Peekaboo

Our littlest man is six months old today. Half a year! He is doing amazing things already. He has perfected sitting up on his own and he sometimes seems to wave in response to us waving to him - but I'm pretty sure he is just flapping his arms because he realizes they are his. But after last nights' game of peekaboo I'm not sure.

Up until now, Benny has been a good sleeper. I realized lately though he has been using mommy as a crutch to get to sleep (nursing = sleep). Having trouble getting past that and getting him to sleep on his own, we let him hang out for a bit on his own in his crib the other night to see what would happen. Well duh. He cried! We let him go a little bit and then I gave in. He wasn't happy and I thought maybe he was teething? I brought him into our room to present the question to Leo and suddenly the boy was all smiles. He arched over and made googly eyes at Leo, happy as can be. Leo responded with smiles and eventually the suggestion to just go to sleep, "like this". He put his head down and closed his eyes, then popped up again to surprise Benny. Benny thought it was hilarious. And then did it back! He put hid head in my chest real quick then popped his head back at Leo, knowing how damn cute he was being. This was the first time we have seen him be deliberate with his actions and seem to truly know what is going on around him. This went on for a while until I said enough is enough, you're tired kid! And he was. But he just wanted to nurse to sleep. We looked at each other, weighed the options and decided to try to cry it out. Oh how I wish we could have skipped this part! It sucked when we did it for Nathan but it worked for him then. So we're going for it now. I lasted about an hour until I couldn't take it anymore. It was midnight, I was tired. I cuddled him, rocked him and put him to sleep (no nursing). The upside was that Nathan slept through it. I was so afraid we would have too awake babies. I don't know that we will be that lucky going forward.

Our daytime hours have been just as hectic. A few weekends ago we had Uncle Matt help us take apart our crappy old deck. The structure remains but we have new decking and railing boards waiting for us in the garage. That's this weekends' project. We thought we would wait and do such a labor intensive project on yet another 95+ degree streak. Yuck. It will be rough in the heat but I'm thinking about the final outcome. It will be gorgeous! I can't say I will have much to do with the construction. (Someone has to be with the kids!) but I have been studying for this every day on-line. What type of connections, railings, boards sizes, notched 4x4's or not. Then there's the stain to educate myself about! I spent an hour and a half at Lowe's yesterday picking the brain of every blue-vested man there to get everything we needed to get started. So I consider that my fair share of investment into this project - handing two squirming kids at the hardware store.

Speaking of those kids - they were really great on that trip out. I grabbed a lego/ star wars book at the entrance of the store and tossed it in the cart with Nathan (along with a little bag of cookies and a backup bag of crackers) and we were good to go. I consider myself seasoned in the realm of keeping the kids busy in stores. It's all about preparation.

I think you have to have a good kid too. And cute. Even the old men at Lowe's were oohing and ahhing over my little boys. But really, Nathan, despite the troubles he does cause, can be so wonderful. Yesterday before his nap, he cleaned his room on his own without me asking. I thought maybe Leo told him or he hit his head or something. He just decided it was a good idea. I love him. And he took his nap with minimal whining. Bedtime is getting a tad better too. Maybe we are getting past that three year old hump. He's showing how ready he will be soon for preschool . . .

I'm sure I have tons more to write but I have to go of course. Benny is still sleeping (good) but it's because he was up for hours last night crying it out (bad) and we may be all sorts of messed up today because of it. Fortunately my husband let me sleep in (awesome) since I was up in the wee hours trying to get Benny back to sleep. Where's my coffee . . .  ?

Independence

Yesterday we celebrated our day of independence (mostly Leo's independence from work but also our Country's Independence of course) by trying something new. Although it's been a steady sweltering 90 degrees + outside everyday, we can't keep the weather from keeping us outside. We decided to go to Frankie's in Brier Creek where they have mini golf, arcade games and tons of other stuff we can't enjoy for a while (batting cages, race cars and other big kid things). We braved through Nathan's first mini golf game and it wasn't half bad considering the circumstances. We all have to be patient (us with him and him with what we are doing) as he tries new things. We try to gently repeat the 'rules' or at least the object of the game. And he has to keep practicing and just not give up. This is easier said than done and the creeping heat didn't help. After a few shrugs and huffs of frustration, we all got through it and he had a good time. The reward was running around the cool arcade from one blast of light and sound to another. We played some games and got some stupid toys with the tickets we won at some of the games. Benny, meanwhile, was quite content in the carrier on me and dozed on and off. We must remember this as a good rainy/ hot day activity as there is much to do inside and whiles away a good chunk of time while getting some energy out. A win win for us all. Last night we went to Brier Creek Country Club where you can sit on the golf course and watch nearby fireworks. They had a bouncy house for the kids, music and lots of space to run. A friend of ours piggybacked the whole event with a birthday party for her kid. Great idea! It was a hot night but in the name of fireworks we toughed it out and all slept really well last night.

Last week we had Grandpa Truck and Babci here before they went down to Kerri's. It was Babci's first time meeting Benny. They were brave enough to stick around despite the evenings when I leave and he cries. At least Leo had company for while I was gone. I went out with my friend again for some night shots in Durham and then my class again Thursday. With Grandpa Truck, we went to the pool one of the days and Nathan did a really good job of swimming a little more on his own. He definitely needs someone else (other than me) to teach him. Saturday we joined them again for Logan's third birthday party. (How are these kids three already?) It was hot as Hades for the party but there were water activities for the kids to stay cool and me and Ben laid low in the AC.

Today it's just me and Benny for a few hours. A friend invited Nathan over for a few hours to play with her kids. So we are free to play and do whatever for a few hours. Currently, Ben is jumping in his jumparoo and studying his surroundings. Damn he is cute!

Father's Day Weekend

Pop came down to visit last weekend. Uncle Matt got a new car and Pop drove down to NC with him. We went downtown to see the science museum. There is a new wing that I wanted to see and Nathan can always be persuaded to go somewhere if we can see dinosaurs. It's always nice these days to have visitors in general but it's extra helpful to have another set of hands to help me out. When it's time to take care of Benny, someone to be with Nathan for 20 minutes or so is extremely helpful. Museum, pool, etc. I need help at this stage and when Leo can't go during the week, I will take any extra bodies I can get.

So when Pop left Tuesday, we didn't do a whole lot the rest of the week. Nathan had a random 24 hour vomit-fest anyway so we tried to lay low until he got rid of that anyway. Fun times. Can't wait for winter when he will be bringing home germs from preschool and passing them onto his little brother.

Time with Pop, btw, was great. We enjoyed a little time out. A little time indoors. A little time even in the rain. We always enjoy Pop-Time and can't wait for him to come back. Even if he makes me do ridiculous things. Like dig through a giant planter at the airport for his knife where he hid it because he had in his pocket but didn't want it confiscated at security. So I went down there and he talked me through the adventure. I was so sure I was being watched and would be stopped for suspicious behavior. But I found the knife and left without confrontation. That was not something I would like to do again. You're welcome Dad.

Friday Leo and I added another first on our list and went on a GEO paddle trip. You get in a canoe and paddle around in the dark, using a GPS to find markers along the shore (or wherever they were put). In this case we had four other couples with us and the goal was to get to each point, get a "word" that went with a "clue" and finish all our riddles first. It didn't really matter who won as there was no real prize other than being in the middle of the lake looking up at the billions of stars that we miss being so close to city lights. It was a gorgeous night and it was nice to get away for a few hours. Our neighbor Liz watched the boys for the first time and it all went pretty well. Benny is not taking his bottle so when he's hungry it gets a little hairy. But she dealt with it fine as I knew she would.

Yeah, Benny is being a Booger. He simply won't take anything but fresh milk from his mama and sweet potatoes. We started him on some food already since he is giving other people trouble when it comes to feeding time. Sweet potatoes was the first thing we tried and he really liked it. Pears not so much. I made soup tonight (squash, zucchini, etc) and he was a big fan of that too. Veggies it is!

Leo has had first hand experience with our newest picky eater as I have been taking a photography class on Thursdays. I am loving the class but Leo hates Thursdays since Benny causes chaos when it comes time to feeding. It sucks and I feel bad. BUT I gotta get away sometimes too. My friend Carrie and I are having a great time in class, learning new things and bouncing new ideas off each other. It's just the thing I needed.

Today we went to the museum of art as a family. It was such beautiful weather we couldn't pass it up to stay inside. My friend and I went there the other night to take pictures and I wanted to get back there asap.There is lots of room for a certain little boy to run free and there is lots to enjoy there. It's a new place on my list to visit more often.

Uncle Matt has randomly decided to come up tonight and we welcome his arrival. We plan to get a bonfire going shortly and we are off to Mom and Ed's for a Father's Day dinner tomorrow. The fun never ends around here.

A Room of His Own

When Nathan hit the four month mark we made the transition from pack 'n play in the bedroom to his crib in his own room. We anticipated the same move for Benny. And even though I knew it was coming and knew it would be ok, I still approached the time with reluctance. Those four months flew by. And now he's in his own room? The newborn days are behind us for good. I was sad about it but also a little happy. And even proud. With Nathan we couldn't put him down without him crying the second he realized the warm arms had vanished. Benny, on the other hand, is a heavy sleeper. When he's out, he's out. I set him down after the last feeding, around 10:30p or so and he's good until 7a. This feels good. Not that I don't worry about him in there all by himself. I imagine the worst. But this morning when I peeked in he was turned 45 degrees and completely out of his blanket sucking his thumb. ~Sigh~ He's so stinkin' cute. And I feel great today. The move to his own room was a good one.

Benny

I have a confession. I have fallen in love with another man. Again. His name is Benny and he is amazing! I remember when Nathan was a baby and becoming more aware and showing off his personality, how I fell in love with him too. The smiles and giggles and the way your baby looks at you. Just like falling in love with their Daddy - those little devils can really charm you!

The other day we were Skyping with Dad and Jo and I put Ben on the floor in front of the computer. He went from his belly to his back for the first time with an audience! Now when he is on his back he will fling his feet over and try to go from back to belly - making it all the way half the time. He moves in a circle, kicking his feet around. He smiles all the time. He will coo and agoo at you, even more when you talk to him. And when he needs something, it's usually pretty easy to figure out. He gets fussy when he's hungry, dirty or tired. Other than that he's happy as can be in someone's arms. He sleeps a lot but is certainly more awake as the days go by. He pays attention to the TV now. We find he loves to watch hockey, like Nathan did. We put him in one of those exersaucer things and he does well. Now of course we have baby and big boy stuff all over the place. But it's ok. It's a sign of a fun and busy house full of kids. He sleeps through the night for the most part and today I have been putting him him his own crib during naps to get him used to his own room.

The newborn stage is over. . . Damn that was fast!

I remember this part too; wanting to say so much more about your beautiful little baby but not having the words. Just wanting to look at him and the feel the feelings since no words can match the moment. That's where I'm at. Just happily in love with Baby Boy #2. My newest beau. And his name is Ben.

Cookies, Road Trip and Sickness

So I'm sick. I have an upper respiratory infection. Ick. I've got a cough that won't quit and a sore throat. Leo has to put up with my hacking all night but during the day all I can do is whisper so it's not a complete loss for him. Haha. It's thrown me off, feeling so crappy and having to cancel plans this week so I can stay in and get better. But as always I try to make the best of things. So to the kitchen we go. Monday Nathan and I made cookies. Ok, we really just opened the package and put the pre-cut dough pieces on the cookie sheet but this is all he has the attention span for. Also, it was his idea when he saw the cute Mickey Mouse/ I <3 Mom picture on the box. Yesterday we made chocolate dipped pretzels. Sorta. They had them at our little BBQ/ pool opening event the other day and he thought it was a great idea. So I melted a bar of chocolate, dipped some pretzels and covered them in sprinkles and m&ms. He thought this was lots of fun too. I finally figured the kid out - make it short and sweet (literally) and he will pay attention. Anyway, it's helped to pass the time and remind me what it's like to have my buddy back. My growing boy has favored his daddy so much I wondered if he forgot about me.

We had lots of time last week though, to get to know each other again when my mom and I ventured up to NY for a long visit. I packed up the many bags required to hold all the crap for two little boys and a mommy, including lots of DVD's, toys, and snacks, and off we went. We left Thursday morning and made a stop in MD for a long overdue Garrison visit. Jim & Jane were kind enough to open their home to me and my crazy boys. Aunt Mary and Elaine came for dinner as well. Nathan made himself at home with all the toys Aunt Jane put out for little boys like him. All the 'little people' and other such toys I used to play with as a kid. So fun that she saved it and now my kids can play with them! He loved walking around visiting with the statues in her garden - a turtle here, a frog there, live birds eating and bathing - the listening to the sound of the tree frogs in the distance. He spied a playground from their sun room window so of course we went off to investigate. He saw the parts of Uncle Jimmy's fire truck he is putting together and asked about the fireman helmet on the wall. "Is it real?!" He even got to try it on. He was very comfortable, busy and very good. Nathan loves to explore new places and people.

The next morning the kids were better than I could have hoped for. They slept almost the entire way. We made it to North Jersey, close to Greg & Danielle's exit, before stopping for lunch and a break. When we got to Rockland we had a quick visit with Ed's mom, Janet. She was so happy to see the little ones. And I think Nathan enjoyed her little dogs.

Friday evening, after a quick visit with my Dad and and short rest after the ride, we went down to visit Grandpa Truck in Orangeburg. It was a surreal moment: pumping the Beastie Boys at top volume in my Dads van with my kids in the back. Never imagined that scene when I used to drive those streets. We had some delicious NY pizza and Nathan got to play in the yard, on the same little playground Leo and Kerri used to use next door. He was worn out good!

Saturday I enjoyed a walk with Joanne around Rockland Lake (a usual event on the weekends I like to participate in if I can). Dad was left with the boys. When I was walking out the door he was bent over a dirty diaper exclaiming "Oohhhhhh." See ya later Dad! They survived.

A quick shower and we were off again, to Pearl River. We met up with Christine and Liza and their kids. Again, who would have imagined it, all of us sitting around with our kids. Nathan was only slightly amused with the girl toys laying about. He was more interested in abusing the dog. Our visit didn't last long after that. Benny of course is so easy still - he's either sleeping or looking around smiling at the world. I would have liked to visit with other cousins in the area but nap time was looming. We were only 10 minutes in the car and Nathan was passed out. Aahhh....a little break.

Later in the afternoon we went up the Haverstraw to a park Pop wanted to take the boys (well, Nathan). It's up near where Bay View used to be, right on the river. It's a huge playground area next to picnic areas and a 9/11 memorial. We were there for hours watching Nathan run between all things he could climb and explore. Seriously, this kid is so lucky he gets to play so much. And I'm so lucky he can get his energy out and climb. He's so very good at it. We were getting ready to leave when Dad told me to hurry with the camera. There was a red-tailed hawk just sitting there by the cars with a squirrel in his claws. We watched for a good 15 minutes or so as he tried to escape the crowd with his heavy dinner. It was so cool.

Sunday started out early and I was eager to get up and go and not just because I was leaving both boys with Pop and Jo. (Well, Pop. Joanne went out walking again. Thanks Pop!) I met friend and photographer Sarah at the hook to take pictures of Greg, Danielle and Lily. I was excited to witness one of her shoots and of course to see the beautiful Lily without my wild one running all over the place. I enjoyed watching her work, being out in Nyack and being without the boys for a little while. They were literally on me the entire time otherwise, or so it felt, but that's another story. I saw the pictures from the shoot later that week and they are amazing. I would have liked to get a session with Sarah the Great but you know what they say - you get what you pay for. We are going to have to save our pennies for a session with her someday!

Sunday afternoon was all about family. I invited whoever I could think of and Dad and Jo opened the doors. Tim & Jen, Greg, Danielle & Lily, the Martins and the Subbas were all there. Dad put on music, Jen ran around with the kids, Jo was busy in the kitchen. From the spread you would have thought it had been planned for more than 24 hours. It was the perfect impromptu coming together of families!

Sunday night we were of course zonked. Every night felt like that actually. Which would have been good. If Nathan didn't fight me every single night. The one night at Jim and Janes he did sleep with me but the rest of the time he had his own little bed. That he did not want to sleep in. But I fought it. I so wanted to big bed just for me. Just a for a few hours before I had to get up to feed Ben again! After much fighting, for many hours, Nathan did sleep. But the last few nights I was exhausted. And caved. And was surrounded by little bodies. Oh how I love those little bodies but I'd rather not get smacked in the face at 2am! Nathan doesn't stay still even in his sleep! (This is why I'm sick now people. No solid sleep will really wear you down.)

Monday we decided to go the Central Park Zoo where Aunt Jen works. An early start did not happen and traffic was no in our favor so we got there around noon. But it was ok. We had a movie going in the car and a nice cool overcast day was perfect when we got there. My favorite part: when Nathan looked out the window as we crossed the GW and said "Look, there's NYC!" My 2nd favorite part: Dad yelled at the morons driving and talking on their phones and yelled "Get off your damn phone!" Later Nathan repeated to the cars, "Get off your phone." We walked around the zoo for a while, a nice treat since we missed a zoo visit with our friends in NC the week before. We ventured through Central Park as well. I could spend days there. I love that place. Benny missed it all. Such a good sleeper.

Tuesday was a rainy, lazy day. We had some last minute visits and errands, laundry and collecting of stuff throughout the entire house. I spent time in the basement getting together Nathan's first stash of big boy legos. This was a great investment of time. We have been playing legos every day since we got home. For more than 5 minutes at a time. This is a big deal for him as he appears to have ADD at times between all the toys and activities. But legos are a winner!

Wednesday we headed home. Dad dropped us off at Greg's where we hoped into Mom's (newly repaired) car and off we went (yet another story!). It was nice to have one more little visit (and some NY bagels) before we left (thanks Greg!). The ride home was rough. It's a long way for little boys. But we made it. And we were very happy to see Daddy. Next time he's coming with us. Being both mommy and daddy was exhausting!

I don't know when we will be back but I'm glad we got all those visits in. As much as we missed Daddy, I was happy to reconnect with my Nathan, my little buddy. And there won't always be a reason to get up to Rockland. Our parents are retiring and getting ready for a new phase of life. Moves are in the future for many of them. So visits "back home" won't always be there so I'm glad for the chance to enjoy it all a few more times.

Picture Update

I have a love/ hate thing with technology. It makes our lives easy but at the same time I always feel behind, especially with pictures. I had a few minutes of peace while the kids are sleeping so I updated our PicasaWeb pictures. You can see them here: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos. I don't always post a bunch onto facebook but I try to put most of them on picasa. I mean, how many places can I put pictures people? I try not to get too overwhelmed. I know someday more time will come to me and I just try to organize the best I can in the meantime.

Anyway, even if I don't have time to blog about our lives at least there are a few pix here and there to capture the moments. And boy do we have moments! Enjoy the pictures!