Newborn Pictures - first official try!

In December, I was able to photograph an adorable baby girl - who I think was almost a month old.  Let me say - newborns are tricky and so is taking pictures inside a house!  But - I had fun and learned a ton, and I think some pictures turned out pretty well!!  And the baby girl's brother and parents were very patient with me!  Here are a few pics!!!!

Winter at our house

This picture explains how we are feeling about this winter - not pleased.  We woke up to this last week and I had a day all planned.  Then I saw this and saw the snow was still coming down and the wind was still blowing.  Plans cancelled - snow day inside.

If anyone has tips on how to play out in the snow with a three year old and keep a one year old who is not completely mobile happy - all suggestions welcome.  I thought we would be out and about more this winter, but outside play days are saved for when other 3 year old friends come over and when daddy is home.

A Few Family Pictures

These are back from Christmas - but had to post and keep my writing short!

If you ask us to smile, this is what you get!!!!!!!

If you ask us how big you are, this is what you get!

Snowman fun

One day after Christmas it was +10 degrees and I told Doug he had to go out with Charlie and make a snowman!  So out they went ;)

And don't be jealous of the warm weather - that was the day the wind/snowstorm hit as we drove home.  Dropped 15 degrees in 40 minutes.  Not fun.

Back to these pictures - by the time the snowman was made, it was too dark to take pictures.  We came back for New Years, and surprise, there was more snow.  Out Daddy and Charlie went to play - I followed and took a few pictures - and got really wet and cold in the process.  The snow was a lot deeper than it looked....lets say by running through it and squatting to take pictures, my leggings were wet!

Charlie's New Year Update

Charlie is definitely a character when he wants to be!  He likes to pour on the whine, but he also knows how to get us laughing.  And he is definitely learning how to be a loving big brother.

I have noticed that the toy possessiveness has gone way down compared to a few months ago.  He still has a little ways to go, but he definitely has come leaps and bounds in sharing toys with Moe.  Auntie Pookie also pointed out that he doesn't say "no" to everything anymore.  I didn't notice this one, but it is definitely true.  Phases people, phases.

And he loves to yell with Moe and get them both laughing while they try to out yell the other.  They are definitely communicating more and I think Charlie is realizing that Moe is actually going to be a lot of fun once he starts walking and talking.

Charlie also loves to say the opposite of what his Mom and Dad say.  Doug had to point this out to me, and we tested it while we were in the car.  I would say, "I am having so much fun," and Charlie would respond,  "You are going to have a bad time."  Auntie Pookie would also say this is a milestone (I'm assuming).  He has also brought in the word 'me' lately - and I'm trying not to react as I know it is also a phase.  Me trying not to worry!

Charlie also loves to be really sweet in the morning or evening.  He likes to come in to our bed in the morning and tell us things innocently like, "I like to pick my nose in my bed."  Gross!  He'll also say things that have been going on.....things like, "did Santa come down Grandma and Grandpa's chimney?", "I like sleeping in Grandpa's office."  He likes to ask inquisitive questions in the early morning when my brain isn't functioning properly yet!

Oh and he was riding and feeding the horses over Christmas  Auntie Crystal and Grandpa took him down a few times and Charlie rode and even fed the horses.  GASP!  I DON'T really do horses - and definitely have never fed them, so I was shocked to hear that Charlie willingly let Berkeley eat carrots and apples from his hand!  SHOCKED! :)

Finally - Charlie has entered a phase of liking crafts.  However, he isn't satisfied to sit down a colour - no, he wants real crafts.....and this non-crafty mom is suffering a bit.  I did have a few cute ones for Christmas, but I am going to get back on pinterest and look up some easy and fun crafts for Charlie.  My issue with him is he usually wants me beside him, which isn't working great with Moe....who wants to touch and eat everything in front of him! :)

Moe Update

I have been meaning to share that Moe has popped out his bottom molars a few weeks ago and is currently working on one of his top ones.....it is just showing!  He has been a teething champ - for the most part - just like his brother. 

My only problem with Moe is that he has eczema around his mouth - has had for the past few months.  I thought it was maybe a food allergy, but I eliminated that from his diet and it didn't get better.  Then I started looking back at pictures, and realized that he didn't have this issue back at Thanksgiving - and he had been eating everything then.  So I wonder if it is a result of his teething?  I'm hoping it is because his redness has flared up again and some natural soap and lotion does not do the trick :(.  It makes me sad as I edit all of his up close and personal pictures, because his mouth is so red.  He doesn't seem bothered by it, so that makes me a little less worried, but I would really like to figure out what is causing it.

He still isn't walking.....but is definitely getting closer each day.  His milestone at Christmas was pushing himself into a standing position and holding it....it was so cute to see.  He realized that he had all of our attention when he stood up, so he would do it whenever we asked.  And when we clapped for him, he joyously clapped along!  He did take a few steps in between Christmas and New Years, but we haven't seen much more of that.

And he is jabbering away.  He LOVES to make noises - he'll imitate any noise that we make.  And when Daddy came through the door a few days ago, he immediately headed for the door and yelled, "DAD." 

Oh, and he has finally made the connection that he has to turn around and slide DOWN the stairs.  He turned himself around while we were at my parent's house at Christmas - and I was shocked.  I've been telling him to turn around for quite some time, but he wasn't getting it.  One day, without me even telling him to, he turned around and started pushing himself backward!  Major victory - as we don't use a gate at the stairs!

That's my Moe update - he is a cutie and my sweet boy!  He is rocking the mohawk - we just cut both Moe's and Charlie's hair a few days ago.  You will probably notice in a few posts in the future because their hair was so long!

These pictures were taken on Christmas Day - it was warm enough to be outside for a few minutes with hats and gloves, but not not without jackets.....They had on cute shirts underneath :(.  Anyway - here is Moe walking and 'standing.'