real plan, nothing specific to make and then you hit on something and get all excited?

After making more that a few tutus I have a large collection of tulle in all sorts of colors. Never one to leave fabric scraps and bits alone, and the draw of Pearls, I created...

Violet 

A Funky touch of Fancy for any Outfit

 

Violet is a great combination of funk and fancy, with multiple layers of Black and Violet Tulle topped with pearl beads creating a simple ruffle, perfect for any look. 

This adorable headband can be for everyday and the color combination lends itself to a great outfit topper for Halloween.

Violet is currently available for purchase in Kayla's Kloset, where you can get a little Bit of Fancy for Every Day.

Fall is here...we hope!

We think fall is here!!!!

Although the 90 degree afternoons could definitely go far in convincing me otherwise.

We had a wonderful summer filled with family and friends. 

Marty got to enjoy his first Grandparent's Week, when he got to go to the circus, aquarium and generally hang out for a week in So Cal! I know he had a blast and we sure enjoyed to quite here as well.  He started pre-school and loves it. He also decided that he will be dirving a Monster Truck whem he grows up. 

Grave Digger to be specific. 

Michaela has been her normal, funny, crazy, loud self and getting to be more and more her own person as she gets older.

 

What can we say, This girls got personality!

We got to meet our newest addition... A little girl!

No, we do not have a name yet but we are working on it. Here are a few pictures for the latest ultrasound.

 We haven't had a thumb sucker before, I wonder if this will continue after she is born?

It's A .....

Yesterday we got a chance to meet our newest addition to the Arthur Family! 

We are excited to say that we are having.....

Another Girl!

No we don't have any names, but now that we know we will get on it.