Party Pictures

On Sunday we had a Halloween themed birthday party for Matthew. Matt had a great time and proudly wore his Dalmatian costume made by Grandma Johnson. It was a wonderful day complete with pizza, cake, family and friends. We would like to say a special thank you to Kathleen and Griffin who babysat Saturday night and then again Sunday morning as Terry and I prepared for the big event. We could not have pulled it off without you guys!



Terry made the most incredible Halloween cookies....



Blowing out the candles....


A tired little Dalmatian...

Matthew Sean is One!

Our little Matthew Sean turned one years old today at 6:13 am! He was so excited for the day that he woke up at 5:30.
Remembering back to about a year and a half ago, Terry and I were nervous about how a second child would impact our lives (especially Jack's!). But now we could not imagine our lives being any different. Matt is our little smiler, babbler and into everything little guy. He loves to cuddle and will sit with us for a long time after his bottle. His favorite activities are walking around aimlessly or just staring at Jack in amazement. Every morning when Matt and I go upstairs to get Jack, Matt's arms start to flap and his breathing quickens. He cannot wait to see his best friend.
Happy birthday to our little guy. We love you!

Street Fair

This weekend was the much anticipated 99th Street Fair with candy decorating, pumpkin painting and good eats. Both Matt and Jack had a good time. Matt is getting a little more independent. I still need to keep a close eye on what he is putting in his mouth but overall he can keep himself entertained.
This last year seems to be a blur. There is always something to do and Terry and I feel that we run from pillar to post everyday.
This morning, I found it fascinating to see Jack paint and Matt walk around aimlessly laughing at his reflection in store windows. It is nice to sit for a minute and take it all in.

Little Picasso

Terry and I got Jack a paint set. When Matt naps, Jack runs to the playroom now to paint. My whole house is filled with Jack originals. Terry is wondering if we frame one, his works would actually sell.

Class Photo

Jack got his class photos today. He was out sick all week but returned just in time for make ups. I think they turned out well despite his cold.

The Great Pumpkin

Terry and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch this morning. Jack and Terry hunted all over the farm for the most perfect pumpkin while Matt and I sat in one place enjoying the shade.
It was nice to spend some alone time with Matt. His favorite outdoor activity is to pick up sticks and leaves, study them and then throw them. At the park yesterday, he spent at least ten minutes throwing sticks through the slats of a fence. His face was so serious like he was performing surgery. I loved just watching him. I am always wondering what is going on in the kids' heads.

Playdough to the Rescue

To help ease Jack's fears about school, we made playdough in the morning and he took it to school in the afternoon.
On our way to school he was getting a little worried but as soon as we pulled up his mood changed. He jumped out of his seat, grabbed the playdough and ran to his teacher yelling "look - I made playdough".

Motherhood

Jack has been sick this week and hasn't been able to go to school for a few days. I hate to complain but all of the coughing, nose blowing and crabbiness is really getting to me. I also worry that missing school will get him out of the routine and next week will be hard again. However, Jack now seems to be on the mend and has been taking marathon naps so everything is balancing out. Matt does not seem to be sick yet. I have been cleaning everything but he always seems to get whatever Jack has. That means two weeks of sick kids and Terry or I will probably be sick once the kids are better and jumping off the walls!
Just when I was feeling stressed and worrying about the "what ifs" I noticed that the house was quiet. The two boys were playing next to one another so nicely. Matt usually gets bored and wants to know what Jack is doing but this time he was interested in his own toys. I was able to cook dinner in peace. It is always when I want to give up that the kids do something amazing. Thanks goodness for the little things.