Snowman Melder

Check out the snowman Koen and Doug made! Koen has been very into Frosty the Snowman this year (ever since Christmas). He can sing the whole song, all the verses. He leads us through it since our memory isn't as crisp! He was so proud of this snowman. Hopefully no one knocks it over tonight. He is anticipating seeing it in the morning before we go to church.

Tavin in Action

I think Tavin is starting to put together hand-eye coordination a little bit. He is loving what we refer to as his "jungle gym" these days. And I really think he is purposefully batting at the objects above his head. He seems to be getting really good at his right hand (although in the video I think his left is more active). Poor Doug, it doesn't look like either of his boys will be left-hand pitchers (Doug tells me they make more money).

Day Out with Tavin

Tavin and I hit two showers today, a bridal shower and a baby shower. It was fun just being out the two of us (Thank you Aunt Abbie and Daddy!!). Tavin was great. Completely slept through the bridal shower stop and then was sweet and personable at the baby shower. He started showing signs of tiredness there, so I plopped him in the car seat and he didn't even fight the nap. I wish it was that easy every day at home! Here's a picture of how cute he is all bundled up in this freezing cold, still snowy weather!

Koen's First Time Holding Tavin - 2/26/2010

Koen recently finally asked to hold Tavin, for some reason we couldn't do it right away, so today I remembered that he was interested and asked him if he wanted to. He was ecstatic, perhaps even honored. He took it very seriously. He was so proud that when Daddy got home he re-enacted the whole thing for him. Such a good big brother and he really does care for Tavin already. They are so cute together too!

Play-Doh the 2nd time around...

Koen and I finished off our evening last night with an hour of Play-Doh in the kitchen. I have to say, I think I enjoy Play-Doh as much as he does, perhaps more! I definitely can say I like it more now than I did as a kid. Maybe I'm more capable? Anyways, here's a picture of one of my works of art last night. In case you need a hint, it's a monkey. =) Koen was sure to tell me, "That monkey doesn't look like Curious George, though, Mommy." Who says I was trying?? Well, you have to love their innocent honesty.

Koen was enjoying making tracks in the Play-Doh, mostly sidewalks (he classified them as such, tough to really tell), but some roads and train tracks too.

Big Brother is Napping!

Koen has been a handful today. I don't know if it is the winter doldrums or the new little brother or the busy day we had yesterday. Whatever is bothering him is bothering Tavin and I too. We had some quiet cuddles after Koen went down for his nap. Happy for a whine-free moment!

Koen Enjoying His Train Magazines

Thanks to Aunt Eileen and Uncle Jonathan, Koen has been enjoying some higher reading these days with 2 great Train magazines. He absolutely loves the real-life train pictures and calls all the words, "stories". He managed to find Thomas the Tank Engine in a party ad at the end of one of the magazines. That is mostly what he is talking about in this video, but before that he was telling me all about the different trains in the magazine too. It's tough to catch all the good stuff on camera when you have an infant spitting up on your shoulder! =)

Aunt Abbie

Just a little ode to Abbie. We are so thankful for you, Ab! Koen adores you and Tavin will too I'm sure. Abbie came to our rescue Sunday with driving us to church (we are urbanizing and are down to one car and Pastor Doug needed it =)), helping juggle the boys during lunch, naptime and bedtime. You would think with all that help, I would be refreshed and positive that day, but unfortuantely, I succombed to mommy emotions and totally broke down on the phone with Mom. Imagine how bad it could've been if Ab wasn't around! I wish you didn't have to leave us after this school year. Here's a great picture of you and Tavin!

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Tiny Tots Concert

One of my favorite free cultural kid-friendly events in the Burgh - the PSO's Tiny Tots Concert Series. Today was 1-2-3 Let's Go (focus on rhythm/counting). A fabulous outing!

Unfortunately the city bus arrived 10 mins. late, so we didn't make it early, but we got there just after the first song started. Some great friends came along too and we were surprised to see Aunt Abbie just a few rows in front of us with her kindergartners.

Koen is so into music, we definitely need to get him started on an instrument soon. He enjoys it and I really think he has a natural aptitude for it.

Tavin was a trooper, slept both bus rides to and from and then was awake most of the concert and totally enamored with the stage and boisterous music.

Enjoy the pics!

Bedtime

So, bedtime is a work in progress. Tavin has not had much of an appetite today and hopefully that won't burn me through the night. We'll see! He was cranky going down and needed some comforting. Thankfully he got the picture after a few minutes. So then I headed downstairs to find Koen just calling up to me, "another DVD, Mommy, another Bob the Builder?". TV is a great help in this transition to 2 (even though I hate using it), but we totally have to work on the fit he tends to throw when it goes off after the 30 minutes. Thankfully tonight he got over it quickly as I reminded him that it was a "special treat" and we won't watch it anymore if he only gets upset when it is time to turn it off. Koen of course went down great. One of my favorite things in the world is reading to him before bed all cuddled in the big chair together in his room. Priceless! I look forward to when Tavin lays down for bed happy. It's hard hearing your baby cry and then fall asleep without getting to cuddle it one more time.

Tavin in the Swing

Tavin is a very happy baby (despite the fact he can't figure ou how to nap consistently). He easily smiles when you make eye contact with him and give him a smile. He loves to "agoo" at you and is probably practicing in order to win some air time from his big brother, Koen, who is very vocal all the time! Tavin is also working on his hand-eye coordination a lot lately. So amazing how quickly they progress through the different stages! Hope you enjoy this little video as he communicates with me from his perch in the swing.

Koen & Doug Shoveling

We've gotten over 30 inches of snow this February in the Burgh. It's been fun, but a lot of work for the boys! It's a great way to get Koen to burn off some of his seemingly endless energy though. Plus our neighbor has tipped him $25 so far (no joke!!).

Welcome to My Blog!

Hello Friends, Family & Visitors! I've started a blog. Mostly because I find YouTube annoying to work with and I'm sick of uploading videos there and trying to keep them private. Anyways, I look forward to staying in touch and keeping you updated through this new venue. Look forward to posts with videos momentarily!