1 month already?

Will is one month old today.  I can't believe how fast the last 4 weeks have gone.  Will is changing every day, becoming stronger and more alert.  He is getting better at holding up his own head, and will turn towards a voice (especially Ellie's).  We think he is starting to smile at us, though we can't be sure it's not just gas.  The third picture below is catching a bit of his grin.  He has two adorable dimples that pop out when he smiles, so I'm looking forward to him giving us the big ones.

Will is starting to have more awake time during the day, and is generally a very happy baby.  He has a bit of a sensitive tummy (just like his sister did at this age), which causes some fussiness in the evening and sometimes during the middle of the night feedings.  He usually wakes up twice a night, sleeping 3.5 to 4.5 hours at a time.

We can't wait to see all the changes that will occur over the next month.

As I was taking these pictures of Will, Max said, "I take pictures too?"  So I had to take a few with the brothers together.  Max wanted to hold Will in some of the shots, but I love this picture above as Max is giving Will a "nosey" (also known as an Eskimo kiss).

Happy 2nd Birthday, Max!

Happy Birthday, Max!  I can't believe you are 2 years old already.

We had a birthday party at home for our little Man.  We had planned to BBQ, but mother nature had other plans and decided to dump 5 inches of snow on us instead.  Can you believe the crazy weather this year?  I'm so ready for spring to come and stay. But anyway...after hearing the forecast for the weekend, we changed plans and order Bandana's BBQ instead.  We were thrilled that so many family and friends were able to come celebrate with us.  Max and Ellie had a ball playing with all the kids.

Gran once again made an amazing cake.  Max is really into 'Dino Dan' (a tv show), so Ellie decided that Max should have a dinosaur cake for his birthday, and Gran delivered.  The cake was delicious, and Max blew out the candles like a champ.  Max got lots of great toys - we're very lucky to have such generous family and friends.

Max, you are a funny, sweet, intelligent little guy.  You make us laugh all the time, and are constantly amazing us with what you know.  We love your knock-knock jokes, and your favorite "chicken butt" joke.  You are all boy.  You love trucks, trains, and all sports.  Your dad is thrilled that you have such an amazing golf swing already.  We are so happy you are a part of our family, and we love you bunches.

Wedding Fun

Jason's cousin, Kristin, just got married, and Ellie was thrilled to be a flower girl.  She and her cousin Paige got to be flower girls together, and they did a great job.  This is their second time to share the duty, and they always come through with flying colors - walking down the aisle with no problems.  Ellie talked about it for weeks ahead of time, and was so excited when the big day finally came.  

Max and Will looked so handsome in their little outfits - wouldn't you agree?  This was Will's first real outing, since he was still under 2 weeks old.  He did a great job, and handled being passed around all day very well.  And everyone had a ball at the reception.  You couldn't get my kids off the dance floor.  I think their favorite part was the duck dance.  It has been a favorite at our house for quite a while.

Congrats Kristin & Billy.

Sleepy Time

Do you remember how sleepy those first few weeks are...for baby and for mom & dad.  I have a ton of pictures like these with the other two because they are just so darn cute.  Will looks so peaceful and sweet with his hand under his cheek.

Welcome Home Will

Ellie and Max made a great "Welcome Home" banner for Will when we came home from the hospital.  They are adjusting well to having a new baby at home.  Ellie is a great helper and brings me binkies and diapers whenever needed.  Max wants to give Will lots of kisses.  Max will hold Will for a few seconds at a time, but Ellie will hold him for hours if I let her.

First Bath

The first bath is always an experience.  Will didn't care for it much, other than getting his head scrubbed.  None of my kids have cared for those first baths much, and who can blame them - it is just too cold.  We are always happy when the belly button heals up, and we can put the little ones into the baby tub with warm water.  Ellie and Max were very excited to get to see Will's first bath and to help.