James Robert Kinders Class

This week, James Robert graduated from the preschool class to the kinders class at his school and he's been so proud and excited about the accomplishment.  In order to move into this class he has been diaper free for a month and even won the "student star" award for excellent listening and participation.

The kinders class will be working on more pre-K type activities as most Canadian children go into full-day kindergarten the year they turn 4.  James Robert's favorite activities are the music lesson, French circle time and yoga!

We're so proud of him for making this transition and for his enthusiasm (with so many changes he's been a real trooper).  He will only be in the class for the next coming weeks, but it was surely a boost of confidence for him that I know he'll take it into whatever school he goes to in Seattle!

Canadian Baby Passport

By virtue of being born in Canada, Thomas will be a dual citizen here and in the US.  With upcoming air travel planned, we quickly worked to get him a passport.  Little did we know how hard and funny it would be to get his passport photo taken.  We've been chuckling since this gem came in the mail and it will doubtlessly provide years of laughs when we travel.

It feel a bit surreal to see your child have a passport with a different country on it than yours!  But next  week we will be headed to the US consulate to start the paperwork for his US passport and citizenship.  What a treasure to have this experience for him!

Lake Boys

Every summer I look forward to taking pictures in the same spot by Lake Michigan.  This year was hilariously hard to get both boys to cooperate, but I'm so glad that I continued the tradition nonetheless.  After about 3 minute, James Robert had enough and ran down to the water and Thomas needed to be fed.  But I loved sitting on the beach nursing him and taking stock of the passing of time in this special place.  Here are some of the pictures we got this year (previous years are here, here and here):

Up North 2016

This year was a very memorable trip Up North! Most notably because Tommy joined the crew!  But also because Aunt Kris and Uncle Peter hosted all 20 of us (plus 3 dogs) in their home.  It was a wonderful week full of good weather and great memories.

Tommy was loved on by all of his cousins, Aunts and Uncles; it was so sweet to see all of the kids quickly warm to him.

Thanks to mostly great weather, we spent a ton of time in the lake.  And this year, we all enjoyed the paddle boards; even some of the kids got up on them and had a ball. 

 

We took a trip into Suttons Bay one day, played at the park and dipped our feet in the water.  Then Baca, Mat and James Robert took a special 'boys only' sail.  James Robert loved that special time-- if you ask him about the day he will tell you about how cool it was to watch Daddy jump off the boat and getting in the water with him.

The best part of the week was watching all the kids play together.  Just look at that M22 picture- we are running out of room on the couch! 

After our annual trip to Boondocks, we snuck in some family photos by the lake.

TCL 2 Months

Weight: a bit over 12 lbs at your well visit!

Health: We started medication for reflux this month which helped to calm some of your symptoms.  Overall, you're in the 50th percentile for weight, height and head size!

Sleep: Sleeping doesn't come easily; most evenings you cry from 5:30-10PM and you sleep best when on a walk in your stroller ( you love the outdoors) or on Mommy's chest.  The longest stretch you've slept is 3 hours.

Social: You are becoming more alert when awake and tracking things with you eyes and cooing.

Diet: You weren't thrilled with the first bottle we tried to give you, but overall a steady appetite and eats well.

Clothes: You moved into mostly 0-3 month clothing this month.  Dressing you in summer baby clothes is SO fun!

Baby Gear: The rock and play has been great for sleeping because of the incline and our stroller has gotten quite a workout since it's one of the places you feel most comforted.  And the Ergo and ring sling have been life savers to keep you close and also have free hands.

Crying: Phew!  I'm not even going to elaborate.

Likes: Eating, being outside, walks in the stroller.

Milestones: Making noises! 

Brotherly Love

A few days ago, James Robert asked me if he could hold Tommy all by himself.  It is the first time he has asked to hold his brother and only the second time doing so (the first time was at the hospital and he hasn't shown interest since).  

I quickly picked up my camera to capture this moment. The pride and joy the James Robert beamed was unforgettable!  

Tommy has spent a lot of time crying, so having a few moments for the two of them to bond while he was not crying really made James Robert happy.  Upon his suggestion, we put down the play mat for them to lay together and it was the first time they were really engaging with each other.  Tommy was easily entertained by James Robert showing him all of his cars and trucks and even gave him a few big smiles!

 

Their brotherly love made me as happy as it made them!

Newborn Family Photos

When Thomas was just shy of a month old, we met up with the Jeff and Diane who took our family photos back in October.   

These pictures are such a treasure. It was the first time we all got dressed and left the house (which was a lot more challenging than it seems).  And although there were toddler shenanigans and newborn fussiness, Jeff and Diane captured such tender moments.