Things to Remember: Norah (a little over) 2.5 years, Asher (almost) 6 months

Norah:

You are absolutely HYSTERICAL. 

Any time you want to command your Dad to do something you scream "WILL!!!!" It sounds more like you're saying "whale".

A funny exchange we had yesterday...

Me: My neck's been sore.

N: Where?

Me: Along the back and left side.

N: No, where's the dinosaur???

I wish I had a notebook with my constantly to write down all the hilarious things you say.

You hate posed photos these days, and make the silliest faces when we tell you to "say cheese". Hence no super awesome photos of you in this post. Sorry kid.

You've recently entered into the phase where you're obsessed with all things princesses and dress up. It is completely adorable, but you also love trucks, ambulances, etc.

We have failed at taking away your pacifier, but you do now sleep in a toddler bed vs a crib. Baby steps.

You're going to start preschool in the fall and I think you're going to love it.

You are so, so smart. You remember the names of all the people who live in the houses we pass on our walks. The ones we know of course. You know the name of our street, the town we live, the schools you'll go to, and even remember directions on how to get to certain places. You're so curious and you can just tell your little wheels are turning trying to figure out how the world works.

Asher:

You are THE smiliest, sweetest, baby. Everyone comments on how handsome and sweet you are. I cannot get enough of your sweet cheeks.

You have really chunked up lately and I think you're going to end up being WAY bigger than your sister comparatively.

I am honestly in shock that the first half year of your life has gone by. It has been so different than your sisters in so many ways. I love seeing your little personality shine through and we are so happy you're growing so well.

You LOVE to eat. You take down baby food like a champ, and I can't wait until you can eat solids, as you frequently try and take them from us when we're eating as a family.

Both:

You two are wildly in love with each other. Norah, you literally have to be dragged out of your brother's room more often than not when we're trying to put him to sleep. You love to help take care of him, share with (and steal from) him, and are always concerned about how he's feeling.

Asher, you light up every time you see your big sister. She brings out giggles and smiles from you like no one else can.

Norah, you were sleeping in until 9am or so most mornings, but those days have come to an end. You're both up around 6:30am these days, so our days have drastically changed (and gotten longer). I really think you can just sense Asher and I are up and about and you don't want to miss out on anything.

You both are truly the lights of my life and make me want to be a better person every day. I can't wait to see all the adventures that are in store for us, and I know the rest of this year will be even better than the first half!

checking in

I have no idea how it's been so many weeks since I last posted. I had (and still have) such solid intentions when it comes to updating this blog, but life keeps happening. Our days are so full of play time, endless snacks, play dates, enjoying the weather, walking around town, and errands. Our evenings are full of trying to cram in quality time with Dad after work, cooking, chores, and the bedtime saga. And our nights are full of the constant balance that is having adult time vs getting as much sleep as possible. And don't forget lots of wake ups to tend to a hungry baby, and sometimes a toddler request.

By the time the end of the day comes, I am just too beat to write a coherent post. I feel like we're coming into our own as a family of four though, so hopefully my energy level changes soon. This summer has already been filled with so many days I want to remember, and Asher has grown and changed so much in his almost six months of life.

Here's to hopefully being back at the blog life soon!

Asher 11 Weeks

Not exactly a normal time to write an update, but here we are. Asher buddy, you are everything my heart needed and more. I have a hard time imagining babies as people until they start to get a little bit of a personality, sit up, etc., but I can already tell that you are going to be so silly and sweet. Just like your sister, except this week, when she is acting like a total (almost) threenager. You are usually so, so happy, and really only cry when you are tired or hungry. I know it's early and so much can and will change, but I genuinely think you're going to be the sweetest little guy.

You have literally doubled in size since birth, going from the six pound range to the twelve pound range in just two short months. You have the chunkiest little face, huge blue eyes, dark hair, and the sweetest smile. You're an incredibly cute baby and I know you will be the apple of my eye. I always thought of your sister as my best friend, more like a sidekick. I know you will always be the baby. At this point I am 99% confident in saying that you are our last child, and it really feels like you're the perfect completion to this family.

You definitely get less physical attention (being held, rocked) than I'd like due to how crazy our schedules can be, but it's probably teaching you a little independence, and we are sure to get plenty of snuggles and cuddles when we can.

You LOVE your mobile, swing, rock and play, baths, being sung to/talked to, mirrors, and being outside. You don't love tummy time, but will tolerate it. Honestly the only things you hate are being hungry or tired, which is all babies, and all people really, so who can blame you.

You met all your milestones at your two month appointment as far as gaining weight, tracking light, etc. Still measuring on the smaller side of things height and weight wise, but you look like a "normal" size to me, so I'm happy.

N on the left, A on the right. Two months. Near twins!

You are taking roughly 4 naps a day, and eating about 5 times a day, and 2 more times in the middle of the night. I think your sister dropped her night feedings all together around this time, so I am hoping you'll drop down to at least one. I know all babies are different through so trying not to expect you to do what she did. Breastfeeding is going much better with you than it did with her and we hope that continues. You sleep in your crib at night, but we've been using the swings for naps. That is honestly because it works and mom is too lazy to deal with another transition right now, but we plan to institute crib naps at three months. Or try to at least.

We love you buddy!