clearing the cobwebs

wow. it's been too long since I've been on the blog and posted ANYTHING. it's not that we haven't been busy, because we have. I think I just got out of the groove. after grandpa died, it seems like thanksgiving came plowing in and work has been nuts. but we're back and here is a glimpse into our november.

on my days at home with the boys, we fill our time with puzzles and playing, lunchtime and coloring, step-and-throw games and reading books. time seems to fly by and before we know it, it's dinnertime and daddy is coming through the back door.

there have been plenty of nights filled with pjs, basement lounging, baths, and snuggling. I definitely feed off of those moments. I'm somehow refueled by the craziness of prepping, serving, and cleaning up dinner for our little family. I sit in awe at how quickly henry is going from baby to toddler and how miles is transforming into a little boy right before our eyes.

kyle loves to trade in his shirt and tie for some comfy lounge pants so that he can get right down on the floor to play with his babies. listening to miles' giggles as kyle chases after him or hearing henry's little voice say "daddy!" as he signs it is proof enough that they love him right back. c'mon now, you know you're diggin' the tea party pic!

there is something sort of magical about bath time. sure, we have our fair share of tears, floaters, and wipe-outs, but they are overshadowed by the splashes and shrieks and the "watch this mommy!'s" I have to confess that I have a huge weakness for a freshly bathed baby. I love to snuggle in with them and feel their warm soft skin against my cheek and smell that yummy baby magic soap. henry's fuzzy flyaway hair tickling my nose is certainly an added bonus. mmmmm.

so yeah, we've been away too long and I promise many more posts. we have turkey day to catch up on yet and many-a-holiday photo to be taken. don't get me started on my love of all things christmas. speaking of...there is a twinkling tree in my living room with my name on it.

balancing act

you know that crazy clown at the circus with plates spinning precariously atop of sticks perched on his palms, forehead, nose, and chin? yeah, he may as well be me.

school has started.

and, I should add, I've returned to the classroom. my job-share-partner-turned-dear-friend, kate, and I took a leap of faith and decided to go back to teaching a regular classroom of 25 third graders. it wasn't a decision that came easily and I think we both spent a good deal of time soul-searching on this one. NOW probably isn't the best time to ask us if we are at peace with our choice...but if you wait a few weeks, we'll have our ducks in a row. I think I can say that I somehow blocked out the reality of how much busy-work a classroom teacher has. I have come home with a full bag everyday. on a positive note, the work days fly by now and I am enjoying the kiddos.

so, if you were wondering where I've been, now you know. despite the increased stress and time away from our boys, we're having a great fall. it's definitely my favorite season. I think there is something magical about a season that is so short. the cool, crisp days when we can walk to the park under a blanket of falling leaves are few and they are beautiful. I just adore having pumpkins on my front step and adding a layer of clothing, but still being able to wear flip flops if I want. we have busted out the yummy fall scented candles and I'm headed to the store to get some candy corn tomorrow. I'm excited for pumpkin pie, our annual trip to the orchard, halloween costumes, apple crisp...this list is endless. more oohing and ahhing about that in future posts.

for now I will share with you some of my favorite family moments from early september. the boys are growing up too fast and I would be lying if I didn't admit that there is a split second every morning that I'm scheduled to work when I contemplate calling in sick. these two have me wrapped around their little fingers and I miss them so much when I'm gone all day. don't get me wrong, I am grateful for my job as a teacher and I definitely know that I have the best of both worlds. believe me, I know.

drinking milk like auntie jen

we are taking time to stroll around in the wagon and look for the rain clouds. I can't think of a better way to spend a fall evening. can you?

henry bug is working hard to learn how chase after his big brother and puppies. it's hard to believe that our little peanut is quickly going to become mobile. and for the record...I'm not ready.

we headed to a small local zoo on a beautiful saturday morning in early september. the animals are all native to this area and the size of the zoo makes it easy to get up close and personal with all of them. a little too close for this mama's comfort. there are hand sanitizers around every corner for you to use after visiting, say, the bison. riiiiight. but the zoo was lovely and both henry and miles seemed to enjoy the short trip there. I foresee many a return trip to this zoo in the years to come. bring it on.

a whole new world

little henry bug is really enjoying all of the "new" (or at least new-to-him) toys that we recently pulled out.
exhibit A: the bumbo seat
exhibit b: chewy toys

we are anticipating some chompers any day now
(miles had two toofers at four months!)

exhibit c: the exersaucer
exhibit d: the jumperoo
exhibit e: the mirror
here are a few more pictures of the little guy. he's growing so fast! we are having a blast with him and look forward to seeing his big smile everyday. he's even started to giggle...I'll work on getting it on camera and posting a video. it is precious.

he's starting to stick his little bum in the air during tummy time

chatting with grandma sissy - he's a talker!

REEEEEACHING for the bee

happy, happy, HAPPY

ready for a nap in the sleep sack

let's try the bumbo...

...or maybe not.

henry, while incredibly strong during tummy time, was not all about the bumbo. he lasted only about thirty seconds before declaring that he was finished.

"mommy? what's this?"

"I'm falling over...but it's still kind of fun!"

"nope. not having fun anymore"

that's ok! miles will take a shot at it.

that's better!

anyone want a fruit snack?