James is 3!

As James' birthday approached this year we realized that celebrating his birthday this year wouldn't just be a date on the calendar.  This year, much like Christmas, I think he understands and "gets it."  He enjoyed telling everyone that it was his birthday and proudly will exclaim now when you ask him how old he is - "I'm f-ree!"

Along with close family and friends Grandma and Grandpa Bragg hosted a grand party at their house - and look who showed up - the Sesame Street gang.  From James' cake (which he thoroughly enjoyed!) and food to the decorations and even some of his gifts he enjoyed telling everyone about Elmo and Big Bird and friends and how they were part of his birthday celebration.

 

 

It was a fun day and a wonderful way to celebrate the life that he always bring to a party - we love you little dude and are so happy to share each moment with you!

Thomas the Tank - Take Three!

We once again ventured north at the end of July to enjoy a sunny day in the city of Duluth and ride James' favorite little blue engine - Thomas the Tank!

James wore proper train attire of course and before we set off on our railway adventure and boarded Thomas we toured the Duluth Train Depot.  James got quite a kick out of climbing aboard some train cars and checking out the trains up close!  He even got to say hello to Sir Topham Hatt.

Henry just took the day in from the view of the Baby Bjorn.  He was pretty content just to hang out and watch big brother James in action!

Following our train ride we ventured down to Canal Park, parked the van and headed to lunch.  We got a great view of the lake from Grandma's and relaxed for bit before venturing down to the boardwalk.

We walked a good distance on the boardwalk, saw Thomas in action on the rails again, and got an ice cream treat (which James managed to eat without a drip ending up on the floor!) and back to the van before venturing home.

Of course, James kept asking to get close to the lake so on the way back we agreed to let him check things out.  Here he is staring at Lake Superior and having fun throwing rocks!  Is he a little boy, or what?

 

We had a great day with the boys in Duluth and are starting to question when James might not get as excited to ride the train (but by that time Henry might be just as interested!) but it was money well spent this year as he had a great time and Mom and Dad did too!

6 months!



Trying to be more timely this time ...

Henry's 6-month appointment two weeks ago went well.  He continues to move along the growth curve for height and weight - he now weighs 15 lbs and is 24.75 inches long.  James at this age was 17 lbs 5 oz and 27 inches long.

We continue to feed him new foods each week - sweet potatoes, prunes, banana, chicken, pears, apples, broccoli - and the latest being spinach - he seems to love it!  He's still sleeping well and is such a happy baby - though if 6 pm has rolled around and he hasn't been fed his solid food meal for the day - look out folks - he's quite accustomed to that schedule and gets very upset!!  We'll add in a second solid food meal here in the next few weeks at breakfast time and he'll surely get accustomed to that at daycare too.

 

We have started to transition Henry to some formula now at daycare as keeping up with his needs when Mom is away from him wasn't happening anymore.  We're happy that we made it this far without supplementing on a daily basis, but realize the stress of worrying about this wasn't good for Mom or baby Henry! 

The jumper made its return to the house a few weeks ago as well and Henry's been starting to get a work-out in that on regular occasions.  He still isn't rolling over much but is just content hanging out on his belly and watching James wherever he is going to and from.

Henry continues to be such a happy guy - we are thrilled that he's just comfortable rolling with the flow of our days.  He'll take naps anywhere and has been a great car traveler trooper too - hanging out and not fussing for over four hour car rides twice in the last few months.

Can't believe Henry is already six months (how did that happen?!?) though we're excited to see what the next six months bring - but if its any indication, they'll go by just as fast!

Cabin Weekend 2012!

Per tradition - we headed up north to Park Rapids, MN with our college gang to enjoy a weekend at the lake with friends at the end of June.  Good times were had by all and the kids took over the resort.  With eight kids and 12 adults it was a little crazy - but fun none the less.  We had great weather most of the weekend and enjoyed hearing the loons, hanging out at the beach and chillin' around the campfire.  James was exhausted after a weekend of not so long or non-existent naps and keeping up with the older kids.  Henry was on his best behavior, smiling and charming everyone as usual.  We all had a great time and can't wait to do it again next year!