horse

Talking to a horse all day can be exhausting so Joel needed some R & R.

cupcakes

Trevor "helped" frost and sprinkle cupcakes for a church function.

tweet, tweet, quack, quack

Last week, I took the boys on the train to Michigan to see Oma, Papa, and Uncle Bud. Highlights for Trevor included: feeding the birds at the zoo, practicing lacrosse skills (and seeing a game), swimming, and feeding ducks. Highlights for Joel included: sleeping on the porch swing and flashing the occasional grin.

independence day

Happy fourth of July! Trevor went to his friend Evie's birthday party/ barbecue where he swam, ate cake, and pushed a stroller - all while donning a swim diaper and patriotic hat. Later, he went to see fireworks with Todd while I put Joel to bed.

filling out

Joel with oh-so-squeezable cheeks!

ready, set, slide

Trevor loves playing on his swingset, especially the slide. He has taken to calling anything with an angle a "slide."

smile

Yeah! Joel can smile and not just in his sleep! He is being less fussy during his awake periods, which lessens the noisiness that is our house :)

Trevor and Baby Ju

So, Trevor finally said "Joel" and it comes out as "Ju." Until now, Trevor has been referring to Joel as "Baby." He was very excited to hold Baby Ju for the first time yesterday and decided to give him a hug.

tractor

We visited the Lubberts Farm this week, and Trevor had a great time looking at the ducks and sheep. However, his highlight was sitting on the tractor and going for a ride.

concert

Grandpa and Grandma (Nelson) came for a visit to meet Joel and to play with Trevor. They attended a concert in the park, played with Thomas the Train, read books, took walks, and played outside.

park

Trevor had fun going down the slide and using the swing at the park; later, we played in his turtle sandbox.

one month

Today, Joel turns one month. So far, his favorite activities include: eating, sleeping, fussing, and spending time with his bro.

boo boo

Trevor fell on the cement and skinned his knees. Here he is before the accident playing outside and afterwards cleaning his knees in the bathroom. Instead of letting me put the Clifford band-aid on his boo boo, he insisted that it go on his shirt.

mommy's monster

The shirt says it all... he sure can roar!

my couch

Trevor was cool with allowing Joel to sit on his Sesame Street couch until Joel's foot ventured onto Trevor's half of the seat.

pipes and balls

Trevor has felt more connected to Joel now that they both use "pipes" (pacifiers). A doting big brother, Trevor will bring Joel's to him when he is crying. He also likes that many of Joel's outfits feature various types of balls. Here he is pointing out the football.

tummy time

Joel has been strengthening his neck muscles through tummy time. As you can see, he is surprised by his own flexibility.

memorial day (Trevor)

Trevor and I played blocks while Todd mowed the lawn. Later, Trevor went out to mow with his lawnmower and to splash in the pool with Todd.

memorial day (Joel)

Joel celebrated Memorial Day (also his two week birthday) by taking a nap in the swing and later in the bassinet - check out that hair!

oma leaves

Oma has been a God-send for the past 12 days helping out with Trevor, Joel, and other household duties (cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc). Today she returns home, and we will experience to the full extent how life is with 2 wee ones under the age of 2. Much to my mom's relief, Trevor did finally say "Ona" last night...we've been teasing all week that we'll have to change her name to Elmo so that Trevor will say it!