tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11026795136553163422024-03-13T10:01:03.331-07:00A Better Life with BurgersHealthy foods, smart workouts, exciting adventures, and delicious ways to make life more fun!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.comBlogger961125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-48764635760186310382019-06-03T22:36:00.002-07:002019-06-03T22:36:16.545-07:00Marshall is FIVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy FIFTH birthday to our big boy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phN9R75mbGI/XPXzA4f2MtI/AAAAAAAAn-U/-NcTscAIzgQxQkyweaTsGJx6BejattksACKgBGAs/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phN9R75mbGI/XPXzA4f2MtI/AAAAAAAAn-U/-NcTscAIzgQxQkyweaTsGJx6BejattksACKgBGAs/s320/image1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been quite a year from four to here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCln3zlrOo/XPXzA4pzNCI/AAAAAAAAn-U/NtzR6-Cr8S8rr5qBhYNJFFSgKPdqpSNYwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180528_103950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCln3zlrOo/XPXzA4pzNCI/AAAAAAAAn-U/NtzR6-Cr8S8rr5qBhYNJFFSgKPdqpSNYwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180528_103950.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tivXHKtsDY/XPXzA18rtvI/AAAAAAAAn-U/58vpv2cBTBoLg8uAPAbWWzQ6kRY9j-HvwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_172204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tivXHKtsDY/XPXzA18rtvI/AAAAAAAAn-U/58vpv2cBTBoLg8uAPAbWWzQ6kRY9j-HvwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_172204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Marshall, you have grown into a little boy who continues to make us so proud every day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp24gU2Y4Dg/XPXzA3Qi0WI/AAAAAAAAn-U/P9SsKimY6cgZ8scB5VoVBCsw5-i5XadCgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180704_111159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp24gU2Y4Dg/XPXzA3Qi0WI/AAAAAAAAn-U/P9SsKimY6cgZ8scB5VoVBCsw5-i5XadCgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180704_111159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We love your thoughtful, curious nature. I think these are your most noticeable qualities in this stage. You <i>wonder</i> about the world. You ask endless questions, and most of the time we end up stumped. I'm sure you'll figure out the answers someday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lftN0rgEgaE/XPXzAwpLIVI/AAAAAAAAn-U/XXw8eJe9yAQgeiQzwNK6bhykei8bucUMACKgBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1533016487306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lftN0rgEgaE/XPXzAwpLIVI/AAAAAAAAn-U/XXw8eJe9yAQgeiQzwNK6bhykei8bucUMACKgBGAs/s320/PhotoGrid_1533016487306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But beyond being curious, you are also in a stage of inventing stories about the world around you. When you ask a question that we can't answer, you almost always come up with an answer of your own. (Sometimes, you make up an answer when you aren't satisfied with ours, which comes off a little like mansplaining, but you're still cute so we'll give you a pass.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNXk5-gu2AY/XPXzA7nwU4I/AAAAAAAAn-U/VlkHPTGejrET7N1AGRH68tFx4yhScTM-gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180803_092730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNXk5-gu2AY/XPXzA7nwU4I/AAAAAAAAn-U/VlkHPTGejrET7N1AGRH68tFx4yhScTM-gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180803_092730.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You've also created something of an imaginary friend for yourself. His name is Formy, a Formadon (he's a dinosaur, but you also made up the species of Formadon). We learn more about Formy every day. Generally, when you are processing a new idea, you tell us a story about how Formy dealt with a similar situation. Formy goes on some wild adventures. :-) He also has a sister named Gersa, and she occasionally has opposite experiences from Formy, so as not to leave any options unexplored.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaGeg75trM8/XPXzA5BEPsI/AAAAAAAAn-U/I83ffh4y_Hcfg7QSxpXBybFVJizJXVJFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180912_192235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaGeg75trM8/XPXzA5BEPsI/AAAAAAAAn-U/I83ffh4y_Hcfg7QSxpXBybFVJizJXVJFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180912_192235.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This year, you stopped sucking your thumb! Adorable as it was, we knew it would be best to break the habit, and you kicked it in just one day.<br />
<br />
Your enthusiasm brings so much light to our family. We never know what's going to get you excited, and it's always a fun surprise to see what you'll get into next. We tried out soccer this year, but we think we'll wait a while before trying organized sports again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrO8wO6Jbbk/XPXzAyVxYBI/AAAAAAAAn-U/CKAAX0dPJNwJF_Kt3o69f9DFwdw0WERGACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180929_104546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrO8wO6Jbbk/XPXzAyVxYBI/AAAAAAAAn-U/CKAAX0dPJNwJF_Kt3o69f9DFwdw0WERGACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180929_104546.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instead, you're bouncing (literally) from one exciting thing to the next, like baking muffins with Mommy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8dNkCde3J4/XPXzA1_TFgI/AAAAAAAAn-U/Om0zo9xX5wI5LX-V1NTEg7s_hLGLZxg5gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_083503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8dNkCde3J4/XPXzA1_TFgI/AAAAAAAAn-U/Om0zo9xX5wI5LX-V1NTEg7s_hLGLZxg5gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180922_083503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
or creating your own "pepper soup" recipe</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW16wAO3pi0/XPXzA9rT6II/AAAAAAAAn-U/lJTY1K1e9SUH0bNYLL1G9AZwbC8NC8dLACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181013_190801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW16wAO3pi0/XPXzA9rT6II/AAAAAAAAn-U/lJTY1K1e9SUH0bNYLL1G9AZwbC8NC8dLACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181013_190801.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
visiting San Francisco as often as possible<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn-nuRLyPvg/XPXzA927bDI/AAAAAAAAn-U/38RmMVnLv9gBfdNKSZOdYzLgOIyrXqbIACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181021_111227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn-nuRLyPvg/XPXzA927bDI/AAAAAAAAn-U/38RmMVnLv9gBfdNKSZOdYzLgOIyrXqbIACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181021_111227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
getting excited about adventures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-LGZgmba1w/XPXzA7rTIII/AAAAAAAAn-U/N6bMcwyHYi0R9QFd7nORhJ2RRA12D2IxwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181026_100010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-LGZgmba1w/XPXzA7rTIII/AAAAAAAAn-U/N6bMcwyHYi0R9QFd7nORhJ2RRA12D2IxwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181026_100010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More pictures and fun facts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You and your brother are getting really silly together. Today in the car you had him completely cracking up, and I'm loving watching your bond growing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNpqO2nqV70/XPXzA-vSd6I/AAAAAAAAn-U/vJrMYACqZBg--MSvOJ1FSH6yZk9Qm5UtwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181118_085550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNpqO2nqV70/XPXzA-vSd6I/AAAAAAAAn-U/vJrMYACqZBg--MSvOJ1FSH6yZk9Qm5UtwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181118_085550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVfqD13Yk9k/XPXzA95qLnI/AAAAAAAAn-U/zUWNIpc_vTEWcJaod6QPo68p43sVFvc5gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_070549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wVfqD13Yk9k/XPXzA95qLnI/AAAAAAAAn-U/zUWNIpc_vTEWcJaod6QPo68p43sVFvc5gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_070549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_C-YTtlvKE/XPXzA3aIpFI/AAAAAAAAn-U/6-VsRJVNcXsw9XaVxwzreAhu3Bzc-8mPgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190421_181210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_C-YTtlvKE/XPXzA3aIpFI/AAAAAAAAn-U/6-VsRJVNcXsw9XaVxwzreAhu3Bzc-8mPgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190421_181210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You LOVE school. We can already tell that kindergarten will be a blast for you and for all of us to watch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSD5_sWYu1g/XPXzA5EajtI/AAAAAAAAn-U/spJ6Tae7kcgvFnrbyZm-DRfgcsbK-NtkQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181120_112711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSD5_sWYu1g/XPXzA5EajtI/AAAAAAAAn-U/spJ6Tae7kcgvFnrbyZm-DRfgcsbK-NtkQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181120_112711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You're really in the middle of that phase where you turn every stick-like object into a sword.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7JkIEpmjrY/XPXzAwEHWRI/AAAAAAAAn-U/U_b4bVV2qi0p_hg7xksk5kpDKI8QRMrqACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181209_180820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7JkIEpmjrY/XPXzAwEHWRI/AAAAAAAAn-U/U_b4bVV2qi0p_hg7xksk5kpDKI8QRMrqACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181209_180820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You've been bitten by the travel bug and definitely get excited about new places and hotel stays!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--n5182lAlfo/XPXzA_AE4oI/AAAAAAAAn-U/jgRSdRbMH5Q47psfxBmJyspNl7ZFd9mQQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190317_093928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--n5182lAlfo/XPXzA_AE4oI/AAAAAAAAn-U/jgRSdRbMH5Q47psfxBmJyspNl7ZFd9mQQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190317_093928.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NBZoo6WDzo/XPXzA9QzvMI/AAAAAAAAn-U/3LhiVPm4O3cpXWVvsgFBv2D0S5wdfFA3gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181215_130941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NBZoo6WDzo/XPXzA9QzvMI/AAAAAAAAn-U/3LhiVPm4O3cpXWVvsgFBv2D0S5wdfFA3gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181215_130941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbaE6NZsdjQ/XPXzAwUOlQI/AAAAAAAAn-U/NYP8lo_IjbwduLWfUyh87CYFJ_X-7A22ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190414_105851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbaE6NZsdjQ/XPXzAwUOlQI/AAAAAAAAn-U/NYP8lo_IjbwduLWfUyh87CYFJ_X-7A22ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190414_105851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You're learning to ride a bike, but sometimes it's tough to convince you to try new things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8RxzK2KVpk/XPXzAxfYYKI/AAAAAAAAn-U/EEUwTr69vLw7WpLYMnlOPbj6P_VfEBxUgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181225_063747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8RxzK2KVpk/XPXzAxfYYKI/AAAAAAAAn-U/EEUwTr69vLw7WpLYMnlOPbj6P_VfEBxUgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181225_063747.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg9TfApZKwM/XPXzA0glCiI/AAAAAAAAn-U/WzlXajhRSDgO42eLdgsBUqo-HULoZWGcACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181227_171650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg9TfApZKwM/XPXzA0glCiI/AAAAAAAAn-U/WzlXajhRSDgO42eLdgsBUqo-HULoZWGcACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181227_171650.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You still LOVE Legos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvvtuIsWVxU/XPXzA_59nPI/AAAAAAAAn-U/d_pENZdimvgjmrDQyAq7TjyvePAgaQM4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181228_131623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvvtuIsWVxU/XPXzA_59nPI/AAAAAAAAn-U/d_pENZdimvgjmrDQyAq7TjyvePAgaQM4gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181228_131623.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gbB8dm2A00/XPXzA8iyoNI/AAAAAAAAn-U/vVOS0votESoFHHV-UbKhq5KEkpu4CR2zwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190125_183412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gbB8dm2A00/XPXzA8iyoNI/AAAAAAAAn-U/vVOS0votESoFHHV-UbKhq5KEkpu4CR2zwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190125_183412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You spend 90% of your outdoor time bouncing around or running in circles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GU-42BLZRSw/XPXzA5PNSpI/AAAAAAAAn-U/GG9yrLG7VzQyElWGAQTjSApx9zT7HtjOACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190223_175606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GU-42BLZRSw/XPXzA5PNSpI/AAAAAAAAn-U/GG9yrLG7VzQyElWGAQTjSApx9zT7HtjOACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190223_175606.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clh0wyC3PIs/XPXzA9rL32I/AAAAAAAAn-U/iFNcEkD5EnYHYIsK9ArZjFh_WHMAUrRPgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190308_175334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clh0wyC3PIs/XPXzA9rL32I/AAAAAAAAn-U/iFNcEkD5EnYHYIsK9ArZjFh_WHMAUrRPgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190308_175334.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think Daddy is still hoping you'll find a favorite sport! (Mommy hopes it will not be soccer.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkDecFdhufY/XPXzA4utvbI/AAAAAAAAn-U/MKoXqOHelA8J7p_9_upSii3oUTIhT_nVgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190318_181846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkDecFdhufY/XPXzA4utvbI/AAAAAAAAn-U/MKoXqOHelA8J7p_9_upSii3oUTIhT_nVgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190318_181846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You still love to cuddle, especially when we're reading.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkNOLNEDNzI/XPXzA5W5hqI/AAAAAAAAn-U/4vTnec4fkYMezOPYu3-edA4C3s7aKpKoQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190407_185108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkNOLNEDNzI/XPXzA5W5hqI/AAAAAAAAn-U/4vTnec4fkYMezOPYu3-edA4C3s7aKpKoQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190407_185108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You love creating and building. In addition to Legos, you're all about Magnatiles and other construction materials.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vKocOBdg6Y/XPXzA1E-mlI/AAAAAAAAn-U/Br-p9l2KrvA2lSzCpGoCva9tOyyCqPjCQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190409_182337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vKocOBdg6Y/XPXzA1E-mlI/AAAAAAAAn-U/Br-p9l2KrvA2lSzCpGoCva9tOyyCqPjCQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190409_182337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You can READ! I am absolutely stunned. You even read to Declan sometimes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDFuyGoLnmE/XPXzAwG_bEI/AAAAAAAAn-U/NoWFH-epqPsZZEapGguzNLGk76j0_1mmwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190409_190250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDFuyGoLnmE/XPXzAwG_bEI/AAAAAAAAn-U/NoWFH-epqPsZZEapGguzNLGk76j0_1mmwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190409_190250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCt_nnII_hc/XPXzA6WzbnI/AAAAAAAAn-U/diaOH2xT3UYLu-dICv_jbnlwTRGuUQd7gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190521_070938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCt_nnII_hc/XPXzA6WzbnI/AAAAAAAAn-U/diaOH2xT3UYLu-dICv_jbnlwTRGuUQd7gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190521_070938.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, and you still love food. :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awsey2TReM4/XPXzA64nWWI/AAAAAAAAn-U/46OxAzb_NOgB9om1YkX4FekaiYVq4IZnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190427_095309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awsey2TReM4/XPXzA64nWWI/AAAAAAAAn-U/46OxAzb_NOgB9om1YkX4FekaiYVq4IZnACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190427_095309.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JhfQWYdNok/XPXzA0MAlGI/AAAAAAAAn-U/7sHVrsYewxAUfuPJQ7RQl0Kwm009-1SLgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190414_110019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JhfQWYdNok/XPXzA0MAlGI/AAAAAAAAn-U/7sHVrsYewxAUfuPJQ7RQl0Kwm009-1SLgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190414_110019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41I1EkbXqok/XPXzA9jcW1I/AAAAAAAAn-U/PxCrFUkYkK4zyYJGSzdmxH4isAnrblrpgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190426_104439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41I1EkbXqok/XPXzA9jcW1I/AAAAAAAAn-U/PxCrFUkYkK4zyYJGSzdmxH4isAnrblrpgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190426_104439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We love you so much, sweet boy. You teach us so much every day, and we love how you keep us on our toes. We never know what you'll ask next! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ldv18Cdn4w/XPXzA2_2mmI/AAAAAAAAn-U/immj5cPLD-4cN20_awvOKg2gos8jZd1VgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4214.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ldv18Cdn4w/XPXzA2_2mmI/AAAAAAAAn-U/immj5cPLD-4cN20_awvOKg2gos8jZd1VgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4214.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJi14-TDxtc/XPXzAxQTQ6I/AAAAAAAAn-U/Cf9LAQA_VUwQ3eoQ6Dl84z_WdkCe6-hOgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190427_100014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJi14-TDxtc/XPXzAxQTQ6I/AAAAAAAAn-U/Cf9LAQA_VUwQ3eoQ6Dl84z_WdkCe6-hOgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190427_100014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv9OJdqqGn4/XPXzA-eVV3I/AAAAAAAAn-U/A0xDpqyN3xoV9us_KmqvB6n5NIOsRXD3gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190504_170807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv9OJdqqGn4/XPXzA-eVV3I/AAAAAAAAn-U/A0xDpqyN3xoV9us_KmqvB6n5NIOsRXD3gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190504_170807.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5xigvux81w/XPXzAxOBMnI/AAAAAAAAn-U/XCiPyIqzf4QUM8gcL-lPbS3Y04N5FubQQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190512_104910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5xigvux81w/XPXzAxOBMnI/AAAAAAAAn-U/XCiPyIqzf4QUM8gcL-lPbS3Y04N5FubQQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190512_104910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you do become a boat engineer someday, we can't wait to see the adventures you embark upon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeT9329UUbM/XPXzAwKMcXI/AAAAAAAAn-U/ckdswj1phEgNhPSFpKz3n1oN0-eeKSd4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190516_154437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeT9329UUbM/XPXzAwKMcXI/AAAAAAAAn-U/ckdswj1phEgNhPSFpKz3n1oN0-eeKSd4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190516_154437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCo17Mbnqkc/XPXzAy3wTOI/AAAAAAAAn-U/qsFbLAM841sT0RJwnWZxZ0NTcfEIrRqUwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190518_172724_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCo17Mbnqkc/XPXzAy3wTOI/AAAAAAAAn-U/qsFbLAM841sT0RJwnWZxZ0NTcfEIrRqUwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190518_172724_01.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(adding the candles to the back of the rocketship cake like boosters was your idea!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AreoLQkg7q8/XPXzAyrfBpI/AAAAAAAAn-U/fIEsrYIJbeAIz3exyxq7JoFC8Dxy5-LggCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190518_191416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AreoLQkg7q8/XPXzAyrfBpI/AAAAAAAAn-U/fIEsrYIJbeAIz3exyxq7JoFC8Dxy5-LggCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190518_191416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy birthday, Marshall!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znUKNCwOeyU/XPXzA2QXxsI/AAAAAAAAn-U/0JVIyndprugQg7pEnFkb4qB7ovdKb8TAgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181101_071821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znUKNCwOeyU/XPXzA2QXxsI/AAAAAAAAn-U/0JVIyndprugQg7pEnFkb4qB7ovdKb8TAgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181101_071821.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nrX-kf24cg/XPXzAwWzmpI/AAAAAAAAn-U/rQSdyzUJsBIsI5bUZhuuqKAntc_M08jyQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190523_065627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nrX-kf24cg/XPXzAwWzmpI/AAAAAAAAn-U/rQSdyzUJsBIsI5bUZhuuqKAntc_M08jyQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190523_065627.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-62796551327068420932019-03-31T21:39:00.000-07:002019-03-31T21:49:36.330-07:00A Perfect Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Sunday night, and this weekend was one (not unlike most) that I want to remember forever. We didn't plan it--in fact, we <i>couldn't</i> have planned a weekend like it if we tried--but I couldn't stop smiling from Saturday morning through to right this moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And so, I felt it was worth dusting off the old blog to say hello and add to this little time capsule. I'll also say how much I miss writing and that I'm still in that habit of imagining what I would write about if I had time to write daily, or even weekly, but it's simply not in the cards right now. Still, once every long while is better than nothing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so Thursday night doesn't count as the weekend, but it's close enough and this little after-dinner rain shower was a fun surprise! (It looks like it's sunny, which it was, but it was pouring, too!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Le2CCEcPOY/XKGGwy9j9UI/AAAAAAAAnyU/4QuKTJ0_QiUTz5KW4Oc1npQ8iwEiS3IjwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190328_183929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Le2CCEcPOY/XKGGwy9j9UI/AAAAAAAAnyU/4QuKTJ0_QiUTz5KW4Oc1npQ8iwEiS3IjwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190328_183929.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks to the sun, we got a beautiful double rainbow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eain0JSd-UQ/XKGGw9sAd7I/AAAAAAAAnyU/bV8smJTOrykQ2hjLM9JDS-Icya4GK47BACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190328_184143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eain0JSd-UQ/XKGGw9sAd7I/AAAAAAAAnyU/bV8smJTOrykQ2hjLM9JDS-Icya4GK47BACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190328_184143.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
("Mommy, I'm showing Pepperjack!")</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan is currently almost 2.5 years old and radiates pure joy most of the time. The rest of the time, he's fairly miserable, but we're chalking those times up to teething, being two, and just the general reality that we all get grumpy sometimes. He's in a stage where he very seriously imitates those around him and speaks nonsense ("Mommy, we're going to <i>piume</i> the cannons!") with such conviction that you find yourself nodding along, utterly absorbed in his world. He still LOVES his blanket, and now he has a strong fondness for his stuffed owl, Pepperjack. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tL7ZvbQaMI/XKGGw0FFTxI/AAAAAAAAnyU/rb09DwRawTUzWfiOIHeAvox-NTTC-4QGACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_070529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tL7ZvbQaMI/XKGGw0FFTxI/AAAAAAAAnyU/rb09DwRawTUzWfiOIHeAvox-NTTC-4QGACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_070529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xrBHTJ-C8U/XKGGwyTKtSI/AAAAAAAAnyU/HcNc2HLmzxkggZgo6jIvp8E8ssFshNokQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_070549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xrBHTJ-C8U/XKGGwyTKtSI/AAAAAAAAnyU/HcNc2HLmzxkggZgo6jIvp8E8ssFshNokQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_070549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Okay, so this weekend, on Saturday we were all up by 6 am. I had actually hoped to wake up early to really enjoy the day, so when Declan called for us earlier than usual, I forced myself to resist bringing him back into our bed (much as I love love <i>love </i>the way he wiggles closer to me and only stops when his head is resting against mine--please let this be something he does forever and always), and we snuggled on the couch instead. Marshall was up within a few minutes, and Terry joined, too, for a long reading session. The two of them would easily rank reading as a top three activity, and for this I am eternally grateful.<br />
<br />
We headed out a bit later for a walk and took our time, stopping at the park to play a while. At home, the boys played with chalk in the front yard and then roped Terry into a game of "push down," which is exactly what it sounds like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV_naH9RovA/XKGSoIG9UdI/AAAAAAAAnzA/5oIQqa2H2JAHnz2LzU4eIduMIGFM1E62ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_173245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV_naH9RovA/XKGSoIG9UdI/AAAAAAAAnzA/5oIQqa2H2JAHnz2LzU4eIduMIGFM1E62ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_173245.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq2gsVgDS8c/XKGSoH2RqGI/AAAAAAAAnzA/oXJI9TnbAQYD5hBwgi8q2mvxad1ias8OQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_180133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq2gsVgDS8c/XKGSoH2RqGI/AAAAAAAAnzA/oXJI9TnbAQYD5hBwgi8q2mvxad1ias8OQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_180133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yADjOUHK0GE/XKGGw7uFGcI/AAAAAAAAnyU/S5q5FrmfVCMlB-CiG6C6wvBFYn5xqgazgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_112810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yADjOUHK0GE/XKGGw7uFGcI/AAAAAAAAnyU/S5q5FrmfVCMlB-CiG6C6wvBFYn5xqgazgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_112810.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dou2g0XpeFw/XKGGwwP7GKI/AAAAAAAAnyU/oWCg5KiRvao-W5tkRqHHskvpgJsFp8xvQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_112817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dou2g0XpeFw/XKGGwwP7GKI/AAAAAAAAnyU/oWCg5KiRvao-W5tkRqHHskvpgJsFp8xvQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_112817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTua40EzRu4/XKGGw5s-DcI/AAAAAAAAnyU/PkES6xKl7lYhoJHFk9Q70qWTcx8zq2CAwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_112912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTua40EzRu4/XKGGw5s-DcI/AAAAAAAAnyU/PkES6xKl7lYhoJHFk9Q70qWTcx8zq2CAwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_112912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWFsVL3hAzM/XKGGw1jiCUI/AAAAAAAAnyU/xfZVnrX7ef4aqXLSrzptYOE4Tqz2_jJGwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_112835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWFsVL3hAzM/XKGGw1jiCUI/AAAAAAAAnyU/xfZVnrX7ef4aqXLSrzptYOE4Tqz2_jJGwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_112835.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed out for errands and a treat at Paris Baguette, then came home to play more while I made lunch. After some homemade pizza, Declan snoozed while we hung out with Marshall and took care of some chores.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RTdkSzVSPl4/XKGGw2MH9NI/AAAAAAAAnyU/o-x8LSIBQeA22pCI5uvM2GekQY7wrBWjgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_135633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RTdkSzVSPl4/XKGGw2MH9NI/AAAAAAAAnyU/o-x8LSIBQeA22pCI5uvM2GekQY7wrBWjgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_135633.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why does he look like a middle schooler here? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marshall is four and a half (almost FIVE!) and makes us so proud every day. His mind seems to be expanding infinitely, and I can't keep up! He soaks up every word he hears, and I'm amazed at how much energy he has in everything he does. He's even able to sound out words and can write a few, too! He still loves Legos--for about six months he was building intricate sets almost daily--but now his imagination and curiosity are his favorite building blocks. Right now he's into outer space and dinosaurs! He's also loving Harry Potter-related talk, and Terry plays the audiobooks for the kids in the car when they ask for it.</div>
<br />
In the evening we met up with my parents, because they had an event near us and booked a hotel. We headed over and took advantage of their pool--first time swimming in awhile for both boys!--before going back home for dinner and bath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCWeQ1rvu0g/XKGYUnD9ebI/AAAAAAAAnzg/1mDLP16o4QsIZLtj4UfmYJZxOkglWeACwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_162925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QCWeQ1rvu0g/XKGYUnD9ebI/AAAAAAAAnzg/1mDLP16o4QsIZLtj4UfmYJZxOkglWeACwCKgBGAs/s320/20190330_162925.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggAL9aES-0U/XKGGw1P_NMI/AAAAAAAAnyU/TDVgfAwV5VAsKsl5siBE0Nwnvc5MsDtogCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190330_185526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggAL9aES-0U/XKGGw1P_NMI/AAAAAAAAnyU/TDVgfAwV5VAsKsl5siBE0Nwnvc5MsDtogCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190330_185526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And we used a Christmas gift rocket bath bomb from Aunt Ashley!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This morning, we were up early again and spent a quiet morning at home before going back to PopPop and JanJan's hotel room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxW-5C8xdTs/XKGGw8UiY6I/AAAAAAAAnyU/IihPFAIk5fw2CwB2zFDnxeAFO0MlxoA-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_102650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxW-5C8xdTs/XKGGw8UiY6I/AAAAAAAAnyU/IihPFAIk5fw2CwB2zFDnxeAFO0MlxoA-wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_102650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fun watching roller coasters from the window!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fxc1690NaQ/XKGGw6TcPiI/AAAAAAAAnyU/EjZu7n5h--kr65Hgw4vNVoVGXLU0VjIUQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_114648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fxc1690NaQ/XKGGw6TcPiI/AAAAAAAAnyU/EjZu7n5h--kr65Hgw4vNVoVGXLU0VjIUQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_114648.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After lots more swimming and a special lunch treat by the pool, we came home for Dec's nap. Marshall chose to do some typing! He asked me to write out words and he typed them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcOORPniXdc/XKGGw_MffaI/AAAAAAAAnyU/kFi-fvqRE_Qit7Mi3zMLW6_JOMiz0qdjACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_132642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcOORPniXdc/XKGGw_MffaI/AAAAAAAAnyU/kFi-fvqRE_Qit7Mi3zMLW6_JOMiz0qdjACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_132642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was <i>such </i>a beautiful day today, I couldn't handle staying inside too long, so I brought my food prep out to the garage while Marshall and Terry washed the car!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tX8kqCkp99A/XKGGw6DA8PI/AAAAAAAAnyU/t1LKwXDSQPAs4_Ck1mBY7oj7_4dptak0ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_142226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tX8kqCkp99A/XKGGw6DA8PI/AAAAAAAAnyU/t1LKwXDSQPAs4_Ck1mBY7oj7_4dptak0ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_142226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When Declan woke up, the family indulged my request for a long walk. The boys got to rest after a very fun weekend, and Terry and I got to talk!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ruF9yfmvs/XKGGw84WQjI/AAAAAAAAnyU/Gx4qHm5nRGAQeKl-MwCKLTv3kFtRZ9xgwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_170303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ruF9yfmvs/XKGGw84WQjI/AAAAAAAAnyU/Gx4qHm5nRGAQeKl-MwCKLTv3kFtRZ9xgwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_170303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And we wrapped up the weekend with a new recipe, more food prep for the week, and our first outdoor meal of the year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5e7mMhzBWBc/XKGSoFxAe4I/AAAAAAAAnzA/2SkLbGsE6Ngs2mhQl8wBnDdsQXTeLn5ZACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190331_183319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5e7mMhzBWBc/XKGSoFxAe4I/AAAAAAAAnzA/2SkLbGsE6Ngs2mhQl8wBnDdsQXTeLn5ZACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20190331_183319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Simple, yes, but this weekend made me so happy. Spending time with the boys and Terry, squeezing in a little grandparent time, being outside as much as possible...it doesn't get better. Bring on Spring!</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-74591172291475194332018-12-24T22:22:00.001-08:002018-12-24T22:31:10.003-08:00What I Hope I'll Remember - Christmas 2018Our boys are four (and a half!) and two, and Christmas is pure magic. Every day is a true joy, with something new to discover for them or for us that enhances the spirit of the season. But I find myself wondering if I'll remember the perfect little moments, so I want to take a moment on this Christmas Eve to write a few of them down. What I hope I'll remember about this year's Christmas:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJvbL9d_Zyc/XCHLpuaQ3iI/AAAAAAAAntk/A9GU_E3ysuc80w_NLDd7EhC_wkAf1gIhgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181202_172534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJvbL9d_Zyc/XCHLpuaQ3iI/AAAAAAAAntk/A9GU_E3ysuc80w_NLDd7EhC_wkAf1gIhgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181202_172534.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The boys' current obsession with music, specifically Christmas music. For each new song, we hear a mini-chorus of, "What song is this?" from the backseat, and they both know almost all the words to several songs, including "Jingle Bells" (all the verses, too!), "Rudolph," "Feliz Navidad," and a few others!<br />
<br />
Spending two full days with their cousins (my brothers' 20-month-old twins). They are running, climbing, talking, giggling, learning machines, and we love them to pieces!<br />
<br />
Actually finishing our gift wrapping somewhat early, but still being up past 10 pm on Christmas Eve (mostly due to Terry building Marshall's big-kid bike!).<br />
<br />
Marshall being terrified of most television shows, especially The Grinch, and prohibiting us from watching it this year (or reading the book!). Maybe next year?<br />
<br />
Declan copying almost everything his brother does related to Christmas but not really understanding most of it and rolling with it anyway. That kid is the essence of joy, wrapped in a slightly chunky, deliciously squeezable toddler package.<br />
<br />
Marshall running out to the living room each morning to build the newest piece of his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Calendar-Minifigures-Christmas-Countdown/dp/B07D4BKB2B">Lego Advent Calendar</a> from his grandparents. (We also got for Declan, but he opened all the pieces within two days and we haven't seen them since...) His focus and innocence astounds me every day.<br />
<br />
Our first visit with kids to the City at Christmastime, including riding every single escalator at Nordstrom and checking out the tree at Union Square.<br />
<br />
Juggling the magic and joy of Christmas as well as a tough phase for Marshall, where transitions are especially tough again and we're dealing with LOTS of tantrums over even the most minor requests. It started several weeks ago and has carried us right up to Christmas, but we're hoping this phase passes soon.<br />
<br />
Marshall and Declan requesting to see various Christmas lights displays every day on the way home. Favorites are "Jack" (a huge display with one Jack Skellington among tons of other snowmen and lights) and "music lights" (our neighborhood's light display with accompanying music).<br />
<br />
Being willing to forego some traditions in favor of my sanity, more time together, and realizing that we don't need to check off every tradition to make the season special.<br />
<br />
Mostly, feeling genuinely focused on this beautiful season and finding ways to spend time together as a family. Terry and I feel so, so blessed to have each other and to be raising these wonderful little boys, and we are more and more grateful every day for all our extended family and friends with whom we can share the ups and downs of life. Wishing a very happy holiday season to you and yours.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-65580758390432470632018-12-03T23:47:00.000-08:002018-12-03T23:47:17.659-08:00One Year in the Bay Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
December 3. One year ago today, we packed up our sweet, beloved apartment. We tucked away all our belongings and all our memories and loaded them into a giant truck. We spent one final night in a hotel in our favorite neighborhood and then made the drive up the state to northern California.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dv1eN6VJTzA/XAYcvO0ASEI/AAAAAAAAnsE/WiPC_gpb3WwkjrGPgMfqI_GHaDyA1gkaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171202_180001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dv1eN6VJTzA/XAYcvO0ASEI/AAAAAAAAnsE/WiPC_gpb3WwkjrGPgMfqI_GHaDyA1gkaACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171202_180001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember all too well the day we arrived at our new home. We were, of course, emotionally exhausted. Our kids were tired and probably confused about the move. Marshall was three and a half, and Declan was just over a year old. We arrived on a cold, clear evening, and I got my first glimpse of the new neighborhood.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk_Mw2QkCpM/XAYcvPeeRwI/AAAAAAAAnsE/UnYlnnnpaQQEollWVieYsyoXx_-u4lkyACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171203_164644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk_Mw2QkCpM/XAYcvPeeRwI/AAAAAAAAnsE/UnYlnnnpaQQEollWVieYsyoXx_-u4lkyACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171203_164644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course moving days never go smoothly. We had to wait while our landlord made her way through traffic to us to get our key. Then she wanted to show us the house, but I just wanted to get dinner for the kids and get to our temporary housing, since the moving truck with all our belongings wouldn't be there for several days. We were cold and tired, and I felt overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
And so began what may well be the hardest month of my life (so far). Terry was focused on starting his new job and making a good impression, so I wrangled two toddlers all day at our temporary housing while he worked long hours and then came home to give the rest of his energy to all of us. I struggled with Declan transitioning from two naps to one, so every day was different and I couldn't plan what to do with the kids. Marshall, too, was teetering between napping some days and not napping others, so the change of location didn't help at all. I was also still working remotely for my job in LA and scrambled to squeeze in as much work as I could while the kids slept or played or whenever Terry was home.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KNxErKheqE/XAYcvDX5mPI/AAAAAAAAnsE/rSielGKKmxMSg0B-vejwcMw17eLNQQiXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171208_160317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KNxErKheqE/XAYcvDX5mPI/AAAAAAAAnsE/rSielGKKmxMSg0B-vejwcMw17eLNQQiXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171208_160317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I look back on those days--the temporary housing, the move-in at our actual place, the transition for myself and the kids--and remember a blur of tears, physical and emotional exhaustion, questioning whether we had made the right choice to move. I needed help and didn't have my village yet, and it made me so, so tired.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
On top of all the regular moving stress, our landlord didn't warn us that our roof would be replaced during the first week we moved in, so we walked out one day to find roof debris all over all the boxes and items we had not yet unpacked and were storing in the garage. My stress shot through the roof (pun not intended), and I broke out in "stress bumps" all over my tongue, making talking and eating pure agony for several weeks.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wwpm5DbOlA/XAYcvM_ZqII/AAAAAAAAnsE/dYtzcACGhqsJh1ufUftQtXOzTLq1MAe5ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171213_105107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wwpm5DbOlA/XAYcvM_ZqII/AAAAAAAAnsE/dYtzcACGhqsJh1ufUftQtXOzTLq1MAe5ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171213_105107.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite the stress of the move, we quickly found a Christmas tree in an attempt to get in the spirit of the season. Exhausted and overwhelmed as I was by the daunting piles of boxes, I was determined to put out our Christmas decorations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6ByXXc4POY/XAYcvKvousI/AAAAAAAAnsE/PydsrdIn54AOvHeJ7r9Z2jnQ0PzelUmFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171210_211949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6ByXXc4POY/XAYcvKvousI/AAAAAAAAnsE/PydsrdIn54AOvHeJ7r9Z2jnQ0PzelUmFwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171210_211949.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXLHtCp07tE/XAYcvPnQI1I/AAAAAAAAnsE/KV8KmlzJTDwHofjv3cDjxL2xKrvlHgnwACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171211_085214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXLHtCp07tE/XAYcvPnQI1I/AAAAAAAAnsE/KV8KmlzJTDwHofjv3cDjxL2xKrvlHgnwACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171211_085214.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In that month, the blur of holding two boys at once, rocking one kid while shushing another, crying a lot, and running errands just for the sake of getting out and having something to do, I did find joy in my sweet boys. Little moments are frozen in my memory, like driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights (while waiting for Declan to fall asleep, to give myself a one-night break from putting Declan down while Marshall ran in and woke him up every thirty seconds), or sipping hot chocolate with Marshall at Whole Foods. In the last week or so, as the leaves on the trees and chilly weather have started to resemble the conditions we saw in our neighborhood upon first moving in, I've felt a mix of emotions--some joy at being so much more settled, so much more confident that this was the right choice, and some anxiety, recalling how hard that time was and how difficult the months were that followed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyHlDNHaP-s/XAYcvBuRNUI/AAAAAAAAnsE/Ajcrg6tLTI4mNHO2DOTYrVVzratn4ARZgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171205_155349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyHlDNHaP-s/XAYcvBuRNUI/AAAAAAAAnsE/Ajcrg6tLTI4mNHO2DOTYrVVzratn4ARZgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171205_155349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lpmro4kzBU/XAYcvJbYL9I/AAAAAAAAnsE/cOWOYdNAYCAs2BfPaAp7hfks8l6mAkJngCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171222_120349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lpmro4kzBU/XAYcvJbYL9I/AAAAAAAAnsE/cOWOYdNAYCAs2BfPaAp7hfks8l6mAkJngCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171222_120349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg2akKCYgkI/XAYcvHiZZ1I/AAAAAAAAnsE/e_UQjQpRhfk4H7I_20Id8d5f-i45D8_mACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171208_082156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg2akKCYgkI/XAYcvHiZZ1I/AAAAAAAAnsE/e_UQjQpRhfk4H7I_20Id8d5f-i45D8_mACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171208_082156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37LmQvJhy_Y/XAYcvLxF4lI/AAAAAAAAnsE/Pr0I9LjQ4D4RL2FK8j1UtXlfxXPbXhXFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171213_135733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37LmQvJhy_Y/XAYcvLxF4lI/AAAAAAAAnsE/Pr0I9LjQ4D4RL2FK8j1UtXlfxXPbXhXFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171213_135733.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then--slowly, slowly, we started to find our groove. By January 8, the one-month mark in our new house, I had unpacked every box and had made the place feel more like home. Terry hit a stride at work and has been loving it ever since. And we finally realized that our dream of living in the Bay Area had actually come true.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We visited national parks with stunning redwoods.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NLscr1FCCs/XAYcvLYTLmI/AAAAAAAAnsE/BooOaz9Rc-wzpdei70Nj8zhQ5xKFbbQDwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_110832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NLscr1FCCs/XAYcvLYTLmI/AAAAAAAAnsE/BooOaz9Rc-wzpdei70Nj8zhQ5xKFbbQDwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_110832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgU4Dwm-qbk/XAYcvGm07HI/AAAAAAAAnsE/LAagi0rG0tY-JsWuYutt_QmAchUIg2dHACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180812_105812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgU4Dwm-qbk/XAYcvGm07HI/AAAAAAAAnsE/LAagi0rG0tY-JsWuYutt_QmAchUIg2dHACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180812_105812.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We took full advantage of our Christmas gift from my brother and sister-in-law, a membership to one of the best children's museums in the nation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ze2hXsH7qqo/XAYcvMF7FeI/AAAAAAAAnsE/NojgxyQYyekhrRQBqtbqKRqEhdyv3XTlACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180207_103730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ze2hXsH7qqo/XAYcvMF7FeI/AAAAAAAAnsE/NojgxyQYyekhrRQBqtbqKRqEhdyv3XTlACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180207_103730.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko0Xd8Q5SwU/XAYcvOuttwI/AAAAAAAAnsE/iJ11DqPJi4cBaPHm0ZebLKAC4t7joK4qQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_103503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ko0Xd8Q5SwU/XAYcvOuttwI/AAAAAAAAnsE/iJ11DqPJi4cBaPHm0ZebLKAC4t7joK4qQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180424_103503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We visited San Francisco several times, and it is now one of Marshall's very favorite places.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGI86k7672c/XAYcvJaZ1_I/AAAAAAAAnsE/Fb_BJRltqpAi5Hm5LuoNiJ7uCy3Ze4yGwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180519_145352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGI86k7672c/XAYcvJaZ1_I/AAAAAAAAnsE/Fb_BJRltqpAi5Hm5LuoNiJ7uCy3Ze4yGwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180519_145352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zhABemS4Xc/XAYcvKfUlWI/AAAAAAAAnsE/Nu0LT9Ip5JwCjQxj3EnL18PpEqOYIt97QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181021_111225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zhABemS4Xc/XAYcvKfUlWI/AAAAAAAAnsE/Nu0LT9Ip5JwCjQxj3EnL18PpEqOYIt97QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181021_111225.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Barking like a sea lion)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1H25kLDIo4/XAYcvNlb7qI/AAAAAAAAnsE/62Mm3Xxv5T8G-yz-O7YpBO7wyCnf8h72ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181021_130503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1H25kLDIo4/XAYcvNlb7qI/AAAAAAAAnsE/62Mm3Xxv5T8G-yz-O7YpBO7wyCnf8h72ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181021_130503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DS1JLHuqiI/XAYcvHjt70I/AAAAAAAAnsE/WDCQIHTcvsQG4ptaNSqRuRDSbHU0yhOWwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181021_130518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DS1JLHuqiI/XAYcvHjt70I/AAAAAAAAnsE/WDCQIHTcvsQG4ptaNSqRuRDSbHU0yhOWwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181021_130518.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We found new beaches and embraced the reality of always being cold at the beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujhliGlO9P4/XAYcvDao86I/AAAAAAAAnsE/eFHlH_kR_JkNV82tU-GwHWbQ2vZSexonACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180714_091811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujhliGlO9P4/XAYcvDao86I/AAAAAAAAnsE/eFHlH_kR_JkNV82tU-GwHWbQ2vZSexonACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180714_091811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We met Thomas the Tank Engine in the Santa Cruz Mountains.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjDraQtBUMg/XAYcvB_IUUI/AAAAAAAAnsE/yK8XP_pudcIOVnpqDPtUAgqBm_J8Wj9VACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180804_100905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjDraQtBUMg/XAYcvB_IUUI/AAAAAAAAnsE/yK8XP_pudcIOVnpqDPtUAgqBm_J8Wj9VACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180804_100905.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We visited Monterey Bay Aquarium and had a pretty good time. :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa6r2HUKO4c/XAYcvAJMMmI/AAAAAAAAnsE/8QjSYII_DRgPV4DrNfqyB8WOb4OkOk03ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181026_100010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa6r2HUKO4c/XAYcvAJMMmI/AAAAAAAAnsE/8QjSYII_DRgPV4DrNfqyB8WOb4OkOk03ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181026_100010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB6Iw78hz3I/XAYcvAeZKjI/AAAAAAAAnsE/DkbXmjvx1XQjlrQWlbt6IKixIQGOVbSHQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181026_102211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lB6Iw78hz3I/XAYcvAeZKjI/AAAAAAAAnsE/DkbXmjvx1XQjlrQWlbt6IKixIQGOVbSHQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181026_102211.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I felt ready, I accepted a job offer, and now I feel very proud of what I do and where I work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXRFbBXor1E/XAYcvH62ngI/AAAAAAAAnsE/pTN5JcnpBgIvLwp_9fYTFkG-2GwwPJj0gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181023_132950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXRFbBXor1E/XAYcvH62ngI/AAAAAAAAnsE/pTN5JcnpBgIvLwp_9fYTFkG-2GwwPJj0gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181023_132950.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But I must mention that the in-between time was really, really hard. I felt so lost and confused for a solid half of a year. On one hand, I was the one who had always wanted to move back to the Bay Area (where I grew up), but now that my wish had come true I was missing LA (a place I struggled to love for so long!). I felt detached and mixed emotions toward my husband. I was proud of him and grateful for his hard work getting us closer to our long term goal, but I found it hard to be happy for him when I had been forced to leave a wonderful job and our favorite apartment ever. Now, looking back, it's much easier to feel like it was always going to be okay, but I want to acknowledge that for a while I did not feel okay.<br />
<br />
In January, Marshall started a preschool program that, while not the exact replica of the beloved program he enjoyed in LA, has been a wonderful, nurturing second home for him. In October, Declan joined, too, and we have built a small community of friends for the whole family. We like the weather better here, a little less heat and sunshine-all-the-time and a bit more rain and chill when we need it. As shown above, we are truly embracing all the local day trips and opportunities that the Bay Area affords. For me, it is a blessing to finally live close to my family again, after 14 years of being more than five hours away. Plus, sourdough bread is one of my very favorite things.<br />
<br />
We miss LA. A lot. We miss the incredible food, our wonderful friends and family, our adorable neighborhood, my job, our work communities, the jacaranda trees, our perfect apartment. We miss the comfort of feeling comfortable, of knowing the streets and the sights and the sounds so well. We miss UCLA--the place where we met and fell in love and where I worked for so many years. We miss driving by the hospital where we brought our boys into the world. LA will always, always hold a place in our hearts, and I think both of us feel like we might want to go back one day.<br />
<br />
But now, the Bay Area is our home. And really, all those cliches about home being where the heart is and how it's not where you are but whom you're with that matters--well, they're true.<br />
<br />
Tonight we shared a bottle of champagne to celebrate one year in the Bay Area. It was probably the toughest year of our marriage, even harder than bringing each of our children into the world, because we each experienced it so differently, so separately. But now, we are safely here. We are together. Our boys are settled and happy. We are both grateful for our jobs and feel good about what the future holds. We get to spend time (though never as much as we would like) with the people we love. We get to appreciate California and its opportunities in a way we didn't before. It was all a total gamble, but I'm glad we took the risk together. Our marriage is stronger because we found ways to communicate even when it was hard, and we kept each other and our boys at the center of our focus amidst the chaos of moving, transitioning jobs, feeling off-balance.<br />
<br />
One year after our long, bittersweet drive up the state, we are very, very happy. Here's to whatever is next!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwa-GwZmCg0/XAYcvCUh1eI/AAAAAAAAnsE/JCJ2IS0Rqk4acgRg7sC0DHDnlCcAMZyXACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181203_211015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwa-GwZmCg0/XAYcvCUh1eI/AAAAAAAAnsE/JCJ2IS0Rqk4acgRg7sC0DHDnlCcAMZyXACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181203_211015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-79267170660011265682018-10-09T21:33:00.000-07:002018-10-09T21:33:10.024-07:00Amanda's Wedding and Fall is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some highlights from the beginning of fall...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It started with a bang with a trip to LA for Amanda and Duncan's wedding! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1qJRwTLxIw/W714D1TK40I/AAAAAAAAnno/A-p10YgD-IoRV2nTq9NL0JPw_2iEavmIQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180915_145552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1qJRwTLxIw/W714D1TK40I/AAAAAAAAnno/A-p10YgD-IoRV2nTq9NL0JPw_2iEavmIQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180915_145552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such a fun group of bridesmaids (some missing here!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jkYYjEHK1o/W714DyB5jMI/AAAAAAAAnno/rDPoKfJyLfIiK-733idme0WaeZUzEdDzwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180915_191334_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jkYYjEHK1o/W714DyB5jMI/AAAAAAAAnno/rDPoKfJyLfIiK-733idme0WaeZUzEdDzwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180915_191334_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had the pleasure of joining Amanda when she chose her dress, and I still could not believe how gorgeous it was on the wedding day!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IxHUnqNdA4/W714D48l7FI/AAAAAAAAnno/s_TKtI9qyu0Mw-pwlrbOvoPEfkUGMWXbgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180915_223939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IxHUnqNdA4/W714D48l7FI/AAAAAAAAnno/s_TKtI9qyu0Mw-pwlrbOvoPEfkUGMWXbgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180915_223939.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love these two!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8a7BWDQ6eo/W714D478RNI/AAAAAAAAnno/oYf84SOwATgST3D0P4LBj8rU6t6lbkiegCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_9192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8a7BWDQ6eo/W714D478RNI/AAAAAAAAnno/oYf84SOwATgST3D0P4LBj8rU6t6lbkiegCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_9192.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amanda and I have been friends for more than 12 years, and I felt so honored to stand with her on this perfect day. She and Duncan are an amazing couple, and I absolutely love how wonderful they are together!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9wNJtZy-qI/W714DxCQuqI/AAAAAAAAnno/hJeJjDY8zMo-syJtjJNEV8HjJYpOVwwnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180916_075815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9wNJtZy-qI/W714DxCQuqI/AAAAAAAAnno/hJeJjDY8zMo-syJtjJNEV8HjJYpOVwwnACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180916_075815.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bonus: We got a night away from the kids in downtown LA!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fall is for...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kFeBoeAMuI/W715RWZJjqI/AAAAAAAAnn8/zBzDsMYlArkHu2GJNNAIVdm9PQgtzFpfACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_083503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kFeBoeAMuI/W715RWZJjqI/AAAAAAAAnn8/zBzDsMYlArkHu2GJNNAIVdm9PQgtzFpfACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180922_083503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baking pumpkin muffins with one of my favorite little sous chefs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtweFPLXPJk/W715RVmTSyI/AAAAAAAAnn8/e7Tn0FVLr9gj0L74ugz4JCdzYxpSP-EYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_173024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtweFPLXPJk/W715RVmTSyI/AAAAAAAAnn8/e7Tn0FVLr9gj0L74ugz4JCdzYxpSP-EYQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180922_173024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buying supplies at the hardware store to make our own little Halloween sign.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agWJgdabkKU/W715RRd133I/AAAAAAAAnn8/x4gJyiihEwQo84dR-IKqJ446j8w9nppZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180930_100818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agWJgdabkKU/W715RRd133I/AAAAAAAAnn8/x4gJyiihEwQo84dR-IKqJ446j8w9nppZwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180930_100818.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And choosing new decorations together <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSq6qfzLHSo/W71-L59J8fI/AAAAAAAAnoM/edw2CfpOvb80FYkETdg9DWtQg-CLv8kTwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_161538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSq6qfzLHSo/W71-L59J8fI/AAAAAAAAnoM/edw2CfpOvb80FYkETdg9DWtQg-CLv8kTwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_161538.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sign was a family effort: the boys helped paint it black, I wrote the words, and Daddy drew the spider!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhStojYOv9s/W715Rc8vdgI/AAAAAAAAnn8/wlb6mgNgBjY7N7kNC97FMkzicP7jcgFIwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_094358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhStojYOv9s/W715Rc8vdgI/AAAAAAAAnn8/wlb6mgNgBjY7N7kNC97FMkzicP7jcgFIwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180923_094358.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hiking and holding hands</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hKbLDx0r10/W715RWcws3I/AAAAAAAAnn8/lMiuM1j8P7g16r9HUl0y3Sc9ZoGgm0f4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_095416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hKbLDx0r10/W715RWcws3I/AAAAAAAAnn8/lMiuM1j8P7g16r9HUl0y3Sc9ZoGgm0f4gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180923_095416.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And hiding :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ulGW2d_OCc/W715RRYvQNI/AAAAAAAAnn8/XYOn2Kx8ER08NsBLkcPNZH9xKbeAeVPhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_160359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ulGW2d_OCc/W715RRYvQNI/AAAAAAAAnn8/XYOn2Kx8ER08NsBLkcPNZH9xKbeAeVPhQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180923_160359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Breweries!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsAJi5mrarY/W715RaVDRlI/AAAAAAAAnn8/CgUkczhPaEUvy5n9BA_8r-Q4IWHdDNmSwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_160408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wsAJi5mrarY/W715RaVDRlI/AAAAAAAAnn8/CgUkczhPaEUvy5n9BA_8r-Q4IWHdDNmSwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180923_160408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egr3aNmXBsE/W715RWjt9iI/AAAAAAAAnn8/M73ogN50wzw4ftaVbf2jeqNEoyPWUFaDACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180924_143430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egr3aNmXBsE/W715RWjt9iI/AAAAAAAAnn8/M73ogN50wzw4ftaVbf2jeqNEoyPWUFaDACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180924_143430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gorgeous colors (hooray for Nor Cal!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ttTU-JSN0/W715RSYbfHI/AAAAAAAAnn8/g3EaWKBtPg0EgWJa9RUN3ntX6uDHM6SFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180927_094818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_ttTU-JSN0/W715RSYbfHI/AAAAAAAAnn8/g3EaWKBtPg0EgWJa9RUN3ntX6uDHM6SFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180927_094818.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Terry took Dec to a new park!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnfMd32CojQ/W715RSKXLBI/AAAAAAAAnn8/EhaQw2DZuOgUeV_UoREJKO7itdKUGphKACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180929_104546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wnfMd32CojQ/W715RSKXLBI/AAAAAAAAnn8/EhaQw2DZuOgUeV_UoREJKO7itdKUGphKACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180929_104546.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soccer season! Marshall joined his first sports team with our friends Winnie and Brian's kid Keston (miraculously, our kids are only 3 months apart and appear to really like hanging out together!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CspI3R8UR7o/W715RYy0OTI/AAAAAAAAnn8/OpQ9k02HRzU6TYpdiRisfU4aylSWE_NFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181006_102440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CspI3R8UR7o/W715RYy0OTI/AAAAAAAAnn8/OpQ9k02HRzU6TYpdiRisfU4aylSWE_NFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181006_102440.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan isn't quite ready.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG__mVXkmdY/W715RRPbKcI/AAAAAAAAnn8/kjBr3OxXqUo8_hPwVssBmU6btnjpOrsOQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180929_171851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG__mVXkmdY/W715RRPbKcI/AAAAAAAAnn8/kjBr3OxXqUo8_hPwVssBmU6btnjpOrsOQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180929_171851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cooler weather! YAY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4YfFLEzuwg/W715RWDDJKI/AAAAAAAAnn8/bzxbHftOTd0OE-IZGczUzCJaAy7AMyjsACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180929_180051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4YfFLEzuwg/W715RWDDJKI/AAAAAAAAnn8/bzxbHftOTd0OE-IZGczUzCJaAy7AMyjsACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180929_180051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqC2YzYu9Is/W715RcJD34I/AAAAAAAAnn8/jXkCHWC8RUMC7M-pEQfMIYl8tuFuQPlpwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180930_124034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqC2YzYu9Is/W715RcJD34I/AAAAAAAAnn8/jXkCHWC8RUMC7M-pEQfMIYl8tuFuQPlpwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180930_124034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Visits from our favorite cousins <3 <3 <3 They are 18 months now!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRTd0vaKG40/W715Rf19scI/AAAAAAAAnn8/nMO6ShNUGgwvQREC5pMyw7zy_RrC0REtACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180930_124821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRTd0vaKG40/W715Rf19scI/AAAAAAAAnn8/nMO6ShNUGgwvQREC5pMyw7zy_RrC0REtACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180930_124821.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snuggles and reading</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68dGhI86FS8/W715ReuBlQI/AAAAAAAAnn8/EqkOamVWIE8VNzSsodHBJYxpoDZa-btwgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180930_163046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68dGhI86FS8/W715ReuBlQI/AAAAAAAAnn8/EqkOamVWIE8VNzSsodHBJYxpoDZa-btwgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180930_163046.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Haircuts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_yJ-dlgpkw/W715RSzo9bI/AAAAAAAAnn8/6cU3Q56qJJIcbkD8oaMFxKmR5UxWVAx5wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180930_164216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_yJ-dlgpkw/W715RSzo9bI/AAAAAAAAnn8/6cU3Q56qJJIcbkD8oaMFxKmR5UxWVAx5wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180930_164216.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stud!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Also, of course: Declan's birthday! I had to work on his big day, but I got home a tiny bit early, and Terry's parents were in town so they hung out with the little dude most of the day. When I got home, he asked to go for a walk, so we enjoyed a little mama-and-son time. We walked by the park and I taught him how to blow a dandelion!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95zLOhhGNfo/W715RaGmvbI/AAAAAAAAnn8/QGyOUmO4vtgFAh0ozjfB25IEKpHq5aXyQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181005_172838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95zLOhhGNfo/W715RaGmvbI/AAAAAAAAnn8/QGyOUmO4vtgFAh0ozjfB25IEKpHq5aXyQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181005_172838.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was one of those sweet moments I won't soon forget.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52s1NmYOTDs/W715RddiOwI/AAAAAAAAnn8/2rwPMQqpFJI7dNKXTJm-DK7cxvABGR5fQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181005_173045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52s1NmYOTDs/W715RddiOwI/AAAAAAAAnn8/2rwPMQqpFJI7dNKXTJm-DK7cxvABGR5fQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181005_173045.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Marshall kills me with this "camera" smile. He looks so old!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKCsqBk9mWA/W715RSJ1I8I/AAAAAAAAnn8/2t7tyMiBFjEs4vJBwQRYsatPGzSHUA01gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKCsqBk9mWA/W715RSJ1I8I/AAAAAAAAnn8/2t7tyMiBFjEs4vJBwQRYsatPGzSHUA01gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_3769.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Proud of his Legos--he builds these complex sets in an hour all by himself!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG-QAXzONTM/W715RWz0c9I/AAAAAAAAnn8/Nv-pr-Z03T8TLNj6iEtFO7NhrD5S5CNrwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181006_130410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG-QAXzONTM/W715RWz0c9I/AAAAAAAAnn8/Nv-pr-Z03T8TLNj6iEtFO7NhrD5S5CNrwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181006_130410.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCJ8zTW9FE8/W715RUILEUI/AAAAAAAAnn8/ci5pwqNKReo-jea60QCTFM46mvfD6FFHgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181006_084901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCJ8zTW9FE8/W715RUILEUI/AAAAAAAAnn8/ci5pwqNKReo-jea60QCTFM46mvfD6FFHgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181006_084901.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan got some Play-Doh for his birthday, along with an <a href="https://antsypants.com/">awesome food truck</a>, some incredible books (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11211540-stuck?from_search=true">Stuck</a>; <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18295821-the-adventures-of-beekle">The Adventures of Beekle, the Unimaginary Friend</a>; <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/rocket-science-for-babies-chris-ferrie/1125484554/2676609473422?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core+Catch-All,+Low_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP212586&gclid=CjwKCAjwo_HdBRBjEiwAiPPXpB3gaPqD104LHMri0iOoiF-tc52rADlncgYSHMKq_OfRKEJ0AbgGzRoCj_4QAvD_BwE">Rocket Science for Babies</a>), and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVDs (we are loving those! Marshall is really not into TV or movies, so we're grateful when he finds something he likes; Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Tumble Leaf are our two favorites!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NS5AiJ1LYp0/W715RcIcbYI/AAAAAAAAnn8/0n4ZCpfwC1cO3ctQIFNHGuQlN3yl0UtrwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181006_144842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NS5AiJ1LYp0/W715RcIcbYI/AAAAAAAAnn8/0n4ZCpfwC1cO3ctQIFNHGuQlN3yl0UtrwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181006_144842.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall "bought" Declan a Minnie Mouse spoon and fork set. <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOloV-VuMkM/W71-fyxpUlI/AAAAAAAAnoU/Ow5z6GikUPQmNMfAy-Qy5Tbm_Jp1JUKUgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_165017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOloV-VuMkM/W71-fyxpUlI/AAAAAAAAnoU/Ow5z6GikUPQmNMfAy-Qy5Tbm_Jp1JUKUgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_165017.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We gave Dec a Farmer's Market stand as part of his birthday gift. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHWTJ9fYL8c/W715RVfZ0JI/AAAAAAAAnn8/E7eWZLQa5D8cY9_4nJ-y0uKY7mkSYaUUACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181006_162111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHWTJ9fYL8c/W715RVfZ0JI/AAAAAAAAnn8/E7eWZLQa5D8cY9_4nJ-y0uKY7mkSYaUUACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181006_162111.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
CAKE!!! We went with Smitten Kitchen's spice cake (similar <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2010/10/spiced-applesauce-cake/">here</a>) from her <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/smitten-kitchen-every-day-deb-perelman/1126049000?ean=9781101874813&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_New+Core+Shopping+Top+Margin+EANs_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP210604&gclid=CjwKCAjwo_HdBRBjEiwAiPPXpNoXA1yGfbMYtoa2mnZ4HPQGygyVw6g-zQwt4o_uBnq_qJGVT1-e6RoCqrMQAvD_BwE">Everyday</a> cookbook, and it was delicious. Declan kept saying, "Blew out candles!" Because he did, that <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2018/10/declan-turns-two.html">sweet two-year-old</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, we had to find a new pumpkin patch this year in our new hometown! We found a perfect little farm about 20 minutes away, and we couldn't believe how inexpensive the pumpkins were. We are used to paying $15-20 per pumpkin in LA! Gammie and Grandpa joined us for pumpkin picking and a train ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzFc1WIarWI/W71-f_RbDQI/AAAAAAAAnoU/REnVfbdHp3YFFaWgcx32ne8AZP7Cd_iRwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_100928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzFc1WIarWI/W71-f_RbDQI/AAAAAAAAnoU/REnVfbdHp3YFFaWgcx32ne8AZP7Cd_iRwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_100928.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nAqJLwJRuag/W71-f3HNGNI/AAAAAAAAnoU/E6b5PpnEpTI1LbcMk-GwBAB8AdWLr6abwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_101219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nAqJLwJRuag/W71-f3HNGNI/AAAAAAAAnoU/E6b5PpnEpTI1LbcMk-GwBAB8AdWLr6abwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_101219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9dbQQ2p1iA/W71-f1F4LjI/AAAAAAAAnoU/WR08QzUTbskZVNlA4QYH5rxWo8MrnbPKACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_102552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9dbQQ2p1iA/W71-f1F4LjI/AAAAAAAAnoU/WR08QzUTbskZVNlA4QYH5rxWo8MrnbPKACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_102552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHzjwyj1pTs/W71-f5dSodI/AAAAAAAAnoU/BzTl9JjQjxQ94IJjn-CrbKdlFvAm9COpQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3793.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="836" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHzjwyj1pTs/W71-f5dSodI/AAAAAAAAnoU/BzTl9JjQjxQ94IJjn-CrbKdlFvAm9COpQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_3793.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love seeing these boys cuddling:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QvRnkJXL-k/W71-f7iDYMI/AAAAAAAAnoU/lvw0s_4fAhw70pg23vZg9tIHV2YoxuJEACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181007_145546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QvRnkJXL-k/W71-f7iDYMI/AAAAAAAAnoU/lvw0s_4fAhw70pg23vZg9tIHV2YoxuJEACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181007_145546.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Perhaps our biggest event this fall is Declan's transition to his new school, which is actually Marshall's school! For three months we endured double drop-off and double pickup and I am so thrilled to have them together. It's going well so far, two days in!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbmbSmpYF3I/W71-f2Ax7lI/AAAAAAAAnoU/-V16KFXy5tUNulJ8JyTp4P8WmfQDeRpSQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181008_153731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbmbSmpYF3I/W71-f2Ax7lI/AAAAAAAAnoU/-V16KFXy5tUNulJ8JyTp4P8WmfQDeRpSQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181008_153731.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We've also managed to squeeze in some extra walks lately. I hope we can keep it up--these fall colors are heavenly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Mz4zrjjcdo/W71-fxnNQzI/AAAAAAAAnoU/XmmKC5Pn0EgRTSNOYlWVx9hNJiVwMhoFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181008_173637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Mz4zrjjcdo/W71-fxnNQzI/AAAAAAAAnoU/XmmKC5Pn0EgRTSNOYlWVx9hNJiVwMhoFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181008_173637.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Even if our walks end like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni-VHz0XrWc/W71-f0PJBrI/AAAAAAAAnoU/FC8BbOCHAykpcH9wltj7TbDY0hheb6p3QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181008_173934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni-VHz0XrWc/W71-f0PJBrI/AAAAAAAAnoU/FC8BbOCHAykpcH9wltj7TbDY0hheb6p3QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181008_173934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Crazy boys! </div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-6441915937492816872018-10-04T23:10:00.000-07:002018-10-04T23:10:04.629-07:00Declan turns TWO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Declan,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy second birthday to our wonderful baby boy! Two years of your perfect smile, your adorable voice, your sweet baby chunk, your bulging belly, your stunning eyes, your hilarious mannerisms, your contemplative expressions. We have been so thankful for every second of your presence, and I am so grateful to be your mama.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And my, how you've grown!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhtsvAzo1bA/W7bq6rzMsbI/AAAAAAAAncU/2Pl_-0ngrkQvDJEWir0MQA7fLbu-eLM8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171014_142034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BhtsvAzo1bA/W7bq6rzMsbI/AAAAAAAAncU/2Pl_-0ngrkQvDJEWir0MQA7fLbu-eLM8wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171014_142034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
October 2017 - just turned one!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ-oSkLcrVY/W7bq6tGt68I/AAAAAAAAncU/uLFkrspYxEgbrmj0-aqdMyHnsJpHVr12ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171031_074737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ-oSkLcrVY/W7bq6tGt68I/AAAAAAAAncU/uLFkrspYxEgbrmj0-aqdMyHnsJpHVr12ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171031_074737.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VurHLd42olM/W7bq6lcowBI/AAAAAAAAncU/RqqTaSr9B4IU_7Z2vW_o15p-Surey4IFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171212_122942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VurHLd42olM/W7bq6lcowBI/AAAAAAAAncU/RqqTaSr9B4IU_7Z2vW_o15p-Surey4IFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171212_122942.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZsEh1kESUw/W7bq6v0JlhI/AAAAAAAAncU/GsapdGMB9qY8UMGJsl-bex3v9Yh0BcTAgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180128_104447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZsEh1kESUw/W7bq6v0JlhI/AAAAAAAAncU/GsapdGMB9qY8UMGJsl-bex3v9Yh0BcTAgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180128_104447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO3f-3yikr8/W7bq6oU0oaI/AAAAAAAAncU/dWSYynsEzjowkOxaSoaOPqh8q8AMJTIRQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180514_110606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BO3f-3yikr8/W7bq6oU0oaI/AAAAAAAAncU/dWSYynsEzjowkOxaSoaOPqh8q8AMJTIRQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180514_110606.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMyatr8uAyg/W7bq6q4ECvI/AAAAAAAAncU/29rtORycO4kwO9WwDQVCV0pACgRLa4e5gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_172614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMyatr8uAyg/W7bq6q4ECvI/AAAAAAAAncU/29rtORycO4kwO9WwDQVCV0pACgRLa4e5gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_172614.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlesz3jAmOY/W7bq6pB_x_I/AAAAAAAAncU/IcF4xfvADIUlZUADl9rQR1iKAa4pnFdeQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180807_070746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlesz3jAmOY/W7bq6pB_x_I/AAAAAAAAncU/IcF4xfvADIUlZUADl9rQR1iKAa4pnFdeQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180807_070746.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQd8UTMvPiM/W7bq6rMuxAI/AAAAAAAAncU/Hqb-9xu2NxA6UvJ59y6sDY0UI-GGwicCwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180929_171851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQd8UTMvPiM/W7bq6rMuxAI/AAAAAAAAncU/Hqb-9xu2NxA6UvJ59y6sDY0UI-GGwicCwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180929_171851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
September 2018 - almost two!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year was a BIG year for all of us. Right after your first birthday, we found out about Daddy's job offer and couldn't turn it down. We packed up and headed to the Bay Area, and I really struggled during that first month, juggling an emotional three-year-old, a can't-figure-out-if-two-naps-or-one-nap-is-better one-year-old, and my own emotions about the move. But we made it through, and Marshall started preschool, so you and I got some wonderful quality time together. I will forever be grateful for those months of time with just you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaassztKfxA/W7b22Tl2LzI/AAAAAAAAnds/_FU_E4B0X8kp3dN8zWFjs40dmN1aMqtUQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171203_072819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaassztKfxA/W7b22Tl2LzI/AAAAAAAAnds/_FU_E4B0X8kp3dN8zWFjs40dmN1aMqtUQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171203_072819.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0dZHp1nMP8k/W7b22fODpkI/AAAAAAAAnds/KFeyIFaveXIfDrjHHiFOnwUAVyafgrtIACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180625_170917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0dZHp1nMP8k/W7b22fODpkI/AAAAAAAAnds/KFeyIFaveXIfDrjHHiFOnwUAVyafgrtIACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180625_170917.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You are constantly teaching me how to be a better mom and a better person. I love listening to your laugh and silly games, but I also catch you in moments of thought and feel as though you are so wise and calm. We love your energy--at times upbeat, relaxed, excited, and meditative. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inwvttgMJ_M/W7b5gnXpotI/AAAAAAAAnd8/rUo7sCbfTPsiNCQmIimQ60dkJC7ibhBNwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180615_114516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inwvttgMJ_M/W7b5gnXpotI/AAAAAAAAnd8/rUo7sCbfTPsiNCQmIimQ60dkJC7ibhBNwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180615_114516.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8O3rC3ErjA/W7b5gsFS6LI/AAAAAAAAnd8/JUR1LJ0VI2oxOmL-_luDzVW7O093LbFkwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180704_164447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8O3rC3ErjA/W7b5gsFS6LI/AAAAAAAAnd8/JUR1LJ0VI2oxOmL-_luDzVW7O093LbFkwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180704_164447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3IyonqN-LA/W7b5gqQ8MzI/AAAAAAAAnd8/CKIrcWpCkZsQX9-YWb_mB5WSlPZCuJgwgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180611_112456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B3IyonqN-LA/W7b5gqQ8MzI/AAAAAAAAnd8/CKIrcWpCkZsQX9-YWb_mB5WSlPZCuJgwgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180611_112456.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RCkcCNWeDo/W7b5gqqTtTI/AAAAAAAAnd8/yHar18dYZRkhmuZ2GrHXRPalsR7xqOs4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_155116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RCkcCNWeDo/W7b5gqqTtTI/AAAAAAAAnd8/yHar18dYZRkhmuZ2GrHXRPalsR7xqOs4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180819_155116.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meq8LWoPpms/W7b5gsZifrI/AAAAAAAAnd8/gN6afEUnGM4O-pLXVJMmI22pYmivkT8LACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180804_092853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-meq8LWoPpms/W7b5gsZifrI/AAAAAAAAnd8/gN6afEUnGM4O-pLXVJMmI22pYmivkT8LACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180804_092853.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You have a HUGE smile, and you love to be silly. Often you'll give us this irresistible grin and we can't help but laugh. You're also a cuddle bug and LOVE to be held. In recent weeks, in fact, you rarely let me put you down! I'm okay with it, big guy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNzTWWBoixE/W7bunzE5pBI/AAAAAAAAnck/LRghPKspmgU6pNoTkHrpt_e771Jp1f07QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171209_084021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNzTWWBoixE/W7bunzE5pBI/AAAAAAAAnck/LRghPKspmgU6pNoTkHrpt_e771Jp1f07QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171209_084021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdOU0LAXh_8/W7bun2pBKRI/AAAAAAAAnck/xcG64OGV_u8M8S9b0zOTMvjhhj7wh9Z1ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_150330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zdOU0LAXh_8/W7bun2pBKRI/AAAAAAAAnck/xcG64OGV_u8M8S9b0zOTMvjhhj7wh9Z1ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180109_150330.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Je-JurnHoq4/W7bun7c0sYI/AAAAAAAAnck/eLUwNPzZRHo1WJXnDtA_E1n6hIX-iAPFwCKgBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1517594492169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Je-JurnHoq4/W7bun7c0sYI/AAAAAAAAnck/eLUwNPzZRHo1WJXnDtA_E1n6hIX-iAPFwCKgBGAs/s320/PhotoGrid_1517594492169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nTuGkwtqJ7E/W7bun-7jlwI/AAAAAAAAnck/OExqHzpmBFkAtlxkc4gux6pOD40JJ_MUwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180429_182628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nTuGkwtqJ7E/W7bun-7jlwI/AAAAAAAAnck/OExqHzpmBFkAtlxkc4gux6pOD40JJ_MUwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180429_182628.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_1_3Dxe4gw/W7bun5RzZOI/AAAAAAAAnck/-8S0jiFCi68FUog1FpznK35NSBDrOhXAACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180611_194336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_1_3Dxe4gw/W7bun5RzZOI/AAAAAAAAnck/-8S0jiFCi68FUog1FpznK35NSBDrOhXAACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180611_194336.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQcwNqOoJiQ/W7bun6BR6ZI/AAAAAAAAnck/Pzg40gCWlEsQZz8yTYB96LXLPabLYmeSACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180625_170917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQcwNqOoJiQ/W7bun6BR6ZI/AAAAAAAAnck/Pzg40gCWlEsQZz8yTYB96LXLPabLYmeSACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180625_170917.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZuVVc47lVA/W7bunwIG2TI/AAAAAAAAnck/i-igahP_hOQmb2bAN_c3Rkr-amR4BwP4QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180803_123550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZuVVc47lVA/W7bunwIG2TI/AAAAAAAAnck/i-igahP_hOQmb2bAN_c3Rkr-amR4BwP4QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180803_123550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkPTXdAkuS0/W7bun6utewI/AAAAAAAAnck/qWEdeMu-_v0GrNkN0_c9jfC1tCswBunaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180831_184130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkPTXdAkuS0/W7bun6utewI/AAAAAAAAnck/qWEdeMu-_v0GrNkN0_c9jfC1tCswBunaACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180831_184130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P77d53CZ1SM/W7bunwyLl7I/AAAAAAAAnck/Wxfop9Wp8eQE1PvtSEMj8kX5DICx1IJoACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_120400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P77d53CZ1SM/W7bunwyLl7I/AAAAAAAAnck/Wxfop9Wp8eQE1PvtSEMj8kX5DICx1IJoACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_120400.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gi6raUGIY4/W7bun5ixSQI/AAAAAAAAnck/mKbT29gvUXU2zZ4sHxJLRr9zUYg3DDwYwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_090801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gi6raUGIY4/W7bun5ixSQI/AAAAAAAAnck/mKbT29gvUXU2zZ4sHxJLRr9zUYg3DDwYwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180922_090801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You have become an expert at imitating your big brother, especially when we'd prefer that you didn't. But your relationship with Marshall is really evolving, and I really enjoy watching the two of you figure out how to be brothers. Recently, you've started putting people's names at the end of questions and statements ("What you doing, Mama?" "Go get dressed, Dada"), and my favorite is when you talk to Marshall: "What is that, Marshall?" "Here you go, Marshall!" If you have something he wants, you almost always give it to him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MUTW1zO0ao/W7b2Gz6bxRI/AAAAAAAAndk/y0Zv1-p18FU_QKuZX0MmKXNScLqw6-sjQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171129_182019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MUTW1zO0ao/W7b2Gz6bxRI/AAAAAAAAndk/y0Zv1-p18FU_QKuZX0MmKXNScLqw6-sjQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171129_182019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSydgkJkEZ4/W7bu-opD2FI/AAAAAAAAncs/WMq6HZN9_cM5TRH-5BeokYSAIo2aelxhgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180419_070935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSydgkJkEZ4/W7bu-opD2FI/AAAAAAAAncs/WMq6HZN9_cM5TRH-5BeokYSAIo2aelxhgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180419_070935.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Super brothers!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukd_1xg_UvU/W7bu-gUu9OI/AAAAAAAAncs/S5HtoeFJz8wgPgHCEClpp8EnwKR7p0pQwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180128_105416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukd_1xg_UvU/W7bu-gUu9OI/AAAAAAAAncs/S5HtoeFJz8wgPgHCEClpp8EnwKR7p0pQwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180128_105416.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bs0BRHgWlQM/W7bu-iTMPTI/AAAAAAAAncs/4-QxjyjedTwl7CHps-W0EXyvuPZK0cEdQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180125_181757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bs0BRHgWlQM/W7bu-iTMPTI/AAAAAAAAncs/4-QxjyjedTwl7CHps-W0EXyvuPZK0cEdQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180125_181757.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msnX9hwtTvc/W7bzwARerbI/AAAAAAAAnc8/9616H6btMLE465cmB2ExwLE7LfZQMy1wACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180924_190437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-msnX9hwtTvc/W7bzwARerbI/AAAAAAAAnc8/9616H6btMLE465cmB2ExwLE7LfZQMy1wACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180924_190437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You two are figuring it out, but we have lots of moments of struggle too. Sometimes we let you guys work it out for yourselves, but other times we step in to help one or both of you remember how to use your words. It's tough!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McRtgI8744A/W7bu-hPuCoI/AAAAAAAAncs/X8Q7kpZSBicOEd1J4veHOxTQjKzM3JWMACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180104_072132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McRtgI8744A/W7bu-hPuCoI/AAAAAAAAncs/X8Q7kpZSBicOEd1J4veHOxTQjKzM3JWMACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180104_072132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Physically, this year was a huge year of development! Walking, running, climbing (even once trying to climb out of your crib and landing on the hardwood!), and gaining some pretty solid agility around playground equipment! You recently learned to gallop, and you do it around the house chanting, "gallop, gallop!" You are desperate to learn how to jump, though, and it's precious watching you try. You squat real low and then stand up suddenly and shout, "Jump!" Occasionally, one foot lifts off the ground. You can throw and kick pretty well, too! Mostly, I love watching you walk with that big belly sticking out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZtfmV_mQ4g/W7b0Av-Z8MI/AAAAAAAAndE/6FG8rr-SlloyKjxj_hjnjnNbeko7HwNQACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180923_095416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZtfmV_mQ4g/W7b0Av-Z8MI/AAAAAAAAndE/6FG8rr-SlloyKjxj_hjnjnNbeko7HwNQACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180923_095416.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDdMB8uMrEA/W7b0AnC_qjI/AAAAAAAAndE/gaHANVhi3j8vapXu7h0HHP9JJEDR3t7SACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180904_174402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDdMB8uMrEA/W7b0AnC_qjI/AAAAAAAAndE/gaHANVhi3j8vapXu7h0HHP9JJEDR3t7SACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180904_174402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3So2GJrvBWY/W7b0AkTQPuI/AAAAAAAAndE/yHdk3sq2cFYHDCHwvPg_YlQOtmqaqsRBACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180916_153814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3So2GJrvBWY/W7b0AkTQPuI/AAAAAAAAndE/yHdk3sq2cFYHDCHwvPg_YlQOtmqaqsRBACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180916_153814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Shf4z_jeTdI/W7b0AkPa4AI/AAAAAAAAndE/z-iZn9CrY7og04b19KQrYB5_lt0g3XgCwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180701_181615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Shf4z_jeTdI/W7b0AkPa4AI/AAAAAAAAndE/z-iZn9CrY7og04b19KQrYB5_lt0g3XgCwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180701_181615.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M42KMlKgvfc/W7b0Ak830aI/AAAAAAAAndE/c29Ytvk2n5w-N7fMkCJEZCDCb-BgRhc7ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180526_085613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M42KMlKgvfc/W7b0Ak830aI/AAAAAAAAndE/c29Ytvk2n5w-N7fMkCJEZCDCb-BgRhc7ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180526_085613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some other aspects of where you are right now:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sleep has been good for a while now, with the occasional sleep regression (such as recent night wakings). You nap a solid two hours per day, and you generally sleep 7:30 pm to 6 am. You're still in a crib, for as long as you won't climb out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Your language has exploded! You were a fairly early talker, but now you are speaking in multiple sentences. You are learning words at an alarming rate, and you have even memorized some <i>Hamilton</i> songs (super appropriate for a two-year-old). You have recently started asking some impressive questions, such as, "What zebra says?" If you want to make sure we hear you, you'll get up real close to us (inches from our faces) and repeat what you were saying. One of my favorite recent stories was when you kept interrupting Marshall as he was trying to tell a story. Finally, Marshall lost his patience and said, "Declan, it's my turn to talk now, you need to be quiet and let me talk." You got quiet, there was a pause, and then you leaned in suuuuuuuper close to Marshall's face (nose-to-nose) and said, "Talk, Marshall." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few of your favorite things: your "white blanket" (actually a gift from Jenn, given to us when I was pregnant with Marshall, but you slept with it one day for nap and haven't slept without it since!), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxSQWG25kEY/W7bzluxf1AI/AAAAAAAAnc4/YaUBEWxv27Y3PP-8YRo22V3ISWPqBoo6wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180629_093005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxSQWG25kEY/W7bzluxf1AI/AAAAAAAAnc4/YaUBEWxv27Y3PP-8YRo22V3ISWPqBoo6wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180629_093005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrH2jDcx7cM/W7bzlvDO0BI/AAAAAAAAnc4/Il6Fo3i1MjAd9v8Bse4C7wxpwxbyaJCEACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180904_172823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrH2jDcx7cM/W7bzlvDO0BI/AAAAAAAAnc4/Il6Fo3i1MjAd9v8Bse4C7wxpwxbyaJCEACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180904_172823.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gnuov4p1rs/W7bzlhlimQI/AAAAAAAAnc4/JiOTDjfwMhA09qoUgkAzZ_3QHa4_zetRwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_090801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gnuov4p1rs/W7bzlhlimQI/AAAAAAAAnc4/JiOTDjfwMhA09qoUgkAzZ_3QHa4_zetRwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180922_090801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
reading reading reading (at your school, they told us every day how you pretty much spent all of free play in the library reading by yourself every day), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EzZNi5jYxU/W7b0p8zlPUI/AAAAAAAAndQ/ArhMbOlfbr4meF1RjXggvJUBtBXeCt_qgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181002_175548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EzZNi5jYxU/W7b0p8zlPUI/AAAAAAAAndQ/ArhMbOlfbr4meF1RjXggvJUBtBXeCt_qgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20181002_175548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
exploring anything new, Mickey Mouse (we've rented some DVDs of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse from the library and you're a big fan!), </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYoH8fu_Dt8/W7b0yGmUsWI/AAAAAAAAndU/iuznIj6wRv8QPqmbEMklQFz_TteMoezAwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180915_085139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AYoH8fu_Dt8/W7b0yGmUsWI/AAAAAAAAndU/iuznIj6wRv8QPqmbEMklQFz_TteMoezAwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180915_085139.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SB0r6Tlwe3k/W7b0yB4yf7I/AAAAAAAAndU/vldq7rPiz7oE0s7qH9kSonEHsZUs7TUqwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180915_090307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SB0r6Tlwe3k/W7b0yB4yf7I/AAAAAAAAndU/vldq7rPiz7oE0s7qH9kSonEHsZUs7TUqwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180915_090307.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Legos, playing in the play kitchen, running around after bath time, playing outside, basketball, and listening to music. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eating hasn't been the best lately. I wouldn't call you picky (yet), but you just don't seem to show a lot of interest in food right now. You had a bigger appetite when you were a big younger, and you eat a pretty good variety of foods, so I'm not too worried. We're still strict about only eating what's on the menu, so if you choose not to eat, you have to wait until the next meal, and often times it really seems like you're just not hungry, so we're trying to relax about it and just follow your cues (likely, teething and molars are playing a role here too!). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8abFIdaedgY/W7b1AxbWuMI/AAAAAAAAndY/UJC9vJKvrcsZL57-4PctOO5RPjrZ-HBIwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171109_172419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8abFIdaedgY/W7b1AxbWuMI/AAAAAAAAndY/UJC9vJKvrcsZL57-4PctOO5RPjrZ-HBIwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171109_172419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qpGjCJQ3Fk/W7b1AyhCg5I/AAAAAAAAndY/te0GGiBf0ZgQORKDEwjnzfPAmY7SRpcmACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180611_194336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qpGjCJQ3Fk/W7b1AyhCg5I/AAAAAAAAndY/te0GGiBf0ZgQORKDEwjnzfPAmY7SRpcmACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180611_194336.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFpq5zrmzF8/W7b1A3ySLPI/AAAAAAAAndY/r60tfXwXhroJRrEGPHP56BIszOUSJfghACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180922_152317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFpq5zrmzF8/W7b1A3ySLPI/AAAAAAAAndY/r60tfXwXhroJRrEGPHP56BIszOUSJfghACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180922_152317.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You've been starting to help me in the kitchen lately! It's so fun to enjoy this stage with you, and Marshall still usually gets in on the action, too, so I'm having a blast baking and cooking with my two little chefs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dt7PRzE17q8/W7b1A7rzY7I/AAAAAAAAndY/q0GvECCI1dck8xKIj9gR5eD7QYkzw4McQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180828_182423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dt7PRzE17q8/W7b1A7rzY7I/AAAAAAAAndY/q0GvECCI1dck8xKIj9gR5eD7QYkzw4McQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180828_182423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfdzDUtQwh0/W7b1AymHGYI/AAAAAAAAndY/q8-ZIxq93rk0sEWkX8aeTBXCPBh38dP7gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180621_102951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfdzDUtQwh0/W7b1AymHGYI/AAAAAAAAndY/q8-ZIxq93rk0sEWkX8aeTBXCPBh38dP7gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180621_102951.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOt1xzXc8ag/W7b1A6FnaoI/AAAAAAAAndY/rDVESEHFOo0SjIdkYKm5Mla4AFHSBowvACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180621_104023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOt1xzXc8ag/W7b1A6FnaoI/AAAAAAAAndY/rDVESEHFOo0SjIdkYKm5Mla4AFHSBowvACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180621_104023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel as though you are more outwardly emotional than Marshall was at this age, and we've seen a few tantrums come our way. We've had a few extended periods (several days in a row, usually during times of high stress, transition, or travel) where you've just been super clingy and tough to please. We're doing our best to help you through those times and remembering how hard it is to be a toddler! Mostly, I use those days as excuses to cuddle you more often, and I'm not upset about it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan, we love you so much and are so grateful for all that you add to our little family. You make every day brighter, and hearing your voice truly gives me a burst of joy, even at 5 am. I cannot wait to see what this year will bring, and I am so proud of the sweet baby boy you are. Thank you for being such a bright light in our lives!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy birthday, Dec!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some fun posts;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day in the Life: <a href="https://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2018/04/day-in-life-18-months-35-years.html">18 Months and 3.5 Years</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2018/04/declan-18-months.html">Declan: 18 Months</a> (wow, what a difference 6 months makes!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2017/10/declan-one-year.html">Declan: One Year</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2017/01/declans-birth-story.html">Declan's Birth Story</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2016/05/marshall-turns-two.html">Marshall Turns Two!</a></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-62396374090968714732018-09-12T23:06:00.000-07:002018-09-12T23:06:17.293-07:00Goodbye Summer, It's Been...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I felt the first tingle of fall in the air, with a bit of a breeze and leaves all around us when we came home. Honestly, I'm ready to say goodbye to summer; it was much tougher than summer is supposed to be! Summer is advertised as a trip to a sunny place, long, lazy days at home, ice cream as often as possible. Ours turned out to be quite a lot more intense, with a new job for mama and new daycare for Declan, which then resulted in new schedules for all of us. Plus we ended up with way too many weekends in a row of travel for one or all of us. Calm and lazy it was not, but now we're fairly settled into our new routine and eagerly awaiting autumn. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have plenty of fun, happy photos to share, but that's because I rarely capture the less-than-stellar moments of my long commute, my frazzled attempts to learn my new job, the ache that comes with wishing I had more unscheduled time with my kids, and the frequent moments of wondering how we can make the next year as positive as possible before we wrap up our lease and hunt for a new place to live. As we inch into fall, I'm hopeful we can slow down, focus on the present, and enjoy our boys at this hilarious and wonderful age.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, some flashes of our summer, as we wave farewell:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4g57F9-zZ0/W5n1PXlvWGI/AAAAAAAAnZk/bgir71qQnXoPBON6H4kxvW8ruj1mRSkTQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180722_192830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4g57F9-zZ0/W5n1PXlvWGI/AAAAAAAAnZk/bgir71qQnXoPBON6H4kxvW8ruj1mRSkTQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180722_192830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall loves his new bed, but he asks to sleep in Declan's room most nights. Since Declan's room is the only one with air conditioning, we're happy to oblige and have M's old mattress on the floor in there. Once they're both asleep, we move Marshall into Dec's room, and in the morning they chatter to each other while we eavesdrop on the monitor. Soon, though not too soon I hope, Declan will switch to a toddler bed, and instead of hanging out calmly in their respective beds they'll be running rampant around the house at 6 am!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEeGTcQeKBU/W5n1PYPZxEI/AAAAAAAAnZk/Gm9AFObwQoAbNCdm7bG05WCfhKpRC2IlACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180729_082035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEeGTcQeKBU/W5n1PYPZxEI/AAAAAAAAnZk/Gm9AFObwQoAbNCdm7bG05WCfhKpRC2IlACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180729_082035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that we live so much closer, we are doing our best to take advantage of time with the boys' cousins! Sometimes it's tough because the kids' naps don't align, but any twin time is okay with me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95Oof3Yj4kM/W5n1PSXhluI/AAAAAAAAnZk/QinL1Mi6kmESsGVPTDe9r8X_4RGDgYt7ACKgBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1533016487306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95Oof3Yj4kM/W5n1PSXhluI/AAAAAAAAnZk/QinL1Mi6kmESsGVPTDe9r8X_4RGDgYt7ACKgBGAs/s320/PhotoGrid_1533016487306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This big boy is too sweet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Od8gRzXIuRc/W5n1PUA0lHI/AAAAAAAAnZk/Hwbf009ChAkJRx3qmiOItXB1c3HdDD1IACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180804_100901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Od8gRzXIuRc/W5n1PUA0lHI/AAAAAAAAnZk/Hwbf009ChAkJRx3qmiOItXB1c3HdDD1IACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180804_100901.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We found an adorable event near us, where we could ride a REAL Thomas the Tank Engine train! It was in the middle of the redwoods, and we all loved it. Such a chill, fun outing!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmJdUH3hKJQ/W5n1Pd7xoJI/AAAAAAAAnZk/nBP5bl2Jg0QJBfgU-3EsaNF9TX6Eac8GgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180804_104011_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmJdUH3hKJQ/W5n1Pd7xoJI/AAAAAAAAnZk/nBP5bl2Jg0QJBfgU-3EsaNF9TX6Eac8GgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180804_104011_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r66VloejNak/W5n1PSwkUlI/AAAAAAAAnZk/qo7x1DE_50sEozAV0CcWZZsEwUO0r7GQACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180805_111337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r66VloejNak/W5n1PSwkUlI/AAAAAAAAnZk/qo7x1DE_50sEozAV0CcWZZsEwUO0r7GQACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180805_111337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got Declan into corn on the cob this summer: check!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQtumL8OCtE/W5n1PSkm-gI/AAAAAAAAnZk/46EVMDI4bzgFNtyOOs9ysDIzXbHqcuKpQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180802_093625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQtumL8OCtE/W5n1PSkm-gI/AAAAAAAAnZk/46EVMDI4bzgFNtyOOs9ysDIzXbHqcuKpQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180802_093625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our tomato plants exploded! We've only actually gotten to eat maybe 10 tomatoes, but they are truly delicious. I hope we get a late crop this month so I can make bruschetta!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nE05DGur3qk/W5n1PX60X8I/AAAAAAAAnZk/YvEIbxCLzQYQvEKok0q3bGVyKcnrv7xnwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180810_175432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nE05DGur3qk/W5n1PX60X8I/AAAAAAAAnZk/YvEIbxCLzQYQvEKok0q3bGVyKcnrv7xnwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180810_175432.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
:-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdUm8wZvRR4/W5n1PZ7YEwI/AAAAAAAAnZk/P8y8kWrzTKAyWKl9Qw6GERZk-23teFHBgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180812_111012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdUm8wZvRR4/W5n1PZ7YEwI/AAAAAAAAnZk/P8y8kWrzTKAyWKl9Qw6GERZk-23teFHBgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180812_111012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjiWBiwvZXM/W5n1PYNPr8I/AAAAAAAAnZk/9Nyi9EG8AJIvTPRlkRQlMjzpAwz52Fs8gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180817_191541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjiWBiwvZXM/W5n1PYNPr8I/AAAAAAAAnZk/9Nyi9EG8AJIvTPRlkRQlMjzpAwz52Fs8gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180817_191541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan going for World's Strongest Man; Marshall probably pretending to be a dinosaur.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmeOGSu7avg/W5n1PSAd83I/AAAAAAAAnZk/ygkllNAzOWEZDilyLf-C3I_sqEQTOADYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_100918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UmeOGSu7avg/W5n1PSAd83I/AAAAAAAAnZk/ygkllNAzOWEZDilyLf-C3I_sqEQTOADYQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180819_100918.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We live pretty close to some of our best friends from college, and Marshall is about the same age as their older son. As luck would have it, the two boys have hit it off and are total buddies! They even joined soccer together this summer, so Marshall is officially in his first sport!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3t49pssRTc/W5n1PVEyUyI/AAAAAAAAnZk/XoTLyU2D79I9vB3KQ_BrnVbWGTfqKqNQgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180819_154816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3t49pssRTc/W5n1PVEyUyI/AAAAAAAAnZk/XoTLyU2D79I9vB3KQ_BrnVbWGTfqKqNQgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180819_154816.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's some of that summer ice cream!<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbU6UUv3lOA/W5n1PejZyVI/AAAAAAAAnZk/TC1frbmbQqYmxsOma87yKYn85RqTY82MgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180825_103527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbU6UUv3lOA/W5n1PejZyVI/AAAAAAAAnZk/TC1frbmbQqYmxsOma87yKYn85RqTY82MgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180825_103527.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This month has been all about dinosaurs, so Marshall was pretty stoked to find a dinosaur on the merry-go-round. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BtXHZ6ZFFw/W5n1PTwv3VI/AAAAAAAAnZk/TW46CWRquAARTjXtUvVLEokS_3bikVXyACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180826_103839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BtXHZ6ZFFw/W5n1PTwv3VI/AAAAAAAAnZk/TW46CWRquAARTjXtUvVLEokS_3bikVXyACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180826_103839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While the boys were at the amusement park, I was at Amanda's bachelorette weekend! (Photo taken in Paso Robles after a fun night of dancing and great champagne!) Her wedding is this weekend, and I am so excited and anxious and giddy and just thrilled to celebrate her and Duncan. They are getting married in Downtown LA, and Terry and I are looking forward to the added bonus of a night away while the kiddos stay with Gammie and Grandpa!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF1E2udmOeM/W5n1PXtoTkI/AAAAAAAAnZk/5BXovjEVqKAbI3pEtwBGwvki8rEDK9b0gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180828_182423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OF1E2udmOeM/W5n1PXtoTkI/AAAAAAAAnZk/5BXovjEVqKAbI3pEtwBGwvki8rEDK9b0gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180828_182423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Makin' pizzas--Declan has become my little kitchen helper this summer! Marshall will help once in awhile, but he's usually engrossed in his Legos. This dude is pretty into the chef thing, though, and we're hoping we can convince him to be a chef for Halloween.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmCA4qDg15U/W5n1PYRlUCI/AAAAAAAAnZk/kI2cvgxfxxIolLDXOX11uolwlFMusPA1wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180829_185308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TmCA4qDg15U/W5n1PYRlUCI/AAAAAAAAnZk/kI2cvgxfxxIolLDXOX11uolwlFMusPA1wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180829_185308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brothers bonding over utensils at the dinner table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ0Nnz-KOI4/W5n1PSCP0GI/AAAAAAAAnZk/smVkQD6KWiobsd9AXptTa5JT7Bm_imE-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180901_162625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ0Nnz-KOI4/W5n1PSCP0GI/AAAAAAAAnZk/smVkQD6KWiobsd9AXptTa5JT7Bm_imE-QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180901_162625.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We squeezed in a trip to the Delta and are seeing how fun it will be to hang out there once the boys are a liiiiiittle older. Declan had a rough time and was not happy for 90% of it, but I'm sure next time will be better. Marshall had a blast!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tg926bLSWOw/W5n1PUouwqI/AAAAAAAAnZk/NXdewKbel_0qoGo3IZB72epeNnZ10X9EACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180902_122149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tg926bLSWOw/W5n1PUouwqI/AAAAAAAAnZk/NXdewKbel_0qoGo3IZB72epeNnZ10X9EACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180902_122149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGnMa6ca_VY/W5n1PXuTppI/AAAAAAAAnZk/CXh-cfu2HHIIDai9Zi-Jt0XidaklieLbgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180901_140623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGnMa6ca_VY/W5n1PXuTppI/AAAAAAAAnZk/CXh-cfu2HHIIDai9Zi-Jt0XidaklieLbgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180901_140623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some other fun scenes:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZEuTXyV5vk/W5n1PTg0alI/AAAAAAAAnZk/f83fXKVmJr4Pvte7eQzQ0Ggs27GhbThpQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180903_165819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZEuTXyV5vk/W5n1PTg0alI/AAAAAAAAnZk/f83fXKVmJr4Pvte7eQzQ0Ggs27GhbThpQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180903_165819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yoga with Dada</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rodo6MytCDU/W5n1PSC0HRI/AAAAAAAAnZk/jqdrstCp6sMr1U2tA_RWRXqFH24FLAWCQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180904_172823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rodo6MytCDU/W5n1PSC0HRI/AAAAAAAAnZk/jqdrstCp6sMr1U2tA_RWRXqFH24FLAWCQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180904_172823.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This kid looooooooves his blanket. Fun fact: Aunt Jenny gave us this blanket when I was pregnant with Marshall, but one day Declan giggled madly when we covered him with it in his crib and he has not slept without it since. I kind of love that he has a security blanket!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm0V2qR4WxE/W5n1PZaEYFI/AAAAAAAAnZk/428hXZXiv0k_uXMa8wKBA7a3ng3OzWSpgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180802_105654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm0V2qR4WxE/W5n1PZaEYFI/AAAAAAAAnZk/428hXZXiv0k_uXMa8wKBA7a3ng3OzWSpgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180802_105654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Little carts at TJs--fun, but not big enough for all our food!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCg2kA-iVCk/W5n1PZSHqyI/AAAAAAAAnZk/gPev6vsuZOAOOZAiDNp0U6tM3fMinuGvACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180812_102552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCg2kA-iVCk/W5n1PZSHqyI/AAAAAAAAnZk/gPev6vsuZOAOOZAiDNp0U6tM3fMinuGvACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180812_102552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think this was another hike...?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6cSbxCBOl4/W5n1PYsFJOI/AAAAAAAAnZk/NELI5Q3fAs4oJyMruejgWNdIEbt1TPbxACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180823_193838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6cSbxCBOl4/W5n1PYsFJOI/AAAAAAAAnZk/NELI5Q3fAs4oJyMruejgWNdIEbt1TPbxACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180823_193838.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Reading <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpsFqFhfSDc/W5n1PV1icUI/AAAAAAAAnZk/YTMBj4ASS280eQhGp_iZnzySpEK6YC0dACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180903_173418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpsFqFhfSDc/W5n1PV1icUI/AAAAAAAAnZk/YTMBj4ASS280eQhGp_iZnzySpEK6YC0dACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180903_173418.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are those Legos I mentioned. He's building some pretty impressive sets! He follows the instructions all by himself, and he's ridiculously patient. He'll sit there for hours! We have to pull him away to go run around and get outside. (Is this the ultimate nerd photo or what?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So that's it! Looking back, summer was great, of course, and all these memories are good reminders that the stressful days, long commutes, not-so-smooth transitions are all worth it to build our foundation up here. I'm not busting out the pumpkins yet (talk to me next weekend, though...), but bring on the cooler weather, cozy evenings, and weekends with NO PLANS! Fall, here we come!</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-59732822956525799622018-08-05T21:08:00.002-07:002018-08-05T21:08:22.312-07:00More Summer 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last month or so has been especially busy around here, so I'm playing a little catch-up in hope of finding a tiny bit of time to post consistently (once a month? maybe?) going forward. Anyway, July brought a downpour of change around here, including the start of my new job and Declan's return to daycare for the first time since November of last year (Marshall has been attending preschool full time since January). We've all had a tough time adjusting to the new routine, but I'm hopeful that we're slowly seeing some signs of getting the hang of things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouxGAPojSNU/W2fCFGUDvYI/AAAAAAAAnWY/tc73dYQ0TVUWmr2pXv92aoTqeO7navmPwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180622_073533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouxGAPojSNU/W2fCFGUDvYI/AAAAAAAAnWY/tc73dYQ0TVUWmr2pXv92aoTqeO7navmPwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180622_073533.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Maybe someday I'll get another day in the life post up, but our daily routine involves Terry taking the morning shift with the kids, bringing them to their schools around 9 am and then heading to work. I leave the house before 7 to start work by 7:30 or 8, and then I get off around 4 to get to the kids by 5 or 5:30, home by 5:30 or 5:45, then a little bit of play before dinner and bed. Back to packing lunches, no time for stopping at the grocery store mid-week, no sitting on the couch until 9 or 9:30 pm. It's definitely NOT enough time with the kids, but we're doing our best to make the most of it, and we really soak up our weekends!<br />
<br />
Some fun from this summer so far:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lk7JCF4p_0/W2fCFPXX8iI/AAAAAAAAnWY/vhoMuA-GmhkkiF5km4ivL2f5q94p2F_0ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180625_170917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lk7JCF4p_0/W2fCFPXX8iI/AAAAAAAAnWY/vhoMuA-GmhkkiF5km4ivL2f5q94p2F_0ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180625_170917.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgsp8AAKaVI/W2fCFP6stlI/AAAAAAAAnWY/luSocqigt4otMuVkd4a7vJcD7OFGY1TEQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180630_082327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgsp8AAKaVI/W2fCFP6stlI/AAAAAAAAnWY/luSocqigt4otMuVkd4a7vJcD7OFGY1TEQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180630_082327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swim lessons for our little fish - he LOVES it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81ZRhzuppQg/W2fCFDLY0EI/AAAAAAAAnWY/anUjksllgVYedwr8RFNqIi6Nkja4d9G4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180628_191818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81ZRhzuppQg/W2fCFDLY0EI/AAAAAAAAnWY/anUjksllgVYedwr8RFNqIi6Nkja4d9G4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180628_191818.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabari-Jumps-Gaia-Cornwall/dp/0763678384">Our favorite swimming book</a> (we refer to it whenever Marshall is nervous about trying something new). It's a GREAT book in many ways, and both kids love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcsfVJHOkBg/W2fCFBem5KI/AAAAAAAAnWY/TBuVh15WGOojECZhh5GCBH_Z4P1aH_tNACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180627_172624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcsfVJHOkBg/W2fCFBem5KI/AAAAAAAAnWY/TBuVh15WGOojECZhh5GCBH_Z4P1aH_tNACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180627_172624.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbkCQO6vC6k/W2fCFLJ50VI/AAAAAAAAnWY/cFZGwj7q-C44zJXIuECGkAW13SJKpuPoACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180629_172141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbkCQO6vC6k/W2fCFLJ50VI/AAAAAAAAnWY/cFZGwj7q-C44zJXIuECGkAW13SJKpuPoACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180629_172141.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall wrapped up swim "camp" and can definitely swim a few feet completely independently now! With a life jacket, he can hang out for quite a long time on his own, and he's getting more and more confident every time he's in the water. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3olOJFgH4g/W2fCFPuxwUI/AAAAAAAAnWY/m7XDCh0vEPs89wcVfIZcBzK8NwyUeThoQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180701_181615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3olOJFgH4g/W2fCFPuxwUI/AAAAAAAAnWY/m7XDCh0vEPs89wcVfIZcBzK8NwyUeThoQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180701_181615.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New basketball hoop from our friends whose kids didn't use it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiajYVdBkFs/W2fCFJRwjHI/AAAAAAAAnWY/RqW8smrqoF4CdldZw-yY9U3QxPJJQDrKgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180701_181636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EiajYVdBkFs/W2fCFJRwjHI/AAAAAAAAnWY/RqW8smrqoF4CdldZw-yY9U3QxPJJQDrKgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180701_181636.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4Nujxqof0A/W2fCFDjTK5I/AAAAAAAAnWY/XSGel_p7dp4QaeIdXx315_eCp7CHrWjRwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180704_111159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4Nujxqof0A/W2fCFDjTK5I/AAAAAAAAnWY/XSGel_p7dp4QaeIdXx315_eCp7CHrWjRwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180704_111159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaxzaPwLFzk/W2fCFLIC4SI/AAAAAAAAnWY/Em5cd9J8NpA0383z7BPcIKuliCOAERSOgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180707_115734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaxzaPwLFzk/W2fCFLIC4SI/AAAAAAAAnWY/Em5cd9J8NpA0383z7BPcIKuliCOAERSOgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180707_115734.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Smoothies on the kitchen floor (I don't remember why they ended up there instead of at the table, but I do remember Marshall sweetly putting his arm around his brother). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vFbMucl9lQ/W2fCFPMKrFI/AAAAAAAAnWY/Of1lwrKobLMqM6QBvRWAQOsgoYZPPY9HQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180708_135125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vFbMucl9lQ/W2fCFPMKrFI/AAAAAAAAnWY/Of1lwrKobLMqM6QBvRWAQOsgoYZPPY9HQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180708_135125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Terry and I built a ridiculously difficult 2000 piece puzzle, and we let Marshall put in the last piece because he had supported us through the weeks of working on it!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caCe0T8q4v0/W2fCFGLlpoI/AAAAAAAAnWY/zSVlzYxhiW0TTzfOJlJhoYDTdqrwri1_gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180713_182325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caCe0T8q4v0/W2fCFGLlpoI/AAAAAAAAnWY/zSVlzYxhiW0TTzfOJlJhoYDTdqrwri1_gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180713_182325.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Strong little dude!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dA4r9XKkywQ/W2fCFK6UEiI/AAAAAAAAnWY/WUi44X7QwmQ41HCVNp0nKNMiyO15wyl2gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180714_092925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dA4r9XKkywQ/W2fCFK6UEiI/AAAAAAAAnWY/WUi44X7QwmQ41HCVNp0nKNMiyO15wyl2gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180714_092925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beach time! We brought the kids to the beach without checking the weather. It was so cold! But they still had a blast!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDZJM6puUnI/W2fCFHc-aLI/AAAAAAAAnWY/iYX61YBjEXUSHnHEUNa6IC5apZDMiO9jwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180714_100933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDZJM6puUnI/W2fCFHc-aLI/AAAAAAAAnWY/iYX61YBjEXUSHnHEUNa6IC5apZDMiO9jwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180714_100933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApNCYQ_a8u4/W2fCFMYEv5I/AAAAAAAAnWY/1xMHmwl7A4gq-O2xS9EMMhfIN3xQLhefQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180714_105303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApNCYQ_a8u4/W2fCFMYEv5I/AAAAAAAAnWY/1xMHmwl7A4gq-O2xS9EMMhfIN3xQLhefQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180714_105303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And we grabbed donuts after--YUM!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du-m6leIUWY/W2fCFAJgAVI/AAAAAAAAnWY/EWaWspjJLrYiZPQKg5Rbun5WR5amU2fdACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180716_172835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-du-m6leIUWY/W2fCFAJgAVI/AAAAAAAAnWY/EWaWspjJLrYiZPQKg5Rbun5WR5amU2fdACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180716_172835.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Riding around the neighborhood! Declan is still too little for his tricycle, so he's eager to start riding for real. And Marshall is great on his trike, but he's really ready to move up to a bike with training wheels. Perhaps in the next few weeks!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29d4wIJtoAI/W2fCFC3ibgI/AAAAAAAAnWY/g3_kXPcX-kYnonpUGABB-IS5lMjoOblAgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180721_133456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29d4wIJtoAI/W2fCFC3ibgI/AAAAAAAAnWY/g3_kXPcX-kYnonpUGABB-IS5lMjoOblAgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180721_133456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Random outings when we find ourselves with time to kill in the Bay Area.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJk7gaOwfGM/W2fCFBNXHaI/AAAAAAAAnWY/bFilPNcGbDoCS1XCCv2S9FUywAmrX-9pwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180721_141015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJk7gaOwfGM/W2fCFBNXHaI/AAAAAAAAnWY/bFilPNcGbDoCS1XCCv2S9FUywAmrX-9pwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180721_141015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One day recently, Dec missed his nap due to our poor planning, so I cradled him and he was out in a few minutes. My arms were KILLING me!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1HV763KK30/W2fCFEmqZmI/AAAAAAAAnWY/xDlSw6xLHtE0WiIKYayeJofmitEXiqgcgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180722_110722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1HV763KK30/W2fCFEmqZmI/AAAAAAAAnWY/xDlSw6xLHtE0WiIKYayeJofmitEXiqgcgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180722_110722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shopping for Marshall's new big bed! (He was in a toddler bed for about two years.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp2J9gZQ8FY/W2fCFNOl8jI/AAAAAAAAnWY/zNm0gXq0gKs2PzRSsW7I-xIeEzbHFkLEQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180722_192830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp2J9gZQ8FY/W2fCFNOl8jI/AAAAAAAAnWY/zNm0gXq0gKs2PzRSsW7I-xIeEzbHFkLEQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180722_192830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCTYyu9f_5I/W2fCFMpYWzI/AAAAAAAAnWY/tQyJhYtQGXoCHsip36B-YcbI0_m2-XCMQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180722_194040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCTYyu9f_5I/W2fCFMpYWzI/AAAAAAAAnWY/tQyJhYtQGXoCHsip36B-YcbI0_m2-XCMQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180722_194040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzmSqRynC8c/W2fCFEA5yDI/AAAAAAAAnWY/kR9JIwSvnfQjo_89zAvKOhakwZhVChxeACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180725_175725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tzmSqRynC8c/W2fCFEA5yDI/AAAAAAAAnWY/kR9JIwSvnfQjo_89zAvKOhakwZhVChxeACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180725_175725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Park time!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCACGDQtoQY/W2fCFOLBH8I/AAAAAAAAnWY/XrzdWrrAzYIfsZ4cM9A7hScxVshUdYREACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180728_122108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCACGDQtoQY/W2fCFOLBH8I/AAAAAAAAnWY/XrzdWrrAzYIfsZ4cM9A7hScxVshUdYREACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180728_122108.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baking PopPop's birth cake with mama! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We're really loving our time with these sweet boys. This age is a blast! Of course, we have lots of moments of struggle with one kid or the other's emotions. Toddlers are dealing with a lot, and they are overwhelmed a lot of the time, so we are just trying to be patient and understanding. But for the most part, we have two very sweet, chill, funny kids, and we truly enjoy whatever time we get with them. We feel so grateful. I am already looking forward to more summer memories!</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-4712718621819904492018-06-20T21:50:00.001-07:002018-06-20T21:50:32.750-07:00HAGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy (official) start of summer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are ready to dig in to some delicious summer food, like one of Marshall's favorites: corn on the cob (from my parents' city, which grows AMAZING corn).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aYJ9jXdj-Y/Wysj_3qf6SI/AAAAAAAAnNw/8zBCycTstZMIO4IkjjNu-HxAD2JQJocoACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180620_185527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aYJ9jXdj-Y/Wysj_3qf6SI/AAAAAAAAnNw/8zBCycTstZMIO4IkjjNu-HxAD2JQJocoACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180620_185527.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8RtvOkoGmo/Wysj3MY4PoI/AAAAAAAAnNs/DyH8NbM0JlkdZPFDg_YAqOunUjo5nP74wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180620_184218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8RtvOkoGmo/Wysj3MY4PoI/AAAAAAAAnNs/DyH8NbM0JlkdZPFDg_YAqOunUjo5nP74wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180620_184218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Declan and I enjoyed a picnic at the park this week to take advantage before I start work soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsKWye0jdkU/Wysj_ybMF2I/AAAAAAAAnNw/qT5PiFNWhKsNkgA2dY4z6Eu2BW5aCUSOwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180620_112514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsKWye0jdkU/Wysj_ybMF2I/AAAAAAAAnNw/qT5PiFNWhKsNkgA2dY4z6Eu2BW5aCUSOwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180620_112514.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This kid at the dinner table keeps all of us laughing (his brother did the same at this age).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZPoXs7gChc/Wysj__dSKVI/AAAAAAAAnNw/1PINKi--g-0SeCmpAObjf60rsEsvfJhpQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_191122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZPoXs7gChc/Wysj__dSKVI/AAAAAAAAnNw/1PINKi--g-0SeCmpAObjf60rsEsvfJhpQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_191122.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Id8IG_1fk/Wysj_2ZZtPI/AAAAAAAAnNw/6ZDn9lrqZzYhRebbLU6r9E2lSTmPFatHgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180611_194336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Id8IG_1fk/Wysj_2ZZtPI/AAAAAAAAnNw/6ZDn9lrqZzYhRebbLU6r9E2lSTmPFatHgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180611_194336.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of our favorite summer treats: fudge pops on repeat!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOBCEytNWxY/Wysj_78oEqI/AAAAAAAAnNw/pad4s9iVRD08C-BiTwZzTrL-xVzpRp2zgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180602_143622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOBCEytNWxY/Wysj_78oEqI/AAAAAAAAnNw/pad4s9iVRD08C-BiTwZzTrL-xVzpRp2zgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180602_143622.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not especially summery, but on Father's Day we took Daddy out for coffee and ordered milk for the boys. They LOVED it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgn6e2O3qzY/Wysj_-paiMI/AAAAAAAAnNw/_KVmaKflWH4Hi5uHUZEoK2oFnghsD7iBACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_110849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgn6e2O3qzY/Wysj_-paiMI/AAAAAAAAnNw/_KVmaKflWH4Hi5uHUZEoK2oFnghsD7iBACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180617_110849.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Summer baking is always fun too! We just have to get the oven turned off early before the heat consumes the whole house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivR5v3Vn1Yg/Wysj_wr34fI/AAAAAAAAnNw/61DLjZ05QIAWv0x0bnLga1ViJoaidsiZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180602_105718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivR5v3Vn1Yg/Wysj_wr34fI/AAAAAAAAnNw/61DLjZ05QIAWv0x0bnLga1ViJoaidsiZwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180602_105718.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of heat, our fridge recently went on the fritz and Terry fixed it by himself like a champ! I was so impressed with this handy dude!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co1aVTkk1O8/WyskXaLqitI/AAAAAAAAnOE/sQorWml-kUI3KYQjjqbCzRMrFdlxRrSwQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180611_212551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co1aVTkk1O8/WyskXaLqitI/AAAAAAAAnOE/sQorWml-kUI3KYQjjqbCzRMrFdlxRrSwQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180611_212551.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Other summer plans:<br />
<br />
Bike riding!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQT7HCOs-m8/WyskXRHpyeI/AAAAAAAAnOE/3TTp_d8cKbA7kVRHDk8GuFohTM-2cwptQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180615_170530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQT7HCOs-m8/WyskXRHpyeI/AAAAAAAAnOE/3TTp_d8cKbA7kVRHDk8GuFohTM-2cwptQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180615_170530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Reading and library trips<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJFnTInmGnc/WyskXXCZFeI/AAAAAAAAnOE/tci-YKROzIMKPOB70YSJjv7QfAgJqXF6QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180613_091635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJFnTInmGnc/WyskXXCZFeI/AAAAAAAAnOE/tci-YKROzIMKPOB70YSJjv7QfAgJqXF6QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180613_091635.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb8pGiADM4I/WyskXXsEo1I/AAAAAAAAnOE/7yrr99EobQYSGS59kIzptD8TOavXn17WwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180610_195358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb8pGiADM4I/WyskXXsEo1I/AAAAAAAAnOE/7yrr99EobQYSGS59kIzptD8TOavXn17WwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180610_195358.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EB9NCnMz7g/Wyskgk_DeFI/AAAAAAAAnOI/aLMCwuCEy6oM53mIbeMe0lpxJ_14Tvs6gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180620_080722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7EB9NCnMz7g/Wyskgk_DeFI/AAAAAAAAnOI/aLMCwuCEy6oM53mIbeMe0lpxJ_14Tvs6gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180620_080722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-157Rh62JhME/Wyskgvsgu2I/AAAAAAAAnOI/28Cpyc8pzn4uzUDz7zAcZmX4PKlklQQiQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180619_182448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-157Rh62JhME/Wyskgvsgu2I/AAAAAAAAnOI/28Cpyc8pzn4uzUDz7zAcZmX4PKlklQQiQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180619_182448.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Teaching M to use the computer!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u063EPjoY40/WyskgvbvGGI/AAAAAAAAnOI/uo8OxnUmrHIzYRKPmA5jhDWLmK6hHVLnwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_124830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u063EPjoY40/WyskgvbvGGI/AAAAAAAAnOI/uo8OxnUmrHIzYRKPmA5jhDWLmK6hHVLnwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180617_124830.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hopefully playing board games--Marshall is occasionally showing some interest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzLBznQqE6c/Wyskgp5-m7I/AAAAAAAAnOI/3gd74SyxrcgBcZoZTIaxx_u4Ezsl0V7gQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_165041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tzLBznQqE6c/Wyskgp5-m7I/AAAAAAAAnOI/3gd74SyxrcgBcZoZTIaxx_u4Ezsl0V7gQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180617_165041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Enjoying Marshall's birthday gifts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubeRqYEqxrU/WyskXUKoIQI/AAAAAAAAnOE/nPIMLjgKANwfik_-C0PB4moLGq-on9LWACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180608_194627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubeRqYEqxrU/WyskXUKoIQI/AAAAAAAAnOE/nPIMLjgKANwfik_-C0PB4moLGq-on9LWACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180608_194627.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Attempting to plant a small garden (the boys helped me choose tomatoes and peppers, so we'll see what happens)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqnJqPVZC7k/WyskXXk6rXI/AAAAAAAAnOE/zwDT0GL6zoYYDzgZhznkU5QurXQxcQZhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180606_171536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqnJqPVZC7k/WyskXXk6rXI/AAAAAAAAnOE/zwDT0GL6zoYYDzgZhznkU5QurXQxcQZhQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180606_171536.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Recently, we went to the doctor for Marshall, and later the same day I put out some paper for Declan to color. He must have made an association with the paper on the table at the doctor's office, because he laid back the way M did for his checkup! It was too cute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QclJXjzaUkg/WyskXXMcV2I/AAAAAAAAnOE/6uJq6aQLqN8RZXzUoR48jaZB4RODSCsFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180604_113340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QclJXjzaUkg/WyskXXMcV2I/AAAAAAAAnOE/6uJq6aQLqN8RZXzUoR48jaZB4RODSCsFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180604_113340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For Father's Day, I always take sports-related photos of the boys for Daddy. This year it was a struggle to get these squirmy, less-than-excited-to-pose boys to smile or look generally decent for three photos! Some outtakes:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m35PtFEsyDE/WyskXYXMKjI/AAAAAAAAnOE/dHC6b7ZF4Y8I91I1iOiWBSOCAbEAQgWZACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_171625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m35PtFEsyDE/WyskXYXMKjI/AAAAAAAAnOE/dHC6b7ZF4Y8I91I1iOiWBSOCAbEAQgWZACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_171625.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYXDkGgm8G0/WyskXXuBS-I/AAAAAAAAnOE/aX3zdJYsmqo6b2tRAF7zlwcu1A0enJAbgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_172222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYXDkGgm8G0/WyskXXuBS-I/AAAAAAAAnOE/aX3zdJYsmqo6b2tRAF7zlwcu1A0enJAbgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_172222.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And some winners:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUEl_SmuTY8/WyskXaqbzJI/AAAAAAAAnOE/_aL5e-9wMAs_E4NQk8SOnQhwT1cNtiOYgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_172204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUEl_SmuTY8/WyskXaqbzJI/AAAAAAAAnOE/_aL5e-9wMAs_E4NQk8SOnQhwT1cNtiOYgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_172204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tO-KHg-Tu4A/WyskXbVrgvI/AAAAAAAAnOE/MnmN_9pjBxcAV3ZsS25qxrHrrb2kYRcyACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_172614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tO-KHg-Tu4A/WyskXbVrgvI/AAAAAAAAnOE/MnmN_9pjBxcAV3ZsS25qxrHrrb2kYRcyACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_172614.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We celebrated Father's Day with a run, coffee, tacos, and a brewery. Not a bad day for Daddy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNJeHtBSNCc/WyskXZGiGuI/AAAAAAAAnOE/CAv1rCgV7kUsTDztNHrgFHG0M9r_GZ2rgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_120235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNJeHtBSNCc/WyskXZGiGuI/AAAAAAAAnOE/CAv1rCgV7kUsTDztNHrgFHG0M9r_GZ2rgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180617_120235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't remember if I shared photos of our new house...ever...but this is where we're living for a while as we settle in up in Silicon Valley.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKeOw5sJVD0/WysjsmIykrI/AAAAAAAAnNo/mer_RaySv9MpLlUACVJ6aK1Kx_KGSc3KQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180531_160347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKeOw5sJVD0/WysjsmIykrI/AAAAAAAAnNo/mer_RaySv9MpLlUACVJ6aK1Kx_KGSc3KQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180531_160347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgIFtE-OUkM/WysjshX7txI/AAAAAAAAnNo/TNw5FuU3HTMijpemv3_41iIxEmpigfoXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180604_190451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgIFtE-OUkM/WysjshX7txI/AAAAAAAAnNo/TNw5FuU3HTMijpemv3_41iIxEmpigfoXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180604_190451.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kids' play area</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqNjXjP7lLM/Wysjsio6acI/AAAAAAAAnNo/QcZVO4PE3hE0EyrMZk2ZckwihIh3IRDoQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180604_190208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqNjXjP7lLM/Wysjsio6acI/AAAAAAAAnNo/QcZVO4PE3hE0EyrMZk2ZckwihIh3IRDoQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180604_190208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite walls <3</div>
<br />
<br />
Recent cleaning of backyard toys for water play<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTWG-cSx1dA/Wysjsg_OBUI/AAAAAAAAnNo/CcJpty7SEdUhct0WUFDn4ox0kRlmaKcoQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_112215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTWG-cSx1dA/Wysjsg_OBUI/AAAAAAAAnNo/CcJpty7SEdUhct0WUFDn4ox0kRlmaKcoQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_112215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And of course, summer fitness!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Baby and toddler yoga:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MGgXdwwnmc/Wyskgq-7YnI/AAAAAAAAnOI/t6sGlYhly-MIMwQ4ncXubzbhII9BZztbACKgBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1529214983179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MGgXdwwnmc/Wyskgq-7YnI/AAAAAAAAnOI/t6sGlYhly-MIMwQ4ncXubzbhII9BZztbACKgBGAs/s320/PhotoGrid_1529214983179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Running:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM2BjsGfrJs/Wyskggj6sUI/AAAAAAAAnOI/A7UhZRmaO8ABuVR49v9mNq1pE9DAK3FqwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_092048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oM2BjsGfrJs/Wyskggj6sUI/AAAAAAAAnOI/A7UhZRmaO8ABuVR49v9mNq1pE9DAK3FqwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180617_092048.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
(Terry and I are actually training for a very informal 10K. My mom used to run 6 miles on her birthday every year and I thought it would be a good goal to set for my own upcoming 33rd birthday. So we set up a training schedule and are really enjoying the consistent workouts! We're following <a href="https://www.halhigdon.com/training/10k-training/">Hal Higdon's basic 10K plan</a>, but I doubled it so that it extended to something like 16 weeks. On Wednesdays and Saturdays we do strength training, and we're up to 4.5 miles for our "long" weekend runs so far.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Biking and walking around the neighborhood!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkBfxwtbWxg/WyskgsQ1l7I/AAAAAAAAnOI/FVmlLSJPUSsQ7y7mJ_y2ZE8YKK5ernCEwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180618_112048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkBfxwtbWxg/WyskgsQ1l7I/AAAAAAAAnOI/FVmlLSJPUSsQ7y7mJ_y2ZE8YKK5ernCEwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180618_112048.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Swim lessons :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5bwiyYJTNY/WyskgrfFoaI/AAAAAAAAnOI/ChowMK3uNBUxjoL-BkqKxAr4pWlkvCNegCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180619_164541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5bwiyYJTNY/WyskgrfFoaI/AAAAAAAAnOI/ChowMK3uNBUxjoL-BkqKxAr4pWlkvCNegCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180619_164541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Prepping for Declan's upcoming start to daycare<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GecX0Ehj2qY/WyskgmbI_2I/AAAAAAAAnOI/SZJj1auGoagArtAxO948hrkQX1YlJH3xwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180619_192530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GecX0Ehj2qY/WyskgmbI_2I/AAAAAAAAnOI/SZJj1auGoagArtAxO948hrkQX1YlJH3xwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180619_192530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Here's to what will hopefully be our best summer yet. We have a few minor plans, like checking out some local festivals (growing up in the Bay Area I loved Art & Wine Festivals, music in the park, etc., and we're hoping to enjoy some of those with the next generation!), hanging out with friends and family (and hopefully snuggling--er, chasing--my sweet niblings), a wedding later this year (one of my best friends is getting married and I can't WAIT!), and more!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKxDAUM56bU/WyskgjNoe5I/AAAAAAAAnOI/vYPrddRP7V06es7hxkBukG5BpDyphkb-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180620_111650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CKxDAUM56bU/WyskgjNoe5I/AAAAAAAAnOI/vYPrddRP7V06es7hxkBukG5BpDyphkb-wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180620_111650.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a great summer! (HAGS!)</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-74052536673112706602018-06-07T14:42:00.000-07:002018-06-07T14:42:39.837-07:00Scenes from May 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
May 2018 is on the books with far more ups than downs and far more sunny days than rainy. Let's dive in to all the fun memories with some photos (mostly out of order because I have no idea how to convince Blogger to load photos in chronological order). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One of two water tables Marshall (er, and Declan, as it goes) got for his birthday! The kids love them, and we have one for the front yard and one for the back for the HOT summer days!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1VuUL4vFIE/WxTQ0x40obI/AAAAAAAAnKA/zQQ7MNVADlACS0W_VX_SBgA7xMeCrEn3wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180530_111740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1VuUL4vFIE/WxTQ0x40obI/AAAAAAAAnKA/zQQ7MNVADlACS0W_VX_SBgA7xMeCrEn3wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180530_111740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I see lots of outdoor dining in our future! My brother keeps making fun of me because I actually schedule in when we're going to eat outside (in the backyard...literally fifteen steps from our normal table), but I stand by it. We're still getting the hang of remembering to grab all the stuff we need (I get most of my steps for the day running back and forth into the house to grab napkins or spoons or milk or ALL THE THINGS because we can't seem to get organized), figuring out the best types of meals to eat outside (stuff with fewer condiments so we don't have more stuff to forget to bring out!), and finding a good routine for how the kids can help. I bought a little caddy for carrying out utensils and napkins and plates so that might help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBTtXdMBaQw/WxTQ0-LJvNI/AAAAAAAAnKA/R0aEc_0sIuQ6Cs2gln1NcNBpOs2jAvgmgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180528_182628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBTtXdMBaQw/WxTQ0-LJvNI/AAAAAAAAnKA/R0aEc_0sIuQ6Cs2gln1NcNBpOs2jAvgmgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180528_182628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVZJSLsEJJk/WxTQ0-pfNEI/AAAAAAAAnKA/p-9I4-i3OWACqTGeq4pic1ZS7CoRwJn4ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180528_181343%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVZJSLsEJJk/WxTQ0-pfNEI/AAAAAAAAnKA/p-9I4-i3OWACqTGeq4pic1ZS7CoRwJn4ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180528_181343%257E2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7YQhkhts3U/WxTQ07iEOuI/AAAAAAAAnKA/LTA2hMu7Hw4VJ-i2LLg8Pfb_yI_vwJdGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180528_180337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7YQhkhts3U/WxTQ07iEOuI/AAAAAAAAnKA/LTA2hMu7Hw4VJ-i2LLg8Pfb_yI_vwJdGQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180528_180337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I accepted a job offer last month, and I officially start at the beginning of July. I have LOVED this time off with Declan, but I think we are both ready for the next step. He'll start daycare at a local center, and then later he and Marshall will be at the same location for a year (until M starts kindergarten...next year!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6u7Ala_he_Y/WxTQ07o5THI/AAAAAAAAnKA/iz5xm7yypmsSFLBkOx80_WRNAu75ZovEgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180529_095705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6u7Ala_he_Y/WxTQ07o5THI/AAAAAAAAnKA/iz5xm7yypmsSFLBkOx80_WRNAu75ZovEgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180529_095705.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
But of course I'm already emotional about the end of this phase, where Declan and I had several hours together every day, just us. It was such a wonderful gift to watch this sweetheart during these months of his young life, and (despite the stress of the move) I am glad it worked out that we got this time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3jch1A3yR4/WxTQ0zMAKcI/AAAAAAAAnKA/heZCyjOupUsE1cUh_5xNUrP1dakC9H6NQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180530_094616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3jch1A3yR4/WxTQ0zMAKcI/AAAAAAAAnKA/heZCyjOupUsE1cUh_5xNUrP1dakC9H6NQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180530_094616.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXkmG383tIg/WxTQ09BgL1I/AAAAAAAAnKA/JX5DHlaMmCM8lMmGzumHrH_lUxEJ0RvSQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180517_165741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXkmG383tIg/WxTQ09BgL1I/AAAAAAAAnKA/JX5DHlaMmCM8lMmGzumHrH_lUxEJ0RvSQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180517_165741.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUdOxmd-vkY/WxTQ0-zJCbI/AAAAAAAAnKA/7JjSbOHgPAY7nI6x_ngqPTD-b7jdpnSVACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180529_102342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUdOxmd-vkY/WxTQ0-zJCbI/AAAAAAAAnKA/7JjSbOHgPAY7nI6x_ngqPTD-b7jdpnSVACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180529_102342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVQ_yRVcdhY/WxTQ08uvtqI/AAAAAAAAnKA/K8UzX8ly8rk5fNBjzFoosa9BwYzutK1aQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180521_172629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVQ_yRVcdhY/WxTQ08uvtqI/AAAAAAAAnKA/K8UzX8ly8rk5fNBjzFoosa9BwYzutK1aQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180521_172629.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(He said, "Working!")</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1ViO79sQK4/WxTQ05sKiTI/AAAAAAAAnKA/knS-EilqwocOTJcbZiTEoKtpgBLRiglcQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180522_105823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1ViO79sQK4/WxTQ05sKiTI/AAAAAAAAnKA/knS-EilqwocOTJcbZiTEoKtpgBLRiglcQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180522_105823.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm cooking a lot lately, probably because we had no oven for a few weeks and I'm thrilled to have it back, but also because I want to make sure we test out some good recipes before I go back to work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gj0D6r81po/WxTQ0677SHI/AAAAAAAAnKA/w34uNQ8L5dEWv63Fi62R8ZQci6XQR1KkwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180529_184006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gj0D6r81po/WxTQ0677SHI/AAAAAAAAnKA/w34uNQ8L5dEWv63Fi62R8ZQci6XQR1KkwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180529_184006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3BlYIfFP5I/WxTQ04h4anI/AAAAAAAAnKA/_BElFzjJ7rA52tZqdmVfTUuvaTH769BuwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180506_185920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3BlYIfFP5I/WxTQ04h4anI/AAAAAAAAnKA/_BElFzjJ7rA52tZqdmVfTUuvaTH769BuwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180506_185920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I bought <a href="https://www.amazon.com/WeeSprout-Silicone-Divided-Toddler-Plates/dp/B06XDGF89D">these plates</a> a while back and LOVE them. Safe to microwave, dishwasher safe, and each compartment is deep enough for liquidy foods too, like yogurt or dips and even soup, so no separate bowl is necessary.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On Mother's Day we celebrated with tea in my great-grandmother's tea set, a gift from my aunt from our wedding. <3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ9_vlA38ZI/WxTQ03D1FRI/AAAAAAAAnKA/aUXr5-gkqFgwGfeNvcGVreEwGT7ONGH8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180513_135805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ9_vlA38ZI/WxTQ03D1FRI/AAAAAAAAnKA/aUXr5-gkqFgwGfeNvcGVreEwGT7ONGH8wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180513_135805.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These boys have loved "helping" me cook lately! Marshall is eager to actually cook, and Declan mostly just wants to climb up and down the learning tower while tasting things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAc5dTzRAUU/WxTQ08Fg9CI/AAAAAAAAnKA/iaBB48Q07WYLVwCtvVKSEZJ0M2p8lZnvgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180523_081521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SAc5dTzRAUU/WxTQ08Fg9CI/AAAAAAAAnKA/iaBB48Q07WYLVwCtvVKSEZJ0M2p8lZnvgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180523_081521.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As mentioned above, Marshall celebrated a birthday in May. <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2018/05/marshall-four-years.html">This guy is FOUR!</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_LyC4-qPyA/WxTQ017mSuI/AAAAAAAAnKA/tFwM5C0DPSwqWVte_bknPzTTJG3qvshXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180523_184140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_LyC4-qPyA/WxTQ017mSuI/AAAAAAAAnKA/tFwM5C0DPSwqWVte_bknPzTTJG3qvshXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180523_184140.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the look of a little boy eating the exact cupcake he wanted. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw04K1R3Tlw/WxTQ09jGGdI/AAAAAAAAnKA/MfOVWKZbG8Ivtx42kh8tx7mRNYo6tRO-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180523_064237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw04K1R3Tlw/WxTQ09jGGdI/AAAAAAAAnKA/MfOVWKZbG8Ivtx42kh8tx7mRNYo6tRO-QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180523_064237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rocket ship!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Four-year checkup: check!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7cysrflnfI/WxTQ02E8VNI/AAAAAAAAnKA/AaQj0VyRNsU5lYtCihdXdQhDgoK1PTGrgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180524_104526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7cysrflnfI/WxTQ02E8VNI/AAAAAAAAnKA/AaQj0VyRNsU5lYtCihdXdQhDgoK1PTGrgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180524_104526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And some other shenanigans lately:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoyQjRd1WfM/WxTQ07H0J1I/AAAAAAAAnKA/Z66Sg66b4LsgmRelSSeunYcvU9PDTsXigCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180528_111605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoyQjRd1WfM/WxTQ07H0J1I/AAAAAAAAnKA/Z66Sg66b4LsgmRelSSeunYcvU9PDTsXigCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180528_111605.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soaking up outdoor time whenever it's cool enough to do so</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc5KyEURCjg/WxTQ02Jt6xI/AAAAAAAAnKA/k22tIAO5FQwR6PJN18jc7c5kKYy7wkKZgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180502_162843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc5KyEURCjg/WxTQ02Jt6xI/AAAAAAAAnKA/k22tIAO5FQwR6PJN18jc7c5kKYy7wkKZgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180502_162843.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall's preschool just finished a unit on the human body, and Marshall gets pretty enthusiastic telling us all the (mostly) accurate functions of various systems in the body.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcok38ejtmw/WxTQ01it0qI/AAAAAAAAnKA/esY3-ujxZ_s445Fyz9DuOPjb5YKIGIOxQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180505_103846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kcok38ejtmw/WxTQ01it0qI/AAAAAAAAnKA/esY3-ujxZ_s445Fyz9DuOPjb5YKIGIOxQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180505_103846.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zovKSAwoQrE/WxTQ0_6z5iI/AAAAAAAAnKA/JgPNytjYi7cdqzOOKcASz_PUcC9WAj9qACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180508_165839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zovKSAwoQrE/WxTQ0_6z5iI/AAAAAAAAnKA/JgPNytjYi7cdqzOOKcASz_PUcC9WAj9qACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180508_165839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ0ziK_X144/WxTQ07C2LII/AAAAAAAAnKA/WUzz8moU4A4XUEeM-bcnpxsMrQuo1JphQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180510_123528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ0ziK_X144/WxTQ07C2LII/AAAAAAAAnKA/WUzz8moU4A4XUEeM-bcnpxsMrQuo1JphQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180510_123528.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure this day was the only time he ever cuddled a teddy to sleep, but it was adorable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKCWMObrqPE/WxTQ01XthXI/AAAAAAAAnKA/cqutsWxINYoPPa_MovjFbxiRVEatxfLogCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180511_172020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKCWMObrqPE/WxTQ01XthXI/AAAAAAAAnKA/cqutsWxINYoPPa_MovjFbxiRVEatxfLogCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180511_172020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan had a fever one day, and I brought him a cool washcloth but then needed to run to the bathroom or something and asked M to put the washcloth back if it fell. I came back to this sweet sight. Marshall is growing quite a bit lately in his big brother role!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bslv378gNWM/WxTQ0-IGsoI/AAAAAAAAnKA/PyNPYfch_YUsrLPMV-IVTRVz1g6UHUoZQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180512_155530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bslv378gNWM/WxTQ0-IGsoI/AAAAAAAAnKA/PyNPYfch_YUsrLPMV-IVTRVz1g6UHUoZQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180512_155530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ice cream outing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRFyZfaJdac/WxTQ0-MgurI/AAAAAAAAnKA/PhyjKatOcwEDL-cfciXJVfKu7MT-Qr9tACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180512_165002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRFyZfaJdac/WxTQ0-MgurI/AAAAAAAAnKA/PhyjKatOcwEDL-cfciXJVfKu7MT-Qr9tACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180512_165002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Library time--one of our favorite activities. Free, air conditioned, lots of books to bring home for a few weeks, and some fun interactions with other kids!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4hxJjsY4n8/WxTQ0zUbJGI/AAAAAAAAnKA/yTEKgwUcrSkYmD788kg6F8vJIJmo7HHwwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180510_074715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4hxJjsY4n8/WxTQ0zUbJGI/AAAAAAAAnKA/yTEKgwUcrSkYmD788kg6F8vJIJmo7HHwwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180510_074715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall asked for <a href="https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-homemade-fudge-pops/">fudge pops</a> for breakfast one day and I said YES! They were so excited!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsh_M51h1Fs/WxTQ0_whqTI/AAAAAAAAnKA/WFLxstkseoITn7K6ViCZtXV7Rk0t5mhAQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180513_120358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsh_M51h1Fs/WxTQ0_whqTI/AAAAAAAAnKA/WFLxstkseoITn7K6ViCZtXV7Rk0t5mhAQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180513_120358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mother's Day outing (it all went downhill quickly after this outing because Dec was teething and tired and grumpy and our lunch was a total disaster, but the park part was nice)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbiCDijQUGw/WxTQ0yKwNHI/AAAAAAAAnKA/hbsQS0MY80869_P1uf68O0_cf1OKbJLiQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180528_155433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbiCDijQUGw/WxTQ0yKwNHI/AAAAAAAAnKA/hbsQS0MY80869_P1uf68O0_cf1OKbJLiQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180528_155433.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
S'mores! Fun fact: I put each kid's s'mores ingredients on separate plates, and when we went to roast Dec's marshmallow it was missing. We looked over to see our little thief munching away! Sneaky boy.</div>
<br />
<br />
So May is a wrap! And we're well into June, my last month off work and Declan's last month before starting daycare. Here's hoping the weather stays reasonably comfortable, the days feel long, and the kids stay healthy to enjoy a fun start to summer!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-24033249625619275142018-05-28T22:40:00.000-07:002018-05-28T22:40:31.879-07:00Marshall: Four Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Marshall,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy fourth birthday! You are officially four, now that you have blown out the candles (you reminded us that you had to wait until you blew out the candles before you could turn four), and you are such a gift in our lives. We are so grateful to have enjoyed another joyous, full, lively year with you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6bVehU3EWE/WwzSvIYFQ-I/AAAAAAAAnIc/Qs5e52dtKRYhdn3nx_kt9hESLumHHWboQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_105638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6bVehU3EWE/WwzSvIYFQ-I/AAAAAAAAnIc/Qs5e52dtKRYhdn3nx_kt9hESLumHHWboQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_105638.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Newly three--almost a year ago</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You are developing so many new facets to your identity: big brother, friend, preschooler. You have found ways to grow in each role, and we are so proud to see you becoming the person you are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xIaTMUgjGE/WwzSvEkJxPI/AAAAAAAAnIc/R8-jet-xl8EDMq8Md9-jFBvqMlJ9_id4QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_180608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xIaTMUgjGE/WwzSvEkJxPI/AAAAAAAAnIc/R8-jet-xl8EDMq8Md9-jFBvqMlJ9_id4QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_180608.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9Rdiv8FXzA/WwzSvPe9z-I/AAAAAAAAnIc/fAuB_QdQny8baFYvvs9cObfo7RN9UrRyACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170604_094826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9Rdiv8FXzA/WwzSvPe9z-I/AAAAAAAAnIc/fAuB_QdQny8baFYvvs9cObfo7RN9UrRyACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170604_094826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Your relationship with Declan continues to deepen. In recent weeks, we've seen some buds of friendship: wrestling together, your sweet and sincere offers to help him when he can't quite get a toy to work, kisses goodnight. For the most part, you two are still just coexisting, but these glimmers of potential for future closeness certainly make me so happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pFh6QN1pTQ/WwzSvIdYHdI/AAAAAAAAnIc/DiekxLAAI68f2L7ara3YcuA4OwqllTSKwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170610_110653_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pFh6QN1pTQ/WwzSvIdYHdI/AAAAAAAAnIc/DiekxLAAI68f2L7ara3YcuA4OwqllTSKwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170610_110653_1.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVut6SZssB0/WwzSvK8cEJI/AAAAAAAAnIc/4D-VcabeFvE7Wdg2B7VAGOIbJ3fBgRvTQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180308_181029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVut6SZssB0/WwzSvK8cEJI/AAAAAAAAnIc/4D-VcabeFvE7Wdg2B7VAGOIbJ3fBgRvTQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180308_181029.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This year had some significant challenges, including moving away from your beloved preschool in Santa Monica, as well as your first best friend. I'll admit that my first concern about moving was how hard it would be on you to adjust to a new school, new teachers, new friends, on top of a new home and new routines. But you amazed us, as always, and immediately took to all the newness, befriending several kids at school and embracing the school we found for you. We still miss your old school and old friends, but we and thrilled to see just how resilient and open you are to the challenge of change.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdQDtV9Ont8/WwzSvLkzLII/AAAAAAAAnIc/pQ3O_Srq16UJe_HFrwXcALwurvbWD1BggCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_151207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdQDtV9Ont8/WwzSvLkzLII/AAAAAAAAnIc/pQ3O_Srq16UJe_HFrwXcALwurvbWD1BggCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_151207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love watching you try new things and figure out problems for yourself. You have always been patient, observant, and thoughtful, so it delights me to see you channeling those qualities into problem solving. You're so proud of yourself when you do something on your own!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxFtbgFKtz0/WwzSvI948WI/AAAAAAAAnIc/Bqzz87icvr41C3HCx0NOJN6ggT3R321SQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170617_081238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxFtbgFKtz0/WwzSvI948WI/AAAAAAAAnIc/Bqzz87icvr41C3HCx0NOJN6ggT3R321SQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170617_081238.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ykcEfwV8x0/WwzSvCm5rgI/AAAAAAAAnIc/4KGFp9TxZUA_DyIH5JwijmswUrhteScWACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_102328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ykcEfwV8x0/WwzSvCm5rgI/AAAAAAAAnIc/4KGFp9TxZUA_DyIH5JwijmswUrhteScWACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170909_102328.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This year has also been a year of growth for me and your dad. We're trying so hard to understand your emotions, to help you through tough moments, and sometimes we fail and lose our patience. As our first kid, you have the unfortunate role of guiding us through the toddler years for the first time, and I know it's not always easy. I promise we're giving it our all. We work together long after you go to sleep to try to understand you better, to try to find ways to support your growth, to make sure we aren't imposing any pressure on you. I hope above all that you know how much we love you and that we are trying every day to do right by you.<br />
<br />
This year has been filled with adventure! Sometimes that adventure has been a bit tumultuous, but most of the time it's been a blast!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU_Jhevt2z0/WwzSvG_RoVI/AAAAAAAAnIc/tqiukMX1Eaw9C3qI-qusYF_mBSFSolRsQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_085243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zU_Jhevt2z0/WwzSvG_RoVI/AAAAAAAAnIc/tqiukMX1Eaw9C3qI-qusYF_mBSFSolRsQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171105_085243.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsJ_OmQZQ4g/WwzSvDmTS0I/AAAAAAAAnIc/9rxRltCOJaoVbDzokHVLRQ5msiBCkG0nwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171029_174639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsJ_OmQZQ4g/WwzSvDmTS0I/AAAAAAAAnIc/9rxRltCOJaoVbDzokHVLRQ5msiBCkG0nwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171029_174639.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QTt6VnYJz0/WwzSvMPWhSI/AAAAAAAAnIc/K5C3YNczFaA0b6MwhRfl2OCm6gh22zhoACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170930_181141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QTt6VnYJz0/WwzSvMPWhSI/AAAAAAAAnIc/K5C3YNczFaA0b6MwhRfl2OCm6gh22zhoACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170930_181141.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6xFfBmZoqg/WwzSvLMqF8I/AAAAAAAAnIc/7tTGN333L-sEIJWE4PbXIRTDVoBi6CfYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180213_082806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6xFfBmZoqg/WwzSvLMqF8I/AAAAAAAAnIc/7tTGN333L-sEIJWE4PbXIRTDVoBi6CfYQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180213_082806.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzVwm_uM-gM/WwzSvG_VSBI/AAAAAAAAnIc/t4md_Wce7zEoDFs6yriKeFl4fKPXsub4ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_102512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzVwm_uM-gM/WwzSvG_VSBI/AAAAAAAAnIc/t4md_Wce7zEoDFs6yriKeFl4fKPXsub4ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_102512.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ON4Eh5vI5I8/WwzSvBjBoYI/AAAAAAAAnIc/iDquqwKpJaAW1_PXRlxX0CLm552Tw4jlgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180404_093547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ON4Eh5vI5I8/WwzSvBjBoYI/AAAAAAAAnIc/iDquqwKpJaAW1_PXRlxX0CLm552Tw4jlgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180404_093547.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qp055oQzGA/WwzSvInzvNI/AAAAAAAAnIc/AxXVggcEGRAl1eL5xFmPpWX6C8Gji0-aQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180401_173239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qp055oQzGA/WwzSvInzvNI/AAAAAAAAnIc/AxXVggcEGRAl1eL5xFmPpWX6C8Gji0-aQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180401_173239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For your birthday, we celebrated with a trip to San Francisco. You love the Golden Gate Bridge, so we walked across it (it was windy and freezing, so you hung in the stroller most of the time!), plus we rode a cable car and enjoyed a sundae at Ghirardelli Square. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwtaggDBMXQ/Wwzm1q4_g6I/AAAAAAAAnI8/IlUgNN-_Zc0MNlTE39DNKnlYLz6fz1qnQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180519_110503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwtaggDBMXQ/Wwzm1q4_g6I/AAAAAAAAnI8/IlUgNN-_Zc0MNlTE39DNKnlYLz6fz1qnQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180519_110503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yK25NHkZEU/Wwzm1jCf2AI/AAAAAAAAnI8/n7VEwtfA4cgpqE1jWxZI7iqC3prNooiFQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180519_145353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yK25NHkZEU/Wwzm1jCf2AI/AAAAAAAAnI8/n7VEwtfA4cgpqE1jWxZI7iqC3prNooiFQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180519_145353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOU-NYXd4iY/Wwzm1krT6WI/AAAAAAAAnI8/0qlwyXz-Kn8DnCoB7UQhjgoNeML9e-QqACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180519_104806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOU-NYXd4iY/Wwzm1krT6WI/AAAAAAAAnI8/0qlwyXz-Kn8DnCoB7UQhjgoNeML9e-QqACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180519_104806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't possibly describe the joy of your entire fourth year in one post, but here are some of the highlights and fun facts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Height (at age 4): 42 inches (85%)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Weight: 37 pounds (62%)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Favorite toys: Haley, your Captain America stuffed toy that you sleep with most nights (named after your cousin Haley; you also have one named Colby who lives in your bed but doesn't come everywhere with you like Haley); superhero capes and masks; trains and train tracks; cars and trucks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Favorite games and activities: READING is still your very favorite thing to do! Also, pretending to be Elsa (from <i>Frozen</i>), pretending to be superheroes (we haven't figured out your favorite yet, but you seem to gravitate toward Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, which is thrilling for your daddy because you're all about DC but disappointing for me because Marvel is WAY better), running around after your bath with your towel on your head like a cape, driving in Daddy's work cars, helping Mommy in the kitchen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Favorite foods: Mac and cheese, sweets and treats of any kind, fruit, pepperoni pizza, eggs and toast, oatmeal, quesadillas, and sweet potatoes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Favorite shows: You generally don't like watching TV or movies, but you've found a few things you are willing to watch, including <i>Tumble Leaf </i>on Amazon Prime and YouTube videos of Disney songs. We're making some slow progress on encouraging you to watch Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, but not much luck so far. I know we should be grateful that you aren't obsessed with TV, but we wouldn't mind chilling with you to watch a show now and then!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Least favorite things: transitioning from one activity to the next, being woken up (especially by your brother), sharing with your brother.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some notes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've said it before, but you are incredibly observant and always have been. Now, of course, those observations are translating to repeating specific phrases we say, memorizing entire songs, describing every detail of the human body (from a unit at your preschool), and remembering obscure moments from so long ago we can't imagine how you can possibly still have them in your head.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You love to name your toys lately, almost always girls with names like "Boaty" for a boat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You say such funny phrases and have the most expressive face and gestures. I could listen to you for hours! I hope you always love telling stories in some capacity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You are growing so quickly, and too often I look at you and suddenly see a seven-year-old or twelve-year-old where my tiny toddler should be. I'm clinging to little things--like our bedtime routine where you snuggle with me for a story and let me sing you a song before sleep, or when you need a kiss from me if you scrape your knee, or when you become unspeakably excited about construction trucks--before they're gone too soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ytiKo-VE_0/WwzSvMbuD2I/AAAAAAAAnIc/TrBPsgT3UuQV5Xa8pctMPU4kw6z6lL2-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170915_003328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ytiKo-VE_0/WwzSvMbuD2I/AAAAAAAAnIc/TrBPsgT3UuQV5Xa8pctMPU4kw6z6lL2-wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170915_003328.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Marshall, we are infinitely proud of the sweet, thoughtful, curious person you are. We truly look forward to every day with you, and we are excited for what this year brings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_mwd_cdcSI/WwzSvJ61-qI/AAAAAAAAnIc/qz0uQ1EdhlQlrKJJlL_TcgNMycgbd2JxQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180523_090728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_mwd_cdcSI/WwzSvJ61-qI/AAAAAAAAnIc/qz0uQ1EdhlQlrKJJlL_TcgNMycgbd2JxQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180523_090728.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We love you, sweet boy!</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-65743517166963467082018-05-28T21:02:00.000-07:002018-05-28T21:02:11.718-07:00April 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
April 2018 in a few photos...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2lTIo4mK78/WuJJKcwA1fI/AAAAAAAAnDc/28kpoQehSdoZfhdBP9w1Z3TqDjxsW69lwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180415_153015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2lTIo4mK78/WuJJKcwA1fI/AAAAAAAAnDc/28kpoQehSdoZfhdBP9w1Z3TqDjxsW69lwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180415_153015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boys are really into trains right now, and even Declan can assemble a few pieces of the track by himself. Marshall has made some impressive multi-level tracks, too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIEvrZae3HM/WuJJKZdGXNI/AAAAAAAAnDc/oZTZue_Dkc8GD5HDU8mdOYMtIvL3I2L7gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_085529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIEvrZae3HM/WuJJKZdGXNI/AAAAAAAAnDc/oZTZue_Dkc8GD5HDU8mdOYMtIvL3I2L7gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_085529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scout's in on the action. (I caught him like this when I ran back in the house after we had left for an errand, and I like to think that he was in the middle of playing with the trains and hadn't meant to be caught.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krM0YoVxM_U/WuJJKe2LO9I/AAAAAAAAnDc/F6ohB4tmhtEeHEZB9c41s5knqMxXY4JFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180416_113014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krM0YoVxM_U/WuJJKe2LO9I/AAAAAAAAnDc/F6ohB4tmhtEeHEZB9c41s5knqMxXY4JFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180416_113014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Go Bruins! </div>
<br />
<br />
When you're uncle is in charge of a super cool construction project, you get to visit and watch the magic happen!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8SQbN3Vy1g/WuJJKT-K_II/AAAAAAAAnDc/MzY77WbUmGEBjgUVQvk7470GVO2uRv6MwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180417_120226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8SQbN3Vy1g/WuJJKT-K_II/AAAAAAAAnDc/MzY77WbUmGEBjgUVQvk7470GVO2uRv6MwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180417_120226.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKOVWNopFfw/WuJJKdldaDI/AAAAAAAAnDc/I0KsSHvvpbIiNeFirPB-zG0cTAiS5fCUwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180417_123332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKOVWNopFfw/WuJJKdldaDI/AAAAAAAAnDc/I0KsSHvvpbIiNeFirPB-zG0cTAiS5fCUwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180417_123332.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4MhNu5QKj8/WuJJKSmOhUI/AAAAAAAAnDc/VGv9a8uWsakcsJtlYkKGp_dsLK69o62PQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180418_115012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4MhNu5QKj8/WuJJKSmOhUI/AAAAAAAAnDc/VGv9a8uWsakcsJtlYkKGp_dsLK69o62PQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180418_115012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a07G5g8q7MM/WuJJKazO3bI/AAAAAAAAnDc/dZdpuWQfQMI1Sjwv3G9nyfNTMsJMBcbjACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180419_145830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a07G5g8q7MM/WuJJKazO3bI/AAAAAAAAnDc/dZdpuWQfQMI1Sjwv3G9nyfNTMsJMBcbjACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180419_145830.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Smoothies ("shmoozies") with mama.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fww5fFukkPY/WuJJKSgX5wI/AAAAAAAAnDc/ezkZ1S-kWVUmHyGnTfCMBc09NRqzioBBwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180419_153610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fww5fFukkPY/WuJJKSgX5wI/AAAAAAAAnDc/ezkZ1S-kWVUmHyGnTfCMBc09NRqzioBBwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180419_153610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yoga baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4T72KtavLM/WuJJKf7ByRI/AAAAAAAAnDc/RtJFWZa1Hzw8p3iVq2L-j4wKGNFCbGTpwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180419_153720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4T72KtavLM/WuJJKf7ByRI/AAAAAAAAnDc/RtJFWZa1Hzw8p3iVq2L-j4wKGNFCbGTpwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180419_153720.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfg7bejGOec/WuJJKRoc32I/AAAAAAAAnDc/6jBfoZwMgVM58j_SMUutXppUETQ8T2OIgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_161806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfg7bejGOec/WuJJKRoc32I/AAAAAAAAnDc/6jBfoZwMgVM58j_SMUutXppUETQ8T2OIgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180420_161806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing with trains at our local Barnes & Noble</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJoC6yLPdVs/WuJJKSHt-QI/AAAAAAAAnDc/ZrVev4B7n-cG1GS5AmqcHGrOw3f6GMr1gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_182045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJoC6yLPdVs/WuJJKSHt-QI/AAAAAAAAnDc/ZrVev4B7n-cG1GS5AmqcHGrOw3f6GMr1gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180420_182045.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shortly after this photo was taken, we handed Declan a napkin, which he promptly dipped into the soup. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Superhero play is also at an all-time high. Daddy is not upset about it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdY6rjEdyFE/WuJJKVqJcOI/AAAAAAAAnDc/7C-pGwMxEYwJ20wX8gRCRUyidAZUZbkYwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180420_183111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdY6rjEdyFE/WuJJKVqJcOI/AAAAAAAAnDc/7C-pGwMxEYwJ20wX8gRCRUyidAZUZbkYwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180420_183111.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JW9B-13W2sY/WuJJKX5HzCI/AAAAAAAAnDc/e1NTV2NTC74W-Ako2IW5XNN9pvpu7Lk1gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_082057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JW9B-13W2sY/WuJJKX5HzCI/AAAAAAAAnDc/e1NTV2NTC74W-Ako2IW5XNN9pvpu7Lk1gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_082057.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now that rainy season seems mostly over, we're excited to check out more hiking and local parks. Marshall walked most of one way on this one, even though some hills were pretty tough!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOw6vEtIs6g/WuJJKR26adI/AAAAAAAAnDc/Zy1rLPJDRJQk4eNPOE7bMBgOMxa8HbxXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_100453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vOw6vEtIs6g/WuJJKR26adI/AAAAAAAAnDc/Zy1rLPJDRJQk4eNPOE7bMBgOMxa8HbxXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_100453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruafBKZO_Ag/WuJJKRhHVSI/AAAAAAAAnDc/hFb_NNQcBig1HI964GvH47R_TiRWB3HxgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_100520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ruafBKZO_Ag/WuJJKRhHVSI/AAAAAAAAnDc/hFb_NNQcBig1HI964GvH47R_TiRWB3HxgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_100520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdoGhfsyl70/WuJJKaZCLQI/AAAAAAAAnDc/eg-MfO7hH4QBYh3CiplYr8fkXLPogpthQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_103204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdoGhfsyl70/WuJJKaZCLQI/AAAAAAAAnDc/eg-MfO7hH4QBYh3CiplYr8fkXLPogpthQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_103204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R66gi7VxBXs/WuJJKY6ngMI/AAAAAAAAnDc/UQ1Jp7xrF-0JpOkp2Y5Vl8ILFPpXQlc-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_110044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R66gi7VxBXs/WuJJKY6ngMI/AAAAAAAAnDc/UQ1Jp7xrF-0JpOkp2Y5Vl8ILFPpXQlc-wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_110044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emyyIgu_xLc/WuJJKRB7zfI/AAAAAAAAnDc/F5Se49y3EZQz2jXZdJF27PfdAGUP0vriwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_111215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emyyIgu_xLc/WuJJKRB7zfI/AAAAAAAAnDc/F5Se49y3EZQz2jXZdJF27PfdAGUP0vriwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_111215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baby couldn't hang.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
For Terry's recent birthday, Marshall helped me bake the cake. He suggested (demanded?) "vanilla cake with chocolate frosting" and Terry didn't argue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebk0IFpoctQ/WuJJKbYHI4I/AAAAAAAAnDc/AuLJZ9MYy3oBy_SMesGyoyCDNWpa0fshgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_131245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebk0IFpoctQ/WuJJKbYHI4I/AAAAAAAAnDc/AuLJZ9MYy3oBy_SMesGyoyCDNWpa0fshgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_131245.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGdeXCfqsCE/WuJJKa1Ki1I/AAAAAAAAnDc/t0dQfGpcAyUuoW4uYVGhTRzJqmtE5H2XQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_155343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGdeXCfqsCE/WuJJKa1Ki1I/AAAAAAAAnDc/t0dQfGpcAyUuoW4uYVGhTRzJqmtE5H2XQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_155343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdW-I8RPGPs/WuJJKbhLu6I/AAAAAAAAnDc/Gnec-LuwhGoEnyLjYDdGCL7Ek-QnE-ApgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_155401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdW-I8RPGPs/WuJJKbhLu6I/AAAAAAAAnDc/Gnec-LuwhGoEnyLjYDdGCL7Ek-QnE-ApgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_155401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATleIfcswtY/WuJJKcmikZI/AAAAAAAAnDc/_jK4QblLhNkq3zr6EFeYo8SQD16arWcRQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_155643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ATleIfcswtY/WuJJKcmikZI/AAAAAAAAnDc/_jK4QblLhNkq3zr6EFeYo8SQD16arWcRQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_155643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy birthday to this wonderful man!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jk6144wi5lI/WuJJKS7joNI/AAAAAAAAnDc/H1gRelXeSWE6cW-Tjw3k3kg1J0DGkWwCQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_160739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jk6144wi5lI/WuJJKS7joNI/AAAAAAAAnDc/H1gRelXeSWE6cW-Tjw3k3kg1J0DGkWwCQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_160739.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After cake, we told Declan to put his hands up to avoid wiping his hands all over himself, and he sat there like this for a solid minute, probably wondering what the heck was going on (and why we started laughing so hard). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Our first outdoor dinner in our backyard!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70M9N_MJ4Kk/WuJJKbWj7cI/AAAAAAAAnDc/8F7_Qpd5xFwkLq07ERi2Mt7iQPggLXsiQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_184018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70M9N_MJ4Kk/WuJJKbWj7cI/AAAAAAAAnDc/8F7_Qpd5xFwkLq07ERi2Mt7iQPggLXsiQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_184018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fsAhYQ7pdo/WuJJKeyGabI/AAAAAAAAnDc/3vXQfr8PTPw1r50zr0kms1YqRMOXGbjwACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180421_184817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fsAhYQ7pdo/WuJJKeyGabI/AAAAAAAAnDc/3vXQfr8PTPw1r50zr0kms1YqRMOXGbjwACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180421_184817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We took advantage of a hot weekend day and ventured out to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (the closest beach to my family as a kid!). We will be back several times this summer for sure!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHi8CRKw0HQ/WuJJKXkpygI/AAAAAAAAnDc/BdOK7sr1R-szywNZUAiA4S4I5cGbf7R-gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_101046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHi8CRKw0HQ/WuJJKXkpygI/AAAAAAAAnDc/BdOK7sr1R-szywNZUAiA4S4I5cGbf7R-gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_101046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sbw6sDcGUis/WuJJKYf_6yI/AAAAAAAAnDc/f8pu4b_1YfYd-GFuPyQQoZALhVuCFHQiwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_102416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sbw6sDcGUis/WuJJKYf_6yI/AAAAAAAAnDc/f8pu4b_1YfYd-GFuPyQQoZALhVuCFHQiwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_102416.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KL9MqPBkDQs/WuJJKYw8bzI/AAAAAAAAnDc/HFoDDIjQifkOdJEq_frOX6g5D5N0Z-ZSgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_102418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KL9MqPBkDQs/WuJJKYw8bzI/AAAAAAAAnDc/HFoDDIjQifkOdJEq_frOX6g5D5N0Z-ZSgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_102418.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WeesHgkCrzo/WuJJKU0R8bI/AAAAAAAAnDc/AbTJlc5TClQINSd9r9DGX1qBBR0UkkT4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_105722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WeesHgkCrzo/WuJJKU0R8bI/AAAAAAAAnDc/AbTJlc5TClQINSd9r9DGX1qBBR0UkkT4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_105722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezbcxd7Gpzc/WuJJKRBU2II/AAAAAAAAnDc/i4UoiuoYi5czX4s0E1PBncxUrl9qlq00QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_110931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ezbcxd7Gpzc/WuJJKRBU2II/AAAAAAAAnDc/i4UoiuoYi5czX4s0E1PBncxUrl9qlq00QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_110931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tt8rBfn8po/WuJJKV_5Q1I/AAAAAAAAnDc/xZt7cfsckM0oRxWpPVpAXPdfvlPNdmaIQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_110939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tt8rBfn8po/WuJJKV_5Q1I/AAAAAAAAnDc/xZt7cfsckM0oRxWpPVpAXPdfvlPNdmaIQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_110939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4EkJAzzZKI/WuJJKf3CibI/AAAAAAAAnDc/BQn8yxPCo3E2l52QcHxDKgdxhDxBNhyZACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_111106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4EkJAzzZKI/WuJJKf3CibI/AAAAAAAAnDc/BQn8yxPCo3E2l52QcHxDKgdxhDxBNhyZACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_111106.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-0wtQ3yHX8/WuJJKbFNPMI/AAAAAAAAnDc/czSKfd8G7sAZkJQLFkdOTmtSu07Kx4GOACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_111254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-0wtQ3yHX8/WuJJKbFNPMI/AAAAAAAAnDc/czSKfd8G7sAZkJQLFkdOTmtSu07Kx4GOACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_111254.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been on a pretty decent cooking streak lately, trying out new recipes and just helping us eat out less. While I don't post much about food and cooking (or at all...) anymore, I do still meal plan every week, I focus a lot on <a href="https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-defined-a-k-a-the-rules/">real food</a> but of course welcome and enjoy treats, and I still love cooking and baking as much as ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sj9zYo6vTY/WuJJKcyyJEI/AAAAAAAAnDc/X0OiMg2VfEgRVVop1gHsI31kdSnjDW6uQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180422_164309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sj9zYo6vTY/WuJJKcyyJEI/AAAAAAAAnDc/X0OiMg2VfEgRVVop1gHsI31kdSnjDW6uQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180422_164309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Left: burrito filling (homemade black bean ragout from Smitten Kitchen's cookbook, brown rice, corn, and spinach); right: roasted vegetables</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e_8DSwWsds/WuJJKTVrBSI/AAAAAAAAnDc/014VOTk5rzkcNUFDMnx4B8db-fUFwu10gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180423_155048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e_8DSwWsds/WuJJKTVrBSI/AAAAAAAAnDc/014VOTk5rzkcNUFDMnx4B8db-fUFwu10gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180423_155048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
lasagna roll-ups, which were kind of a fail, because the store didn't have butternut squash and I forgot to buy three other ingredients, so obviously it was destined to be a disaster, but Terry and I still ate it!</div>
<br />
<br />
And lastly, some more fun photos from days with Declan:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3p9p0QbmCE/WuJJKfTjTmI/AAAAAAAAnDc/oDy_43sXgaA-6W_Gf6wb-0zO2Xzasn_hACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_102822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3p9p0QbmCE/WuJJKfTjTmI/AAAAAAAAnDc/oDy_43sXgaA-6W_Gf6wb-0zO2Xzasn_hACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180424_102822.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wonder at the children's museum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mab8NtPysQo/WuJJKWvsuQI/AAAAAAAAnDc/wd26xeCZqQweGTdiOjLYzqmAfYQ4f1tYACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180424_161757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mab8NtPysQo/WuJJKWvsuQI/AAAAAAAAnDc/wd26xeCZqQweGTdiOjLYzqmAfYQ4f1tYACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180424_161757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Glaring at me while we drive to pick up Marshall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More to come soon!</div>
</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-12458580202223189682018-04-26T14:44:00.001-07:002018-04-26T14:44:14.673-07:00Day in the Life: 18 Months, 3.5 YearsI have been wanting to write a "day in the life" post for quite a while now, just to have a reminder for myself of what these days were like. "These days" feel--at various times--long, fun, sweet, difficult, too short, rushed, mundane, and precious. Every day is different, so I know what I write here won't capture this season entirely, but a snapshot is better than nothing.<br />
<br />
For perspective, our current situation: We have been living in Silicon Valley for about four months. Marshall attends preschool full time (about 9:15 am to 4:00 pm), and Declan stays home with me. We're hoping that soon enough I'll land a full time job, so I have an ever-present awareness that these days of lazy (er, less crazy?) mornings, no-schedule hours midday, and do-whatever-I-want naptimes will eventually end. I'm soaking them in as much as I can! (Also, I wrote this post last week and have been dragging my feet on getting the photos loaded.)<br />
<br />
5:45 am: Declan is awake. We just got home a few days ago from our biggest trip in years--a full week of travel to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina--and Declan is still adjusting to the time change. Today's wakeup time is much better than yesterday's (a full hour earlier), so we'll take it! Terry gets up to hang with Dec and I gratefully stay in bed to sleep a bit longer.<br />
<br />
6:40 am: I finally get myself up to start the day. I'm pretty good about getting my contacts in, face rinsed, hair brushed first thing in the morning, but I rarely get dressed right away, and I always regret it. It's not bad to hang out in pjs all morning, but when it's time to go I always wish I had gotten myself ready first. Oh well. Declan comes in my room to see what I'm up to and we head out to play in the living room for a while.<br />
<br />
7:00 am: Marshall is our sleepy head in the mornings--or, actually, he's usually awake but prefers to just hang out in his bed a while before getting up. Today he's up right around 7:00, ready to "plaaaaaaay!"<br />
<br />
7:15 am: I get breakfast going (eggs, toast, and fruit--my favorite) while the boys read, play, hang out with Daddy. Breakfast is the only meal of the day we are guaranteed to enjoy altogether, so we make it a point to sit and (attempt to) relax with the boys. Luckily they love pretty much all breakfast foods so we rarely have to struggle with "take one bite" on repeat during this meal. Today we talk about the weather (more rain on the way, yay!), upcoming events at Marshall's school, and the like.<br />
<br />
7:50 am: I suggest a walk after breakfast, since we're a bit early, so we tackle the always-difficult task of getting the kids and ourselves ready for a simple walk around the neighborhood. Marshall has a tough time with transitions--as all toddlers do--so we work through changing clothes, going to the bathroom, and finally getting outside.<br />
<br />
8:10 am: We enjoy a 25-minute walk around the neighborhood with the double stroller. The boys generally enjoy walks (once we get outside), and it gives Terry and I a few minutes to chat. It's also a lovely day!<br />
<br />
8:35 am: Back home, Terry and I take turns showering and hanging with the kids. They are starting to get to a point where they can handle longer and longer periods of less intense supervision, but we stay close for now. Today Marshall chose to help Declan put on his rain boots, which was such a sweet moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9oMho2wrn0/WuJEmXuUdRI/AAAAAAAAnC8/4zak-tNqVcQzSEEn-C-DDPgbypRLH5JgACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_085547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u9oMho2wrn0/WuJEmXuUdRI/AAAAAAAAnC8/4zak-tNqVcQzSEEn-C-DDPgbypRLH5JgACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_085547.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
9:00 am: Terry and Marshall head out. When possible, Terry tries to take Marshall to school, which ends up being about twice per week. Meanwhile, Declan and I finish getting ready and head out ourselves!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUxZVUnkIyk/WuJEmaLhcoI/AAAAAAAAnC8/s5U7PB9s7nAGRwQEqTBKT0kn5TyudFJTQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_113423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUxZVUnkIyk/WuJEmaLhcoI/AAAAAAAAnC8/s5U7PB9s7nAGRwQEqTBKT0kn5TyudFJTQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_113423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
9:30 am: On our way out to the car, Declan starts running loops around our little rock bed in the front yard, so I engage him in a little game of chase. I remind myself what a blessing it is to be able to take our time like this. It wasn't so long ago that I was working full time and we did a lot more rushing around, and I know it'll go back to that soon when I'm (hopefully) employed again. For now, I'm trying to remember to allow these little delays.<br />
<br />
9:37 am: Declan and I arrive at our local library to return some books, but the library isn't open yet so we stroll down the block to this neighborhood's main street. One thing I love about the Bay Area is all the small downtowns we have yet to explore.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_s8kxwpL1mU/WuJEmY654II/AAAAAAAAnC8/PaCByTnQHEsiJeo4iSx7WIYCy3EYakpYACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_094556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_s8kxwpL1mU/WuJEmY654II/AAAAAAAAnC8/PaCByTnQHEsiJeo4iSx7WIYCy3EYakpYACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_094556.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Today I decide to pop in to a little bakery to grab a mini pastry, and Dec and I share it on a bench outside. He says, "Bench," and seems so happy sitting there. I love these moments. (On the other hand, moments like yesterday when he simply couldn't find anything to make him feel content are a bit harder.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk_Jtg3OcvY/WuJEmct7AKI/AAAAAAAAnC8/AVKhY0Ee3_oGrm_zxL63LNT6mesx9hlUgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_095716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk_Jtg3OcvY/WuJEmct7AKI/AAAAAAAAnC8/AVKhY0Ee3_oGrm_zxL63LNT6mesx9hlUgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_095716.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
10:00 am: We're back at the library and head inside to play, grab books, and roll around on the giant teddy bears in the children's section. Declan plays with a little girl, and it reminds me that he really will benefit from getting to socialize at daycare when he gets to go.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_zL70_cUXY/WuJEmQ8ML_I/AAAAAAAAnC8/bNxyyNQMadoa6LapuCqg_oATEZqotwEfQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_102957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_zL70_cUXY/WuJEmQ8ML_I/AAAAAAAAnC8/bNxyyNQMadoa6LapuCqg_oATEZqotwEfQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_102957.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwm7uQZkHRk/WuJEmd9aOoI/AAAAAAAAnC8/nhpORD_YHgQqZI-D0M0Ta_mkQibVn9xcACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_100256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwm7uQZkHRk/WuJEmd9aOoI/AAAAAAAAnC8/nhpORD_YHgQqZI-D0M0Ta_mkQibVn9xcACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_100256.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoVfiT3W67M/WuJEmQUdEOI/AAAAAAAAnC8/LpzjVsKY0PoOgdzC1wHtzSTr8UVLn92OACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_102145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoVfiT3W67M/WuJEmQUdEOI/AAAAAAAAnC8/LpzjVsKY0PoOgdzC1wHtzSTr8UVLn92OACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_102145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
11:00 am: We arrive back home. I make some tea for myself, and we hang out reading some of our library books and playing with Scout. A diaper change is thrown in there somewhere, and I update Terry on our day so far.<br />
<br />
12:00 pm: Lunch! I serve Dec a snacky meal: hard-boiled egg, cucumber and carrot with hummus, and a banana muffin. I'm not hungry yet, so I chat with Declan while I prep dinner. I explain the process of making <a href="https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-broccoli-cheese-soup/">broccoli cheese soup</a> (<--I skip the bacon and double the broccoli and we all love this recipe!), and he giggles when I run the immersion blender. If I ever become a cooking show host, my children will be able to say they were my first audience. What an honor for them, right?<br />
<br />
12:40 pm: Satisfied with lunch, Declan heads in for his nap. He can usually get himself to sleep on his own, but today he's calling for me after 15 minutes so I rock him all the way to sleep. The peaceful feeling I get when I see my babies sleeping never gets old.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gg7MCRdyPU/WuJEmV6ka9I/AAAAAAAAnC8/7es17yu1Jd0mxiwI0Bn0zuWeVC6YbF6ZACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_130813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gg7MCRdyPU/WuJEmV6ka9I/AAAAAAAAnC8/7es17yu1Jd0mxiwI0Bn0zuWeVC6YbF6ZACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_130813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(fun fact: Declan almost always sleeps on his back, and usually with his arms over his head, just like when he was a newborn <3)</div>
<br />
1:10 pm: I tiptoe out of Declan's room and start this blog post, eating my lunch of leftover chana masala<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaodLLSu1bU/WuJEmejtOwI/AAAAAAAAnC8/FoB1OltMEZ4Ee8aSu8OttIT4bj1ASZzmQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_132136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kaodLLSu1bU/WuJEmejtOwI/AAAAAAAAnC8/FoB1OltMEZ4Ee8aSu8OttIT4bj1ASZzmQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_132136.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
and watching Julie & Julia. Then I race around the house tidying up, washing dishes, and working on another cover letter for a job application. I relish this time to myself, to do as I please and keep the house running as I see fit. Usually I use the time to cook, meal plan, clean, organize parts of the house, do laundry, and take breaks to read blogs or browse social media. Declan's nap time gives me energy to tackle the rest of the afternoon and evening, and I am grateful for it.<br />
<br />
3:10 pm: Declan is awake, so I wrap up a few more tasks and scoop him out of his crib. We only have a few minutes to hang out before heading to Marshall's school for pickup.<br />
<br />
3:50 pm: We arrive at Marshall's school, and Marshall interrupts his class story time to ask me if he can stay to finish the book. I love his sweet innocence; he walks up to me while the teacher is still reading to start telling me all about the book. We gather up his belongings and head out, and he chats to me the whole way home about the book they were reading, what he wants to do at home, and ideas for fun tonight.<br />
<br />
4:10 pm: We're back at home, and it's a bit windy and chilly out, so we head inside to play. Marshall is excited about all the new library books, so we read a few. The boys have trouble agreeing on one book, and when we settle on a firetruck book they have trouble agreeing on the pacing (Declan wants to stare at one page and keeps going back to it, but Marshall insists that we keep marching ahead). I make myself another cup of tea and soak up almost two hours of cuddles, giggles, and squabbles with the boys.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIcJfCDzGLc/WuJEmWTz13I/AAAAAAAAnC8/dGltxfTesF47EMjy0EuD3e8QiWJi6kORQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_115203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIcJfCDzGLc/WuJEmWTz13I/AAAAAAAAnC8/dGltxfTesF47EMjy0EuD3e8QiWJi6kORQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_115203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPUfYTcwm1M/WuJEmZTYc1I/AAAAAAAAnC8/QuTbVnbuHnMEfwSNuoNKHVuYYI2qrgTdwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_165448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPUfYTcwm1M/WuJEmZTYc1I/AAAAAAAAnC8/QuTbVnbuHnMEfwSNuoNKHVuYYI2qrgTdwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_165448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNlYVoUHI7M/WuJEmc3kInI/AAAAAAAAnC8/qWy38NN9BbsXAfb8PyyrstcocXnCbJq-gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_172245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNlYVoUHI7M/WuJEmc3kInI/AAAAAAAAnC8/qWy38NN9BbsXAfb8PyyrstcocXnCbJq-gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_172245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
5:55 pm: I reheat the broccoli soup from earlier and throw some bread in the toaster to warm up. The boys are doing a great job of playing independently--a rare occurrence!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm8XahXDZ-E/WuJEmZ_1eBI/AAAAAAAAnC8/xT7PSO-rR2wJkfb9uBNi9SbHTRZF3F6vACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180410_125608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm8XahXDZ-E/WuJEmZ_1eBI/AAAAAAAAnC8/xT7PSO-rR2wJkfb9uBNi9SbHTRZF3F6vACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180410_125608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
6:05 pm: The boys decide they want to help me with dinner, so they pull out the kitchen tower and climb up. I'm scrambling to make sure they don't slice fingers on the cheese grater when Terry gets home. He and the boys set the table while I serve dinner. I'm always so grateful to have him home before dinner!<br />
<br />
6:13 pm: The boys love the soup (what's not to love about cheesy soup?). We chat about our days and laugh at Declan eating his meal with two spoons.<br />
<br />
6:35 pm: Dinner is pretty quick, and the boys all head to the bathroom for bath time. I stay in the kitchen to wash a few dishes, store leftovers, clean the kitchen, and write up a quick workout for me and Terry.<br />
<br />
7:05 pm: Declan comes running out of the bathroom and into the kitchen to find me after bath, my cue to step back in to help get the boys ready for bed. I let Declan run around in just a diaper for a second, and then Terry and I tag team pajamas. Terry reads Declan his bedtime story and gets him into bed. Marshall gets a few more wiggles out and then snuggles up with me on the couch for a few books. Terry joins us for a bit and then we bring him to bed together around 7:40.<br />
<br />
7:45 pm: Terry and I chat for a few minutes about our days and then start in on a solid leg workout while catching up on a few TV shows. We end up on the couch watching a few more with some cookies and wine to end the day. We also book a hotel for our upcoming night away--just us! It's been almost two years since we had a night away from the kids, so we're really excited to sleep and relax and have uninterrupted conversations!<br />
<br />
10:20 pm: Time for bed! I shower, read a few chapters of a new book, and then it's lights out.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-56080382162752990722018-04-08T22:35:00.000-07:002018-04-08T22:35:06.752-07:00Declan: 18 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy half birthday to our funny, sweet, adorable little boy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAZf6WSBWng/Wsrotkv_smI/AAAAAAAAnB8/bd3doCBw2fEi6M1hoxj7IrJ_0KGhXZjPACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_105448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAZf6WSBWng/Wsrotkv_smI/AAAAAAAAnB8/bd3doCBw2fEi6M1hoxj7IrJ_0KGhXZjPACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_105448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I should get some height and weight stats this week at Declan's check up appointment, but he fits in all the clothes Marshall was wearing at this age, so I assume the numbers are similar. 18 months is such a FUN age! I remember it well with Marshall, too (<a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2015/12/18-months.html">Marshall at 18 months</a>, just for fun), and I absolutely love watching Declan in this stage of life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jETnaYDewpg/WsrotsdMl6I/AAAAAAAAnB8/zoPMtSAh0uQgkj577nKYjMqeS-hhMFHrQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180302_093845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jETnaYDewpg/WsrotsdMl6I/AAAAAAAAnB8/zoPMtSAh0uQgkj577nKYjMqeS-hhMFHrQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180302_093845.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan is a big eater and loves most foods. He hates potatoes. (On St. Patrick's Day, I joked that he's got the world's most Irish name and is German and yet hates potatoes. I have no idea.) But for the most part he's really into meal time and cries when I don't serve him fast enough. Many days, he eats more than his big brother!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfOuMEgmJFc/Wsrotq_8yiI/AAAAAAAAnB8/1gCRMyHZLrk87vlZth6iH4NovZVPMzapQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180401_133548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfOuMEgmJFc/Wsrotq_8yiI/AAAAAAAAnB8/1gCRMyHZLrk87vlZth6iH4NovZVPMzapQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180401_133548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybpg_RatWXU/WsrotpxptqI/AAAAAAAAnB8/YAt1HIoNegQHQaapQpoHUfBi572AiXUTACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180407_183704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybpg_RatWXU/WsrotpxptqI/AAAAAAAAnB8/YAt1HIoNegQHQaapQpoHUfBi572AiXUTACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180407_183704.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan is gaining a lot of coordination and is much more steady on his feet. Just last week he started picking up speed and now he can almost run! I love watching his determination as he tries to make his little feet move as fast as possible. He also <i>really</i> wants to learn how to jump. He's got a solid squat and then he stands up really fast and says, "Jump!" Sometimes he picks up one foot, but he never gets off the ground. I just love it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqLoq-_L1dk/WsrotuAds1I/AAAAAAAAnB8/g3mb3o36WL0TZtIEkXO5WFOTH8oigN31QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180320_183230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqLoq-_L1dk/WsrotuAds1I/AAAAAAAAnB8/g3mb3o36WL0TZtIEkXO5WFOTH8oigN31QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180320_183230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan's language is exploding, too! He is gaining new words every day, and we hear him improving his pronunciation of words, too. Some new words lately: excavator ("etta"), horse, frog, panda, shirt. And my favorite right now: "'Shull" (his word for Marshall). He also just started saying "Denden" which means Declan. He also shakes his head when he says "no" and just makes me smile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzpXiQikUT4/Wsrotv8HoDI/AAAAAAAAnB8/Phi3U9BHtxsWWgwabswo1I4MlXwXcNuEgCKgBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1522092939317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzpXiQikUT4/Wsrotv8HoDI/AAAAAAAAnB8/Phi3U9BHtxsWWgwabswo1I4MlXwXcNuEgCKgBGAs/s320/PhotoGrid_1522092939317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan still stays home with me for the time being, and we get lots of quality time together. His favorite activities are water play (I've started setting up some bowls and cups for pouring and splashing in our backyard), reading, doing anything his brother is doing, tinkering around the house with whatever toys he stumbles upon, and any gross motor activities (walking, running, climbing stairs, etc.). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kldqd42Koo/WsrotnhCeiI/AAAAAAAAnB8/IRYEuxYqomI2UFNoe2nXSiPszT4wgTA7ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180326_112806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kldqd42Koo/WsrotnhCeiI/AAAAAAAAnB8/IRYEuxYqomI2UFNoe2nXSiPszT4wgTA7ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180326_112806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zv_Zf2qi1E/WsrotgMVZFI/AAAAAAAAnB8/p-7ECw5p-Ls87BgaxXccsd11rq1VOd1MACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180328_094614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zv_Zf2qi1E/WsrotgMVZFI/AAAAAAAAnB8/p-7ECw5p-Ls87BgaxXccsd11rq1VOd1MACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180328_094614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp-Q1ntpUuI/WsrotvAl8RI/AAAAAAAAnB8/GpMG9y1CNAcXr3xHQfjQUQbAxwl-e6CFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180221_103000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp-Q1ntpUuI/WsrotvAl8RI/AAAAAAAAnB8/GpMG9y1CNAcXr3xHQfjQUQbAxwl-e6CFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180221_103000.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpSg519l0jQ/WsrotpNxYRI/AAAAAAAAnB8/JYK6eUSCG5smYFu2_tvUj-PZWZUTMuG7gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180403_091612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpSg519l0jQ/WsrotpNxYRI/AAAAAAAAnB8/JYK6eUSCG5smYFu2_tvUj-PZWZUTMuG7gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180403_091612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c55vdwvLSu4/WsrotrMfNeI/AAAAAAAAnB8/z30NfOUnS2QCDvRopGC-0MPzhZzgzO0lwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180211_150833_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c55vdwvLSu4/WsrotrMfNeI/AAAAAAAAnB8/z30NfOUnS2QCDvRopGC-0MPzhZzgzO0lwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180211_150833_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XvJUzVBOos/WsrothWmOCI/AAAAAAAAnB8/U4n1OE1paAwwb4huRqafrymzCyCq9BA9ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180214_093243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XvJUzVBOos/WsrothWmOCI/AAAAAAAAnB8/U4n1OE1paAwwb4huRqafrymzCyCq9BA9ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180214_093243.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For a long time, I worried that Declan wouldn't love reading, since he showed just about zero interest for his first year. But finally, we won him over in the last few months. (I have no advice here, except to say that when he did finally start to seem interested in one book, we would stop whatever we were doing to join him and read with him. Even now, if he brings us a book, we'll do everything we can to stop and read so that he sees it's a priority for us and that it's a good way to spend quality time together. Ultimately, though, I realize that he is probably naturally interested in books and reading and it just took a little while to reveal that interest.) Reading with Marshall has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I am so thrilled to get to share a similar experience with Declan, too. Of course, it's rare that we get them to want to read the same book at the same time, but we'll take what we can get!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND6iK8KCtYc/WsrotpiRPzI/AAAAAAAAnB8/mPXS1cnhYngCY-s78JRIrxMCUEi8HzvSQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180321_174913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND6iK8KCtYc/WsrotpiRPzI/AAAAAAAAnB8/mPXS1cnhYngCY-s78JRIrxMCUEi8HzvSQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180321_174913.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmq66QeDBMM/Wsrotlb3dYI/AAAAAAAAnB8/vfetYadObi84TWt4gZ2wRy41w3nTPYCAACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180402_194939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmq66QeDBMM/Wsrotlb3dYI/AAAAAAAAnB8/vfetYadObi84TWt4gZ2wRy41w3nTPYCAACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180402_194939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of his brother, Declan and Marshall are starting to form a brotherly bond. I'm excited to see their relationship evolving past coexistence and into moments of joy and fun together. These moments do not last long, and they usually end in tears, but I can see glimpses of a future of brotherly love, and I'm willing to wait for more of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boOAy3GAnJA/WsrotlIySTI/AAAAAAAAnB8/FwVSqALnFJ4zN1r1oddrQZBOxF3yyCG8gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180318_105238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boOAy3GAnJA/WsrotlIySTI/AAAAAAAAnB8/FwVSqALnFJ4zN1r1oddrQZBOxF3yyCG8gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180318_105238.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfoTLI27NqA/WsrotsAtzpI/AAAAAAAAnB8/BstxRv3ZXykLfGMOJ7FAeS22QwktzYtMACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180405_163000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfoTLI27NqA/WsrotsAtzpI/AAAAAAAAnB8/BstxRv3ZXykLfGMOJ7FAeS22QwktzYtMACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180405_163000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaM8ORySCKw/WsrotioRrLI/AAAAAAAAnB8/lyoePrdh7ZEOsJjBU2mLjUD4GEHTjJ7nQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180407_165802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaM8ORySCKw/WsrotioRrLI/AAAAAAAAnB8/lyoePrdh7ZEOsJjBU2mLjUD4GEHTjJ7nQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180407_165802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7LOE45UWDQ/Wsrotm6xfwI/AAAAAAAAnB8/UAzbVHUOH8QmuJTo5Xh-Omh9DlngbOn6gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180327_165607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7LOE45UWDQ/Wsrotm6xfwI/AAAAAAAAnB8/UAzbVHUOH8QmuJTo5Xh-Omh9DlngbOn6gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180327_165607.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some days we have molars breaking through (he's at 9 teeth, first molar in, and we're all dreading the next few), and life is hard on those days. Lots of clinging to mama, whining, crying, and not sleeping. Poor baby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOmV-BiCobY/WsrothN77bI/AAAAAAAAnB8/KkHis8o-uJQ1_xXLasvjyv5NZVNDLbp1wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180323_143618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOmV-BiCobY/WsrothN77bI/AAAAAAAAnB8/KkHis8o-uJQ1_xXLasvjyv5NZVNDLbp1wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180323_143618.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But most days, we have a happy, funny, silly little guy who loves to make faces and imitate the people around him. He is curious, engaged, confident, and loving. He loves mama and dada and Marshall, and he makes our family and days so bright.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JF32pjtJEQw/WsrotopYDxI/AAAAAAAAnB8/VVhqkvGSj3savNqA7b-2j5-w9P1bwYhuACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180407_170817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JF32pjtJEQw/WsrotopYDxI/AAAAAAAAnB8/VVhqkvGSj3savNqA7b-2j5-w9P1bwYhuACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180407_170817.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpahzSBbpzo/Wsrotps0TLI/AAAAAAAAnB8/uXz5Y1yClfMEsjQWKPibV6fRLHPm-eT-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180324_174837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpahzSBbpzo/Wsrotps0TLI/AAAAAAAAnB8/uXz5Y1yClfMEsjQWKPibV6fRLHPm-eT-wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180324_174837.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlR7T38zCbI/Wsrotn1EzAI/AAAAAAAAnB8/YKfpVsX8x5kYDz0zp1PdNedniTEB4P9xgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180408_113907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlR7T38zCbI/Wsrotn1EzAI/AAAAAAAAnB8/YKfpVsX8x5kYDz0zp1PdNedniTEB4P9xgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180408_113907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtVo4bbgxSU/Wsrotp6QEbI/AAAAAAAAnB8/BAZnj17KLB07RzmuifexjJ2GkVVVfMYFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180329_102338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtVo4bbgxSU/Wsrotp6QEbI/AAAAAAAAnB8/BAZnj17KLB07RzmuifexjJ2GkVVVfMYFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180329_102338.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0epEkG3IS44/Wsrotlw9XxI/AAAAAAAAnB8/d3-NxWwX4ycdyubLNzsvtk_LkFJznXHbwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180407_062556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0epEkG3IS44/Wsrotlw9XxI/AAAAAAAAnB8/d3-NxWwX4ycdyubLNzsvtk_LkFJznXHbwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180407_062556.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He chose this outfit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_YVBY9gEtU/Wsrotp2xFAI/AAAAAAAAnB8/2drnrRYv630POI09T_gvORqoyyZeZ6ZYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180401_174537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_YVBY9gEtU/Wsrotp2xFAI/AAAAAAAAnB8/2drnrRYv630POI09T_gvORqoyyZeZ6ZYQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180401_174537.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A year and a half of this joy is only the beginning. We can't wait to see what happens as he edges nearer to age two! </div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-49912190999426926462018-01-21T21:50:00.000-08:002018-01-21T21:50:01.612-08:00Currently (15 Months & 3.5 Years)A snapshot of our lives with Declan (15 months) and Marshall (just over 3.5 years), two months into our new adventure in Silicon Valley...<br />
<br />
Rain! We've all purchased new rain gear, and our boys don't quite understand why we can't ALWAYS go outside. It's funny: In LA, we tried to spend a lot of time outside, but the boys didn't necessarily beg to go out, and they didn't argue when it was time to come back in the house. Now, though, it's all about being "out!" (as Declan declares loudly each day). Luckily, we have our backyard, our front yard, and a very close park to choose from when we do have decent enough weather.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6Ih-FJW8Jc/WmVtRSuPptI/AAAAAAAAm9c/vyCfloDKQYI9whErDcYY1ipe_AmG_0uhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_144910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6Ih-FJW8Jc/WmVtRSuPptI/AAAAAAAAm9c/vyCfloDKQYI9whErDcYY1ipe_AmG_0uhQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180109_144910.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, babies in rain gear...need I say more?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5E8CqdJTJw/WmVuwHy0ZhI/AAAAAAAAm90/oTdP615kdoA9NrZEB2cChgG-Zk7qPzdXgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180118_163544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5E8CqdJTJw/WmVuwHy0ZhI/AAAAAAAAm90/oTdP615kdoA9NrZEB2cChgG-Zk7qPzdXgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180118_163544.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So now we spend a LOT of time outside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7QZxK73UqI/WmVtRfhktdI/AAAAAAAAm9c/6l2cBkhX81IJMhSYw5kVqJ9RV0DaVR76wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180111_104648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7QZxK73UqI/WmVtRfhktdI/AAAAAAAAm9c/6l2cBkhX81IJMhSYw5kVqJ9RV0DaVR76wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180111_104648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We found a local trail for walks, and our double stroller is logging quite a few miles this winter!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3QWZNexNgY/WmVtRdCakiI/AAAAAAAAm9c/Syx9z2YdVDQqrxKQpcarUcH6DU7CYdpGwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180113_163013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3QWZNexNgY/WmVtRdCakiI/AAAAAAAAm9c/Syx9z2YdVDQqrxKQpcarUcH6DU7CYdpGwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180113_163013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our little independent three-year-old is testing out how far he can run away from us. This scene is pretty common nowadays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0VlxCCMWwY/WmVtRbJiV3I/AAAAAAAAm9c/hIzQAbucxX4wcaLPCSeiWn2hUabbrbrWACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180113_164603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0VlxCCMWwY/WmVtRbJiV3I/AAAAAAAAm9c/hIzQAbucxX4wcaLPCSeiWn2hUabbrbrWACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180113_164603.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We are eagerly exploring new neighborhoods and trying out new restaurants. One thing I love about the Bay Area is that each small city has its own downtown, and most of them are adorable main street areas with cute shops, fun restaurants, and good people watching. It's nice to have a Place To Go on days we just need to get out of the house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaTpokKDubc/WmVtRc52qpI/AAAAAAAAm9c/osgtpkY82KYrbEcMY448eYioDXm8MReWQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180113_181127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaTpokKDubc/WmVtRc52qpI/AAAAAAAAm9c/osgtpkY82KYrbEcMY448eYioDXm8MReWQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180113_181127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But we find plenty to do around the house too. Lots of "Mommy, play with me!" and shrieks (playing? arguing? who can tell?) and giggles. It's chaotic and fun and exhausting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTfL0jaDhWg/WmVtRUGI-fI/AAAAAAAAm9c/PCr2TCrYaXgBzwLzpKoH33lCS9OjQ340gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180113_154311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTfL0jaDhWg/WmVtRUGI-fI/AAAAAAAAm9c/PCr2TCrYaXgBzwLzpKoH33lCS9OjQ340gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180113_154311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2CPOz1ncBM/WmVtRf6cktI/AAAAAAAAm9c/1pdOSg-Njz8t7JSjYn7_dTeUtZRDIhNgQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180110_182229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2CPOz1ncBM/WmVtRf6cktI/AAAAAAAAm9c/1pdOSg-Njz8t7JSjYn7_dTeUtZRDIhNgQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180110_182229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhQ3qCyjKGE/WmVtRbEMDVI/AAAAAAAAm9c/eLYrZqIta_4rWeZTVC7T34N2RWO7k4UIACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180114_154802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhQ3qCyjKGE/WmVtRbEMDVI/AAAAAAAAm9c/eLYrZqIta_4rWeZTVC7T34N2RWO7k4UIACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180114_154802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Db9W4dv3EQ/WmVtRf1l8UI/AAAAAAAAm9c/bu_841L27-su9rHc8yxPvP4H0a9qmA2WACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180116_082826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Db9W4dv3EQ/WmVtRf1l8UI/AAAAAAAAm9c/bu_841L27-su9rHc8yxPvP4H0a9qmA2WACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180116_082826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
During the day, Marshall goes to a new preschool, and I stay home with Declan. Marshall LOVES his new school, teachers, and friends, and we think it's a great fit for him. We were nervous about the transition for him, especially since we loved his old school so much, but it's all gone better than we could have hoped. Of course, we have seen some elements of adjusting--more tantrums than usual, some defiance here and there--but we think Marshall is taking this whole move really well overall and are so proud of his resilience.<br />
<br />
At three and a half years, Marshall is a hardcore rule-follower (and rule-maker: if there isn't a rule, or if he doesn't like the rule, he'll create a new one!). He still loves books more than anything, and his favorite toys are those that involve building--Legos, blocks, anything. He's growing into his big brother role and struggles with how to interact with Declan. I get it. Declan's too little to join in many of Marshall's favorite things, and when they do play together Declan tends to "destroy" (Marshall's word) whatever Marshall is building. But mealtimes are so fun, and they are starting to share inside jokes and love to get reactions out of each other. I see some major shenanigans in our future! Three is a tough age for all of us: daily battles for Marshall to get dressed and out the door for school, high emotions all the time, struggles around being so little and yet feeling more independence. Terry and I are doing our best to help him through it, and he's doing a great job of reminding us that he's still our sweet, hilarious, curious, observant little boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8imW64cRYg/WmV6TWdD1rI/AAAAAAAAm-Q/AHFCTX9l0h0RO3PI8B5gtGP5v4iBpkOeQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180118_163540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8imW64cRYg/WmV6TWdD1rI/AAAAAAAAm-Q/AHFCTX9l0h0RO3PI8B5gtGP5v4iBpkOeQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180118_163540.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXzwDjRclpw/WmV6Tb54XiI/AAAAAAAAm-Q/RRPj5DWOKCQvBddr1tl-pNRtJzU5zL5kwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180114_154940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXzwDjRclpw/WmV6Tb54XiI/AAAAAAAAm-Q/RRPj5DWOKCQvBddr1tl-pNRtJzU5zL5kwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180114_154940.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hg6eGFgDzws/WmV6Teyy2sI/AAAAAAAAm-Q/Kf9LW63XX9s9JhGv_2AefNj8iL5QLiroACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_144804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hg6eGFgDzws/WmV6Teyy2sI/AAAAAAAAm-Q/Kf9LW63XX9s9JhGv_2AefNj8iL5QLiroACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_144804.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
15-month-old Declan is bursting with energy and isn't much for sitting still. He is slooooowly starting to show some interest in books, but he seems to enjoy the act of choosing a book, bringing it to us, sitting in our laps, and opening the book more than the whole reading thing (who has time for that when I can just pick out a different one and start all over?). He still loves to eat and takes some good naps now, along with sleeping all the way through the night a few times a week (hallelujah!). I wonder if he misses day care, since he loves people and would probably enjoy being around other voices and faces, but I really am enjoying our time together, however long it lasts. So I do my best to get us out of the house a lot, and hopefully next month we can check out some baby gym classes to let him hang out with other people.<br />
<br />
Declan and I spend our days in a mix of fun outings and adventures geared toward him (walks, parks, the local children's museum) and chores and errands that I sprinkle in (I've checked out every Trader Joe's and Target in a 10-mile radius). He's at a fun age right now: he's walking really solidly so he can play on most play structures at parks, and we can mix up our outings with the stroller or letting him walk. He's also talking a lot more now, with maybe 30-50 words he uses consistently. He recently started saying "happy," but he doesn't really use it in any context, so there are times he just randomly starts saying "happy...happy..." over and over while sitting in his car seat or toddling around the house. Needless to say, it's adorable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxHpo0h1oWs/WmVtRQwuVvI/AAAAAAAAm9c/IXE85y52qQYMh2UfI5MRyFz6ddf3biY3QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180118_111137_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxHpo0h1oWs/WmVtRQwuVvI/AAAAAAAAm9c/IXE85y52qQYMh2UfI5MRyFz6ddf3biY3QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180118_111137_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VF1ifTsG0jk/WmVtRdBdgNI/AAAAAAAAm9c/bHjZJqxact4P9mdb7YvfnPtSdbMnhwXcgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180119_095213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VF1ifTsG0jk/WmVtRdBdgNI/AAAAAAAAm9c/bHjZJqxact4P9mdb7YvfnPtSdbMnhwXcgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180119_095213.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdDMrVu-zWw/WmVtRYtvjEI/AAAAAAAAm9c/WlHYmkCn4N0XDXyObWFb-YKQGEgXp-p_wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180119_153117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdDMrVu-zWw/WmVtRYtvjEI/AAAAAAAAm9c/WlHYmkCn4N0XDXyObWFb-YKQGEgXp-p_wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180119_153117.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(at the library--he has no idea what to do here, but he sure looked confident sitting there!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvEDrUywvic/WmVtRWl3osI/AAAAAAAAm9c/k0aQ-wfLdIg9AB5tZj4mRjFeMVxsCjAGACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_114042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvEDrUywvic/WmVtRWl3osI/AAAAAAAAm9c/k0aQ-wfLdIg9AB5tZj4mRjFeMVxsCjAGACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_114042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9G7xpN87Dk/WmVtRaLK8VI/AAAAAAAAm9c/Zp0kfd4REbkSTJYKTfXXbBE-LjRpROG7QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_115302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9G7xpN87Dk/WmVtRaLK8VI/AAAAAAAAm9c/Zp0kfd4REbkSTJYKTfXXbBE-LjRpROG7QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_115302.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend, we officially weaned Declan completely from breastfeeding. He's been down to one feeding per day for a while now, and I figured it was time to make the jump. I think he'll adjust pretty quickly, but I'm sad to see those days end. Luckily, my experience with Marshall showed me that our relationship will continue to evolve, and I know that Declan and I have lots of fun in store! Still, I'll miss those quiet moments, just me and him (or sometimes, me, him, and a certain big brother squeezing onto the chair because he wants to hear the story I'm reading to Dec). I feel so blessed to have had a positive breastfeeding experience with both boys, and I truly cherished that time. Now we're officially into toddlerhood and ready for whatever it brings!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And hopefully it'll bring more adventures like this weekend's outing to Muir Woods! We had a chilly, crisp day, a little mud, and lots of TALL trees!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gRKHcKTjXI/WmVtRTey6sI/AAAAAAAAm9c/WoBtVAT_M7gc6McLoow98DqbTgPJqeNAwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_102331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gRKHcKTjXI/WmVtRTey6sI/AAAAAAAAm9c/WoBtVAT_M7gc6McLoow98DqbTgPJqeNAwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_102331.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_WMv4rbbZg/WmVtRTKOOVI/AAAAAAAAm9c/EAogijkCxU0WGrWEH7cECyQX-xaa57RmQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_102757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_WMv4rbbZg/WmVtRTKOOVI/AAAAAAAAm9c/EAogijkCxU0WGrWEH7cECyQX-xaa57RmQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_102757.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ON5DIeRdzD8/WmVtRbyiEVI/AAAAAAAAm9c/gQG6sg6b4bcGabB5g9di4yy9Q6ZNTeb3ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_103238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ON5DIeRdzD8/WmVtRbyiEVI/AAAAAAAAm9c/gQG6sg6b4bcGabB5g9di4yy9Q6ZNTeb3ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_103238.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk-iUK774kU/WmVtRfW1vwI/AAAAAAAAm9c/Srh_L07WTlc9eBJR7hjT1ZHbzKkBa2M8gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_110727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk-iUK774kU/WmVtRfW1vwI/AAAAAAAAm9c/Srh_L07WTlc9eBJR7hjT1ZHbzKkBa2M8gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_110727.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FinERee0nyI/WmVtRVYK-AI/AAAAAAAAm9c/JySw9QJ7UWAorn2lLBLYUvasKibo_6euACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_110829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FinERee0nyI/WmVtRVYK-AI/AAAAAAAAm9c/JySw9QJ7UWAorn2lLBLYUvasKibo_6euACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_110829.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Dh7INhB-I/WmVtRWEEBkI/AAAAAAAAm9c/bOIexlPNC58OB3dbADwSMcYaUNPbbEpzwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_115116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Dh7INhB-I/WmVtRWEEBkI/AAAAAAAAm9c/bOIexlPNC58OB3dbADwSMcYaUNPbbEpzwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_115116.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
These ages are so fun, but they certainly have their share of challenges. The bickering comes and goes, but I have noticed that the loving moments are becoming more frequent. We're starting to see a friendship blossom, and I look forward to days when they'll actually play together for more than a few minutes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJHCK4_jm_o/WmVtRairqWI/AAAAAAAAm9c/rK61B_qZE1IEh-9c0Qrq12Vb-wjpQnPFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180120_181056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJHCK4_jm_o/WmVtRairqWI/AAAAAAAAm9c/rK61B_qZE1IEh-9c0Qrq12Vb-wjpQnPFwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180120_181056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzWWoQM0aGw/WmVtRdWMJCI/AAAAAAAAm9c/kVratSET7AAFLjxFUnmT4Qpj1s3Crww8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_075244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzWWoQM0aGw/WmVtRdWMJCI/AAAAAAAAm9c/kVratSET7AAFLjxFUnmT4Qpj1s3Crww8wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_075244.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Terry and I are so lucky to get to enjoy these sweet little boys and to enjoy these young years. I hope these quick posts will help me remember what it was like to be in the midst of it all.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-35978513586359010962018-01-01T22:09:00.000-08:002018-01-01T22:09:48.561-08:00Christmas 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Christmas 2017 wraps up today with New Year's Day, and we are all feeling refreshed after so much time together during this break. Christmas was a bit hectic this year, since we were still (and are still) settling into our new home in the Bay Area. But we got to enjoy the holiday through the eyes of a 3.5-year-old and a 15-month-old. It was awesome. Here are some photos documenting our awesome holiday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Declan had a blast with the boxes, naturally.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_HQZV4JSes/WksbZARV-VI/AAAAAAAAm7s/HLe3gtSrlFIhebGpTXC3Cnw96sQDiAtPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171224_144748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_HQZV4JSes/WksbZARV-VI/AAAAAAAAm7s/HLe3gtSrlFIhebGpTXC3Cnw96sQDiAtPQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171224_144748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We found time to make (last-minute) Christmas cookies for Santa. It was ridiculously messy but we all kept our patience and made some tasty treats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjtwK6jFIQU/WksbZFNiQfI/AAAAAAAAm7s/ta91ECOzuqccU5IcM_YOgaCEnzjWiI0wgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171224_173328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vjtwK6jFIQU/WksbZFNiQfI/AAAAAAAAm7s/ta91ECOzuqccU5IcM_YOgaCEnzjWiI0wgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171224_173328.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Christmas morning, the boys were ready to go! Santa visited (we don't have a fireplace, but we do have a chimney, so Santa made it work) and gave Marshall what he asked for ("a robot that turns into a car," which turned out to be a K'Nex set so Marshall can turn the pieces into whatever he wants!). He gave Declan pajamas, which will likely motivate Declan to learn to speak by the time he makes his request next year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEfYUNEnZ-k/WksbZFHQ-gI/AAAAAAAAm7s/J6wxA9D2TWQMvrFKDJgdrP9Woh-nxWiJACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171225_075752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEfYUNEnZ-k/WksbZFHQ-gI/AAAAAAAAm7s/J6wxA9D2TWQMvrFKDJgdrP9Woh-nxWiJACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171225_075752.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOlqWPjaBGU/WksbZP2kjHI/AAAAAAAAm7s/BhSSzfSDnWMc-qY5G62_by0OZK7_1KImQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171225_075805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOlqWPjaBGU/WksbZP2kjHI/AAAAAAAAm7s/BhSSzfSDnWMc-qY5G62_by0OZK7_1KImQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171225_075805.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1_mZs9mN24/WksbZFiZfPI/AAAAAAAAm7s/GY02LZ6GiqI9iQ34tjdqpo36aG1Y3U5UQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171228_101026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1_mZs9mN24/WksbZFiZfPI/AAAAAAAAm7s/GY02LZ6GiqI9iQ34tjdqpo36aG1Y3U5UQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171228_101026.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent Christmas evening and night at my parents' house, which is obviously much closer now. It was a treat to be such a short drive away after 14 years (!!!!) of being so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J30hrVve_V8/WksbZMeOt6I/AAAAAAAAm7s/9mYh4fB3HEQg4yvD2i9sO3UEsIJWuPFugCKgBGAs/s1600/20171225_181923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J30hrVve_V8/WksbZMeOt6I/AAAAAAAAm7s/9mYh4fB3HEQg4yvD2i9sO3UEsIJWuPFugCKgBGAs/s320/20171225_181923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJv4dGZTo04/WksbZJqeKDI/AAAAAAAAm7s/Mf8-7Ujqe68o1ST02B867Dl01cGkDFjswCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171226_094808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJv4dGZTo04/WksbZJqeKDI/AAAAAAAAm7s/Mf8-7Ujqe68o1ST02B867Dl01cGkDFjswCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171226_094808.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(PopPop with Declan and our nephew Colby)</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6aWc-UdveE/WksbZLl2nuI/AAAAAAAAm7s/mC_r2xeLyZw6ejjkkGjgojSYohQ59uXiQCKgBGAs/s1600/FB_IMG_1514346357041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="512" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6aWc-UdveE/WksbZLl2nuI/AAAAAAAAm7s/mC_r2xeLyZw6ejjkkGjgojSYohQ59uXiQCKgBGAs/s320/FB_IMG_1514346357041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cousins!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lz_s2tPBN4/WksbZL5kfVI/AAAAAAAAm7s/Tk6nk3099x0_76LWLhmNAFPcKtmDrnCFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171225_181211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lz_s2tPBN4/WksbZL5kfVI/AAAAAAAAm7s/Tk6nk3099x0_76LWLhmNAFPcKtmDrnCFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171225_181211.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PopPop with the twins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back at home, we had a full week together, home and relaxed. Walks in our new neighborhood, long mornings in our pajamas playing at home until we all got cabin fever and then found an excuse to go outside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8w_rQnY3oo8/WksbZDgwjuI/AAAAAAAAm7s/FfjFlz7YYY4bGipfoSXxKoj1RO-EU58ygCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171227_092306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8w_rQnY3oo8/WksbZDgwjuI/AAAAAAAAm7s/FfjFlz7YYY4bGipfoSXxKoj1RO-EU58ygCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171227_092306.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IXBOYKBvLY/WksbZOf3ylI/AAAAAAAAm7s/fEaoUacH_PgSERBUdA4GdYYJcAvq6_IMACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_154929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IXBOYKBvLY/WksbZOf3ylI/AAAAAAAAm7s/fEaoUacH_PgSERBUdA4GdYYJcAvq6_IMACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171230_154929.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8M0OckWiB0/WksbZPuY0OI/AAAAAAAAm7s/RKiNRHXTP9wBYzw0TefWOHULqkjO9BzeQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_155710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8M0OckWiB0/WksbZPuY0OI/AAAAAAAAm7s/RKiNRHXTP9wBYzw0TefWOHULqkjO9BzeQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171230_155710.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVC8QZaOUmA/WksbZLhNwNI/AAAAAAAAm7s/4Jc-vNULqL4V6lDrimJyd0Y5au5-Zl7FwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_145437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVC8QZaOUmA/WksbZLhNwNI/AAAAAAAAm7s/4Jc-vNULqL4V6lDrimJyd0Y5au5-Zl7FwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171230_145437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And date nights! THREE of them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xynTRTeSoyI/WksbZPm2WWI/AAAAAAAAm7s/K2-EEi82MGEN0LskzjPoBRoq4AKKpxjyACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171228_202017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xynTRTeSoyI/WksbZPm2WWI/AAAAAAAAm7s/K2-EEi82MGEN0LskzjPoBRoq4AKKpxjyACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171228_202017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The boys' first trip to the city!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MFlME48dww/WksbZOlqBZI/AAAAAAAAm7s/WrvKv5ahOBk1-3l5xfCErF0Q2Gd-Zze_QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171229_141110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MFlME48dww/WksbZOlqBZI/AAAAAAAAm7s/WrvKv5ahOBk1-3l5xfCErF0Q2Gd-Zze_QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171229_141110.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Exploring new parks :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFNnkahuEWg/WksbZDHI-vI/AAAAAAAAm7s/HW6Upti0qjYRk3MUyi0lVdRJDvvfLVwPACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_114142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFNnkahuEWg/WksbZDHI-vI/AAAAAAAAm7s/HW6Upti0qjYRk3MUyi0lVdRJDvvfLVwPACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171230_114142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDc3AuStvf4/WksbZK5eD1I/AAAAAAAAm7s/jJXpLUW23jI7xFVp8H4sDc5rKnSSIQL-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_114323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDc3AuStvf4/WksbZK5eD1I/AAAAAAAAm7s/jJXpLUW23jI7xFVp8H4sDc5rKnSSIQL-ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171230_114323.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This guy loves animals</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of house organizing and decorating. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S4AHp1l4Z4/WksbZOFifFI/AAAAAAAAm7s/lN__tkaW2pIOIXIZsHKpa37ceJkCgf_CACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180101_141341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S4AHp1l4Z4/WksbZOFifFI/AAAAAAAAm7s/lN__tkaW2pIOIXIZsHKpa37ceJkCgf_CACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180101_141341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I hope time will show that this week is the one where our little boys became friends. They have coexisted, tolerated each other, bonded a bit over the last 14+ months, but this week they truly turned a corner. Suddenly, they are buddies. Marshall is talking about Declan like they are best friends. The two of them are suddenly interacting and playing together. The bickering has significantly reduced. And the result is an abundance of adorable moments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzW_kazIack/WksbZPAFTOI/AAAAAAAAm7s/5vhx31YM6C8qLUNvMbQIvXeAusEnb7DiwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171227_103352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzW_kazIack/WksbZPAFTOI/AAAAAAAAm7s/5vhx31YM6C8qLUNvMbQIvXeAusEnb7DiwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171227_103352.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7kbcniVc08/WksbZJxKFFI/AAAAAAAAm7s/PoM0MzoKIHUZ47KK_qpqEm0EWSkw-mMzgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171231_173359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7kbcniVc08/WksbZJxKFFI/AAAAAAAAm7s/PoM0MzoKIHUZ47KK_qpqEm0EWSkw-mMzgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171231_173359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-84zQdVkXc/WksbZCSUWuI/AAAAAAAAm7s/KMiLo6ygDmYH1BRyiuR04xU2LfRg5GfYgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180101_170854_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-84zQdVkXc/WksbZCSUWuI/AAAAAAAAm7s/KMiLo6ygDmYH1BRyiuR04xU2LfRg5GfYgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180101_170854_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7NSxOacUbI/WksbZNqRX2I/AAAAAAAAm7s/HVI7JsQBzj4vZBgbCgDM0KkW0Bg1dORFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180101_181018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7NSxOacUbI/WksbZNqRX2I/AAAAAAAAm7s/HVI7JsQBzj4vZBgbCgDM0KkW0Bg1dORFwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180101_181018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On New Year's Eve, the boys went to bed at their usual times, and Terry and I enjoyed a quiet evening together. 2018 will be the year we become acquainted with the Bay Area, the year our boys turn 4 and 2, the year we transition through a whole bunch of changes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrKdAMt4lsI/WksbZD7ub-I/AAAAAAAAm7s/Aa7vZxljRoICjjscLSpxgUc8qdVRiCxOwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171231_220539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrKdAMt4lsI/WksbZD7ub-I/AAAAAAAAm7s/Aa7vZxljRoICjjscLSpxgUc8qdVRiCxOwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171231_220539.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Ultimately, the time I spend with this family makes me happier than I thought possible, and with them I can handle any challenges or unexpected circumstances that come our way. Here's to another incredible year!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGJNNe3l3ck/WksbZO0gDJI/AAAAAAAAm7s/pXSNdUcVipsrZXHBxyjhn5w3OAxDXNKhwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_130008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGJNNe3l3ck/WksbZO0gDJI/AAAAAAAAm7s/pXSNdUcVipsrZXHBxyjhn5w3OAxDXNKhwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171230_130008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-62477324793109752052017-12-11T21:50:00.000-08:002017-12-11T21:50:10.525-08:00Right NowI should be unpacking or working or sleeping or spending quality time with my husband, but in the midst of all that I found myself thinking about the cute boys asleep in our new house and felt a sudden urge to take a second to write it all down. I want to remember how precious these young people are, and maybe a quick snapshot will do the trick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXm98B4d7RU/Wi9twbTFrLI/AAAAAAAAm4s/vMucOMyqAhUHKS-XO29ciK8LZRzQ-Z89QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171207_101157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXm98B4d7RU/Wi9twbTFrLI/AAAAAAAAm4s/vMucOMyqAhUHKS-XO29ciK8LZRzQ-Z89QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171207_101157.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-RgrDarxbs/Wi9twR_e2dI/AAAAAAAAm4s/puvaT8b2jdA95hlT8dhlwexhrvvNqxXTwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171207_154945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-RgrDarxbs/Wi9twR_e2dI/AAAAAAAAm4s/puvaT8b2jdA95hlT8dhlwexhrvvNqxXTwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171207_154945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6OQr8ey3Bc/Wi9twVqgq3I/AAAAAAAAm4s/xPWa6N2fD-AumbJele1qd7mMS91kK6hVACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171210_164435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6OQr8ey3Bc/Wi9twVqgq3I/AAAAAAAAm4s/xPWa6N2fD-AumbJele1qd7mMS91kK6hVACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171210_164435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For context, it's mid-December, 2017, and we JUST moved to the Bay Area from Los Angeles. Terry accepted a job offer in October, then started work soon after, flying up to work during the week while I stayed in LA with the kids. But now we're here and slowly settling in, unpacking as many boxes as we can each day and trying to make life feel normal in this new place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZPSgXLU_K8/Wi9tpckKTXI/AAAAAAAAm4o/XKeU_cntaTI2R-zIHsFbVRBpN0YknbHiwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171208_154308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZPSgXLU_K8/Wi9tpckKTXI/AAAAAAAAm4o/XKeU_cntaTI2R-zIHsFbVRBpN0YknbHiwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171208_154308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Declan makes us laugh every day. He's such a bundle of joy at 14 months old, walking solidly around the house singing, "Doh doh doh," as he toddles, belly first, from room to room. Mostly, he wants to play with whatever Marshall is playing with (cue major exasperation from me as I have to run interference every time Marshall yells, "Declaaannnnn! No! We're not doing that!"), but he also loves finding small toys or objects to carry around like a treasure. He's hilarious when he's doing something he knows he shouldn't, like running away in the middle of a diaper change and giggling madly as he makes it all the way to another room. When he's happy and relaxed (especially at meal times, perhaps content with what he's eating), he sort of hums to himself and dances. Throughout the day, he'll walk up to us and burrow his head into our knees and wrap his arms around our legs in a big hug (if we bend down to hug him he gets even more cuddly!). I feel so lucky to have two cuddly boys. When Declan is grumpy (usually on his one-nap days when he's just wiped out around 4 pm), he just wants to be held, usually by mama, and I generally don't mind indulging him. He sleeps in our room at least a few hours every night, and I know those nighttime cuddles are dwindling. He can already put himself to sleep in the evenings and was sleeping through the night regularly before we moved. He's been a nighttime snuggler since day one (the night he was born, I didn't put him down until morning next day!), so I'm soaking up whatever time he wants to hang out in our room. He also loves stuffed animals and calls them all Teddy ("datty!"), picks them up, says, "Hi!" and hugs them. It just doesn't get any cuter. I always love to see what new experiences Declan will enjoy each day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2zbvgZEp6s/Wi9tfKP7rZI/AAAAAAAAm4g/_AMZ399AJCElF4Ng6NH95Au-fIY_NEBjQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171206_175645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2zbvgZEp6s/Wi9tfKP7rZI/AAAAAAAAm4g/_AMZ399AJCElF4Ng6NH95Au-fIY_NEBjQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171206_175645.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HU7vYtL4sWU/Wi9tfBZ-w-I/AAAAAAAAm4g/2tRLS4uyxhgiXKUaWDhjz-Q-MIITosH0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171207_081106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HU7vYtL4sWU/Wi9tfBZ-w-I/AAAAAAAAm4g/2tRLS4uyxhgiXKUaWDhjz-Q-MIITosH0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171207_081106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYVPdqEkBYw/Wi9tfBX00SI/AAAAAAAAm4g/OaKOAy1lFqkpSJ_ub8--ExC3dPXSiYztACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171207_143439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYVPdqEkBYw/Wi9tfBX00SI/AAAAAAAAm4g/OaKOAy1lFqkpSJ_ub8--ExC3dPXSiYztACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171207_143439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI8f531sQao/Wi9tfMHYzwI/AAAAAAAAm4g/_9cNxGmdGK0uYe2nN7lV2M1q8YaHm5SBgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171209_084020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI8f531sQao/Wi9tfMHYzwI/AAAAAAAAm4g/_9cNxGmdGK0uYe2nN7lV2M1q8YaHm5SBgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171209_084020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-FWs-fILSA/Wi9tfMoqYEI/AAAAAAAAm4g/uu4uoSARcgEioylsN9LC0UIp675FnWtmgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171211_092138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-FWs-fILSA/Wi9tfMoqYEI/AAAAAAAAm4g/uu4uoSARcgEioylsN9LC0UIp675FnWtmgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171211_092138.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Marshall is three and a half and is such a classic toddler in so many ways--those emotions are high ALL the time and a meltdown is never far away. But when he feels calm and safe, he speaks so clearly and maturely and loves a good conversation (when he's in the mood--this kid is an introvert for sure!). He still loves reading books more than almost anything; if he hears us reading a book to Declan in another room he will drop whatever he is doing and run to listen in. It's like a magnet! These last few weeks, he's taken to sitting by himself to look through books on his own, and I doubt it'll be long before he's reading to himself for real. For now, he has several books memorized and can recite even LONG stories (a few Dr. Seuss, <i>Choo Choo</i> by Virginia Lee Burton, etc.) entirely by heart. He's always been an ultra-observant kid, and we see now that those observation skills are useful when he wants to memorize a song or book. When he hears a song he likes, you can practically see his mind working as he listens intently to each word. We have to watch what we say because he soaks it ALL up! His imagination has exploded in recent months, too, and every hour I hear a new request to play pretend ("pretend this is our house and we're baking," "pretend these are my babies," "pretend we're on an airplane!"). Unfortunately, I'm learning that I'm not great at <i>playing</i> with Marshall; I am much better at conversations and maybe running around outside. I love watching <i>him</i> play, but I just don't get that into it when he wants me to actually play an imaginative game with him. I'm working on it though. It broke my heart last month to say goodbye to his home away from home, his sweet preschool where he spent so many days learning and growing and making wonderful friends. He truly thrived there, and I hope that growth says as much about his personality than about the school, because we haven't yet found a place we love quite as much up here. This kid is a stickler for rules and is so eager to learn how the world works. I love watching him soak it all in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmJZ6UNu3C4/Wi9tloa5bRI/AAAAAAAAm4k/o1lLhP3gaeE8Zj4E88RRdOtO032awePCwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171211_121949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hmJZ6UNu3C4/Wi9tloa5bRI/AAAAAAAAm4k/o1lLhP3gaeE8Zj4E88RRdOtO032awePCwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171211_121949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-1ZjmbY9P8/Wi9tljlMR-I/AAAAAAAAm4k/2gNDBPoQFBAz7wm5xERwzqTnSwbm6CAaQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171210_170247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-1ZjmbY9P8/Wi9tljlMR-I/AAAAAAAAm4k/2gNDBPoQFBAz7wm5xERwzqTnSwbm6CAaQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171210_170247.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMJMBmVcy_g/Wi9tltuNQwI/AAAAAAAAm4k/nxwnYTpD5CIDI7jZUniO02wzutrWhIQ5wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171207_124012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMJMBmVcy_g/Wi9tltuNQwI/AAAAAAAAm4k/nxwnYTpD5CIDI7jZUniO02wzutrWhIQ5wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171207_124012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa0z_5Jy2os/Wi9tlmP-gPI/AAAAAAAAm4k/2baYVlhqC-4RVw4Xgru4MNEaIokyoEgkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171206_153526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa0z_5Jy2os/Wi9tlmP-gPI/AAAAAAAAm4k/2baYVlhqC-4RVw4Xgru4MNEaIokyoEgkACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171206_153526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I want to write more, but I need to get back to the aforementioned tasks that require my attention before these little rascals wake up in the morning!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-54121485455240474972017-10-13T21:55:00.000-07:002017-10-13T21:55:08.229-07:00Declan: One Year<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My sweet little boy: Happy birthday! It's been one whole year since you joined our family and made our lives so much brighter. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWSfDrkFmB0/WeGWVi_YHGI/AAAAAAAAmyA/uso72nhdBFsz9DkXio4FBNEIaCb6Kj2-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171005_125610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWSfDrkFmB0/WeGWVi_YHGI/AAAAAAAAmyA/uso72nhdBFsz9DkXio4FBNEIaCb6Kj2-ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171005_125610.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klVKvnGEN1I/WeGWVkIdv1I/AAAAAAAAmyA/pR1x5X6A_xAGTuAahapF1sd9AzvJK40yACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171005_125648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-klVKvnGEN1I/WeGWVkIdv1I/AAAAAAAAmyA/pR1x5X6A_xAGTuAahapF1sd9AzvJK40yACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171005_125648.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur1X3PSlDLo/WeGWVu3P-WI/AAAAAAAAmyA/YZkiprhhN8EKWJ95dI5YCS5fb8ACn4RlQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171005_125707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur1X3PSlDLo/WeGWVu3P-WI/AAAAAAAAmyA/YZkiprhhN8EKWJ95dI5YCS5fb8ACn4RlQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171005_125707.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Declan, you are an absolute joy. You smiled early in your life and simply haven’t stopped. I cannot get enough of your giggles and sweet happiness, and anyone who meets you comments on your cheerful disposition. I am so excited to watch your personality continue to grow.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iz1ff0rYRk/WeGYDxZEvYI/AAAAAAAAmyo/b0lXqJDxzS4ZqqyJCJHBm-W-0PN6zQzwQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_062637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iz1ff0rYRk/WeGYDxZEvYI/AAAAAAAAmyo/b0lXqJDxzS4ZqqyJCJHBm-W-0PN6zQzwQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170920_062637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG7lWwEtv74/WeGYD-3kSwI/AAAAAAAAmyo/B5wBCypQ5DE38LP9zvS7Ytitr3Gb5RL-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170930_084955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG7lWwEtv74/WeGYD-3kSwI/AAAAAAAAmyo/B5wBCypQ5DE38LP9zvS7Ytitr3Gb5RL-ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170930_084955.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your abilities have already blown us away: You can say a few words with consistency (ball, dada, mama, more, cat, uh-oh, and maybe a couple others we haven’t picked up yet). You are starting to let go of your support to stand on your own, and the other day you took a couple steps. (I'm writing this a week late, and you're taking more steps each day!) You love putting objects into containers, and you understand that puzzle pieces belong in certain places. If we show you a trick or task (taking items out of a box, for example), you’ll copy us. You know that hats go on heads, but you can’t quite get the process to work yet. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6cf98sENgo/WeGWdNL95EI/AAAAAAAAmyE/oQ2gJrfiLuQIJkm3cV8lyjiAXOZ2zZ2SQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171005_145154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6cf98sENgo/WeGWdNL95EI/AAAAAAAAmyE/oQ2gJrfiLuQIJkm3cV8lyjiAXOZ2zZ2SQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171005_145154.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89fim_ozonc/WeGWdPwVW9I/AAAAAAAAmyE/OzahMYrQQG0wKmsYi7krnR85eWvCh5VwACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170927_171325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89fim_ozonc/WeGWdPwVW9I/AAAAAAAAmyE/OzahMYrQQG0wKmsYi7krnR85eWvCh5VwACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170927_171325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of our favorite quirks: Your favorite toys are a little plastic egg from your kitchen and a specific yellow Lego piece that you always find and then carry around for hours. You regularly smuggle objects out of the house, and we only discover them once we're in the car. Tonight it was half an hour before we noticed you were holding your fork from dinner while we were at the fair down the street! </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You also love being wherever Marshall is, watching his every move. You love to stand near Marshall’s bed and take his pillow off the bed in the morning while he takes his time waking up. But you're also showing plenty of frustration when Marshall won't let you play with "his" toys and when you keep getting objects swiped out of your hands because they aren't safe for you. Sorry, buddy. Soon, though. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXHYM1HwrLU/WeGWkLN15SI/AAAAAAAAmyI/WCeIhrBZC1kxP_dBCPb2XMWbLeQi4kqHgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170927_065608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXHYM1HwrLU/WeGWkLN15SI/AAAAAAAAmyI/WCeIhrBZC1kxP_dBCPb2XMWbLeQi4kqHgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170927_065608.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfzczP6SzAA/WeGWkNwD2DI/AAAAAAAAmyI/ZFEY5cGvQyUT2_l-YEBt6jWW17-yakr7QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170930_074516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfzczP6SzAA/WeGWkNwD2DI/AAAAAAAAmyI/ZFEY5cGvQyUT2_l-YEBt6jWW17-yakr7QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170930_074516.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9IWzm4I9wU/WeGWkJ8U65I/AAAAAAAAmyI/-GBN-F9vorAq9r1EJFSMerF6Nv6Ne7_9gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171001_112543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9IWzm4I9wU/WeGWkJ8U65I/AAAAAAAAmyI/-GBN-F9vorAq9r1EJFSMerF6Nv6Ne7_9gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171001_112543.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91F-2KCS_yI/WeGWkLMQccI/AAAAAAAAmyI/onz7S2T8N0sVzmpATtspJaJt-CW_njGSgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171013_070102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91F-2KCS_yI/WeGWkLMQccI/AAAAAAAAmyI/onz7S2T8N0sVzmpATtspJaJt-CW_njGSgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171013_070102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You're in 18-month clothes, and the doctor this week informed us that you are in the 96th percentile for height! Wowza! Like your brother and daddy, though, you're pretty lean at only 75th percentile for weight. People say you look SO much like your brother, and while I of course can't deny the similarities, I also notice how much you are developing your own looks. Your eyes are much bluer, your features are quite distinct from Marshall's, and you have hair! You already got a hair cut from your aunt when we last saw them!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eiz48gWjS7Y/WeGXxQyrIoI/AAAAAAAAmyk/rV6vif6jEosx2Yr3gpWbIHHDqEULLP4KgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_063750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eiz48gWjS7Y/WeGXxQyrIoI/AAAAAAAAmyk/rV6vif6jEosx2Yr3gpWbIHHDqEULLP4KgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170920_063750.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that personality of yours--could it be any more fun? You are a total goofball, and you have so much fun exploring your small world. You get so proud when you try something new, make a loud noise, or get something to work (opening the oven door on your play kitchen, throwing a ball, setting an object on a table). You LOVE to listen to music and immediately start dancing and clapping when you hear a song (even soft, slow songs!). You're starting to point a lot, but we usually have no idea what you're pointing at. I am soaking up this age, but I also can't wait to see what comes next as you discover more around you. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eating</span></u></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You love food. You eat a LOT of it. You prefer finger foods to purees. When you're done eating, you throw food on the floor and/or lean so far over in your chair that we're worried you'll hurt yourself. You've recently learned to sign "more," and you generally make mealtime a delight!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjuM8cjO-x4/WeGWp6AkU0I/AAAAAAAAmyM/1MDB59lOOk05gjqgwjR0mzV9RdbUuRx0ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171012_075131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjuM8cjO-x4/WeGWp6AkU0I/AAAAAAAAmyM/1MDB59lOOk05gjqgwjR0mzV9RdbUuRx0ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171012_075131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUwyzGVgRLY/WeGWp1Ru8uI/AAAAAAAAmyM/klbEzabipAc1sViXK5EFwGM-9RcYUPP0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171012_075142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUwyzGVgRLY/WeGWp1Ru8uI/AAAAAAAAmyM/klbEzabipAc1sViXK5EFwGM-9RcYUPP0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171012_075142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKwWz-NfG_E/WeGWp3lG1GI/AAAAAAAAmyM/fGV2TYXbVTI8Yxxlf4nSeDAkmQUTczGCwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171011_181542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKwWz-NfG_E/WeGWp3lG1GI/AAAAAAAAmyM/fGV2TYXbVTI8Yxxlf4nSeDAkmQUTczGCwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171011_181542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNJRJCJdzzM/WeGYTRTh_bI/AAAAAAAAmyw/VEULKprO6BEcJyVbf3q1lZ8ctcMpYgLtgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170910_184955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WNJRJCJdzzM/WeGYTRTh_bI/AAAAAAAAmyw/VEULKprO6BEcJyVbf3q1lZ8ctcMpYgLtgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170910_184955.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1it3A3NB-OA/WeGYTc8yAeI/AAAAAAAAmyw/Y6mzpOK5wuQ8uTcChemSAV-n127CoGwJACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170918_115402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1it3A3NB-OA/WeGYTc8yAeI/AAAAAAAAmyw/Y6mzpOK5wuQ8uTcChemSAV-n127CoGwJACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170918_115402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Breastfeeding</span></u></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Breastfeeding has been a bittersweet and humbling experience with you. This time around, I faced the challenge that I wish upon no mother: having to pump at work to supply milk for you while we were apart. Of course, the layers of stress about being away from you eight or nine hours a day combined with worry about how much milk I was pumping, how much milk to send to school for you, how to make sure I had enough “back up” supply in case it became necessary, and how to ensure you were growing and happy and healthy all weighed on me, and mostly on me alone. While your daddy did as much as he could--washing all the bottle and pump parts almost every night, encouraging me, and doing the actual feeding during the months he stayed home with you while I was already back at work--the reality is that breastfeeding and pumping are a woman’s work, and they are tough. Being away from you was heartbreaking, and I fought back a lot of tears when I had to pump instead of getting to feed you, but I hope I’ll find we’re stronger for it, somehow.</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-ab982776-18f3-33a8-f87c-3dad930568a3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I’ll take this little moment to pat myself on the back for all the times I pulled out my pump when I didn’t want to, for fighting through a few rounds of a serious aversion to the pump (imagine nails-on-a-chalkboard feeling for 15 minutes twice a day), for ensuring I ate and drank enough to keep my supply up. And I’ll also take this moment to acknowledge that I found pumping extremely difficult, even under the absolute best circumstances (supportive boss, private office with locking door, good milk supply). To all the mamas out there who have pumped in any circumstances, but especially in less-than-ideal situations, I am truly in awe of your tenacity and selflessness. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Sleep</u></b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, to be honest, things could be better here. On the plus side, you nap pretty well. You generally go 60-90 minutes on the regular for each nap during the day. Nighttime sleep goes up and down, but you still wake up at least once per night, and I still usually feed you, mostly out of habit. Someday we'll work on that... The toughest part is that you often wake up suuuuuper early (4:30, 5:30...), and that's obviously a struggle. We have faith that soon enough you'll be sleeping as well as your big brother!</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpxDHa28lG8/WeGW0ao_bQI/AAAAAAAAmyU/Qw41ioZPLo8D7pMy0OIA23BVuAYA-5N0QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_094649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpxDHa28lG8/WeGW0ao_bQI/AAAAAAAAmyU/Qw41ioZPLo8D7pMy0OIA23BVuAYA-5N0QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20171002_094649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HuG7eXPxTA/WeGW0W2ccMI/AAAAAAAAmyU/1J_oO8WyHL4bYTdT_BJsAbnHekSQNY_ggCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170923_090828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HuG7eXPxTA/WeGW0W2ccMI/AAAAAAAAmyU/1J_oO8WyHL4bYTdT_BJsAbnHekSQNY_ggCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170923_090828.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Declan, if we thought Marshall's first year went quickly, it was nothing compared to yours. These twelve months raced by, and we are in awe of how quickly you're becoming a toddler. You bring such joy to our family, and you make every moment a little more of an adventure as we watch you discover this world. Your beautiful smile, easygoing demeanor, snuggly morning moods, and innocent joy make us so thrilled to be your parents. Thank you for this perfect year, sweet boy.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdam9dNPZm8/WeGYfUpA7FI/AAAAAAAAmy0/OTkSsyjcFCscEEcySmcwSXDTFCqVQm_-ACKgBGAs/s1600/20171007_131315_1507496695378_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdam9dNPZm8/WeGYfUpA7FI/AAAAAAAAmy0/OTkSsyjcFCscEEcySmcwSXDTFCqVQm_-ACKgBGAs/s320/20171007_131315_1507496695378_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2015/05/marshall-one-year.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marshall at one year!</span></a></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-15410267984482767262017-09-20T21:16:00.004-07:002017-09-20T21:16:48.488-07:00July 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These quick catch up posts are the best I've got right now, but I hope they'll give us a little snapshot of what this wonderful summer entailed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOVYrGZwbp0/WcM5vlnz8-I/AAAAAAAAmt0/Ech8KdR4QG8dX_fg7OfA2unk1P6jHl-KwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170705_170408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOVYrGZwbp0/WcM5vlnz8-I/AAAAAAAAmt0/Ech8KdR4QG8dX_fg7OfA2unk1P6jHl-KwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170705_170408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A sweet summer treat, stopping by a frozen yogurt shop on the way home from school. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aowtdwkZN6s/WcM5vu-1ajI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Iv3yW3aqQX0y9zgOllspay4CWuRYWtveQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170707_064106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aowtdwkZN6s/WcM5vu-1ajI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Iv3yW3aqQX0y9zgOllspay4CWuRYWtveQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170707_064106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our delightful little boy </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlvheyQNHmI/WcM5vnQd2NI/AAAAAAAAmt0/qO58ulOnb-Em0gJYrkpjye8XRFgiZ32oQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170708_221556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlvheyQNHmI/WcM5vnQd2NI/AAAAAAAAmt0/qO58ulOnb-Em0gJYrkpjye8XRFgiZ32oQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170708_221556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Terry and I got out for an evening of karaoke!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATngZJ2SyC0/WcM5vtVqGrI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Pr7tz6O4XoE4KP6wMEReoRVwnV_5JPQgACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170715_082225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATngZJ2SyC0/WcM5vtVqGrI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Pr7tz6O4XoE4KP6wMEReoRVwnV_5JPQgACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170715_082225.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3N0MO_Me6I/WcM5vgz-MeI/AAAAAAAAmt0/QPVMRhNTgJsOEEcGlOOkBnuTrfuel-UqQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170715_090046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3N0MO_Me6I/WcM5vgz-MeI/AAAAAAAAmt0/QPVMRhNTgJsOEEcGlOOkBnuTrfuel-UqQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170715_090046.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgf4dYufqF0/WcM5vnfdmXI/AAAAAAAAmt0/K1HkMyzAmIEY50-jGOV8piN_TG0b_PLNwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170715_141117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgf4dYufqF0/WcM5vnfdmXI/AAAAAAAAmt0/K1HkMyzAmIEY50-jGOV8piN_TG0b_PLNwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170715_141117.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These naps in my arms are numbered, and my heart aches wondering which will be the last.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_fpHqQiJpM/WcM5vnjAvEI/AAAAAAAAmt0/z_T9PfS8Zn4Qlxn32YqXRc3YcBVLCZGnQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170709_103831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_fpHqQiJpM/WcM5vnjAvEI/AAAAAAAAmt0/z_T9PfS8Zn4Qlxn32YqXRc3YcBVLCZGnQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170709_103831.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The aquarium is always fun for a hot summer day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-i9VAmzvH8/WcM5vjRQGtI/AAAAAAAAmt0/_6J-kiPSFsk73K04ANQGK3HqD4bsDRfPwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170715_154726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-i9VAmzvH8/WcM5vjRQGtI/AAAAAAAAmt0/_6J-kiPSFsk73K04ANQGK3HqD4bsDRfPwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170715_154726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A rare car nap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Pvh-UhbVc/WcM5vo2KMuI/AAAAAAAAmt0/qeQSYguErj4FpI_GxcLihfmkyA8tztpcgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_090633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7Pvh-UhbVc/WcM5vo2KMuI/AAAAAAAAmt0/qeQSYguErj4FpI_GxcLihfmkyA8tztpcgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_090633.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent a morning at the beach, and it was one of the highlights of my summer. Declan touched the ocean for the first time, Marshall loved splashing in the waves, and we all savored the chilly day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boPGlasEqr8/WcM5vgnTQlI/AAAAAAAAmt0/DI9lcemmqjA_kJypQZu_WQ6pIfYgPcoVwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_091217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boPGlasEqr8/WcM5vgnTQlI/AAAAAAAAmt0/DI9lcemmqjA_kJypQZu_WQ6pIfYgPcoVwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_091217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEd12Zkiyqo/WcM5vhCJKqI/AAAAAAAAmt0/GHpg0yiEWFc03JimJzCffL6QuAk1OS35wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_092333_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEd12Zkiyqo/WcM5vhCJKqI/AAAAAAAAmt0/GHpg0yiEWFc03JimJzCffL6QuAk1OS35wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_092333_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall asked Daddy to take him out in the deep water!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPNZ2_vD-20/WcM5vt8le3I/AAAAAAAAmt0/fGw_IWOh0qIF7msHOFR6tGcHFIZOm9_8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_092520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPNZ2_vD-20/WcM5vt8le3I/AAAAAAAAmt0/fGw_IWOh0qIF7msHOFR6tGcHFIZOm9_8wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_092520.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDZ1VJF9TZQ/WcM5vlozXgI/AAAAAAAAmt0/zn3FnuoVXOw7h70PyCqSZKQreyP5OF4dwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_085205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eDZ1VJF9TZQ/WcM5vlozXgI/AAAAAAAAmt0/zn3FnuoVXOw7h70PyCqSZKQreyP5OF4dwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_085205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUbE3pK-sk/WcM5vvLituI/AAAAAAAAmt0/8E9EeoYHdT0nXGloDx9m4BJIk12F2PGRwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170719_200109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUbE3pK-sk/WcM5vvLituI/AAAAAAAAmt0/8E9EeoYHdT0nXGloDx9m4BJIk12F2PGRwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170719_200109.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On occasion, I cook delicious, healthy, balanced meals. Other times, we have a lot of pasta.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alK88J7nd9M/WcM5vpQRd1I/AAAAAAAAmt0/ciHO7exYiZYUqrYLLusUVw4EpueVyC9SACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_100804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alK88J7nd9M/WcM5vpQRd1I/AAAAAAAAmt0/ciHO7exYiZYUqrYLLusUVw4EpueVyC9SACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170721_100804.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the day I stayed home to help Marshall get out of diapers, we agreed that he could be a superhero for the day, so I made him this Flash cape. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ro0l4vdCLCI/WcM5viWrLQI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Xj0B5Bvfp_oHHrHpk1sVPQ-Zb7HGWRk8ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170726_175552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ro0l4vdCLCI/WcM5viWrLQI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Xj0B5Bvfp_oHHrHpk1sVPQ-Zb7HGWRk8ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170726_175552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall learned about mosaics in class and then we found one while walking around the village!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyKmrfRo83A/WcM5vmNbGGI/AAAAAAAAmt0/vp8NnorWQaIgXC4tgScXkumAYmbmWVRkQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170729_105240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyKmrfRo83A/WcM5vmNbGGI/AAAAAAAAmt0/vp8NnorWQaIgXC4tgScXkumAYmbmWVRkQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170729_105240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swim lessons for Dec were a blast this summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzzQoQICUjc/WcM5vmfzACI/AAAAAAAAmt0/47bnpoypp8MFUT0okQ-XPMfXcd5RHiyWgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170731_064832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzzQoQICUjc/WcM5vmfzACI/AAAAAAAAmt0/47bnpoypp8MFUT0okQ-XPMfXcd5RHiyWgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170731_064832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got curtains for our bedroom, which makes it feel so much cozier.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p3nFnseN1Y/WcM5vlpvBkI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Fs2eYa07Oa8uuwoKlxODfPWGEBe87jYOgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170731_070647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p3nFnseN1Y/WcM5vlpvBkI/AAAAAAAAmt0/Fs2eYa07Oa8uuwoKlxODfPWGEBe87jYOgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170731_070647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is how we spend most mornings, even on weekends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSlFMe7hSBM/WcM5vvWmp5I/AAAAAAAAmt0/vDXXeWsArgEUEUq7B9N_dQnmSupW19DcgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170711_084402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RSlFMe7hSBM/WcM5vvWmp5I/AAAAAAAAmt0/vDXXeWsArgEUEUq7B9N_dQnmSupW19DcgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170711_084402.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Declan fell asleep holding his ball and made me laugh out loud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fn625pJk8dQ/WcM5viSW-yI/AAAAAAAAmt0/9mngBXBszMgyjJVHoOmVqIHGwasITWr0ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_061559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fn625pJk8dQ/WcM5viSW-yI/AAAAAAAAmt0/9mngBXBszMgyjJVHoOmVqIHGwasITWr0ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170718_061559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both boys love playing at their kitchen.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9OQvWWnpa7M/WcM5vmxFJaI/AAAAAAAAmt0/JOnei51RPOYSpoLbpHenr0k2b9u1DWx7QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170730_072134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9OQvWWnpa7M/WcM5vmxFJaI/AAAAAAAAmt0/JOnei51RPOYSpoLbpHenr0k2b9u1DWx7QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170730_072134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I did some rearranging.</div>
<br />
<br />
I'll post some August photos soon! This summer was one of the best of our lives, and I can't help but think it's because Declan was here. We are loving this family of four lifestyle!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-14594433173786540992017-09-08T21:51:00.001-07:002017-09-08T21:51:08.896-07:00Declan: Eleven Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Someone turned 11 months old this week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSc3ViefyZw/WbIhiCJAPTI/AAAAAAAAmsY/RXJIsmBncdk6vOmGuBJ5ZEkyEYfGajEJgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170907_175131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSc3ViefyZw/WbIhiCJAPTI/AAAAAAAAmsY/RXJIsmBncdk6vOmGuBJ5ZEkyEYfGajEJgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170907_175131.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_JuFGO9Xk0/WbIhiMIQ-qI/AAAAAAAAmsY/dIOWlkkyu8YQGl90D0XRuw25qqzUdu3rQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170907_175050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_JuFGO9Xk0/WbIhiMIQ-qI/AAAAAAAAmsY/dIOWlkkyu8YQGl90D0XRuw25qqzUdu3rQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170907_175050.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My sweet, joyful Declan,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I suppose we have to admit that the countdown to your first birthday has begun. In some ways, I’m more ready for it than I thought I would be, and I might even feel a little relief when that milestone hits. I know I will be glad to stop pumping at work, and I will be excited to worry a little less about whether anything you’re eating has honey in it. But for the most part, I am amazed how quickly these 11 months have passed and how much toddler I see in you already!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-1bc89245-64c8-3579-ab37-cf7ace108ba0" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8fYfNRlF_k/WbIhiIAy5pI/AAAAAAAAmsY/BrJQp0MYSJIPdVbd7jbfkRGtidLtI4NOwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170907_175224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8fYfNRlF_k/WbIhiIAy5pI/AAAAAAAAmsY/BrJQp0MYSJIPdVbd7jbfkRGtidLtI4NOwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170907_175224.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaQ0086o6-w/WbIhiOwQrdI/AAAAAAAAmsY/wjCmEy8f5nodJnF2K4zUNtf1bHMOkHmKQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_082938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaQ0086o6-w/WbIhiOwQrdI/AAAAAAAAmsY/wjCmEy8f5nodJnF2K4zUNtf1bHMOkHmKQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_082938.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Still, we really slowed down and enjoyed this summer. Whenever I feel like things are getting hectic or we have a few more invitations to outings than we are used to, I try to remind myself that racing around to too many events is not the kind of quality time we love most. We love slow weekend mornings with walks around the neighborhood, a stop at the library, a long nap for you while we play quietly with Marshall. In the afternoons we like to go somewhere we’ve never been or get out of the house for a treat. This summer has been filled with those days, and I think we feel refreshed and ready for fall and the holiday rush that will be here before we know it. Maybe we can take a lesson from these leisurely summer days and enjoy a slower pace in the rest of the year, too. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKEMkYeIfPc/WbIhiN0OHlI/AAAAAAAAmsY/cNSvh6CxULct62SAta5fq5JvhlhwnEIxwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_124550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKEMkYeIfPc/WbIhiN0OHlI/AAAAAAAAmsY/cNSvh6CxULct62SAta5fq5JvhlhwnEIxwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_124550.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpP6MkijzeA/WbIhiPRgGgI/AAAAAAAAmsY/SGk_B6MxgeEt5bmjfKpEwpjPxR2MMsmOQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170826_160654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpP6MkijzeA/WbIhiPRgGgI/AAAAAAAAmsY/SGk_B6MxgeEt5bmjfKpEwpjPxR2MMsmOQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170826_160654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtLTuVEw1Ys/WbIhiHpaDKI/AAAAAAAAmsY/ju58k4NzIxIix7shLnLr6-0cktfmRSUxACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170904_171612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtLTuVEw1Ys/WbIhiHpaDKI/AAAAAAAAmsY/ju58k4NzIxIix7shLnLr6-0cktfmRSUxACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170904_171612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Declan, you continue to express such joy and wonder as you explore the world around you. I’ve never seen a baby light up as readily as you do when you see someone you love, learn something new, or feel proud of yourself for a new skill. Your smile penetrates even my most stressed moments and makes me stop and snuggle you. You dance when you hear music or when we sing, and we find ourselves listening to music more</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJYvOHyzKIM/WbIizO_QCjI/AAAAAAAAmso/Ay9PNWoyZ18MYQSk7AONu6HlO3uMVyLxwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_162303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJYvOHyzKIM/WbIizO_QCjI/AAAAAAAAmso/Ay9PNWoyZ18MYQSk7AONu6HlO3uMVyLxwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_162303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You learned and mastered some new skills this month, especially throwing a ball (you have surprisingly great aim!), pointing, attempting to stack objects, and turning pages in books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PpQ3iuGOOw/WbIizD5xgfI/AAAAAAAAmso/GM-3gchqfJ4STOCWGpfH4B10ulxn-SZ9ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170806_074456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PpQ3iuGOOw/WbIizD5xgfI/AAAAAAAAmso/GM-3gchqfJ4STOCWGpfH4B10ulxn-SZ9ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170806_074456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzXshs3OeLg/WbIizIwv0mI/AAAAAAAAmso/lIkvD-sNv_st2lpL5_dKKZUwYKPXxFAvACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_162315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzXshs3OeLg/WbIizIwv0mI/AAAAAAAAmso/lIkvD-sNv_st2lpL5_dKKZUwYKPXxFAvACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_162315.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You love flaps!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You're saying some half-words and have added a few consonants to your vocabulary. You seem confident about what you're saying, even if no one can understand you yet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY9Ddw0iSQc/WbIizOC-CxI/AAAAAAAAmso/mKYOJCdEos8vZ1p5Q44ssnu_yyLur6JYgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170818_161926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY9Ddw0iSQc/WbIizOC-CxI/AAAAAAAAmso/mKYOJCdEos8vZ1p5Q44ssnu_yyLur6JYgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170818_161926.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dI7flUKM1HM/WbIizAxmFQI/AAAAAAAAmso/VBpuftKgxXUomW2BvTQkg99KnLXzJgD4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170819_132500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dI7flUKM1HM/WbIizAxmFQI/AAAAAAAAmso/VBpuftKgxXUomW2BvTQkg99KnLXzJgD4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170819_132500.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You're a super easy going dude. You generally go along with the plan no matter where we take you or what we're doing--inside, outside, in the car, at home, at school...you just find something to play with and roll with it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLyZfoXOm1w/WbIizB5092I/AAAAAAAAmso/512oetGPynQzrdWxZpFoajvkkFvszsFwgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_092215_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLyZfoXOm1w/WbIizB5092I/AAAAAAAAmso/512oetGPynQzrdWxZpFoajvkkFvszsFwgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_092215_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You watch your brother a lot, and I think that's why you already sit like a toddler. Break my heart!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tL4B3K_bY20/WbIizISk3DI/AAAAAAAAmso/2NvrK-vTaZ8Wb72sVUk0bZhNQ5gCgmb9wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_173521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tL4B3K_bY20/WbIizISk3DI/AAAAAAAAmso/2NvrK-vTaZ8Wb72sVUk0bZhNQ5gCgmb9wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_173521.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Other stats: You wear 12-18 month clothing, you have four teeth, and you crawl pretty quickly now!<br />
<br />
Sometimes you find yourself in unusual situations...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBrE_wVPU64/WbIizEhbo9I/AAAAAAAAmso/otvutspOvZo7seBahaMt6uwFhAjV6Cb5QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170827_071604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBrE_wVPU64/WbIizEhbo9I/AAAAAAAAmso/otvutspOvZo7seBahaMt6uwFhAjV6Cb5QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170827_071604.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLflN6q0EKQ/WbIizHZ_c1I/AAAAAAAAmso/HBb7GRi7XqQnjaZAZYqqoiQ4aN5eMkhIwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170901_174609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLflN6q0EKQ/WbIizHZ_c1I/AAAAAAAAmso/HBb7GRi7XqQnjaZAZYqqoiQ4aN5eMkhIwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170901_174609.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZQBGkYEJCQ/WbIizED-P_I/AAAAAAAAmso/sbwbTqafBf07lfEhzN0zPRtq9r-qRfSLgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170831_072840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZQBGkYEJCQ/WbIizED-P_I/AAAAAAAAmso/sbwbTqafBf07lfEhzN0zPRtq9r-qRfSLgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170831_072840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, there are times when you're less than thrilled about what's going on around you. Last weekend we went on a carousel, and you didn't want to be away from Mommy. I ended up sitting on a bench with you and nursed you for the entire ride!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L7vX-1oNr8/WbIizIcpv5I/AAAAAAAAmso/dYIVO3oBRQYKJAAnD8n9gGG1eVfKtkVUACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_113224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L7vX-1oNr8/WbIizIcpv5I/AAAAAAAAmso/dYIVO3oBRQYKJAAnD8n9gGG1eVfKtkVUACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_113224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For the ferris wheel, you were fine. :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWPYk5smCC8/WbIizFVL3AI/AAAAAAAAmso/T0qJo8my89wKpbS_rYk6Egrza3gJL_M9wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_121442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWPYk5smCC8/WbIizFVL3AI/AAAAAAAAmso/T0qJo8my89wKpbS_rYk6Egrza3gJL_M9wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_121442.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are seeing more and more of your personality emerge as you engage with your brother. Sometimes (pretty rarely, for now), he'll give you lots of attention and snuggle or tickle you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN3ufYXhwuA/WbIjKGbVlnI/AAAAAAAAmss/Oo1_V8NonUcl3RnyKgMfFLS-YOf877X-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_073444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nN3ufYXhwuA/WbIjKGbVlnI/AAAAAAAAmss/Oo1_V8NonUcl3RnyKgMfFLS-YOf877X-QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_073444.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRZ1ZSM8XoI/WbIjKMAYY7I/AAAAAAAAmss/onnqFgRc7lE0mXn9tDJ4ZCFhGm-f8La8QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_073427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRZ1ZSM8XoI/WbIjKMAYY7I/AAAAAAAAmss/onnqFgRc7lE0mXn9tDJ4ZCFhGm-f8La8QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_073427.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Other times, he kind of ignores you or does his own thing. You love to watch him, but you don't seem to mind doing your own thing, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Wr5Fr8ue2g/WbIjKNLVplI/AAAAAAAAmss/3qJ51N6hgqsFMGp03RziOh4e_0gt7eOtwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_111707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Wr5Fr8ue2g/WbIjKNLVplI/AAAAAAAAmss/3qJ51N6hgqsFMGp03RziOh4e_0gt7eOtwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_111707.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our new (used) double stroller! Marshall likes sitting next to you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're trying hard to figure out how to navigate the world of siblings and brothers. We want to give you space to get to know each other and find your own way, but we do step in for the frequent sibling squabbles (which usually involve Marshall's fear that you will steal something he is or is not playing with), and we are learning how to find the line between treating you both fairly and still giving each of you attention and supporting whatever you need. It isn't easy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Lr5YzmLJY/WbImN9OzQEI/AAAAAAAAmtA/l-viCN_VAIkk6tp_5kflQuQ3AZO3Z8QCgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170817_165728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Lr5YzmLJY/WbImN9OzQEI/AAAAAAAAmtA/l-viCN_VAIkk6tp_5kflQuQ3AZO3Z8QCgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170817_165728.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Here, Marshall got an ice cream, but you only got a fruit pouch.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sleep is going pretty well. We have some ups and downs. On occasion, you have slept through the night(!), but for the most part you still wake up once or twice overnight. Lately, your favorite wake up time is somewhere between 4:45 and 5:15 am. It's not our favorite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMBBYhgw730/WbImDMzwlrI/AAAAAAAAms8/ebBspxzNxfsIP-NIZDAiB7JemaqLyvZTQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_110546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMBBYhgw730/WbImDMzwlrI/AAAAAAAAms8/ebBspxzNxfsIP-NIZDAiB7JemaqLyvZTQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_110546.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kE8bKpZ8CIc/WbImDGKSWLI/AAAAAAAAms8/R_L1PkuNsiMOEWNovFCv2u5bSZmhIGLhACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170815_064700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kE8bKpZ8CIc/WbImDGKSWLI/AAAAAAAAms8/R_L1PkuNsiMOEWNovFCv2u5bSZmhIGLhACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170815_064700.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eating, on the other hand, has some awesome consistency. You love everything. You eat a ton. The end.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYGM3LKP_ac/WbImN4lGQjI/AAAAAAAAmtA/xf51V681SKQVwbgSUaB4eRTdXAc3lRlRQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170815_073322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYGM3LKP_ac/WbImN4lGQjI/AAAAAAAAmtA/xf51V681SKQVwbgSUaB4eRTdXAc3lRlRQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170815_073322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-dQqHEaTbY/WbImNxf5VSI/AAAAAAAAmtA/GjHxh-R7hvALpvyZboxkNc6xBJ7GdpDOwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_084705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-dQqHEaTbY/WbImNxf5VSI/AAAAAAAAmtA/GjHxh-R7hvALpvyZboxkNc6xBJ7GdpDOwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_084705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiVgypgp9aE/WbImN16PpSI/AAAAAAAAmtA/8nfS-I60lfU8-A7IYjOMwr-eEVKfZYCPwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_183927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiVgypgp9aE/WbImN16PpSI/AAAAAAAAmtA/8nfS-I60lfU8-A7IYjOMwr-eEVKfZYCPwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_183927.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You still love everyone you encounter, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNZ83iMKhTQ/WbImY26p7sI/AAAAAAAAmtE/SO8l8Z2_IhQnS2J0m8QT9_Q4TAtcJWFsgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_170726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNZ83iMKhTQ/WbImY26p7sI/AAAAAAAAmtE/SO8l8Z2_IhQnS2J0m8QT9_Q4TAtcJWFsgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_170726.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
though sometimes lately you have a tough time leaving Mommy. (I'm totally okay with that!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjSXf2eBEcc/WbImY8Up66I/AAAAAAAAmtE/4UGwHDJfS4IcavneHhf6fyjXVD8BqkK1wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170826_093202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YjSXf2eBEcc/WbImY8Up66I/AAAAAAAAmtE/4UGwHDJfS4IcavneHhf6fyjXVD8BqkK1wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170826_093202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You have no trouble going to your Daddy, though. You two have a solid bond, and I love watching you together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgP2ipUG7B4/WbImY-q615I/AAAAAAAAmtE/N9C0RgFCKCYIs_v7hsNYM3Ccl8-wqHWlwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170823_191327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgP2ipUG7B4/WbImY-q615I/AAAAAAAAmtE/N9C0RgFCKCYIs_v7hsNYM3Ccl8-wqHWlwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170823_191327.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But, for now, I am so grateful for any snuggles you'll give me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Ym8M8GEdg/WbImY63P1DI/AAAAAAAAmtE/M-vFhb9Kjg4VmzAdS56gb91nHe56KIOvACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_083005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-Ym8M8GEdg/WbImY63P1DI/AAAAAAAAmtE/M-vFhb9Kjg4VmzAdS56gb91nHe56KIOvACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_083005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I think you even look like me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7VU3uswZOs/WbImY4VkWMI/AAAAAAAAmtE/ksLZ18f2o9crGpR44-zf6BlXTOZmHVyLQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_090041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7VU3uswZOs/WbImY4VkWMI/AAAAAAAAmtE/ksLZ18f2o9crGpR44-zf6BlXTOZmHVyLQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_090041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Declan, you make our hearts so full and fill our family with such joy. We are soaking up every moment of you last official month of infancy, and we are excited to see what comes next for you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNZ94_uCZ8s/WbImY3jaIhI/AAAAAAAAmtE/E_Ed-0n8GJcV2XfZHUDu2GR5aU5nkqKHwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170903_113118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNZ94_uCZ8s/WbImY3jaIhI/AAAAAAAAmtE/E_Ed-0n8GJcV2XfZHUDu2GR5aU5nkqKHwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170903_113118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We love you, sweet boy. Happy 11 months!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(For comparison: <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2015/04/marshall-eleven-months.html">Marshall at 11 months</a>!) </div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-33743154297386397992017-08-15T22:34:00.000-07:002017-08-15T22:34:13.962-07:00Thoughts on 32Last week, I turned 32. It's not a major milestone birthday, but I still feel like I need to say something about this point in my life.<br />
<br />
This year's birthday is my first birthday with two beautiful baby boys. It is truly my life's greatest blessing to be the mother to these precious young people. Motherhood has surpassed every expectation and has done more to shape the person I am--and want to be--than anything else I've experienced. I never knew how strong I was until I became a mom. I didn't know what it would take--mentally, physically, emotionally--for me to dedicate my life to these boys. It's a lot. I have physical scars from each of their births and lasting aches from those days. Now I can appreciate how much more beautiful my body is, C-section scar and bigger hips and won't-ever-be-flat-again stomach and all. I cry and worry ALL the time. Sometimes I have worried that I'm <i>not </i>strong enough to do it all, but I continue to prove myself wrong. Not only do I muster the strength to fulfill the duties of motherhood; I find joy in doing so. I laugh every day and cannot believe I helped to create these little boys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRW7Q8sFfoI/WZPOG_ZJFBI/AAAAAAAAmo8/oCFFCmncEmsEg1XVY2TNs0vsh2r6bNk4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170616_162845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRW7Q8sFfoI/WZPOG_ZJFBI/AAAAAAAAmo8/oCFFCmncEmsEg1XVY2TNs0vsh2r6bNk4gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170616_162845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt1M8fwGTqE/WZPOGwJSn_I/AAAAAAAAmo8/h-oBvq3uG2AXz8voV-EDrwxjXhc7pMsPgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170813_131151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt1M8fwGTqE/WZPOGwJSn_I/AAAAAAAAmo8/h-oBvq3uG2AXz8voV-EDrwxjXhc7pMsPgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170813_131151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
32 brings about a more complete sense of self. This was the year I found a job I genuinely love, and I feel proud of myself for making it through those tough months of leaving my baby to go back to work. I honestly did not think I would be strong enough to do it. There have been more tough days than easy days (have any days been <i>easy</i>?). Pumping at work, missing my kids so much I could--and did--cry, missing a few bedtimes, worrying that I was losing precious time with them that I wouldn't ever get back...I still get a knot in my stomach thinking about all those things, but I can still ache while feeling proud for surviving the first few months of it. Being a working mother has made me stronger still. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This could have been a really tough year for our marriage. Terry and I found ourselves pulled in countless directions, sometimes barely crossing paths. We have found a schedule that--while great for keeping our kids' time in daycare minimal--means we each have to make sacrifices (Terry has to be up at 5:30 to squeeze in 9 hours of work before 3:30; I am on my own in the mornings to get two kids and myself ready and out the door). We rarely sit down before 9 pm at night, and by then we're exhausted. But we are in this together, and we're on the same team. This year was tough, but the time we share together and as a family makes the sacrifices worth it. I've said it before, but I cannot imagine a better partner for this crazy life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqGFv4V7PO8/WZPR4U01hII/AAAAAAAAmpM/l_OlMiiqiws8UAuo0aJ36C0IxVBJXC0RgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170811_195303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqGFv4V7PO8/WZPR4U01hII/AAAAAAAAmpM/l_OlMiiqiws8UAuo0aJ36C0IxVBJXC0RgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170811_195303.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfRQYhNkuGg/WZPSjo2w1SI/AAAAAAAAmpY/AA1N7ssDOWYfsS8diFzGVQH6hen8CJFGgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170812_124441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfRQYhNkuGg/WZPSjo2w1SI/AAAAAAAAmpY/AA1N7ssDOWYfsS8diFzGVQH6hen8CJFGgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170812_124441.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year, I got to celebrate my brother and sister-in-law's joy as they welcomed their perfect babies, my niece and nephew. I am so excited that my boys have cousins and that this growing extended family will be filled with even more love and joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCYeR_u9WJI/WZPTsfmT-BI/AAAAAAAAmps/abkYK-HTBOEDfmMhjfCu9Q1zwiq3amLMACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170506_165528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCYeR_u9WJI/WZPTsfmT-BI/AAAAAAAAmps/abkYK-HTBOEDfmMhjfCu9Q1zwiq3amLMACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170506_165528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I could go on and on. I am, as ever, thankful to my parents for all they continue to do for me and my family (especially their grandchildren), and for the childhood with which they blessed me so that I have a high standard set for my kids! I'm not in the best shape of my life, but there's time for that later. I am grateful every day for my health and the health of those I love so much. This year I made new friendships, learned more about myself and the world around me, and set new goals. 31 was a great year. It made me excited for the rest of my thirties and what "middle life" has to offer, not to mention the rest of my years. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So far, life has only continued to be more fulfilling and joyful each year. I am 32, and I am so, so happy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuQHWt6XISA/WZPXQf9F9WI/AAAAAAAAmqA/NvpfCCpN33IAwV-bWMRZCrnbexH3cGZ1gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170625_091520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DuQHWt6XISA/WZPXQf9F9WI/AAAAAAAAmqA/NvpfCCpN33IAwV-bWMRZCrnbexH3cGZ1gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170625_091520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-24082777793365653942017-08-13T21:03:00.003-07:002017-08-13T21:03:48.116-07:00Declan: Ten MonthsMy sweet, giggly, growing boy. Ten months! You are already getting so big, and I'm noticing how your cheeks are slimming a bit. Despite the rough reality that your first year is going way too quickly, we are having such a blast with you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Alx9ZULMTy8/WZEcQNRp1nI/AAAAAAAAmnk/SIqO2DLKmd0P2b1-1Fkjw3_dQVuB3jDYACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_191241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Alx9ZULMTy8/WZEcQNRp1nI/AAAAAAAAmnk/SIqO2DLKmd0P2b1-1Fkjw3_dQVuB3jDYACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_191241.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PcDGEzd5hU/WZEcQCoiBKI/AAAAAAAAmnk/dNJ0dPs0NP0DkR6-Ws7G1Wx4fKn8DYsPgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_191430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PcDGEzd5hU/WZEcQCoiBKI/AAAAAAAAmnk/dNJ0dPs0NP0DkR6-Ws7G1Wx4fKn8DYsPgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_191430.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At your 9-month appointment, which was about a week after you turned nine months, you weighed 20 pounds 4 ounces, and you measured 29.75 inches. Almost exactly the same as <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2015/03/marshall-nine-months.html">Marshall at this age</a>!<br />
<br />
Marshall loves to tickle you, and in the car he'll occasionally try to chat with you or get you to laugh at him. If you're upset, he suddenly wants to be the first to comfort you, which typically means yelling, "DECLAN, IT'S OKAY!" over and over. Usually you laugh, so I guess it works.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVseiCCpglA/WZEa4GWDL9I/AAAAAAAAmnU/mPhdlpl61yENlSXeBEB1hwADocJ0YWCfACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170711_071302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KVseiCCpglA/WZEa4GWDL9I/AAAAAAAAmnU/mPhdlpl61yENlSXeBEB1hwADocJ0YWCfACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170711_071302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The other day (granted, already after you were 10 months old), you two both woke up at the same time in your room, and when I walked in Marshall was in his rocking chair across from you and, said, "We're just chatting." My heart turned to mush!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5ITjcXWMHU/WZEa4FgEQCI/AAAAAAAAmnU/Y7kAbhGtGNs97wRSW8wRuM5IlD3txEj6ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_061559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5ITjcXWMHU/WZEa4FgEQCI/AAAAAAAAmnU/Y7kAbhGtGNs97wRSW8wRuM5IlD3txEj6ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170718_061559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSC1XQa5idQ/WZEa4BbWSqI/AAAAAAAAmnU/d_w6tJevgFAb7fryj17smq93EHCOLx45QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_061601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSC1XQa5idQ/WZEa4BbWSqI/AAAAAAAAmnU/d_w6tJevgFAb7fryj17smq93EHCOLx45QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170718_061601.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug3x42HMs5c/WZEa4LlRG1I/AAAAAAAAmnU/l475QfEx0jgRegZyWmoaF72HQaPxOIKDwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_070405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug3x42HMs5c/WZEa4LlRG1I/AAAAAAAAmnU/l475QfEx0jgRegZyWmoaF72HQaPxOIKDwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_070405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGDF95j8_1I/WZEfGROjHcI/AAAAAAAAmoI/A8vcjS1Y3iAuO2gFM2N3jbvt6B-F517ZgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_063355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGDF95j8_1I/WZEfGROjHcI/AAAAAAAAmoI/A8vcjS1Y3iAuO2gFM2N3jbvt6B-F517ZgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170721_063355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edVEM2bQm00/WZEa4IOqtFI/AAAAAAAAmnU/h62PhIpMGAM81mwbISckagPrel9oc9SRACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170804_071922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edVEM2bQm00/WZEa4IOqtFI/AAAAAAAAmnU/h62PhIpMGAM81mwbISckagPrel9oc9SRACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170804_071922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Laughing happens a lot around here. You have become such a bundle of giggles! Peek-a-boo is a favorite, but you also love being tickled, as well as repetitive games or movements.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OQ9vdNxIXY/WZEc-4e-7TI/AAAAAAAAmns/FYw-jJXVqlcvRHaAM4ZKjj-pv1VBaMCggCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_184405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OQ9vdNxIXY/WZEc-4e-7TI/AAAAAAAAmns/FYw-jJXVqlcvRHaAM4ZKjj-pv1VBaMCggCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_184405.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CmgOb7PYRk/WZEc-xs9uiI/AAAAAAAAmns/tnGR2z_lyEAUJqigwMpsxfVPk7Qo-g0MwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_161500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CmgOb7PYRk/WZEc-xs9uiI/AAAAAAAAmns/tnGR2z_lyEAUJqigwMpsxfVPk7Qo-g0MwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_161500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You're crawling! Last month you had just learned to crawl but I was nervous you'd give up on it. Within the last two or three weeks, you've officially become a crawler. You're getting quick, too! You still love pulling yourself up to stand, though, so most of your crawling is in an effort to get to a place where you can stand. The coffee table in the living room has become something of a gathering place. You cruise along one side (only moving to the right...can't go left) while Marshall tries to keep his toys out of reach of your quick hands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMdtltCRWU8/WZEf1b5lxdI/AAAAAAAAmoU/I-7V4GqFckYS5BVYwI0cPd2h_7CeKfDUgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170718_061213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMdtltCRWU8/WZEf1b5lxdI/AAAAAAAAmoU/I-7V4GqFckYS5BVYwI0cPd2h_7CeKfDUgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170718_061213.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lbakz4CfLs/WZEf1SdYf3I/AAAAAAAAmoU/6kWHl-HA1dMIkwmqDmthJgzZeUANrv3sQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170723_080612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lbakz4CfLs/WZEf1SdYf3I/AAAAAAAAmoU/6kWHl-HA1dMIkwmqDmthJgzZeUANrv3sQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170723_080612.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1_Tv-YdV1M/WZEf1ZSe7PI/AAAAAAAAmoU/8BOpdtf7Hg8VoeAyhVQqy73DQ6NhtHtSgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170801_064912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1_Tv-YdV1M/WZEf1ZSe7PI/AAAAAAAAmoU/8BOpdtf7Hg8VoeAyhVQqy73DQ6NhtHtSgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170801_064912.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YH93H2EAOs/WZEf1VMqe6I/AAAAAAAAmoU/_MKS96A0J-gw589rZWUQvPfVjriizHVKgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170725_172155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YH93H2EAOs/WZEf1VMqe6I/AAAAAAAAmoU/_MKS96A0J-gw589rZWUQvPfVjriizHVKgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170725_172155.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This month was your first time in the ocean! You seemed to enjoy it, but big brother was more interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLNk3lM2hv8/WZEdLkYP6RI/AAAAAAAAmnw/lgrH-JZ5vX4I0YkA041-EK_IvXtvg6isgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_090634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLNk3lM2hv8/WZEdLkYP6RI/AAAAAAAAmnw/lgrH-JZ5vX4I0YkA041-EK_IvXtvg6isgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_090634.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p48nbHp0OUM/WZEdLqObg-I/AAAAAAAAmnw/Rqs1lvbJXLsTAFKBZc2a-DpwAZ9bJ-xXgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170716_091217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p48nbHp0OUM/WZEdLqObg-I/AAAAAAAAmnw/Rqs1lvbJXLsTAFKBZc2a-DpwAZ9bJ-xXgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170716_091217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Some new skills have emerged this month: You love turning pages in books, especially books with flaps (that peek-a-boo game is fun even without a human!), and I'm excited to see that you might show some interest in reading after all. I was getting worried! Books with flaps are a hit, and we're seeing a little more patience from you when we attempt to read you a story. Mostly, you're on the move, so we hope you're soaking in some reading when we read aloud to your brother. Maybe?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqY18sNyBDo/WZEdjqQnf2I/AAAAAAAAmn0/6_dC8OrAkKg-herj9oImNiNRxgvYi4X8QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170715_074343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqY18sNyBDo/WZEdjqQnf2I/AAAAAAAAmn0/6_dC8OrAkKg-herj9oImNiNRxgvYi4X8QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170715_074343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKisyZjjxVc/WZEdjjQkJwI/AAAAAAAAmn0/Va0Uo21iHFg29HYX8micYFiZF3XwKGMiACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170804_063641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JKisyZjjxVc/WZEdjjQkJwI/AAAAAAAAmn0/Va0Uo21iHFg29HYX8micYFiZF3XwKGMiACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170804_063641.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Looking back at <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2015/03/marshall-ten-months.html">Marshall's ten month post</a> (I can't help but see what he was up to at this age!), I notice that you are just as eager of an eater as he was, but you don't get as angry or impatient while eating. You also generally take your time, so we can give you multiple pieces of food at once without worrying that you'll shove it all in your mouth at once. You are, however, extremely difficult to change--it's an all-out physical battle to get you to stay on your back, and I am seriously worried you'll hurt yourself during a diaper change.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALuxdFW_A4U/WZEduAelSrI/AAAAAAAAmn4/Ukqocje8azYZJsEDCr7-8ooj25P0-El_gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170802_182255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALuxdFW_A4U/WZEduAelSrI/AAAAAAAAmn4/Ukqocje8azYZJsEDCr7-8ooj25P0-El_gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170802_182255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3J3IwWwyK4/WZEduMVsC0I/AAAAAAAAmn4/q-Jbz2QNBJkDeAiZu39D8tnrJ6gI5s_TQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170804_071922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3J3IwWwyK4/WZEduMVsC0I/AAAAAAAAmn4/q-Jbz2QNBJkDeAiZu39D8tnrJ6gI5s_TQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170804_071922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Here, Marshall is "painting" Declan's face, just like he had his face painted in preschool. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeO3QMvczSM/WZEduDHQEAI/AAAAAAAAmn4/kBem5wFD2DYLKUFvqYDkIC0tuelDWADdwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_184121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeO3QMvczSM/WZEduDHQEAI/AAAAAAAAmn4/kBem5wFD2DYLKUFvqYDkIC0tuelDWADdwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_184121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You're still a HUGE fan of Scout. You stare at him, crawl toward him, try to reach him, and occasionally pet him (when he allows). He's so gentle with you, and if you get too rough he'll just walk out of reach. You say "ta" very clearly when you see him, and you recently attempted an "s" sound toward him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCsg0G9IehU/WZEf-VPW2vI/AAAAAAAAmoc/Oi8zBY32ELM6omleg2Jrq4b7aLCHCra2gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_135723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCsg0G9IehU/WZEf-VPW2vI/AAAAAAAAmoc/Oi8zBY32ELM6omleg2Jrq4b7aLCHCra2gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_135723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Other words coming along are "mama" and "dada," and we hear "mo" at meals (more) we think.<br />
<br />
More likes: swim lessons, watching Marshall do anything, standing at the play kitchen, banging anything that makes a lot of noise, playing with the activity cube at daycare, nursing, eating, listening to your own voice, being tickled, wrestling with Mommy or Daddy, blowing raspberries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olWJpQ7A7x0/WZEgTLPiBRI/AAAAAAAAmog/IIyJX9ju9_I4Z4uSSETDjtlD7dzYYMYGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170803_174423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olWJpQ7A7x0/WZEgTLPiBRI/AAAAAAAAmog/IIyJX9ju9_I4Z4uSSETDjtlD7dzYYMYGQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170803_174423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS4TAE004po/WZEgTIQ1KqI/AAAAAAAAmog/_P7ZXegHcKkIS0ZxSQvHzzHjSwL6F1ADgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_072929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS4TAE004po/WZEgTIQ1KqI/AAAAAAAAmog/_P7ZXegHcKkIS0ZxSQvHzzHjSwL6F1ADgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_072929.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrepeHtHm1A/WZEgTNBr_ZI/AAAAAAAAmog/Ub07_NC3e9UvUXpAgg3xKY2UaMfuQIj0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170804_080157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrepeHtHm1A/WZEgTNBr_ZI/AAAAAAAAmog/Ub07_NC3e9UvUXpAgg3xKY2UaMfuQIj0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170804_080157.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXypsdZAZHU/WZEgTNLMVuI/AAAAAAAAmog/JSSZ7vtvW1Q65iG4abnXCj9CHI1fn_rGwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_164901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXypsdZAZHU/WZEgTNLMVuI/AAAAAAAAmog/JSSZ7vtvW1Q65iG4abnXCj9CHI1fn_rGwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_164901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
You're starting to sleep pretty consistently now that you are in the same room as Marshall. Our bedtime routine starts right after dinner (we try to eat as a family five or six days a week); then it's bath, pjs, nurse in the rocking chair in our room (usually I'll sing to you--"Edelweiss" and another song or two--and maybe chat with you about the day or read you a book), then Daddy comes in to read you a story before rocking you to sleep. You'll sleep from about 6:45 or 7:00 until 2-4 am. If you wake up before that, Daddy tries to get you back to sleep; after that, you get to snuggle with me and eat. Then we try to stay awake to put you back in your crib (we don't have a great track record there). Lately you've been snoozing until 6:30 or 7 am! It's amazing. For a while we had some 4:30-5:00 mornings, and I just could not muster the energy to hang with you at that hour. Luckily your Daddy is a hero and usually managed to get up with you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_TKMCV_mnQ/WZEgTJN4YvI/AAAAAAAAmog/hQGml3ebYd8aTVu18fXMwg2I_07pgcJAACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170728_143347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_TKMCV_mnQ/WZEgTJN4YvI/AAAAAAAAmog/hQGml3ebYd8aTVu18fXMwg2I_07pgcJAACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170728_143347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSdZM9j2K28/WZEd_3Oad9I/AAAAAAAAmn8/Gsdzk97PaRQxis4A4OEWLIe_tJrtxIxrwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170711_084357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSdZM9j2K28/WZEd_3Oad9I/AAAAAAAAmn8/Gsdzk97PaRQxis4A4OEWLIe_tJrtxIxrwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170711_084357.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t49bhIigmR0/WZEd_89ib0I/AAAAAAAAmn8/RuV4A3cBjboPS-Wfgo2wrQWBsqfW1exgACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_054601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t49bhIigmR0/WZEd_89ib0I/AAAAAAAAmn8/RuV4A3cBjboPS-Wfgo2wrQWBsqfW1exgACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_054601.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VB8XskQd__8/WZEd_-jWueI/AAAAAAAAmn8/-i6LFFzYWU4c6-vlccPtzdrVV0UzGZacgCKgBGAs/s1600/00000IMG_00000_BURST20170802063118_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VB8XskQd__8/WZEd_-jWueI/AAAAAAAAmn8/-i6LFFzYWU4c6-vlccPtzdrVV0UzGZacgCKgBGAs/s320/00000IMG_00000_BURST20170802063118_COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Ten months already. I can't believe it. I love this age, when you're learning so much and so expressive and fun. I love how snuggly you are and how calm you feel when I scoop you up. I love breathing in your sweet baby scent and letting you sleep on me. I love how you are a bit more independent now, crawling and playing by yourself. I will be so sad to see these days go, but I know that more fun is on the way! We love you, sweet little boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--crHxDHcwhc/WZEhByaWk5I/AAAAAAAAmoo/1hMprMkQNgsx3deGFjQ3UNWRy-vzpxs-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170709_103848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--crHxDHcwhc/WZEhByaWk5I/AAAAAAAAmoo/1hMprMkQNgsx3deGFjQ3UNWRy-vzpxs-ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170709_103848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtR3XrKUeWU/WZEhB-GwT9I/AAAAAAAAmoo/-CmDXXG1_MQdvy6ar9gkwArzs9sZzKJHwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170801_171058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtR3XrKUeWU/WZEhB-GwT9I/AAAAAAAAmoo/-CmDXXG1_MQdvy6ar9gkwArzs9sZzKJHwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170801_171058.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKMeRgmaQvQ/WZEhB0RvaoI/AAAAAAAAmoo/pt5WultlOa8vXgGp5oipvnD1uDXDpzxXgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_191444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKMeRgmaQvQ/WZEhB0RvaoI/AAAAAAAAmoo/pt5WultlOa8vXgGp5oipvnD1uDXDpzxXgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_191444.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHQOsOOoPTU/WZEhB6gA67I/AAAAAAAAmoo/MjasgDpgeBgmd6QsH0o2aVUh5pWQ9y1MACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170805_191507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHQOsOOoPTU/WZEhB6gA67I/AAAAAAAAmoo/MjasgDpgeBgmd6QsH0o2aVUh5pWQ9y1MACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170805_191507.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm hoping to be back soon with some updates on the rest of the family!</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-44089451078964985222017-07-12T15:36:00.000-07:002017-07-12T15:36:02.587-07:00Declan: Nine MonthsHappy nine months, "little" one! We're right in the middle of a whole bunch of exciting developments, so next month's post will certainly be a doozy, but let's look back at how the ninth month of your life went.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E83HH4joJH8/WWajKkzj1PI/AAAAAAAAmko/7Pnxr7OolFsHVDT8ZsI0iHCLVaNj72hSQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170709_152420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E83HH4joJH8/WWajKkzj1PI/AAAAAAAAmko/7Pnxr7OolFsHVDT8ZsI0iHCLVaNj72hSQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170709_152420.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>SLEEP</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWorlrqPUQA/WWaPzwI9N_I/AAAAAAAAmkA/wdEIspwFLYo9UImKURRCxQblx_cTjM2DwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170610_115801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWorlrqPUQA/WWaPzwI9N_I/AAAAAAAAmkA/wdEIspwFLYo9UImKURRCxQblx_cTjM2DwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170610_115801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's funny: When we announced we were having a second baby, lots of people told us to expect that our second would be completely different from our first. I tried to prepare myself. Since Marshall was such a great eater, I assumed we might get a picky one this time. But since Marshall struggled with sleep, I hoped we'd have a great sleeper on our hands!<br />
<br />
Well, what I really should have heard from people's advice was to <i>expect the unexpected.</i> Declan is not an amazing sleeper. But I also think we haven't really given him a fair shot. Since birth (even in the hospital!), I have cuddled Declan in bed with me at night. He has always gone down in his crib, but at his first wake up we both fall asleep (safely of course! no sheets pulled up, no swaddle, not too hot, etc.), and we both sleep well. (Marshall never slept with us in bed, except in the early hours of the morning, so I guess in that way they are different.)<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Declan has always woken up often. He's easy to get back to sleep, but he's woken up every few hours--every single night since he was born. Yikes. Honestly, though, since he goes back to sleep so easily, we never felt super motivated to work on changing those habits. We were all getting enough sleep.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdPlG0bqJQM/WWaPz4qdbXI/AAAAAAAAmkA/H3CFU17Qxko3SNdKYiNq5YCRzmZQKem2gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170605_222535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdPlG0bqJQM/WWaPz4qdbXI/AAAAAAAAmkA/H3CFU17Qxko3SNdKYiNq5YCRzmZQKem2gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170605_222535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still, we decided that nine months was a good time to finally take the plunge and move Declan out of our room and into Marshall's room. So over Fourth of July weekend we went for it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwd9PzN7KPY/WWaPz_QsvDI/AAAAAAAAmkA/eW62Cf-AXaEJ_fgXKfR-5pogqgGHuqJmQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170630_142733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwd9PzN7KPY/WWaPz_QsvDI/AAAAAAAAmkA/eW62Cf-AXaEJ_fgXKfR-5pogqgGHuqJmQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170630_142733.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As you'll notice, he is quite tall, and the crib we had him in is quite short, so we switched his crib to a toddler bed and gave it to Marshall, and switched Marshall's bed back to the crib for Declan. Everyone is settled in, and so begins a room-sharing situation that will last as long as we live in a two-bedroom place! It's only been a couple weeks, but it's going pretty well. Marshall sleeps through almost everything, including fire alarms and falling out of bed (...), so Declan's crying doesn't wake him very easily. Once, Declan woke him and Marshall said sternly, "Declan! Be quiet!" And another time he said, "It's okay, baby!" (He never calls Declan "baby" so he must have been tired.)<br />
<br />
Technically, this post is going up a week after Declan turned nine months, but the last two nights have gone great with respect to sleep--including eight straight hours last night. So hopefully having him sleep away from us is a step in the right direction!<br />
<br />
As for daytime sleep, most of Declan's naps are at daycare. A typical day looks like this:<br />
<br />
- Wake up anywhere between 5 and 6:30<br />
- Arrive at daycare around 8:45--then he either goes down for a nap right away if he's tired or goes on the class walk and then goes down after that<br />
- Nap - ideally 90 minutes or more, but sometimes shorter<br />
- Nap again in the early afternoon, ideally waking up around 4<br />
- Bedtime at 6:30<br />
<br />
The big changes this month were officially dropping the third nap and then moving bedtime to 6:30 (instead of 6, which was tough!). It's SO much better now to be able to have him home for closer to two hours before he goes to bed. We can play, feed him dinner, then slowly start bedtime, instead of rushing or skipping a meal!<br />
<br />
And speaking of which...<br />
<br />
(I normally write these posts as a letter to Declan, but I honestly forgot! I'll pick it up here...)<br />
<br />
<b>EAT</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We have an eater! I <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2017/06/declan-eight-months.html">mentioned</a> that you were starting to enjoy more foods, but this month we finally got lots more finger foods into the mix. Now you're eating pieces of fruits and vegetables, shredded meat, pieces of bread, etc. You love it all! You've tried new foods like mushrooms, homemade whole wheat bread (made with maple syrup instead of honey), whole wheat pita bread, broccoli, boiled peas, and nectarines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VKE4Apkfnc/WWaZojbKWQI/AAAAAAAAmkM/UiBkk3bS7aEJDy08Z3zlnUFXmk-4sQhWACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170615_074140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VKE4Apkfnc/WWaZojbKWQI/AAAAAAAAmkM/UiBkk3bS7aEJDy08Z3zlnUFXmk-4sQhWACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170615_074140.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxDDoZiNDbQ/WWaZon9bqZI/AAAAAAAAmkM/5XyxduiG5Fcno8O5HJyB-mRaqXNB2QmqACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170615_074144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxDDoZiNDbQ/WWaZon9bqZI/AAAAAAAAmkM/5XyxduiG5Fcno8O5HJyB-mRaqXNB2QmqACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170615_074144.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it's safe to say you love eating. You get so impatient in your high chair waiting for us to bring you food, and when you see "your" bowls or spoons, you start kicking and grunting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWQpjLc8CSQ/WWaZosZf2nI/AAAAAAAAmkM/MwGdzYNTQ4wi3IkEwpHTttQfb4C1hpoIQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170620_182806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWQpjLc8CSQ/WWaZosZf2nI/AAAAAAAAmkM/MwGdzYNTQ4wi3IkEwpHTttQfb4C1hpoIQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170620_182806.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy boy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84DSz8_Zr7E/WWaZombqMDI/AAAAAAAAmkM/Sj8TpCXCu2MYgJ9mbB95PlAfriwreWXVQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170620_183309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84DSz8_Zr7E/WWaZombqMDI/AAAAAAAAmkM/Sj8TpCXCu2MYgJ9mbB95PlAfriwreWXVQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170620_183309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Does any of it make it into your mouth?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWq7PiynvZw/WWaZopEdW6I/AAAAAAAAmkM/TiCLuQ3PaVIIvvJ2q-Gdn5tZ6AgR9PKiQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170605_071301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWq7PiynvZw/WWaZopEdW6I/AAAAAAAAmkM/TiCLuQ3PaVIIvvJ2q-Gdn5tZ6AgR9PKiQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170605_071301.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We got you this awesome cup--glass, but covered in plastic--and as many times as you've thrown it we're pretty confident it's not going to break (knock on wood). I am amazed at how quickly you got the straw thing down!<br />
<br />
<b>PLAY</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Oh, boy, do I love watching you at this age. Declan, you are growing so quickly and developing new skills every day it seems. The Friday before Fourth of July weekend, you started crawling! That same weekend, you pulled up to standing consistently. Now you still seem to prefer scooting to crawling, and we can't tell if you'll get faster at crawling or just skip to walking. Time will tell, even though I'm not-so-secretly hoping you'll crawl because it's so darn cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7qYnpdZHME/WWacI_fomoI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/ybLeKWf2q4oUBXcB6VhBzbevwH9hlmIdQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170606_063950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7qYnpdZHME/WWacI_fomoI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/ybLeKWf2q4oUBXcB6VhBzbevwH9hlmIdQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170606_063950.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What is happening here?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OauWI4l-wDU/WWacI4ekqeI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/G2KkaIPbwogiivvQaC42qQXjPJNut0k8ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170607_063024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OauWI4l-wDU/WWacI4ekqeI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/G2KkaIPbwogiivvQaC42qQXjPJNut0k8ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170607_063024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can push up to sitting without any trouble now, too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GROlDYRaCc0/WWacIyj_YwI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/oeMUwE1wdlci1OrOOt1bY1715iv6IXzSACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170610_141219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GROlDYRaCc0/WWacIyj_YwI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/oeMUwE1wdlci1OrOOt1bY1715iv6IXzSACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170610_141219.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyGsfKvMAbM/WWacI55cBWI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/VO6tpDEgiRgxlJC_Dy1n9YoDvt3yNzXawCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170612_063315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyGsfKvMAbM/WWacI55cBWI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/VO6tpDEgiRgxlJC_Dy1n9YoDvt3yNzXawCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170612_063315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You love crawling and climbing over obstacles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--og15Z_d584/WWacI0LaTZI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/EjQnyCpdTNoFzLM3WVj8P_xktH6bb-EVACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_154602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--og15Z_d584/WWacI0LaTZI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/EjQnyCpdTNoFzLM3WVj8P_xktH6bb-EVACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_154602.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMY8u8SL2Co/WWacI3ZvCoI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/3rmaa26s2cEUa2H877dhDqir954x7NQ2wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170613_064137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMY8u8SL2Co/WWacI3ZvCoI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/3rmaa26s2cEUa2H877dhDqir954x7NQ2wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170613_064137.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV3ehZGhuMk/WWacI39jT9I/AAAAAAAAmkQ/V-BIATUApJAPNj9zs06Vz16HVyvzLxocgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_155315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PV3ehZGhuMk/WWacI39jT9I/AAAAAAAAmkQ/V-BIATUApJAPNj9zs06Vz16HVyvzLxocgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_155315.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MipfZwgETig/WWacI1lCdcI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/7aITHCAUscwH7OspJt0n0Ex0OQQfxMzSwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170617_160942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MipfZwgETig/WWacI1lCdcI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/7aITHCAUscwH7OspJt0n0Ex0OQQfxMzSwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170617_160942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyS35LnNJUU/WWacIwzmguI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/7SRsS_skLE0rYIyq_Bx81b0gdOOkywo7wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_165610_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyS35LnNJUU/WWacIwzmguI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/7SRsS_skLE0rYIyq_Bx81b0gdOOkywo7wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170621_165610_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rolling and throwing are new favorite games!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Whvug5b3Y4/WWacI1ijUuI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/ZiZwEOhoFkUkDO7-P5KDGXfIfNZBI8YPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170621_180524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Whvug5b3Y4/WWacI1ijUuI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/ZiZwEOhoFkUkDO7-P5KDGXfIfNZBI8YPQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170621_180524.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPQr6dpCxLM/WWacI-OQZnI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/lyrXivlYga0WXntsO32yrurtWVk47zuzACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170627_165842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPQr6dpCxLM/WWacI-OQZnI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/lyrXivlYga0WXntsO32yrurtWVk47zuzACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170627_165842.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0myUCIfiHHs/WWacI9EmDxI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/lmlN09SHljY-kOnGIf7HFFvph0YSEkMqACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170703_093356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0myUCIfiHHs/WWacI9EmDxI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/lmlN09SHljY-kOnGIf7HFFvph0YSEkMqACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170703_093356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0OOuwdzhUc/WWacI0h_VKI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/V89s5Jv-U8gtpQz7nRLeUxSEIQxknIzKwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170703_152028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U0OOuwdzhUc/WWacI0h_VKI/AAAAAAAAmkQ/V89s5Jv-U8gtpQz7nRLeUxSEIQxknIzKwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170703_152028.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You experienced a pretty good range of fun new places and firsts this month. We traveled to the Bay Area (your first time in my hometown), we took you on the swings, and we had a fun family day at the park.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9un228zMeU/WWaeKuYitII/AAAAAAAAmkY/Cm293csQkdcG5tnwmDhHz99_Eldh-q4hgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170704_105708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9un228zMeU/WWaeKuYitII/AAAAAAAAmkY/Cm293csQkdcG5tnwmDhHz99_Eldh-q4hgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170704_105708.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhL-eGGJYxo/WWaeKo8c_aI/AAAAAAAAmkY/nOHdjvflBNgl3lN1ylWDdAZ8aSSl4dbAQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_112020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhL-eGGJYxo/WWaeKo8c_aI/AAAAAAAAmkY/nOHdjvflBNgl3lN1ylWDdAZ8aSSl4dbAQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_112020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGBigXL6AtI/WWaeKv0jxXI/AAAAAAAAmkY/D04IE-PjBnYPUAE_p970xKz9tzHERjEwwCKgBGAs/s1600/00007IMG_00007_BURST20170702111542_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGBigXL6AtI/WWaeKv0jxXI/AAAAAAAAmkY/D04IE-PjBnYPUAE_p970xKz9tzHERjEwwCKgBGAs/s320/00007IMG_00007_BURST20170702111542_COVER.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz8FkLa0Mdo/WWaeKhs0PyI/AAAAAAAAmkY/hBfMVHqE-6MZxbPh2khhYoasWyzvV6xnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_111159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz8FkLa0Mdo/WWaeKhs0PyI/AAAAAAAAmkY/hBfMVHqE-6MZxbPh2khhYoasWyzvV6xnACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_111159.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92-dFPySfpM/WWaeKu-371I/AAAAAAAAmkY/XmDRUN5QPSMMXpEPg6uNf5mUcF6EZsdNgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_110825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92-dFPySfpM/WWaeKu-371I/AAAAAAAAmkY/XmDRUN5QPSMMXpEPg6uNf5mUcF6EZsdNgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_110825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3vuBB3xVX0/WWaeKjwprCI/AAAAAAAAmkY/IYqM1GmkONQZLPEAh_bFhLU69gK2M_LAQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170625_093642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3vuBB3xVX0/WWaeKjwprCI/AAAAAAAAmkY/IYqM1GmkONQZLPEAh_bFhLU69gK2M_LAQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170625_093642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uI9KEoUIi-0/WWaeKnZlNFI/AAAAAAAAmkY/ZyFnbOXyn6IF7rNb4RJ2_oEQAg_LShG6gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170625_092051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uI9KEoUIi-0/WWaeKnZlNFI/AAAAAAAAmkY/ZyFnbOXyn6IF7rNb4RJ2_oEQAg_LShG6gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170625_092051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
More about you at this age:<br />
<br />
You love people. You smile at everyone and often gaze at people until they smile at you. You love putting things into and pulling things out of boxes and containers, you love anything that makes noise, and you definitely love getting into Marshall's toys (especially those that are not quite appropriate for you). You're starting to show some interest in books (yay!), and you generally seem interested in new places and experiences.<br />
<br />
I'd say your favorite person is Marshall; he can make you smile even when you're quite upset. Marshall will shake his head back and forth if you're upset, or he'll come up to you and try to talk to you in his silliest voice to get you to calm down. It makes my heart so happy to see you and your brother developing such a sweet bond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezuzDpdGRYI/WWafJb001iI/AAAAAAAAmkc/aPKuwOmFuPUAa85-ZgB_uEpOzLeVB1MwgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170610_153136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezuzDpdGRYI/WWafJb001iI/AAAAAAAAmkc/aPKuwOmFuPUAa85-ZgB_uEpOzLeVB1MwgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170610_153136.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbYykI8vweM/WWafJddI9iI/AAAAAAAAmkc/yDlD2IRP_oQKOydQucnWdk683bh0bMSDgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_165253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbYykI8vweM/WWafJddI9iI/AAAAAAAAmkc/yDlD2IRP_oQKOydQucnWdk683bh0bMSDgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_165253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I gotta say, though, you love mama quite a lot too. Your smile when I get home is what makes me rush out the door from work. You usually want to nurse right away when I get home, and I treasure that opportunity to slow down with you. I find ways to connect with Marshall upon arriving home, too, like reading a story or hearing about his day if he'll tell me, so I know after you're done breastfeeding we'll find other ways to bond. (Speaking of which, right now you get two bottles at daycare--about 5 ounces each--and you nurse with me twice in the morning, twice in the afternoon, and at least once overnight, which we're trying to cut out this month. I still pump twice at work.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN9ZvpJfo6o/WWaiM0kqoII/AAAAAAAAmkk/cu2LQghbBKUXzlxjQ1yRebfu3nOAtqM-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170616_163051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN9ZvpJfo6o/WWaiM0kqoII/AAAAAAAAmkk/cu2LQghbBKUXzlxjQ1yRebfu3nOAtqM-wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170616_163051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxpTN54y5OU/WWaeKqQVkBI/AAAAAAAAmkY/0Dh_32G6oOYPZ8vtxA011V2_L8xBeUsdgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_113911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxpTN54y5OU/WWaeKqQVkBI/AAAAAAAAmkY/0Dh_32G6oOYPZ8vtxA011V2_L8xBeUsdgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_113911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Mama's tired)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You've had a little separation anxiety this month, so there are some days when we can't set you down for even a second without making you so sad, even when we're sitting next to you! I do love that you love to be held, though. If I'm holding you, nothing can make you mad, and I love that you find such comfort in my arms.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You and your daddy have a special bond, and I love that you are so in tune with each other. Each night I feed you and read you your story, and then Daddy sings to you and puts you to sleep. He has much more patience (stubbornness?) than I do when it comes to rocking babies to sleep, and you two definitely have a routine now. He also keeps you home with him on his off Fridays, which is another great time for you two to bond!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2rUANOr2sk/WWahp75OPeI/AAAAAAAAmkg/5KoGn2lcL9wBoqtAfxwECwMeyt5OPgxUgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_121957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2rUANOr2sk/WWahp75OPeI/AAAAAAAAmkg/5KoGn2lcL9wBoqtAfxwECwMeyt5OPgxUgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_121957.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TYgRXsDeXc/WWahp72l9oI/AAAAAAAAmkg/3p1I19SVXKEBETa6vhmFBG67XARoDrZuwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170615_174937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TYgRXsDeXc/WWahp72l9oI/AAAAAAAAmkg/3p1I19SVXKEBETa6vhmFBG67XARoDrZuwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170615_174937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>EVERYTHING ELSE</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We have an appointment this Friday (7/14) for a checkup to see how tall you are and how much you weigh, but you're in size 4 diapers and 12-18 month clothes. You are a delicious little chunk, but I'm curious to see how much your sizes change as you continue to move more. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Declan, we love you to pieces and are so grateful for the joy and love you bring our family! Even with the tough days of separation anxiety, the messy meals, the imperfect sleep, we could not ask for a more wonderful way to spend our days. Here's to the next month of adventures and fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DfV1j6Y354/WWajKruvHhI/AAAAAAAAmko/UwpH1zv7tB4KvsBbqVIzdZclZzy_5NQvQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170615_172257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DfV1j6Y354/WWajKruvHhI/AAAAAAAAmko/UwpH1zv7tB4KvsBbqVIzdZclZzy_5NQvQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170615_172257.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y907rgGXA8A/WWajKstS4aI/AAAAAAAAmko/kLqi7f2MuBQXnocSLYJr8mHPIwnSS3wuQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170613_130509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y907rgGXA8A/WWajKstS4aI/AAAAAAAAmko/kLqi7f2MuBQXnocSLYJr8mHPIwnSS3wuQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170613_130509.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvjJU_6dgCo/WWajKvFOcuI/AAAAAAAAmko/OwPjJUezPBkgO8NVS-NqcXYgqUW21Z18gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170628_164654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvjJU_6dgCo/WWajKvFOcuI/AAAAAAAAmko/OwPjJUezPBkgO8NVS-NqcXYgqUW21Z18gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170628_164654.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9M-Kt5uulM/WWajKnhShlI/AAAAAAAAmko/VeNV2MI5z0Ev_jLSIIVDJzro12wMvDvIgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170703_152347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9M-Kt5uulM/WWajKnhShlI/AAAAAAAAmko/VeNV2MI5z0Ev_jLSIIVDJzro12wMvDvIgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170703_152347.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We love you!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-24201439029857812222017-07-05T22:30:00.001-07:002017-07-05T22:30:44.264-07:00Photos of Life Lately - June 2017 & 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More snapshots from recent adventures!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TE_mGdvnQU/WV29xfcdoJI/AAAAAAAAmfs/I8lOeGWDEhI2ayEkd3EY7Wb6Qy_iw55UACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170603_114807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TE_mGdvnQU/WV29xfcdoJI/AAAAAAAAmfs/I8lOeGWDEhI2ayEkd3EY7Wb6Qy_iw55UACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170603_114807.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Perhaps one of the coolest things in our neighborhood ever!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDpF1n8oADo/WV29xeLQNwI/AAAAAAAAmfs/sSnBUm0JFyM319SzvS9rbWwQUVJfDiGHgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_121958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDpF1n8oADo/WV29xeLQNwI/AAAAAAAAmfs/sSnBUm0JFyM319SzvS9rbWwQUVJfDiGHgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_121958.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Family dinner outing at Shake Shack! I LOVE their buns, and the beer is good, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VmZJbHg_TI/WV29xck5N2I/AAAAAAAAmfs/LKEv8o-OMBsImHVmewtiuVC_ynxIjYx6wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_122024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VmZJbHg_TI/WV29xck5N2I/AAAAAAAAmfs/LKEv8o-OMBsImHVmewtiuVC_ynxIjYx6wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_122024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's my (candid) reaction to the buzzer telling us our food is ready. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0LVt6BDVIA/WV29xQ8GTWI/AAAAAAAAmfs/GoBeXuHwASggY_4FfoJRlYcQm1Y1lNHPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170613_080012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0LVt6BDVIA/WV29xQ8GTWI/AAAAAAAAmfs/GoBeXuHwASggY_4FfoJRlYcQm1Y1lNHPQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170613_080012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall is finding ways to bond with his brother.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2lBlbFVoXc/WV29xfAIJNI/AAAAAAAAmfs/Nrlu8QW5Qw8FkWCN-pe3b_UED7DPdL0rgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170622_075227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2lBlbFVoXc/WV29xfAIJNI/AAAAAAAAmfs/Nrlu8QW5Qw8FkWCN-pe3b_UED7DPdL0rgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170622_075227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We really love watching them together. It's funny to see when Marshall chooses to play with Dec and when he prefers to do his own thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdIrjnFdvug/WV29xcE8OKI/AAAAAAAAmfs/XXCCzVTrc0Y5mLlx-g6EIYYKZs2q0LOtwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_165315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdIrjnFdvug/WV29xcE8OKI/AAAAAAAAmfs/XXCCzVTrc0Y5mLlx-g6EIYYKZs2q0LOtwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_165315.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall's patience surprises me sometimes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44nQYodHaAM/WV29xWi6MQI/AAAAAAAAmfs/V7HnePtmtEAVdoX8pgvhHIuR-tq8U477wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_140056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44nQYodHaAM/WV29xWi6MQI/AAAAAAAAmfs/V7HnePtmtEAVdoX8pgvhHIuR-tq8U477wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_140056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Other times, he's less patient, and we're all learning how to navigate those moments.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezMarRqRskM/WV29xev2lkI/AAAAAAAAmfs/9itnMvkQ4X4Rxp2jImklM9cGu1UYtLwcACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170628_070115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezMarRqRskM/WV29xev2lkI/AAAAAAAAmfs/9itnMvkQ4X4Rxp2jImklM9cGu1UYtLwcACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170628_070115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over last weekend, Declan moved out of our room and into "Marshall's" (now "the boys'") room. We'll all adjust eventually, but it was tough for M. He can be sensitive to change, to put it mildly, so we're helping him through the transition. Declan seems comfortable there, but he also got sick over the weekend, so he still spent plenty of time with us overnight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIwLU8TsccA/WV29xXZytsI/AAAAAAAAmfs/slqIKWf037gwpBheyf_91UdOXKJUlEgaQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170617_081238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIwLU8TsccA/WV29xXZytsI/AAAAAAAAmfs/slqIKWf037gwpBheyf_91UdOXKJUlEgaQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170617_081238.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Concentration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWRl8hpEwL8/WV29xfN7rmI/AAAAAAAAmfs/8TZGOnmtmNApdWJV97wm2oK3iaKkT2ixgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170701_063818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWRl8hpEwL8/WV29xfN7rmI/AAAAAAAAmfs/8TZGOnmtmNApdWJV97wm2oK3iaKkT2ixgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170701_063818.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I'm proud!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zT33QMpz740/WV29xcw6X5I/AAAAAAAAmfs/EfBxCXYkrh0-jma7z94PhEPWEO1bg0xAwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170627_203339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zT33QMpz740/WV29xcw6X5I/AAAAAAAAmfs/EfBxCXYkrh0-jma7z94PhEPWEO1bg0xAwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170627_203339.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some new clothes, thanks to Gammie and Grandpa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nUuTVo8GGk/WV29xdD7zLI/AAAAAAAAmfs/4tcPMwAZnzg4zW1-9S1AOuDfmitp6ieoQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170703_083530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nUuTVo8GGk/WV29xdD7zLI/AAAAAAAAmfs/4tcPMwAZnzg4zW1-9S1AOuDfmitp6ieoQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170703_083530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marshall often spends solid chunks of time just lounging on the couch. No book, no TV, just chilling there. We got ourselves a very mellow kid, indeed. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4OlDLQovac/WV29xb1UZvI/AAAAAAAAmfs/2G_6yoHEym8H2P2Swgtt5W1hTNUbOq5wQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170604_094826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4OlDLQovac/WV29xb1UZvI/AAAAAAAAmfs/2G_6yoHEym8H2P2Swgtt5W1hTNUbOq5wQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170604_094826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's getting big, but he's still so little. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFp7DlXXQMs/WV29xR0RcyI/AAAAAAAAmfs/A_tHIgIv_dgTvfMAh7i7bQPhu1eiAMHnwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170613_161237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFp7DlXXQMs/WV29xR0RcyI/AAAAAAAAmfs/A_tHIgIv_dgTvfMAh7i7bQPhu1eiAMHnwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170613_161237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes you pick up your toddler from daycare and realize he's wearing his little brother's pants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8WVT6hoDbI/WV29xXuHWeI/AAAAAAAAmfs/42gUGh4grQA9oAenH__gRKrMlGnwXY1XwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170616_162848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8WVT6hoDbI/WV29xXuHWeI/AAAAAAAAmfs/42gUGh4grQA9oAenH__gRKrMlGnwXY1XwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170616_162848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Santa Monica</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEI2oorVSiI/WV29xYJBeLI/AAAAAAAAmfs/hoRLGenE8pswcfbcrDeGcHFvxuSxCrwsQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170616_162934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEI2oorVSiI/WV29xYJBeLI/AAAAAAAAmfs/hoRLGenE8pswcfbcrDeGcHFvxuSxCrwsQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170616_162934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU-_Qt8Y3Pg/WV29xYxv7JI/AAAAAAAAmfs/jrvdYLDjR40_JRSNWxa7ZT0xGyqGSEitACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170616_163056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU-_Qt8Y3Pg/WV29xYxv7JI/AAAAAAAAmfs/jrvdYLDjR40_JRSNWxa7ZT0xGyqGSEitACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170616_163056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8g5MOymopjU/WV29xW56lJI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rY9vxp0sqwAJx_9h4JK6LRYgYGcLp_HzQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_070631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8g5MOymopjU/WV29xW56lJI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rY9vxp0sqwAJx_9h4JK6LRYgYGcLp_HzQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_070631.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Part of Daddy's Father's Day gift - photos of the boys in Terry's favorite teams' jerseys. True to form, I have yet to actually print the photos...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFdWeergUj0/WV29xet0ZEI/AAAAAAAAmfs/xfNqKa-qunkkM9yWxjeuXDZZ0BS_dYQZACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_150608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFdWeergUj0/WV29xet0ZEI/AAAAAAAAmfs/xfNqKa-qunkkM9yWxjeuXDZZ0BS_dYQZACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_150608.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hung out with Marshall's best friend's family recently, and they busted out superhero capes. You've never seen anything quite so cute as two three-year-olds running around in matching Flash costumes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zgj85oP6mfU/WV29xV3J-DI/AAAAAAAAmfs/mtYJXnO3HLYNB7v-LYnIzb711HPwGPN-ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170618_151207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zgj85oP6mfU/WV29xV3J-DI/AAAAAAAAmfs/mtYJXnO3HLYNB7v-LYnIzb711HPwGPN-ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170618_151207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They came out to tell us they were "sneaking snacks," and when we checked on the little thieves they had stolen....apples! I am so charmed by their innocence at this age.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Playing at home is such a blast these days!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbdaXIzY7Q4/WV29xdF3bsI/AAAAAAAAmfs/6tfs5VNDwrAAWaFnbDgN8DQ6jdHY0JohwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170628_173525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbdaXIzY7Q4/WV29xdF3bsI/AAAAAAAAmfs/6tfs5VNDwrAAWaFnbDgN8DQ6jdHY0JohwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170628_173525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW_6SvgSIL8/WV29xS8XruI/AAAAAAAAmfs/7gKPnabc-Pk6s3ezx5_DjvqsEfkwHGFzACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170701_072647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iW_6SvgSIL8/WV29xS8XruI/AAAAAAAAmfs/7gKPnabc-Pk6s3ezx5_DjvqsEfkwHGFzACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170701_072647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNLl_N6I-gs/WV29xUOXwTI/AAAAAAAAmfs/ZXLZO8nKF-g82bVAtdZm-t7Sfw13AxrewCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170703_114723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNLl_N6I-gs/WV29xUOXwTI/AAAAAAAAmfs/ZXLZO8nKF-g82bVAtdZm-t7Sfw13AxrewCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170703_114723.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouLOVOF7USw/WV29xUwqVSI/AAAAAAAAmfs/8t3v31Fg2fMwb56HqXgp_k-BT_PZTMiEACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_143826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouLOVOF7USw/WV29xUwqVSI/AAAAAAAAmfs/8t3v31Fg2fMwb56HqXgp_k-BT_PZTMiEACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_143826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWYanI3VkIE/WV29xfEShrI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rzxwpIGdd-QRn6wQJ3w5U5B5AbYOtvIIACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170603_190249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWYanI3VkIE/WV29xfEShrI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rzxwpIGdd-QRn6wQJ3w5U5B5AbYOtvIIACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170603_190249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More Duplo fun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nu-cTQWSUd4/WV29xbBfT6I/AAAAAAAAmfs/507W6ix4R5UbFr2ZMnlDR0sE0sffyuPHwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170619_183554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nu-cTQWSUd4/WV29xbBfT6I/AAAAAAAAmfs/507W6ix4R5UbFr2ZMnlDR0sE0sffyuPHwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170619_183554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVjOz1heLPc/WV29xTw2XQI/AAAAAAAAmfs/woIMVUb3gpcW-Y_f7siAul9iFWXxLclhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170629_175933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVjOz1heLPc/WV29xTw2XQI/AAAAAAAAmfs/woIMVUb3gpcW-Y_f7siAul9iFWXxLclhQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170629_175933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CE9pQdZRck/WV29xVf3bGI/AAAAAAAAmfs/h36ARPT_5xEIZQ8p6-a6b0pj3VJMgk2gwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170628_174958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CE9pQdZRck/WV29xVf3bGI/AAAAAAAAmfs/h36ARPT_5xEIZQ8p6-a6b0pj3VJMgk2gwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170628_174958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking for some lost toy </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGQWKuZYHv8/WV29xas-0VI/AAAAAAAAmfs/4E-6BbeFAo04lv1h2D4Hd52uvgwq7CMgwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170626_174504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGQWKuZYHv8/WV29xas-0VI/AAAAAAAAmfs/4E-6BbeFAo04lv1h2D4Hd52uvgwq7CMgwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170626_174504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vacuuming after corn-husking</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
And some adventures out of the house, too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4EuRRaKUGA/WV29xbnj-zI/AAAAAAAAmfs/7FMT40v-bqUL9SAjg2vqF0xoWjI0zFFZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170701_102134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4EuRRaKUGA/WV29xbnj-zI/AAAAAAAAmfs/7FMT40v-bqUL9SAjg2vqF0xoWjI0zFFZwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170701_102134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swim lessons! Declan joins, too, now, so it's a whole family outing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHu8iOefJIQ/WV29xXpwG0I/AAAAAAAAmfs/c8GSHlTsGKg17y9tNT1TB53MtqzLKecDwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_111519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CHu8iOefJIQ/WV29xXpwG0I/AAAAAAAAmfs/c8GSHlTsGKg17y9tNT1TB53MtqzLKecDwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_111519.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Park play!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki6K6u4c4aM/WV29xTbA2FI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rgp-ZObnMjM0MGZBg2nyuQ53I3uj8fCQQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_110550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki6K6u4c4aM/WV29xTbA2FI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rgp-ZObnMjM0MGZBg2nyuQ53I3uj8fCQQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_110550.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjF2ouJB_v8/WV29xROjeJI/AAAAAAAAmfs/CC1fkEy-1wQdKXFl4jD3TTcrGucJitfGwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170611_112802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjF2ouJB_v8/WV29xROjeJI/AAAAAAAAmfs/CC1fkEy-1wQdKXFl4jD3TTcrGucJitfGwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170611_112802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gardening</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Our morning routines are still a challenge for me, but we're finding moments of fun. The boys wake up at different times--and no two days are ever the same. Sometimes Declan is up at 5 am, sometimes Marshall sleeps past 7. Sometimes they're both up right around 6. I have to just roll with whatever happens. I pack lunches the night before while Terry does dishes, and Terry brings the boys' lunches and school bags down to the car when he leaves for work in the morning, all of which eases the burden on me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrikpuMT2sc/WV29xTnn4aI/AAAAAAAAmfs/lHse6RME-2oz8LMu4kO3xI2iYzAGFIsSgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_064558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrikpuMT2sc/WV29xTnn4aI/AAAAAAAAmfs/lHse6RME-2oz8LMu4kO3xI2iYzAGFIsSgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_064558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are some elements to our mornings that are always the same: fresh diapers and school clothes right away when the boys wake up (sometimes breakfast is extra messy and requires a change but at least we're mostly there), breakfast (smoothies, eggs, toast with peanut butter and fruit, etc.), teeth brushing for M, and as much playing and reading as we can squeeze. Plus I have to get myself ready, nurse Declan (he eats solid food at breakfast, too), and pack up anything else I haven't already prepared. We often have to sprinkle in a tantrum or two, and Declan is often starting to feel ready for a nap (if he woke up at 5 or so especially!) right around the time we're trying to get out the door.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMiMfauIdMA/WV29xavIU8I/AAAAAAAAmfs/eat4dIjKm-U97Md8ylhYTF8v2OXUPhvPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170612_080651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMiMfauIdMA/WV29xavIU8I/AAAAAAAAmfs/eat4dIjKm-U97Md8ylhYTF8v2OXUPhvPQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170612_080651.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's usually chaos. I'm working on it. But the best mornings are always the ones when Daddy is home. <3<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gApDRkAhREc/WV29xXqKySI/AAAAAAAAmfs/swdDfx5VqBw2g_jZcwmlV-EQ8mPEXBFBQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_064831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gApDRkAhREc/WV29xXqKySI/AAAAAAAAmfs/swdDfx5VqBw2g_jZcwmlV-EQ8mPEXBFBQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_064831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quick recap of Fourth of July weekend:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ended up with four days off together. After an unfortunate start with a car accident for Terry (he is okay and the kids weren't in the care!), we were glad that the weekend didn't have a ton on the agenda. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDHhLbtJqeU/WV29xXPwNdI/AAAAAAAAmfs/DlZOW-7HDXQxaK2w_le_xC5yJv1ybAsrQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170702_182935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDHhLbtJqeU/WV29xXPwNdI/AAAAAAAAmfs/DlZOW-7HDXQxaK2w_le_xC5yJv1ybAsrQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170702_182935.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the holiday, we walked to a local park for a parade and picnic, which was actually really fun! It turned out to be a pretty big community event with lots of vendors, sponsored food, music, and activities for the (slightly older) kids. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huAotWWjGYs/WV29xdr4_dI/AAAAAAAAmfs/c11mPUVPuWI1Pr2lGo2A925v6YetCw6pACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170704_104203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huAotWWjGYs/WV29xdr4_dI/AAAAAAAAmfs/c11mPUVPuWI1Pr2lGo2A925v6YetCw6pACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170704_104203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who needs to look at a camera?</div>
<br />
Then we headed out to our friends' house for a BBQ, and Marshall snoozed on the way, which is rare nowadays! (Naps in general are super hit-or-miss around here; we're just aiming for 3 or 4 per week at this point, and early bedtime when the nap doesn't happen.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_4ZvCuqx_c/WV29xav4CQI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rkyY3HPQGLk1kMOVBXLaqCd099mvraXvQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170704_142536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_4ZvCuqx_c/WV29xav4CQI/AAAAAAAAmfs/rkyY3HPQGLk1kMOVBXLaqCd099mvraXvQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170704_142536.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Backyard fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohRPlAhaqTM/WV29xZcEnWI/AAAAAAAAmfs/otZtMXNdWvc70F6NlY_HeudS19EWQeEmwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170704_200600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohRPlAhaqTM/WV29xZcEnWI/AAAAAAAAmfs/otZtMXNdWvc70F6NlY_HeudS19EWQeEmwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170704_200600.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
S'mores!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdh7z1zcsY4/WV29xaqRXbI/AAAAAAAAmfs/ZXJ8mHROdEoQ7kRnnKZJciguOpla1LJwwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170704_200321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdh7z1zcsY4/WV29xaqRXbI/AAAAAAAAmfs/ZXJ8mHROdEoQ7kRnnKZJciguOpla1LJwwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170704_200321.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Whew! Talk about a whirwind catch-up. That brings us up to speed, with lots of undocumented little moments in between. These little boys and that awesome guy I married (not to mention family and friends sprinkled in the mix) make my life so full and happy!</div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1102679513655316342.post-47282093376335632992017-07-05T21:33:00.000-07:002017-07-05T21:33:25.072-07:00Photos of Life Lately - May 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In an effort to preserve this precious time in our lives, I'm compiling an (admittedly random) assortment of photos from recent months, beginning with May, since my <a href="http://abetterlifewithburgers.blogspot.com/2017/05/phrase-per-photo.html">last catch-up post was May 1</a>. Therefore, in no particular order:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqH0bxSz9os/WV20qQEDDhI/AAAAAAAAmfM/VRd8UaQjVkITmVOBr51xVYE1ZUdXKVfkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170517_192016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqH0bxSz9os/WV20qQEDDhI/AAAAAAAAmfM/VRd8UaQjVkITmVOBr51xVYE1ZUdXKVfkACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170517_192016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bedtime stories with Daddy (we love <i>The Gruffalo</i>, a gift from our friends)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jhosa9kovaI/WV20qW5mLEI/AAAAAAAAmfM/EWYg9eRWDaM9JISg1MBg2zbmFUGjwzu0gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170521_180612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jhosa9kovaI/WV20qW5mLEI/AAAAAAAAmfM/EWYg9eRWDaM9JISg1MBg2zbmFUGjwzu0gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170521_180612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blowing bubbles on the big patch of grass a few blocks away. Marshall can blow bubbles on his own now!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhgrRQ49d9E/WV20qc_rkLI/AAAAAAAAmfM/mJ56-aZqQfAonmcvuG9EXtcTfSjhfchmgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170522_074401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhgrRQ49d9E/WV20qc_rkLI/AAAAAAAAmfM/mJ56-aZqQfAonmcvuG9EXtcTfSjhfchmgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170522_074401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A (3rd birthday!) gift from PopPop and JanJan - a construction set that connects to his train tracks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQpRgv9zyE/WV20qQObV-I/AAAAAAAAmfM/UvkbUz3LQbAKg4oZpdsbi61hBA3DrNwUQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170522_081250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQpRgv9zyE/WV20qQObV-I/AAAAAAAAmfM/UvkbUz3LQbAKg4oZpdsbi61hBA3DrNwUQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170522_081250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are loving Duplo (Lego) sets right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gFBAul9yJM/WV20qSBrf-I/AAAAAAAAmfM/hvi1aVu7udQyBRY6J4PveE_fw3ZP54bWQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170526_071330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gFBAul9yJM/WV20qSBrf-I/AAAAAAAAmfM/hvi1aVu7udQyBRY6J4PveE_fw3ZP54bWQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170526_071330.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our friends gave us a <i>Finding Dory</i> book with an audio CD, and Marshall loved it (narrated by the character Mr. Ray). Honestly, we loved it, too, because sometimes it was great to give him 15 minutes of reading time while we could put Declan to sleep or something else productive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLraB6hhJXM/WV20qZWT7OI/AAAAAAAAmfM/NlLdXrJodEEuJH3oVJyi5uJk-CYE_qU4ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170526_184350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLraB6hhJXM/WV20qZWT7OI/AAAAAAAAmfM/NlLdXrJodEEuJH3oVJyi5uJk-CYE_qU4ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170526_184350.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He grew out of this year's Christmas pjs so quickly. Also...how has this time passed so quickly?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFlxDNTtnWk/WV23VAV6VcI/AAAAAAAAmfY/skt0tUE4YesjzN9dpTszjScL8a3K3ztcACKgBGAs/s1600/20150108_173152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFlxDNTtnWk/WV23VAV6VcI/AAAAAAAAmfY/skt0tUE4YesjzN9dpTszjScL8a3K3ztcACKgBGAs/s320/20150108_173152.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Marshall at 7.5 months, same bookshelf)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We visited Travel Town in Griffith Park, and I'm already looking forward to going back. Trains everywhere!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpwIsGDvnf4/WV20qaDW_0I/AAAAAAAAmfM/WfKHoGUGrlI8WadcnU0_5koH4X_o-KJBwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_105638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpwIsGDvnf4/WV20qaDW_0I/AAAAAAAAmfM/WfKHoGUGrlI8WadcnU0_5koH4X_o-KJBwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_105638.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UqK3_xIj1Q/WV20qTY_A7I/AAAAAAAAmfM/tOBYcVKzPvwz0uFT3PS6iHGtmZTnGiIaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_110135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UqK3_xIj1Q/WV20qTY_A7I/AAAAAAAAmfM/tOBYcVKzPvwz0uFT3PS6iHGtmZTnGiIaACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_110135.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzZz7Vrx4yY/WV20qTdupaI/AAAAAAAAmfM/GfMsy1LdomgJW508_BJ47LbyPDV4Pk4_QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_110152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzZz7Vrx4yY/WV20qTdupaI/AAAAAAAAmfM/GfMsy1LdomgJW508_BJ47LbyPDV4Pk4_QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_110152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37SRJTdPa9o/WV20qSVjihI/AAAAAAAAmfM/9hd4uOJRjTcoFRdtHhlKek4cEIjICuM0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_110357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37SRJTdPa9o/WV20qSVjihI/AAAAAAAAmfM/9hd4uOJRjTcoFRdtHhlKek4cEIjICuM0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_110357.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNg7K5rSvIA/WV20qTMcdMI/AAAAAAAAmfM/beBfSKKn75c9YhQT4x9XJft-aEfpjnDnQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_114838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNg7K5rSvIA/WV20qTMcdMI/AAAAAAAAmfM/beBfSKKn75c9YhQT4x9XJft-aEfpjnDnQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_114838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so glad Marshall still shows interest in cooking. I look forward to many more adventures in the kitchen with him (and Declan, too!). At this point he can crack and whisk eggs for scrambled eggs, and his pouring skills have gotten much better so that baking is less of a mess. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WueHQoUz7dU/WV20qQ9M8HI/AAAAAAAAmfM/rZuw6e7EWxwynmViR_qb5wQHeN7JwwQZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170526_064855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WueHQoUz7dU/WV20qQ9M8HI/AAAAAAAAmfM/rZuw6e7EWxwynmViR_qb5wQHeN7JwwQZwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170526_064855.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbpQLDDFU40/WV20qbSDfKI/AAAAAAAAmfM/36Sc4Ck7Y7gtX-41xbQkNfuYoxav8j03ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_165205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbpQLDDFU40/WV20qbSDfKI/AAAAAAAAmfM/36Sc4Ck7Y7gtX-41xbQkNfuYoxav8j03ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_165205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Who looks like his daddy?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e06l9d7iGU/WV20qb4B1LI/AAAAAAAAmfM/7NK1N0UPUWQpCTHiv7bHQeu7lm4e-X0FACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170527_180609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--e06l9d7iGU/WV20qb4B1LI/AAAAAAAAmfM/7NK1N0UPUWQpCTHiv7bHQeu7lm4e-X0FACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170527_180609.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My sweet sister-in-law (and brother, but let's be honest) gave me this lovely delicate necklace with the boys' initials for Mother's Day. I LOVE it. It goes with everything and is my new favorite piece of jewelry (aside from my wedding ring and engagement ring, which will always have the top spot).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXm06JyEBXk/WV20qfGHvhI/AAAAAAAAmfM/seLI3VH2FEg2a3eGI5mfmqdMMf4GJQ0MACKgBGAs/s1600/Burst_Cover_GIF_Action_20170527193617.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXm06JyEBXk/WV20qfGHvhI/AAAAAAAAmfM/seLI3VH2FEg2a3eGI5mfmqdMMf4GJQ0MACKgBGAs/s320/Burst_Cover_GIF_Action_20170527193617.gif" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Marshall and I had some time to play with chalk recently, and I loved letting his imagination guide us. He decided we would draw a park, and he dictated while I drew. He called it "The Waiting Park," and I think it would be quite a lovely place to wait.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynyg2wAeMTw/WV20qbqxR5I/AAAAAAAAmfM/qQvIPOyhMN0zjXp9RtKRa1BrQJwSgxGlgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170528_200402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynyg2wAeMTw/WV20qbqxR5I/AAAAAAAAmfM/qQvIPOyhMN0zjXp9RtKRa1BrQJwSgxGlgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170528_200402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before we know it, Declan and Marshall will be sitting at their little table together for meals!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WxSVFROaUQ/WV20qSnknVI/AAAAAAAAmfM/pC7UHW5a09QDyPgZtnkVYfKq1CF7Wd6IQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170529_175423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WxSVFROaUQ/WV20qSnknVI/AAAAAAAAmfM/pC7UHW5a09QDyPgZtnkVYfKq1CF7Wd6IQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170529_175423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
For now, we're still laughing as their bond grows...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipbU4VryB9w/WV20qenr-lI/AAAAAAAAmfM/o8q3DVN6WD44JyTvvOmeSd0kPCLRcl2zACKgBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1496377187249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipbU4VryB9w/WV20qenr-lI/AAAAAAAAmfM/o8q3DVN6WD44JyTvvOmeSd0kPCLRcl2zACKgBGAs/s320/PhotoGrid_1496377187249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Doing it right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_sEhYtyZSc/WV20qf1arGI/AAAAAAAAmfM/VM6sZBc_3fINEAFM04HvdQc6FXsnLxDiACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170430_075358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_sEhYtyZSc/WV20qf1arGI/AAAAAAAAmfM/VM6sZBc_3fINEAFM04HvdQc6FXsnLxDiACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170430_075358.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think I shared this one, but I love how he looks at cake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIkTJThARZo/WV20qQUgj0I/AAAAAAAAmfM/6BuecTG_5HQN-pBU8okum4V5vu5ex-5mACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170430_170840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIkTJThARZo/WV20qQUgj0I/AAAAAAAAmfM/6BuecTG_5HQN-pBU8okum4V5vu5ex-5mACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170430_170840.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
We visited my brother and sister-in-law and the twins, and Marshall and the men checked out the air show. (I may have shared some of these photos before.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiyeNJLXFLk/WV20qWj_IcI/AAAAAAAAmfM/cBRSeY9wgDMRDdicuFuvwdPQYO7FsVUJgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170506_145328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiyeNJLXFLk/WV20qWj_IcI/AAAAAAAAmfM/cBRSeY9wgDMRDdicuFuvwdPQYO7FsVUJgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170506_145328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICKC0XYomRY/WV20qSWm9fI/AAAAAAAAmfM/ZHHFYEMFXYgdgfxzezt1Bzo8t-bj2_vOQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170506_145617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICKC0XYomRY/WV20qSWm9fI/AAAAAAAAmfM/ZHHFYEMFXYgdgfxzezt1Bzo8t-bj2_vOQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170506_145617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8pgCthwfyw/WV20qS7VhII/AAAAAAAAmfM/DWEP8tdAQUQYZA7CAe-JkN-kCNI6zxuRQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170506_143046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h8pgCthwfyw/WV20qS7VhII/AAAAAAAAmfM/DWEP8tdAQUQYZA7CAe-JkN-kCNI6zxuRQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170506_143046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orDMOsIzx2k/WV20qUCr8lI/AAAAAAAAmfM/mX5O-1vCisULY5UvTQ1rfMUB_uUGHKOGACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170506_165528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orDMOsIzx2k/WV20qUCr8lI/AAAAAAAAmfM/mX5O-1vCisULY5UvTQ1rfMUB_uUGHKOGACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170506_165528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The twins used to be tiny, but they've grown SO much and are following in Marshall and Declan's footsteps for size!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jD2tgTMWC3A/WV20qbvSkpI/AAAAAAAAmfM/Srs2EUKerhAVWygBrhMxqR9INnvBtVRowCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jD2tgTMWC3A/WV20qbvSkpI/AAAAAAAAmfM/Srs2EUKerhAVWygBrhMxqR9INnvBtVRowCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_3793.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will miss these newborn days. Cuddling my sweet nephew.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sV5s4MA8L8/WV20qd4H5yI/AAAAAAAAmfM/W7MXDe-6f-8LWXAm5AzpjwzBGnDPyN8QwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170504_165320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sV5s4MA8L8/WV20qd4H5yI/AAAAAAAAmfM/W7MXDe-6f-8LWXAm5AzpjwzBGnDPyN8QwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170504_165320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Car seats on a plane are key!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdteAfMr77w/WV20qUM7AII/AAAAAAAAmfM/mP6raB8bwHgRVevudHUQ3EKhP8CJBIz4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170513_093333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdteAfMr77w/WV20qUM7AII/AAAAAAAAmfM/mP6raB8bwHgRVevudHUQ3EKhP8CJBIz4gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170513_093333.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Handsome haircut!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3NaB0fHBaU/WV20qdWS1QI/AAAAAAAAmfM/bRaOnkqvE_80DpW1wVGbmwQf1kgt1553ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170517_114041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3NaB0fHBaU/WV20qdWS1QI/AAAAAAAAmfM/bRaOnkqvE_80DpW1wVGbmwQf1kgt1553ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20170517_114041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On a down note, Marshall had a very strange reaction (to what, we aren't sure) several weeks ago, and we had to take him to the doctor. These types of visits are quite rare for us, and I was reminded how thankful I am to have such healthy children. It's so stressful to worry about even minor medical issues like this; I have so much respect for parents who have to endure more serious and more frequent concerns. (Luckily, the rash was gone in a few days and all's well now.)</div>
<br />
<br />
And that's May! I'll post June, too. I do love looking back at these snapshots of our lives, so forgive the random nature of the compilation!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11827071087522441713noreply@blogger.com0