[overheard]

The other night I was putting Jacob to bed with the usual routine.  I don't recall exactly what we had been talking about or what the circumstance was, but what I do remember is what he said to me. 
    "I 'cared, Mommy."  I stopped.  Silence.  Thought. 
    "You're scared, Jacob?"  "Uh-huh."  More thought. 
    "What are you scared of?"  Silence. 
Evidently he didn't know how to express what he was scared of, because, as quickly as it had begun, the moment was over.  His attention moved to something else in the room - the lamp, a book, something. 
Every day it is amazing to me what he says, both because he has physically formed the words with his mouth, but also because it gives me a glimpse into the workings of his mind.  I am having trouble remembering that he is only two years old, because he seems so much more grown-up than a "mere" two-year-old could be.  But along with this growth comes his venturing into new situations, new emotions.  It breaks my heart to know that - already - he is learning that the world he lives in is not always safe, that sometimes there is reason to be scared.  Hopefully he understands it only at a shallow level right now.  And I hope he understands the protective love his Daddy and I have for him.  I pray we can help him understand God's protective love for him, too, especially since God has the ultimate power to do so.  Even more so than the fact that his parents are here for him, I want God's fatherly love to be a comfort to him.
These are the moments you never expect, in being a parent.

Dane - Five Months

Mommy got a new toy for Christmas (kinda), so this month's photo was especially fun to take!  And look at the results - I am thrilled! 
And, for all you empathizing parents of tinies out there, I am happy to have proof that my baby doesn't ALWAYS scream and cry during "tummy time!"  :)

Sweet Dane is really getting fun.  He is very interactive and VERY happy.  Just look at him and his face lights up.  He smiles with his eyes, which Mommy just loves.  He is trying to sit up, working his little abs every day.  He also opens his mouth very wide when he sees the bottle.  He reaches out and grabs it with fervor, as if we never feed him.  I think you can see the contrary.  What a delight he is!

Dane - Four Months

Well, everybody - Here we are!  Dane is four months old!
It's hard to believe that I already have a deck of photos for him and can watch as he has changed and grown.  He is quite the talker these days, and has a STRONG GRIP!  He especially likes to hold onto his sleeve when I'm changing his clothes, and MY sleeve when I'm changing his diaper!  This does NOT make the process faster.  :)

Here is the latest installment in the story of Dane:

Have a great day!

A Fine Day For A Ride

Jacob got a new toy today - a little powered motorcycle from Grandpa Dan.  He LOVES it!  Daddy and Mommy particularly like it because it looks like a Harley.  The stickers on it say Wild Child - how funny!
At first he didn't really understand how to make it work, and managed a few near-misses with the neighbors' cars, etc.  But after awhile, he could steer really well, even navigating correctly when we would say, "Go left!" or "Steer right!".  I was impressed.
Here are some pictures of Jacob on his new "mumm".  Hopefully we'll get a chance to also post the video of him riding for the first time.

Thanks, Grandpa Dan!

Oops!  Ran into the rocks!

Do you see the "Back Off" sticker?!?!

Halloween 2009

All who know me know that I don't get into Halloween much.  However... the part that I do like about Halloween is yummy goodies and cute kids in costumes! 

Today Jakey and I made owl cookies.  We had a lot of fun, and Jakey LOVED putting the sprinkles on.  Mommy had quite a time convincing him NOT to eat all of the pieces before we got them together!  :)

After naptime, Jacob and Dane donned their costumes and got their first taste of trick-or-treating.  Jacob was a biker and Dane was a cowboy.  We went just to a few houses around ours, and one at the end of the street.  Jacob didn't quite get it, though, because at one house he tried to give candy to the people who live there!  It was hilarious. 

Please enjoy these photos of the day:

Sweet Moments...

Jacob has a little "lovey" blankie that he calls his mimi.  We don't know how he came up with that, but that's what he calls it.  Sometimes we play with him and snatch his mimi away and pretend it is ours.  He always says, "MY mimi!"  Some time ago, we started to then grab him, after a "MY mimi" and say, "Yes, that's your mimi, but YOU are MY mimi!"  Most of the time these days, its Daddy who plays this game.

So I came home from work (this is my second week back after maternity leave) and proceeded to sit on the couch beside Jacob as he watched "Melmo".  This has become routine for us all, now that we head off to work and daycare early in the morning.  Jacob scooted over to me and snuggled in.  Then I heard him say, "You're MY mimi."  MY HEART MELTED...  It was as good as if he'd said, "I love you."  Maybe better.  I love this little boy.

Dane - Three Months

Again - The time has come to take the monthly photo, and I CANNOT believe how quickly time passes. 

Dane is now three months old, and an absolutely SWEET baby boy.  He is quite smiley, and almost always happy (except for when he's in his car seat...).  He loves to talk to us, and sometimes makes these crazy noises that sound like a bird!  His big eyes and mass of dark hair get him noticed wherever we go.  He has taken well to daycare, now that Mommy and Daddy are both at work again (though we just HATE leaving him and big brother!).  Everyone there comments on what a happy guy he is!  Here is his three-month picture: