1976

Brian's mom found this picture while we were visiting and I just had to share. Baby gear has improved 100 times over wouldn't you say? Brian was almost 2 in this picture strapped to his dad's back with little more than a piece of fabric and 2 aluminum poles AND on a bike. Yikes! Glad we have those Burley trailers now! Oh and did I mention bike helmets for both daddy and toddler?

Bikes : A Green Machine

Henry got this shirt, a birthday gift from his friends the Wasserman's, and its a great thing that our kids can cover the earth, running around being our little advocates. I will likely never get to commute via bike to work like I could in the old days. I do take public transportation, train followed by a bus which is not entirely clean energy but better than going it solo in the automobile. Brian thankfully loves the bike commute. So I guess there is a small wink mother nature throws my family's way as we try to make the world a smidge bit cleaner.

Henry Builds a Bear

Oh my gosh it is the darnest, cutest thing to do with a 2 year old. Nana and Papa accompanied us to the store. The second Henry got inside he started dancing. We had such a fun time. Henry even put the heart in himself. And he insisted he carry the giant box all himself all the way to the car, note the box is 2/3 the size of him.

A little bit taller, A little bit wiser, A lot bit sweeter

Am I the only one who upon the birthday of their child so vividly remembers that hospital experience that accompanied the child's first breath, first cry and first cuddle? I'm pretty certain I'm not alone. So those memories have flooded my mind the past few days and I love them all. We had a small party for Henry tonight and the changes since last year's 1st birthday are amazing. The cake eating didn't require a bath at its end. Unlike the first go-round the cake eating didn't have me watching for any signs of allergies, or sugar reaction cause until that birthday he hadn't had a morsel or refined sugar...right moms?? We all know that sugar sure entered that perfect little body well before that first evil bite of birthday cake. For the 2nd birthday we still can't blow out our own candles, that will come in time. The presents! Oh the presents, Henry let out this beautiful squeal of excitement. An exclamation I hadn't heard before today. Our passion for balloons still reigns supreme. He wouldn't let those out of his sight, let alone share them.

As we put birthday boy to bed, he now sleeps with choo-choos, and surely dreams of them. I dream of the sweet laughter I heard all evening, more happy days ahead, and thankful for all the fun we've had so far.

So I sigh contently when I realize that Henry's 3rd birthday is going to have another little person in the house sharing the fun with all of us. Next year will be a great year, changing Henry's life, changing my life, all for the sweeter.

Eating Snow

Henry enjoyed fun outside this weekend. Brian got to try out his snowblower for the first time. We cheered on Brian at his last cross race for the season! He took 2nd place! Yay! This means bike season is over for 2008! We found a great sledding hill minutes from our house. I mean it when I say you can't take a run down a sledding hill without a giant smile on your face. So much fun! Now just a few more days until Henry's 2nd birthday. Can't believe it.

Hangin around

Happy Big Brother!

Well its that time again. Time to stare at 10 itty bitty toes and 10 itty bitty fingers. Time to marvel at how cute something looks just sleeping. Time to once again sleep with a tiny little body on our chests. Time to sway while standing whether we are holding a baby or not. Time to just enjoy the wonder. Time to think about how Henry will react, how will Henry treat the baby, how curious Henry will get. But mostly time to open our hearts even bigger than they now to let in another perfect life. I have to say, I can't wait! July is so long away!

We'll miss you Slammer

We just learned of our sweet friend Slammer passing away. THE sweetest and most gentle dog I've ever known. Giant saucer eyes that swallow you up. Life is short. Love big and appreciate all that small stuff we often overlook. My heart hurts for our friends and my heart is less full. Erika and Mike, I know Slammer is happy watching you play on those mountain trails, so look up at those mountains and you'll see Slammer smiling back.

Yes we did

Happy Halloween!

Henry thoroughly enjoyed handing out candy. He was a huge little helper. He tried his first m&m's and sour patch kids. So darn cute other parents were taking pictures of him upon walking up to our stoop.

1:00:56

Nothing like a 10K in the fall during a brisk yet sunny morning. All the family came out to watch. Then we all headed out for an egg and bacon breakfast well deserved by all. Considering I completely under-trained for this event I was happy with the results.

Lil' Stinker

Kids concert at Fitzgerald's started our day and Halloween in the Park ended our day. Fun Fun Fun!

The Wonder of Boys

I couldn't resist snapping this shot. And somehow I think this is not the last time I'll see them peering into the fridge like this.

Brussels!

We love brussel sprouts and so does Henry apparently. He did need to put them in his rice and then out and then popped them in his mouth. At least they ended up in his belly and not on the floor.

Parnership for a McCain Free White House

I found this through one of my favorite mom blogs and its a collaboration with Moveon.org. Enjoy!!

Henry's Baby

I am really just indulging my own secret desire for an American Girl doll. When I discovered they indeed make a boy doll, I couldn't contain my excitement for Henry to get old enough to have one. So here he is, providing a pillow and a blanket for the new addition to his life. Baby doll has even taken a trip to the grocery and sits right next to Henry in the cart. Brian is still a little unsure of having a doll in the house. I have yet to remind him of his Cabbage Patch doll he had, who his sister disclosed the name to me the other day, Gunther. Cute! Either way I think its completely healthy to have the doll in the house and it gives Henry something to share his snack with other than the dog.

So Darn Cute

I swear I didn't make him wear the helmet on that little trike. I'm not one of those moms. He just loves to wear it, Just like Daddy!

Pumpkins, Apples, the Farm, and a 5th Anniversary

Pumpkin patch, an apple orchard, cider and donuts, a children's petting farm, and our 5th Wedding Anniversary all in one weekend. Oh and we managed to squeeze in a cross race which Brian did amazingly well despite pulling up to the start line while still pumping up his tires, putting on his shoes, and slamming some electrolytes. He didn't even get a chance to pre-ride the course and still impressed everyone. We picked out a few giant and beautiful pumpkins that currently reside on our front porch. We spent a night in the city, enjoying dinner and a whole night out, which grandma and grandpa held down the fort in the suburbs. We loved every second of it and still have cider and donuts waiting for us to wake up to to make it through the reality: Weekends must end and Mondays show their ugly head eventually.