On a fall day...

Up the hill from Ben's little country school is a pumpkin patch. His 1st grade class took a walking field trip to pick out pumpkins on Tuesday. I couldn't help but notice the beautiful fall weather and glorious blue sky. But the thing that stood out the most to me was my boy's handsome face. I can't believe how quickly he is growing up...

Since the first day of school when Ben whipped out his Scooby Doo lunchbox, Megan has been in love with the idea of having one of her very own. My response was that she could have one when she started 1st grade. So, when our friends Lauren and Megan decided to drop by with a gift...my Megan was thrilled! A small Elmo lunchbox!! She immediately filled it with snacks (a raisin pack and fruit snacks), then opened up the fridge, and placed her lunchbox right beside her big brother's lunchbox. Then she periodically pulled it out throughout the day and snacked. Now when we make a run to the store, take Ben to school, or go just about anywhere...the lunchbox is in tow.

Our little Elle. She is now 8 months old. Sitting up. Eating all kinds of solid foods. Squirming all over the floor in a sort of army crawl. She recently stopped nursing. Just stopped. She gave me no signs or signals that she was ready to wean so one day she was nursing and the next day she refused. I nursed my first two because I knew it was the best thing for them but I never really loved or cherished the experience. It just wasn't my thing. However, with Ellie it was somehow different. It has been nice to find a quiet spot in the house and have some one on one time holding her. I will miss it and I am feeling a tad bit nostalgic knowing that the last time I nursed her...I didn't realize it would be the last time. Sad.