Thursday, March 27, 2014

Keeping it real

Just a few of the moments around here lately. The kids both have colds so they're awake a lot coughing. Henri's had a fever but Hudson's dodged that so far. It's kept us home, but that's been a blessing in disguise as there's a nasty stomach bug going around (and around and around since no one believes in the germ theory anymore apparently) that I'd very much like to dodge.

He's getting very fast and sneaky at swiping Henri's toys. Fortunately she's fine with it

It just amazes me how tall she's gotten compared to when we bought her this kitchen. When it first came into our house she could barely reach the sink and cook top!

Still just 2 teeth though I can see another 4 ready to come in at any moment. He got his first toothbrush today and was very happy to be imitating his big sister

Having a cooperative moment

Selfies :)

Soooo excited about this thrift store find! A Corolle doll for just $2. Hudson loves Henri's, so I've been on the lookout for one for him. Her name is Lucy :)

Lucy meeting Bobby. 

Along with not sleeping much at night, Hudson has decided naps (especially morning ones) are no longer necessary. But constantly holding him is. 

no idea what she's saying here

A more realistic look of the looks she's usually giving lately. The teenage years come so fast!

Markers and painting. Finger painting is really fun! Henri instructed me in the finer points of it

Singing on her podium

He's suuuuuper sensitive to Henri's moods. She was fake crying at lunch, and he was so concerned. As soon as she stopped and told him she was OK he perked right up. Until she "cried" again, lol.

Henri loves to put out our flag so that she can bring it in at night and sing Taps to it. 

How Lucy is usually utilized

Bundling up for a walk outside

I attempted to spray paint for a co-op project. In addition to almost getting frostbite, I somehow coated myself, and not the pots, in yellow. 
I don't think we have anything fun coming up for this week, so it shall be more studying, cabin fever, and reading lots of books to Hen.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Phone Dump

You'll notice that most of these involve food. That's because it's the only time the kids are still and I have my phone in grabbing range. Nothing too exciting around here, just moving in to our spring schedule which is the same as the winter one except now I'm bundling the kids up for their afternoon nap and sticking them in the stroller. They sleep, I walk, we breath freshish air, everyone wins.

Eating broccoli. This was his face when he accidentally got some in his mouth, haha

The Potato Heads are very popular

My little geek-in-training

He looooooves balls

Hard to see, but that white and brown ball hanging is a nesting ball Papa made for us from wool scraps. I've seen birds already taking bits for their nest :)

Another meal....

Not to leave the little lady out

My current nightly snack. Pretty amazing. And made in VT, yay! Just milk, cultures, and maple syrup. 

Munching his carrot for St. Paddy's day

A great way to spend your nap if you have to take one

Our snow banks are melting! Of course, it's snowing again as I type this....

My bulbs are coming up

Mom made this great sweater for Hud and he seems to like it as much as I do

His naps are pretty short so we get to spend a chunk of time in the afternoon while Henri sleeps. He prefers that we nurse, read his favorite book about baby animals, and wrestle. Right here he's drooling all over me and about to bite my neck. He's a very affectionate guy.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

2 years ago

...this weekend we went to the Farmers Market in Exeter, and a yearly tradition was born. Today we returned to introduce Hudson to the joys of eating ourselves silly and justifying it by saying we're supporting local farmers. Of course, the real pull is Allie and her bread and today's offerings did not disappoint. After eating, we headed to Hampton Beach. Just because there's still a foot of snow does not mean you can't work on your tan (or in Henri's case, play in the tide pools)! Then home for a looooong walk, supper, and lots of active play to tire the kids out in hopes of sleep tonight. Pretty perfect family weekend. :)

Today we learned that Hudson does not like large crowds. Or people he doesn't know holding him. Or looking at him. Heaven forbid they talk to him....

Apple cake!

Baker extraordinaire

Apple cider donuts....


Sunnyfield Farm's bounty

She's a great traveler, never been bothered by reading in the car

The beach! Yes, that's snow

Very balmy day

"A very big shell for Daddy"

My boys

Selfies :)

Hen was large, in charge, and on the move

Seaweed!
I know we technically lose an hour of sleep tonight, but as the kids are always up at 0600 sharp, I'm looking forward to seeing the clock say "7" and pretending they slept in :)

Thursday, March 6, 2014

"I do not negotiate with terrorists"

You can add that to the very long list of things I never thought I'd be saying/doing as a parent but caught myself saying this morning. Like most folks with young kids I've spoken to, this has been a rough long winter for me and I think all of our crazy is starting to come through. It's not helping that it looks gorgeous out, but it's still freezing and the sidewalks remain impassable. Pinterest's earning its keep with an endless supply of craft ideas so hopefully Henri's remaining stimulated. And I just bought a family-sized jar of Nutella that I'm making rapid inroads on.
Hudson finally had his 6mo appt last week and....he's a shrimp! Still much bigger than Henri, but he's dropped to the 30% for weight (16#6oz) and remains in the 50% for length. He does have chub which is pretty adorable. Eating is gong well, in that he looooves to do it. Breakfast is usually Cream of Wheat mixed with a fruit and veggie Happy Baby pouch. Lunch is yogurt and Happy Baby. Supper is whatever we're having and puffs. He's a big fan of anything that requires chewing and smacks his gums enthusiastically to encourage you to hurry up with the next bite. He's also gotten very mobile and will chase you from room to room. He doesn't get his legs under him, but he's got the inchworm down pat, and Henri's learning how to play with her toys out of his reach. One thing that's made me really happy is that overnight Hudson decided he loves books. He still won't sit still for me reading Henri's longer books to him, but I've pulled out a few baby board books and he's fascinated with a baby animal one and will lie, flipping pages, for minutes at a time (baby attention spans are a bit short. I forgot...). Not many pictures as my phone's memory filled up again and grabbing the camera always triggers a kid meltdown (why???) but they were having fun with the pop up tunnel the other day: