1...2...3...no, make that 4 new teeth

Baby M has cut 4 teeth in three days, ya'll! I can't believe it. Two on top, two on the bottom. I've been saying since he was born after 2 hours and 39 minutes of labor that he is a fast and furious little guy. This rapid teething continues to prove my theory! He has also gained great skill in the crawling department in no time at all, causing me to seriously reconsider how baby-proof this house really is. It's probably worth installing a few more of those drawer and cabinet locks just to be on the safe side, especially since there is a curious older brother in the mix this time.

New Developments

This week has been full of changes. N moved out of his crib and into a twin bed Tuesday night. So far he has done great and really seems to like it. We have been lying with him on his bed to read a book before bedtime. It was a little sad for me to realize that my baby is not so much of a baby anymore, but I am glad he is handling the transition so well.

M is officially crawling now! He made his first move forward in an attempt to get a lincoln log. There is no stopping him anymore. It has been interesting to see N's reaction, since M's primary goal is to get near N and whatever toys N is playing with.

He also likes to sit in front of the windows and look outside.


It seems like we are entering a different phase of family life with both of these changes. G and I went out for dinner last night while my parents, sister and brother-in-law babysat, and we couldn't stop talking about how quickly the baby days have gone by.

Birthday week

I have enjoyed nearly a full week of birthday celebrations! The first event was a dinner party with my friends from Thompson (where I used to work) on Saturday night. Anne prepared an Italian feast that put any restaurant meal I've ever eaten to shame! On my birthday, Tuesday, my sister M and I ran 5 miles. She, my dad and a friend of mine are training for a half marathon in December, so we are "building our base" this summer. I spent the rest of the morning with a friend, and then M came back over with a delicious chicken and broccoli braid, acini salad, plantain chips and rhubarb pie for lunch. She spent the afternoon here, helping me with the boys. That evening when Daddy came home, we had a taco dinner and opened presents. I had lots of loving phone calls and well-wishes throughout the day, and just felt very loved. On Wednesday night, Staci had us over for dinner...cheeseburgers, her famous macaroni and cheese, butter beans and apple crisp. Yummy!

Today is the first day that we haven't had plans, so we are hanging around the house. M has come down with a little cold so he's been napping most of the morning. Yesterday he made big progress toward crawling - up on his hands and knees a little bit. He is highly motivated to reach N's toys.

N and I played outside, kicking the ball and pushing the yellow truck for a while. Then we came back in for a snack and reading time. I steamed some squash for M, and N helped with that. Then we did some squash print painting.

Summer Reading

It's a rainy Monday afternoon and I am so glad we spent the morning outside. We even made it to the grocery store before nap time! N got to push his own child-size buggy around Food Lion and he loved every minute of that adventure. I have been washing clothes and sorting out the mail pile/coupon stash while the boys have been asleep.

M woke up first, so he is pictured in this post. He wants to crawl so badly! He will sit and rock back and forth. He'll even take the plunge and get on his tummy, but once he's there, he just flails around and lets me know in no uncertain terms that he can't reach what he wants!


I had mercy on him and let him hold his books, and this is what he did with them.

Where did the week go?

I am trying to figure out why it has been a week since I posted anything on the blog. Last week was full. I have been spending Tuesday mornings doing a Bible study with a friend who is a new Christian. It is such a neat thing to talk with someone who has a fresh perspective on all that Christ has done for her.

We went swimming with another friend on Wednesday. M was a big fan of splashing in the water, but N was quite content to stay on the picnic bench in the shade!

I think the other highlights of the week were shopping trips. I felt brave and bold enough to actually enter Wal-Mart with the children in tow. I couldn't believe it, but we actually had a good experience. They both got tickled at something silly, and the laughter was contagious! We found this yellow blanket for baby M. He seems to like it.


Big brother N will have to show him how to make the most of it, though.


Friday's shopping trip with Aunt M involved purchasing a bed rail and large container of bubbles. We are planning to move N out of the crib soon, and around here, bubbles are a source of nearly endless fascination and giggles.

Fun and Games

Baseball season began at our house this weekend. I loved watching Daddy show N how to hold the bat and swing. I think N's favorite part was fielding balls that Daddy hit.

This morning we played a guessing game. I blindfolded N and then handed him various toys, fruits and vegetables. I think the potato and apple were the only things that stumped him. I will have to make it more challenging next time, but he did enjoy being blindfolded.

After N went down for his nap, I let M get into his basket of toys. He pulled each thing out, one at a time, and tasted it thoroughly.

He really liked this squishy book the best.

I love the way he curls his tongue when he is concentrating.