Seeing Double

When Ryan was napping today, Danny found another buddy to play with ...

One Potato, Two Potato

At 21 pounds 4 ounces, Danny eagerly accepted his first taste of baby food tonight. Sweet potatoes were on the menu. After he easily handled his portion of the potatoes, I was ready to put the remainder in the fridge for a later use. This didn't happen though, since I felt Ryan's longing eyes. I asked him, "Do you remember sweet potatoes Ry-Ry?" He giggled. I offered them to him. He proceeded to feed himself the baby food declaring "Mmmm," after each memory laden spoonful. As if triggering the times when we would playfully feed him these pureed goodies, he "airplaned" the bites to himself - complete with sound effects!

Melt My Heart

Danny had his 6 month shots yesterday, so I explained to Ryan that we would need to be brave for him. From his vantage in the stroller Ryan was visibly upset when he saw the nurses administer the shots. The part that melted my heart though was the car ride home from the doctor visit. I turned around to see a big brother comforting his little brother: Ry was holding Danny's hand for much of the ride home. Picture it; tiny hands stretched out over two car seats, joined in the sweetest of grips. Might I paint it further for you? They were smiling at each other. In a life that spins with chaos these moments are invitations to deeply breathe in sanctuary.

Father's Day Weekend

Ryan and Danny spent lots of quality time with their daddy this weekend. Anthony and I each had time with our favorite dads too. Happy Father's Day!

"It's about time, mom!"

I had an epiphany today: Danny is very ready for the exersaucer! He was totally engaged by his first experience with it. Great new option to have.

Look closely

That's Danny behind that magazine. He's previewing college football with daddy.

Grandpa's Birthday

We had a special weekend in Peoria to celebrate Grandpa Brian's birthday. All the grandkids were there to tell their Poppa Happy Birthday!

"Thank Heaven for Little Girls"

Laughing it off, Ry wears one of Maddie's bibs. Really, though, he might be thankful, right?

Partners in Crime

Here you see Ryan and Maddie watching kitchen activity from behind the chairs, all the time wondering how they could make it into the next room. Eureka! Problem solved!"C'mon, Maddie! Let's go!"

We always wondered how long this pseudo gate would work.