The Catterfeld Family Blog

See that thing Derek's holding in the picture? Yep- that's a piece of my treadmill. And yes, that would be treadmill belt dust. I am slowly running the 'mill into the ground. I can't complain though; the 'mill has seen me through 5 years of pounding it out indoors when life, weather, or injury dictates it so. There is no new one on the horizon....well, at least so long as this one keeps going, anyway. (wink, wink dear hubby!)




The other day, Ethan, Logan, Wesley and I were playing Candy Land on the floor. All was going fantastically, with the exception of one small hiccup: Piper kept stealing the game pieces and trying to run away with them. We eventually had to give up and move to another activity. Trying to remember who was where and how far just got to be too much to remember! Crazy cat. I won't even tell you how unsuccessfully Hi Ho Cherry-o went...

No wonder someone has been a little grumpy! It's the 2 year old molars...

At the beginning of the year, Derek and I sat down together to plan out our year. While not everything is on the calendar (ie: vacations, work trips, etc), we were sure to include our races. Derek has decided to participate in at least 2 Daytona SCCA races this year, one in August and one in September. I think he's considering a few more, but we'll see if we can work them in.

I also have decided to run several races, the first of which is the Disney Princess Half Marathon March 7. Yep- I've lost my mind, but so far training has been going well. We'll see what happens. My other races that I have committed to running are the OBX Half Marathon Nov. 14th (which I will be running with family- talk about a great way to have a family reunion!!) and the Disney full marathon 2011. I suspect I'll add one or 2 more, but I think 3 races is good enough for now. Now...off the computer and onto the treadmill!

Ethan's school recently held a fire safety day where our local firefighters brought out their truck and gear and talked with the kids. Ethan's class were able to see the firefighters in full gear, climb into the truck, and spray the fire hose. But most importantly, they talked about what happens if their house or clothes are on fire. Ethan had a great time!

With his 6 month clothes already pulling at the seams and 9 month clothes on the horizon, our Wesley is growing and changing. He is reaching his hand out to touch toys, pulling himself up to a more 'seated' position, and talking and smiling. He's really is such a great baby!

This was my new mascara. And don't get grumpy with me, kid. I'm not the one who decorated your face.

It's only a week or so into 2010, and we're definitely chugging along! Derek did not have to work the week between Christmas and New Year's, so this week has been all about getting back into routine and the groove. All our Christmas decorations and gifts are stowed away, and we're looking ahead to what a fresh start will bring. Derek and I are planning out our races (more on that in another post), vacations, trips, and looking ahead to another full year.

Wesley continues to change everyday, it seems. We're putting him on his belly for tummy time, and he's holding his head up like a champ! Since he has such great head control, we've also tried him out in the bumbo. He does very well, and it allows him to see his feet- his latest obsession!












Logan and Ethan are both also doing well. It's been nice having little slices of quiet time with each of the boys. When Ethan is in school, it's time for Logan, Wesley and me. When Logan and Wesley take a nap, Ethan and I have time together. Logan has discovered that he can show you "2" with his fingers. Works pretty well since he's also 2 years old! And Ethan has recently been asking to hold Wesley. I love this picture of the two of them grinning at each other!












And like you, we have been experiencing a cold spell. Rarely does it get this cold here in Central FL. Our winter temps are usually in the mid 60s right now, so to have a few weeks of low 40s/50s during the day and 20s/30s at night....well, it's a little bit of a shock to the system! As a matter of fact, I ran in the sleet yesterday!! Now that's most definitely a rare occurrence here. We sent the boys out to play, and they balked at how many layers of clothing they had to put on. And notice those shiny cheeks? Yep- lots of lotion too. We certainly feel like we've gotten a little taste of winter.

If you'll recall, when we found out that all of our children are boys, I jokingly referred to myself as the queen bee. Well, I've been growing a Pandora bracelet for 5 years now (well before they were so popular!). My Dad was buying charms for my Mom for Christmas and picked this one up for me....and guess what it is? A queen bee!!!! Now isn't that just stinkin' awesome??

Wesley has been changing and growing so fast. He's very smiley- showing those happy grins to whomever smiles his way, all the while cooing and carrying on conversation. I think we have another big talker.

Wesley just had his 2 month check up, and it's official. He's a hunka punkin'! When Wes was born, the pediatrician commented that he was already in the 50th percentile for a 2 month old. Well, true to form, Wesley is off the charts for both weight and height. He currently measures in the 50th percentile for a 4 month old!



Here are his stats:

Weight: 15.2 pounds (off the chart)
Height: 25.5" (off the chart)
Head: 16" (somewhere on the chart, but they didn't tell me)

Merry Christmas! We had a wonderful Christmas 2009, celebrating with Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Joey. It was fun to share in our traditions again- new jammies to wear Christmas Eve, yummy breakfast Christmas morning, reading about Jesus' birth, and opening gifts together. I think everyone had a great time. Ethan and Logan especially liked their new jammies. Usually we try to match them, but it was a little difficult this year because the 3 boys are in different sizes and have different needs. So I went with a theme: Dinosaurs! Huge hit with the boys. And of course, they patiently waited to open the Santa bag Christmas morning. See them plopped on the floor? You can also see in the background, Santa's cookie plate and everyone else's stockings. And Logan laying on the Santa bag...this is classic Logan, and I had to share!












And here are an assortment of other pics taken from the day. Instead of posting a zillion pictures of every gift opened, I just picked a few things out from the day that I thought were neat: Joey being silly, Poppy with ribbon on his head (also a Christmas tradition), Derek and the boys opening gifts, and family playing with Wesley. It was a wonderful, wonderful day...made even better by it's meaning and our sharing it with people we love.

Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Joey arrived safe and sound Monday afternoon, and we have been a-goin' ever since. Last minute shopping, baking, and spending time together have encompassed the last few days. Here are a few pictures of what we've been up to: Joey rocking Wesley down for a nap; making peanut butter balls; and Wesley, the little known reindeer.









Oh, and before I forget. I promised that I would post what part Ethan played in his PreK Christmas Story. Well, I didn't get to go because Logan and Wesley were sick. Derek went though, and Ethan was an angel the first time around. They acted it out again with the parents, and Ethan and Derek were innkeepers. One of my friends, Elaine, snapped this picture on the sly. Wadda cutie!

Logan decided he wanted to have pancakes for supper, so we all went to Cracker Barrel. Once home, he opened his gifts, blew out his candle, and ignored his cake. Who wants cake when you have so many new toys to play with???!!!

As I've mentioned before, we have the tradition of eating cupcakes for breakfast on birthdays. Today, Logan turns 2 years old! Happy Birthday, Logan! For now, here are the morning pics. We'll have more later after he opens his birthday presents.

....that a dinosaur was present at the miracle of Jesus' birth.

Well, it's official: Wesley is already 6 weeks old. He can already hold up his head (well, he actually could do that at birth), he's tracking things with his eyes, and I do believe I've even seen a smile or two! He is growing and changing so fast that I'm afraid I'll blink and miss it. Ethan and Logan adore Wesley. They are ever helpful, giving him his paci, singing to him when he cries, and talking to him when he's happy. Wesley still fascinates them to no end. I'm sure this won't last forever, but I enjoy it now.




And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Logan in this post and what a big boy he is. Logan will be turning 2 this Friday 12/18. I cannot believe he is already at this milestone. I have been turning on Sesame Street for him to watch on the days that Ethan goes to school and snapped this picture of him on the couch, enthralled. He doesn't watch too much TV, but will sit down for this and Clifford. Logan is also changing quickly. When asked how old he is, he'll tell you "Two!" and show you 2 fingers. Not always the standard ones, but still 2 fingers. He is also learning his colors and how to count, and his vocabulary is increasing every day too. Although rough and tumble, Logan is still my snuggle bunny. He still likes to kiss, hug, and snuggle right up to you. Another thing that won't last forever, but something that still makes me smile and makes my heart happy!