Monday, July 28, 2008

Jack and the Slide


Jack and Matt spent the day with Terry and I went to my Aunt Debbie's for Kathleen's wedding shower. Terry took the boys to the opening of a new fire station and then to the park. I was so sad to miss the fire house but Kathleen's shower was incredible. Only about another 5 weeks until the big day. I know I will be a mess. I haven't really gotten emotional yet but I know I will. With 6 years between us, she sometimes feels like my daughter (and I think Kathleen thinks of me as a nagging mother!).
I had to post the picture of the new guest towel with the "E" on it. This is the same letter/font that Kathleen is using for her invites. My aunt Mary was able to have someone stitch it into a towel. It was so nice and such a wonderful keepsake.


Watch Out

A friend came to the door the other day and as we talked, Matt learned to climb the stairs! He is now pulling himself up, cruising around, trying to walk and is into everything. All day long I hear "no, no, no, Mattie" from Jack. I am really glad to have his big brother helping me keep tabs on this kid.
Just a warning before watching this video - Matt did fall at the end but was fine. He has 22 lbs of cushion protect him!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Piano Man

Terry and I spent the weekend in downtown Chicago as Lauren and her boyfriend, Neil, babysat for the kids. It is so funny that I can spend hours and hours with the kids each day and still not tap into some real creative games that exist right under my nose. Lauren taught Jack how to build forts/tents all over the house and taught Matt how to play the piano! I could not get a really good picture of Matt. He was so serious about his piano playing. His legs would kick and his arms would stomp the keys harder and harder. Every so often he would let out a scream. It was quite a sight.



Wednesday, July 09, 2008

My Matthew







Terry and I had my grandparents and my mom over for dinner on Sunday. Matt is always very hesitant to leave my arms but he really enjoyed Pop and Gigi (and of course my mom!). I have pictures of Jack with my grandparents when he was just weeks old but no pictures with Matt. So finally at 8 months old I have them. I just know that my grandpa will soon win Matt over and have a boy on each side of him as they watch Teletubbies.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

So Many Firsts


First block party. Jack is now known as Forrest Gump since he spent the day running in the street "with no hands" (meaning he did not need to hold a parent's hand).

First time biting down on the spoon so hard that mom cannot pry it loose.


First time crawling. Matt just started last Wednesday. Now he is traveling long distances and has already knocked over a lamp and broke its shade.


First time taking a bath together. I am still too nervous to take Matt out of his infant tub. Jack was in his for 18 months.


First weekend in a long time that we spent the day with just the four of us. Terry and Jack cut the grass, we played outside, grilled and ate on the back porch. There were no weddings, showers, birthdays or bachelor parties this weekend! It was the best!


First time eating in front of the living room window. Our neighbors are installing a roof top deck and Jack could not pull himself away to eat breakfast. I finally gave in and brought the high chair to the window. I am sure the neighbors loved that.


First time falling asleep on the play room floor!
Oh my goodness. Matt threw up in his bed, in the bath tub and then on me so I told Jack that I had to do some laundry. I was gone for maybe 15 minutes. When I looked into the room, Jack had his back to me. I was talking to him and realized he was not moving and then saw he was asleep. This has NEVER happened. He has been taking his afternoon nap about every three days. I knew he was tired and should have acted more quickly but didn't. I am such a bad mother! Luckily Jack woke up in a good mood and did not stop until bedtime.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

A Day with Daddy





Terry took Monday off and went to a Thunderbolts game with Jack. Jack did not watch a minute of the game but loved spending time with his dad. They raced up and down a ramp, played in a sandbox and ran the bases after the game ended. When I asked Jack about the day, the only thing he had to say about the game was that "the players didn't say anything". I think Jack wondered why he and his dad traveled all that way for the main attraction to just ignore him.
The highlight of Jack's day seemed to be the car ride where they were stopped by a train once and went over a bridge. It is so funny to find out what really fascinates the boy.