sweetness

How this big brother loves his little sister. He wants to be near her all the time and loves to give her kisses and pats. He wants to make sure she is always OK and does not like it when she cries. It is all so wonderful to watch.

a sunny sunday

The light was just right when I wanted to catch a few shots of Issabelle. She was willing to work with me for a bit, but then decided it was just too much. She cried and we took a break, had some milk and then chilled out with Landon.  By evening she was tuckered out and fell asleep where she loves to be. In Mama's arms.

presents, cake and candles

The boys were so excited to give Harkin their presents. At first he wasn't sure what to make of it all but by the end of the day he would say "me birthday" whenever someone gave him something. And still does whenever a package comes in the mail these days.  He was so happy with what the boys picked out for him because now he could play with them and have his own guys and cars. 

We went simple this year and  I made brownies. We still put candles in them. I was trying to get photos while making sure he didn't touch the hot flames. Landon was video taping and Eric was holding Issabelle. Not sure what Will was doing exactly, but it proved to be a bit tricky and when at the end Harkin leaned over and caught his hair on fire- there was a bit of a commotion for a few seconds- which we will have forever on video. It really didn't flame up but sizzled just for the tiniest of seconds. Harkin didn't even know anything happened, except that his father was yelling. Anyways, all was well and we had brownies and played for the rest of the evening with his new toys.

at the water park

We took Harkin to the jay peak water park for his birthday. At first he was a little hesitant to do anything, then William convince him to go on the lazy river. Once he was in he was hooked. He had a great time. Eric and him must have gone around 12 times or so. Then after lunch he tried out the slides and little toddler area. We had rented a cabana right next to it so it was great. It kept Issabelle out of the crowds. When we went to leave, we hadn't even pulled out of the parking lot and Harkin was fast asleep. I would say it was an overall success.

two

Our sweet little guy turned two last week. He is such a funny kid. Right now he is imitating everything we say and do. He simply adores his older brothers and loves playing with them all the time. He thinks it is pretty cool to hang out in their room. Then he is a sweet loving boy to his little sister. He gives her hugs and kisses all the time and gets upset when she cries.

He loves to play with cars, blocks, trains, balls, the kitchen area, music instruments, draws and writes with a pencil. Watching him play is something new everyday, as he is always learning. He can sort colors and sizes of things. LOVES to read books and snuggle.  Outside time is always fun. He comes in telling in a very animated voice all the adventures he has been having.

He can be so silly at times and knows it. He loves having his picture taken and will ham it up for the camera.  It is so amazing to me how much he has grown in the past year and how he is becoming a little boy and not so much a tiny toddler. I am so very thankful he is a part of our family and glad that I am here everyday to experience it all. Love you to pieces my little man.

Happy Birthday.

1 month

It is hard to believe that Issabelle is one month old already!  She is getting so big, just keeps on drinking Mama's milk and adding on the pounds. She is around 12 pounds by now. She is staying awake a little more each day and likes to check out her older brothers. They are helping to make her smile. My most favorite thing is when she giggles right after nursing. She has her own private joke of sorts.

We made our first real big outing last week when we went to the water park for Harkin's birthday, but other than that we are happy at home. We are going to start venturing out more now that she is a little older.

Our nights are still a bit hard as she will sleep but only when I am holding her. So I lay down in an inclined position and she snuggles up to sleep for a few hours at a time. It is not the best situation but it will only last for a short time and I want to savor it for as long as I can.  I certainly don't want her to cry herself to sleep, so this is the way it is.  And we are managing. Our days are home are slow but good.

The boys are loving her to pieces and everyone wants to help when she is crying. Harkin even tells me to go and get her when she is crying. He wants to help pat her back and gives her kisses to make her happy. It is all so cute and precious. And absolutely wonderful!

first haircut

Yesterday was a big day, as it was Harkin's first real haircut. He had watched William go first and then it was his turn. He was a little unsure but did a great job sitting with Dad. He sat for almost 10 minutes and we got the front cut, which was what we really needed because it kept getting in his eyes. She took a little off the back and sides but I wasn't totally ready to cut off all the curls.