Phases of Life

This week, our Sunday school lesson included reflections on conversations we (as a couple) have had since we met. The goal was to compare the depth and/or content of conversations throughout all the phases of our relationship.
I realized how deep we are into this "parenting" stage when our teacher asked, "What is different about your conversations today compared to when you were dating?" I had to laugh out loud when Todd said, "Well, our conversations include the word 'poop' a lot more than they used to!"

This week in pictures

This was the first week since Allie's birth that we didn't have something specific going on. It was such a great week!
Allie is 10 weeks old now...and so pretty!

Zachary caught a "cow-peelar" (caterpillar, in Zacharese) and built a little home for it.

Allie started pushing herself up.

Zachary is drinking out of a big-boy-cup now! He does very well!!

Allie is sitting in her "bumbo" seat.

Zachary is working on his hand-eye coordination with these lacing cards. I'm trying to convince Todd that this is NOT sewing.

...And, my proudest feat so far(...as a mother of two!) I've got both kids on the same nap schedule!! Hallelujah!!

Cute pics

Here are some pictures of both kids from today. I was trying to get a good picture of them together...ha!

The important things

Many couples have differing views on certain aspects of child-rearing. Thankfully, Todd & I haven't argued about this yet!

Happy Kids

Here are some pictures from this weekend. Both kids have been super happy and sweet lately. We are blessed!

Zachary calls this "ready set go..." because that's what we'll say when we "swing" him.

We did some finger painting Saturday - see his blue & red hands?

Allie and her little lips. She is so funny. Notice how creamy pink her skin is? She is such a girl.

She is so relaxed outside. She slept like this for an hour.

Little Friends

Last week, our friends Scott & Laura came to Atlanta for a visit. Todd & Scott went to the Masters 1 day (so fun!). Zachary & Braden had a great time together. Sometimes, Zach would forget his name, and call him "friend" instead. So cute! You'll notice that Zachary is wearing his "sungwasses" in most of these pictures...and that they are upside down! That is his preference, for some unknown reason.

Fun ride in the bike stroller.

They were so tired! Braden fell asleep on Zach's shoulder...Notice his hand is on Zach's leg. So funny!!

Playing in the sandbox.

Zach wore the sunglasses inside too!

Nothing tops a busy day like a nice bath. Ha!

Allie - 8 weeks old

As requested by many adoring (and impatient!) fans, here are some recent pictures of Allie. Hard to believe she's 8 weeks old already. She slept through the night last week, but that was just a tease. As with both our hungry kids, we are still feeding around the clock. I have high (and maybe unrealistic?) expectations that she will consistently sleep through the night very soon.

This is my favorite picture so far (above). I LOVE this outfit. I know, it's shocking that I love red. (!!)

This hair bow thing is so over-the-top for me, but she looks darling!

The Show

Mimi & Grandad got Zachary this great puppet show set for his birthday. We debuted it on his birthday. Todd & I (the puppet masters, of course!) did all the funny voices & everything. Zachary watched the beginning of the show with Grammy & Grandpa and quickly realized how this "puppet show" thing worked. His response was hilarious. This series of pictures (in order) probably doesn't need any explanation.

In the end, Zachary ran through the curtain while Todd announced his name and everyone cheered. It was SO cute!

The sweetest thing

We are shamelessly in love with our kids. Seriously, it's ridiculous. Today, during Todd's lunch break, we watched the sweetest thing ever. Zachary had just finished his lunch and was playing on the floor. He noticed I was getting Allie's bottle ready and ran up to me in the kitchen and said, "Zachy hold baby Allie."
We were a little surprised by his interest, as well as his excitement level. Zachary has always been nice to Allie, but also fairly aloof. We haven't tried to "push" him into liking her or being a part of her routine, outside of just being "gentle" and "careful" around her. Today was a totally different level of interest.
So I confirmed that he wanted to "hold" her and said ok. Well, once we set him on the couch with her, he wanted to "Give Allie milk" and this began the sweetest 10 minutes Todd & I have ever seen. Todd grabbed the camera and we just enjoyed watching them!!

Initially, I tried to hold the bottle and "guide" him...he kept saying, "No mommy, Zachy do."

He is a natural - he held the bottle perfectly. And she was very content with his style. He'd let her take a few sips and then pull the bottle out and say to her, "All done?" And then he said to me, "Allie has milk on her pface." (the word "face" starts with a "p" sound when speaking Zacharese). I love how he's holding the bottle in the picture below.

Zachary actually started rubbing her head and saying, "So cute, So sweet!"

Then when he was "done" feeding her, he just started making the cutest faces at her. She watched him so intently.

And, the icing on the cake - a sweet little kiss from Big Brother.

Zachary turns 2

I can't believe it. We celebrated Zach's 2nd birthday this past weekend. Wow, time flies. Anyway, here are some photos of the festivities!

Beautiful boy!

Of course, the balloons! I'm pretty sure that was his favorite part.

The cake!! (Side note: There aren't any pictures of last year's cake because it was really no good. So, this year, I wanted to do a fun cake. Zachary loves Curious George. I drew his face freehand. My goal: When I ask Zachary "who is on your cake?" for his answer to be either 1) a monkey, or even better - 2) George! (I got very lucky!!)

The presents! Zachary's grandparents were awesome with his gifts (as usual!) - Mimi & Grandad got him a really neat puppet show set (GREAT pictures coming this week...that was a riot!!). Grammy & Grandpa got him an easel that has a chalkboard, dry erase board, and a paper roll. Mommy & Daddy did a bunch of little "birthday on a budget" type gifts. He loved everything!

Allie's sentiments on the whole birthday celebration.