Outdoor Photo Shoot.

On days Fawn is at school and the weather is nice I try to capture Small Fry in action in the great outdoors.  These were too cute not to share!

Easter 2013.

What a wonderful Easter!  Although last year was so precious to have a newborn, this year was meaningful in its own way because we could really focus on the Lenten season and prepare our hearts for Easter.  Easter Sunday was lovely.  We started with early church.  We let Fawn sit with us in the sanctuary for the first half of the service; not only did he do great, but it was really special to have him experience the Easter service.  He doesn't read yet, but pretended to follow along to the words of the hymns -- he would hum and sing words he deemed appropriate (Jesus, Lord, God, Amen, Alleluia).  It was sweet.  And, he was fascinated watching his children's choir teacher singing in the choir -- he kept his eyes on Mrs. Casey the whole time.

After church and Sunday school we headed to my parents' house for a little Easter Bunny action, egg hunting, and brunch.

Found the ball first!

He's been waiting all year for a chocolate bunny.

Satisfied customers.

Chocolate and a new Transformer.  Bliss.

Who are you accusing of stealing brother's ball?

Typical Small Fry -- huge mess.

Sweet Easter baby.

Serious fellows.

My brother and his wife.

"Best" family shot.

Favorite family shot.

The Patriarch.

The matriarch and my cousin from Atlanta.

The chef.

The hubs.

Finally interested in eggs (when he realized they were quite ball-like).

Double-spooning dessert.

When the boys faded, they faded fast.  So we headed home for naps -- and all the boys (Buck included) got some shut-eye.  When they woke up we quickly regrouped and headed to Buck's sister's house for more egg hunting and dinner with Buck's family.  The threat of rain kept the festivities indoors, but the boys didn't know the difference and had a ball.

Literally.

Happy hunter.

He is risen!  Happy Easter!

My Four-Legged Son.

Sweet Hank.  You almost drove me batty as a puppy.  And you definitely delayed our having kids because we could hardly raise you!  But you are a great dog.  Loyal.  Loving.  Adorable.  Fabulous with my kids.  Thanks for making me a dog person.

Spring Break Staycation and Easter Fun.

If you've been reading this blog since the beginning, you will know that I was not a fan of Spring Break for the basic reason that everything was always so crowded.  But, I'm a changed mommy.  I now look forward to Spring Break and wouldn't do anything to trade our Spring Break Staycation.  This year was no exception -- it was a blast -- and I can't wait to spend the summer with my kiddos.  Don't get me wrong -- it was tiring and I was exhausted by bed time.  But, it was fun!  We had play dates, went to a Lego build event at the library, went to Leeds Memorial Park, went to Spain Park, played at the Brookwood Forest playground and fields, and had some good play time at home.  We even got to enjoy Daddy being home early most evenings.  It really was a great week.  (I didn't take any pictures to memorialize the fun, though.)

Another activity sans pictures was our attempt at Resurrection Rolls.  It's a sweet way to help children visualize the Easter story.  So, armed with a Bible (I used The Message for Fawn -- I just think it's easier for him to follow) and the ingredients we followed the instructions.  ONLY OUR MARSHMALLOWS DIDN'T DISAPPEAR.  

Fawn: Mommy, our Jesuses didn't raise from the dead.  Do you think I'm eating Jesus' head or hands?

Not my finest parenting moment.  Our crescent roll dough popped open just slightly but enough that the marshmallows didn't disappear.  (I think it may have been because I used reduced fat dough...who knows?!?!)  Anyway, they were tasty and Fawn heard the Easter story another time.  So it wasn't a total failure.

But egg dying, egg dying I can handle.

So excited.

He must be really happy with Mommy to give such a great smile!

Patience is a virtue sweet thing.

They turned out gorgeous!

Keeping Small Fry occupied while egg dying?  

Started out great -- with a cup and plastic straw that makes a super-entertaining noise.

Later, the come-apart when it just wasn't cooperating.

You win some, you lose some.  But we have fun trying!

Fourteen Month Update.

Even though he's a month older, our sweet Small Fry is up to his same antics.  He goes, goes, goes.  He's starting to pick up the speed with his toddling -- it's a pretty cute little toddle/run.  He still thinks he can jump and has even started attempting to jump on the bed.  He's trying very hard to walk down steps but his chubby legs are just too short.  He's also trying to climb on furniture and climb into the bathtub by himself.  We've got our hands full with Small Fry!

He's learned two new tricks -- shaking hands and giving a high five.  He is so proud.  He's talking a little more, and doing more imitating of sounds.  His favorite to imitate is "shh."  He has started shaking his head no.  He said Fawn's first name for the first time this month -- and pointed to his picture.  It didn't come out right but it was cute.  He also loves to find pictures of Daddy in the house and point to them while saying "da da da da."

He is fiercely independent.  When we are out in public, he doesn't like to be held or even hold hands.  It's like he's proving he's a big boy!  At home, he's much more of a cuddle bug and is in a bit of a Mommy faze.  He does not like his big brother to sit on Mommy's lap and will push, hit, kick and scream until big brother removes himself.  And, at home he loves to be held.  

He loves to be outside more than anything (just like Fawn).  And, he's perfectly content to wander around exploring, picking up nature's treasures, and just being.  He still loves balls (of course!) and is also really starting to enjoy Fawn's big boy toys that Fawn is willing to share.  His current obsession are his Crocs (hand-me-downs from Fawn).  He loves them and tries (but fails) to put them on himself.  Many days he toddles around our house in a nothing but a diaper and Crocs.

As for food, he's developing his preferences and will scream until we comply.  Probably just because of what's in season, but current favorites are oranges, pineapple, and mango.  I've introduced a bit of juice, and the kid can down a smoothie (he will point at the blender and start screaming if that's what he wants).  He's starting to dislike his highchair so he's got to be really hungry to happily sit and eat.  We are doing more grazing and snacking -- and he continues to grow and thrive so it's working!

We love our funny, energetic, sweet boy!  We can see the changes daily and are blessed to be along for the ride.