Second time around

I know this is late coming, but it is what it is.

TWO! It's been two years that our boy has been been enhancing our lives. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. He is such a little boy too- full of grins and mischief. His favorite things are cars and boats. Especially boats on the water. Every time we drive by a boat or water, he makes sure that everyone in the car is aware of this by yelling enthusiastically WATER! BOAT! WATER! WATER! BOAT! -His dad has taken to driving out of the way to avoid circumstances where we might encounter these things.

because why would you need a fork?!

gifts from afar

Don't you want this guy working your lawn mower?!

Cars cakelets

they be good!

He's not all boats and cars though- he's a stunt man. I like to think he's pretending he's a cannon ball when he hurls himself into pools, not that he's deliberately trying to turn my hair grey. He loves his sister and asks where Itney is when she's not around. Books are becoming a favorite too- as long as they're filled with cars. Or boats.

All in all, two has been pretty fun. Our boy is growing into a lovely little person, and I'm excited to see where the next year takes us.

First trip around the sun

I’m not sure about you, but this past year has flown by for me. I swear it was only last week I was in the hospital giving birth, and now my bouncing baby boy is one! I have previous knowledge of how fast time goes when you are enjoying your baby, but this last year must have set a speed record. I can barely remember any of it…


From a hefty 9.5lber a year ago to a 21.5lber today, I guess there have been some changes. Our little guy is right on track for all of the things a baby should be doing and has managed to worm his way so far into our hearts that we would be incomplete without him. He is not yet a walker, but he does know how to feel up a wall… he crawls like nobody’s business and can out-eat his sister. And it must be pretty cool to be able to have a BFF when you’re one, and when you’re four, it’s also pretty neat to know that your brother thinks you’ve hung the moon. Mom and Dad are pretty proud of the whole situation and are so happy to be able to be a part of these neat little lives growing up in front of us.

For the big day sissy was more excited than little brother. Presents were given right away and then the necessities of the morning could be taken care of. Having a big sister also ensures that all of the presents given to T. under go through testing to guarantee little brother will be safe when he finally gets the chance to play with them.

For T.’s first bite of sugar (cringe) he had a vegan vanilla cake with vegan butter cream frosting and strawberries. I think he liked it…

The following Saturday we had a small get together at the local Neiderbusch park to celebrate the occasion. A piñata was pulled and there was enough candy there to keep all of the kids abuzz for days. It was a good time had by all and a pleasant memory for me to tuck away…

It was hot! (he stole this water by the way)

He helped himself to cake...

And the link to all of the photos: Here

4tune smiles upon us...

Today was fourth in what we wish to be a long line of birthdays. And it was a good one... here's a little recap of our day.

W. woke up happy and excited to no longer be three. Her wonderful ma made her a birthday pettiskirt and she had a new shirt to wear for school. It was probably the fastest she has ever gotten undressed and redressed in her life.

For breakfast she was served waffles with whipped cream and to top them off, granny Archer made her a special birthday topper!

At school, all of the kinder (children) knew that it was her special day and she was given a special birthday hat:

After school we met some friends at the park! The fun never stopped....

How old are you today W.?

After spending hours at the park, we came home to open a few packages...

And she may or may not have gotten something that she liked:

After packages and fun, we went to our local pizzaria and had a nice little dinner. Then it was home to wash up and go to bed. Whew, who knew that four could be so exhausting!

BUT...

The fun continues on Saturday for the big party at PeeWees

All of the girls had little dolls to snack on, and the boys had volcanoes (in honor of Iceland)

There was even face painting... and another opportunity to wear fancy clothes!

Unfortunately for some, they were too young to have cake... but they wanted some!

In the end, all the kids ended up in the mouth of a large fish... the party was a great success!

For more photos

3rd time is a charm....

Today was the day- three years ago a beautiful princess was born. She didn't have any hair nor could she eat solid food but it was love at first sight for all of those who saw her.

After time, she learned how to walk and talk and demand. She grew some hair and and attitude- and today you no longer see a princess... but a little diva queen. Here's the story of her third birthday...

W. awoke this morning only to rushed off to kindergarten in a new skirt and her 'fancy' sandals. When we arrived, every one knew it was her Geburtstag (birthday) and a special birthday hat was made for her. Several songs were sung in her honor and birthday cupcakes were shared all around. She was in the spotlight and loving it. The whole class was invited to play out of doors for 45 minutes; sand digging was commenced as well as teeter tottering and running at top speed screaming. Fun for all...

Lunchtime provided a quick snack followed by visiting and presents from friends- and then this thread was continued after siesta. We spent the afternoon planting seeds in the garden, digging the dirt and reading books.

After a super quick dinner we rushed off to the ice cream parlor to meet some friends and enjoy some treats. Again it was play, play, play then bite of melty ice cream then play some more. By the time the diva queen was taken to the tub for her daily bath, she was brown from head to toe- but how else would you want to end your 3rd birthday day?

Thank you to all that sent packages and phoned- W. had a wonderful day because of you!

Here's the link for todays photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=saraharcher7&target=ALBUM&id=5324990081469186257&authkey=Gv1sRgCLLf8afJ2_fXXw&feat=email

Week 104 of Mommyhood...

Tuesday the 15th of April, my precious baby turned 2. Where did all that time go? I mean I understand when you loose a day or two, but 104 weeks?! I still think about when I was pregnant, and the anticipation of her arrival. Then I realise that she is already here, and what a completement to my life she's brought.

Anyone can tell you that it is wonderful to be a mother. However until you're there, you really have no idea. You have no idea how great your own mother is, and how much you can truly love someone. I remember the first week after W. was born, I cried every day thinking how beautiful she was, and how was I- me, just a simple person, going to care for her for all her life? What a huge responsibility; was I the right person for this task? And I'm sure hormones had nothing to do with the overwhelming feelings of everything, but being the steward of another person is a very large task.

Now, two years later, I find it is her, not I doing the care taking. I now have someone who tells me when to brush my teeth, which way to drive on the road, and even someone to chew bits of my sandwich! I really am very lucky, and don't understand why people don't have 15-20 children these days... humm.... maybe this bit of logic will convince my dear husband to produce another!

But more on having a two year old. W. is a great little girl to be around. Until you go against her wishes. I have always been told that I'm a little bossy. Whoa, have you ever met a toddler? If it's not her way, it's the highway. Tears and tantrums on the floor of the grocery isle are common events around here. Though so are toy-picker-upers, book readers, and dinner assistants. Toddler hood is like a spring storm. Sometimes rough, sometimes mild, but there will always be a little sun in your day, and lots of pretty blooms.

Saturday the 19th we had a BBQ birthday party for the princess. A new Weber grill was installed on the patio, and enough food to feed our village was provided. And presents. Oodles of paper covered packages and small people to open them. Although, presents are not the highlight of the party here. It's the $1 balloon bag that had the children entertained for hours. But for all the work provided, it was a lot of fun. It always is when W.'s around, and when we can have friends to share a meal with. So here's a big thank you to everyone who helped make W.'s party so much fun!

And now I'll leave with a few parting shots: