Snapshot: Siblings in the Sun

Henry is not happy that Evelyn took his book.

Evelyn busies herself with "big girl" work.

Henry:  on the prowl.

Henry tasted about four pine cones and nibbled on some contraband leaves until I scooped him up into my arms.  Evelyn enjoyed gardening:  weeding, digging random holes, and flinging dirt into a bucket.  It really was lovely to be outdoors.  We even managed to plant some snapdragon seeds in the front bed.  Hopefully, they will bloom in July-- in time for Evelyn's third birthday.

New Foods

Henry got his first taste of whole fat Greek yogurt today.  He seemed to like it, though it obviously didn't satisfy his need to put things into his mouth.  Ten minutes after I set him down, I discovered that Henry had crawled under the art easel and had swiped a piece of green chalk.  About 25% of it was missing and his tongue and teeth were green.  Lovely!  It's a good thing that chalk is non-toxic. 

I'm Nine Months Old Today!

Hi, I'm the big boy on campus.  I still sleep with my Mom because it's the coziest place around.  Also, she is Milk.  I can say "Dada" but when I need Mom, I just sign "milk" with my little hand.  It's like magic.  Enough about milk; I've been eating shredded chicken for almost three days now and I can feed myself.  It's just as exciting as it sounds.  I do have six teeth, afterall.   

Also, my sister's hair?  I love it!  She's swings her pigtails my way and starts talking about something and telling me "No, no. . . " and I just can't help myself:  one fistful of that hair and the afternoon really gets interesting!   

Memories and Keepsakes

I just ordered a photo book for Henry.  It took me fourteen months to create a comprehensive collection of special pictures for Evelyn, but I realized that this time around, I probably won't have blocks of two hours at a time to work on something like that.  I had some time this morning while the kids played (mostly together) and then again while Henry nursed and napped, so I decided to seize the moment.  This book is about twenty pages, but covers birth, professional newborn shots, and the few baptism pictures that remained after my laptop's harddrive crashed (for the second time!  Back up those precious memories, folks!).  I think it will be beautiful.

Keepsakes and mementos are important to me.  I keep handwritten baby books for each child in addition to the bound photo books.  Right now, my plan is to create one photo book (and order two or three copies, so that each child can have a copy to keep) with memories every year or two as a way to document their development and whatever fun things we do as a family: travels, vacations, holidays, and the like.  Digital cameras and online photosharing make it so simple to snap an adorable shot and send it to dozens (or hundreds) of friends, but I am not convinced that this is the best method to preserve photos for the next generation.  I'll have to keep thinking about that.  

baby Evelyn Spring 2009

Rubik's Cube Chew Toy

What is more fun than hanging out in your big sister's bedroom?  Slobbering on all of her toys, of course!  Evelyn is usually not very happy to see Henry gnawing on her things, but she actually offered the Rubik's cube.  Henry was more than willing to give it a go.  

On the Mend

I think (I hope, I pray. . . ) that Henry is finally feeling better.  He's had the croup since last Thursday when his breathing and coughing sent us to the Emergency Room at 2:00 AM.  Poor Henry has needed almost all of my waking (and sleeping) attention and it's been difficult for Evelyn to wait at times.  While Henry slept in the Ergo carrier on Daddy, Evelyn and I spent some much-needed time together in the gorgeous afternoon sunlight. 

Snapshot: Playmates

After a lot of "Nooooo, Henry!  Mom, Henry is knocking over my door!" from Evelyn, I convinced her to let Henry visit her in the new house.  After all, I helped build it so I thought I should have a vote when it comes to visitors.

It was everything Henry thought it could be. . . he was thrilled!