Happy Trails

If you can't tell, I've been organizing all my old photos. I came across this one, which just makes me happy.

Avery was long gone by the time I took the picture, but she left a trail behind. While it can feel like I do nothing but cook, clean, repeat. . . I am aware that there will come a day when I will not find hand prints that need to be cleaned off my sliding glass door, there will be no "treasures" of rocks and sticks that I have to secretly get rid of, and I won't come upon random tupperware left on my carpet. It's kind of sad, when you think about it. So for now, I'm going to try to enjoy all the trails left by the children I love.

The Three Stooges

These pictures are from this summer, when Adam was still wearing his patch. The kids insisted on having animal face paint. In case you can't see them very well, here are close ups!

Bumbo Boy

Jacob looks like a combination of cute baby and Yoda.

We love this boy!

My Somber Jedi

Adam: Mom, I'm worried.
Me: Why?
Adam: I can sense a lot of darkness in people.
Me: Oh.
Adam: I can sense a lot of people have anger in them.
Me: Hmm.
Adam: Yes. And I can sense darkness in me.

It's interesting to live in the world when you have a huge imagination, and lean toward the philosophical.

We're off to Temple Square!

My sister Kate came up from Las Vegas with her three kids, and we had such a blast! The kids played in the snow, played in the basement, and we made (and ate) gingerbread houses. The highlight of the trip was going to Temple Square. There were two essential ingredients that made the trip a success--a "train" ride (on Trax) and hot chocolate!

Here is Jacob, all bundled up!

Lincoln, Reagan, and Adam at the reflection pool.

Our family in front of the reflection pool, temple in the background.

Cool shot with the temple in back. From this angle, Adam is the only one without a double chin!

Kate, Lincoln, Reagan, and McKinley

And here is a great video, taken by Sam. The great thing is that everyone shows their personality in this short clip!

Ready for Sunday

Here are the cute boys, ready for church!

I took Jacob to the doctor this week, because after 10 days of nystatin his thrush still hadn't gone away. It had been just over 3 weeks since I took him in last, and he had gained 1.5 pounds! So even with all his bothers (thrush, eczema), he is thriving!

I have to say one of the greatest joys of getting Jacob is to watch Adam's reaction. He experienced a period of adjustment, but he was always so happy, almost relieved, to have a sibling. Even though Jacob can't do anything but lie there, he counts as a person to Adam.

Let me explain--Adam wakes up early. For me, too early. After feeding Jacob at 5am, I am not so thrilled to pull myself out of bed at 6:30 or 7:00 when Adam gets up. I often turn on a PBS show for him to watch for 30-45 minutes. But he HATES being alone. He won't stay in the family room by himself and let me sleep. However, if I put Jacob in the swing or bouncy seat, Adam is fine.

Same thing with going to bed. Sometimes he gets scared and wants someone in his room until he falls asleep. I can put Jacob in the crib and Adam is fine. It's not that Jacob needs to talk or do anything--Adam hates being alone and Jacob is the antidote.

Cute, Smiley Baby

In the last few weeks Jacob has gone from this:

To this: