Strolling with baby H

Two mornings a week I now get to be home for over three hours with just Henri. And Moon gets to sit in a coffee shop and catch up on work. And Eli gets to play his heart out at preschool (and engage in some "toddler work" like social skills). Anyways, while baby naps I get some time to myself. (This week it was a deep cleaning of the floors. Thrilling. But I got to listen to a podcast. And sip coffee, so no complaints). Anyways, I've told myself that I must get out every morning I get with just Henri for a walk. And though it was drizzling when he woke up I bundled him, turned the stroller seat to face me, got out the rain cover, and off we went. He just smiled at me. And it was fun to be looking at him as I can't do that when I'm wearing him. We went to the store, got half and half, and slowly walked home. So pleasant. Oh, and that little guy is 19 pounds at 5 months!! Also 27.5 inches long. Confirmed today at his check up. As our pediatrician said, "he's just a big boy". And all I can say is don't ever lose your cheeks Henri! (And maybe your leg rolls too).

THREE!

Eli turned three!!!

I remember like yesterday bringing him home from the hospital. Exhausted but wanting to stare at my perfect, sweet, brand new baby instead of sleep. It was the feeling of getting the very best present. I remember nodding off to sleep and then sitting up to get one last look at my sleeping baby. Of course I eventually did sleep... in short, 2-3 hour increments because that's how Eli rolled. I remember that stage of Eli as a tiny immobile baby like a flash. A sweet flash of time that I'll hold onto and savor, of course. But most of what I have in my memory bank starts on October 1, 2012 when our little man wobbled onto his very own two legs and took off. Oh the sharp, high pitched, Eli giggles that emerged when he took his own steps. He was proud. And much like that almost one year old he now gets most excited when he's jumping high, climbing something that requires agility, running fast after other kids, banging his drums, and so forth. Yet even though we can hardly find the baby in him these days as he's grown into little boyhood, he still loves a good cuddle just like when he was tiny. He's a mama's boy. He'll go climbing or playing with his daddy anytime. He wants his baby brother to "pway" (play), as he points his finger on the floor next to him. Our baby boy might be three, but he's always and forever our firstborn. How grateful we are for the gift he's been to our lives for three years. We can't wait for all the adventures to come...

Happy birthday to our boy!

Guess who came to visit...

The grandparents!!

Eli got lots of playtime and treats. Henri is looking ready to start eating... at 5 months now! We'll let him start in another month or so ;)

Brothers

These boys in their jammies, minutes before bedtime, squished together on a chair (Eli climbed up next to Henri), just warmed my heart. Eli has yet to really take an interest in holding Henri, and if he doesn't pick it up Henri might be too big for him to hold :)

Sophie and the baby

Our teething baby loves his giraffe, Sophie. Her ears and legs get more chew time with baby H than I remember with Eli. 

The sweetest things...

Some days you just have to focus on your sweet, squishy baby and forget about the mess your house has become. And that toddler who mostly made that mess is pretty great too. Mess aside, he's sweet, charming, and said "baby henwee" yesterday for the first time! And that baby, he's ready for the slopes! (Shirt was a thrift store find in Estes). And now off to go cuddle that baby...

One day at a time

Some grainy phone pics to illustrate how we keep busy when the daddy is gone. Clearly we don't get very made up for our morning jaunt. Next we play with dough, the homemade kind so Eli isn't exposed to toxins when he nibbles on it (that can't taste good, right?). Then digging, naturally. It's 70 and early fall so we must be outside. Meanwhile baby H is hugging the back (oh how I love a baby on my back! Finally! I can do dishes and other such exciting things ;).

Playtime

Henri just watches and watches... Eli glances his way now and then

The boy who willingly puts on pants to go outside takes them off promptly when we get home along with his shoes 

Beads he strung during craft at preschool. He seems pretty proud of them.

Annnnnd yet another truck for the dig pit out back! A neighbor boy was having a "free sale" and put some trucks on his curb. Eli was a happy customer :)

Really sweet how many kids in this neighborhood enjoy passing their "things" along when they are done with them...

Born to be worn

But it looks like I'll have to do all the baby wearing 'round here for the next week while the daddy is gone! So far so good... only about 5 hours in ;)