Brothers

The thing that brings me the most joy these days:

If at first...

Last week, I took Calvin ice skating for the first time. He was really, really excited, but as he got his skates on and attempted to walk to the rink, I was doubting my judgement. He couldn't even walk with them on. I thought "I am a little overanxious; he is too little to be doing this."

We grabbed a little walker for him to skate with, but he'd fall ever 5 seconds even with that, so we'd hold on to him as we went around the rink. After the 20th or so fall, I asked if he wanted to take a break. "No! I'm skating!" He said excitedly and he continued to attempt this new activity. After 15 minutes and dozens of more falls, he was getting better. Pretty soon, he was refusing to let me touch him as he'd zoom around the ice with his little walker. His falls were fewer and fewer and he was beaming with delight.

I just think little children are so inspiring. There was no fear and no doubt that he could learn this completely foreign skill. No fall got him discouraged. He giggled and enjoyed himself the whole time and was then truly satisfied with his accomplishment. It was amazing. I hope that I can be a little more like him. Here are some snippets from his journey:

 

And then here is Linus- the loudest sleeping baby I know.

Half a year!

He still has pretty blue eyes!

 Well, I cannot believe that my little guy is already 6 months old. Time really does fly. And although I am still losing sleep, this guy is just such a joy to have around.

He is big enough to fit in one of my favorite baby outfits! (from Sam)

Here are some stats!
Height: 25 inches (5-10%)
Weight: 15 lbs 8.5 oz (10-25%)
Head: 42.4 cm (10-25%)

He is almost the exact same size that Calvin was at 6 months! Linus is a bit shorter though, which results in some pretty thick thighs.

It has been so different to have this guy as a baby as compared with Calvin. Calvin reached milestones so early, whereas Linus is just happy to observe for a long time before attempting anything. He can roll on to his tummy with ease, but he still thinks he can't get to his back by himself. For a month now, he's been yelling for help once he gets to his tummy. Who knows when he'll figure out that he doesn't need to wait for my help. He can sit up on his own for a short period of time and will scoot around on his tummy to play with things. He prefers to spend the day kissing and cuddling and watching the pratfalls and slapstick comedy stylings of his brother.

iPhun

I don't know what it is about Wednesday nights, but Linus never seems to approve of me leaving the house for long.

Also, we both got iPhones this week, so now Tyler's distress calls can be kooky and fun.

Galentine's Day

Every year, I am privileged to attend one of the finest Valentine's Day parties ever, a cookie exchange hosted by my dear friend, Jennifer over at 3 Reed Dotters. I tell her that it is one of my favorite parties I attend all year, and I hope she believes me. She is so creative and has the neatest sense of style. I always have an amazing time at this party, mixing and mingling with so many amazing women.

Check out this year's decor (All pictures were taken by Cathie Cox):

Chalkboard welcome sign outside the front door. And I LOVE the little bunting on the red velvet cake!

The living room display. Check out the little bottles of milk to go with our cookies!

Handmade crepe pom poms lined the ceiling.

These were my contribution to the party. The recipe for my cookies (found via Pinterest) is here.

Her parties are never complete without cute little goodies to take home. Here we have vintage jam jars with handmade toppers and filled with chocolate. We also got little bags with jelly belly jelly beans, a craft that we made there, and more cookies than I could eat alone. (Calvin and Tyler also like when I attend this party.)

It was so much fun. I love love love going to Jennifer's parties. Also, I really like the show Parks & Recreation, which the title of this post is referencing.

Tiny Legs

Calvin loves to "draw," but his works of art have always been energetic scribbles completely consuming the piece of paper.

So imagine my surprise when he walked up to me this morning and said, "I drew you, Mommy!" And handed me this:

I was so taken aback and completely overcome. He asked, "why are you laughing?" I assured him it was just because I think he is the cutest boy in the whole world.

Boy #2's Bedroom

 We moved 4 months ago and I am finally getting pictures together of the new house. I have loved decorating and have about 5 projects going at once. Linus' room is done for now.

I went for minimalism, being inspired by so many great nursery pictures I've seen on Pinterest. I decorated with old Disney vinyls, a 30 year old map of Disneyland, original character sketches from a golden age Disney animator (Tyler's great uncle), and a few cute vintage-y stuffed animals. What do you think?