Did you know that...

Patchie loves to read?


And that Sam was just dubbed the first knight of Napa? (ok, so not really, but it kind of feels like that around here).

That's Chef Patch to you!

Have I mentioned here how much Elias loves to cook? He spends much of his time in his play kitchen, although he really only likes to use the real kitchen tools. He received a few cute new accessories for his bday, including this apron/chef's hat set and a lovely wooden pizza set.
Slice, anyone?

Sir Sam is Six!!

As hard as it is for me to believe my (first) baby boy is six years old today! I can remember this day six years ago so clearly still- who forgets the day her first child is born, especially after, oh about 2 days of labor? But of course once we saw that tiny little face nothing else mattered. We were thrilled and amazed by Sam at that moment, and we haven't stopped being so since. He is a creative, bright, curious, beautiful, and only sometimes cranky little soul. He fills our house with his imaginative play, artful creations, and, these days, jousting and sword fights. Knights are his big new interest, which culminated in a great medieval themed birthday party earlier this week.
He and I have been planning it for a couple of months now, which was really fun to do together. We made crests and flags to hang as decorations, painted rocks gold for treasures, and made armor out of tin foil and toilet paper rolls. Having Grannie and Grandpa Mustache, or Poppa as he is now called by Elias, here made the party even more special, not to mention much easier to pull off! We had a handful of other young knights over, for an afternoon of games, quests, and make-you-own sundaes. I think all the kids had a lot of fun. We were all exhausted by the end of the day, but it was well worth it!

Standing guard while his guests arrive.


Hear ye, Hear ye!! Yum!

And a good time was had by all!


Happy Birthday, Sammy!!

Cute stuff

Recently Sam and Elias had a sleepover in Sam's room. We always read together in Sam's room and then I tuck Elias into his own little bed, which is in the room off my bedroom. On this night though, Elias was tired and too warm and cozy to move and Sam was happy to have the company. They slept together happily in there the whole night. At one point Sam even had his arm slung around Patchie's neck. It was very cute, until Elias tried to roll over and Sam didn't want to let him go!

Bike ridin'

After a couple of weeks riding around our little neighborhood without his training wheels, I finally felt comfortable enough with Sam riding his bike to school. We live a little over a mile away from school, so it is a pretty good ride for Sammy. He loves it and arrives at school every morning with a big, proud grin on his face. It is a beautiful thing to see.

Patch is two! Again!

Here are just a couple of cute shots from Patch's birthday party. We had a fun time with a few of his friends over for cake and football (it was superbowl sunday).


There were some other people at the party (honestly!), but apparently they were not up to being photographed...

Elias got some really great presents (thanks to everyone) but I think his favorite would have to be the set of yard tools Jeff and I picked out for him. He has been wanting a leaf blower for some time now, and is doing a very good job keeping our house and yard free of all sorts of debris these days.

Prince Patchie is 2!!!

At 7:10am, two years ago today, Mr. Elias made his watery way into this world. Our house was dark and quiet, with only our midwife and her assistant joining our little family for the big event. As Sam cheered me on, Jeff's hands caught our little guy under water and brought him up to my chest. He was so beautiful- even with that funny, scrunched up and blue-ish face! What an amazing morning that was for us all. And how happy he has made us since then. He is such a sweet, funny, inquisitive, and daring boy- he keeps us on our toes, but laughing all the while.

Here are a few pics from this day, two years ago.

He's finally here!
Proud big brother.

Phew- that was some hard work!
And just this morning, at his birthday breakfast.

Happy Birthday, Elias. I love you!!

2 years ago today...

I looked like this!!



I remember feeling kind of glum on this day, wondering if in fact this baby of mine was never going to be born. And while I loved being pregnant, by this point I was ready to hold my baby in my arms and give my poor, stretched out stomach a break from the job!!