Priming the Pump

It's been awhile, I know. Lots has been going on, but i've not posted a peep. Here's why:
Harry chewed up my USB cord and what's a post without a picture?
BUT I am off to get one today, because....
Construction has started on our house! Why construction, you ask? Well, that's a long story, involving a lawsuit and a crooked developer and our fear that posting the saga could scare off future buyers (Seth's fear, not mine; I assume about four people read this blog anyway!)
Anyway, the front of our building is being sawed off and it's really quite impressive looking. Sort of like a European Cathedral.
And there's more... but I can't post about it quite yet.

(no, i'm not prego)

My own little Chatty Cathy doll

One year ago, Brice wasn't talking much. We had read that kids should have at least one word by the time they are 18 months. Brice had a sort of elegant grunt that Seth and I could usually decipher. That was it. Oh, how times change! The kid talks all day long now. Really, all day. A constant stream of words, patched together thoughts and sentences. He repeats things; he narrates things; he tells on Harry; he makes requests; he complains; but most of all, he tries to get my attention. The child talks more than Oprah. Seth and I have checked on him in his sleep and sometimes he'll even say a few words while he is out cold.

Talk about making up for lost time!

Goodbye, old friend

You will be missed, especially in the morning.

Getting the shot

Got it!!!

More pics from the weekend

Harry's first birthday cake

Getting a little love from Brice

My sweet little guy; so much more cuddly than his brother. I love him for it.

Brice, despite all warning and threats, splashes Harry.

Harry would not sit still for a picture.

Harry's First Birthday, or We Made It!!!!!

This past weekend we celebrated Harry's first birthday (which actually took place on June 30th). I still can't quite believe we made it. I really can't believe it's been a year!!! I remember bringing him home from the hospital, Seth driving and me and Harry in back. It was lovely in Chicago and Harry was snoozing and I thought, "this is as peaceful as it's going to be for a while." And while, yes, I tend to look on the not-so-bright side of life at times, I was right on that one!

Harry was colicky just like his brother, and Brice, who has never been easy or remotely mild-mannered, took his tempers and attitude to new, dizzying heights. It was rough, rough going for a while. Even after Harry stopped crying, Brice kept on raging. In January we enrolled him (not even two years old!) in preschool. More for my sanity and to extend Brice's life expectancy than anything else. But it's done us all a world of good and it seems that his tantrums and raging are waning. He actually likes his brother, now, too. He hated Harry for a long time and we weren't able to get a picture of them together for nine months. NINE months!!!

Harry is the sweetest, happiest little guy now. He eats like a teenager and only screams if you put him in his highchair without immediately putting a dish full of food in front of him. I'm telling you, the boy can eat!!!! He only weighs just over 20 pounds (12%; not that we care) and he's in the 68% for height (really, we're not keeping track). He's only in the 40% for head circumference, though (but who remembers the percentiles anyway, right?) He's not walking, but he pulls up on everything and everyone and he babbles all day long.

We are hugely grateful to God and to everyone who helped us all get through this year: my parents who helped out whenever they could, especially my mom who came at the drop of a hat when I didn't think I could go on; Seth's parents who prayed us through this year and took over all care of the boys, the house, and myself when they came to visit; Caitlin, our part-time nanny who is the loveliest, most patient person you could hope to have helping care for your kids.
And here's a quick shout-out to the inanimate objects that we couldn't have done without, too: the BOB Duallie, the Ergo, and of course...Elmo!!

My cutie pies