back to work

I'm not ready! I have been dreading the end of my maternity leave with Jenna. I have really enjoyed this time with her. How does 11.5 weeks go by so quickly? God, give me strength (and energy!) during this transition. At least I got the most loving send off from my kids (I'm still trying to get used to that being plural -- kids).

pump tools

I was packing up the supplies I would need to take upstairs with me for the evening. I set my pump tools on the table. Turning around moments later I found Tyler assembling the bottles and cones -- correctly! What a great little helper.

nice hair

In the last few weeks of my maternity leave I've had my hair in a ponytail or bun most days. This morning I had a special treat of a really long shower. When I came downstairs from drying my hair, Tyler gave me an unsolicited "Mommy, I like your hair!" Awww, what a gentleman.

scissors and zippers

Today Oma taught Tyler how to use scissors. They were sitting at the kitchen table doing play-doh. And there he was SNIP, SNIP. Amazingly, he was using his left hand.

Later while playing with him in the family room, I taught him how to use a zipper. Now he is able to zip and unzip his mega bloks bag all by himself. What a big boy!

the balds and the beautifuls

Oma, bald from years of chemotherapy treatments, can relate to Jenna well as they cuddle together most weekends. I'm looking forward to putting Jenna's hair in pigtails and bows once her hair grows in. Maybe Oma will let me put a bow in her hair too when she's not follicly challenged. Fat chance. :)

baby hugs

out of his shell

Most recently Tyler has broken out of his shy shell. He used to hide behind our legs (and still may in the future) and say, "I'm going to be shy Mom." Of course it was only a matter of minutes before his boisterous self emerged. But yesterday while walking in the neighborhood he was happy to call across the street to another boy. And then today he couldn't stop chatting up the workmen who were in the house to fix our granite.

roll over

Jenna rolled over this morning! From tummy to back. I was so excited I kept putting her back on her tummy to see her do it over and over again. Tyler and I had fun watching her and caught it on video, although she was crying by the time we got it on tape. Poor girl was exhausted from the workout!

errand boy

I could really get used to this -- Tyler doing errands! Alex's flight home was canceled and I wasn't mentally prepared for another night alone with the kids. I was juggling all that had to be done and feeding Jenna upstairs when Daisy began to bark from the kitchen wanting her food. Ooops, another task I had not accounted for.

Tyler to the rescue! I asked him to go downstairs and feed her. "OK!!" Sure enough, he popped off the bed, headed down there and in a minute or so I heard him closing the food container and cabinet where the dog food is stored. He ran back upstairs as proud as can be. And Daisy was happy too that she didn't have to wait any longer!

thinker

Jenna does this all of the time! Fist to chin or cheek.

acting crazy

This morning Alex was trying to entertain Tyler by putting a toy car on his head. Tyler looked at him and said, "You're acting CRAZY!"

just so pretty

smiles

visit from joy

Tyler (and Jenna) really enjoyed seeing Joy. As she was leaving he asked if he could "take a kiss." Isn't that so sweet?

who's boppy is it?

visit from lea

Ahh, someone who wholeheartedly supports pink, pink and more pink!

floor fun

We had our new area rug delivered today. When Tyler came home from daycare I told him to check out the living room. He walked in and you would have thought it was Christmas. "New carpetttt!" Daddy, Tyler and I tested out the rug by racing around the border. And soon Jenna joined the fun. (The rug went back to the store days later.)

cousins

As if they couldn't get enough of us while we were in Boston... the Kriskos came to Maryland for the weekend (sans Perrin). We had missed out on seeing a lot of Andrew because he went camping with a friend, but he made up for lost time with his Campbell cousins.

2 months

Jenna's stats are:
Weight: 11lbs, 10oz (75%)
Height: 23 1/4in (75-90%)
Head circumference: 15 1/8in (50%)

big brother love

Jenna admires her brother so much. She loves to watch him and I snapped this picture of her when Tyler unexpectedly walked into the room. And the feeling is mutual. Tyler ALWAYS wants to be hugging and kissing her. Let's hope they always want to be around each other so much. ;-)