What They Say

We all think our children are mostly perfect in every way, but it's interesting to see what other people say about our children. What they say about sweet Gabriel:

- "He looks like a little old man" 

- "He looks so much like your husband!"

- "He is so strong, look at him hold his head up so still"

- "He is so alert and attentive"

Except for the first one those are the exact same comments we received about Lucia. And nothing has changed, except all the comments about Lucia's curls. I'm so thankful that both our children were born healthy and strong and so so smart. It's demanding for sure, but we wouldn't have it any other way. 

My little Rafa man :-)

Lucia's 3rd Birthday!

Nothing says 3rd birthday like a host of events!

First up, Lucia's birthday party! The party was held at the Hoyt Arboretum where we had the child performer Red Yarn pay a visit.  He is a folk song entertainer with all sorts of fun dance songs and forestry puppets.  Lucia absolutely loves him and so did most of the kids.  The location had a little area outside for the kids to run around and get some fresh air and there were hiking trails right there in case anyone wanted to go for a hike.  It turned out to be a fairly dry day and a really fun party!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwBVkn2AAeE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGHi56WoiEE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic9gn1JQQ40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXIMg3qDq7Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZXOgZvEFXQ

Then for Lucia's actual birthday, we decorated her room and gave a couple small gifts!  Later in the morning I took donuts to her class, and then for dinner we met up with friends to celebrate at Benihana!  We are so proud of our sweet and big 3 year old.  It has been a great year watching your grow!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVX6roTyGyw

Tulip Festival

Decided to meet up with our friends Shanna and Olivia to go to the Tulip Festival. I kept Lucia out of school and had Gabriel too. I was hopeful! But It started as expected, Lucia had to poop as soon as we got settled on the road and Gabriel woke up and cried half way through the drive. Once we got there it was a lovely visit! Beautiful weather and company. Until .... Lucia melted down from pure exhaustion. She threw a big fit and was inconsolable all the while Gabriel decided to melt down too. There was only one solution, pack up, strap them in their seats and head on down the highway. I know that there will be moments likes this, but man, sometimes being on your own with two is tough and feels bigger than me. Now we are all home and settled and still making the most of this lovely day :-)

Handsome Boy

Our sweet Gabriel is 11 weeks and for the past couple weeks he has moved out of the newborn phase and is all baby. He's much calmer yet alert. He can be entertained and played with now. He is smiling a lot to us and notices when we move around the room. He "talks" to us and makes coos. He's very strong already holding up his head and staying up during tummy time. Today he had his frenulum clipped for he still has not been latching well. It was simple and he only cried for a second. I'm hopeful that we can nurse better and that he won't have any speech issues in the future. He is the perfect addition to our family and while I was nervous before about having a boy, I am thankful every day he is who he is. 

Lucia has been loving on her baby brother. She helps us all of the time, wants to be involved from changing diapers, to picking out clothes, to giving him his binki. We have finally adjusted to being a family of 4, we can go out as a family more, Rafa and I have been on our own with both kids, and life is just moving along, all without feeling terrified!  Of course it's busy every day, but we are taking it all in stride.

Now, if we could just get us all past Lucia's 3s in one piece we will call our life a success ;-)

Dress up!

At his 8 week check up (at 10 weeks)

Getting nails done with big sister

Bath time with my cubs!

Getting his frenulum clipped :-(

My little stud!