Mommy's Hurt Leg

On the last day of October, I fractured my left tibial plateau playing sand volleyball with a group of friends. Liam continued to ask, "Mommy, is that your hurt leg? Can I kiss your hurt leg? That's ok Mommy." After a week of appointments and family and friends helping us out at home, Robert and I loaded my Mom (who had flown in to help) and the kids up in the Big Red Monster Truck (Suburban - thanks Fagers!) for an extended stay in Ohio so I would have daytime help with the kiddos and Robert could work back in Omaha. Here is Liam's rendition of the vehicle: Monster Truck, 5 wheels, Daddy, Liam and a tire are shown.


A few days before we left, Liam was able to get his baseball glove!!! (This was a reward for filling up his "10 poops to a baseball glove" sticker chart...Hurray!)


At one point, there was an attempt for me to use a walker instead of crutches, because my palms hurt so much from supporting my weight. That didn't last long as walkers are intended for those who can walk and I couldn't. The boys enjoyed the ride, though.


Yes, this is a fabulous picture of me wearing my immobilizer. Sweet Liam fell asleep as I was reading him stories form one of my favorite collection of stories....Childcraft Volume 2!


The 3-year-old couldn't stop holding his fingers up to tell people how many he was. Liam just started showing us his three fingers one day and he was not even prompted.


Fruit pizza as a birthday cake, YUMMY!!


It was so hard to catch him inside this basket, but Duncan was a hoot as he climbed in and out so that only his head was showing out of the top. He would express his 18 month version of peek-a-boo.


A farmer was harvesting in a nearby field and Liam and Mimi Alice were offered a ride in the Big Green Monster Combine. Liam commented, "It eats corn and then puts it in its belly, the wagon."


When Daddy finally came to be with us for a week over the Thanksgiving holiday, the boys didn't give him much of a breather at all. We all cuddled up to watch something on the iPod Touch.


Duncan couldn't let go....


Robert got matching UNO Mavericks hockey jerseys for Liam and Andrew, the 10-year-old neighbor boy. Andrew was a good buddy to the boys the entire visit and he played hockey, basketball and lots of tackling with the boys.


The three boys would take turns wearing the mask and chasing the other two around the house. Duncan was the favorite to play "the monster." Duncan really engaged with the older two and would always pile on top if they were tackling.


This is a good attempt by Robert to get a decent picture by the Christmas tree with everyone smiling, using a slow shutter speed on the basic digital camera.


Andrew was adored by the boys and we took every opportunity for him to play. Here was a favorite pastime...

Fall = Pumpkins + Leaves

The tree in our front yard lost all of it leaves last weekend and it was time for the fall rake and pile romp. Duncan actually participated this year. Liam held his football the whole time.








On a somewhat warm and misty day, the four of us took a trip to the infamous Vala's Pumpkin Patch, with Mimi Kathy, for some harvest adventure. The bunny playground was a hit. To think the bunnies have a one room school house.


This wooden train play set was actually used this year. Both boys enjoyed the climb.




The train ride....always captivating. And pumpkins everywhere!


This is an attempt to eat a caramel apple with two boys that have discovered that there is something there other then the apple. What is this fabulous brown, gooey stuff with nuts?


Peek-a-boo!!!

Almost Always A Smile

Here are a few snapshots from the rest of our summer. Enjoy!

Another button pusher in the house. Duncan, the smiler, is quite adamant when he wants my cell phone and he can not reach it or I am not giving it to him. Thank you cell phone people for inventing the lock function!


At one of the Saturday Farmer's Markets at Village Pointe, I picked up a watermelon. The boys loved it. As you can tell, Duncan had a good meal all around this night.




Both the boys love pesto, but Duncan would just eat it out of the jar if allowed. I made about 15 pints with basil from my garden this year.


Duncan and Eliza are totally precious together. She is the one kiddo that Duncan will always interact with. He will follow her around, tackle her, sit beside her and read a book, you name it. So much fun to watch them. She is only four months older, but a few pounds shy of his.


This was a magical moment with three children under 3. I left the living room for a second and it was really quite when I came back....because they were all sitting and quietly reading there own books. Lasted about 30 seconds.


On Labor Day this year, we made the trek to the zoo. Always fun. The boys aren't smiling in this picture but they loved the train ride. Duncan gave the token "Choo Choo" and Liam made comments about Thomas.




Liam took a big boy step in September...he decided to give his beloved pacifier to his 6 month old neighbor friend, Talia. He and I wrapped it up and colored the paper, said goodbye and took it on over to her. He asked for it for the next day and a half and hasn't since then. Have to admit that was way easier then I thought it would be.....please let potty training be the same story!!!!




Our first snow in Omaha this year graced us on the second weekend in October. Robert and I decided to gear up and go on out. We are both fans of the winter weather, as long as it is safe, so we were thrilled to see the white stuff fall from the sky. Needless to say, the excitement was passed along to the kiddos. Liam: "Daddy, we need to check the weather....are we going to have snow tomorrow? Wow!!! Can I touch the snow? Can I run in the snow? Can I make a snowman? Daddy, can I have hot chocolate?"


Duncan did enjoy walking in the snow, but had a bit of trouble with all of the extra clothing. He would take a few steps and say, "Eh, eh, eh" in frustration and either hold up his hands to me or bend forward in a mini tantrum, then do the same thing over again. The boots fit well, but they don't work quite like bare feet!

Pool Time Begins

And the Little D has made it to the pool with great success! It is funny that he hasn't submerged before 13 months of age, but alas, the time has come. Thank you Emma and Buck for the use of your fabulous facilities! The water was like a nice warm bath.


"Come on baby brother. This swimming pastime is the best!"


This is one of the only moments that Duncan was still. He decided that the water worked best while wiggling and didn't even care whether or not I was holding on to him. A few coughs and sputters of liquid in the mouth, but he didn't mind a bit. A quick dunk under the water even had him giggling.


So proud to be jumping into the water.


All smiles.

For Daddy Who Is Missed

Robert this is for you. Liam asks for you daily and prays for Daddy in China. Here are some glimpses of our days as we are away from you.

Having never flown with two children before, the great unknown was a bit daunting. The experience was smooth and it was nice to have Little Smiles on my lap in Melissa's wrap.


Both boys managed to fall asleep on the plane for 30 minutes or so. A crayon also managed to find its way to the light colored plane wall while attached to Liam's hand.


At Great Grandma Carol's 80th birthday party, Liam and Uncle Ben share many a fist bump....


...and Aunt Morgan shared her purple stilettos with Liam. Yes, my son can walk in heels better then I can. I confess.


Andrew became a fast friend of both boys. Since he lives in the other half of Mom and Trent's duplex, he has been close by and has spent hours in play. Hockey in the garage is a favorite. "Where is my new friend?" Liam asks.


Uncle Ben and Aunt Joy brought matching Honduran soccer jerseys for their nephews. Many thanks for the gifts!


Does this smile ever end? Rarely.


Wagon rides up and down the lane. We even took the wagon to church on Sunday with Duncan secured by a shoe lace.


Aunts Joy and Morgan joined Liam and I for a walk in the woods. We made are way to the creek bed through unidentified underbrush and walked the return route balancing on rocks and dodging puddles.....


...that is us ladies did the dodging. We came across a deep section of the creek and Liam proceeded to jump, splash and giggle gleefully right into the center of the puddle.


Mimi Alice gets lots of snuggle time with the 2.5 year old. "No, I want Mimi to hold me. No, I want Mimi to sing to me. No, I want Mimi to change my diaper. No, I want Mimi to put my bid on me. No, I want Mimi to read me a story. No, I want Mimi to brush my teeth. No, I want Mimi hold my hand. No, I want Mimi...


Papa James offered Liam a ride with him on the tractor, but Liam refused. He was quite apprehensive. Duncan jumped at the opportunity and then Liam decided that the trailer appeared a better option. VAAROOM!


Uncle Seth came to visit for an afternoon and evening, traveling from Columbus on his motorcycle.


Duncan has been very attached to his blanket on this trip. He favorite way to carry it is by his teeth. Both of his upper first year molars are breaking in to add to his oral inventory.


We love you!!!!

Hap, Hap, Hap, Happy Birthday!!

Here is a photographic glimpse of Duncan's first birthday. If you click on this link and push play you can hear part of the Parry Gripp song that the title references:
http://ca.dada.net/music/parrygripp/hap,-hap,-hap,-happy-birthday-(intro)_1045708m.html

Blueberry pancakes!


Off to the Henry Doorley Zoo where Liam spies "Uncle Elephant" (Arnold Lobel reference). We even rode the Skyfari from the Butterfly House to Pachyderm Hill. Duncan rode with me and Liam with Robert. It is similar to a ski lift and my arms were wrapped tightly around the 12 month old. Great ride, despite the tension from my grip.


Snack time.




Without a morning nap, the birthday boy had a dazed look for awhile as he rode around in the stroller. He managed to sleep off and on.
"It's my birthday and I'll snooze if I want too."


Walking past Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the NCAA College World Series since 1950 and our Omaha Royals, Liam wanted to stand on top of the large cement "balls" that adorn the entrance.
"I put my hands in my pockets!"


Zesto's gave us another enjoyable birthday meal of the claimed "best burger in town." Not to mention my personal favorite....
....the butterscotch vanilla dip cone.


Duncan wasn't so sure.


"Helium balloon that is just my size!?!?!"


"Being one-year-old now, I have mastered the art of sitting just so and looking irresitabley cute, as my brother eats dirt and mulch in the background."


Flame!!


The most yummy cheesecake ever!


We love you Duncan! It has been a great year having you as a part of our family. You are a joy and a blessing!

One Step...Two Step...

He has done it! Duncan was standing on his own this afternoon and took one small step with each chubby little foot, before taking a rest. Today's accomplishment even trumped last Sunday's milestones: the first good-bye wave to the ladies in the CCC nursery and the first glee filled clapping of the hands at suppertime. Duncan loves to be on his feet now and he and Liam have been enjoying a chase episode up and down Liam's bed right before it is time for them to say goodnight. The giggling is ridiculous! This evening when giving his brother a last kiss and hug, Liam said, "I want Duncan to sleep in my room." "That day will come soon enough," was my reply.

After Liam and I had a trip to the Village Pointe Farmer's Market on Saturday, we spent the evening in the back yard planting. Duncan enjoyed the large shovel...


...with an ever present grin...


...while Liam preferred the smaller, hand held shovel. The better to dig with, I would say. He is helping me pull up some weeds below.


Earlier in the day, we pulled out the favorite toy of the summer of 2008...the kiddy pool! Liam took no time at all getting reaquainted.


At first, Duncan was more interested in the broom that I was using to wash off the deck...


...but soon enough he joined his brother.


Someone has the "smile for the camera face" down.


One another note, Liam has been enjoying a batch of play dough that the Margie of CharlotteMargieJoe made for him. When I say enjoying, I mean it literally. He eats it! When told that play dough is not to eat, Liam gives the same response that he does when eating dirt, sand, rocks, chalk, etc....
"Mommy, it tastes so good. I love eating play dough!!"