Great Grandpa Gene & Noah

Noah loves his Great Grandpa Gene. Anytime we see tractors he says "Papa Tractoo!" because he remembers Grandpa's tractors on the farm. Noah has visited the farm twice (last Memorial Day and 4th of July). He loves riding the Gator, playing on the tractors and throwing rocks in the machine shed (sometimes at Charlie's expense). We are already anticipating our next visit as the weather gets warmer. Here are some sweet pics of Noah with his Great Grandpa.

Four Generations

Noah and Elliot are very lucky to have 3 sets of Grandparents, one of which are his Great Grandparents. Paul took this picture on Sunday when my Grandma Lois was holding Elliot and my mom and I happened to be in the shot too. I had been out sledding, I think Grandma Lo had been out shoveling so we aren't dressed or made up much, but it's still a great shot of the four of us.

Grandma Lo and E having a serious conversation

Grandma Lo and Noah are playing with Easter bunnies

More sledding pics

Suicide Hill is also home to one of our favorite parks that we visit often, particularly in the Spring and Fall since it's not very shaded. It has lots of slides and a great sand area to play in. Parents buy cheap sand toys and leave them there for kids to play with.

So, we couldn't go sledding without playing on the playground too. Because of the snow and ice Noah flew out of all the slides really fast and thought it was hilarious. Paul did too and I thought that was hilarious. Even though it's almost April, I'm glad we got one last snow to play in. But, I am SO ready for the warm weather now.

A great action shot

Our friend, Dena took these pictures. Noah was throwing snowballs at her.

This is why it's called "Suicide Hill"

We thought we were finished with winter, but this is what it looked like outside our door last night.





So of course we made plans to head to Suicide Hill this morning, a few blocks away. We'll have more pictures later, but this was the first run of the day.

Our last run at Suicide Hill, during the last snow, destroyed our good sled, so we had to settle for one of the last-in-stock sleds available. That one steered a little better than this one...

Good Eats

Tonight, instead of his usual Mac-n-Cheese or chicken nuggets, Noah had Soy Citrus Scallops with Soba Noodles for dinner. Lately the chance to plan and cook a good meal is rare. While we enjoy trying new recipes, the whole newborn thing really doesn’t lend itself to that approach to eating and we usually find ourselves eating something quick on the fly.

Today was a pretty lazy day, so we got the chance to try something new. I didn’t really think there was a chance that Noah would be interested in trying it, but he went through them faster than the Skittles we gave him at Midnight Mass at Christmas, and asked for more. So, now I’m not sure whether to be delighted that he’s branching out a little with his tastes, or cry about the fact that I’ll be changing a $14.99/lb diaper in the next few hours.

E has yet to be convinced that I’m his father, or at least that I’m trustworthy. He greets me most nights by crying when I hold him, and although Mandy tells me he’s smiling up a storm these days, he doesn’t do it much for me yet. I can’t say that I blame him, as I actually forgot I had two sons today. Not once but twice, and within the span of a few minutes.

We were looking for “big-boy” beds for Noah, since we’d like to get E out of our bed and into a crib, but we don’t want to have to buy another crib. Noah’s getting kicked out of his, which he’s probably ready for anyway. We dropped Noah off at the neighbor’s and we went to a store called Babyland, just up the street. I hopped out of the car and was inside the building before I turned around and wondered what Mandy was getting out of the backseat. I thought she was being pretty lackadaisical for being in the middle of a snowstorm until I saw her bring out the car seat. Whoops. Then, when we were leaving, I entertained the thought of a quick lunch at a restaurant somewhere close, or shopping in peace for tonight’s meal, since Noah was being taken care of. I again forgot we had a baby in the seat behind us. To be fair, he is rather quiet (when I’m not holding him), so he doesn’t stand out much.

Brothers playing

Noah has been trying to play with Elliot since he was first home from the hospital. He would bring him trains and try to pry his grip open to make him take toys. I had to explain he was too little. Here he was sharing Henry's Tender. Nevermind Elliot was asleep at the time.


Last week for the first time Noah was playing with Elliot and Elliot seemed to like it. I had Elliot laying on my bed while I was getting changed to workout. Noah climbed in bed and was pretending to take a nap with Elliot. He gave him a blanket and told him good night and to sleep good. Then he pulled his blanket on and closed his eyes and fake snored. After that he gave Elliot a hug and had his huge head resting on Elliot's tummy. I was worried he'd hurt him until I saw a big grin on Elliot's face. It was so cute! Today, instead of Elliot joining in on Noah's play, Noah joined Elliot in his baby play: tummy time.

My boys

Nothing too exciting about yesterday, but it was a good day. The boys were happy. It was nice enough to be outside riding bikes . And Elliot capped it off sleeping 9 straight hours. It just keeps getting better and better. Now today Elliot is still being an angel. Noah on the other hand.......... well I'll post him being angelic yesterday because today not so angelic.

He thinks my jokes are funny

8pm-4am

That's how long Elliot slept before waking to nurse! No wonder he's smaller than his brother! Then he was up for the day at 7:35. I can handle this. :) Of course, I was up with Noah twice before that with bad dreams. Something was "Scary!", but all I got out of him was something about pressing a button and asking to cuddle. I think it may just be a few years before someone doesn't need me and I actually get a full night of sleep. But, this is pretty good.

Noah in his "gwasses"

Noah used to hate sunglasses and would never keep them on. Now he loves to wear "gwasses". We are always losing or breaking a pair. This pair is not his. It's another little boy in his playgroup that left them here on Friday. He took over them until we could see his friend again to return them. Looks like we are going to have to spring for 2 new pairs of Diego "gwasses". One for Noah's friend and one for Noah. He broke them today.

Here's my cool little dude modeling his borrowed "gwasses" before he broke them.

Haha! I just realized he has a Diego cup in this picture too.

Here's Noah at 8 months old. I couldn't keep these glasses on him to save my life

Elliot is 2 months old

Sweet happy baby boy

Today Elliot had his 2 month appointment.

Weight: 12lb 13 oz (75th%)
Height: 23" (50th%)
Head: 39.5 cm (50th%)


He's on the same growth curve he was at his 2 week appointment. His RSV he had last month didn't set him back at all. He's doing all the right stuff for a 2 month old, which isn't much. He's tracking, smiling and cooing. He also is a total mommy's boy and tends to cry like something is horribly wrong when someone besides me is holding him for too long. Until I pick him up and all is well. Dr. W. suggested that we leave him with his Grandma regularly and let her give him a bottle. So, what do you say Mom? Doctor's orders!

Poor little thing was tuckered out after his shots today

Hot Chocolate Stand

I once read that you should always buy lemonade from stands. Can't remember where, but it stuck with me and I decided not to ever pass one by again. I remember Sarah and I sitting in the heat all day at Grandma Lo's (OK, maybe it was a couple hours) and we'd be lucky to get just the mailman.

Well we passed by a stand today on a walk. It was a little cool this morning for lemonade, so they were selling hot chocolate. It was a heck of a deal, because we also got our fortune read (turns out Noah's first job will be writing greetings for a card company. This is good! He can work for Hallmark and stay close to home!). They also put on a dancing/singing show for us (Hot and Cold by Katie Perry - haha).

They were excited for a customer (their sisters were going door to door trying to drum up business)

Noah getting his hot chocolate

Trying to pay with his Thomas the Train driver instead of moneymmmmm..... delicious!

A convo with Noah

See Paul, I told you it was worth the money

Paul was surprised at how much this gym cost. There were only a few brands and all had the same price. Unfortunately I had gotten rid of Noah's old one and really wanted something to entertain Elliot just laying down besides tummy time.

Clearly, it was worth every penny because Elliot loves it and it makes him smile. And so does Noah (surprise, surprise huh? He loves all of the "baby" things now).

Rough and Tumble......and DIRTY!

After playing yesterday at the park and also outside with his "best priend", Hudson, he was filthy. His jeans had grass stains on the knees mixed in with some green do-a-dot paint. He had dirt everywhere. He was so tired that we put him straight to bed after storytime instead of taking a bath.

So this morning, of course I gave him a bath. Not sure why I even bother when it's nice outside though. We went straight to the park. He stayed clean about 30 minutes. First, he hit the sandbox. It was pretty much over then. He sealed the deal when he decided to log roll down the long steep hill (we were at the "suicide hill" park). Then he ran down the steepest part falling into the mud. Of course, it's not a beautiful day at the park without a picnic. I met a few friends. One of them brought leftover birthday cake. That took care of the face. :) It's only 2:00pm. Wonder just how dirty we can get yet. We have a good 5 hours at least of outdoor time. Although right now, we are taking a train break.

No pics from the park :( It's enough to juggle two boys at this point. These are from home.

Cutest.Pucker.Ever.

So sad, yet so adorable............

Snake Saturday

Every year for St. Patrick's Day, Brookside turns green and everyone claims some Irish heritage. There is usually a pretty big turnout, regardless of the weather, but this year it was sunny and low 60's, which seemed to boost the crowds.

I don't think there are many (any?) entry limitations to be in the parade, and it's often whimsical and offbeat.

Noah was initially a little freaked out by some of the entries as the parade started and kept hangin back, but once Mandy reminded him about all the candy that gets tossed out during the parade, he decided a front row seat wasn't so bad, especially if Mom was with him.

Lots of dogs in the parade. We had the usual basset hound brigade, but this was the first year I've seen the wiener dogs.

Top o' the morning...

Just some Irish family. Liked the firetruck.

The marching something-or-others.
Big crowd. Looking up towards Hoopers from the corner across from CVS.

Crowd control. Usually these guys end up covered in silly string before the day is over, but it was early.

Ok, marching dogs is one thing, but the Renaissance Festival characters?

Elliot slept through all of the celebration - sirens, firetrucks honking, hot rods revving, bands, etc.
Apparently this guy must have stolen that little girl's bike.

Creepy clown. Aren't they all, but this one was especially nightmare-inducing up close.
This seemed like it would have been one of the most fun floats to be on. Looked like just a group of friends having a blast

Hey, who's that guy talking to Noah?

"The Funk" - Mayor of Kansas City, Mark Funkhouser.

He had already walked through the parade route, and was just hanging out on the corner watching the rest of it go by. When he picked Noah up, the first thing Noah said was, "Candy, pwease?" He got denied like a developer asking for TIF money. Or as Mandy put it, he got shut down, just like the city council. Kidding aside, he was very gracious.

Walking home...

He made it a long way, walking there and most of the way back.