Family weekend

Daddy took Friday off from work that allowed us to spend a wonderful though exhausting day with him. First stop was the zoo. We started with a picnic lunch outside at the park and then headed inside to see the animals. Our last stop was the Rangers game. I was determined to see the fireworks they had after the game and the kids made it through 14 innings to make that happen. We made it back to our car at 12:30am and the kids were asleep before we left the parking lot.

A little too close for comfort!

The highlight of the zoo. Giraffes!

Train ride in the park outside the zoo. Of course we had to ride!

Gaga at the game

The kids after the fireworks before heading home.

And the tradition continues with baby sitting in a seat for a picture.

Junior this year

2010

2009

2008

2007

Junior graduates preschool

Junior has come such a long way since the first day of his 4 year old preschool class. The biggest change has been the confidence he has gained. He is much more independent and has better social skills with other peers and adults.

The 4 year old classes performed the "Three Piggy Opera" during their graduation. They had been practicing during music class for a while and each time they would practice different parts so the teacher could see who was the best fit for each part. I had already prepared myself to see Junior as a butterfly or a tree. When I saw the program I couldn't find Junior's name because it was next to the part of the wolf. I could not believe my eyes. Junior surprised me when he came out dressed as the wolf. He did such a great job stomping across the stage and blowing the houses down. The music teacher told me later that Junior was the best fit for the wolf because he could remember all the different parts that the wolf had to do. She said he was the only one to remember to pick up the big fork and spoon at the right time. I was such a proud mother that day!

Junior's teacher said something for each child as she called their name to receive their "diploma". For Junior she said that every time he talked to her he would have the most adult faces/expressions. I can attest to him being pretty animated and I'm sure he gets those faces from me!

Junior on the right as the wolf

"I want a big, fat pig to eat!"

The graduates coming in

Junior's class with teacher and aide (Junior on far left)

Water park fun

Our first summer outing was to a nearby water park. Junior enjoyed all the water slides he was tall enough for, Gaga spent most of her time shivering from the cool temps of the water and baby was just along for the ride, sleeping through most of it and waking momentarily to eat and then go back to sleep. It was our first time to this water park and would go back again without hesitation.

Junior and Daddy testing out the first slide

Junior braving this slide alone

Daddy and Gaga

Gaga "entered" a dance competition the DJ was hosting. She tried to imitate everything the other contestants were doing. The DJ gave out a few leis to the winners and Gaga was one of them!

Can you tell she had her shoes on the wrong feet? She was so good, it didn't matter!

Smiles to brighten your day

Our little man smiled for the first time on April 26th at 3 weeks old. He was able to give us one or two good smiles a day when he was rested and fed. Now we are able to get several a day out of him and he also just recently started cooing while we talk to him! He has been very strong since day one, lifting his head up more than I recall the other two and just recently putting weight on his fat chubby legs when you hold him up. He will "stand up" for quite some time and only occasionally getting weak and bending at the knees to rest. We get such joy out of watching him smile at us and we thought by sharing a few smiles with you, they would brighten your day! Enjoy!

The best pic I could get of the day he first smiled.

Now that's better! 4 weeks old

5 weeks old

6 weeks old

6 1/2 weeks old...his tongue is ALWAYS going!

1 Month Old

1 Month Old stats:
22 inches tall
10 lbs. 7oz.

Professional Pics

While Aunt K was here we took full advantage of her help and got family and newborn pics done. Below are a few of the good ones.

SO proud to be holding his brother all by himself!

This one shows how concerned Gaga is whenever her baby brother starts crying! She is always the first to tell me when baby is "Ki-ing".

Ha! Caught him smiling!!!

Aunt K's visit

Aunt K made a special trip up for baby's baptism and to help Mommy out for a few days. The visit could not have been any better than it was. Aunt K was a life saver while she was here. I was spoiled feeling like I had a live in nanny. She made dinner for us, washed dishes, played with the kids, watched the kids while I ran errands or had a night out with Daddy and helped us when we went to get pictures taken. She was just what I needed in those early weeks when I'm still adjusting to the new family size and totally outnumbered. When we were driving away from dropping her off at the airport, I still had tears in my eyes from saying goodbye and Junior asked if I was sad and I told him yes I was. He said, "Because Aunt K isn't here to help you anymore?" It made me laugh! He thought I was sad because I wasn't going to have any more help, not because she was leaving! So good to see you and thanks for all your help, Aunt K!

Baby taking his first trip down the slide with everyone's help

The three kiddos

Aunt K and baby...so sweet!

Girl time...Aunt K painting Gaga's fingernails

Boy time...Uncle J came over to visit with Aunt K and play with the kids

Last day of Aunt K's visit...on our way to the airport we stopped at a park to play