bottle from big bro

Ran out for an errand (to get D a birthday present). I should have called when I was on my way home, as D had already warmed up the some milk. So, it was a great opportunity for Reece to give his brother a bottle.

Reece did a great job, holding him and making sure he was getting the milk. Zach is getting good at holding the bottle himself, even though he's only had a handful of bottles ever. Looking forward to solids just for more of this sweet bro time.

Smiley faces

Some of my new favs.

Make me well

Reece threw up all over the place yesterday afternoon. Some kind of bug, I'm guessing.

This morning he told his daddy, "Last night, I prayed and asked God to make me well." I love that you did that all on your own in the quiet of your room.

I will continue to pray that you come to know God more and more every day. Actually, I'll pray that for all of us.

So glad you feel better today, my precious boy. <3

walked

(from my phone)Took the boys on a walk this afternoon. What a beautiful day it was, especially for January.

We made it to the lake joyfully. But, the second half of that walk wasn't worth the first. Zach fussed the entire way back.

Was exhausted in multiple ways. Teeth are not my friend....come in already!
After we got home, Zach wanted mommy to hold him, hold him, hold him. So, I carried him in the Ergo to help soothe. Hang in there, my little Zach-a-roo!

Dinosaur week

(from my phone)Reece Rex couldn't be happier that it's dinosaur week at school. Roar!!!

Wrestle you up

Church was great this morning. Haven't been in a while. Zach did great in the nursery and we didn't get called. Church felt like a date with my husband and Jesus. Dig it.

On the way home, Reece told his daddy, "When we get home, I'm going to wrestle you up, daddy." And even though he didn't get the wording quite right, he wasn't kidding.

I heard them in Reece's room, Reece yelling, "I'm coming against you in the name of the Lord who rules over all." Hey, if he's going to be rough and tough, channeling David and quoting 1 Samuel 17:45 works for me. Well, I captured this one, but you should have seen the tackles and jumps Reece was doing to his daddy. Zach watched on. Your time is coming soon, Zach-a-roo. They are already talking about when they can give you 'the bizness'.

pairs

Three people slept all night in this house. Maybe next time one will be me. (napping on Kir's bed, after a good nursing with a little milk drool...love it!)
In other breaking news, Zach rolled over back to belly today for the first time.
We were sitting in Kir's front yard, and even though I don't often have my camera anymore, I did this time. It's funny, I told her that I just felt he was going to do it today.He seems to like things in pairs.
...and evidently green grass, too. ; )

(Update: As of a week later, he hasn't done either again yet. I guess he just wanted me to know he could.)

little brother

(from my phone)Brought a blanket for Zach to hang out on the playground while Reece and his friends played after school today. Was pretty happy, as he has a great view of the trees blowing in the wind.

I CAN wait, but it will be fun when he can run around chasing them. : )

picnic in Jan

Picnic in January, I love it. Wasn't missing this opportunity.From my phone...precious boys.Reece and I played a silly game where we threw his socks at each other. I stayed seated, while he revved up from the sidewalk.

"I'm coming against you in the name of the Lord, who rules over all!"Pllllease, can we stay out a little longer?

haircute

Fresh haircut + wink to mom = Haircute!

5

5 months old.
Slow down!I saw a newborn the other day and you are just HUGE comparatively.

Oh, you are still such a happy guy.

This month, you began blowing bubbles like crazy, raspberries everywhere. You babble, squeal, mmm-moan, and make all kinds of noises. Daddy says you're going to be chatty like your brother (and he claims you get that from me). ; )My favorite new thing you do is your fake cough. You do it A LOT! I have called you on it many times, but it does usually work. I have a feeling you'll keep that skill for a while.It is Short Attention Span Theatre around here. You like your bouncy seat, activity gym, and exersaucer just fine, but only for 5 or 10 minute increments. It is hard to get dinner on, laundry folded, eat, etc..., but I remember in those moments that you are only this small for SUCH a short period of time. And you love being held by us.

You're specific about what you like. You'd much rather us hold you upright while we're standing. You get pretty demanding about that.

Speaking of demanding, you fuss often when I leave your view. You can spy me from waaay across the room and usually don a big toothless grin. : )Oh teeth, we are not a fan of them right now. The doctor said he sees them on their way, and it is clear based on how you drool, gnaw on things, and groan. They sure seem to bother you some days, and I'm ready for them to break through.

You're falling into some better patterns for napping twice a day with a little cat nap around 5pm. But, if we're out and about, your naps are sporadic and short.

You go to bed between 7:30 and 8pm. I love the way you sleep, so chill with your hands behind your head. You are still waking up usually twice a night. Sometimes it is just once, and sometimes it is 3 or more if those teeth are giving you trouble. I do crave some more sleep, sweet boy. Maybe we could string together a few good nights in a row...whatcha think?Either way, this is just a season, and still going by too fast. Sitting up is next; I know you're going to love it!In the mean time, continue to kick, kick, kick. Dr H commented on how crazy kick-y you are.We are crazy for YOU, Zach-a-roo.

Formula

It was a bit of a rough week with no sleep and teeth pain, and just trying that sometimes life with kiddos can be.
Sat night was a nice break with dinner and game night at the James'.
Kir's Japanese curry was delicious. I had a 1/2 glass of wine, and realized...I wanted a bit more. (2 glasses)

When it came time to nurse, it seemed the perfect opportunity to try some formula with Zach. THAT sounds funny to say. There's a part of me that wanted to never give him any. 1 serving, Sundee, really? He's still getting every ounce of good milk you've got.

I've thought about giving him some so many times. (I think too much.) I thought to try to top him off and see if it helped sleep, or as a back up if I didn't have enough stocked up.

So far, I've had enough expressed every time we've gone out, but always wanted to know that if he wanted/needed more, he could take formula. And, I really wanted Darren to have that freedom too. Of course, you don't want to try it unless you are there to nurse or soothe if it doesn't work. So, tonight was again, the perfect opportunity.

That boy took 4 ounces of formula from Darren without a blink, and then he took 3 more of 4 more made. Wow...SUPER, now we know. And honestly, I feel a HUGE sense of relief and freedom knowing he will take it if he's hungry.

I expressed when I got home and wondered, wondered if he'd sleep like a champ.

Nope. Same ol', same ol'. But, still so worth knowing. Back up plans are good. Mommy's milk is still the best.

naked truth

"Your leg is fat and bumpy", said Reece. WHAT?
Yep, he repeated it. I'm even wearing clothes. Boo hoo.

froggy

I love getting to reuse things a second time around. So.thankful.

jobs to do

Reece is setting the table for the 3rd night in a row. Dig how they thrive at having jobs to do. Love teaching responsibility. Go Team McDonald. ♥ (p.s. i know i'm corny)

4 yr and 4 mo

Today we combined Reece's 4 year appointment with Zach's 4 month. Some may think we're a bit crazy for that one, but I just couldn't schlep both kids to the dr office twice during cold and flu season.

Plus, we did it as a team together. Always better together, even when shots are involved. ; )

It started with weigh-ins and measurements...Reece's

Height: 39 3/4" (25th)
Weight: 36 1/2" (50th)

While Zach was getting his measurements, Daddy read books to Reece.Zach's

Height: 26 3/4 (90th)
Weight: 14 lbs 9 oz (50th)

Next up, Reece's eye test. I LOVE this first picture. ; )And then, hearing test.Concentrating.So proud of himself. Nurse K and I were too!He was supposed to raise his hand when he heard a noise. Most of the time, he turned and told her, "heard it again".and again!Oh, Reece, you are such a precious thing!
Next, Dr. H came in for the exams.Zach first. Oh how I love this next one.Then Reece. I absolutely adore these pictures. Would have never gotten them if we hadn't teamed up for this appointment. Thank you, Darren, for taking the time to be with us.

Well, next, camera down. Time for shots.
First Daddy got an H1N1, then Reece got his 3. He did really well, especially for the first shot. Then, we took deep breaths together to survive the next two.

Zach took his RotoVirus much better than last time. And he fussed during the shots, but it only lasted a minute. Reece encouraged him that it would be okay.

The 4 year and 4 month appointments went great. And, they were special being all together. Always better together.(TCBY afterward. Clearly, he's no worse for the wear. I didn't even ask him to do that!)