Baby, it's cold outside

While just a couple of weeks ago we were enjoying gorgeous weather in the 70s, we've now had snow TWICE in the past few days. The look on Owen's face was priceless when I told him to go look outside...he immediately wanted to build a snowman!

Owen insisted on wearing his Rudolph nose to play in the snow...

Bennett was underwhelmed with the whole event...

Both boys found the snow to be far too cold and uncomfortable. Um, perhaps it had something to do with how ill-prepared their parents were and how inappropriately they were dressed for the occasion. No coats? No scarves? No gloves or mittens? Not even any shoes on the baby? Somebody please contact the authorities. I mean, really.

See the video evidence here. Bennett quickly announces his frostbitten hands and Owen declares "Oh boy" before aborting a snow angel because of the cold seeping into his bones.

Well, at least we have pictures. Here's to more white winter days so we can try it again...and maybe throw on an extra layer next time.

You gotta start somewhere

So, there comes a time in the midst of your own chaos when you either raise the white flag and admit defeat OR you decide to just start climbing in the hopes of one day emerging from the rubble again. This is me starting to climb.

Bennett is now 9 months old and cruising everywhere. He's now trying to stand on his own (look ma, no hands!) and those chunky little legs are holding up quite well as he tries to find his balance. At the 9 month check-up, he weighed 22 pounds, 5 ounces (at 18 months, Owen was 21.5 pounds...twice Ben's age and STILL not as big!)

Bennett has 5 teeth and is working on more, making him a drool factory. He's like a snail...leaves a slime trail wherever he goes. He is still just as smiley and happy as the last time I posted, though he has recently entered the screaming banshee stage at mealtime. It makes for very interesting dining out experiences. Just like big brother at this age...remember THIS post?

Owen is as active as always and is absolutely thriving at his new school. For some time now, Rob and I have felt strongly about Montesssori education in these primary years and we were just waiting to find the right place. Owen started the new school in August and, at the risk of sounding goofy, has just blossomed there. He loves going everyday and is just soaking up new, exciting experiences like a sponge. Fantastic.

Owen now swims on his own and adores his swim coach, "Coach Matt". Over the summer, we started him in a toddler soccer program and he's still plugging along with that as well...making "Coach George" another often discussed character in the house. Owen also has an imaginary friend who's been with us for awhile now. His name is "Cats in Boots." Occasionally, "Cats in Boots" joins us for a ride in the car, a meal or even a game we might be playing. He seems to be a pretty good cat and I don't have to clean up after him, so I'm not complaining.

Owen is still just as much in love with Bennett as when we brought him home. Though big brother sometimes isn't too keen on Ben's new mobility and the ease with which he can grab the big boy toys, we still have been lucky to have had very few issues at all. In fact, the biggest problem between the two is Owen wanting to hug, kiss and pick up Bennett a little too much.

Though I really don't make resolutions anymore, I always recognize that the New Year brings new opportunities. Opportunities to get it right, to try again, to let go of something that really isn't working out, and to forge new paths. I have situations that fall in each of those categories...relationships, projects, habits, new ideas, etc...and I'm figuring out how to land in a comfortable place with each of them. As for this blog, I see a new opportunity to pick back up again and do my best at sharing our day to day goings-on with family and friends who like to follow along. My intentions are good...we'll see where that takes us.

Hope everyone is happy and well and enjoying a great start to a New Year.