Ryan's birthday weekend

Rebekah got a new job and in turn we won the jackpot. She is working at a lodge and resort on the banks of sleepy Suttle Lake, just outside of Sisters, OR. We trekked over the pass, through a snowstorm with the boys, Hazel and Ryan's college roommate to rendezvous with other friends for a weekend. It was super beautiful and fun. The only downside was that Hollace got an ear infection so Ryan and I had two sleepless nights. But we rallied and enjoyed the days. Hollace, sweet natured as ever, was full of smiles and giggles. Even the urgent care doc didn't believe he was sick!

Our quiet, home, pre celebration. 

Anders all smiles in the beach side fire pit. 

Anders asked us to pack his fishing pole. He and Ryan cast a few first thing Saturday morning. 

Then we took a very happy Anders sledding. 

We started dinner late so put the kids to bed before we ate. We did sing happy birthday earlier so Anders could sing. This was the adult celebration. 

18/67/50

Yes. Long time no post. Life seems so busy and my phone is always out of storage!

Hollace, Anders and I spent Presidents' Day together as school was closed. Our big outing was Hollace's 6 mo appointment. He's a skinny guy, only in the 18 percentile in weight, 67 in height and his average, 50 percentile head. He also got another round of vaccines and a glowing bill of health. 

After appointment/brother napping photo shoot. 

Anders was so sweet, polite and patient during the visit that he earned himself a yogurt in the hospital cafe. It's become a tradition. I'm proud of him for being such a sweet older brother. 

iPhone Christmas

What an amazing and busy Christmas we had. So many wonderful visits and visitors. Here's what I have on my phone. I'll post another with camera pics this weekend. 

We spent the weekend before Christmas in Kennewick where we had our first holiday celebration and even saw Santa and his reindeer! Here Anders is playing with the Hess truck given to him by his great-grandparents, Doodah's mom and dad. 

Anders finally met his baby cousins. He's holding Joseph with a little help from Greta. 

Anders was excited about his gift from Santa, a train table!

Hollace getting a morning cuddle. 

Anders retrieving his stocking. 

Malcolm wearing a special holiday outfit. 

Anders and Meme playing memory. 

Hollace having his first bites of solids. We started this kid on sweet potato. 

Joseph and his special outfit. 

Ryan and Jojo. 

The cousins!

Current stats

14.5 lbs and 25 inches long. Our 50/50 baby. 

Brave boy

Anders doesn't like Eemie to be in his room. I'm not sure why, but he's pretty adamant we remove her. This past weekend I questioned why he wanted her gone and he took matters in to his own hands. Good thing she is a sweetheart. 

Breaking out the exer-saucer

Hollace and I worked from home due to his pink eye for a few days this week. Yesterday I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he needed more stimulation. So, I found the next toy in the development cycle. He was totally ready and in to it!

Quite pleased. 

Focused. 

Intent. 

Not one to miss out on fun, Anders hopped in when he got home. 

Feeling silly 

Enjoying the audience. 

Getting in to it. 

FYI, that's a Pelligrino can that was empty. Anders savored the few drops we left.  

Recap

Well, it's December and things are busy and at the same times there's nothing happening at all. So, below is a quick recap. 

Anders continues to want to hold and cuddle Hollace. Hollace seems to like it. 

In an art installation at the Portland Art Museum the day after Thanksgiving. We were so busy and having so much fun on Thanksgiving we forgot to take pictures. 

Taking in the latest library haul. Anders is naked as usual. 

Bath time!

 

Anders, Hollace and I went to Poppi's for a day on Thanksgiving weekend. Anders spent much of the morning outside playing with his step-uncle Sean and the Italian harvest intern Luca who is staying at my dad's. A little after 1pm Anders came inside, climbed on my lap and passed out. Here he is transferred to the couch. 

Picking out a tree on a very rainy day. 

Hollace drying out on the front seat. 

Hanging "ornaments". 

Finally, Anders had his first Monday at his new school yesterday. He loved it! After some initial shyness, his teacher said he warmed right up and was a natural. This morning he asked to go to his new school. He also asked me if he could ask Faye's parents if she could go to his new school, too.