Winter snow and new friends

We have been hit with a lot of snow the past few weeks here in Chicago. Luke has been enjoying it more this year than last. He particularly likes to build snowmen. Today he went sledding with his friend Chase. It was freezing cold!

After Elliot and Cooper got out of their normal car seat positions and had their first official playtime together. Elliot seemed thrilled to see someone just like him!

5 Months old and playing with big brother...

Here are some pictures of Luke and Elliot. They have started to play together a little and definately enjoy each others company. I think this is a nice stage before Elliot can actually take Luke's toys and then it all starts!!...

Annual Pumpkin Patch outing to Goebberts

Today, we headed up to a huge pumpkin patch themed area called Goebberts. We have gone there every year and it has been fun to notice the developmental differences in Luke each year. For example, the first year, when he was just 6 months old, the day consisted up propping him up against pumpkins and trying to get him to smile. Last year and this year were very different with Luke running full steam from thing to thing and 100 photos of his back as he sprints off again!

He always has fun though. He enjoyed the wooden tractor and trucks, picked out 2 little pumpkins and ate cider donuts with his friend Chase. Elliot rode along in the stroller and although the same age as Luke was on his first visit, he wasn't propped even once against a pumpkin for a photo. Funny how we leave number 2 baby alone to do his own thing.

Busy days...

Its been a long time since I posted on my blog. Sorry. Elliot is now 4 months old and turning into the sweetest smiliest baby. He continues to be a great sleeper and a quiet observer during the day...perfect! I enjoy him so much and love getting to see him develop his personality.

Luke has been keeping us busy with toddler conversations (Luke: "COOKIE!" Us: "No Cookie" then repeat many times) and lots of playtime. He recently discovered the movie "Cars" and is loving it. Unbelieveably, we have started the search for a preschool here in Chicago. It's not as straight forward in the city as one might think! We aren't being pushy, its just quite competitive to get in and so you have to be on top of it.

Recently we took an end of summer trip to Florida. We rented a little house with a pool near Disney world. It was a fantastic week. Seeing Luke enjoy Disney World was great. He went on lots of rides and met his hero Buzz Lightyear. We had so much fun going out all day and then swimming in the pool to cool off before dinner. The sweetest part was that we had told Luke for weeks that we were going to Florida to see Mickey and so when we pulled up to the house we were staying at he declared it was "Mickeys House!" He stills says he stayed at Mickeys house. Ha ha...who would have thought Mickey lived in a small suburban house near Orlando! All in all, it was great to get out of Chicago and end the summer in swim suits and shorts!

Now, autumn/fall is here we are getting into Chicago park District classes and other things. Luke has decided he wants to be Mickey Mouse for Halloween (since going to Disney Worls of course!) Another fun stage is watching Luke start to entertain Elliot. Elliot is in awe of his big brother and seems to feel privileged when he gets a truck thrown at him or a loud roar in his face (see video)

8 weeks and smiles!!

Its been a busy crazy 8 weeks! Elliot has started to reward us with smiles which makes it all worthwhile. He is a great little boy...sleeping 6 to 8 hours stretches at night, eating well and smiling tons. We are so blessed.

Luke has continued to be a gentle big brother. He calls him "E I" (his way of saying Eli) and wants to be with him all the time. There have been jealousy moments...like when Luke poured baby powder in Elliot's face after their bath or when he tried to pull him out of his swing...by his ears!

Overall, its been easier than I thought and definately more fun than I ever imagined. Be encouraged moms-of-two-to-be!

3 weeks and my first Cubs game

We have survived to week 3 as a family of four! It feels like months... My parents just left yesterday. They were such a great help and Luke is still asking for his Nana and Papa.

On a fun note, Barry and I took Elliot to his first Cubs game last night. Elliot is what I call a "portababy". He is easily taken anywhere as he is laid back and sleeps a lot. Luke was not a portababy (or else we were too nervous to take him out). So we are enjoying being able to take Elliot to events like the Cubs. He slept the whole game unless there was a home run....then he would startle and flap his arms...very cute!

One week down....

Elliot is one week old today. Photographer Jessica Fanning came and took pictures of him when he was just 5 days old. She got some amazing shots! Check out her website at www.jessicafanning.com...