Life Letters (October): Listening

Ah yes listening...not my strong suit. Not because I am aloof but because in conversations I generally get so excited that I can relate or I have a *great* example/story to tell. Plus growing up in a family of 6 and being a female, I have a high word quote (according to Ryan). 

So with a week and a half old baby and a looming life letter to open for October, I was pleasantly surprised that my dedication for the month was listening. Simple enough in some respects. Difficult as hell in others.

I have tried to be attentive to all 3 kids' needs. Ever changing each day but equally important and challenging at times. Remembering the signs of a newborn don't come easy despite the fact that Brighton is my third baby in 3 years! Continuously being aware that Aspen is still too a baby in many ways and despite not being the most verbal, he is adjusting to the new addition. Being sure to listen to Adelaide when she is talking, excited, hurt, or frustrated; to ask her questions and then let her tell me a story.

In my best attempts, I have tried not to cut off someone in their story or conversation. To fully listen until their is a pause. To be present in what is being said. I am not the best at this and I still have a lot of work to do.

I hope to continue working on being a better listener in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. It is a skill like any other so it will take time and practice. But I am not the quitting kind so here's to working hard and learning more through being a better listener!

*A Passport For The Journey of Life*

Brighton has had one hell of a journey already and he has only been with us for a few weeks! His journey from the start of January in my belly has been an emotional roller coaster for us all, but we are so happy and relieved to have this flourishing baby boy in our hands and hearts!

I thought it only fitting to announce his birth with something that represents a journey...a passport! What better way to explore and journey through life than world-wide travel and the only way to accomplish that is to obtain a passport.

Well our little guy has one and is well on his way to an amazing journey through life...

Once again Mellen Designs created this fun birth announcement for us and I absolutely love it! If you are ever in the market for custom & creative invitations, announcements, or cards, please contact Mary Ellen. She is amazing to work with and produces great work :)

Brighton Kevin: 1 Month

Dearest Brighton,

Oh baby boy where do I even begin this letter to you? Your first monthly note. All of the things that you have accomplished, all of the things that I have witnessed over these first 30 days are truly a miracle in so many ways.

You are wise beyond your days...I can see this already. You are alert, bright-eyed and a busy body. You love to move your arms all around while awake and asleep. You smile your sweet smile during those milk coma dreams. You turn your head from side to side to see what the world and your siblings have to offer.

At your two week check up, you had already gained over a pound and grown 1/2 an inch since leaving the hospital. Weighing in at 7lbs 2 ozs and measuring 19.5 inches long. You are starting to stretch out more and your little toes are tight against your footy jammies. You have long arms, legs, feet and toes! 

Your hair is dark and thick. I can brush it into a little mohawk after bath time! Speaking of, you enjoy the nighty ritual of bath time. You open your big eyes and enjoy the warmth of the water and the snuggles of the hooded towels post water. You don't however like the changing of your diaper...the cold wipe on your little pee pee is not one of your favorites! That being said, you don't care to sit in a pee or poop diaper for long :)

You are eating 4 ounces every 4 hours. Sometimes you only take 3 ounces and sometimes you take 5. You tend to be more like your big brother in the routine department...on your own schedule! You don't spit up at all though which has been a pleasant surprise. I actually get to show off your outfits as opposed to having them covered by bibs constantly! Yay!

Your big sister and brother love you so much! They kiss you and hug you around the clock. Adelaide likes to help with your bottle or changing your diaper. Aspen can't get enough of you and runs to you as soon as you cry or make a peep. You are their new best friend and I can't wait until you are running around giggling with those two.

My son, I cannot wait to tell you about the miracle that you are time and time again. It will never get old and it will never cease to amaze me. God is good and you, Brighton Kevin, had many prayer warriors lifting you up to Him.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

The Thompson Fall Bucket List: Decorate Pumpkins

Sunday afternoon we took our pumpkins to the back porch for a little decorating. I found these cute little kits in the $1 section at Target and couldn't resist them. Typically they call for glue but we took the easy route...tape :)

A little apple cider to quench their thirst...

This little guy...

A witch and a bat...

The Thompson Fall Bucket List: Pick Pumpkins From A Patch

Saturday we headed up to Barton Orchards for some pumpkin picking with our three little pumpkins. We hadn't been there since Adelaide was a year old and it was fun to see her & Aspen enjoy all that Barton's had to offer.

The petting zoo was a huge hit for Adelaide. She ran from animal to animal saying "hi" and petting them. Aspen enjoyed pointing and smiling and laughing at each one!

There was live music, apple and pumpkin treats, a giant playground made of wooden transportation figures such as pirate ships, trains, and planes, a corn maze for kids & adults, bake shops, seasonal beverage shops, a haunted house, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and even a tap room for adults!

Such a fun day with our three pumpkins!

The Thompson Fall Bucket List: Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

With a full day at home, I decided to employee my little helper to bake with me. I absolutely love chocolate chip pumpkin bread and have to make a batch or two each fall. Last year I decided to get a few festive things for Adelaide to enjoy this season...a little spider web apron and mini-mummy oven mitts. She felt like such a big girl wearing/using them!

One of my favorite things about this bread (aside from the taste!) is that it requires a few ingredients and is super simple to make. Being a mom of three doesn't allow much time for difficult recipes!

Viola, two gorgeous loafs of yummy treats for the fall!

**For the recipe, click here!