Birds!

I guess in the desert south west water is hard to come by. Especially when you are a bird and live in the foot hills. Our lawn sprinklers come on every morning at 8:00 am, and every morning at about 7:57 am all of the birds in Placitas gather on our fence to wait for the water. Once the water comes on they fly down to the grass and surrounding dirt to take a bath and a drink I guess. I got a picture of about 1/3 of them. The others were on the other side of the lawn and I kept scaring them away. I think on a quiet morning there must be at least 100 birds on our lawn. They are mostly blue birds, but we get a few red robins too!

The dogs love the birds too. They love to quietly sneak out the dog door and then "hunt" the birds. Once they get too close, the birds fly away and then the dogs come back inside to do it all over again.

Tongue

Logan has learned how to stick out his tongue! I am not sure which Grandma taught him how to do it, but he thinks it is pretty neat...especially when he is eating!

Working!

Well, I went back to work on the 10th of November. Things have been hectic. I enjoy working and getting out of the house, but I miss Logan so much. He has been having a great time splitting his days between his grandparents though and the grandparents love having him. I am so lucky to have my mother and mother-in-law who are willing to take care of him. I am really busy and I must say getting out of bed at 5:00 am doesn't really suit me well, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do I guess.

Bunsen in Action

On Friday, I took Logan and the Dog's over to Scott's parent's house to carve pumpkins and eat lunch. We had a great time. Bunsen and Scooter love to play with the German Shepherds. Bunsen's favorite game is chase. She likes to get a ball or other enticing toy in her mouth and then convince the other dogs to chase her around the yard. Bunsen is faster than all the others, but they still try. I was able to get this great shot of Bunsen jumping over some rocks while the other dogs chased her. Scooter, being as smart as she is, doesn't quite get the game of chase, she just jumps around barking at the other dogs as they run by. What a fun family we have!

Happy Halloween

Logan dressed up as Tigger for Halloween this year. Bunsen was a Cow (no surprise there) and Scooter was a skeleton. We took them trick or treating with our friends Dart, Jill, John and their dog Cinnamon. John dressed up as a pumpkin and Cinnamon was a construction dog (she even had a hard hat). Trick or treating was fun and the best part was that Scott and I got to eat all of Logan's candy.

6 Months!

It is amazing how time flies! Logan was six months old in October. He weighed in at 14.8 lbs and 27 and 3/4 inches! I guess he is long and skinny. Logan loves to eat and loves to play with his mom and dad. He likes to touch the puppies and grab their paws or a fistful of fur. He has also become quite the squealer! He can sit up all by himself (for the most part). He is so much fun. I am going to miss him when I go back to work next week!

Tennessee

The view from our room at the lodge
Logan at the Zoo.


We went to Tennessee this last month to visit my sister and her family. We had so much fun. The drive was pretty long, I think it took us 19 hours to get there and 16 to get home. There was a lot of construction along I-40, but we had a book on tape, satellite radio and of course Logan to keep us entertained. Once in Tennessee we state at the Natchez Trace State Park, it was so pretty and quiet. I think there were only 2 other families staying at the lodge and it was only about a 5 minute drive from my sister's house. We also went to the Memphis Zoo and spent an afternoon in Nashville. It seemed like we were on the road a lot, and we were, but it was nice to have the time to spend with family.

Some Cute Pics

Such a good sitter!
Concentrating so hard!
Oh so sleepy!

The Teeth!

I finally got a picture of Logan where you can see his teeth! They are still pretty tiny, but they are there! I can't wait until the tops ones come in...maybe then we will have our happy baby back! I haven't updated my blog in a while, not much has been going on! This past weekend we went up to Santa Fe with our friends, Jill, Dart and John to enjoy some Blue Corn food! Scott and I used to eat there once a week, when it was still open in Albuquerque, now we rarely go since we have to make the drive to Santa Fe. Although I am happy to say that I had some Chips and Queso (I thought I would give dairy a try again to see how it affected Logan) and he didn't spit up any more than usual, maybe he is over his dairy thing. I am still going to take it easy, but it is nice to know I can indulge every once in a while! We will be going to Tennessee this next week to visit my sister and her family! We are so excited!

5 Months Old

Logan turned 5 months on Friday, the 19th! I can't believe it has been a whole 5 months since he was born. It seems like just yesterday was April 18th and I was going into labor with Logan! It is so amazing how fast time goes by when you have a little one around! It is also amazing how much they grow, learn and develop in just 5 short months. Logan has two teeth, can sit unsupported for about 10 seconds, loves to ride in his stroller, (he wouldn't even let me set him down for 2 seconds when he was a newborn) he will stay in his stroller for hours while I shop. He likes to watch the dogs play, running water (the sink or a fountain will do). He loves to grab anything that he can see...he especially likes to grab my hair, my coke can or the remote control. He thinks his daddy is the funniest guy around and loves to look at him and smile and laugh. It is just a blessing to have him around, it is a wonderful journey to watch the little bean that was growing inside of me just 5 short months ago turn into such a wonderful little person.

the "Gummy" Smile

So, two Saturdays ago (September 6th) as Logan was gnawing on my hand like he always does, I felt a little ridge...something sharp. It was evidence that his first tooth was finally going to poke through. It finally did, and not only does he have one tooth, he now has two. Both are on the bottom and they are coming in quick. It might still take a while until they are all the way up, but you can actually see them now when he smiles. It is pretty cute, but I will miss the gummy smile and it is just proof that my baby boy is growing up. Everyone tells you as a new parent to enjoy every moment because they go by so fast. Sometimes in the beginning after countless sleepless nights, it doesn't seem to go by fast enough, however seeing Logan's first tooth (or teeth) has really hit home for me! I guess I knew he would grow up, I thought I would take a lot more pleasure in all of his milestones (and I do), but it really makes me think about how soon he will be a toddler and talking back to me or a teenager and wanting nothing to do with me. I guess by then I will be prepared to deal with it. But as my mother always tells me, I guess I will tell Logan..."You will always be My baby."

Pendaries

We went to Pendaries, NM this weekend to spend some time with the family for my
mother-in-law's b-day. Jeff and Allison have a beautiful cabin on a golf course in the mountains. It is so quiet and peaceful the dogs love to walk around in the forest and chase squirrels. Because it is farther north and higher elevation than Albuquerque, the evenings can get pretty chilly so we had to dress Logan for the occasion! Thanks to his Nana for the wonderful puppy dog outfit with the matching bib and beanie!

This was Logan's third trip to the cabin! He is becoming quite the traveler. He has been to Pendaries 3 times, Iowa and Utah all in his 4 months of existence! Next month we are driving to Tennessee! We will let you know how that trip goes! It might
be a little harder on Logan because he is becoming more and more active and
interested in everything. He might not be content to stare at the back of a vehicle seat and sleep for 14 hours!

Ahh Scooter

So today while I was sitting at the dining room table playing with Logan, Scott quickly got my attention and told me to look outside. So I looked out the dining room window and there was Scooter on the patio table. I grabbed my camera and took a quick picture...but then realized that the window screen was in the way. I tried to get outside as quickly as possible to take a better picture, but by the time I got there Scooter was on her way down. Now, I know that this would infuriate most dog owners and typically it would upset Scott and I, however Scooter is very special. She has a bladder control problem and every time we get upset with her (even if we look at her the wrong way) she starts yelping and peeing everywhere, so some things just aren't worth getting upset over. I guess she has us pretty well trained.

Fall!

We love the fall! The weather is so nice in Albuquerque and it means the start of football season! I shot this picture of Scott and Logan enjoying some "man time" while they watched some college football on opening day! Go Auburn!

Prunes

Logan loves to eat! Here is a shot of him eating some yummy prunes. The hardest part about Logan eating solid foods is that he spits up so much. So, when you add foods like prunes to the mix his spit up actually starts to stain his loved one's clothes...not to mention his own stuff. Oh well. He loves food so it is worth it!

Fun in the Sun!

On Friday we took the dogs to Chochiti Lake for some swimming lessons. Logan was so excited to sit on the beach (in his stroller that is). He was really sleepy, so he just quietly watched the dogs and they romped around and tried to get wet. We know Bunsen doesn't like the water but weren't sure how Scooter would do. We also know that Scooter is a little slow and it seems like the bigger she gets, the smaller her brain gets. Anyway, Scooter didn't even notice she was in the water. She and Bunsen played in the shallow end and Bunsen kept dunking Scooter under...needless to say Scooter would come out of the water tail wagging as if she didn't know she just swallowed a gallon of water. We were only there about 10 minutes before the Sheriff's deputy showed up and made us leave because apparently dogs aren't allowed on the beach. They are allowed at the boat doc, but only if they are on a leash. That doesn't sound like a ton of fun for two puppies, so we left. It was a nice Friday drive and Scott and I enjoyed the time together.

Bob Sled!

While we were in Utah we went to Olympic Park near Park City to ride the summer bobsled ride. Scott and I rode with some random guy and Rachael got her own private ride! It was amazing! Nothing like a roller coaster. It was so much fun and I still have bruises! We had to wear big BMX helmets and then shrug our shoulders as high as we could to keep our heads from bobbing too much to the sides! I have bruises on my shoulders and my legs and my whole body still aches! It was worth all the war wounds though! We also went down the world's first aluminum alpine slide and a zip line. The whole time Scott and I were riding the chair up to the zip line, he kept saying "I am going to smoke you" and I kept saying "not every thing in life is a race." To be honest, I thought for sure I would loose since I weigh less than Scott. Turns out weight isn't the only factor in winning a zip line race, I guess I make a better ball than him because I actually smoked Scott! Fun times!

Utah

Our family took a week long road trip to Salt Lake City last week! We had so much fun. We didn't do a ton of stuff except hang out with family! We are so greatful to have such wonderful familiy who were willing to drop everything to hang out with us. We took the dogs with us and they were such good travelers! Logan also did so well he bascially just slept the whole time we were in the car. Thanks Rachael, Jeral, Josh and Ty for letting us crash at your house for so long and for putting up with Bunsen and Scooter!

4 months and getting bigger!

Logan was four months old on the 19th of August! I can not believe how fast time goes and how big he has gotten! He even got to eat rice cereal for the first time. He absolultely loved it! He is quite the eater! He isnow sucking on his big toe too! He had a doctor's appointment on Wedensday. He was 13.6 lbs and 26 inches long...that is as long as a six month old! I guess everyone did know what they were talking about when they said "he looks so long." Oh, and he is teething too! He is such a happy boy! We are so blessed to have him!

New Mexico Rail Runner

Last Monday, we rode the NM Rail Runner with our family into downtown Albuquerque for dinner. It was a really fun trip and saved a lot of gas money. Neither Scott, nor I or Logan had ever been on the rail runner before so we were all in for a treat! We then went to dinner at Tucano's in downtown Albuquerque! Scott loved all the different types of meat...I just stuck to the Salad Bar. After dinner we went into Albuquerque to look at a mini-van before our trip to Utah. We ended up buying the mini van which has already proved to be worth the $!

Bunsen the Amazing

Today Bunsen found a Rattlesnake in our front yard as her and Scott were getting ready to go running! This is the second time she has had a close encounter with a rattlesnake. The first time was about a year ago when she was just a puppy and quickly ran away from it. This time, she saw something moving and ran after it. When the snake hit a dead end, it quickly coiled up and snapped at her...luckily our Bunsen is like a little Gazelle and was able to quickly dodge the snake's attack! Scott then made her sit and he walked around behind her and the snake so he could quickly call Bunsen to safety. Good thing she is so well trained and responsive to Scott's commands! We have a special dis-like for Rattlesnakes since Scott's dog Yogi was bit by one when she was just a puppy! In honor of Bunsen's snake dodging abilities Logan decided to wear his snake outfit today!

Iowa

This past weekend we took our first trip out of New Mexico with Logan. We flew to Iowa for our friend Lanni's wedding. Logan did so great! He went on four different airplanes and only cried for one leg of it! He even got to take a bath in the hotel sink! He only peed all over the mirror once! The wedding was beautiful and we had such a wonderful time, although it is nice to be home and sleeping in our own beds. Iowa was very humid, but altogether a wonderful place to visit (I don't think we will be packing up our bags to move there)! There are a ton of corn fields in Iowa, and I wish I could say that the corn is delicious, however the corn that we ate came from Illinois and it was delicious! Maybe next time we will get to try some Iowan corn! We stayed in a small town called Amana...yes they do have an Amana refrigerator plant there! It was really small and quaint and very German! We ate a lot of pastries, chocolate and fudge! Yum! The wedding was in a barn and so beautiful! We are so happy for Lanny and Steve and wish them a long and happy life together. We also got to visit with some other great friends Shelly and Ben while at the wedding, we really should get together with our friends more often! Here is a video of Shelly and Logan dancing to "Billy Jean" unfortunately my camera will take videos but doesn't have sound! Fun times!

Three Months and so big!

Logan is 3 months old today! I can't believe how fast time has flown! It seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital just getting to know this little guy. We have learned so much about him already and so much from him too! It is amazing how fast he has grown. I just love watching him and his personality develop...and let me tell you he has quite the personality! When is is sad or bored he sticks out his little bottom lip and whines, it is really cute but sad too. When he is happy though he really is quite the flirt, he will smile and coo and look away and then bat his eyelashes at you. I am also happy to say that he giggled for the first time this last week which was just amazing! As his daddy put it "there is no greater sound in the whole world!" We are so blessed to have this little guy in our lives!

Chuck E. Cheese

Today we went to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time with Logan! He had a blast...actually it was more fun for his parents who played Ski ball and Mrs. Packman while Logan hung out with Grandma. Logan really enjoyed watching the TV though, especially when Scott's cousins' kids were dancing on the big screen! Another couple of years and we will have to chase Logan through all the games and tunnels. I can't believe how big he is getting!

Love that hoodie!!

What is a Blog?

What is a Blog? I had no idea, but then after months of enjoying many friend's and family's blog sites I decided that the Stevens family needs one of their own. We don't have much going on in our lives these days, except for the new house, new baby and new puppy. So, I will try not to bore my readers with the everyday baby stuff, but really Logan makes so much progress every day and learns new things and amazes us every single day. Right now he is jut sitting in his high chair next to me staring at the dining room table light and talking to it. It really is very fascinating!