Feeling crafty...

The past few days I have spent a lot of time scrapping, stamping, and card making.  I recently got new pictures developed of Ethan, so I spent a lot of time making more pages to add to his scrapbook. I am trying to stay on top of this task so that I don't get too far behind. I must admit, I am not a "master" scrapbooker. Most of my pages are pretty simple - but I am happy with them. I especially liked the 3 month page that I scrapped as a halloween theme. I thought it turned out cute (but maybe that is because I LOVE these pictures)! 

I also recently got some new Stampin Up! stuff! I was excited to dig in and use my new stamp set and cards. I purchased these cute scallop mini cards and I thought these made a cute set. I love the colors! These are perfect cards to put on top of gifts. 

I spent a lot of time making something else - but it is a surprise for someone special - so I won't ruin the surprise! =) 

I even had Ethan join in on the fun - he stamped his hand. Unfortunately he didn't agree that it was "fun." I wanted to get both hands, but one was hard enough. =) 

I have one more thing on my mind that I want to tackle. I have summer and winter coasters, but I would like to make some fall coasters. I have the perfect stamp set to use - I just need to go to Home Depot to pick up the tiles. I am hoping to work on this today. 

(I did ended up making these today - I wasn't as pleased with them as I thought I would be - put here is how they turned out)

For me, all of this stamping, scrapping, and crafting is therapeutic. I love it! =) 

Happy 3 months to Ethan! ;)

I can't believe that Ethan is three months today! Here are his 3 month pics... ;) 

Ethan also had a pretty exciting weekend with family. On Saturday morning we went to the cider mill with his Grandma, Papa, Aunt Jeanette, Uncle Larry, and his cousins Rece and Brody. Saturday night we went to Grandma and Papas house for a campfire with the family. Rick also had his camper there. With all of the fresh air, and busy day - Ethan slept his longest straight stretch last night - 10 hours!! Wooo hoo! Here are some pics from the fun day...

Grandma, Papa, and Rece drinking cider...

Uncle Lar, Aunt Jeanette, Rece, and Brody

Papa and Brody

Rece, Uncle Rick, and Cooper...

Starting to grab toys!

Today Ethan was sitting in his high chair..a new thing for him. There was a toy on the tray and for the first time he grabbed it and brought it to his mouth. He had fun for quite some time sitting here... =) I know...we get excited about all of the little things! =) 

Here he is "knocking fists" with Daddy...

Scary Times...

We have some bad news! James came home on Friday to tell me that his company was struggling financially. They made the decision to lay off a lot of employees on Friday and James was one of the causalities. It came as a total shock to me. It is pretty bad timing, because I am also on Family Medical Leave with Ethan and I am not getting paid either. Yikes! 

We are trying to be positive, though. We know that God has a plan and we will probably look back a few years down the road and realize why this happened. At least we get to have some family time for a little bit. We are going to see what happens...but if James doesn't find a job any time soon, then I may go back to school earlier than I thought. James will be a stay at home Dad until he finds a job. No spending for us, though! =( 

We are just praying that James will find a job - I know this will be tough with the economy. 

On a happier note - check out the cutest picture of Ethan in his Halloween costume. I know it is early - but I wanted to try to on him to see if it fit. He was all smiles - so I got some good pictures. 

Having fun with a friend

Yesterday my good friends Colleen and Beth came to visit us. Colleen has a 6 month old - Gabrielle. It was fun to see Ethan and Gabrielle together. =) Gabrielle was very intrigued by Ethan. Enjoy the pics

Lol - the picture below makes me laugh. 

I am excited about the weekend! Tomorrow I have a baby shower to go to. On Sunday I am going to Birch Run with my Mom, Jeanette and Jill. Ethan will get to enjoy most of his weekend with his Daddy! I am sure they will have fun, too. 

Enjoying Life!

Ethan with his 6 month old Cousin, Brody.

Brody & Rece at Grandma & Papa's house.

Here we are taking a little snooze on Sunday afternoon. It was a busy day. We were in the middle of cleaning the house to get ready for 16 people to come over for our small group from church! I was taking a little break from cleaning to snuggle with the little guy.

Ethan is 11 1/2 week old. He is getting better at sleeping during the night (although last night wasn't so great). Other than last night...he has only been waking up once during the night. He is usually in bed by 7:30 or 8:00 and wakes up in the morning around 6:30 or 7:00. He has gone 6 1/2 or 7 hours stretches of straight sleep on many nights. He usually wakes up to eat and then goes right back to sleep! I AM looking forward to no nightly feedings, though. I am hoping by the time I go back to school he is at this point. We are trying to work on our daily nap schedule. Some days he is good at napping, and other days it is tough to get him to stay asleep. 

Today we had an audiology appointment. When Ethan was born they tested his hearing and he "failed" the test on his right ear. They had us schedule an audiology appointment for another hearing test. It was quite difficult - we had to have him sleeping for the test. How do you get a baby to sleep when they are sticking the sensors all over his head and putting things and sounds in his ears!? We finally managed and he passed the test. They said his hearing was fine - so that is good to know.

He is usually pretty happy, unless he is hungry or tired. He has figured out how to get his fist in his mouth and keep it there. He is also LOVING his kicking toys. He tries to kick everything, now. When you lay him down he is constantly moving...arms, legs, head...everything. =) 

Have I mentioned that Ethan is huge!? We know a couple of babies that are 6 months and older and Ethan is the same size as them. He is wearing all 6 months clothes, now. It is kind of scary! I wonder how big he is going to be when HE IS 6 months!? Here is a picture of Ethan with his friend, Kade. Kade was born on August 12th, so he is just about 3 weeks younger than Ethan. Ethan's face is like twice the size..ha ha ha! 

Ethan loves his kick and play bouncy chair!

Really, this is the bouncy chair my Mom had at her house.... but, Ethan loved it so much that I am borrowing it. They don't sell these anymore...or at least I can't find it anywhere. I have searched online and in stores. =( It isn't just an ordinary bouncy chair. If he kicks the chair then it lights up and plays music. He is learning cause and effect. =) This keeps him busy! As you can see in the picture he has now started to arch his back to make it light up. He thinks this is funny. 

I realize these videos may be boring for you - but I sure am entertained by watching him! Here he is kicking (and pushing) away.