10 months

Henry, aka "stink stink," "buds" or "cutie cutie" (as Aubrey calls him), is moving on up. This month flew by, probably because of our trip to VA. He's gaining personality, and mobility, by the day and is still a pretty happy and laid back baby. He's still doing the low crawl, but he's fast as lightning. He will pull his knees under him to sleep, or to try to pull up on something, but hasn't figured out he can crawl that way too.

Speaking of pulling up... I posted recently about his first attempt the stand up on the fireplace. He hadn't really pulled up since then, until the other day. He was supposed to be napping. He was quiet for a while, and then I would hear a squeal. Not a cry, just a happy shreek. Then he would be quiet for 10 mins for so. This went on for an hour or more, and suddenly, I felt this wave of panic. He wasn't doing his normal "Hey, I'm awake in here... come get me" routine. It was like he was figuring something out and was pretty darn excited about it, but unsure at the same time. I went straight to his room, opened the door, and found him leaning over the rail of his crib, pulling at the bumper from the outside, and was probably seconds away from plummeting to the floor. AGHHHH. Mother's intuition? Guardian Angel? Whatever it was, thank God I went in there. Shame on me for not lowering his crib all the way (we had already lowered it once) after the first time he pulled up on something. Learn from my mistakes people! Crib lowered. Check. Child safe. Check.

Since that scary moment, Henry has been pulling up more and more, but can't figure out how to get down. He's very unstable and has crashed quite a few times. He's learning the world around him can be super fun, but he is also learning that some things are hazardous to his health. For example, trying to take Percy the train away from big sis will result in having Percy shoved into your forehead and then you end up getting tackled to the floor and whacking your head. 10 seconds alone with the same big sis will result in gymnastics lessons, which means your head is again shoved to the ground in an attempt to learn to flip (mother of the year, that's me). Big sis scolded. Check. Child Safe. Check.

Henry is starting to prefer mama to all other things in this world, although you wouldn't know it by the way he lovingly "bites" me while nursing. At least he still doesn't have a tooth. Despite the fact he isn't breaking any records in the dental department, he is eating more table foods, and actually getting most of it to his mouth.

That's about all for now. He's cute. He's smart. He's busy. He's a mess. You get the picture :).

nite nite

Rock Star

He definitely takes after his father in the dance moves department.

Sewing 101

My latest project: make a dress for Aubrey (because I have nothing better to do, right?)  I have never made clothes before from a pattern. Actually, I have only used a sewing machine a handful of times. I didn't have a clue where to start.  Thanks, Alice, for loaning me the pattern and giving me a crash course on how to follow it! All in all, I'm pleased with how it turned out. I learned a lot, and if you don't look too closely, it isn't half bad :). Aubrey loves it, so that's what matters.

Fully lined and reversible. Project runway, here I come.

Preparing her nest

While in Virginia, Jeny and I joined with 2 other friends (Amy and Sara) to host a baby shower for Mary Beth. I was able to design the invitations and loved creating something unique for her. We went with a simple, sophisticated theme: "Let's help prepare her nest." We had a great time planning the menu, making the food and favors, and ultimately, the shower was a huge success. Thanks for letting us celebrate with you Mary Beth! Can't wait to meet the little munchkin. 

The front of the invitation, modified so address and phone info isn't on here for the world to see. The back was solid blue with her registry information.

The hosts with the guest of honor. Amy, Jeny, Sara, Mary Beth and me.

Favor boxes...

and what was inside. Move over Martha Stewart.

The mom-to-be looked fabulous!

The spread... yummy. Flank steak sandwiches with ranch dressing, mac & cheese with crab, curry chicken salad, ramen slaw, and fresh fruit. I'm still drooling.

I think this might be the coolest bath toy I've ever seen. I'm on a quest to find one like it!

A great group of ladies. She was surrounded by family and friends. Mary Beth's mom, sister, mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law all came to town to celebrate with her.  

Even Packer was all tuckered out at the end.

Spring Break in VA

Since Brian had to attend a week long seminar in DC, we decided it would be the perfect time to visit our old stomping grounds (Virginia Beach/Norfolk) and connect with some of our closest friends. Plus, I was planning to go back east at some point to help host a baby shower for my friend Mary Beth, so by combining our trips, I didn't have to travel with 2 kids alone. Always a bonus!

We all traveled together to Virginia Beach, arriving VERY late the first night. The kids were a little off for a day or so, but settled in pretty quickly. Brian was able to take Aubrey to the beach (in the cold and rain) and enjoy a few meals before heading up to DC for his class. The kids and I stayed with Jeny, Bob and Avery for the week. It was a great change of scenery and I loved spending time with Jeny. It was great to have adult conversations throughout the day!. Avery (2) and Aubrey played really well together this visit, and by Thursday or so, were fighting just like siblings :). I loved seeing other friends in the area too. We enjoyed multiple meals and conversations with the Sherwins, and a few other "blasts from the past" stopped by to say hello. (Thanks KJ and Piggger).

I have to say, I think this break was far more exhausting than any college spring break (vacation or not, I still had to chase 2 kids), but I loved every minute of it. I wish I had the energy to write witty remarks and tell every story from the week, but I'm doing well just to get a few photos up tonight.

Avery was so sweet with Henry. She made sure he stayed hydrated.

We helped Bob celebrate his birthday.

The kids, together again. Still not easy to get a good shot.

The kids were climbing off the walls one morning, so we loaded them up and went to the mall to let them run around the play area. They also went on their first Mary-Go-Round.

Aubrey said she felt just like Mary Poppins, but refused to ride the horse.

Virginia is for lovers. Did I mention Avery liked Henry?

It was cold and rainy for the first part of the week, but we managed to make it to the park when the clouds cleared. Too bad the water wasn't cleared off the slide. Oops. Aubrey was soaked. I'm sure she'll appreciate this photo one day. Who needs a changing room.

Can anyone find Henry? Safety first. Never know when those dear hunters will be out.

We went to Tyler and Mary Beth's condo for an awesome brunch. The girls found a great way to entertain themselves.

That's all for tonight. I'll post photos from the baby shower tomorrow. Nite nite.

Fancy day

I knew that "tiara" I wore on my wedding day would come in handy.

Here comes trouble.

Yesterday, Henry and Aubrey were playing on the living room floor.  I turned my back for maybe 30 seconds to do something at my desk.  Suddenly, Aubrey shouts "Mommy! Henry is standing up!"  I just kind of ignored her with a "yeah, sure honey," knowing that Henry can't even get his knees under himself to crawl, much less get himself to the standing position. Again, Aubrey shouts "Mommy! Henry is standing up!" At this point I casually turn my head, and I'm shocked!  Indeed, Henry is standing up against the fireplace ledge trying to eat a candle.  I could not figure out how he did it.

So today, I see him head for the fireplace and watch as he pulls himself up. Amazing.  I grabbed my camera and snapped a few photos.  They're terrible, but I didn't have a second to spare to fiddle with the camera settings. He's fast as lightning. I think it's safe to say he is into everything and much more active than Aubrey was at this age.  

Look at that cute little toosh!

A visit from Grandma and Grandpa

Brian's parents came up for a fun filled weekend since they'll be leaving Texas soon and heading back to Wisconsin. Aubrey loved playing t-ball with Grandma, and Henry was all smiles for Gandpa.  Thanks for coming!  

Just some random photos from the week.

My attempt at a "photo shoot" with the kids. Terrible time of day, but my window is small people. Clearly, it's better to have an assistant. I needed at least 3 hands. One to hold the camera, and two to keep Henry upright and the dirt out of his mouth. There is a reason people pay hundreds of dollars for professionals.

Aubrey taunting Henry.

At least one of them cooperated.

Does this look like the face of a man who has been catapulted off a ship?  Must have been one fast slide.

Buyer's remorse?

I haven't really bought anything yet, but that is how I'm feeling about the name of my possible, maybe, someday, what am I thinking, graphic/creative design business/hobby. The Baum Designs.  I liked it at first. It was pretty catchy, had an element of my name, and no one else seems to have the same one. But upon further reflection, I'm just not sure it's "me." Sorry Lisa :). I did come up with a nice logo, have already used it on one design, and have gotten some positive feedback. So am I crazy for thinking I may want to change it, again???  So here is one of the major contributors to my decision. There are a lot of people with the last name Baum.  I never really thought about that.  But that isn't my name, and I think it might confuse some folks.  Plus, my style isn't really the hip, grudge, rock style that comes to mind when I say something is "the bomb."  My logo played on the root meaning of Baum, which is tree in German... but that doesn't really fit with "the bomb" either. Hmmmm.  The real reason I care is that I'm about to purchase a domain name, start a real website, and get the ball rolling on this whole thing.  I don't want to spend the money on securing this "name" when I'm not 100% into it. Which, clearly, I'm not. So....  I'm in the process of brainstorming, slowly, on some new names and logos. Once I have a few that I feel passionate about, I'll post them here... along with a place for you to vote on your favorite one! And in the meantime, if you have a good name in mind, help me out, would ya?