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ok first time attempting video...let me know if it doesn't work..

 Owen ~10 Weeks:

Weight: 10 lbs 10.5 oz

Length: 22 3/4"

Head circumference: 15 1/2"

Owen had his two month appointment a little late but those are his current stats - growing and growing.  I like this doctor because she has never given us the percentile...likely because he is in the 5th or something silly like that - i make small babies (go figure).  Owen impressed his doc with his big arm and neck muscles by holding his head up and looking all over, he showed her how he can bring both hands up to his mouth to chew on, "talked" up a storm of baby coos, sent her a few smiles and even showed off his spit up moves...  She agreed with my self (internet) diagnosis of "happy spitter" - his tummy & esophagus just need to finish developing and the "happy" spitter will spit no more (hopefully- can you sense my exaggerated eye roll).  Owen makes great eye contact, follows his animated sissy all over the place with those big eyes, and responds really well to sound.  He is still nursing every 1-2 hours, even at night, but I have found that white noise helps him find a deeper sleep - a sleep I can even put him down with (prior to this he only slept in the sling or tucked into mama's arm nook).  Currently he is napping, alone, with the radio on fuzz - amazing.  We talked about buying a noise machine for him...but go figure...there's an app for that and I now have a sleep machine on my iphone (OH for the love of technology...yup your right that is big eye roll #2).  

Owen received one shot yesterday instead of the prescribed few - we are sticking with a different vaccine schedule (the same we followed with isabelle) where he only gets one shot per visit.  This little guy seems quite sensitive - can't wear synthetic material with out breaking out and his skin responds to even the most natural (and most expensive) lotions...(his skin is really dry due to the weather i presume...)... so until i know his little body can handle vaccinations this is our plan and our doctor supports and encourages it...so that is a plus.  

Owen is one cute little bundle of man and we are still relishing in all that is baby these days - yes even with all that spit up i still smile right back.  It is so cliche and I try not to say it all the time...but they get so big so fast - Owen is really helping me be more present these days - i just don't want to miss a beat.

shyness is not a character flaw...

Last week we had Isabelle's last day at dance class, which in some ways, was a relief.  We really love the dance class and teacher but it was just a bit much for Isabelle, some weeks she did great but the majority of the time Isabelle was Isabelle - standing quietly in first position while all the other children hop along with the teacher, looking back with tears at times, and only really participating if mama got up and held her hand.  Sometimes I struggle with her shyness and ask myself if I am doing what is best for her - but at the end of the day...with the support of my family and friends...I know she is a wonderfully smart, sensitive, and yes a shy little lady.  I don't quite care for the thought of "don't call your kid shy...that will make her shy" mentality...instead we acknowledge and support isabelle as she is.  Don't get me wrong...we don't go around telling everyone she is shy in front of her, but try to make her feel comfortable with being shy...so that when she is ready to say hello to a stranger or talk to some new peers she will because she is ready...not because we are forcing her to.  My good friend reminded me of the fact that sitting back and observing is participating for some children - those words resonate and sometimes become a silent mantra as I watch isabelle watch other children....it's okay this is how SHE participates.  And I know that this is a phase...its just that in so many ways I can see myself in her...I love being social and having friends and know how important being apart of a community is for me...but it doesn't always come easy... I still get knots in my stomach when I meet new people...struggle with the right conversation to have...am filled with insecurities... blablabla.  I just want Isabelle to be happy and content with her social situation - so for now...we will keep working on small group social scenes where she does best...and keep playing tap and ballet athome until she is ready to have a second round at dance class..... because there is no doubt in my mind that she will want to go back to dance class to try again in the future.

isabelle with her new friend stevie at the museum

~

When you're worried, tell yourself the truth: Shyness is a strength to build on, not a character flaw to be stamped out. -  "shyness is not a character flaw" - at the Malvern school

winding down

Winding down each evening is one of my favorite parts of the day...  mainly because we are all present...emotionally and physically.  Not to say that some nights our minds don't wander... but to be honest those are the nights where epic battles break out...tears are to be had and we all end up in bed grumpy.  But good nights, like last night, are a wonderful thing.  Winding down is truly dynamic and changes nearly everyday but there are some key elements: eating together, cleaning up together, music and story telling.

who can resist a slinging guitar playing daddy?

One of my favorite parts...the music...has really changed the way things wind down around here.  If I just remember to plug in my iphone and put on a favorite Pandora station I tend to not sweat the small stuff.  If I get a hint of an itch to get mad or frustrated....I just put on music and my frustration (usually) melts away... because who can be mad while listening to reggae or bluegrass or childrens folk songs...  Aaron has traded in his few goto Grateful Dead ballads for "hush little baby", "mary had a little lamb", and "twinkle twinkle little star"... and we all sing - completely and utterly out of tune - but we all sing together, laugh at ourselves and let our eyes get tired while dancing to the beat of our own drum.

and if that dog named rover don't bark...mama's gonna buy you a horse and cart....

cousins!

This past weekend we loaded up the car and drove up to Maine to spend some time with family.  And lucky us so did Auntie Mel & Uncle Todd...which means...yes....we got to meet our new cousin Conner! It was all very exciting, he is the cutest little bundle ever!  Conner and Owen sang us a chorus of love songs through out the weekend and Isabelle tried her hardest to not get too close to the babies for some extra lovies (we have a head cold circulating our house hold...yes...again...).  Here are a few pictures snapped of the newest additions to the family.

 

Owen & Conner

 

a little drool?

Mr. Conner

and yes... being around these babies...just makes me want more babies...

a cream hangover...

I wanted to post a few pictures of our valentines sweets that Isabelle and I made.  And well I have to admit I am not a huge fan of these hallmark holidays I sure do love an excuse to make chocolate mousse and kiss the cheeks I love...don't you agree?

the recipe we used can be found here

we most certainly did not taste test along the way...

Owen added a dash of cuteness with his "oooooh" face

topped with strawberries and a little more cream (why not right?)

YUM!

and yes I am still feeling the effects of the cream...it does horrible things to my body...it doesn't help that there are left overs calling my name in the fridge....oh CREAM!

isabelle crafts

Isabelle over the past few weeks has been really wanting to craft...I suppose that doesn't have anything to do with me and my constant need to make things with my hands...  She really wants to knit and as soon as I break out my knitting she chirps up..."mama, am I big enough to knit yet?". And for a while playing with yarn worked just fine, but she is bored of tossing loose yarn around the room and really wants to make something.  Since her mind and body are not quite ready to learn to knit yet we decided to break out some burlap, an embroidery hoop, yarn scraps, and a tapestry needle instead (and of course a little inspiration from "the creative family" by amanda soule blake).  No not knitting...more like learning to sew...but made her much happier to be actually making something with mama.  Her first embroidered burlap was sent off to her buddy Miss Maggie as a Valentines day gift...but I see so many fun ways to use these Isabelle embroidered pieces...

and yes mama even got to cast on with some lovely new yarn from Jess!

hearts are for valentines

This morning Isabelle squealed, it's Valentines day...hearts are for valentines!

a special valentine from Maggie

thank you!

isabelle & owen wishing you all lots of love on this heart full day!

they loved you before you were born

what holds us up by cori dantini

This weekend, while organizing and reorganizing spaces (trying so hard to de-clutter), I stumbled upon two prints I purchased right after I found out I was pregnant with Owen at the Moscow Renaissance Fair.  One, in particular, was for him and I am so glad I found it so I could rest it on our changing table (no hopes of my piles of prints getting framed anytime soon...so this will have to do for now).  The words on the bottom read "they loved you before you were born" and when I saw it I couldn't help but buy it for baby weed #2.

And yes, those words are so true...Owen we have loved you for far more than two months

Check out Cori's Etsy Shop here if you like the print - 

they are super cute and in my opinion perfect for any room (not just baby rooms!)

weekend-ing

:: babies that just don't give up...even though they bat those long lashes and really want to nap...

:: errands in town

:: visiting with new friends and their new babes

:: gooing and gaahing over our new friends house in the woods

:: dreaming

:: bimonthly sunday morning talks about savings and future homeownership

:: reaffirming our goals 

:: moving the furniture to collect the dust bunnies kitties

:: rearranging the hutch

:: knitting a few rounds

:: wearing pajamas all day long

:: listening to bluegrass

:: dance parties

:: packing bags to go to good will

:: reminding ourselves how good we have it

hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

That's what she said...

brother thinks Isabelle is pretty funny too...

Yesterday, like most days, was filled with lots of funny things coming out of Isabelle's mouth... I decided to write some of them down this time..

Isabelle talking to Owen on her pretend cell phone: "Owen stop spitting up on mama, her body is really frustrated." (true story...but that is a whole other post)

"I want to show [uncle] Kevin my dance moves, he can't wear my shoes though - they are girl shoes"

"Bunny wants some milk, can she have some after Owen is done?"

"Owen needs to eat again..." (*followed by an exasperated sigh)

"M is for Mama and Maggie!"

Isabelle practicing dance in her room with her two imaginary friends: "Pinky it's your turn to plie (a ballet squat pronounced plee-aye) - DO IT!....Good job for being patient Jicabee"

Me:  "Isabelle you can have yogurt or cottage cheese."

Isabelle: "No, that's not the option."

Packing for summer

At least that is what it felt like this morning packing our bags for dance class and then a trip to the Upper Valley Aquatic Center for a fun filled play date with two friends from dance class.  Packing up the towels, bathing suit, crocs, and snacks... I admit I had a little day dream of summer...but it quickly passed as I ran through crisp morning air to the car to give her a five minute warm up in.  And while it is definitely not summer...no where close to being summer...a day at a heated pool...fully equipped with a lazy river and children's slide/play area...was just what we needed.  Isabelle was her skeptical/shy self at first but quickly came around to seeing that pool play was a lot of fun.  The day was a total success: Isabelle had a blast with her new friends Bailey & Stella, mama squeezed into her bathing suit, Owen pooped through only one outfit, and Isabelle marginally escaped a monster meltdown by just simply passing out on the car ride home (phew!).

 

Isabelle...post pool...pre *almost* meltdown

In all reality we are still adjusting to life in NH - especially when it comes to meeting friends for Isabelle (and me).  Coming from such a strong community of friends in Idaho to knowing no one has been slightly challenging and makes me appreciate even more all the friendships I made while in Moscow...and hopeful for the friendships we will make here in NH.  I am really happy dance class has given us the opportunity to meet some new local friends (for both of us)!

Isabelle & Bailey

I'm sleeping with another man...

Owen...of course!  With the convenience of having a spare bedroom in the house Owen and I have been  co-sleeping alone (sans daddy).  We decided this would be best for two reasons...firstly, Aaron really needs to be on his "A" game at work - starting a new job at an Ivy League school two months before having a baby has been challenging...and since we have decided I would get to be the stay at home mama I have taken on the night time baby drill and let him get as much sleep as possible.  Secondly, I have a hard time watching my hubby sleep so soundly through a rough night...call me crazy but I just want to kick him just so he wakes up and acknowledges that I am a 24 hour milk machine.  So, for now, this is what is working best for everyone.

my snuggle buddy 

Now I know I slept with Isabelle for a while but she quickly ended up in the pack n' play next to the bed instead of in the nook of my arm like Mr. Owen.  We also didn't have a spare bedroom at the time and if you have ever shared the bed with a child you know that no matter how small they are they seem to take up the entire space.  Isabelle was able to sleep for 3 hours or more at a time pretty early on (don't get me wrong we were still waking up 3-4 times nightly)...Owen on the other hand is up every 1-2 hours to nurse....which is totally fine....but for me I can't muster up the strength to get out of bed each time to rock him to sleep, ever so gently put him down, tip toe back to bed...only to wake up 15 minutes later.  Co-sleeping is the only option for me...and now that I am really doing it and sticking with it, it isn't just because it is convenient.  It is because I can be close to my baby, feel his warmth, smell his smell and that all makes me glow at 3 a.m.

weekending

Aaron brought Isabelle to the Dartmouth skating pond, where every Sunday they offer free skating help for little ones provided by the Dartmouth girls hockey team.  Aaron reported that Isabelle did great, she could stand all by herself and enjoyed being pulled around on her skates.  Still a bit hesitant to start walking on the ice by herself but excited to go back and try again!

hope you had a great weekend!

Land of Candy!

We recently purchased Candy Land for Isabelle and it has been a real hit!  I forgot myself how much fun it was navigating your gingerbread man through the peppermint stick forest and the crooked old peanut brittle house...  The first few runs through the game were filled with mishaps...skipping colors, deciding to go backwards along the path, and clumsy gingerbread men who fell down ALL THE TIME.  Which as one can imagine tried my patience on new levels - silent chants of "it's a child's game"..."let her be silly"..."what 3.5 year old really follows the rules of a board game".  Yesterday, however, was a new day... Isabelle (on her own) decided to "really play".  The first time through she got to the gingerbread house first and "won" - we decided that it would be more fun to win with your friend so who ever gets to the gingerbread house first gets to run back along the path to get their friend!

catching up to mama

super excited every time she picks the color purple!

what's for dinner?!

Our weekly dinner menu starts with a list...that once all the ingredients have been found and/or bought...ends up here on our fridge.  Mainly, because I am way too guilty of buying things with intention to make a specific item and then forgetting (I swear my brain worked way better 4 years ago).  I thought it might be fun and maybe even mouth watering to take you on a journey of our week of dinners.  Definitely not as elaborate as they once were...they are nourishing and for the most part kid friendly.

yes there are plenty of spelling errors...

When starting the list we always try to aim for 2 vegetarian dishes or more.  It is widely known that reducing your meat consumption is by far the best way to be more "green" in your kitchen.  Many people try to do the meatless monday thing...we skip the monday and say bring it on as much as possible.  Vegetarian eating is easy on the wallet and so delicious...We also look in the pantry and the freezer and ask - what can we make from what we have?  And from there Aaron and I brainstorm.  Lots of easy classics are in the mix and always at least one new recipe.

This week we had:

leftovers...didn't last long enough...

Beef barley soup & homemade bread- Basically just browned beef or turkey with an onion....add 28oz can of whole tomatoes (crush them...), a dash of worsteshire sauce, a bay leaf, 4-5 cups of stock, 2/3 cup of barley and veggies.  This is a great clean your fridge soup... I just put in what ever is in the veggie drawer that won't make it another day.  Barley takes about an hour to cook...so I just simmer until everything is tender.

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe and fried chickpeas - we substituted wine with stock...because we didn't have any vino on hand, halved the chickpeas & pasta amounts, and added the juice of 1/2 a lemon - this was our new recipe of the week... it was delicious!  Isabelle didn't love the broccoli rabe, it is a tad bitter, she tried a few pieces and ate all her pasta and chickpeas.

orange & beet salad...yum!

Hamburgers with  beet & orange salad, A+ for Isabelle...she ate everything!

BLT's with braised acorn squash and kale, Isabelle ate reluctantly ate a little kale (i swear yes we did kale and spinach puree as baby...but it is just taking this 3.5 year old a little longer to love greens...we won't give up though!!!) and inhaled the BLT.

Thai Red Curry w/ tofu- recipe from The food & cooking of Thailand - Bastyra & Johnson- so we didn't get to this one...thats how it goes around here!  Next week for sure!

a little blog clean up

I have decided to clean up the blog a little over the next few days...not quite sure what that means but I think it needs a little dusting off.  I plan to add labels to most posts, maybe a new picture up top...and who knows what else....not sure if this will mess with your viewing pleasure....so if it does ...sorry in advance!

determined

The past few weeks have been all about taking care of my family, while...at times... grasping to a thin thread of sanity, I kept thinking in my mind....a few more weeks...days...and I'll have yarn in my hands or sitting listening to my little sewing machine chug along.  These tasks help fill me up...recharge me I guess.  So last week I was ready...really ready... to get my craft on.  To make something with my hands for someone I care about.  This is my zen, my peace of mind, and my way of showing people I care.  Miss Noa and Owen are the lucky ducks this time...but there are so many babes out there that need these pants...

The pattern is my "go to" kiddo pants pattern from Anna Maria Horner's, Handmade Beginnings - Quick Change Trousers...they are reversible!!

kitchen table transformed into a sewing room...

babes with his new pants

i wasn't going to include this picture because it is so fuzzy...

but in many ways it is exactly how life is right now...constantly on the move and a little fuzzy!

perfect trousers for big cloth diaper butts!

Smiles!

I suppose if I could freeze time this would be one of those moments - when you know for sure that the goofy toothless grin is not just because we are passing gas.....  I also wish I had a tape recorder that tuned in at opportune times.  Last week Isabelle knocked over and broke a glass of water.  I rushed in to see what was the matter and I could see this look of concern and seriousness on her face - "Mama....my water broke....I'm gonna have a baby tonight!" (as she rubs her belly and squeals with excitement).  I hope I will never forget that moment either - it was beyond perfect.