Holden's Nursery

I love Holden's nursery. I kept the wall paint as it was and went with a natural and white wood furniture combo, along with pops of fun colors like pink and orange. It feels very fresh and yet also cozy. This is what you see when you first walk in:

The vintage pull-down maps were a gift when I was little and SO into being a teacher. I spent so many hours playing with those things- loved them- and love them even more now. I think if you tried to purchase these now- you would break the bank- so I'm glad we kept them over the years. The gray rocker is from red- so modern and also comfy- which is hard to find. The stool we've had forever- from citywide garage sale in Austin. And I'm clearly still looking for the perfect lampshade for that cute light...

This is actually just to the right, more immediately when you walk in the door. The little bench is actually a toybox that my grandfather made for Nikki and I when we were little- I'm excited Holden will be using it too. The diaper bag was a gift from the hostesses at my sprinkle- available via Bag Envy on etsy. Love it. And the orange magnet square was a gift from Nikki!

Against the left wall when you walk in- you will see my pride and joy- the giant tropicana orange. This was used years ago, in some context, for the pitch and when I saw the mailroom guys rolling it to the dumpster, I screamed! "NOOOO!!!! I'll take it." And I've used it for many things- though this new placement is certainly the best. Sorry for the glare...

And then the biggest wall houses the bed. And the fabulous bedding from Red and Dwell. It's funny that I don't have anything over the bed, I guess, but there is stuff (big map, orange square, orange fruit stuff) on the other three walls, so I kind of like it plain. The fabric is so pretty- I think that is enough.

A closer look...

And the best angle of the most stuff I could get in one shot:

And that's that! Hope you enjoyed. But before we go, to conclude this post, a few random notes:

We had Holden's two week appointment today and she gained a pound. Yahoo. So now, while we will feed her every three hours during the day, we can let her sleep as long as she wants between feedings at night. Sleep little Holden, sleep.

Also please note that I am so THANKFUL. Meaning, I have so many people and things to be thankful for that I have a virtual mountain of thank you cards to write. Just wanted you people to know that I haven't forgotten and I'm working on it.

Bennett is the best. He has been matching me 1 for 1 on feedings on the weekend and he also takes one each night during the week. PARTNERSHIP. Also he washed and cleaned my car yesterday. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. Yes he is.

Oh and one more thing...I was giving Davis a bath yesterday and he was giggling this sly giggle and looked at me and said "Don't you poo poo in tub..." (he did this the other day and mama was NOT HAPPY). I said "That's right Davis- don't you poo poo in the tub. Yuck." And he kept grinning slyly. So I said "Davis, are you peeing in the tub?" This elicited a bigger grin and a giggle so I asked again, and as sure as anything, he peeked his little penis out of the top of the water to show me the arc of pee. HA.

And Finally...Pictures!

All wrapped up.

Serious smiles. And thanks for the help, Honey. Ha.

With gampa...

Could she look any smaller?

Proud daddy

Too sweet

my FAVORITE picture by far...

Posing

Snoozing, in what Bennett calls her "clown suit"

Snug as a bug

Just relaxing, looking like a little easter egg

First bath- she hated it

And Davis, what has Davis been up to?

Wearing some thigh high boots

And driving around with a laundry basket on his head...just a typical day at the Bennetts. More tomorrow- I have pics of the nursery!

If I had a dime...

For each time I said the following, today, I would be ready for retirement.

1) Davis, we don't talk that way...
2) Davis, no screaming please...
3) Don't say "no" say "no thank you"
4) Ask again nicely...
5) Just say "can you help me, please"
6) Mommy doesn't like it when you whine like that.
7) Davis, that isn't nice, please be nice.
8) Hey bud, we have to have some patience.
9) Actually that isn't yours. It's mine. All of it is MINE and I am sharing it with you. Isn't that nice?
10) Sounds like someone is tired.

Oh hello twos. Everything everyone has said about you is true. Good thing he is so damn cute.

Say Ya Prayas

The past two nights, mid-rocking Davis before bed, and even sometimes mid-sentence, Davis has abruptly and directly suggested, that we "Say ya Prayas!" So I say "dear Jesus" and then I thank him for our family and friends and ask him to help us be nice and loving, and I just keep praying until Davis says "Aaaaa-men!" So sweet. Anyway, just wanted to remember. More later.

January 13th: Holden's Birthday

I better write this down, before I begin to forget the details. I will add pictures to this post soon, to help you visualize it all.

So as mentioned, Holden came early, and in a hurry. I didn't feel ready. It wasn't how it was supposed to go. But on the way to the hospital, I started to feel really excited. Dr. Seeker was there and man, he really is worth the wait, just his calm presence and excitement. Makes you feel like he has all the experience in the world and yet, like your baby is the first baby he's ever delivered.

When Holden was plopped on my chest- she was white and gooey. And I just stared at her. She was quiet and I kept asking if everything was okay, though I could see her breathing and they assured me she was fine. Moments later, right after they cleaned her up, she was the brightest, healthiest, pinkish/red color. Like she had just gotten back from the Bahamas. :) She didn't look like Davis, (it's silly, but I sort of expected her to look just like him, simply because that's all I knew) and while she looked like she was our baby, we didn't think she looked exactly like either one of us, either. But she was perfect. And calm. And we were so calm. It was weird, almost as though we had done that before. Ha.

She was born at 10:03, and by 12:30, we were in our post-partum room. We had joked about how different it would be this time, how we would have visitors, and we wouldn't hunker down in our dimly lit room with the shades pulled. We said we would pull the blinds and let the sun shine in right away- so it was funny when we got to our room and the windows actually faced an interior (and dark) space. Bummer.

I tried breastfeeding. And it didn't go well. But I said I would try again after they took her to the nursery and ran the usual tests. The whole situation brought me down so quickly. I knew it wasn't going to work...and I didn't want to feel depressed about it...but I also felt the pressure that it should work. I should MAKE IT WORK. I did try again. And they suggested I meet with the lactation consultant. I didn't really say "yeah, sounds great" but instead sort of just went with it. But when the same lactation consultant walked in that I had last time and immediately started critiquing everything I was doing- I knew- I was done.

"Eskkiiinnn to esskiiinnn" (skin to skin) she would say with her castillian spanish accent. I wanted to punch her. Anyway- so that was that. Moving on. Decided to actually enjoy the time with Holden and forego breastfeeding.

The rest of the nurses were AMAZING. Seriously. And last time, we were underwhelmed. The whole visit was like a completely different experience. That night, we let her stay in the nursery so we could make up for the lack of sleep the night before, also knowing that those first two nights in the nursery were going to be the only nights we weren't getting up every couple hours, for a very long time. But I would wake up almost every two hours anyway. And I would have to go see her and check to make sure someone was feeding her. Again, my night nurse was amazing, and I had her both nights. It was like she knew exactly what I was thinking and she would say "Sam, feel free to get her if you like, but I just fed her and she is doing great and is already sleeping. You should get some rest." And I did.

I won't forget waking up in the night, feeling so excited to see her again. Walking down the hall, stopping for a cranberry juice (or 2 or 3 or 4- seriously- I cleared the fridge out- they were SO GOOD) and sometimes a rainbow pop, and then going over to peer through the nursery window at her. It was such an exciting feeling.

When we took her to the nursery the first night, there were about 5 babies in there, lined up in one row, right by the viewing window. She was the only little girl- we could tell by the bow on the hospital hat. When I went back in at midnight, it was like Grand Central Station. Seriously. At least 15 babies had come. Holden was still right by the window- but as Bennett said- by this point, she was triple parked. :)

Each night when she was in the nursery- I would wake up just dying to bring her back in- but also knowing that I would need this sleep. So every morning around 5 or 6 I would go get her and start the day. She never cried. She just snuggled until it was time to eat, then she ate, and went back to sleep. And she LOVED to sleep on our chests. Still does.

On Friday, my mom and Nikki were there when she was born. Then later that day, B and Courtney brought Davis up. He walked in- and had somehow grown about 2 years worth in just 24 hours. I'll never forget his face. he peeked around the corner so cautiously, just knowing that something big had happened. And he saw me and I saw him and my heart got so big it felt like it would burst. I had been so busy and so caught up with Holden, but the second I saw him, I realized exactly how much I missed him.

He quickly climbed up on the bed and laid his head against me. And though we kept trying to show him the baby, he was more interested in all the buttons on the bed. After about 20 minutes, he realized that she was there and he just wanted to kiss and hold her. My sweet boy.

Saturday was filled with visitors, which was great, and then Saturday night Davis and I got pizza and wings and channel flipped between some important football game and Miss America. You would have never guessed we had just had a new baby. Everything was so different this time. We were so calm and we were able to enjoy it all. I am so thankful for that.

Sunday morning we had to get a new car seat for Holden because she was so small. And soon after that, we headed home. I couldn't wait to see Davis, and I was so hopeful he would feel happy in his heart and know how much I loved him.

Time moved so fast in all of this. And that's the only thing that has been hard for me. Well, that and the fact that Davis has been sick since she's been home and I've had to send him to school or Fredericksburg to keep him from getting Holden sick. And today- Bennett and Holden are in Fredericksburg- which almost breaks my heart. I want time to slow down. I can't imagine that I'll ever have enough time with her this little- and I am certain that is because I see how fast it has gone with Davis.

It's still early, I know. And she is much easier in general, simply because the feeding stuff is going so well, but I don't dread the nights. I'm tired, but I look forward to holding her and having her fall asleep on my chest, and I don't want to wish it away...because it goes so fast. And you realize that you can't get it back. And I know how fragile life is and how lucky I am to have her. And that is a little sneak peek into her birthday, and the days thereafter. I am one lucky girl.

Today

Today was spent napping with little Holden from about 10 to noon. Falling asleep to the sound of the rain and her measured breathing, was worth a million bucks. So cozy and sweet. I think most women, when they get pregnant with girls, start dreaming about everything they're going to do with their daughter from the second they find out. I didn't. But man, I am now. It's all I can think about. I have such a special bond with her already. Around noon, we got up for lunch- got a few things done around the house and then snuggled again- my face next to hers- from about 1 to 2:30. Not a bad way to spend the day, not bad at all.

Unfortunately- the end of the day hasn't been so swell. Just got a call from Davis' school saying he has a fever of 102. When he gets fevers, they are always high, so I am not going bonkers just yet...but I do feel so bad for him. He's been feeling badly since Thursday...and today it must have gotten worse. On top of that- he cannot be near Holden- so tonight or tomorrow, Bennett and Holden will go to Fred for a couple days where Bennett can work and maybe get a little help from Honey.

This way, Davis will be able to sleep well in his own bed, get up late, and he'll get to spend time with his mommy. I'm glad to be able to keep him home- it's the worst sending them to school when you know they aren't 100%. But I'm having a hard time thinking about being away from Holden for two days this soon. I hate that it's cutting into my time with her, especially this early, but the point, I am reminding myself, is making sure she doesn't get sick. So I get it...

P.S. Here are two more phone pics. I've taken so many pictures- but have to pick up my camera cord from work to download them. So don't worry, they are coming.

Sleeping with one eye open.

ALSO, I bring you: Funny things Davis has said lately...
" Don't go. Don't go way, mommy..." (at night, when I'm about to walk out of his room. so adorable and heartbreaking)

"We DON'T push people. Make people sad..." (he's heard me say this quite a bit lately)

"Did ya find it?" (five minutes after I told him we needed to find the remote so he could watch Barney)

One Week

Its hard to believe that just one week ago we were at the hospital with Holden. It's gone so quickly. And it's gone so well. Physically and mentally, it took me about six months after having Davis to feel the way I do now. I know I am still running on adrenaline a bit, and things could change, but I am thankful for how i feel and hopeful things will just keep getting better.

Davis had a rough end of the week, cried at school drop off, cried at night, acted extra crabby and whiny during the day. I felt so sad thinking that he was just having a hard time with his new baby sister...but as he woke up about 5 times last night, I started to realize he was sick. Bennett took him in this morning and the dr. said its just a cold, but really freaked me out by saying how seriously we need to keep him from Holden, and how if she feels warm at all, to go straight to the ER. Seriously???

So today was spent trying to corral an ultra-crabby two year old who says no to EVERYTHING. An adventure, to say the least. But I feel optimistic that tonight and tomorrow will be better. It has to be. Davis is celebrating the Chinese new year at his school Monday with a dragon parade. Can't miss that.

Holden is still so sweet. I can't get enough of her. Please pray she doesn't catch anything from Davis. P.S. thanks to Nikki for picking Davis up Friday, to Honey for watching Holden while I went to a friend's lingerie shower last night, and to Corky and B for meeting us at the park today. God is good. And I am thankful.

I ADORE HER

Remember how worried I was about having Holden? I didn't know if I would love her like Davis, or even close. I didn't know what it would be like to have a girl. I didn't think I'd have an immediate connection...and I really just worried that I would feel burdened by her. Sounds bad- but it's true. The good thing is- I couldn't have been more off. I ADORE HER. She is so sweet. I can't stop kissing her sweet little face and thinking about all the fun we're going to have together.

And so far, things are going great with my little man, too. He is happy and still thinks it's really fun to "go see baby" or "hug baby". I do my best to give him every minute of my time when he gets home from school- and I think that is helping. They said he was sensitive at school today, but I think that is to be expected with such a change.

For the most part, I hope it stays this way. I'm honestly waiting for the other shoe to drop. And I know it's early- but so far- it's been great. She did better last night- woke up every three hours- but went to sleep shortly after. She prefers to sleep on or by us...which is SO different from Davis. Today I took a nap with her on my chest- for two hours. It was awesome.

My only complaint is how much produce I have stuffed in my bra. Yes, I said it. Cabbage. Galore. To dry up the milk and it's MISERABLE. And the whole thing is PAINFUL. And stupid and gross to have to jam cabbage in my bra. Ugh.

Today we went to Holden's follow-up appointment. She has lost weight and that is unusual for formula babies. I told the doctor how much we're feeding her- and how the nurses at the hospital told us to give her that amount. Turns out we were underfeeding her by about 50%. Now, she hasn't been crying and she hasn't been up all night hungry, so it's okay...but we're upping her volume asap. I felt bad.

Separately, I'm nervous about Bennett going back to work. Doing it all myself. But I need to relax about it. It will be okay. I think he'll still help out at night here and there. I guess I'm really more nervous about when he first travels again. But I can do it. I think of all the single moms out there, a lot, and it makes me realize that I certainly have it easier than that.

Here are a few quick pics from my phone. I need to upload all the shots from my camera...and I still want to do a post of the weekend. Tomorrow. :)

Who are these people?

Holden is the sweetest little angel you could imagine- and each day her face relaxes- and she just gets cuter and cuter. I love her hair- that there is so much of it, at least compared to Davis. That it's sort of a brownish blonde, that it's so soft. Her lips are so beautiful. Big. I don't know where she got them- but they're gorgeous- and when she has just taken a big gulp of milk, she puckers them up tight. It's adorable.

And Davis? Davis became a man over the weekend. He is so big and so handsome. And just chatters up a storm- about anything and everything. What he says has begun to have personality too- he doesn't just repeat things- he SAYS things. Tonight we went to Target and asked him if he wanted a potty. He looked at Bennett and said "NO..." like "Are you serious? No way." Tonight when I went in to check on him (after hearing him chat for an hour or so) he stood up and gave me a hug and said "Mommy has ouchie..."

He has been so sweet today. Loves Holden. Tries to share cookies with her- giggles when he walks up to her- says "hold her hand" and holds her hand. The only point of contention has been her binky. And I get it- why does she get one when he doesn't? Well, she is a baby and Davis is a BIG BOY. So it's almost time to not have a binky at all.

Anyway- I'll do a whole post on this past weekend- it came and went so quickly and so unexpectedly- it almost feels like it didn't happen. But it did- and it was great. So I'm excited to tell you all about it.

But for now- I'm drinking a glass of wine, watching Moneyball with Bennett, while both Davis and Holden snooze away. :)

GUSH

Well it happened- my water broke. Gush in the middle of the night, as I lay there sleeping, not knowing my life was about to change. Well honestly, first it was just a little moisture. Then at second check, truly wet. And as I sat up, semi-shouting "Davis-I-think-my-water-just-broke!" GUSH! And then I panicked. I wasn't ready yet. Not mentally, not physically, not logistically. I mean, I had a list with about 15 things on it that we planned to do, this weekend alone. But she was ready. She was coming.

And Bennett began to fly around the house like a crazy man, pulling out two full suitcases, throwing everything he could grab in them. And I couldn't stop shaking while calling Nikki and Courtney to see who could come be with Davis while we headed to the hospital. They both came and so Nikki got to go with us while sweet Courtney got to spend the night over, not before washing the sheets though, of course. And next I called my mom, who jumped in the car to drive over, after just having driven home that night.

We got to the hospital, checked in, and contractions began. I got an epidural a couple hours later and really this time, that was the worst part. I dropped the F bomb. Yep. Don't know where it came from, but it loudly found its way across my tongue with about the fifth needle in my back. Oops. God, forgive a pregnant woman who is in labor almost a month earlier than planned.

And then we waited. Nikki and my mom went home and Bennett and I tried to sleep until Dr. Seeker showed up for duty. He stopped in around 8 and said he would be back in an hour or so to "throw this birthday party..." yes, that's really what he said. Could he be any cuter?

Around 9:45 we did a practice push and he said "okay. Let's wait on Davis," who was in the bathroom doing a last minute shave job so he could rub his little face against hers. Davis joined us, I pushed one time to crown, then twice to get her head out, once more for shoulders and BOOM, we had the most uneventful, delivery of the sweetest little girl. NO PAIN. Some pressure, sure, but no pain. I had to think about pushing harder than I physically could feel pushing. Insane.

And then they plopped her on my chest and she calmly and quietly laid there as they bulbed her mouth until she squawked like a little bird. Holden Eloise Bennett, born at 10:03 a.m., 6 lbs, 15 oz, 20 inches long, on Friday, January the 13th. An amazing detailed event that also seems like such a blur.

She is in the nursery now (we're smarter this time) so I better sleep, but there is more to the story, naturally, so I will share that later. But we love her. Even little D loves her and realizes how soft and sweet she is. And I am just blessed beyond words and thankful for the gift God gave us yesterday. He is so good.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Last night, the three of us were playing blocks in Davis' room and Bennett brought in the iPad so we could listen to some tunes while building towers...nothing too unusual. Davis has a little iPod in his room, we listen to songs on the TV and computer through pandora, and we listen to the radio in the car...it doesn't matter where it comes from- he loves music.

Something about the iPad though, or the song, just really caught his attention, and he kept quietly coming to sit in my lap while I sang along. He couldn't take his eyes off the screen- though nothing was happening, or even moving.

He sat, so still and quiet, with the most focused look on his face for the WHOLE song, while I sang and we sort of rocked back and forth to the beat. It may not sound like it, but it was the sweetest moment. A memory moment.

If you haven't heard this version of the song- check it out HERE and maybe you'll see why.

Speaking of memory moments: I am not an incredibly nostalgic person. I never have been. I really believe that the most unhappy people I know spend most of their time looking backward, wishing, hoping for things they cannot change...and because of that I mainly look forward. But I do love when you're in the middle of something and you can just tell that you are making a memory. That your mind and your heart have aligned and some day you will mentally access the vault to get to: the way the room smelled- the music you were listening to- the feeling you had.

Last night Davis and I went around picking up a few last minute things for Holden and afterwards we went to Homeslice and ate salad and pizza at the bar. They were playing oldies- great ones. Davis and I were talking about Holden and Davis and things to come- and I knew I was making a memory. A good memory.

What's Cookin?

Davis and the Koalas class will begin doing some "cooking activities" starting next week. We got a note from his teacher telling us about some of the new things they'll be doing to further their development...starting with things like making pizza, play doh and trail mix. I think Davis will LOVE this. They are also going to open the door between the Honey Bears and the Koalas twice a week, let 6 kids swap at a time for an hour or so, just so the Koalas are able to learn from the older kids and so both groups have a little change of scenery.

It's weeks like this one that I'm so glad he is in school. He has little friends there! When we pick him up- he's still excited to see us- but it's not like he's been anxiously waiting. His friends all tell him "bye" and he is so happy. It's great.

What else is cooking? Well, Bennett and I went to my 37 week appointment and things are trucking along. I was glad to hear that Dr. Seeker still thinks it will be end of January. I'm more dilated and effaced- but he still feels confident that Bennett should go to Minneapolis next week. I'm starting to get excited. I'm hopeful that this weekend we'll do some of the final things and that will make me feel ready and also make me even more excited about it all.

Adios for now!

Snapshots

A few pics of Davis in the last week or so...

My little sweetheart- right before his haircut. I love that little face. I feel like you can see what he is going to look like when he grows up.

Mid-haircut. Lots of frowning and concerned looks, but no tears this time. Maybe due to the promise of a treat...maybe he's growing up. P.S. I took him to the gas station after the haircut and let him pick any treat he wanted out of the whole store. I don't know what I was thinking except that I thought it would be fun. He LOVED IT. Scoped out some ritz bits, perused the cornnuts, and landed on snack wells cookies. Not too bad, considering...

Post-haircut. How cute is he? How big is he? How much does he look like his dad here? I seriously can't stop staring at him since the haircut. He looks so big and so handsome. He's a little boy.

Hugs from Porter.

Really leaning in for the nuggle.

Yesterday was a rough day. My mom and Nikki gave me an amazing, modern, upholstered rocker from Red, so we went into Holden's room to put it together. Davis could not handle that some of the things in there were not his or couldn't be played with. He screamed "Mine!" over and over and just really was a pill. I think that it's a combination of his age and that he is fully realizing he has a baby sister coming- and it might not be all about him all the time. It made me frustrated and it made my heart break a little.

I'll be honest- I'm getting pretty nervous about another baby. I'm nervous about the logistical things, labor, lack of sleep, life shift, etc. But I'm also nervous about being emotionally prepared for another baby and for loving Davis, Bennett and Holden incredibly well. Sometimes I can't sleep.

I. AM. RICH.

My girlfriends, Katie, Kirsten, Courtney, Carrie and Nikki, threw me the sweetest sprinkle for Holden yesterday. I can't wait to post pictures- it was ADORABLE. Trying to describe the treats and the decorations won't do it justice...

It was such a special day. I guess I've not really been feeling like this pregnancy is real. Maybe it's denial or being busy or who knows- but yesterday was so fun, it felt so real, and I felt like one hundred dollars (as Oskar Schell would say). A handful of my girlfriends were there- my closest gal pals (other than Katie who is finishing her stint in Ohio) and my two godmothers drove in from Houston and Fredericksburg- and my mom and grandmother were there. It was perfect.

The weather was unseasonably lovely, the music was sweet and joyful, the treats and decor were perfectly girly, and of course, the conversation was celebratory and fun.

Holden really scored (as did I) on the gifts. It was hardly a sprinkle, but more of a full-on shower. But my godmother was right- sprinkles are better because with a second baby, no one has to get you anything practical. So Holden is all set up with adorable shoes, dresses, onesies, and I am lined up with an adorable baby book, Chew beads, and the cutest gray diaper bag from etsy.

Okay- so to the title of this blog...
Between Carrie and Courtney coming over the night before, the event itself, the people that drove in for it, the sweet gifts, all the work that went into it, and the pure joy and excitement I could feel from all my friends and family...I drove home on Saturday with the BIGGEST smile on my face and maybe a couple tears in my eyes and I thought: "I have the best friends (and that includes family) a girl could ask for. Friends that really truly know me and care for me. Does it get any better than this? I. AM. RICH."

Sprinkle

Saturday, some of my girlfriends are throwing a sprinkle for me, to celebrate Holden. I'm so excited. It's so sweet and I know it will be so fun. How cute is this invitation? EEK!

Ornamental

About one month before Christmas, I mentioned to Bennett how much I loved it when he makes gifts instead of buys them. He delivered in the sweetest way. Each year we exchange an ornament. This year, he made two ornaments for me, and one for Davis. Not only was it sweet, but these are some awesome ornaments. My favorites for sure. I've also included some pics of other ornaments we gained this year.

B for Bennett.

The cutest little kangaroo with a roo baby in her pouch. :) Bennett found this on an old trophy.

A little saw for his little man.

A vintage trumpet from my grandmother.

Vintage hoho ornament.

The cutest little pink and sparkly duck for Holden from Honey.

Felty fishy.

Felt D button.

A tired octopus from the Monterey Aquarium- from me to Bennett.

All of these ornaments made for a fun electric blue tinsel tree.

Bennett noticed as we carefully put all of our ornaments away that while I'm not super sentimental about things- or old things especially- I AM sentimental about my ornaments. And it's true...I think vintage ornaments are far more beautiful than MOST new ornaments. Unless they're made by one Davis DG Bennett.

Christmas Break in Pictures: Part II

This smile is new- have to tip your head SO FAR BACK.

Started a new routine at night- Davis gets to stay up a little later, watch 20-30 minutes of Barney, with a bedtime snack, IF he sits still and relaxes a bit. He loves it. This started b/c every night before bed he would sob and say "SIT. IN. CHAIR."

Hanging out, eating pretzels. It was an amazingly beautiful day.

Same.

Playing with Bennett's bike pump- his favorite.

Pushing his trike. This is his favorite way to play with it right now. Likes to be in control, I guess.

This is the vintage HoHo Honey gave him- it lights up at night. Davis hugs him every day on the way to and from school. Sometimes three times each.

Davis and Bennett about to try out their new bike setup from Nikki and Tony.

Taking off...

Davis in his seat. He didn't know exactly what to think, but liked it after they took off.

Bennett was tying his shoes- Davis had to take a closer peek.

Which turned into the sweetest hug. Have I mentioned how much Davis loves to hug? Probably 10 times a day he will say "Hug, mommy. Big hug." or "Need a hug..." and this is on top of the hugs we already give him. Love it.

Pico- from my view laying in the grass.

P.S. Tonight Davis will embark on night one of the Skittles challenge. If he sleeps through the whole night, no crying, he will get two skittles in the morning. Since he was sick a few weeks ago- he wakes up one to two times a night and will scream or cry until I go in there and rock him. Sometimes I don't mind- but I'm really tired these days and I don't want this to become a habit. I would rather morning candy become a habit. :)