Strawberry Fields

There is nothing more Whatcom County than berry picking.   There are TONS of farms around here where you can get a box of berries to go, or pick them yourself.  This morning, Sara and I took the kids to Boxx Berry Farm for the end of strawberry session.   We didn't pick too many strawberries, just enough for eating and strawberry shortcake, but Amelia really had a blast.  I have never heard her have so much enthusiasm eating.  Eat bite was a deep "yummy".  



Bucket in hand and ready to get picking.



I had to remind her to only for the red ones. 



Got one.



Snack time: Strawberries and peanut butter toast.  The peanut butter is another Whatcom favorite.  Amelia's best friend Jake got it for her from his work, Bellewood Acres.  There is nothing better than it. I seriously could eat spoonfuls of the stuff.

2 months (plus some)

Liam has been two months for over a week now (almost two), but I waited for this post after his well-child appointment.  That happened today. His doctor was out of town and we were playing Gypsies for most of the month of June (Wade was traveling for work for almost three weeks) thus the lateness. 

The shirt says it all.

It is so sad how fast babies change.  Liam is turning more into a baby and leaving "infanthood" in the shadows.  We have wonderful conversations in the morning with tons of smiles and coos.  I have also gotten him to laugh a couple times.  He is a chunk, but not as chunky as Amelia was.  However, 0-3 months clothes are getting a little tight and we are starting the transition to the next size.  He also has good head control and Wade has already started training him for his baby trick (more to come). As for sleep....well, that is something we are working on.   He goes to bed easily, but wakes every 3 or so hours to eat. 

2 months stats:

- Head: 13 in (50%)

- Length: 24 in (75%)

- Weight: 13lbs 10 oz (90%)

This month we have visited with Grandpa and Grandma

Wade fresh off the airplane.

He has learned to love his carseat this month with all the driving we have done.



Night love.



Weekend at my parent's to celebrate my dad's birthday and Father's Day.

Brewfest 2011 in the rootbeer garden.  Amelia LOVED the blow-up toys.

Chelan

It is a little depressing leaving the warm sun of the east side of the mountains back to June gloom in the greater Seattle area. We had a great week at Wapato Point celebrating my parents 40th anniversary with BBQ, wine, pools, beaches and family fun. My side of the family has grown a lot on these past years from 5 to 13, and every get together is getting better with each new addition.

Bubbles with Uncle D

Popping the collar

Taking naps where ever you can find a comfortable place.

Peace out

Ready for a swim

Learning to swim

Quality cousin time. These two are only six months apart.

poolside naps.

Sunbathing.

Playing.

Dad and son time together.

S2S11

Memorial Day weekend is the biggest weekend of the year in Bellingham.  That is due to the Ski to Sea race.   This year, I was not able to participate in the actual race, but I was a cheerleader on the sideline for Wade and his team Wasted Talent.  They were 175th place out of 500 teams, the best placing yet.  Maybe it was better I wasn't on the team.

The start line, Mt. Baker.   Aaron: Cross Country, Wade: Down Hill, and the MVP Jay: Run.

Finish line:  We enjoyed sun, junk food and sand.  By the end of the race I was wiped out and ready for bed!!

Pictures from The Bellingham Herald:

Aaron at the start line.

Wade on his climb up.

Kyle and Ben during the canoe leg.

4 Weeks

Its been a month since we became a family of four. Oh, what a month it has been.  I knew the transition from 1 to 2 kids would be different, but I am not sure how really prepared I was.  It has been hard, but wonderful at the same time.


In one month Liam has changed immensely.  From sleeping ALL day to now being more alert and starting to coo and ahh with smiles.  I may be biased, but I also think we have one strong kid on our hands.  He has great muscle control.



 "I need to get my baby some milk" - Amelia.
Amelia loves her baby brother (Liam the boy), but is working on finding her new role in our family.  She wants to help and be a big girl, but also at times wants to be a baby too.  One minute she is doing big girl things, like wearing underwear. The next she is insisting on having bottles and diapers.  We have put her into a preschool for two mornings a week.  This is a win-win situation for both of us.  I get time to get things done and be with Liam, and she is socializing and learning Spanish (it is a bi-lingual school). 

Smiles

This month I have gotten out ALL my parenting books and ordered some more.  Amelia is working on being self-taught.

Over all, we have a cool dude on our hands.  We just need to work on this sleeping at night thing.  We are one tired family.

Of course the month wouldn't be complete without a touch of the flu.  Fevers and vomit.  What a perfect combo for loads of laundry and less sleep.

Spring

He's a Dutch boy, with an Irish name, born on Passover



Newborn picture preview.  More to come.



As written in a previous post, Wade was the one with full responsibility for our new baby's name. So when he was first born, I held my breath when the nurse asked what we are naming our new son. I took a deep sigh of relief when I heard Liam Daryl. Wade did well.

The name was one I had mentioned months before. It was also on a list of names I had on my phone in case I had to do something drastic. When I had said something to Wade before about the name Liam, he of course wasn't interested in my opinion and disregarded it…So I thought. Little did I know that he had put it away in his brain for the big event.

My Gammy was the first to coin the phrase of the title above. My dad was fast to steal it and claim it as his own cleverness. But, the nurse at the hospital stated it best, "It is all under the same God!" So now we have our Dutch boy, with an Irish name, born on Passover. We will drink a Guinness to that.

Two weeks has passed since Liam was born. Those two weeks have flown by in a blink of an eye. So far he has shown to be pretty chill. He hates to be naked/cold and loves to cuddle. He has already developed the nickname Hawk because he can shriek like a bird and big sister is still adjusting to this new development in HER life.

Couch time

Easter

Sibling love.