Trick-or-Treat!

Halloween is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays - the excitement of costumes, parties, trick-or-treating with cousins in the perfectly festive neighborhood - its just hard to beat. Pair all of those things with the unseasonably warm temperatures that we've been having here in Nebraska, and it made for a perfect night!

Harrison (4) Max (2) Benson (3) June (1)

In the words of Harrison Paul Ritchie, "This was the best night ever."  

I agree, sir. I agree. It was absolutely SPOOK-TACULAR!

The Great Pumpkin {2016}

When unexpected circumstances cause your sister's annual pumpkin carving party to be cancelled, the party moves to your house (on a much smaller scale!). It was a low-key night with family, complete with beautiful weather, burgers on the grill, little boy giggles, and lots of baby snuggles. Absolute perfection in my book.

Grandma Debbie, aka "The Gut Scooper," is always a VIP at a carving party! Thanks for doing all of the dirty work.

Pumpkin carving power couple - they even came dressed alike for the occasion. 

 Love.

Who knew that picking the perfect mouth would be so complicated??

When temperatures soar into the 80s at the end of October, the Ritchie boys lose their minds clothes. Love these 4 kiddos and the friendships that they are building. 

 "Hey, mama! I'm mad like my pumpkin!"

Totally normal, right?!

 Brooks had the best seat in the house <3 font="">

Thank you, Kinney family and Grandma Debbie for spending the evening with us! The Ritchie's had so much fun!

Brooks {1 Month}

Last week held some pretty lofty significance in the short life of Mr. Brooks Ritchie. On Monday October 10th, we celebrated 1 month since he made his surprise arrival into this world. In that time he spent 2 weeks in the NICU learning how to do "big kid" things like eating from a bottle, and another 2 weeks at home showing his mom and dad (and brothers) who's boss! At the time, those early NICU days felt like they stretched on forever, but now here we are questioning how he can be a month old already - especially given the fact that Tuesday, October 11th, was his original DUE DATE! 

Sweet baby Brooks, life with you has already been an adventure. You threw us back into NICU life (though on a much less critical level than we experienced with your sister) and reminded us that we should never the "normal" new baby experience for granted - or a good eater for that matter! It was so hard to leave you behind at the hospital each night - but we knew that it was very short-term and that you were in great hands. And we're eternally grateful for the arms that were there to snuggle with you when ours were busy at home with your brothers.

I can't even begin to describe how it felt to finally walk into our home with you in my arms - though my own excitement was greatly eclipsed by that of your brothers. They were absolutely giddy! That day also brought with it a sudden change in your eating habits. The feeding frustrations that consumed me for the previous 2 weeks became a distant memory and you became very vocal of your need for immediate food! Patience is not your strong point, sir, and you go from sound asleep one minute to a shrill scream the next when you're hungry. Amen for hungry little boys.

You are certainly the center of attention in our home these days. Max smothers you with kisses at every opportunity, and Harrison tells me daily that he loves you with his "whole heart." My own heart swells just thinking about it. I can't wait to watch you find your way in this crazy Ritchie brotherhood. It is certainly something special beyond my comprehension.

Sweet Baby "Bwooks" - our home feels more complete with you in it. I'm trying my best to soak in every moment - each snuggle, each coo, each sleepy sigh - as I know that this phase of life goes so quickly. I hope that you know how loved you are.

Happy 1 month (and 1 week) my love.