Wednesday, March 23, 2016

We love grandparents

The other day I was reading this article about "granny pods" - microhouses people put in their backyards where their parents live. I really want to build one and convince my parents or Hans' parents to live there. Because having them here the past month has been so wonderful I never wanted them to leave! Hans' mom came from Panama for two weeks, then we had a week on our own (yikes) and then my parents came for 10 days. I seriously don't know how we would have gotten through without them. They helped take the brunt of Emma's energy so I could focus on healing, sleeping, and taking care of James. I'm so grateful for all their help - it really helped to ease the transition to two.
Oma playing "soccer ball" with at Zilker Park 
James and I just watched :)
Enjoying one last dinner before Oma heads home. We so loved having her here!
My parents arrived and the silliness began right away.
Enjoying a little mat time with James 
Grandma's first time babysitting little man

So much silliness
Fun at the park!
She always wants to hold baby brother. He's not so sure about it...
He fell asleep like this. Just face down in her shoulder. Can you even breathe, dude?!
These two couldn't share a meal without doing something silly.
Em picked out a special craft to do with her grandparents - decorating a giant Easter egg!
A few weeks ago, Hans and I took the kiddos for a walk around Town Lake. Em saw all the people out on the lake and immediately started begging to "go in a boat for my birthday." And sometimes, that girl has an amazing memory. As soon as grandpa and grandma arrived, she started talking about going on the boat again. So we took her down one day to ride in a canoe with her grandparents. Little girl was in HEAVEN!
Life jacketed up and ready to go!
She started out close to Bapa, but didn't stay that way for long...
Absolutely perfect day to be on the lake. Not too hot, not too bright, just right!
Looks like a lot of other people had the same idea. The lake was pretty full!
Love this one. Crazy girl couldn't resist sticking her hands in the water the whole time.
Bustin' out some bubbles in the backyard.
Grandma's good at this.
Love that smile!
Shirts optional...
Can't come to Austin without going to Torchy's. 
Weirdo kept climbing on the window ledge. Why?
Whatcha smilin' at there Jamie?
Oh, it's Bapa! He was really good at gettin' the smiles :) 
One last goofy meal 
This is how Emma felt about dropping her grandparents at the airport. Me, too, kid. Me, too.
Thanks for visiting, now please COME BACK! We miss you.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

February at a glance

February was a bit of a blur. Most of it was hospital stays and birthdays (Hans' and Emma's!) and grandparent visits. The rest of it was nursing and sleeping (but not much!) and getting settled in as a family of four. We spent a lot of time reading, taking walks, and having sibling bonding time. Take a peek
Hey, there. Come here often?
"Look at this little cheek!" 
"I read to baby brother" (side note: She's totally got The Gruffalo memorized and it's hilarious and adorable) 
She always refuses to hold anyone's hand, but now all she wants to do is hold his hand. It's killing me - I love it. 
Like father, like son. 
I bought a whole bunch of little things to keep her busy while I nurse and take care of James. It's my secret stash and I pull out new things when she's particularly wound up and needs distraction. This was her first foray into watercolors and needless to say...
She loved it!
She pushes her baby doll in its stroller right alongside Mama and James. 
I really wanted to take a marker and add a C before "Hunk"
It's their thing. 
A close up of those cheeks because I mean, really. They are no match for gravity and I just want to kiss them off his face!!
First bath at home. Goodness, we were not prepared for little boy's bathtime pee... that was some serious projectile action! Can't believe how much there was either. Now we keep a wash rag over him. Lesson learned!
Em thought it was hysterical 
He was less amused.
And just wanted to be fed.
"Look, I look like daddy!"
"I love baby brother"
Thanks to my mother-in-law for capturing this very real look at what our Friday nights look like now. We so tired. 
Our first outing! We went to TCBY for a little Valentine's treat. PS, borrowed this Solly Baby Wrap from my friend and we LOVE it. We ended up getting one of our own and it's such a lifesaver for a clingly little boy who always wants to be held.
Happy Valentines from my two littlest loves! 
She is an amazing big sister and loves him so much.
She got her first flowers from her daddy.
She kept hugging them. We were cracking up.
Her other V-day gifts were lip balm (cuz she's always stealing mine!) It's hilarious to watch her put it on. She does it about 50 times a day. I need to get video of it.
And headbands!
We were even able to sneak out for a little late Valentine's dinner at Gourdough's, my favorite donut restaurant (don't knock it 'til you try it!)
And this happened... are you kidding me?! We were so shocked.

Seriously, so much love. She's always asking to hold him.
We spend a lot of time in bed. She's so patient while I nurse and thank goodness she loves to read so much.
He's a smiley one!
She loves finding these on our walks. I love watching her try and blow them.
All car rides, she must always hold his hand. Whether he likes it or not :)
She reads him lots of books.
And she nurses her baby doll just like mama
Gotta teach 'em young, right? 
Last but not least, major shout out to this guy! He is the best partner and father I could have ever asked for and I couldn't (and wouldn't want to) do any of this craziness with anyone else. On February 20th he turned the Big 3-0 and while his birthday was a bit eclipsed by new babyhood, I hope he knows how much we love and appreciate him. Happy Birthday, sweetie!