Germaphobes and Public Transportation

Vacation when you have two little ones has a whole new meaning... Before kids, it was relaxing and doing something you love. With kids, it's so fun, but also a little challenging. We went last week to New York to visit some friends. We stayed with them in their one bedroom apartment. I'm not sure they knew what they were getting into... They were such great sports though. I hope we didn't scare them away from having kids.

The day before we left, I suspected Noah was getting a cold. I was hoping it was allergies or something. It was in fact a cold. We all had it before we got home.

We bought Noah a sleeping bag to take (at the wonderful suggestion of Shelly) since he's still in a crib at home. The idea was it would be something new and special and he'd stay put. He did really well with it. He did get up a little bit at naptime, but overall he did great.

Testing it out, pretending to be asleep

A few days before we left for our trip, the unthinkable happened. Greg announced he had a meeting in San Francisco the same day we were supposed to fly to New York. After much discussion, we decided I would go ahead with the boys and Greg would fly up after his meeting. As soon as we got buckled up, Noah unbuckled his seatbelt. Now, they aren't hard to unbuckle, but I thought I'd have a little time before he figured it out. He didn't see anyone do it. I have no idea how he figured it out so quickly. The boys did pretty well on the flight. Noah is hard to keep entertained for a long period of time. I was hoping he'd go to sleep since the flight was during normal naptime. He did go to sleep...as we were landing. It was hilarious! He was bobbing around. He hit his head on the window and the arm rest and just went right back to sleep. This is how he slept for a while. Poor little guy.

Our friend Paul met us at the airport to help get us to their apartment. He was so patient and helpful. By the time we got the their apartment, it was just about time to feed the boys and put them to bed. Unfortunately, Greg's plane was delayed and he didn't get to the apartment until 10:30.

I didn't take diapers with me. I bought them when I got there. They take up too much space and we were transporting a sleeping bag, remember. Noah still wears them to sleep. So, I bought one size and both boys wore them. How is that even possible?

Friday morning, we went to the Empire State Building. Greg and Paul have a client whose husband works in the building. He met us in the lobby and handed us an executive pass. We didn't have to wait in line to go up. We just flashed the pass and went right through. It was great. When we got to the observation deck, 80-some stories up, Noah looked up and said, "I want to go up there." Turns out we were able to go up to the 102 floor too.

On the observation deck

Seriously! What is it with people thinking it's okay to touch your babies???!?!? I can't even count the number of times someone touched one of the boys. I didn't even see this happen! After I decided I was going to put the kibosh on it, it stopped. It's really better that way. I don't like confrontation.

Our friends, Paul and Shannon (in their cute matching outfits)

After the Empire State Building, we decided to visit Times Square. Noah fell asleep on the way. We thought this would be good. Turns out, not so much. He had a really, really hard time going to sleep at naptime. I believe it was a four hour ordeal by the time he actually went to sleep and had his nap. Again, Paul and Shannon were great sports!

After naps, we walked to Central Park and Noah played at one of the playgrounds. He had a really great time. As we were walking up to the apartment building, three fire trucks pulled up. We waited to make sure it was okay to go in. Noah sat on the curb watching. Turns out someone had burned something.

When we walked into the lobby, we had to wait for the elevators. They were not working because of the alarm. There was a fireman standing there. Greg told Noah to go ask him if he could take a picture with him. I didn't think he'd do it, but he did. As soon as he asked him, the elevator door opened and Noah was surrounded by firemen. I couldn't snap the shot fast enough, but it would have been so cute! But, we did get a picture of him with one. The fireman bent down for the picture and so Noah bent down too. We did get him to stand up for the picture.

Saturday morning, we had tickets for a little cruise on the Hudson. The boat went down the river to the Statue of Liberty and then back. It was really cool.

Noah waiting to get on the boat

John sleeping on the boat

Noah hanging over the edge (he made me very nervous; Greg was hanging onto him)

Noah (with his M&Ms) and Mommy with the Statue of Liberty in the background

After the cruise, we walked to Bryant Park and had some lunch. Noah got to run around a little after we ate. When we were done, the boys headed back to the apartment and girls went shopping.

Paul wearing John

Sunday we went back to Central Park and did lots of walking. We stood for a little bit and listened to this man play his saxophone. Greg gave Noah some money to throw in his case... However, Noah put it in his saxophone instead. The man didn't care, thankfully.

As we were walking through the park, John started fussing. We stopped the stroller (which we had borrowed from my friend Shelly). I pulled John out to put him in the Baby Bjorn. As I was putting him in, I realized he had pooped everywhere. It was on the Bjorn, on my shirt and jeans, on the stroller (sorry, Shelly; it's been washed!). Big mess!!! Paul and Shannon entertained Noah while we cleaned up the mess. Always happens at the most inopportune time.

We watched the boats for a while at the boat pond. Noah was more interested in the ducks than the boats. Shocker... That boy is obsessed with ducks and geese.

Noah provided a commentary about duck hunting while we were watching...from sitting in the duck blind to the part where you "take 'em."

John's enjoying the park

We decided it might be best to stay at a hotel near the airport Sunday night since our flight was Monday morning. That turned out to be one of the best ideas we've ever had. I can't imagine what it would have been like trying to get to the airport with the boys and all our stuff during rush hour on Monday morning. I'm sure Paul and Shannon were glad to be back in their bed too.

When we got to the hotel, we ordered some pizza for dinner. While we were waiting, Noah stood up on the desk chair and jumped to the floor. He landed funny on his ankle. We think he just pulled something. It was never swollen or bruised, but he limped around for several days. He only complained about it right after it happened.

Resting his ankle

Eating pizza in his jammies

John has always slept in a swaddle blanket. He's always slept great in it...until recently. He's now strong enough to get out. But when he does, he gets upset. So we've had some long nights recently. I've decided we're not going to use the blanket anymore. We're 24 hours in and so far he's doing well with it.

When we put him to bed in the hotel, he was wiggling around and talking to himself. All of the sudden he was quite. I looked over and this is what I saw. So sweet!

Escaped from the swaddle blanket

At the hotel, Greg pushed one of the beds up against the wall and he slept with Noah. He said it was like sleeping with a fish out of water. John slept on Noah's sleeping bag on the floor.

Monday morning, we couldn't get out of the hotel fast enough. Greg was trying to keep Noah off the floor and from touching everything. It was definitely not the nicest place we've ever stayed, but that's what you get near the airport. And, it could have been much worse too.

When we got to the airport, I was so looking forward to Starbucks. There was no Starbucks in LaGuardia. Are you kidding me?!!?!??!??

We had so much fun on our trip, but there is no place like home.

Growing Up

On the 18th, Noah turned 2 1/2. It makes me a little sad. He looks like a boy now. Not a baby or a toddler.

John turned 6 months on the 25th. It's really hard to believe! He's such a sweet baby!! He had his 6 month check up and weighed in at 20 pounds, 11 ounces. He was 28 inches long. (Noah was a year old before he weighed that much.)

After Noah was born, I remember thinking "why would you need an infant seat that would hold up to 30 pounds?" Now I know why... John is one pound away from being too big for his. Good thing we got Noah a new seat...

Catching Up

I've always heard "they grow up fast." I never really understood until Noah was born. Boy did the time fly. But seriously it's like warp speed the second time around. Where has the time gone???

A few weeks ago, when it was unbearably hot, we were outside watering flowers...in the morning, mind you. Poor little John was so hot. He gets so red and flushed when he's warm.

Noah has been playing outside in his "special swimming pool," as he calls it. He pulled his safety goggles out of his tool box and said he needed them for the pool.

Noah had to get a new car seat. He's almost too tall for his old one. He's been playing in the box. He wanted John to get in with him. Not John's idea of a good time. Maybe in a few years.

Poppy makes this yummy trail mix ("mix" as Noah calls it). Noah always likes to help make it. Luckily, Poppy has lots of patience for the little helpers.

Good work, buddy!

Last week, our friends, the Hunters, came over to play. Poor little Avery had an accident on the way. She had to wear some of Noah's underwear and a t-shirt. (They will love this one day!

There really a no words to describe this picture...

The boys love to swing. Noah does a really great job holding on. I think they'd swing for hours if someone would just push them. We tried to teach Noah how to pump. He can do it, if you stand there and tell him which way to go. He'll get it before long.

Happy Anniversary

I can't believe it's been 9 years already. Thanks for a great 9 years, Greg, and 2 beautiful boys!

A good friend of mine once said this picture totally captured us as a couple and our personalities.

Not a Flotation Device

Last week, I remembered we had an inflatable pool for Noah. However, it was way too hot to go outside... But alas! We had nice weather today. I took the Bumbo out thinking John could sit in it in the pool. It floats. Who knew!?!?!? I thought I'll set my huge baby in it and it will sink down. Not so! John played in the pool for a bit and then just sat very happily in his Bumbo on the patio and watched Noah.

Got Milk?

Milk built this body. Just look at those legs.

A few weeks ago, my mom and I thought it would be fun to calculate how much milk John drinks (and I make) in a week. We came up with 3 gallons... We both simultaneously said, "Moooo!"

Caught in the Act

MiMi's let little boys do thing their mommy's would not let them do...

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

While eating lunch one day, I asked Noah if it was good. He looked at me and said, "Of course it is."


This morning, I was taking a shower and Noah came running in and said, "Be sure you wash your armpits good, mommy."

We pulled into the Starbuck's parking lot over the weekend. As we were pulling up to the drive-thru line, Noah says, "I want a decaf, non-fat, no whip, white mocha." (Okay, so I have a coffee addiction...)

When Noah uses the restroom in public, I try to get him to keep his hands on his head so he's not touching everything. Easier said than done, right? He always wants to flush the toilet, so I let him use his foot. Now he flushes the toilet at home with his foot.

When Noah was first born, our good friends gave us this motorized motorcycle that had been their son's. The charger they gave us turned out to be the wrong charger. My friend told Noah a few months ago I needed to Google it to see if I could find another charger. So, a few weeks ago, Greg went to Europe for work. He had to buy a phone to use while he was there. He brought it home for Noah to play with. The battery eventually ran out and we couldn't recharge it because the charger doesn't fit in the US outlets. Noah kept saying I needed to charge it up for him. We went round and round. He finally said, "Mommy, can you Google it?"

Everytime I take a picture of anything, Noah wants to see. He always says, "Awwww! That's sweet."

Tonight we were eating dinner. Noah was eating corn on the cob. He had a huge mouthful and said (almost as if he was just saying it to himself), "This is delicious."

Butterflies

Today we went to the Butterfly House. On the first Tuesday of the month, St. Louis County residence get it free. I forgot how HOT it is inside!! It was 101 today. I think it may have been just that hot inside as well.

Anyway, Noah was terrified of the butterflies. I made the mistake of telling him they might land on him. I thought he would think that was fun. Apparently, he did not! He clinged to me like glue. It was a little ridiculous, but he's sweet!

Look closely...he's dripping in sweat.

Staring at a butterfly.

I have no pictures of Noah from the Butterfly House. He wouldn't let go of me... Perhaps he'll enjoy it more when he gets a little older.

Mr. Giggles

Noah is the funniest person John knows.

(Excuse the crazy movements. Noah was climbing on the videographer.)

POP!

Is it mean to give your child Pop Rocks and then roll film?

Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as funny as I thought it would be...

Temptations

Squeaky Clean

Not my best idea ever...but not a total disaster either.

Someone kept saying things like, "He's kicking me." "He's splashing me."

Bathing Beauty

A few weeks ago, Greg went to Paris and London for work. The boys and I loaded up and visited Poppy and MiMi and then Grandma. While we were at Grandma's, we went to Kansas City one morning to visit one of Greg's brother's family. We went swimming in their pool. As usual, it took Noah a bit to warm up to the pool. He sat on the step nearly the entire time.

Then when it was time to get out and go, he was not ready to go... Figures!

Bringing Back the 80s

The boys and I have been vacationing in Columbia and Pilot Grove. On Sunday night, we went to an 80s party with my parents.

Noah wearing Poppy's mullet

John with his legwarmers

The heat has been unreal! We've not been playing outside much. I think the heat index has been over 100 for the past several days. Today, there was at least a little breeze.

It's so hot!!!

Did I mention it was hot? (Check out the sweat on the nose.)

Noah helping Grandma clean the swing set

We Love Daddy!

We love our daddy!!

Watching a little movie together.

Too cute!

It's Been a Long Time Coming

Our very, very hairy cats went to see the groomer today (they've never been).

Jinx and Truman before

Jinx after

Truman after

Four Months

Hard to believe John is 4 months old already!

Greg and I recently had a friendly disagreement as to whether or not Noah was as chubby as John is when he was 4 months. I said Noah was not. He said he was. That debate was quickly stopped once John had his 4 month check. He weighed in at 17 pounds, 3 ounces (Noah was 14 pounds, 14 ounces). They were nearly the same length; John was a quarter inch longer.

June in Review

I've always heard you're more relaxed with your second child. I'm finding it to be true. We never took Noah to a Cardinals game when he was little because we were afraid he'd miss a nap or be up too late. He went to his first game this year (he was 2). We took John to his first game this year also (he was 3 months). Noah went to some friend's house to play, but he dressed for the game. John did great for a while. It's funny you don't notice how loud things are until to have a baby with you... I finally had to just walk around with him.

The boys all ready for the big game

At the game

A few weeks ago, my aunt and cousin from Texas were at my mom's for a visit. The boys and I met them in Columbia. My aunt was knitting. Noah thought he needed to too. He sat on the sofa, covered up with the blanket she was making and then fidgeted with the yard...and made a rats nest out of it. I'm not sure how long it took her to untangle the yarn mess. We were about to leave when it happened... Sorry, Auntie Judy!

Noah knitting

MiMi and John

When we started bringing up all the baby stuff for John, Noah wanted to play with them. Which was fine! He wanted in the exersaucer, or the gym... So, no surprise, he loves to sit in John's seat.

All baby equipment, toys, etc. say to strap your baby in... They aren't kidding.

You'd think I'd learn after the first time. Not so. This is how he "rides" in his swing now.

John had his first trip to the pool a few weeks ago. He couldn't get in the water though because of his surgery. But he sure looked cute!!!

Pooped out at the pool

He since has been to the pool and actually got in the water. He has some super sensitive skin. When we got home from the pool, he had on just a diaper and I changed so I could feed him. I had on a black shirt and was carrying him over my shoulder. When I sat down, I looked and had John's dry skin all over my shoulder. The chlorine did a number on him. Poor little guy. (Noah had trouble when he was little too. His is so much better now. I hope John grows out of it too!)

I bought Noah a little pillow for his bed. MiMi made him a pillow case. Of course, Noah helped. He used the scissors out of his doctor's kit. (We're not quite sure why there are scissors in a doctor's kit. Perhaps that is why it was $5 at TJ Maxx.)

"Cutting" the fabric

The rainy day walk

You Never Know What He'll Say (or Do)

I went to get my new glasses adjusted. I had both boys with me. I handed the lady my glasses and she walked over to the little machine. Noah said, "Is she wearing underwear?" She looked my direction as he said that, but I couldn't see the expression on her face because she had my glasses. I thought if she did hear it, that was going to require some explaining. I asked if she heard. She said no. (I should have just left it at that, but I didn't.) I told her what he said and she got this look of horror on her face. I then had to explain he's been potty training and underwear is a hot topic of conversation at our house.

Noah is always worried about John going out "in his piggies" (translation: with no shoes on). We got ready to run errands the other day and he was talking about John needing shoes. I said John doesn't have any shoes. I put John in his car seat (which was on the floor) and told Noah to go get his shoes. I went to the bathroom and when I was headed back, I could tell Noah wasn't getting his shoes, but I couldn't tell what he was doing. He found some shoes in John's closet (which didn't fit) and he was trying to put them on John.

The Big Hitter

Captain Underpants: The Sequel

Day 29:
At least my floors are really clean...

Day 31:
He gets his "wantereen" back.

Day 35:
Three days with no accidents! Way to go, Noah!!! We're claiming victory!