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...

Elliot is 2 days old!

I finally have a minute to post some photos. Elliot keeps me busy with feeding every 2 hours and taking an hour each time. Doesn't leave a lot of free time! He had a feeding frenzy last night and fed continuously from 9:00 to 2:30 a.m. Wow! Apparently, this can happen at first. He is really healthy though and the feeding is not hurting, which I think means it is going well. .

Barry and Luke continue to have lots of daddy/son time together. They have been going to the Park and the stores together...a lot. Today we all went to the park together for a while...our first outing as a family. It went well, Elliot slept in a sling and Luke ate dirt and put leaves down drains. Typical boy!

Tomorrow is Elliot's first check-up with the doctor. He is fairly yellow so we shall be tested for jaundice I'm sure. I'll update tomorrow...the adventures of being a family of four!

Elliot James Dupuy

Our tiny boy, Elliot arrived this morning at 7:07 a.m. He is 6 pounds and 1 ounce and just the sweetest thing ever. As we were hoping, I did not need a c-section. I started having contractions about 6:00 p.m. last night and finally went to the hospital about 11:00 p.m. Everything went great and Elliot and I are in a room with a view of Lake Michigan...lovely. He is not the quiet soul that Luke was and lets me know what he wants already. We love him immensely!

Photos to come...

Luke's 2nd Birthday Party

Happy 2nd Birthday Luke! Despite overcast, cold weather Luke had a great party today! We had his friends over for cupcakes and then headed down to the park to run off the sugar highs. Thanks to everyone for coming and helping us celebrate.

Happy Birthday Luke!!!!

Luke turned 2 today!! The official party is next Saturday in the park. Today though, his friend Addison came over to help him eat some cupcakes to celebrate. Luke is enjoying getting presents already. He got a huge fire engine from Addie and an "Emergency Rescue Center" from mum and dad. Wow! So exciting for a 2 year old! I'll post photos from the party next week.

Skyping at 22 months!

Luke really enjoys using Skype to stay in touch with his family and friends. I am always behind in the latest technology but I have recently discovered Skype and LOVE it! Luke talks live through a video feed to his Nanna and Papa in N. Ireland every couple of days. The cool thing is they can see him and he shows off in front of the camera, singing songs, dancing and bringing over his favorite toys to show them. Now he is always checking the computer to see if anyone is there!

Last night he Skyped his buddy Chase to say Goodnight. Both in their pajamas, they waved and said Night Night to each other. Really cute. Skyping at 22 months!

Luke joins a soccer team

It's been so long since I updated this blog! I am 28 weeks pregnant now. Almost in my last trimester. Baby is doing well and I'll post an updated bump photo in a day or so. The baby is measuring at the 37th percentile which is big compared to Luke at this stage. Luke was around the 10th percentile through most of my pregnancy and concerned the doctors to no end. So, we are looking at a big healthy baby at the moment. Thanks to God! No name chosen yet. Barry is still holding out for "Knight Dupuy" but we shall see!

Luke has been growing up really fast. He is really starting to follow directions and is becoming quite a little helper to mummy. He is great at putting things in the bin (not always when asked to though!) and tidying up his toys. He loves helicopters, popsicles and singing songs. He does not like diaper changes or sitting down to eat. Typical toddler!

Today he joined his first soccer team! Its a little soccer class ran by Chicago's Little Kickers. Luke loved it. They learned how to kick a ball, hold the ball under your foot and build towers with plastic cones. It was good fun!

Luke gets a brother!

The good news is we have a small, but healthy baby boy on his way. We are so happy for Luke to have a brother just 2 years younger. Hopefully, buddys for life! Now we need to pick out a name (submissions welcome!) and get ready to have "all boy" household....

Tomorrow...we find out! Boy or Girl?

Finally, our 20 week scan is tomorrow. Who can believe how fast this is going! We are planning to find out if its a girl or boy tomorrow during the scan. A girl would be nice but a boy would be great for Luke. Either way we will be excited! We just really hope the scan shows a healthy growing baby...whatever the sex! Stay posted...

Luke and Emilyn's Big Date

Luke and Em went on big date last week. Luke picked her up and they took the bus to the Children's museum. "Em looks very pretty" said Luke. "Luke has cleaned off his nose bouggers" said Em.

There was a lot of splashing and fun at the water room. Em followed Daddy's instruction of maintaining modesty and kept a large pink raincoat on at all times.

Later, while they watched Toy Story, Luke realized all parents had left the room to get drinks and decided to make his move...................

SUCCESS!!!!!! What a great date!!! "I'll call you Em!"

Welcome....Patrick McCarey

My sister just had her second son, Patrick McCarey. He was born last night, within 2 hours of labor starting! No time for any pain relief! My mum had the same experience with her second delivery so I hope it doesn't run in the family.

Christmas In N. Ireland

We just spent Christmas with my family in N. Ireland. It was a wonderful time. Luke enjoyed the attention of his grand parents and playing with his cousin Alex. He spent time with his great grand parents and ran around outside a lot. Barry and I got to go to Geneva, Switzerland for 5 days (Thanks to my parents for minding Luke!). There are no photos of Switzerland in this posting but I will post more later.

Overnight appearance of Baby Number 2!

Finally, at 15 weeks, I have had my first overnight "pop"! As if by magic, I woke up yesterday with a fully fledged bump! Yeah! For anyone who has been pregnant, you will appreciate the joy in starting to look pregnant and not just "bloated after a large lunch". Time to dig out the maternity clothes!

Good Irish country air!

Luke and I have been in N.Ireland for over a week now. Luke is enjoying being outside a lot and loves to walk down the lane behind my parents house to feed apples to the local horses. We have also been to Belfast Castle, where a group of Chinese male tourists followed him around taking pictures! They have never seen a toddler run "soooo fast"!! We are having a great time and looking forward to seeing Barry next week.