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| Seth has really picked up on the guitar lately |
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| Throw down the guitar, give a sultry look... a rock star! |
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| Ticklin' those ivories! |
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| The vocalist |
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| The reunion tour poster shot |
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| Because brothers are AWESOME! |
Thursday, June 30
Boy Band Reunion Tour
The boy band is back and hotter than ever! Things have changed somewhat since their last tour.
Monday, June 27
Water Table Play
A while back I bought a water table. Ian LOVES to play in the sink, and Seth loves anything water-related (he'll be attending his first swimming lesson tonight, in fact). Found one on sale AND used a coupon to get a great deal, and it seems to be a big hit so far.
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| Boys with buckets |
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| Figuring out the water wheel |
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| Forget the toys, let's splash! |
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| Happy baby! |
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| A big brother for ya! |
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| Sharing, sort of |
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| Bucket head! |
Saturday, June 25
Tuesday, June 21
"Zooey" is Actually A Word
In recent games of Words With Friends, I have come to find out that "zooey" is actually a word. It's basically an adjective for things zoo-related. So, I guess you could say that we had a zooey Father's Day!
I guess these were the only pictures of "animals" I got!
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| We saw lots of monkeys. |
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| This guy loves his snacks. |
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| Snack break at kid-size picnic table |
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| Seth's first train ride |
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| A father and his son |
Saturday, June 18
For Father's Day
There are three men in my life now that carry the title of "father" and play a significant role in my life and family. I'd like to take a moment to honor them.
First of all, my own dad whom I consider to be a wealth of wisdom and wisecracks. I've always been a daddy's girl, and I've seen his characteristics and influence come out in my own personality and decisions, even moreso now that I am an adult. Growing up, he provided me with so many learning opportunities and experiences while also trying to protect me the best he could. While we don't talk all that often these days, whenever we do get together, I always enjoy conversations with him.
Since my dad raised a daughter, I think he's very intrigued by what to do with these grandsons. And it is so neat to see him fulfill the role of grandfather. (He's known as "Paw Paw.") One thing's for sure, I know he is praying for us daily! Also, my dad's latest venture or "calling," you could say, has been in the ministry. He has become very involved in his church in service and teaching capacities. He is also involved with a cancer care center and pursuing a chaplaincy opportunity there. Later in July, he will be ordained as a minister after retiring from the business world. I don't really know how else to phrase this, but I am so proud of him!
Nearly 12 years ago, I met my father-in-law for the first time. John and I just randomly showed up at his house pretty late at night. My first memory of Alan is him peaking through the window bleary-eyed wondering who the heck was at the door at such a late hour. Another fun memory I have of Alan is the Christmas when he decided to give me tabloid newspapers after he found out I didn't like them/hadn't read any of them. It was something crazy like Attack of the Alien Baby, you know, but Alan was so tickled with it, I can't help but laugh out loud even now as I think about it.
Alan is the kind of man, father, and grandfather who would do ANYTHING for you. Just ask him, and he's there. I can't tell you how many wall hangings and curtain rods he's hung for us through all of our moves. He's always got a story to tell, and since he's recently worked in the prisons and parole office, his stories can be pretty interesting. I can tell he absolutely adores my boys and has especially bonded with Ian. Overall Alan is pretty stoic and even-keel, but he turns into a complete goofball with his grandsons. Again, it is so neat to see this transition to grandparenthood in our own parents.
So, now on to my main squeeze, John, the father of my children, the love of my life. I have to admit that John and I sometimes lament for our pre-children days when it was just the two of us. But I also have to say that since John has become a father, I have come to love him even more than I thought possible. He interacts with, teaches, and even disciplines our boys so well. He fulfills a role in their lives that I know I could never offer them. He is teaching them, even at such a young age, how to become decent people and grow into good men.
I am also proud of John's accomplishments at work... that he enjoys what he does, works hard at it, and quite frankly, is stinkin' good at it, too. I am also amazed and pleased that he comes home and spends time with his family and does so because he wants to and enjoys it, not because he feels obligated. He takes really good care of things around the house, too... like watering the lawn, mowing, weeding, taking out the trash, vacuuming, cooking occasionally, grilling (yum!), and the list goes on. He is a wonderful provider and leader for our family.
I guess I didn't write such a tribute for Mother's Day, but we certainly are very blessed by our mothers, too! I am so grateful to have such loving families! I hope everyone has a Happy Father's Day!
First of all, my own dad whom I consider to be a wealth of wisdom and wisecracks. I've always been a daddy's girl, and I've seen his characteristics and influence come out in my own personality and decisions, even moreso now that I am an adult. Growing up, he provided me with so many learning opportunities and experiences while also trying to protect me the best he could. While we don't talk all that often these days, whenever we do get together, I always enjoy conversations with him.
Since my dad raised a daughter, I think he's very intrigued by what to do with these grandsons. And it is so neat to see him fulfill the role of grandfather. (He's known as "Paw Paw.") One thing's for sure, I know he is praying for us daily! Also, my dad's latest venture or "calling," you could say, has been in the ministry. He has become very involved in his church in service and teaching capacities. He is also involved with a cancer care center and pursuing a chaplaincy opportunity there. Later in July, he will be ordained as a minister after retiring from the business world. I don't really know how else to phrase this, but I am so proud of him!
Nearly 12 years ago, I met my father-in-law for the first time. John and I just randomly showed up at his house pretty late at night. My first memory of Alan is him peaking through the window bleary-eyed wondering who the heck was at the door at such a late hour. Another fun memory I have of Alan is the Christmas when he decided to give me tabloid newspapers after he found out I didn't like them/hadn't read any of them. It was something crazy like Attack of the Alien Baby, you know, but Alan was so tickled with it, I can't help but laugh out loud even now as I think about it.
Alan is the kind of man, father, and grandfather who would do ANYTHING for you. Just ask him, and he's there. I can't tell you how many wall hangings and curtain rods he's hung for us through all of our moves. He's always got a story to tell, and since he's recently worked in the prisons and parole office, his stories can be pretty interesting. I can tell he absolutely adores my boys and has especially bonded with Ian. Overall Alan is pretty stoic and even-keel, but he turns into a complete goofball with his grandsons. Again, it is so neat to see this transition to grandparenthood in our own parents.
So, now on to my main squeeze, John, the father of my children, the love of my life. I have to admit that John and I sometimes lament for our pre-children days when it was just the two of us. But I also have to say that since John has become a father, I have come to love him even more than I thought possible. He interacts with, teaches, and even disciplines our boys so well. He fulfills a role in their lives that I know I could never offer them. He is teaching them, even at such a young age, how to become decent people and grow into good men.
I am also proud of John's accomplishments at work... that he enjoys what he does, works hard at it, and quite frankly, is stinkin' good at it, too. I am also amazed and pleased that he comes home and spends time with his family and does so because he wants to and enjoys it, not because he feels obligated. He takes really good care of things around the house, too... like watering the lawn, mowing, weeding, taking out the trash, vacuuming, cooking occasionally, grilling (yum!), and the list goes on. He is a wonderful provider and leader for our family.
I guess I didn't write such a tribute for Mother's Day, but we certainly are very blessed by our mothers, too! I am so grateful to have such loving families! I hope everyone has a Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 17
Oh, These Summer Days
These summer days are long, hot, and exhausting. In a word, we are BUSY! Let me recap the past week...
Saturday we went to the mall in the morning and then took a long walk to a nearby park and wooded area in the evening. (Afternoons are always reserved for naps. That is the only way we survive.)
Sunday we went to the lake. Phew!
Monday we stayed home in the morning since both boys were acting puny. But after naps we needed to go get some groceries, and then it was time for Ian's gymnastics. We started out the day intending to take it easy, but it still ended up being a full day, it seemed.
Tuesday the boys were off to school, and I ran a few errands and did some work. I was also trying to take it easy because I hurt my back in an exercise class the night before. We got a new sandbox, and after playing with it inside (sans sand, mind you) and having good fun with the big box it shipped in, we decided to take it outside and enlist its services as a pool. I went ahead and set up the water table, too (another new toy 'round here), and we tried to stay wet and cool under the shady part of the porch.
Let me just interject here that MAN, IT IS HOT! Over a 100 degrees every day this week. Don't worry, we are wearing our sunscreen and making sure everyone is properly hydrated.
On Wednesday morning, we went to a kids' showing of a movie that was playing for a dollar at a local theater. We saw The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, and since Ian is kind of in a pirate phase these days, he was glued to the big screen. Seth, however, was a little harder to manage, but he did pretty well just wandering around in front of our seats, snuggling with mama, and eating snacks.
Another pause to bring you this tidbit: lots of outdoor play means lots of laundry. Ugh.
For some reason when I picked up the boys from school on Thursday, I felt compelled to pack our afternoon with more activities. Ian had already been on a school field trip that day, and Seth had refused to nap. I know, I'm a glutton for punishment, aren't I? So, we ran a few errands, indulged in a snow cone (Ian's first), and ended up at the Y's splash pad. I brought home zombie children to say the least.
Which brings us to today. We spent the morning playing at open gym (where Ian takes gymnastics). The boys' naps were short, and afterward we thought it would be nice to take a dip in the neighborhood pool. (Well, Ian was practically begging to go. Plus, Seth is our little swimmer. And John was home, too.) Afterward I headed to an exercise class (my first since the injury earlier in the week... I am all healed, it seems!) and after dinner, Ian went outside to play some MORE. (He goes out and rides his tricycle most evenings, actually.)
I am exhausted from just reading back over this, let alone the fact that I actually LIVED it! Yes, my boys are worn out, too, but they are having the time of their little lives! They may be sweaty, pink-cheeked, and sometimes not even walking straight, but they keep at it!
And then, they CRASH. And so do I!
Saturday we went to the mall in the morning and then took a long walk to a nearby park and wooded area in the evening. (Afternoons are always reserved for naps. That is the only way we survive.)
Sunday we went to the lake. Phew!
Monday we stayed home in the morning since both boys were acting puny. But after naps we needed to go get some groceries, and then it was time for Ian's gymnastics. We started out the day intending to take it easy, but it still ended up being a full day, it seemed.
Tuesday the boys were off to school, and I ran a few errands and did some work. I was also trying to take it easy because I hurt my back in an exercise class the night before. We got a new sandbox, and after playing with it inside (sans sand, mind you) and having good fun with the big box it shipped in, we decided to take it outside and enlist its services as a pool. I went ahead and set up the water table, too (another new toy 'round here), and we tried to stay wet and cool under the shady part of the porch.
Let me just interject here that MAN, IT IS HOT! Over a 100 degrees every day this week. Don't worry, we are wearing our sunscreen and making sure everyone is properly hydrated.
On Wednesday morning, we went to a kids' showing of a movie that was playing for a dollar at a local theater. We saw The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, and since Ian is kind of in a pirate phase these days, he was glued to the big screen. Seth, however, was a little harder to manage, but he did pretty well just wandering around in front of our seats, snuggling with mama, and eating snacks.
Another pause to bring you this tidbit: lots of outdoor play means lots of laundry. Ugh.
For some reason when I picked up the boys from school on Thursday, I felt compelled to pack our afternoon with more activities. Ian had already been on a school field trip that day, and Seth had refused to nap. I know, I'm a glutton for punishment, aren't I? So, we ran a few errands, indulged in a snow cone (Ian's first), and ended up at the Y's splash pad. I brought home zombie children to say the least.
Which brings us to today. We spent the morning playing at open gym (where Ian takes gymnastics). The boys' naps were short, and afterward we thought it would be nice to take a dip in the neighborhood pool. (Well, Ian was practically begging to go. Plus, Seth is our little swimmer. And John was home, too.) Afterward I headed to an exercise class (my first since the injury earlier in the week... I am all healed, it seems!) and after dinner, Ian went outside to play some MORE. (He goes out and rides his tricycle most evenings, actually.)
I am exhausted from just reading back over this, let alone the fact that I actually LIVED it! Yes, my boys are worn out, too, but they are having the time of their little lives! They may be sweaty, pink-cheeked, and sometimes not even walking straight, but they keep at it!
And then, they CRASH. And so do I!
Wednesday, June 15
Sunday, June 12
Just Add Water: Part Two
Today we spent a few hours at Canyon Lake. It was a fun family outing less than an hour from home!
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| Seth liked playing with the rocks. |
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| Ian ventures out in the water. |
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| My boys having fun |
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| Seth likes eating the rocks! |
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| Seth likes to swim, too! |
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| Just me and my boys |
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| Building a tower with Daddy |
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| Our wobbly little walker |
Monday, June 6
Just Add Water
What do you do with two busy boys when it's 102 degrees outside? Just add water!
So, then what do you do with your busy boys at the end of a busy day? Just add water... and soap!
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| First time at a spray park |
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| This guy knows what to do |
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| Ian shows Seth the ropes |
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| Seth's got it figured out |
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| Wait, where's Ian going? |
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| Fun with water |
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| Mom, I'm tired! |
So, then what do you do with your busy boys at the end of a busy day? Just add water... and soap!
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| Sweet face |
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| Messy face |
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| Bathtime = playtime |
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| Gettin' cleaned up |
Thursday, June 2
A Not-So Quick Comparison
I feel a little guilty by comparing my boys, but really it's more out of fascination for how different they are rather than trying to hold one to the other's standard. I love how they are different... how it goes to show that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made! And it's not like one is bad, and the other is good... it's like the challenges we had/have with Ian are easy breezy with Seth who then has his own set of difficulties that we never encountered with Ian. I've done this before and then again, so here is round three...
Ian started taking steps at age 10 months and was full-on walking by 11 months. Seth has been a little slower at this, but took his official "first steps" on the day he turned 13 months. He's been getting better and better since then. I feel like Seth's approach to walking has been more gradual than Ian's. Like Ian just decided to walk across the room one day whereas Seth has yet to take more than about 6-7 steps at a time. Seth also "walks" on his tiptoes which I hear/read is common, but Ian never did. Ian also learned to walk by pulling up on something and then taking off. Seth started walking only after he learned how to stand up all by himself.
Ian still used bottles until about 14 months, and insisted on those "transition" cups with the soft spouts which are basically glorified bottles. It wasn't until about age 18 months that he started using hard spouts. And it seemed like FOREVER before we could give up that bedtime bottle/cup of milk. Seth, however, didn't care much for those soft sippies and uses the same cups that Ian does now. (We just cleaned out all our cups and bought all the same kind...Playtex.) He also doesn't take a night bottle.
Ian is a drinker... if I'd let him, he'd carry around a cup all day and drink his weight in milk. I just switched him to fat free milk and have been trying to limit his intake. He's been doing about a gallon and a half a week... STILL at age 3. Seth, however, takes sips here and there. He'll drink about a half-cup with his meals, but really not much else. He probably takes in about 3/4 of a gallon a week.
Seth is an eater! Man, that kid can EAT. He'll still pretty much eat anything. His absolute favorite food is banana which is also one of his very few words ("nah-na-na"). Ian never really liked bananas and is still pretty finicky about them. Well, he's finicky about all food, and THAT has been one major difference between my boys.
Since he could crawl, Ian has always been a MOVER. Seth, however, is content to be held, snuggle, and sit in my lap. It's pretty crazy AND super sweet. I cherish this most about my baby boy. However, at bedtime, Seth is all business... put me in my crib, woman, I am TIRED. Ian would insist that I rock, read, sing... a drawn-out process that he still needs to settle down.
Both boys have had sleep challenges, but Seth is at a pretty good stage right now. He doesn't really require too many sleep "props" like Ian did and still does. Seth does use a paci at night, though. He sleeps through the night... a good 12 hours and takes one nap during the day, about 2-3 hours long. Ian usually still gets up once in the night.
Seth sleeps until 8 or so in the mornings. Ian, like clockwork, gets up at 6 a.m. and has for most of his life, it seems.
Ian has been pretty content and even-keel. Seth goes from one extreme to the other. He is either really happy or really mad and lets you know about it either way. Seth also seems to "get" how to play with toys earlier than Ian did, but he also gets frustrated with them easily.
Seth loves the water and anything related... bath, pool, splash pad (went there today for the first time). Ian does OK in the bath or kiddie pool, but is still pretty apprehensive in the neighborhood pool and at the splash pad.
Ian is a daddy's boy and has been since around 9 months. Seth is still a mama's boy.
Seth is still working on hair... at this age, Ian had already had his first haircut and maybe even his second.
Seth is very accident-prone. And sick a lot. Ian was neither.
Seth has a big brother to contend with... yeah, Ian just didn't have that. :-)
Even with all these differences, there are still some similarities... both boys LOVE music, instruments, and dancing. They also love people and are very good at charming complete strangers. Neither of them have really exhibited much in the way of separation anxiety (at least not yet for Seth). And they both bring their parents great joy (and some frustration). Gotta love 'em!
Ian started taking steps at age 10 months and was full-on walking by 11 months. Seth has been a little slower at this, but took his official "first steps" on the day he turned 13 months. He's been getting better and better since then. I feel like Seth's approach to walking has been more gradual than Ian's. Like Ian just decided to walk across the room one day whereas Seth has yet to take more than about 6-7 steps at a time. Seth also "walks" on his tiptoes which I hear/read is common, but Ian never did. Ian also learned to walk by pulling up on something and then taking off. Seth started walking only after he learned how to stand up all by himself.
Ian still used bottles until about 14 months, and insisted on those "transition" cups with the soft spouts which are basically glorified bottles. It wasn't until about age 18 months that he started using hard spouts. And it seemed like FOREVER before we could give up that bedtime bottle/cup of milk. Seth, however, didn't care much for those soft sippies and uses the same cups that Ian does now. (We just cleaned out all our cups and bought all the same kind...Playtex.) He also doesn't take a night bottle.
Ian is a drinker... if I'd let him, he'd carry around a cup all day and drink his weight in milk. I just switched him to fat free milk and have been trying to limit his intake. He's been doing about a gallon and a half a week... STILL at age 3. Seth, however, takes sips here and there. He'll drink about a half-cup with his meals, but really not much else. He probably takes in about 3/4 of a gallon a week.
Seth is an eater! Man, that kid can EAT. He'll still pretty much eat anything. His absolute favorite food is banana which is also one of his very few words ("nah-na-na"). Ian never really liked bananas and is still pretty finicky about them. Well, he's finicky about all food, and THAT has been one major difference between my boys.
Since he could crawl, Ian has always been a MOVER. Seth, however, is content to be held, snuggle, and sit in my lap. It's pretty crazy AND super sweet. I cherish this most about my baby boy. However, at bedtime, Seth is all business... put me in my crib, woman, I am TIRED. Ian would insist that I rock, read, sing... a drawn-out process that he still needs to settle down.
Both boys have had sleep challenges, but Seth is at a pretty good stage right now. He doesn't really require too many sleep "props" like Ian did and still does. Seth does use a paci at night, though. He sleeps through the night... a good 12 hours and takes one nap during the day, about 2-3 hours long. Ian usually still gets up once in the night.
Seth sleeps until 8 or so in the mornings. Ian, like clockwork, gets up at 6 a.m. and has for most of his life, it seems.
Ian has been pretty content and even-keel. Seth goes from one extreme to the other. He is either really happy or really mad and lets you know about it either way. Seth also seems to "get" how to play with toys earlier than Ian did, but he also gets frustrated with them easily.
Seth loves the water and anything related... bath, pool, splash pad (went there today for the first time). Ian does OK in the bath or kiddie pool, but is still pretty apprehensive in the neighborhood pool and at the splash pad.
Ian is a daddy's boy and has been since around 9 months. Seth is still a mama's boy.
Seth is still working on hair... at this age, Ian had already had his first haircut and maybe even his second.
Seth is very accident-prone. And sick a lot. Ian was neither.
Seth has a big brother to contend with... yeah, Ian just didn't have that. :-)
Even with all these differences, there are still some similarities... both boys LOVE music, instruments, and dancing. They also love people and are very good at charming complete strangers. Neither of them have really exhibited much in the way of separation anxiety (at least not yet for Seth). And they both bring their parents great joy (and some frustration). Gotta love 'em!
Wednesday, June 1
Quick Comparison
The photo of Seth in the previous post looks A LOT like Ian to me. I tried to find a similar pose from Ian at that age, and it's almost like I could see the exact same photo in my mind from two years ago. Well, I didn't exactly find what I was imagining... I mean, there would only be hundreds taken of the kid around that time frame to sort through, but here's one for you to take a look.
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