The debate

So I stumbled onto a new video series last week, that we've since been checking out from the library. Each one features a historical hero, with good character/ values/ etc. The first one we watched was on Beethoven. I had to do a little explaining as Pierce and I watched it, as it seems to be geared for about 5 yrs an up, but I'm really trying to increase musical experiences and music appreciation in our school days. Anyhow, today I had on the classical station, and recognized the tune as we are parking and said, "Pierce, listen! I think it's Beethoven". He listens for a second, and says, "No, I don't think so. There's no horns". I'm like, "no, listen (wait wait) see, there, there's a horn. Did you hear it?". He listens and continues with his insistence that this song was NOT by Beethoven. The song was ending, and we're just sat in the parking lot, waiting for them to reveal the name of the song (and for me to have my "I told you so" moment), when the DJ announces that the previous tune was in fact, by Haydn!
Yes, today I was schooled by a 3 year old.
Fortunately, he's too young (and kind) to gloat, but he certainly didn't miss the DJ's announcement, nor the fact that HE was actually correct...and of course he had to gently point out that fact!
I'm so impressed. Sure, it could have just been coincidence, but what's amazing to me, is him trying to place that tune up against what he remembered from the movie (which was loaded with music), AND that he was deconstructing it, critically listening to the individual sounds, and the instruments that he heard. That is just impressive. Love my little guy!

Snow Day #3, Conviction

So Pierce, my 3 year old wakes up from his nap, and joins me in the living room....
P- "Are we gonna have friends come over?"
Me- "mmm, I think Monday will be the next time we have friends come over buddy..."
P- "Then why are you cleaning up?"

(I guess mama has taken a little too much advantage of these lazy snow days)

Henry is one!

It was a whale of a good time at our house for Henry's birthday!

I'm exhausted, and it has been one of the best days ever. First and foremost, Henry had a great time at his party. There is a long story with the cake, but a spur from that issue was the declaration that "first birthday parties are more for the parents than for the kids". Well, that may be true in some ways, but I tried to keep focused and tried to make it a party reflective of Henry's personality; I am so pleased with the result. The house was filled with tots his age to play with, great food (add sausage rolls to his list of faves- unauthorized snatching by the birthday boy, and special thanks to Audra, my mom, and niece Hannah), and the whole mood just seem celebratory and fun.... just like our birthday boy! We had a great group of friends and family in attendance, ones that have been influential to Henry (or us as parents), that we respect and really have had fun with, during this adventure called parenthood.
We did a brunch, and it turns out 10am is a great time of day for Henry. The theme was whales, inspired by our Nantucket trip earlier this summer, and we used nautical accents, which he just coincidentally got a collection of, from well-wisher gifts celebrating his birth.

Parenthood certainly changes you, as it is one of God's greatest blessings, and Henry has blessed us and stretched us as parents, growing us in immeasurable ways. I am so thankful that he is a part of our family!

A few pics from this special milestone...

Odds and Ends

Henry is 7 months. He weighs 24 pounds and is 30 inches long. We just went to GI, and can try slowly introducing soy as an ingredient. They say at 7-10 months most kids can handle some, and when that goes well we can tackle dairy. We've all had the allergy gunk, and both kids have had nasty ear infections, so we're trying to get healthy again. Henry needs to be off antibiotics before I alter my diet though. He is in love with his brother, and Pierce generally takes really good care of him, and does a good deal of entertaining.
Pierce is now 2 and 1/2. We joke that he's "3". But honestly, when I compare him to peers, I'm so incredibly happy with my sweet boy, despite his little tantrums or whining...could be a LOT worse! He's loving the alphabet lately, and is doing great expressively IDing letters, and giving their sounds. He's still cow crazy, and loves to go places with daddy. He loves to help and work, and one of his favorite past times, is "working" in his sandbox. I'm so proud of his creativity, love for books, and calm nature. He cracks me up, and fills my heart with joy when I see his imagination at work!
Things are going well at church; we are loving the "new" building at Texana. I'm working in the Two's in training class. I'm also helping with the women's retreat this year.
Jodi has asked that I help with the models for a children's fashion show in May, benefitting the Senior Center. That's getting under way, but so far so good!
Pierce is going to be a ring-bearer in Harrison Frist's wedding in Nantucket this summer. We're all really excited for that wedding, and hoping that he exceeds all the bride and grooms expectations!

Snow Day #2

I love my fun husband. The bad thing, sometimes I let him influence my judgement. Today it was me not protesting my 2 year old riding on the tailgate, while daddy snowboarded behind the truck.
Yeah, we're rednecks like that. Fun dad.
All fun and games until he fell off
If you look closely you will see an injured cheek and chin. Bad mom.

Record breaking snow day

It literally has not stopped snowing all day long. We thought the blizzard at Christmas was a lot of snow...nothing on this!!!

We've got chompers!

Click pic to enlarge

If you look really, really, really closely, you will see Henry has TWO new teeth. I'm embarrassed to say that his doctor found them (and YES I have been checking every day!!), but we got a laugh as it seems his amber teething necklace is apparently working. He's six months and 2 days. He's 29 inches and one ounce shy of 23 pounds.