Aaron's sand box handiwork

Aaron made Saul (and Reunan and all of their friends) the sandbox of all sandboxes. It's officially Saul's birthday present from his daddy. This thing is amazing! We were able to fill it up with 1 1/2 yards of sand on Friday so it was all set for his birthday party on Sunday. Below are pictures from Friday afternoon, as Saul tested out his new sandbox and Reunan got to experience the backyard on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.

At one point, Saul walked over to his daddy and said in his very excited, happy voice, "Daddy, thank you for my really big sandbox!" I wish I'd had my camera for the beaming smile on Aaron's face as he said, "You're welcome, Saul."

Saul putting the first foot prints in his sandbox.Pushing around his dumptruck (also a good picture for scale!).

I love that his tongue still comes out when he's focused. Reunan enjoying the shade in a summer outfit! Good thing, as the outfit's almost too small and it rained all the next day.

Made by Auntie Michelle

Michelle made a blanket for her second little girl (born yesterday) that I just loved! So, we decided to once again trade crafting styles for each other's babies. For Saul, Michelle made really cool pictures for his wall and a set of alphabet cards we have up on the wall. For Claire, I crocheted a blanket. This time, I am crocheting a blanket for Baby Sabine (which she probably won't have for at least another few months), while Michelle made this adorable, beautiful blanket for Reunan.

She, R and I went to the fabric store together and picked out the cotton pattern fabric, as well as the three flannels that make up the texture on the other side. Michelle then did the hard work of assembling. It's very labor intensive, though she claims it doesn't require much technical skill. I'm not so sure about that!


Regardless, the results are fabulous! Reunan is already using it lots and has been both very fascinated by the pattern and curious about the texture.

A "wet" baby

Jules put it best, I think, describing Reunan as a "wet" baby. He doesn't seem to have GIRD (gastrointestinal reflux disorder) or to be particularly gassy or uncomfortable. He simply spits up alot more than Saul ever did! Reunan is able to lay flat on his back and sleep all night, but all day long there's anywhere from dribbles to explosions of milk. My favorite new sound is that of spit up splattering on a hard surface. SPLAT!

So, in the spirit of spit up clean up, below is a sample of the additional burp clothes now scattered throughout the house. I bought enough fabric to make 2 or 3 in each. Thank you, Jill Oshel Brouillard for the burp clothes you made when Saulwas born. We confirmed how much we love this style! And, thank you, Suzi Oshel Ryerson for posting the instructions on how to make these burp clothes. We love them!

Note: none of these are perfectly rectanguler or the same size. They were made quickly and efficiently with end use in mind: absorbing baby spit ups and being soft and eye catching for baby. Notice the little homage to Tillamook in the far right pattern. :)

Saul Striding

Saul got a Strider from Grandma Barbara and Pappa Tom for Christmas 2010. At the time, he wasn't too sure of it. Over the last few months, though, it's become one of his very favorite outdoor activities!

The concept behind the Strider is that little ones gain balance by using their feet to propel a bicycle without pedals. So far, it really seems to work! Saul's balancing skills improve daily! Rather than walking, or striding, he's now getting up speed and lifting up his feet to balance over the distance his speed allows. Or, he strides quickly to get some speed and then lifts his feet up onto the balance bars, placed approximately where the pedals would normally start from.

Saul loves the independence he's gaining and I love watching him challenge himself. He's now allowed to ride down to the corner by himself if I'm standing at about the mid-block point. As he's coming back he gets his adorable, big, semi-embarrassed grin and says, "Mamma." It's his way of being excited, embarrassed and proud of himself all at the same time.

Over the last weekend, we've had to work on appropriate places to pick up speed and how to be polite and cautious around people standing and talking on the sidewalk. These are hard skills for a speedy boy. It's been funny to watch Claire and neighbor Sara play hide and seek with Uncle Jeff while Saul half-plays and half-strides. He just can't get off his strider, but he wants to be part of the play. So he strides back and forth along the sidewalk and then joins the search party looking for Uncle Jeff or hides with the girls intermittently.

All in all, I suspect that by Christmas 2011, Saul will be nearly ready for a bicycle! I still have my very first red Schwinn with the banana seat. I think we'll get it fixed up for him to ride!

My typical view of Saul on his Strider

Heading out for a Striding adventure
Showing me how he can "just fall on the grass"

Picking up speed!

Taking a little break.

Reunan recently

Kids grow so fast...too fast! And other times we are anxious for them to move on to the next stage! We are having so much fun with Reunan and Saul, each in their own stages of development. Here's an assortment of pictures of Reunan from the past few weeks or so. I've been trying to be really good about taking pictures. Downloading and posting them is another matter entirely!

Most recently Reunan appears to be teething. There's a lot of druel, and intensity with anything that can rub on his lower gums. Very puppy-like. And, he's reaching for lots of things. His interest ins what's around him seems much greater than Saul's. Of course, the things going on in the house are much more interesting than it must have been for Saul. Reunan has a big brother to keep track of. And, so far, Saul is best at getting Reunan to laugh!

Reunan reading in his highchair. Here's a link to Saul doin the same thing at two different stages: http://jadehookedonyarns.blogspot.com/2008/12/contrast-ii.html

Aaron "watching" Reunan while I was showering. Little bear.
Sleepy boy.
Reunan and his daddy.
"Mommy, what are you doing with that camera?"Two of my three favorite boy. Reunan asleep after helping Aaron water the plants. Reclining on the couch.

And the same position, just without the pacifier. Sleeping in the swing.

Saul's Fridays with Grammy and Pappa

On Friday, Reunan and I joined Saul for his time with Grammy Barbara and Pappa Tom. He has such a routine with them, which he loves so much. Typically, Saul has a yummy breakfast made by Barbara including bacon, eggs from her chickens and muffins or something of the sort. Then, they make their way to the gardens, feed the ducks and geese, play and then have lunch at Reed. I asked Saul if Reunan and I could join him and he enthusiastically said yes.

And, this visit we also got to meet the newest member of the family, little Lizzie. Somehow, though, I didn't get any pictures of her. Breakfast was, as always, delicious. We walked to the gardens, let Saul play and show me all the things he does with his grandparents, and then we walked back. Barbara tried to give Reunan a bottle, but I don't think he was hungry enough. The good news is that he took one for Aaron yesterday (Saturday) while I was out for a while.

Below are pictures from our fun day:

Boys nearly ready to go.

Saul is so proud of himself. He walked on these rocks all by himself for the first time!Aaah. Saul loves his time with his Grandma Barbara.

Saul and me walking across the creek. (Me confirming there's alot more baby weight to lose!) Saul and his Pappa at a spot where they took a picture last time they were there.
Reunan playing with Grammy Barbara while Tom looks on.
Tom and Saul checking out some big white petals. Saul's wearing Pappa's kerchief like a princess skirt. Rosy cheeks.