There is never a dull moment in the Mitchell house. I hope you enjoy the ride. We sure do!!!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

1 MONTH OLD!

Our sweet baby girl is officially 1 month old. I really am shocked that we're at 1 month already. It's gone WAY too fast, but it's been wonderful. She even got to celebrate her 1 month birthday in MN! What more could she ask for? ;-)
Lately, Natalie has been becoming much more alert each day. She's even smiling when we get close and talk to her. It's so nice to watch her respond to our voices. She's started to find her "voice" lately and is much less content with just sitting by herself in her swing or chair and that's keeping me busier. For the most part she's really quite content. The thing that makes me laugh about her is that she has already found a way to show she can run the show. There are two times of the day when I can promise you Natalie will be awake. When the boys are napping and from 9:30-11:30. For some reason I keep thinking that I can change her schedule and every day I am a little disappointed when I don't get a nap and am still up at 11p.m. She is so worth it and I know there will be a day when I can sleep as many hours as I want. For now, I will stare at my kiddos, smile, and give thanks to God for their beautiful faces.
 Somebody is happy to be 1 month old!
 I just want it to be said right now when she is 1 month old that she already has her daddy's ability to give me sassy eyebrows. Here is a little, "like father like daughter" picture to prove where she gets it from.
 Our sweet little lady!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Epic Wedding Weekend

Brian and Tracy are FINALLY married. We don't know what took him so long to do it, but we are just THRILLED to welcome Tracy into our family.
Unfortunately with Nat's busy work schedule right this trip was the shortest trip to MN we have done since moving to KY. (We left Wednesday morning and came back Sunday) We were thinking about flying but after seeing how much it would cost and thinking about the hassles of flying with 3 little ones we decided driving was still the way to go. We can take everything we need, stop when we need, and let the kids fuss as much as they want if we need to. It really was the best choice. It even helped that the old mini van survived the trip. Not sure how many more it will be able to make. :-)

Tracy had a cold and was not sure if her antibiotics had kicked in yet so she took extra precautions when holding Natalie for the first time. She has the ability to make a mask look stylish.
Here Natalie is meeting Papa for the very first time. As you can see he still has the ability to calm any kid. Even though you can't tell, she was pretty impressed with her Papa. One thing that always means SO much to me is how both of my parents are just as excited about each new grandchild as they were the first. It always makes a parent feel special when others are as in love with their kiddos as much as we are. Mom and Dad sure know how to make everyone feel special. (Which is no small task in our family).
We did a little mani/pedi time followed by dinner. It's always fun to have time with the girls before a big event.
Collee gave Tracy this running jacked and blinged it up with "Mrs. Zins" on it. I was quite impressed and Tracy looked so great wearing the Zins name.
I just LOVE this picture because he is so darn cute but I can't stop thinking of him as a high end waiter. :-) His little belly is so big that we needed the cummerbund (I had to look up how to spell that) to keep his shirt tucked in.
This is my new favorite picture of Jen. GORGEOUS!!
Trevor and Tori loving on Natalie.
She has skills. She wasn't even wobbling. I tried it and nearly broke a nail when I fell into the wall. I REALLY was impressive. I knew she had skills, but these I had never seen before.
A little cup of caffeine to start the wedding day off right.
Brian and his girls the morning of the wedding. We would soon be getting replaced by Tracy. (Pretty sure he was happy about the trade!)

All dressed up for the wedding morning fun!
Nana looked RADIANT as always and with her little lady she had the perfect accessory to an already flawless outfit!
Can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about my new sister! She is AMAZING in every way!
It was so much fun to get Natalie all dressed up for the wedding. I am now in love with bows. I am trying to get her use to wearing them now so it isn't a fight when she is bigger. I honestly can't kiss this little girl enough!
Mom and Tracy- They both looked stunning!
Having a little fun.
How my boys have gotten this big is BEYOND me. I just hope my boys the outstanding you men that Jordan and Kade have become.
The original Zins girls. We somehow did not get a picture of all the girls, but we will make sure to do this over Christmas.
How cute are they??
I LOVE this picture. Nana and Papa and all their little 1, 2, 3's. (That's what dad always use to call us because it was easier than remembering our names. )
I don't have a real family picture but this is the best we have. ALMOST got everyone in there.
Kade was for sure the baby whisperer.
My Lova. He was such an amazing help all weekend while I was running around. I laughed because he came to the church late so Ty could get a nap and be ready for pictures and the rest of the night. When the wedding got done I found Nat in the back of church watching the wedding and the boys in the hallway watching Curious George on the IPad. Whatever works right?
Keenan was the best man and he JUST got back from a tour in Afghanistan. The wedding was actually planned around his deployment. That is the kind of friendship he and Brian have. It was an HONOR to get to walk with him.
Jenny and I
Myles and his Nana
How great is this smile?
This is what happens when an almost 2 year old gets to pick which candy he wants to eat. Chocolate everywhere.
Uncle Eric showing he has baby skills as well.
This picture is just proof of where Tyler gets his eyebrow skills from. Honestly....
Myles was a dancing fool. I was laughing so hard. For some reason his outfit reminds me of John Travolta in this one.
And here he is a singing fool. He was raising his arm and everything. WHAT A HAM!! Some girl is going to be lucky one day!
This is Tracy's best friend Collee. She is one of the most all around talented people I know. She did all of our make-up, did Tracy's hair, made us all breakfast the morning of the wedding, planned the girls' night with me, AND calmed Ty when Nat and I were taking pics. The last one is almost impossible. Did I mention how INSANELY funny she is too. I just may become her stalker. Just Sayin....
Auntie Becky remembering how little they can be.
Getting snuggle time with Auntie Sara

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sleeping Like a Baby

There is nothing like watching a little baby sleep. I have to smile at all the ways that Natalie seems to fall asleep and is totally comfortable. The only thing better is when she is asleep on my chest. :-)

The Pretty Pose
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Pose

Not So Much Sweet Dreams
Leg Lifts While Sleeping Pose

She was OUT
Chunky Monkey Pose

Monday, November 7, 2011

Halloween Fun

Here are a few pics from all of our Halloween fun. Myles was Mr. Incredible for school and then insisted on wearing the giraffe costume at night. The only problem was that I had gotten the costume for TY!!! It was a little on the small side, but he was happy so I was happy. Ty was a lion and did a great job. He roared his little heart out and did his fair share of biting his brother. :-) Natalie was our sweet little pumpkin and she fulfilled the role quite well. Oh how blessed we are with our little crew!

Mr. Incredible and his classmates.

Out trick-or-treating

Taking a little rest after all that walking.
Don't be fooled by this sweet face. He is one scary lion.


On a funny note....I had a friend tell me that I was looking a little "rough" here. Thanks...I wasn't aware of that :-)