Massive Update Part 1

It's a little embarrassing.  My father in law reminded me yesterday that we hadn't posted anything in almost 2 months.  Ooops.  Life has been just a little busy.  Nick and I finished up school this past week on Thursday and Friday, and then we took off for an Iowa trip on Sunday, returned yesterday, and are figuring out what it means to be a summertime parent- how to divy up baby care and house care and each other care.  If you've seen us lately, you know our baby is thriving by his gigantism and giggles, and for those that haven't seen us, I'm going to do a photo dump to catch everyone up to speed.

Julia and Arnie are making eyes at each other.

Julia was here, she got on famously with Arnie (after a few playful nips she put him in his place, and they bonded.  She made the mistake of letting him on her bed, and the bed was never the same.


We visited Iowa, this was back over Mothers Day weekend.  We were able to see a lot of family, Nicks' sister and fiance, and Grandma and Aunt, and Mom and Dad all made visits.  It was all very nice!

Nolan finds the camera in the room. 

And hangs out with great-grandma. 

And examines Papa Danny's teeth. 

Arnie perfected the puppy dog stretch sleep position. 

We took Nolan on his first plane ride, and he was a champ.  Such a good traveler, no big fits, and he smiled for all the people behind us on the plane. Towards the end of the plane trip he got fussy and Nick just lifted him up so he could look back at the rows of people.  They provided entertainment.

Nolan made flying arms...

And we read books. 

We visited one of my favorite places in the world, The National Cathedral.  My grandmother lives close by and it is one of the things we always do whenever we visit.  I kind of feel like it belongs partially to me since it was such a part of growing up and visiting family in DC. 

Nolan laid in the grass.  He wasn't sure about it at first. 

It seemed okay. 

And then he had to taste it.  It was pretty good. 

I love these boys and this place so much. 

While we were in DC, we got to spend special time with Nana, but also Nolan got to meet his great Aunts and Uncles!  Unfortunately, the only pictures I have are with Uncle Jim, but we also got to see Uncle Mike, Aunt Babe and Uncle Chuck, and Uncle Rich and Aunt Maggie.  It was really great. Nolan was particularly interested in Uncle Jim's amazing animation.

He was even trying to make the same silly face. 

Nolan loves reading books, of any sort.  Yesterday we read about North American birds for 15 minutes. 

 We had a wonderful visit with Nana, (great- grandma) and Nolan was a super sleeper while we were there, making life nice for us.

Yawn for the camera!

And this brings us up to Memorial Day Weekend, I will post the rest tomorrow!

Photo diary of the little love

Working is hard.  Being a new mom and a teacher is ridiculously difficult.  It feels like I am just barely getting by on all fronts.  Nolan, on the other hand, is thriving.  I am ready for a retreat where I can just  sit down write and write, for now, it's easier to upload pictures and give you a photo diary of the past few weeks. 

We caught Nolan looking at books again, dappled by the sunset light. 

All the boys like to lounge.

Weirdo floating space things are neat.

But not as neat as Daddy's face.... Nolan displayed great aptitude for laughing, we managed to get some on camera (until Arnie weasled under my arm holding the camera)

Bath time continues to be a hit! especially eating the washcloth!

Happy baby!

And here is a barrage of 4 month photos- taken a day after his 4 month birthday, April 19.

And here my little love demonstrates how to fall gracefully.

Noly has also been really into text...

Specifically, "warning" text on the side of his co-sleeper...

Beautiful baby, we love him more everyday!