CHEESE!

I found this on the camera tonight. It's too good not to share.
I promise, more posts coming soon!
5/24/12

Happy Ballentimes Day!!!

I love you!

If this doesn't make you smile...

Zoo Day!

This giraffe has a sign that says not to climb...yet everyone does, and everyone takes pictures.

Getting comfy in the stroller.

Waiting to see Sparky the Seal.

Snacks and Sparky.

More walking. Richard thought walking on this slippery surface (it rained on us all day) was SO FUN! He kept throwing himself on the ground intentionally. He was completely soaked by the time I put him back in the stroller. Good thing our zoo visit was over!

He walks!

Richard actually took his first steps several months ago, but has refused to walk all this time. We have been waiting and waiting for him to take the plunge and last week he finally did!
He's started getting very brave and actually walking more than he crawls. These milestones are so bittersweet. I just love the "drunk Frankenstein" baby steps, though. I will miss them (next week) when he is running around chasing his sister with sticks.


Sorry for my lame video commentary. Am I ever going to learn?

Princess Loves Me

Laundry Basket Rides!

Happy Birthday Richard and Shirley!

ABC's

Shirley sings all the time these days. I often hear, "Twinkle, twinkle little star! How I thank you. You're welcome." I'm still trying to get that one on video. Along with "The Wheels on the Bus." (As you can imagine the wipers going "swish, swish, swish" is pert-near the cutest thing EVER.) Tonight I managed to get some great footage of Shirley singing the alphabet song.

Enjoy:

He crawls!

Going...

Going...

Going...

Gone!

To be fair, Richard has been "crawling" for a couple of weeks, but as of November 18, he really had the army crawl mastered.

Check out this joy.

On November 13, we had our first snow here in Chilly Minne. When I showed Shirley the snow out the window, she shrieked, "MAMA!!!!! I NEED MY COAT!!!!!" So, we bundled up and two hours later (no lie), we were outside romping in the snow.

Ready to go outside!

Eh.

Checking it out.
First taste.

Second taste.

My snow angel.

At the Park

We've been taking as much advantage as possible lately of the gorgeous weather outside.
Here are some great photos I got last week at the park.

What happened to my snuggly little infant??

I know! He was replaced by the sweetest, rolliest, polliest "little" baby who rewards even the briefest eye contact with the most enormous smile.

My sweetie boy is getting big so fast!!
He has figured out that if he rolls over twice, he can change locations completely. What's even more impressive is that just yesterday, I looked up to see him up on his elbows and knees, rocking back and forth. Need I remind you, RICHARD IS ONLY FOUR! MONTHS! OLD! Granted, his head is still firmly planted on the ground, but we're not all that far off from real locomotion. I AM NOT READY FOR THIS!!

Thinking about crawling.

At his four month check up today, he weighed 17 pounds! (Just for the sake of comparison, at her four-month check, Shirley weighed 15lbs, 6oz.) Measuring at 26 inches, it is CONFIRMED: Baby Richard is enormous! I knew he was big, but I couldn't believe it when the nurse read his weight out.

Look at this tough guy:

I am so proud of my big, growing boy! I love watching him learn every day--he gets frustrated and fussy if his sister moves out of his eyeline. I assure him that next summer he'll be hitting her with a stick, just like he wants to now. Oh, I love him so. How could you NOT?

Jumping Johnnies

Baby Richard got to try out the Johnny Jump-Up last night for the first time. Thank goodness his sister was there to help out. This is the progression of how it went. I think he likes it. Oh, wait--he had a clear view of his sister the whole time. Of course he liked it. :)

Personally, I find this video hysterical.

Of course, Shirley HAD to try it out.

I wanted to post more video of Shirley so that you all can hear "Shirley Speak."

Arts and Crafts

Happy Fourth of July!

Over the Fourth this year, we had a little staycation. We spent time at the beach and with friends. We worked on no major projects and even turned off the television from time to time. (Don't worry--we still watched plenty of "George, Mama?" And "Puppies, Mama?")

Shirley: all decked out to go to the "Beach, Mama?"

My cousin sent her this hat, scarf and mitten set, surely for this winter. Yes, she is wearing the whole set with her bathing suit. Shirley is nothing if not prepared.

The Bairn, enjoying the shade. Clearly.
The Sand Princess.

All she needs is a bucket and a shovel.
See?
On the Fourth, we went to a pool party at some friends' house.

Shirley loved the water so much, she stayed in until she literally turned blue.
Enjoying some "sming" with Daddy and "Uncle" Nate.

Takiative Boy

Baby Richard has started "talking." It started about a month ago. I LOVE to hear his contented sighs and exuberant coos. Here, also, are some funny pictures I took of him in his swing. Getting a picture of him smiling is getting increasingly difficult because the red light on my camera that shines before the flash goes off is completely mesmerizing. Apparently.

6/16/10

Sigh...

According to a quick blog search, Shirley Jean has demolished paper products on:

March 10, 2009

March 18, 2009

July 11, 2009

I guess I get what I deserve when I set her up to read a bed time story in my bed and then get distracted in the kitchen. At least Post-It flags are cheap. (Sense the TONE.)

My Farm Baby

Oh, what fun was to be had at the Minnesota Zoo today at the Farm Babies exhibit. Shirley Jean had a wonderful time checking out all the animals with Auntie Lauren.

Dreaming of Heaven