QUOTE

"Mamma …?"

 "Yes, AA?"

 "I am just so so glad I have two brothers."

"Me too, AA, me too."

TOYS

Before Baby J came around … back in the day when we thought we were only having two kids … we had a huge moving sale and purged most of our baby stuff.  The high chair, bassinet, walker, and most toys.  Except for a few.  The few toys that remained came out again today.

And I'm not quite sure who enjoyed them the most!  

SKIN

Summer is almost over … I'm gonna miss this sweet sun kissed skin!

H-O-T

FAMILY

An impromptu gathering at Grandpa T's turned out to be a LOUD afternoon!  

 The Big Kids just couldn't wait for cousin Ari to arrive and go swimming. 

 Grandpa T sure received his share of baby spit up!  

For a few hours, I had the vision of just what it would be like if I had twins!  Baby J and Ari's age gap of 2.5 months seems to be narrowing … they both screech, spit up, roll over, and command everyone's attention!  

My favorite quote of the night?:  

AA shouting, "EVERYONE, please be quiet!  And that means you, too, Ari!"

(As if AA should talk!)

Very fun afternoon.  Sure hope Grandpa T invites us back.

FOREVER FRIENDS

It's funny how my very dear friend N and I thought that taking pictures of our nearly identical aged children was so tough:

(May 2011, DC)

Ha!  Now try to round up four preschool aged kiddos and convince them to smile!

(August 2014, MN)

It's a good thing we have photographic memories to capture the pure cuteness of our little ones.

ROLL AWAY

For a split second, I panicked.

I was in the process of getting Baby J ready for bed when AA called me to wipe her butt (sometimes I feel like all I do is wipe butts around here!)  I was away from Baby J's room for no more than one minute.  When I came back in- I couldn't see him!  He had rolled (and rolled and rolled) until he hit the wall, tucked behind the book shelf and out of my sight.  Panic.  

But then I heard his squeals and saw his feet kicking.  When I shouted, "Baby J, you scared me!" he just looked up and giggled!  

HAPPY

SATURDAY FUN

GROWING UP

I'm definitely not trying to wish away time … but, I cannot wait to see how Baby J will fit in with the Big Kids.  As his little (BIG) personality emerges, I catch JP and AA interacting with Baby J more and more.  AA can get Baby J to belly giggle and JP always knows how to make him smile.  They keep Baby J entertained when driving in the backseat of my car, and they are (usually) great at fetching his dropped toys.  

And Baby J puts up with a lot too … JP smothers his face and AA yanks on his arms.  

I just pray this is all the beginning of a beautiful sibling relationship.

CROSS COUNTRY PLAYDATE

Even though I'm in my mid thirties, I still feel young.  Especially when I'm around forever friends … those that have known me before I grew old.  Like today.  My dear friend J and her husband W stopped by for a cross country playdate.  Though a little chaotic, and not so much time for real conversing, it meant the world to have our kids meet.  Fifteen years ago J and I shared everything … a small dorm room, matching bedspreads, Saturday night plans, and dreams about having a beautiful family one day.

Today was that day.

 I'm not so sure Baby J and Baby A are sold on the whole arranged marriage idea!

 JP and AA approved!

BIRTHDAY BASH

FOUR MONTHS

 Baby J is 4 months young!

 He's doubled his birth weight (16 pounds, 10 ounces) and is 25 inches tall (in the 70th percentile for both)

 But his head size (>98%) is off the charts.

(He must be smart or something.)

 He LOVES chewing anything he can get his mouth on- and he drools just like his big brother!

Other likes:  WARM milk, muslin blankets close to his face, butt pats, fresh air, big kisses, sitting up, and snuggles.

BLONDIE

Despite my Black Irish heritage, I've ended up with three blondies!

CONVERSATIONS

Ari: Baby J, I said MOVE OVER.  You are sitting way too close for this photo shoot.

Kellen:  Chill guys.

Ari:  That's better Baby J, keep moving.
Baby J:  I'm fine, Ari.  Just smile at the camera.
Kellen: Mom, these babies are so ridiculous!  I can't believe you are making me sit next to them.

Kellen:  Hey, Baby J … wanna see something funny?  Watch Ari flip out if I put my leg on her!
Baby J:  Do it, do it!

Ari: Boys!  That's enough!  You are SO annoying!  Our moms just want one picture of us.  The quicker we all sit here and smile like we are triplets, the sooner we can get out of these dumb matching outfits.  Just STOP!

Baby J:  Okay, fine.  I'll look at my mom and give her a half smile.  Ari, you look at your mom, and Kellen, you look at the camera.  After this, let's get outta here!

Baby J: Ari, I thought you said we were almost done with pictures!  Now look at what our moms are making us do!
Kellen:  I just tooted.

Ari:  Pew.  I can smell it.  Kellen, you are such a boy!

Baby J:  Really, this is getting annoying.  I'm not even four months and you making me stand here and smile pretty.
Ari:  At least we are outside- I'm getting a tan!
Kellen:  Hey, have you guys ever watched Mickey Mouse Club House?  I'm doing the Hot Dog dance!

Baby J:  Okay guys, this is the last one.  Let's do it!  Cheeeeeeese!