Ben is FOUR!!!

Happy Birthday, Ben! The last four years have been so amazing thanks to you. From the second you were born, and every day since, I thank my lucky stars that I get to be your mommy. You are my best little buddy and I'm so happy you were born. Thank-you for making me a mother; I promise to always love and protect you, even as I help prepare you to become the incredible human being I see you grow into each day. Happy Birthday, Baby Bear=)

Sprinkler Fun

1st Day of School

Ben had his first day back at school and was so happy and excited to see his friends again. He has a new teacher and new schedule this year, as well as many new friends in the class, and is adjusting to the changes fairly well. He is dealing with some sensory-integration issues, so the disruption to his comfort-zone hasn't been easy. We survived the first week and hope to have a great school year ahead, though. It's so fun to see how much he and his friends have changed and grown since last year=) Here are some pictures from his first day!

Not to excited to have his picture taken! He wanted to go!

Requisite 1st Day of School picture with me=)


And...we're off!

He's actually more excited to go through the drive-thru coffee shop in this picture!

Finally here, waiting for me to unload the car.

Enjoying the play-dough!

Thoroughly relaxed and entertained at group-time...a first!

Day of Beauty

After seeing how delighted Emmie was by the children's salon we take Ben to, we decided she must have a turn getting her hair cut as well. She was really excited to get her hair done and sit in the pink barbie jeep. She was a total star and cooperated perfectly. Her hair looked adorable and she was very pleased with the results=) She kept saying, "My look pretty, mama! My hair look pretty!".

2 Months Old!

Callie had her 2 month well-baby visit yesterday and got several shots:( She cried for awhile and was suitably crabby for the remainder of the day. We learned that she is now 10lbs 14.5oz and 23 3/4 inches long. She is looooong and lean! Here are some cute photos from her 2 month photo-op!


2 whole months have passed us by!

"I'm 2 months old, yo"

Big Brother and Big Sissy wanted in on the fun. Callie looks less than pleased;)

Swaddle Me!

Never one to be left out, Emily often requests that I do for her as I do for others. Recently, this has extended into being swaddled like a newborn. Below, are pictures of my sweet, newborn baby Emmie all swaddled up for a nap=)

Look at this face!

She smiles and coos and interacts more and more each day=) We love to have long gurgling conversations and take turns grinning at eachother. Isn't she adorable?!

Swimming At The Y

Here are some recent pictures from Family Swim at the Y!



With his life jacket on, Ben is so brave.
We don't even have to hold onto him.

Emmie is still pretty fearful IN the water but has no problem leaping off the side of the pool.
Anyone want to explain that one to me?!

My happy boy!

Unfortunately, unless I'm in the pool with her, Emily will not stay in very long.
She'd much rather play in the puddles left by the other swimmers=)

Awww!

Emily found one of her old newborn hats and put it on. I can't believe this big girl used to be that tiny baby!

Playdate With Hazel

Hazel graciously hosted a playdate for the three monsters on Friday. We came over to let them run around and introduce the babies properly. Ben and Emily had a swell time, mostly because we left the minute things turned hairy! Emily did a great job playing nicely, taking turns and using her indoor-voice, but she definitely has her limit on how long she can be a nice friend before her "Terribly Two"-ness comes out again. Poor Hazel has gone almost 2 months without being screeched at. Hopefully we didn't scare her or Baby Gus too badly=)


Callie and her fella, Gus. They're two days apart.

Hazel and Ben, playing house.
Ben will be a very evolved husband one day. He loves to clean and cook=)

Emily, checking out Baby Gus. While the babies "played" on the mat, I talked to Hazel about Callie and how she was my new baby. Emily decided that Gus was her new baby. She kept saying, "Baby Caggie your baby. This MY baby". She looks disdainful of him in this picture, but she really loved him.

I want you to notice Emmie's outfit. She chose the dress herself and naturally wore them with her new Dora tennies. She is reinventing the "Fly Girl" look. Um, J-lo who?