Little Miss Thang

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching.  Temperatures are starting to cool slightly.  Summer is coming to an end.  And school is back in session here in Illinois.  A couple of weeks ago my old co-workers headed back to work for meetings and have already started teaching.  Seeing all the back-to-school supplies at Target and hearing all the talk about class-sizes, setting up their classroom, etc. makes me want to confess something.  

I don't miss it.  

There, I said it.  Sure, I loved being in the classroom when I was there but I'd much rather stay home with my kiddos.  Some people just aren't the type that can stay home.  They want to work.  More power to them -- I'm just not one of them.  I like that I can just pop in and visit my co-workers then head right back out that door.  Otherwise, I'd miss some of this...

Nora gets under the activity mat to snuggle with
Myles every time he's under there.  

She finally remembered how to put the paci in her own
mouth.  Luckily, she usually puts it in with a smile on her
face, pretending to suck it until we say, "Hey... that's not
for you" in a weird voice.  Then she spits it out onto the
floor.  But this time, I just had to get out the camera as she
sat her booty in the bouncy seat with the paci.  Geesh.

This is the image that inspired the title of this post.
Little Miss Thang wore her sunglasses throughout
her breakfast this morning. 

And socks... because Daddy puts socks
on in the morning.  And she's starting
to be a copy-cat lately.

TOO cute!  She wanted to hold him,
got him, and gave him a BIG hug.

My little sweeties.  

LOVE!

One Month Old

One month old, 2 pounds bigger (10 pounds 4.5 ounces), and 3 inches longer (22 1/4 inches).  He's growing fast, ladies and gentlemen.  

Just as we did with Nora, we're going to take monthly pictures of Myles in the same 12 month onesie and next to Freddie the Frog to track how he's growing.  Thanks to Lindsay, we will also get pictures of Myles in "monthly ties".  Knowing what we did with Nora and found these amazing stick-on ties from etsy -- a perfect gift! 

Only a couple pictures in.  Not off to a good start.

But after eating, he was ready
for some pictures.

for a little while anyway.

To keep him still, I put the paci in for the picture.

After a wardrobe change, he zonked.
This is the 12-month onesie we'll be using
from month to month.  I'm not sure it
will still fit at 12 months! 

Does this really look like the face of Trouble?!

Bringing Home the Bacon

Someone's gotta do it.

Dan is officially back to work today.  He conveniently worded his out of office auto-response to say he'll be back "the week of" August 22 so he'd have a little leeway to come back when he wants.  It's always nice to ease yourself back into things with a 4 day week so he took yesterday off too.

So, now I'm on my own with my two kiddos.  And I must say.... so far, so good!

Nora asks to hold Myles by sitting down, pointing to
Myles and putting her arms out.

If only we could all sleep this soundly

Mommy & Me

Yesterday, Nora and I had "Mommy & Me" time.  Armed with my camera, I took her to the playground.  We had a blast. I took lots of pictures... here they are.  

In the wagon  ready to go!  (with sunnies, of course, and a new Badgers shirt
we got her at the Wisconsin State Fair the day before)

Such a big girl.  She went up (and down) most things by herself.  

So proud of herself!

Took a break for some water

and a snack.

  

She signed "more"

and "all done" when she was ready to play again.

The balance beam was one thing I'd ALWAYS hold her hand on.
She loved walking across.

While the girls were together, the boys got to hang out too.

  

She was happy to see Dad when we got back home.

And she missed her brother.

When we got home, Nora helped Dad change Myles' diaper.

Our big helper also got to feed Myles a bottle.  What a good big sister!!

After the park, we did another one of her favorite activities... playing in the car.

turning on some tunes

I told you the kisses are endless.  CUTE!

As for Mr. Myles...

we've been seeing his eyes more and more! 

Last Monday, he weighed in at 8 pounds 8 ounces and he's
got the neck rolls to prove it!  

3 down, 1 to go

This week marks Dan's final week of paternity leave {sad face}.  We've all grown accustom to having him be home with us.  I think Nora especially will miss having a willing partner to sit on the steps with her.  

The first three weeks of being a family of four has been great.  But with Dan home, it's also been a little easier.  I've got someone to help entertain Nora while I'm feeding Myles.  I can quick hop in the shower even if it's not nap time.  I can even cook dinner without trying to hold her at the same time (sometimes...)  Next week, when Dan's back at work is when my real work begins.  I'm a little nervous about it but also anxious to get back to having a routine (and I use that term loosely as I know a routine is something that is always changing with a newborn.)  

Nora has been adjusting very well to having a baby brother around to share attention and parents with.  Of course, there are times when I'm feeding Myles and she only wants me - so I'll pull her up on my lap and she sits on my knees pointing to his nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and anything else she can.  Kisses are endless.  She hasn't tried to pick him up yet, but I know that'll come with time.  

Anyway - here are some... ok LOTS... of pictures of what we've been up to for the last three weeks starting at the hospital.  

Nora got a present when she came to meet Myles in the hospital.

Nora meets Myles for the first time...

and immediately "honks" his nose!  :)

Daddy and Nora looking down at all the cars from the hospital window.

Going home is a special day and a great reason to get all dressed up.
Check out that tie!!

What a sweetie - sharing Guy with her brother.

First family photo!

When we first came home, Nora was sick and only wanted mom.
Difficult considering I just gave birth, but we made it work.
We are all taking a much needed rest.

Myles met Grandma Grandma Sowinski.

All bundled up snoozing on Dad's chest.

"Hey Mom, this is my new brother!"

"Wow! I can even see him from here!"

Myles took his first bath like a champ.  Didn't cry at all.

Enjoying the weather - in the sun and the shade.

Fresh air makes me sleepy.

lounging while my sister....

still plays in the pool.

and makes sure I don't get sun burned. 

Nora enjoys a snack after her nap.

Myles also met Grandma Grandma Guenther

and Nora's bestie, Mallory.  

All spread out.

Dan picked a flower from the garden to put in Nora's hair.

'Nuff said

We went to Wisconsin to meet some of my family including Grandpa Grandpa.

Myles with my Uncle Greg.  (He's lucky Grandpa was willing to give him
up for a while so someone else could hold him.  Grandpa is known
to hoard the newborn babies! :)  

But as soon as he was done eating lunch, he took him back.

Dad with the water baby.

She loves sticking her head in the hose - even if the water that comes out is COLD. 

And if the hose isn't on... just stick your head in!

Plumber Nora

Happiness

Her latest trick... being a monkey and hanging from the counters!