One On One

Yesterday Eric and I split up the boys and spent some one-on-one time with each of them. I took Everett. I decided to take him to a children's museum in downtown Hendersonville called Hands-On. It was our first time and really cute.

Everett really liked this exhibit. It was putting these tiny balls through different mazes.

Then we headed to the next exhibit. It was a baby nursery. Everett was so sweet and liked "taking care" of the babies.

Everett then painted a picture.

And played at the rice table. He told me he wanted one.

He loved the pretend grocery store.

Everett's behavior has been a bit, challenging, lately.....but he did really well!

After nap he said, "Mama, I had fun at museum!"

And Eric and Hampton, well they had a great time. Eric told me they really bonded. Eric got to read during Hampton's morning nap, and then they had fun playing together. These guys know how to relax!

Quick Discussion with Everett

On Sunday we went and got Everett's hair cut. He did really well and was so excited that the lady gave him a lollipop! Here is our quick discussion about the experience.....

I Caught It

I finally caught a good picture of Everett smiling at the camera. Usually pics of Ev result in a sour scowl or his hand up in protest, but the other day we practiced. I talked about how getting your picture taken is fun and we should smile and say "cheese!" I would hold the camera up and we practiced. Now there may be food in his mouth and his hair is messy, but finally a picture that I feel is an accurate portrayal of how fun this little boy is!

Boots and Brothers

I got some new boots in the mail, so Everett decided to give them a try.

And these babies just melt my heart.

Thursday

Yesterday was fun. In the morning Everett went to preschool and then Hampton and I went to Target for a few things. I missed Everett, but it was nice just getting out with one child. The night before I took Everett with me to Wal-Mart and he told me that was "so fun." He also kept asking where Hampton was since he is not used to being out with me without Hampton.

At noon we picked Everett up from preschool and then came home and had lunch. After a short play time, the babies both napped. After nap they were still a bit out of it, so they watched a video together. I love that they can do this now and it is so cute.

Later in the afternoon, Everett's sweet friend Abigail came over for a playdate. She is younger than Everett, but they are so cute together. Here is my best attempt at capturing a hug.

Another great day with my babies! Looking forward to a family weekend. The three of us always have a good time together, but we miss Dada!

Wednesday

Wednesday was full of our "normal" routine with a few extras here and there. Everett was a little out of it first waking up, but after a breakfast of waffles and fruit, he was happy.

This baby is always happy in the morning! I love getting him out of his crib first thing in the morning. He squeals with delight!

This morning we went to MOPS at church. Everett cried when I dropped him off, but was playing happily when I went to pick him up. Hampton had a much harder time. MOPS falls during his morning nap and he just can't sleep anywhere that is not his room. Other than that, it was a good morning.

After naps, we played at home. I then made enchiladas for dinner and the babies were so happy to see Eric when he got home. When I know he is near, I usually open up the front door and they wait for him. Ev gets so excited when he see his car pull up! I share in his excitement.

A Fun Comparison

I thought it would be fun to compare each baby at 10 months......

Here is Everett at 10 months

And here is Hampton

It's funny, sometimes I think they look alike and other times not. They both different in so many ways. As a baby, Everett was very independent. Hampton however loves to be held and cuddled and when I walk out of a room he gets very upset. They both have one thing in common though. They are both very fun and loving babies. It is very neat to see each personality develop.

Hampton Boy

Hampton has been a handful these past few days! During the day he has been irritable, clingy, whiny, and just not happy. During the night he is up! In the past 48 hours we have both maybe gotten 4-5 hours of sleep. I am exhausted and I know he is too. Eric has been gone all week on a business trip and we are ready for him to come home! Today I talked to the doctor's office and they wanted him to come in to make sure he doesn't have an ear infection. It turns out he doesn't, and it doesn't look like he is coming in with any new teeth....so the doctor just chalked it up to a cold. I really hope tonight goes better than the last two. Although I am beyond tired, I really enjoyed my one on one time at the doctor today with Hampton (Everett was at home with our babysitter). He was being silly and playful and I think we have both crossed over to slap happy.

He loves to look at himself in the mirror.

They weighed him and he weighs 24 pounds! He is now wearing 12 month clothing.

Another Snow Day

It snowed again throughout last night and today, which meant we were stuck in the house all day. But that is okay. Snowstorms cause us to stay in (which we actually are homebodies) and enjoy just being together. Later this afternoon Eric and Everett got "suited up" and played in the backyard.

This was right before they came in. Everett looks so cold!

After Everett came in from outside, we headed upstairs and the babies took a nice, warm bubble bath and got into jammies! After dinner, they watched a video. They love to be snuggled tight in blankies!

Wintry Weekend

This weekend has been cold! It snowed on Saturday, but we were able to still get out for a little bit late in the afternoon. We decided to go to the Biltmore Estate (we recently got season passes) and it looked like a winter wonderland! The drive in was beautiful and I was so happy for the shuttle that picked us up in the parking lot.

This is Everett telling me to stop taking pictures of him.

Eric and the boys headed into the house. Beforehand we had gone into a cute little toyshop and each boy got to "pick out" a toy. Everett chose a puzzle and we got Hampton a stuffed pig, or ham.

We had a lot of fun touring the house. Everett enjoyed it, however he had a hard time understanding that he could not go under the roped areas that separated each of the rooms. For example, as we were looking at Mr.Vanderbilt's bedroom, Everett had a melt down because he couldn't get up on the bed. I think his favorite was the basement. It was mine too.

This morning it didn't snow, but it was really cold! The boys did pretty well in the nursery and we enjoyed the beginning of a new series from our pastor.

This afternoon we have relaxed and played and I cooked lemon chicken with cauliflower gratin for dinner. So good! Overall, a very good weekend.

Happy Things

Here are some things that have recently made me really happy.......

Reading books at Barnes and Noble

My blue-eyed boy

My brown eyed boy

Getting him to give a smile for the camera

Learning to scoot

Making a healthy and yummy meals for my family (pictured is roasted butternut squash and orzo with pretzel encrusted chicken with mustard sauce)

It's the little things right!?!

Mixing It Up

I got a very special Christmas gift this year. It has been something I have wanted for awhile. A Kitchenaid Stand Mixer! In red! I used it today and I love it! The first thing I made was chocolate fudge brownies with walnuts......

And for dinner we made focaccia bread, which went great with our beef stew.

I look forward to cooking and baking with my mixer. Maybe for Valentine's Day I'll get the pasta attachment!?! Hint hint Eric!

Our Year in Review

This has been a very eventful year for us. In 2010 we moved to North Carolina, Eric began his career, our beautiful Hampton Cole joined our family, Everett turned 2 and began preschool, and I began working 2-days a week in a skilled nursing facility. So many changes, but good changes!

Hampton has been such a wonderful addition to our family. He is beautiful and snugly and we just love him!
And Everett continues to grow and develop. I find myself actually being able to have conversations with him now. He is also beautiful, curious, and funny. He loves to entertain and he plays as though it really is his job.

I love this little boy! I was telling him here that it was okay to splash in the puddle because he had his rain boots on.

As I reflect on 2010, there are so many ways that the Lord has richly blessed us. Sometimes it is overwhelming.

I look forward to this new year. With any new year, I make "resolutions" that I try to work on. My biggest resolution is to continue to enjoy my little family and not get distracted by the "busyness" if life. Many people have advised Eric and I to enjoy this time with our young children as it goes by so fast. And it is so true. I can't believe Everett is turning 3 this year! So we will continue to love one another, make memories, and grow closer as a family. It just does not get better than that. Happy New Year!