Good sport? or that same old 2nd child syndrome...

Everyone knows that Leo is a good baby, but the word is out on whether or not it is because he "has to". My opinion is that he is a wonderful baby who loves to run around with the big kids and can't bear to be sleeping while there is so much fun to be had.

She knows the rules

Another visit to the Kohl Museum and just as much fun. We were celebrating Ari's birthday and it was the perfect (hot!!) day. Here is an array of Amelia's latest "smiles". I guess we can call it her goofy period.

I'm not the only lucky one around here

Those of you who know Danny know that he is one of the silliest people around. While it is very possible that years from now, Amelia may not "appreciate" such humor, right now she can't get enough of her Daddy.

Summer Fun

Tante called and invited Amelia to come and run in the sprinklers with the boys. This summer we were prepared - swim diapers, sun hat, new bathing suit and swim shoes. Needless to say, Amelia had the best time!

Gotta love those genes...

I love to look back at Amelia's baby pictures to see what similar attributes they possess as brother and sister. I get a kick out of it, really, especially since everyone has their own opinion who looks like who. Here is the proof - definitely brother and sister, but who got what genes? I cant yet tell if those noses are the same. Both have gorgeous eyes, but very different in shape. About those ears...sorry guys! One thing is definitely undeniable - they both got the huggable gene!

Mover and Shaker

Unlike Amelia, Leo hasn't figured out that he can run when I pull out the camera. By the look of things, he will be running sooner than I want to believe. Yes, they grow up too fast and yes, thats why I (and all of us moms) give up so much to watch them do it.

Boys vs. Girls

Today was the 1st of its kind in our house. I took Amelia to Hebrew School with me and had her for the rest of the afternoon and Danny took Leo to my parents and had him for the afternoon. When they finally got home around 4pm, I sent Danny to rest and I took the opportunity to play with my two cuties, something I missed throughout the day. Yes, there is something special (and quiet) about having Amelia or Leo to myself - but having them together makes me feel complete.

Noggin Shmoggin

There are a few things that I pride myself on and one is that Amelia spends no more than 30 minutes in front of the TV a day - and only in the wee morning hours when Danny and I are trying to sleep. My whole reason for not turning the TV on during the day is that there are so many more worthwhile things that we could be doing together. This afternoon, we sat in the garage and watched "the men" pour us a new driveway. All we needed were some snacks and it would have been perfect.

Leo these days

We haven't forgotten how cute you are, Leo!

Mother's Day - way more than a Hallmark holiday in this house

While I would have much rather been sleeping soundly at 6:30am this morning (and at 5:30am when a little someone joined me in bed...and, now that you mention it - at 4:00am when another little someone needed me), I would not have traded the kisses and hugs I was getting for anything in this entire universe. I thought about getting the camera, but I was too busy being smothered and smothering my two little scrumptaliciouses (yes, it's a word - I use it all the time at home) with such love that nothing else really mattered. I got a card from Amelia and one from Leo, with such sweet words written by Danny, I could hear their little voices when I read them aloud. To hear Amelia singing those words, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy", over and over again, and seeing the smile on her face - yes, it was her sneaky smile - made this year super sweet. No nap and many, many tears of exhaustion later, (wait, we are talking about Amelia, right...ok), the night ended with us snuggling in bed together and giving hugs and kisses. As long as our nights end like that, every day is Mother's Day.

Risky Business

Let me paint you a picture of our day so far. Our street is under construction so our driveway and sidewalk are torn up completely, leaving us to walk up the grassy hill, through the flower beds and into the house. My car is parked at the end of the street and, last but not least, it is pouring rain outside.

Needless to say, we are staying put for now. Amelia and I played and cleaned while Leo slept this morning. A number of times, Amelia announced she was going to work - grabbing my keys, phone, and her purse. "See you later, Mommy", she would say. If you heard her little voice, you would know that it really doesnt get old. Once Leo woke up, we came upstairs to have lunch and play some more. Once again, Amelia announced her plans, "I am going to work - need to get dressed". I was expecting her to empty her drawers out, giving me one more thing on my To Do List. Instead, she comes out in this outfit, all ready to go. I don't think the camera captured the HANES logo on Daddy's underwear. I promised her a special treat if she would keep the pose while I got the camera. She knows that pictures like this are a hot comodity and that they truly make my day.

Bath Time

There is one thing that involves the children that I am not responsible for, and that is bath time. I take that back - I do Amelia's baths and Danny does Leo's bath. In 5 months, I have not once given Leo a bath and I am not really sure why. I think it is because I know Amelia would be calling Japan from on top of the dining room table if I had a naked, wet, screaming baby in the next room. Actually, Leo does not scream anymore - he and Daddy laugh most of the time. I think I like watching from a far because he is so darn scrumptious. And...his pish can only reach so far :)

This place was made for Amelia

Today we went to the new and improved Kohls Children's Museum - my first time, Amelia's second. The fun started when we were still in line. Upon realizing where we were, Amelia suddenly threw the toys she was holding for Leo back on his lap and tried desperately to un-click herself and jump out of the stroller. When I finally took her out - what probably seemed like years to her - she ran like there was no tomorrow. So much to do, so little time. Leo must have been enjoying himself too; wide awake the entire time - skipping his morning nap completely.