Memorial weekend in D.C.

Caleigh and Zach enjoyed the playground near Sara and Ryan's home on Saturday. By 11:00 AM we'd already driven from home to Fairfax, looked at a mini-van and took it to a garage! We had a great time with the Kirkwoods for lunch and hanging out. Then off to pick up the car from the mechanic (A-OK, think we're going to get it!!) and make it out to Sandor's for a cook-out. We were pleasantly surprised to see additional folks there & Caleigh was especially happy to have a fellow 3-yr-old to play with. She and Maren initiated some quiet reading on the couch before running around through the woods together (thanks for letting us rest, Steve!). Then off to the Hamaker's for chatting and much needed sleep for all.

Church on Sunday was a wonderful reunion with New Hope folks. BBQ at the Hamaker's and then off to the Wilsons after naps. We feel like we ate our way through the two-days as we enjoyed a yummy cookout and tricycle riding with Patrick and his folks. Off at 8 PM with exhausted kids (and ok, we were too...) back to home. I must have checked out early as I stopped taking pictures! ;-) Eventful and successful (we are scheduled to pick up the mini-van early July) weekend. Thanks to all who made it possible by taking time to spend time with us.

Kids looking cute.

Okay - more new camera pictures.

Zach likes to end his words with the 'ee' sound: bibee (bib), bubearbrees! (blueberries), puppy, DADDY, MOMMY (caps added because he really like to yell our names with a smile on his face), baby...

He loves cheese, juice (milk), yogurt (do you sense a dairy addition here?). These are things he can mostly get out of the refrigerator himself - danger! danger! ;-)

He points to his tractor and says "Papa" (and dug it out of the toy basket to show Grandma last time we videoskyped)-- throws his arms around (flaps?) to mimic sister 'jumping' while his feet don't actually leave the ground -- is as 'bad' as his sister was at that age insisting he have a hat on his head when we leave the house (pats his head and points outside) -- is more of a daredevil climber than Caleigh, but is mostly cautious and doesn't give us too hard a time.

Over this past week Zach has 'clearly' said "Caleigh" and "Zach" and pointed to himself when we asked 'Where's Zach?" He seems very pleased with his progressing verbal skills. We told him there was a baby in Mama's tummy and pointed there -- he was utterly confused & we wish we had the camera out to capture his expression. He didn't let the moment pass, though, without giving Mama's belly a zerbert and laughing hysterically at his funny.

New camera

In anticipation of our wild west tour of '09 (oh, and another baby & kids that move faster than our other digital could keep up with) we upgraded to a new camera.

I think we usually don't let her jump on the couch, but...so cute!

Zach up close and working on the computer.















Kids...Zach was not injured in the making of this picture. It's always (I find) a weird dilemma whether to protect the one that may or may not fall/stumble/bump into something OR get the shot. I 'usually' err on the protection angle, but (oh, and I'm reminded of the picture of Zach spitting up a LOT with Cynthia holding him...) there are times when the unexpected happens when you're behind the lens. I love that Caleigh has already mastered the 'I didn't make him fall, Mama' look.

Baby #3

Some ultrasound pictures from May 14 at 20 weeks along. All appears well and we're both healthy and growing!

We didn't want to find out if we're having a boy or girl, so I'll just alternate talking about baby/him/her (or just don't read anything into my pronouns). We saw him stick out his tongue and stick his hand/finger in his mouth. He was pretty active while we looking in on him.

Caleigh is getting really excited about the baby. She wants to hold her. "Will she be really tiny?" she asks with a big smile. Zach just looked utterly confused when I pointed to my tummy and said, "baby." He likes to point out "baby!" and "puppy!" whenever he spots them. He also likes pointing out "trees" (which oddly sounds a lot like "cheese" AND "juice" these days. If we'd let him live on cheese, bread and oatmeal he would be a very happy camper.

Zach is closing in on 18 months. He likes to imitate Caleigh when possible. She loves to jump high and far, especially down the little step onto either porch. Zach will step up there and raise his hands high and *smile* as if he would jump too, but luckily he's only tried that once and 'remembers' it didn't go so well for him.

We are getting more excited around here for baby -- figuring out arrangements for sleeping, clothing, and monitoring this wee one. I'm thinking I should do my attic work now before the heat of summer is upon us (e.g., sorting through baby clothes, blankets, etc. we'll need in Sept./Oct.).

Off to Washington DC this weekend (Memorial Day) to visit friends and check out a mini van. ;-) We're officially in the market (and selling the Subaru). I'm oddly excited to be entering into this 'ultra-cool suburban Mama in a mini van' phase of life. HA!

"That man is making a tree every day!"

Caleigh's comment about the man across the street that splits wood somewhat incessantly. She said it with wonder an awe and a bit of confusion. Why does he do that Mama? I, of course, gave a logical, complete, and inspirational answer while multi-tasking 'cooking' with Zach at the play kitchen.

And here are Mother's Day pictures. Not the best of us...but I'll take them (the kids and the pictures...)! They are a true delight. They can be maddening. They make me tired, they make me laugh. They use me as a trampoline and give me hugs, kisses and zerberts. They say "Mama."

We are signing her up for track!

I do believe she ran quite far! The birds, alas, all got away.

Caleigh running

This is a theme in our day -- Caleigh needing to run especially in the afternoon! She had joy written on her face most of the day.

And here I am - the only evidence I was present that day...that's me and Zach in the distance. ;-)

More from the beach

Here we are, hanging around and having fun. The last picture is our neighbors with their dog, Zoe. They are very patriotic for not having been born in the US -- Sherrif in Scotland and Rhonda in Canada. We get along very well and the kids have even warmed up to their dog! Caleigh fed him treats, even (through the crate walls, though ;-).

Back to the beach! [May 9]

This time the NJ "shore" with our neighbors. The kids have now been to beaches in four states. It was a bit warmer, but not too sunny so we were able to stay out most of the day. And take naps and eat in their condo...ahh. The kids just love the sand. They get it all over them and don't mind a bit. Zach has no concept of trying to keep his large bucket/shovel/hand full of sand off a beach towel and Caleigh isn't must better. They both like to run after birds. Daddy and Caleigh tried to get down to the water w/o Zach but he would have none of it. He'd scramble up and chase after them a few steps only to return for his trusty shovel and bucket before chasing after them again. So cute! Of course, Zach doesn't move as well on bumpy sand and he had a perpetual circle on his forehead from tripping head first into the sand and it sticking to his sunscreen. ;->

It was a great day for the beach. Others must have heard the (inaccurate) weather forecast that it was to rain 10 hours. It rained a bit as we left at 8PM. We wanted to make it over before the summer rush and post Labor Day probably isn't an option...;-)

Recent 'funnies':
1. Dan and I were talking about writing something down and Caleigh said we needed to make a list (Dan says she gets that from me ;-) She said it should be a grocery list (very excitedly).
2. Over the weekend we started pizza dough late for dinner that night so Dan went ahead and fed Zach supper in his chair in the kitchen. He appeared full and interested in running around so we sat down to supper in the dining room without him. Soon we hear an odd scraping from the kitchen and turn from the table to find Zach has pulled his chair as far as he can to the dining room (and it's stuck in the door frame). He excitedly 'talks' and points for Dan to move the chair to it's rightful spot so he can enjoy supper (again) with us. He eats a whole piece! He has a plan.
3. Zach is yelling DADA repeatedly in the car as we head out to get Dan from the train. Caleigh tries to calm him by telling hi, "Don't worry Zach, you'll be a Daddy one day and get to go to work too!" He did stop yelling! ;-)

The hill

We had a nice morning in the Great's backyard.


A family tradition...running up the hill, grasping the fence to steady yourself before plummeting back down the hill onto the flat. She looks so incredibly mature with that really big smile.

Bubbles!

Caleigh and Zach love bubbles. Zach clearly says, "bubble" in this clip. You get a lot of exercise chasing bubbles.

Zach also says 'book,' 'downstairs,' 'sister,' 'cracker' 'dog/woof woof,' and 'juice' among other utterances.

Zach driving a boat ;-)

At the PTM again...happy guy!

Carousel ride at the PTM

Caleigh was very happy to ride the carousel with Mrs. Ko while Mama and Zachary waved at her go by. This is the spacious room we usually have snack in -- watch the horses, rabbits, etc. go around and enjoy loads of glass and sun.

More family fun

Uncle Logan encouraged Zachary to wrestle with him on the floor (it didn't take much...). Here is Zachary winning by pinning his opponent down with the double knee attack (and big smile). They laughed and laughed. Zachary also thought it great fun to plop his bum down in the open space between Logan's arm and head. And then he's cuddle. So cute!

Here are the Greats with their great-grandkids. Should have tried for the picture before the end of the festivities. Caleigh was OUT and barely woke up for us to put her PJs on right after the picture.

This is Zach entertaining the crowd and learning from Papa (or was he teaching Papa?) how to fish.

Playing with family

Uncle Logan and Aunt Ciera enjoyed cuddling as the burgers cooked. It was great to be able to see them so much!

The whole family came over for dinner and wore Caleigh out. ;-) Taylor read her to sleep by accident. Fun evening!

More fun at the Greats'

Caleigh was better about giving hugs this time. I think Zach is inspiring her a bit (he is also helping her get over her fear of dogs).

We all enjoyed playing and sitting outside on a nice morning.

Caleigh made it up the hill to the fence and safely ran back down over and over. Zach wasn't so fortunate as he only made it 1/2 way up the hill before falling back down. He took it fine, though. Maybe next trip he'll make it all the way!

Zach laughing and hugging

He was a hit at the Great's huse. Smiling and laughing and hugging and kissing. He has quite a personality on him. And he just eats it up if you laugh or smile in his direction. He has developed this squinty-eyed whole face scrunch when he is trying to show he's happy or pose for a picture. Quite cute.

Eating and visiting

Great grandma was handing out the crackers as fast as the little hands could ask for more. They did share with Great grandpa. Well, Caleigh gave him more than he wanted and Zach just saw him as an alternate source for more crackers. ;-)

Zach enjoyed a snuggle while reading a book with great grandma. He doesn't sit still very long so that was a real treat.