Penn's 9 Month Poses

With the gorgeous weather we've been enjoying, I couldn't resist some special time in the backyard, just me and Penn (Tav was already laid down for his nap and Koen was not yet home from school).  And it was warm enough to take the little guy down to his diaper and snap some photos.  This is one of those posts where I just can't pick my favorites, so you'll just have to scroll through a lot of super cute pictures of my Penn.  

First I started with him on his tummy (he's become more happy in this position since his naptime/bedtime practice)...

The open mouth shots are because he was chatting up a "da da da" storm!

Love to find a new angle that I don't usually capture on this sweet face!

"Hmmm, what's this scratchy stuff, Mom?"

"Maybe it tastes good?" (Check out the drool!)

 

 

The pensive profile shot.  Love it!

Next I moved him to his sitting position.  He was really into pulling the blanket up over his face, so I only got a few shots sitting up.

"Look, I'm a monkey!  Whoo, whoo, ha, ha!"  Actually this captures one of Penn's little antics. Anytime he doesn't have a shirt on he scratches and pulls at his belly.  It can actually be quite frustrating, but he doesn't seem to mind it!

Finally, I tried a few shots on his back.  These I think might just be the best.  But, you know me, I can't really decide.  That's why you've had to scroll through more than a dozen pics!

So that is my adorable Penn Rye at 9 months, hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Me & The Little Guys

I didn't do a lot of pictures of what we were up to back on the homefront while Doug and Koen were away at Nana and PopPop's, but I did finally remember to snap a few during one bubble-blowing evening on the front porch.  Here's my middle and youngest.  So cute!

Tav was playing this silly hiding game.  He thought he was being hilarious.  Not the most clever hiding spot, but he thought it was fun and Penn loved having him close by.

Here's the snuggly little elf himself.  Can't get enough of his big eyes!

I also tried to get a picture of myself and these two sweet boys I enjoyed spending some special, "just us" days with, but the self-photography didn't really work!

We had a super time bonding together those few days, but we are all super happy to have Koen home back in the pack of Melder boys.  He's been in a fantastic mood since he returned and we are all syncing back into our normal routine.  Today we headed over to Anderson playground at Schenley Park after church.  Koen was thrilled to run around in the mild weather.  Tavin, on the other hand, who had been acting a bit off all morning, was terrified of the wind that was really quite intense.  He just sat on my lap sucking his thumb the whole time at the playground.  I have a pic to prove it.

Penn was having a great time just watching the kids and the wind in the trees.  He just chatted and munched on his chew toy.  Here's the happy little man.

I wasn't able to catch a picture of the fast-moving Koen since I was pinned down with Tav on my lap.  Speaking of Tav, he went downhill fast when we got home. He had no energy and didn't even eat lunch.  I got him to nap as quick as I could after feeding the other guys and beforehand took his temp on a whim.  Yep, over 100 degrees.  Poor baby!  I gave him Tylenol and tucked him in.  He had an almost 3 hour nap and seems much better and very refreshed.  Hopefully the boys will all enjoy being back together again tonight and Tavin can participate in things with Koen.  

Koen's Spring Break Getaway

This week was Koen's Spring Break and we kept it pretty low key.  Since we decided not to go anywhere far as a family, we thought it was a great opportunity for Doug and Koen to have a special trip to Nana and PopPop's.  Koen went up to work with Doug on Thursday and hung out at Lisa's while Doug had a few meetings and by 2:30pm they were on the turnpike heading East.  Koen was so excited about his day with Lisa and then thrilled to be heading out to Nana and PopPop's for 2 nights with Doug.  They had a smooth 3 and 1/2 hour drive and arrived in time for some baseball practice before dinner.  I love these pictures of father with son.  

And then it looks like Koen hit the ball at least once.  Check out this action shot!

After baseball and dinner, Nana and PopPop were prepared with quite a surprise for Koen.  Some of his cousins were there and they all had cupcakes, sang "Happy Birthday" and Koen got a new Lego set!

I have to give Nana & PopPop so much credit for being so on top of it.  They've both been affected by nasty colds/sinus infections and it was so sweet that amidst such a hectic and tough week they went above and beyond preparing for Koen's visit.  Thanks for making his birthday so special!  Here's the singing of "Happy Birthday."  It's really cute how embarrassed he is with all the attention.  He LOVES his cousins and I'm sure he really enjoyed that they were there honoring his birthday.

After a great first evening, Koen hit the hay hard and was out like a light!  It's a good thing too because yesterday was also a very full day.  He started with playing with his Legos for a few hours and then he spent some time making a clock with PopPop in his garage workshop.  I was sent a few videos of Koen using a power drill, but I just can't bear to watch them again, so here's a picture to capture the moment.  Scott is one brave man to have his hand so close.  I love the look on Koen's face...such a boy enjoying a power tool!

After project time, they headed over to Children's Lake in Boiling Springs.  It's a great spot for bike riding, feeding the ducks, climbing trees and enjoying a beautiful Spring day.

When they were done taking that great spot in they headed back home and I guess Koen helped plant some trees.  Looks like he's a pretty good worker, we'll have to put his skills to work back here at home soon!

That wasn't all he helped with either.  Next they washed the van and Koen's bike.  Phew!  Thankfully after that Koen had some downtime (otherwise I think he might have fallen asleep in his dinner plate!).  Here he is snuggled up on the couch chatting with one of the dogs.  I love his charismatic smile!  

After dinner Doug got another shot of Koen with the dog in the backyard.  Koen looks so sweet and handsome.  I've really missed him during his special trip away with Doug, Nana and PopPop!

I'm looking forward to him coming home some time around midday today.  Can't wait!  Thanks so much for the memorable visit for him, Mom and Dad!

AM On Foot

The little guys and I had a fun and different morning today.  First of all, it was Tavin's first day of speech therapy.  I'm not sure really what to call this.  Today I said it was an appointment at school, but that's pretty lame and not really a good description of what it is, so I'm still searching for something to call it that will appeal to him at his level.  Hmmm, any ideas are welcome.  His therapist's name is Rachel, so I'm thinking of just referring to it as his morning where he goes to see Miss Rachel at the school.  Anyways, he did so well with Rachel showing his sense of humor, his hammy side and his bright chattiness.  It was interesting to watch her work with him.  Here's a picture of Tav working on the iPad.  They flipped through different images and Tav was prompted to say different words and work on his pronunciation (one particular problem that is a goal to improve is putting the endings on his words).

Penn and I mostly just observed Tav from across the room and had a 30 minute long snuggle fest.  

So, Doug had dropped us off at Tavin's appointment, but then he needed the car for the day and so that left me with a stroller and my feet for a vehicle.  This is actually my preferred mode of transportation and with a forecast for sun and 50 degree weather, I was happy to be the "little engine that could."  We left the school and trotted through East Liberty stopping at two stores, then walked to Shadyside for a stop at another store, then we trekked back to East Liberty for a visit to the library (Tavin was so excited about this stop).  Penn took his morning nap in the stroller while we ran the early errands.  Such a cooperative little man!

Tavin, like I said, was most excited about getting to the library.  Here's my happy little book-lover.  Last time I went he said I didn't bring enough back for him, so we loaded up today.  (Note that that meant that I also hoofed it home with a stroller full of groceries, gear, two kids and yes, about 20 library books).  

Penn was pretty excited to be out of his winter gear and stroller straps, so he was pumped about the library too.  

Well, after the active morning full of fresh air we all had a very restful afternoon.  It's almost time for the boys to get up for the remainder of our day together.  I think we'll blow bubbles in the backyard to take advantage of the mild weather again.  Mornings like the one we had today get me so excited for the Spring we so deserve to come on strong now.  I can't wait to be out walking with my boys almost every day again!

Movin' On Up

Since Penn was born he has enjoyed most of his naps and nights in the mini crib in the office/guest room that adjoins our room on the 2nd floor.  I've put off moving him out of the second floor and into the empty baby nursery on the 3rd floor.  It's been nice to have that free space on the 3rd floor for Koen's rest time and especially nice to give guests that space when they are visiting as it has a real full bed in it instead of the pull-out couch the office offers.  Not to mention it was a wonderful, comfortable, faraway spot to quarantine Koen much of last week during his nasty stomach bug episode.  But it's time to get poor Penn into a regular size crib and a room to himself (mine and Doug's closet is in his room that adjoins ours as well as our office equipment, etc.).  Since the time change a few weeks ago I've just noticed that Penn has not been sleeping as well in between the huge, bright windows in the office (despite the fact I have thick, light blocking curtains).  And then I've been noticing for about 2 months now that he is getting quite large for his little crib in there.  He often gets himself jammed in corners and very frustrated.  All this combined just made me feel like it was the right time to move him on up to the third floor.  I spent some time yesterday re-organizing his gear and clothes and then in the afternoon I laid him down for his afternoon rest up there.  He had no complaints.  Not a peep and a super long nap to boot.  Phew.  Again last night he was happy when I laid him down, did his adorable cooing and chatting before he fell asleep and then not a peep until after 7am.  Then he played happily until a little before 8am when I get him up.  The only little surprise was that both after his nap yesterday and after his sleep this morning, he was on his belly when I went to get him.  He didn't sleep that way, but he now has plenty of room to romp and roam in the big crib and apparently he is taking advantage of it!  

Ok, so now for the sentimental part...I miss him!  We were separated by a wall of course and I haven't had to get up in the night to feed him since last August, but still, it felt good having him close and now he feels so far away!  Just yet another sign of the fact that these little ones grow up too fast!

A Scientific, Pizzariffic Day

Today was just a GREAT day.  Days like these are such a blessing.  A glimpse of the potential in these boys, the things that maybe we are doing OK as parents and just the fun it is to be a loud, energetic, loving family of five.  So, why was it a great day?  Well, Doug was off, so that is always a win.  Then we had a laid back start and even spent some time all on the floor in the living room playing together (even Penn!).  Then as Penn was headed to his morning nap, Doug took Koen and Tavin off to the Carnegie Science Center.  I would've enjoyed going, but I was also excited about some time here to myself.  Doug, Koen and Tavin had a wonderful time taking advantage of all that the CSC and UPMC Sports Works have to offer.  Since I wasn't there, I'll just give you the photo and video tour I received via text from Doug all morning.  Here are the boys waiting for the doors to open.

And then I got a lot of pictures from their time in the Sports Works building.  Here's Koen catching some air.  He is so proud of himself that he is brave enough to do this.

The boys practiced some hockey moves.

And Koen catching some more air.  He loves to fly!

Tavin had fun too.  Here he is on a spinning device.  Look at those blue eyes!

Tavin and Koen got to race in the Sports Works.  I love this video!

Here's another video with quite a feat for Koen: his first experience on a climbing wall.  He loved it!  

Later the boys headed in to the Science Center and they were able to catch a "How to Make Fresh Mozzarella" demonstration at the Kitchen Theater.  The boys were very interested.  Hmmm, I wonder what's going to happen?

Well, turns out they needed a volunteer and in front of like 50 people Koen willingly went up in front and was a very cooperative helper.  Doug was so proud!  Doug said that when he sat down Tav said, "Good job, brother," and patted him on the back.

Tavin said his favorite part of the Science Center trip was tasting the cheese.  So funny.  He had a great morning, but was exhausted when he returned home.  Koen, on the other hand, was in a fantastic mood.  That was a good thing because he had a not-so-exciting appointment at Children's Hospital with the Ear, Nose & Throat specialist.  We were concerned his adenoids might need to be removed (and possibly tonsils too), but good news!...at this point they are recommending that we wait and see and hopefully he won't need to have that procedure!  Whew!  He and I then ran a few errands and then came home for some rest time.  After everyone's naps/rests, we headed out for a family dinner out.  It's been awhile since we've attempted this, but if tonight was any indication of the rewards to be reaped, we will be doing it more often!  All 3 boys were pleasant, had fantastic appetites and we just had a great time being together.  It was one of those experiences where I just come away with such a joyful heart.  This is what I always wanted. Being a mom...wiping faces and hands over a meal and a good laugh, losing my last crust to my 3 year old and my 9 month old chewing on the table when I wasn't looking, the 5 year old pretending to be our waiter and taking our orders...all of it...this is what I've always wanted.  I have so much to be thankful for in these little things it just illuminates the bigger picture, I AM SO BLESSED.  Here are the few pictures we got at dinner.

Lord, thank you so much for this very special day!

Long Time No See

As I mentioned on Saturday, we have dear friends (Tuff & Mary) in town this week.  We loved getting to see them on Saturday for Grace's birthday party, but we were super excited to host a more intimate event last night for them with other former members of our old small group.  This time I had my camera ready!  April 1st is Grace's actual birthday, so we got to sing her "Happy Birthday" and watch her blow out her candle.  She was a little confused.

In this photo, Tuff & Mary are laughing because she had just tried to grab the flame!

Grace did such a great job hanging out happily as we all visited, chatted and caught up on Tuff & Mary's journey these past 9 months.  She ended up just staying up the whole time and she was a trooper.  She definitely got a little tired by the time we were hitting 10pm.  Here she is in her very pink pajamas and pacifier.  Such a sweetie!

Mary is great at forcing us to get group photos, so she initiated a photo opp last night.  I'm glad she did as the friends pictured here are so special to us.  It's nice to have a picture just to get a glimpse of how very blessed we are to do life with such great friends.

Tuff & Mary, we are so glad that you came back to the Burgh for a visit and that we got to have some time to catch up.  We will keep praying for you in this exciting time.  God bless!