Firsts

I think one of the best parts of being a parent is introducing your kids to something new and watching their reaction.

It doesn't have to be something huge - like their first bungee jump - it can be something as simple as their first time catching lightning bugs, or their first s'mores.

That's what we did the other night: first s'mores.


Jack was tentative at first, unsure of his approach. He liked the marshmallow, he likes chocolate and graham crackers. He just wasn't sure about all of them together in one bite.

PJ just got a toasty marshmallow and, initially, was giddy about the pure ooey-gooey deliciousness of it.

Then things started getting a little messy, a little sticky, and both boys, not otherwise neat-freaks, became a little perturbed.

Jack felt like he'd just like to have the chocolate all by itself, but wasn't sure how to go about it.

PJ was just anxious to get the sticky stuff off his fingers.

Then, Jack reached across the table for something, lying on top of his open-face s'more, and ended up with the whole thing stuck to the front of his shirt.

PJ lost interest and just wanted it all to stop.

But Patrick and I still had a blast watching them experience their first summer treat!

In the park

After dinner, sometimes we like to take the boys on a walk or let them run around outside to burn off some energy.

The other day, we visited the local park to feed the ducklings.

After tossing all our stale bread to the ducks and fish, it was time to run around like crazy.

Run, boys. Run.

A few shots in the gazebo.

Gosh, I love this kid.

And can we talk about the cuteness that is PJ? I think he smiles 90% of the day. He's so sweet.


They loved chasing Daddy around.

Well, I think technically Jack's chasing Daddy while Daddy's chasing PJ so he doesn't fall in the pond. Darn, that kid moves quickly on those cute little legs.

We had so much fun. Come on now, Jack. It's time to go.

Did he just give me the finger?

Catching up

I have a lot of catching up to do.

Usually I post while the boys are taking a nap, or after they've gone to bed for the night. These days, though, I'm usually climbing into bed myself at those times. The first trimester of pregnancy and I do not get along well. I feel as if someone is plugged into me, taking my energy and using it as their own.

Oh, wait. That is what's happening.

Now, couple it with waves of nausea throughout the day that decide to kick in full-force at 4 p.m. with such regularity that I can actually tell the time without having to look at a clock, like an arthritic person can predict coming storms with achy knees.

I am thankful for the symptoms, though. They suggest that things are going well so far.

But I'm a little behind in the blogging department.

I feel bad knowing that you're probably checking in here and wasting a trip, but please bear with me. I'll get some energy back in the next few weeks. I'm 11.5 weeks along right now, so by my calculations, I should be feeling like myself again in two and a half more weeks.

I have no shortage of photos, though, so there's lots to write about, as soon as I get the chance.

Since my last post, Patrick and I took a little camping trip to celebrate his 35th birthday. We got a tent as a wedding present back in November of 2005 envisioning the camping trips we'd take together, outdoor-lovers that we are, but since then, I've been pregnant or nursing a baby every summer and we've never had the chance to even take it out of the box.

A few months ago, I thought it might be fun to finally break it in and, not being pregnant or nursing (at the time), I planned a weekend camping trip for the two of us.

Then I got pregnant.

Still, I'm not quite big enough to be terribly uncomfortable, and not quite nauseous enough to be lying on the floor and moaning for large portions of the day (like I was with the boys), so we decided to keep our plans.

I'm so glad we did.

We went to Ricketts Glen State Park, did a little bit of hiking and a whole lot of sitting around the camp site reading, talking, and napping. It was so peaceful and we both came back refreshed and anxious for the day we can take the boys camping too.

We didn't take a lot of photos, but did manage to snap this one of the two of us by a waterfall.

(Please pretend you don't see the bags under our eyes. The night before, our campsite neighbor, who referred to himself as "Uncle Dave," spent the evening arguing with his wife and singing lullabye harmonies to his fussy baby - Andy Bernard-style - into the wee hours of the morning.)

I don't want to speak too soon, but so far I think that trip was the highlight of our summer.

What's been your favorite part of the summer so far?

Just Jack

This post is all about my Jackie Bear who is getting so big I can hardly stand it.

In the last month or so, he'll come sit beside me on the couch by himself, sneak his arm between my back and the cushion, and say "I wuv you, Mommy."

*sniff*

That's not a toddler sitting there. It's a full-blown big boy!

His vocabulary is huge. Scary huge.

But it's nice because it makes for very few temper tantrums, since he's easily able to communicate what he wants.

Even though he doesn't always get it.

Like, wanting to take that hat off when I just wanted to get one more picture.

That's better. Thanks, Jackie!

I love you so very much more than you will never ever know!

Big News

Well, actually it's little. About the size of an almond, I think.

The real reason I haven't been posting much - in addition to the nice weather and the frolicking - is that we are expecting another baby! I'm eight weeks today and just had an ultrasound this morning to listen to the heartbeat and to make sure everything is a-okay.

It is!

We're so excited.

Tongue tricks

And the award for Worst Blogger of the Year goes to.....

Sorry, everyone. I've been sidetracked for a few weeks now by nice weather and two very active little boys. I will write more soon. Pinky swear.

In the meantime, here's a little video of PJ doing his new favorite thing.

Prom time!

Well, it's prom season again, and here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania that can only mean one thing...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wait for it...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Stretch buggies!

At the water table

Oh my - has it really been that long since I posted last? What is going on?

Well, it's nicer outside, and so there's a whole lot of this going on.

Digging, splashing, and general frolicking. I love it.

PJ is a big fan of water. I can't wait to get him in a pool this summer.

And could someone please tell me - what is the appeal of eating sand...twice? I mean, sure curiosity plays a role, and that first time is just an "Ooh, what's this?" thing.

But then the second time? I don't get it.

And how about the third, fourth, fifth and sixth times?

Poops turn into concrete after that many mouthfuls of sand. It's a scientific fact.

And you don't think we'd have splurged for the nice, clean white overpriced play sand sold in bags at the store, do you? Oh no! We just got a bucket full of landscaping sand from the local gardening and landscape supply store.

Mmmm. Eat up, boys.

Somehow growing up, my siblings and I survived mudpies and never washing our hands before lunch, though, so somehow I think they'll be okay.

Somehow. (Just one more for good measure. )

Plus, it's just so dang fun to watch them play together.

Scooping the sand right into the water and vice versa.

(Mommy is cringing on the inside just a little. Okay, a lot.)

But they're having so much fun.

I love "opening day" of the sand and water table! And the fact that the back of our house is in the shade in the afternoon.

I just hope the excitement about it lasts through the rest of the summer. I think we're going to be spending lots of time in the back yard!

Bringing out the big guns

This is what we do at the dinner table sometimes. Does that make us weird?

Don't answer that.

Fun in the sun

What beautiful weather we had last week! It was like summer, minus the oppressive humidity.


I had a little time outside with the boys, but while Jack was napping, it was just me and the Peej.

Even though having them both take a nice long nap at the same time would be wonderful, I love having one-on-one time with them while the other is asleep.

What do you say, Peej, do you like being outside now that it's warm?

Hm, you're not convinced, huh? Well okay, let's head down to the grass and see if you like that better.

I know, I know - it feels funny doesn't it? You'll get used to it. And let me put your hat on, Mister Blistering Sunburn at 8 Weeks Old. (Remember that? No? Good. What a nightmare.)

That's it, pick a dandelion.

Gosh, you're cute. How about some bubbles? Want to blow bubbles?

You just like to hold those wands, huh? Can we use them? Here, give one to Mommy.

Wait - don't get up. Actually, do - and let me get my camera. I love this football pose. Good job getting up on your own, buddy!

Wait! Where are you going? Bring those back here!

You little turkey. You are having fun out here, aren't you?

I knew it!