Our day at the Zoo..
Jake looking ooh so cute in front of my favorite tree. I don't know the name of my favorite tree (who has time to figure tedious facts like that out) but this multicolored giant made a great backdrop for one handsome boy of mine.
The elephants were chain free and active this visit and it was so neat to see these graceful giants pace the grounds and play with toys.
Our visit was short and sweet as most of our activities are these days, but we will be back again with our annual passes in hand!
As we were exiting the zoo I come upon the boys and Chris says "Hon, watch how high he can go!". Before I have the chance to interrogate him with pertinent questions he launches Jake into the air...he did go pretty high, but WTH! Jake LOVED it and was on an endorphin high for the next hour.
Our little beach boy has turned into a cowboy as of late. He sleeps with every single horse we own (including plastic ones) and drags each and every one with him all around the house. He is a very good caretaker and often plays Dr. with them to heal their sore hooves as well as sharing his water with his parched playmates. It really is an adorable thing to watch as a mother and especially a mother of 2 as he shows great concern and affection for just a simple stuffed animal. No wonder he is an excellent big brother!
One day I pulled out the jungle play-mat for Colin and Jake was quick to jump right in. At first my instincts were to tell him to play somewhere else in case he got to rough with Colin. But then I realized that my tiny bull in a china shop has the sweetest intentions and to just give them an opportunity to "play" together (under intense supervision of course). I'm so glad that I did. Colin was tracking Jake's every move and I could see that Colin was calmed by watching the playful voice he always hears around him. Jake was as careful as a 2 year old can be and started to point out the animals to Colin and even gently tried to put one of his lizards in Colin's hand to play with him. "Here you go Colin, hold it"
Potty training.....NOT! I mean we encourage, but no hardcore "training" has taken place yet. I just loved this shot though because it seems that reading material is an innate compulsion for males taking care of business.
Ahhhh, the sweet sight of a sleeping newborn. Colin is a growing weed and 5 weeks already! He weighed in at 8.10lbs and 21in during his visit. Colin still loves to be held and happens to be a much less content infant than Jake was. Gas is the culprit I think as his tummy has rumbled since the day he was born. Upon advice from the Doctor I cut out dairy for 3 days to see if that was the issue, but if anything it made it worse as I consumed more veggies and fruits to make up for the lost calories. Hopefully he will grow out it and his little tum tum will settle soon.
Bright eyes and big smiles!
Colin's eyes have lighted much earlier than Jake's did into a beautiful soft blue. His personality is all ridged movements and grunts as of yet, but the curiosity is booming within and coos are sure to come.
The unforgettable moment when your child locks eyes with you and gives you the slightest bit of a crooked smile has happened. He sees us and likes what he sees! The recognition and flattery that fills my heart makes even the hectic of days stop and quite down in an instant.
? Does he look like Jake ?
Every one says that Colin is the spitting image of his big bro, but I beg to differ. Yes, of course they look related, but to me Colin is much different in his looks and personality. You be the judge. Jake's baby picture (same age) is below.
It's that time of year.....again?!
That's right folks it was time for the pumpkin patch. This year we were a bit more prepared arriving early and on the first day to avoid walking through endless fields of previously picked pumpkins and brought our version of a wagon (aka running stroller) along to help with the load.
This year they had horse rides and it couldn't have come a better time for Jake. My 2 year old stood PATIENTLY in line under the blazing sun for 30min. just to take a ride like a real cowboy.
r
He enjoyed it so much we decided to return the next morning bright and early to avoid the lines and get in one more ride.
The only way to get Jake to smile was of course to involve running.....the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
So round and round we went...
Viola, a smile!
Time to carve
Colin's first Halloween!
My cowboy suddenly turned defiant the day of Halloween and the adorable swede/leather vest and chaps sat sadly in the house during Halloween. Bribery at it's best still wasn't changing his mind. I had bought these pirate PJ's on clearance last week and planned on using them as a costume for Colin next year...at least I had a back up.
Jake is the sole white boy in the midst of all his buddies from around the neighborhood. I love how my little pirate coyly holds onto Cinderella for protection.
Ye-Haw cowboy....and pirate
Happy Halloween
