It's that time of year... Emily's favorite season... Fall. And, of course, Emily couldn't wait two more days for the official start of Fall so in typical fashion, we painted pumpkins! She is currently decking out the house with pumpkins and fall decor - prepping for Cullen's second birthday in the next two weeks. It's going to be a train party! Chugga Chugga Two Two!
The end of summer has been great with a lot of lake trips, swim lessons, gymnastics and outdoor excursions. With the peak of summer hitting over 100, we spend a lot of time at museums and science centers to stay cool. Cullen started picking up soccer and his Baba has been showing him some moves.
We did have a hard August - we had to put down Cullen's dog, Ike. Unfortunately, he had lymphoma. Explaining to an almost two year old about death is difficult and Ike passed way too young (seven). We read a lot to Cullen so we picked up a stuffed dog and book about dog heaven and read to him each time he asks for Ike. He's adjusted ok now that it's been a month and we've kept busy. One of those busy items was Cullen transitioned to a big boy bed and his new forest green room opening back up the jungle nursery for his sibling.
Cullen can't wait to be a big brother. We tell him we are waiting to adopt our second child and read him adoption books each week. We love that we can be open and honest with our son and his journey to better understand his siblings as well.
For this coming weekend, Cullen and Baba are going to the ranch to visit Yaya and Papa where Cullen can feed the baby cows and ride on the tractors with Papa. Yaya mentioned getting a mud pile ready so he can get dirty and make mud pies.... what a great first fall weekend! As for mom? She's doing her annual girls getaway with Jackie, Cortney and Jill. They are going to the lake for the fall festivals and some R&R. Cullen's Mimi is coming as well as a family friend - Petra (but shhh, it's a surprise for Mimi)!