Standing Around (that is, when I can hang on to the piano)

One day after he started to crawl, Keenan started to 'tall kneel' as his 'Early On' p/t describes it. Lo and behold, two days later, he is pulling himself to the standing position on anything that is handy (especially Sophia's piano).

Sophia wasn't too sure about this 'sharing' thing but I guess she decided it was for a good cause and joined in the fun. Of course, there are moments she still wants to take over. Keenan protests but then usually goes with the flow.

But once Sophia has headed to bed for the evening.....watch out, the mad pianist strikes and won't stop until he is absolutely exhausted.

Hmmmm........How does thing work? Oh, you just press this button, or that one, or that one....this sure beats rolling around!

A Day at the Beach

The warm temperatures have arrived, for now anyway......To mark the occasion, we ventured to the beach, got our season parking pass (which seemed a little silly as we are less than a mile from it, but two babies under two equals lots of gear and my back isn't what it used to be) and stumbled into the calmest waters I have ever encountered on Lake Michigan (and keep in mind, I did live here until I was eight).

Sophia did not want to leave the water, despite the very chilly temperature but Keenan looked like he was content to leave at any time. It was a lovely day and we look forward to more days at the beach.

Crawling, crawling, crawling...............

Keenan has been wanting to crawl for at least six weeks now. Yesterday, I was on the phone with one of my friends and former co-workers while I was watching Keenan play. It took me a moment to register that he had just taken four crawling steps. I shouted excitedly into Maja's ear "he's crawling, he's crawling." She wisely advised me to hang up and get the momentous occasion on videotape. I followed her suggestion but there was no repeat performance.

Keenan decided to hold out until Daddy, Nana and Opa were all in attendance this morning. He casually crawled across the floor, as if to say "what's the big deal?" He appeared to be baffled by all the cheering but took it in stride and made it to his goal at the time, a photo book.

Later, father and son watch "Wedding Crashers" together...........hmmmmmmmmmmm...................

p.s. Sophia has started to call Mama and Dada, Mommy and Daddy. Unfortunately, that has also made Nana become Nanny.

In the meantime, she is busying enforcing the shoes off policy in our house. As soon as someone has entered our house, she runs up and says 'please, please' while untying their shoes. Then she takes the offending shoes to their designated shoe parking place. We bust out laughing, but I think it is a little disconcerting for our guests.

Budding pianist?

This little piano has been one of Sophia's favorite toys for the past year. We have tried to get Keenan interested in it, and even put him on our laps so he could explore the keys, but he was having none of it.

So imagine our surprise (late) tonight when he pulled himself up on Sophia's stool, wobbled and started pounding away at the keys. I plunked him on her little chair (I sat behind to ensure that he didn't launch himself off it) and he was transfixed. He looked a little like an image of Beethoven madly composing a symphony. Of course, Opa, a masterful classical composer himself, will be so proud of his grandson when Keenan graces him with a performance. The only challenge will be preventing Sophia from pushing Keenan off her stool. She is quite territorial about her toys. This little foray into music only happened because she was sound asleep.

Can you say ham?

Lately, when we take photos of Sophia, she alternates between being camera shy (refer to this photo) and being a total ham (see photos below). Our camera speed is simply too slow to capture all her funny moments.

When we visit Colin's Mom next month, both kids are going to be baptized. Aunt Kimberley passed on this christening gown to us and it's a good thing we waited until this year, because it is still on the long side.

Who is that pretty girl in the mirror?

"Who are you looking at?"

Happy Gotcha Day Sweet Sophia and Keenan Cutie

May 15, 2006, we first met and held Sophia. January 15, 2007, we first met and held Keenan. Happy Gotcha Day to both of our children, you are the best things that ever happened to us.








China bound, May 2006

Anxiously waiting to meet our girls. Aunt Kimberley looks like she is ready to pass out. I may not look it, but I sure felt it.

Our first glimpse of Sophia as she entered the room.

The hand off and that is when the tears (Sophia's that is) started and did not stop for over an hour and a half.

Sophia's red and tear stained face and our first photo after the tears had finally stopped.

Later back in our room, Sophia's personality begins to emerge, and gradually, so do the smiles

January 2007, bound for Vietnam with our little girl in tow.

The hand off., less tears this time, they would come later.....

Later, Keenan and Sophia do some bonding. Most of his smiles are reserved for her.

On the plane, homeward bound.