Let's try this again...

So that obviously didn't work. Let's try this again with a different app.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We're baaaaack!

I'm testing blogging apps for my phone. Since Ben "hupped" clean my laptop and destroyed it, I haven't had time to get photos off our back up drive to post. But I have tons on my phone so I figure it will be fun to see if I can just update the blog from the phone anyway.

So here goes...

I'm going to add a photo and a video and see what happens.

Catching up...

I've been terrible about updating the blog recently, but I blame having the new task of juggling two boys! The transition from a family of 3 to a family of 4 has been great, if very busy. But so far, we're doing well, and Andy is fitting right into the groove of life on *the outside.*

Ben has taken on his role of big brother with the gusto we expected... he loves holding and helping with Andy, and we're very happy to report that there have been no accidental injuries from over-enthusiastic hugging!

We were lucky to have Coco come stay with us for a whole month!! She really helped with the transition, and had lots of bonding time with Andy.

I really love seeing my crew of boys hanging out together...

Ben's Baby Brother is Here!

On February 25, we welcomed Ben's little brother, Andrew Paul, to the family!

At 9lbs, he was a big boy... but the delivery was great and he and mommy did extraordinarily well...

Family Time

It's been a quiet week since Christmas, which we've enjoyed primarily because of the quiet. The weather has been cold and rainy, and we've spent a lot of time inside playing (and going stir-crazy). A few days ago we had a break in the weather, and Jonathan hung up the swing CeCe and Papa gave Ben for his birthday. We put it in the front yard, and Ben spent most of the day on it!



We've also spent a lot of time cleaning out our garage... which was a very good thing! Right now, about 2/3 of it is dedicated to Jonathan's tools and woodworking equipment, and since I've had the woodworking bug lately myself, I'm happy with this arrangement! The other 1/3 of the space (separated by a wall of bookshelves) is the laundry area. It's a good sized space, so I put down a rug, brought out all of the art supplies that make a mess in the house, added Ben's small table and chairs set, and we now have a play area adjacent to the woodworking space! It's been fun to be out there all together doing "projects" this week. Ben loves to help his dad in the garage.

Right before Christmas, I built us a new coffee table that is also a huge train table. It's great largely because the top comes off in two pieces and inside is enough space to store TONS of his toys. I had to let Jonathan prime and paint it, and we chose a cool sage green color. Here's a shot of the table with the top off.


Today we've been working on another project as well... I can't wait to post some photos, but will hold off until it's done! But here's a look at Ben covered in sawdust, helping us out!




Lastly, I was inspired (reading a blog last night) to make a couple of small terrariums for our kitchen window. They're really cool, and I thought Ben might enjoy helping me assemble them. Well, I was right on the first count, but the assembly proved a bit too delicate for him, so I ended up doing it myself! But I'm really happy with how they turned out. One in an olive jar and the other in an inverted baby food jar. I've since painted the tops of both to match, but here's a look at my handiwork. I can't wait until Ben is a little bit older and can enjoy things like this! For now, he'd much rather shake up the jars, which defeats the purpose, as you might imagine.

Christmas Morning!

We had a great Christmas! Our morning didn't start too early (7am, which is quite late for Ben) and was pretty leisurely. Ben spent time playing with most of his gifts as he opened them, which was fun for all of us. Here are some videos!

Ben's first gift. Toy Story dominoes...




Here's Ben opening his gift from Tommy and Kate. It's a Leap Frog spell pad... Ben already has a Leap Frog laptop (an early gift from Mom Mom) that he loves... which is what he's referring to when he says that this gift is "another 'puter."



We couldn't have let the holiday go by without getting yet another truck. I honestly didn't know this one made so much noise, or I wouldn't have bought it... but Ben loves, it, which makes it fun. For now.




Coco and Papi sent Ben a pirate ship, complete with thousands of little (i.e. swallowable) parts, action figures, and gadgets. You can guess that he LOVES this!! So far so good, as far as putting small parts in his mouth (we've put the most choke-able ones aside) and he's been playing pirate all day!





A small gift that ended up being a big hit was the set of wooden block-beads and string that is meant to be threaded... a good developmental game for hand-eye coordination (and cheap at Target!). Ben and Daddy had a good time playing with this gift together.





Finally, here is Ben opening one of the last gifts of the morning... a set of Legos from CeCe and Papa! He's been loving the Lego set they gave him last month, and he immediately started playing with these when he opened them.





Happy Holidays to All!!

Papa and CeCe's Visit!

As usual, I'm a bit behind in posting... CeCe and Papa came for Thanksgiving, and we had a great week of playing! Ben enjoyed reading with CeCe, sailing with Daddy and Papa, and Mommy enjoyed watching him spend time with his grandparents. Here are some highlights...

Papa hanging out watching Ben rake leaves...

CeCe and Ben at Habit Burger...


Ben wearing the shark mittens that CeCe and Mom Mom gave him...

Playing in the leaves...


I have to admit that I've been terrible about taking pictures lately, but I will be better during the holiday season!