Saturday, October 25, 2008

Pumpkin Patch

I realized the other day that we were running out of days to go to the pumpkin patch/corn maze. Brian had a lot of homework to do today, but I couldn't risk missing the beautiful weather we've been having, so I headed to the farm with the boys by myself. I have to admit, I'm a pretty big wimp about going places with both of them alone, which is why I grocery shop when Brian's available to watch them at home, or I get a sister to come along with me. Anyway, today I bit the bullet and took them out.

I carried Asher in the front-pack for one of the only times in his life. Man, this kid's a chunker! I couldn't get one of the sides fastened because of his big belly... but, also because of that belly he was held in tight enough anyway.

We had a lot of fun. This year Brennan was brave enough to ride the hayride, so that was cool. (He actually did it last year with friends, but when Brian and I took him we didn't even attempt it with him because we went just a month after a big "riding on a school bus freakout." He's always been scared of new places, and particularly to be up close and personal to favorite things like firetrucks or buses.) I think he's finally growing out of this fearfulness thing.

Below is a video slide show of some pics and clips of the day.

Just Like Daddy

Apparently Brennan decided his little chair resembled Daddy's [laptop] lap-desk. He pulled it over to the couch, placed it upon his lap, put his computer on it and let out a big sigh. He then put a big, bored look on his face and proceeded to do his homework. Brian laughed when I relayed the story to him later. It was all very much what he does.




Children are a Blessing (Usually)

I remember hearing many times growing up when parents would express how much joy their children bring them. Before having kids of my own, I thought, "Okaaaaay..." but I didn't really comprehend it. Now I know.

As Brian and Asher were playing, Brennan ran into the office and grabbed the camera. He asked if he could take a picture of them. How could I resist. It's a little blury, but it is his first, after all. Mostly, I love that he recognized it as a kodak moment, rather than trying to jump in and play too.


This is becoming a common after-church sight. Poor kid. It is rough to miss those afternoon naps. Starting January he'll miss the morning nap on Sundays, and the afternoon one will be late, making it's likelyhood of being good, "iffy."

******

There are two new items that Brennan has become interested in. One is the bungy-cord which we use on our elliptical when it's folded up, and the other is a baby play table, recently reassembled for Asher's benefit.

Brennan was playing with both of these items in a corner of the room, then dragged them out use them. Can you figure out what he made?

I'll give you a hint: before dragging it out into the room, he used the wall electrical outlet to pretend to turn on the faucet.


Yes, it's a sprinkler! He was jumping and dancing all around this thing--everything he doesn't do with a real sprinkler. (He's not a fan of cold water I guess.)

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Sick

Well, something hit us. Asher got sick last Tuesday. He still had his usual appetite, but didn't keep anything down. After about 24 hours of that I took him to the Dr.'s office and they determined it was some virus so we'd just have to wait it out. Later that afternoon Brennan threw up all over my couch, and in a nice trail leading across the downstairs to the bathroom. A few hours later my turn came, with Brennan still throwing up a few more times and Brian at work. Even all my family was/is away on a trip and I felt desperate for someone to help me through this experience.

Wednesday night was horrible for me. I was throwing up about every 15 minutes. By the next morning I was pretty much back to normal, other than feeling a little nauseous, and sore in muscles I didn't know I had. My body really took a beating that night!

Brian was last to get it, holding off until Friday. His too seemed to be about 24 hours. I'm sure we all got the same bug, but it sure manifested itself in totally different ways. Brennan was sick for about 4 hours, Brian and I for about 24 hours, but Asher STILL seems to be affected by this. He's been keeping down almost all of his food since Wednesday, but he's like a totally different baby. I really don't know what to make of it. He's totally somber... not grouchy, not happy, not especially tired, but not lively. He also has a very nonchalant appetite - he'll eat what's offered him but not show any signs of hunger or want me to give him more when I stop. I'm starting to wonder how long this is gonna go on. He doesn't seem sick, but he isn't himself. I want my baby back!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Boys Will Be Boys

I figured this was coming since Brennan was born. I must admit though, it has come much earlier than I anticipated. I had no idea that an 8 month old could be such a good wrestler!

Asher likes to wrestle his big brother. Well, as long as he's winning at least. At first I liked watching them play like this, but the longer it goes on the bigger a loser Asher becomes and the more a hassle it is for me to "break it up." What happens is that Brennan, who is obsessed with this game and attempts to play it ALL day long, wraps himself up in that big quilt and starts wrestling Asher. Asher, who doesn't appreciate being attacked and finding himself wrapped underneath the blanket, begins to cry. If he makes it out and tries to crawl away, Brennan is hot on his heels (literally) and continues to get him.

I've made several rules to this game:
1. The blanket has to stay in the living room (it's the only room downstairs with carpet. I guess I'm just "being a Mom" but I wouldn't want to wrestle on the hard floor).
2. Brennan cannot "get" Asher, only Asher can "get" Brennan.
In theory, Brennan is just fine with these rules, even #2. In practice however, no matter how many reminders (including him reminding me), he just won't let up on the poor baby.

The video montage is from one of their first wrestling play. It's lost its novelty to Asher though, so he's not putting up with it quite as well anymore. Still, it's pretty cute. I have to appreciate that Brennan wants so desperately to play with his little brother.