Life Gets Busy... Part 1

I feel like I have so many pictures and things to blog, but just haven't gotten to it.  I don't know why...

So here is my first attempt to catch up with various random things.

Starting in early March. 

Zach really wanted me to take pictures of them in the chair.  This was the best I got. 

I have been trying so hard to get decent pictures of Zach, but he usually does not cooperate and just makes weird faces.  I was pleased to get one that I liked!

Austin continues to love to get into everything.  Sometimes, literally.  He is always trying to climb into the oven drawer.  I try not to let him because it gets really hot there if the oven is on and I don't want him in the habit of being in there...  But this time it was just too cute to resist a picture.  Zach, of course, had to follow.  These two are going to be trouble...

For more than a month, Austin has used Zach's step stool and his highchair to walk around.  He loves the independence and really wants to take off.  He is consistantly walking short distances by himself now, but is still a bit timid and wobbly.  

"Zach's Woodshop". 

After 2+ weeks of the boys having (almost) every sickness symptom you can think of (and very little sleep!), we were grateful to get outside and play and do some yardwork.  In a corner of our yard where we keep our recycling and trash cans, we also keep scraps of wood.  Zach has claimed this as his own and still talks daily about being a workerman.  He also has an "office" in his imagination that he goes to with his imaginary helicopter or "jet pack" daily as well.  It often doesn't make sense, but it is fun to see what he comes up with.

I got really excited about following an online art class with Zach, but it hasn't gone exactly as planned.  I've decided that the projects are directed at a bit older audience and he really just wants to do his own thing right now.  I was initially dissappointed, but we can save it all for when he is more ready.  And in the mean time we still do LOTS of art projects!  He likes to say, "I'm an artist!" and "It's GORGEOUS!"

One day I was in Zach's room putting away laundry and things were just too quiet and still.  So I hunted around for Austin and found him behind the curtain playing with Zach's Mr. Potato head.  Cute boy.

And of course, it turned into peek-a-boo with both boys.

Look Who's Walking

Austin First Steps, originally uploaded by ersphotography.

Wanting to be just like his older brother, Austin took his first steps just about a week before his first birthday. Luckily Austin waited until Cal got back from his ski weekend in Reno to take the plunge. He has been pushing things around (his high chair and step stool) to walk for weeks, but today he took his first unaided steps to get a book from Emily. So of course we busted out the video camera and are happy to share his accomplishment with the world.

Cookie Dough

Zach loves to help me bake.  If he sees a cube of butter out on the counter, he always asks excitedly if I am making cookies.  And then he quickly pulls his step over by the mixer and is ready to help, whether I am in fact ready to make cookies yet or not.  I haven't decided if he likes to help because he thinks it is fun, or because he likes the end products.  Maybe a little of both? 

So we were baking the other day and I had to run upstairs to get Austin up from his nap.  I came back down to find Zach kindly cleaning off the beater for me.  Lucky for him, the dough was done.

(and I was grateful that I always unplug the mixer if I have to step away from it for a minute!)

Pleased!

Helpers

Austin really loves getting in the cupboards right now.  There are a couple that I let him play in and don't worry about much.  And since Austin is having fun with it, Zach thinks he should do it too.

I initially thought this was funny, til I realized he had my glass lids, not my old metal ones.  At least they're pretty tough.

Trying to imitate Zach.

Drumming away.

At least he's not obsessed with my baking cupboard, like Zach was.  Zach used to regularly empty my baking soda.... til we got a latch on it finally!  Perhaps we should work on that before he sees what fun it could be...

Garbage

Why Not?

Occasionally I blog here. 

(see the explanation at the bottom)

February?

Is it really already February? It seems every year that January slips by without my noticing. And once again it is by far the month with the fewest photos. I guess I inadvertantly take a break after the holidays. Anyway, here are a few photos from the past couple of weeks. And maybe it's time to get my camera out again!

Zach started his first swim lessons this last week. He loves it and has done great so far! He goes 2 evenings a week in a class with 2 other little boys. Here he is on the side waiting for the other boys so they can do red light, green light (kicking).

Zach has discovered our DS. I don't particularly like that he uses it, and he doesn't get to play too much, but he (and I) need some down time sometimes (and I do like to shower!). And I like that he can at least practice things like letters and numbers on it. I can't wait for nicer weather!

Very focused.

Austin is BUSY these days. Moving constantly, pulling things out of cupboards, charging up the stairs when he thinks I'm not watching, chewing on everything in sight, cruising around furniture, and can stand on his own for a few seconds. He just started walking while we hold his hands and he is so proud of himself.