Buddies

Carson got to enjoy another day with his buddy Nolan earlier this week! And boy oh boy did they have fun. My friend Tara had us over to her brand new, BEAUTIFUL home where Nolan had tons of fun toys, and he and Carson had a great time playing together. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that he has a little friend his age! A couple of times, Carson tried to, um, kiss (I think) Nolan by opening up his mouth and putting it on Nolan's face. Which, Nolan did NOT enjoy. But, I'm pretty sure that it was just Carson expressing how much he was enjoying himself! He'll need to work on his "personal space" awareness. And, it was really nice for me to get a chance to visit with Nolan's mom, Tara. Her andI have known eachother for awhile, but had never really hung out until the boys were born. It's great to have a friend who is going through the same things I am at the same time!

Carson giving Nolan a little smooch!

Nolan has some plastic Easter eggs left over from Easter,

and they were one of Carson's favorite things to play with!



I just had to include a picture of the two most handsome men I know, and a picture of Carson where my mom thinks he looks like he's two years old! He's getting so big!

Sibling Love

These two snuggling never fails to put a big smile on my face. I sure hope this affection lasts! They are both such sweet-hearts, and I can tell they love eachother very much. Carson absolutely lights up when Tayler enters a room, and Tayler is very gentle and patient with Carson. I couldn't ask for more. I feel so blessed!

Garden Ornaments

I got an email the other day while I was at work. It was from my loving husband. The subject line read "Did you plant this, or did I?" Attached was this picture:

We'd been out in the garden the day before, and I'd planted a tomato plant. But I was fairly certain I did NOT plant a broken dining table chair at the same time. We're pretty certain it came from across the fence where there is a Christmas tree (with the ornaments still clinging on) in the back yard, and where we get various items pushed through the fence but the two young boys who live there. Hmmmm....never a dull moment I suppose.

Pizza Pockets, Trophies, and the Tub

BUSY night at the Schienbein house!

I got off work early today and as soon as I got home I began working on a recipe I've been waiting to try. While I had to modify it a little bit, I think it turned out pretty good. And, the fam really liked it too. Brian and I discussed one or two things we'll do next time that will make it even more delicious, but all in all, we were quite pleased.

After dinner it was off to Dairy Queen for the trophy ceremony for Brian and Tayler's baseball team. Of course, despite all of my mental chanting "don't forget the camera, don't forget the camera", I forgot the camera. I was so bummed. It was really a neat get-together. People really gave Brian positive feedback about his coaching, and even asked if he'd be coaching again next year. He told them it was a possibility, and that he was planning on coaching soccer this summer. Several teammates showed interest in being on his soccer team, so maybe we'll get some of the same players on the soccer field! One of the families brought Brian a little gift (Starbucks gift card!) as a thank you. Really sweet. And ice cream was enjoyed by all. Every kid was really excited to get their trophy from "Coach" and came up proudly when they're name was called.

This is Tayler with BOTH of her trophy's. One from

soccer last year, and the one from tonight. We're so proud!

When we were back home, it was bath time! One of Carson's favorite things to do. He's recently begun sitting up during bath time (recently as in I think this is the 3rd time he's done it). We'd been laying him on a foam bath sponge made to bathe babies with...and he started lifting his head like he wanted to sit up, so we gave it a try...and he did great. He LOVES to splash (to the point that I have to lay a towel down next to the bathtub while he's in there) and thinks his little bath toys are great. And he stops every now and again to make sure his "privates" are still there. =) It's so fun to just watch him have the time of his life. He's getting so big!

Play Date

My friends Mary and Tara, and they're little sweeties along with me, and my little sweeties, all went down to the park today to enjoy this beautiful day. And can I just say, it was awesome! Not only did I get to visit with some other moms, but Tayler got to swing, slide and play, and Carson got to hang with his new buddy Nolan, and swing a little bit too. It was perfect outside and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Even Mary's little angel was great. She slept some of the time, then just hung out with us.

Carson and Nolan both really enjoyed the swings. I thought for sure Carson wasn't going to enjoy it, but I underestimated him! He LOVED it! And my friend Tara's little guy Nolan (well, not little. He's actually huge and SO DANG CUTE!) is so relaxed and just enjoyed the sunshine while he was swinging away. He and Carson also explored the grass, shared cheerios, chased birds, and basically just got to know eachother a little bit better.


I took Carson for a second "round" of swinging after we'd been on the grass awhile...and while I was pushing him, watching him smile and kick his feet, I got a little bit choked up. THIS is what I'd been waiting for. Pushing my son in a swing, watching him have such a good time. These are the days I live for.

For some reason, I can't remember to keep my camera upright when taking video...and evidently, these can't be flipped...so, my apologies.

First Tooth

Guess who has a new tooth poking through their gums? (And no, it isn't Brian!) It's this guy!!!!

It's all down hill from here, right?

Carson had his 9 month well check today. 18 pounds, 29 inches, and fit as a fiddle! The doctor thinks everything looks great...and Carson was such a good boy! I was so proud!

Yesterday, Carson and I ran over and snuggled up on this for a little while:

Such a lovely way to spend an afternoon! This is my friend Mary's daughter Amelia...she was one month old yesterday, and as sweet as ever!

AND...lastly, here's Carson testing out a new set of "wheels". He's done this 4-5 times in the last few days...hasn't decided if he likes it yet. I guess we'll see what he decides is his more favored mode of transportation!

9 Months

He's been livin' as long as he was cookin'!

Carson is 9 months old today.

And can I just say...taking these pictures with a sign giving the date is getting harder and harder. He no longer enjoys just sitting, smiling and holding a sign. He much prefer to crawl around, wrinkle papers up, and torture animals. He's on the move all the time. Unless he's sleeping or eating, he's exploring! He does not have time to be lotioned, have his ears cleaned, his face wiped after a meal, his finger nails clipped, or his diaper changed. He'll wiggle and worm until he's back on his tummy and looking around. It kills me! No teeth yet, but there is one pushing through on the bottom causing a little bump on his gums. I think it'll be here any day (I know I've been saying that forever!) He loves puppies, reading books, his sister, anything that makes noise, splashing in the bath tub and snugglin' his mom and dad. He's still saying "Ma Ma" and "Da Da" and has even said "Ba Ba" a couple of times. He no longer rides in his carseat while at the grocery store. He gets to sit in an actual cart, which he loves! I think every day how I truly believe that I was made to be this baby's mama. He amazes me and delights me every day of the week!

Who's that baby!

Quiz. Who is this baby?

A. Carson, dressed up to go to an 80's themed pajama party?

B. Me, dressed up in pajams in the real live 80's?

If you guessed B, you're correct! I found this picture in a box of old pictures and thought I looked so much like Carson in it. Cracks me up. When I showed the picture to Tayler and told her it was me...then asked her "doesn't that picture look like Carson?" She replied with "Um, yeah in the face but not in the hair." I thought that was a wonderfully acurate comment. I love my little Tater Tot.

Today was Mother's Day, and it was glorious. Despite the fact that I spent 12 hours of it at work, and didn't actual get to see my mother, I still had a great day. I feel very loved. I came home to beautiful flowers, a fancy dinner, and wonderful gifts. Brian sent me an email while I was at work that said "Happy Mother's Day" and had this picture attached:

Now, if that face doesn't make you grin, I don't know what will! It absolutely made my day. A friend mine said something very insightful today. There things in our line of work that we must deal with that really can hit home, or make you feel like we don't often get to feel in our job. He had this to say today and I think it really was the perfect thing for today:

Its humbling to realize how easy it is to bring one into the world and to have one taken away.....

I couldn't have said it better. Love and hug the ones who made you a mom today.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Warm Days

Tayler has been riding her bike like crazy lately! She met a couple of neighborhood kids, and every time she sees them out riding, she can't get her helmet on fast enough! Today we were putting groceries away, and Tayler was getting ready to watch a movie, when one of the neighborhood boys came to the door and asked if she could come ride her bike. Holy cow. You'd think she'd just been told she won a trip to Disneyland! She was so excited. It cracks me up! She's really responsible while riding and knows she has to always wear her helmet. She also knows to watch carefully for cars, and to not venture too far down our street. She's becoming more and more mature every day! Makes her mama so proud!

I finally caught on video Carson's "crawl". He'll push himself up onto his knees every now and again, but it's mostly this soldier belly crawl that he does. I have to vacuum almost every day, and keep anything that could be swallowed or easily destroyed off the floor. He's so curious and explores the house every day. Dog food and water dishes are some of the most fascinating finds to date. But, he doesn't ignore the stick for the back door (hence the reason for the quick end to my video taping) shoes, and cords of any variety.