Put more money in the therapy "pot" for the 2nd child

You know how it goes, with your first child you read all the books, chart their progress, diligently fill out their baby books and try to make all of the right nutritional/food decisions. With your second you sort of let things roll (hey, I threw some of her baby pictures in a shoe box - isn't that enough?) The other night both of the kids were enjoying lollipops. Should a 14 month old be introduced to such "junk" - oh, I'm sure not. But, there are going to be much worse decisions I make regarding her than a lollipop.

These booties are made for walking!

Quinn started taking steps the week of Thanksgiving and now she is officially walking. Last night Connor said, "She doesn't crawl anymore, like never." She is loving this new mobility. The only problem may be that she refuses to walk empty handed. She must be carrying something around on her journey, which tends to throw her a bit off balance. We have captured some of her first steps on video. It's amazing to see our baby girl walking.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so thankful for all of our family and friends. We spent our 10th Thanksgiving hosting our families in Utah. It was an amazing time and the kids are certainly spoiled by all of the attention. Thank you for making the visit! We missed you dad and next time harvest runs late you HAVE to come anyway. It's too lonely without you.
I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner - I'd better get off of this website and move on to some Internet shopping! Oops, I mean back to work.

It's been a while...

Well, life has been a bit crazy so it's been a while since I've posted. So, here are some pictures of the kids from Halloween. Quinn was at the end of her rope in the photo session, so I struggled to get some shots of her smiling. Connor has already announced that next year he'll be The Hulk - look out!

Get Out and VOTE!

1/20/09 - The End of the Error

Happy Halloween from The Dark Knight(s)!

Couple of neighborhood hoodlums dressed as Batman.

Such a crack up!

Connor's funny faces, jokes and stories are never lost on Quinn.

Quinn's "Snow"

While Connor and Preston were playing in the snow, I was inside trying to get a million things crossed off of my to-do list. Quinn was happily, quietly playing. I'm such a fool for not checking in to see exactly what she was doing so happily and quietly. Well, apparently she was "taking down" an entire roll of papertowels. After she completed the unrolling she was incredibly annoyed that she was tangled in the mess. So, of course she started yelling and waving her arms.

First Snow Day

The men in my house were very excited about the snow. I, on the other hand - not so excited.

Visitor

For Quinn's birthday we decided to just keep it small this year. But, we totally enjoyed every moment of the day and the weekend because my mom came out to visit. It's hard to describe what it's like when my mom comes to visit. It's sort of like the normal circus of our lives melts down to a very manageable hummmmmmmmm.
Maybe it's because she comes armed with new wardrobes for the kids or the coolest toys. But, I really think it's because she comes with this fresh, exciting energy for her grandchildren.
She spent a day with each kiddo solo and hopefully enjoyed the day as much as the kids did.
Honestly, Quinn is still skeptical and just tolerant of anyone that isn't Preston, Connor or I. But, Connor ADORES my mother. It's like they have this lingo and bond and everyone else is on the outside. I keep waiting for him to say something like, "But, Mom she just like totally gets me."
When Connor has bad dreams we ask him to think good thoughts and it's usually, "I'm going to dream that I live on the farm with Grandma Chi Chi."
Mom, thank you for coming. It was truly a treat.

Quinn's Birthday Fun!

We had a nice family celebration for Quinn's birthday last night. But I don't think she enjoyed the cake - at all.

Happy 1st Birthday QB!

Baby girl, a year ago you joined the family - making us officially The Barton 4. At that time we had no idea what was in store for our family, and we still have trouble predicting your next move. All went well that day a year ago, no complications or difficulty (and thanks to the epidural, not much pain). We took you home from the hospital with little pomp or circumstance, just complete joy.
It wasn't all that easy those first 3 months - dairy intolerance, acid reflux, etc. made it difficult for you to be happy and content. But, girl are you a completely different kiddo now.
You are a happy and joyful child that has quickly become the queen of the land. Your father and I completely adore you, but no one loves you like your devoted big brother Connor. From day one he has doted on you, granted it is sometimes a bit too much love. But always from a place of excitement, joy and delight.
You have completed our family in a way that I couldn't have imagined. You make us laugh with your silly giggle and your wild ways. We are a bit frightened, but so excited to watch you become this little person from such a beautiful baby. Happy First Birthday Quinn.

Table Manners - Lesson #2

The other night we had our second table manner lesson with Quinn. She is taking to proper manners like a duck to water. See for yourself!

Bending it like a Barton!

Well, week 2 of soccer went much better than week 1. It didn't take much since he refused to step foot on the field week 1. I'll admit, it was pretty terrifying - hundreds of 4-5 year old boys EVERYWHERE!
This week he enjoyed his time on the field and on Sunday asked, "Do I have soccer today?"

I'm sorry...I can't quite hear you.

Oh, you're saying you don't want you picture taken. Well, I'm sorry sweetie.

People are always saying, "Life is short". Yeah, well sometimes, some days life is r-e-a-l-l-y looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong.

So excited he almost peed

So excited he almost peed

While we were back on my parents farm my dad had a new combine delivered. Connor has always been way into trucks, trains, tractors, semis - basically if it has wheels it is cool. So, for him to get to see this huge piece of equipment come in on a semi-flatbed, well it was just about the coolest thing that has ever happened to him "for real life". So much so in fact that we kept asking him if he had to go potty. To this he replied, "NO, I'm just really excited. (duh mom, oh and please stop asking)."

Some things change...

while others remain exactly the same.

We're back!

So many pictures to download and so little time. Thank you to our families for hosting us, entertaining our children and feeding us such delicious meals. We enjoy every minute, every sip and every bite!
Pictures from the trip to come soon. Stay tuned...

10 years - really? Feels like 30

How can it feel like forever ago and just yesterday at the same time? Yep, ten years ago Preston and I were married at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Nebraska. After our hitchin' we celebrated with drinks, dancing and well, more drinks.
I can't imagine a better man for me or father for my children. Cheers Preston and thank you for an amazing life and family - it hasn't always been easy, but it's also never dull.
(Pictures above of you doing what you love, well almost as much as you love me. You love me more than skiing, right?)

First Lesson in Table Manners - check!

I think it's going well, don't you?

Missing my Connor

Connor's school takes a long break between Summer camp and the regular school year. This year my mom was kind enough to fly out here on Friday to pack up Connor and take him to the farm for the week. They flew out yesterday. He is having an amazing time, but our house just isn't the same without his spirit and energy.
Even though I'm missing him, I'm not too sad knowing that he is in one of his favorite places and having the time of his life hanging with my parents, playing with his cousin Bailey, catching frogs, swimming, riding tractors, the lawnmower and 4-wheelers. After all of that fun on the farm we will all head down to Manhattan for more fun with the Bartons. It will be the best 2 weeks of his life "for real life". Miss you dude - be safe and have fun!

My window to the world - er I mean construction

I work in an office building (Walker Building) in downtown Salt Lake City. Right on Main Street in fact. Last year they tore down some buildings diagonal from my building and are putting in a "world class" (their words, not mine) office building with underground parking. It has been incredible to watch the progress outside my office window. Even more enjoyable is to watch the crane precariously lower the port-o-potty down for cleaning.

On a side note, I can't imagine being a guest at the Hotel Monaco and opening my curtains in the morning to the construction site.

My little princess