September, Part 2: Getting Back to Normal

Above: Peter's first soccer game was actually the day after my due date. My mom took him to his first soccer practice, which happened while I was in the hospital with Daniel. We had to wait a few weeks, but soon Daniel and I were able to go see Pete play in his soccer game.

Above: Pete played great, as he always does. It was a harder season though because he was playing with some kids who were a year older than he was (the league combines first and second graders) and the second graders weren't very good at sharing the ball and passing to their younger teammates.

Above: It was good to get out and see Peter play though.

Above: I think Daniel had a good time too.

Above: Johnny was happy to get out too. He always likes to snuggle in his camp chair in some warm blankets.

Above: Some of the games were a little chilly, but mostly the weather was just really nice.

Above: Nammy got to to come to one of Pete's games too and hold Daniel while she cheered Peter on.

Above: I sure love that little Daniel of mine.

Above: Back at home, Peter was happy to be his normal silly self.

Above: He's very responsible with his firearms.

Above: He's a sharp shooter, that one.

Above: Trying to hold up Johnny.

Above: Johnny is just being happy and good-natured.

Above: After we put away Johnny's Matchbox cars, we pulled out his art easel so he could make some wonderful art creations for me.

Above: Johnny's kitty.

Above: Johnny asked me to draw a Hello Kitty for him. I didn't do too badly, if I do say so myself!

Above: Movie night!

Above: The boys always love to play on the trampoline with their dad.

Above: Daddy is really good at helping the boys pass their hard boards on their games.

Above: Johnny watching Daniel get his first bath. Daniel wasn't quite sure what to think of bath time. He'll come to love it as Johnny does, in time.

Above: Hanging out in bed on a Saturday morning.

Above: Peter sure loves his baby brother.

Above: My view of the leaves changing colors as we pick Peter up from the bus stop each day. Fall is definitely in full swing!

September, Part 1: Johnny's First Day of Second Year Preschool

Above: Johnny was ready to start some new adventures of his own. Peter had started school on August 19th, but Johnny had to wait until September 4th. I think it was a long two and a half weeks for him. Sure, he had some good times with him Nammy, his Mimi, and his new baby brother, but he was ready to start school by the time it finally rolled around.

Above: He's getting so big and grown up.

Above: There's nothing like having a new baby to make your little boy suddenly look like a man child.

Above: My puppy loving boy got a Paw Patrol backpack.

Above: My puppy loving boy pretending to be a puppy before heading to school.

Above: "I'm ready to go!"

Above: We were the first ones there, so we had to wait outside a few minutes.

Above: "Mom, I don't want you to take anymore pictures!"

Above: After I left, Johnny's teacher, Miss Emily, took this picture of him and sent it to me.

Above: Playing on the school playground after his first day of school was over.

Above: After school, we made some more Matchbox car art...a life size self-portrait of Johnny.

Above: After all the excitement of the day, Johnny suddenly and unexpectedly fell asleep on the floor. I covered him up with another blanket and he took a nice little nap. This school year is off to a good start!

August, Part 8: Bringing Daniel Home

As wonderful as it was to spend time with Daniel in the hospital, it was so nice to be able to bring him home.

Above: Newborns always look so tiny in their baby carriers/car seats!

Above: Big brother, Pete, sure loves Daniel a lot. He always wants to hold him. In fact, we have to keep our eye on Pete because he sometimes jumps the gun and doesn't wait for parental supervision!

Above: Johnny was happy to keep a little distance from Daniel, but he was still super happy to have Daniel home and loves his baby brother a lot.

Above: This guy wants to hold his baby brother every chance he can get!

Above: I love the newborn stage where they can sleep anywhere and sleep through anything. Plus, they are just so little and snuggly. I love this little baby boy.

Above: Getting some good time with Dad.

Above: What a good big brother.

Above: Peter still strips down to his skivvies as soon as he gets home from school. Unless he has somewhere to go, it is almost impossible to keep clothes on this kid.

Above: Johnny still wants to be little even though he is happy to be a big brother. So, he is enjoying his Kool-Aid in a baby bottle.

Above: Johnny and I played a lot with cars this first week after Daniel got back and Nammy and Mimi were no longer helping us. I did what I could to help Johnny feel loved and important.

Above: Daniel (in between feedings and naps) was happy to watch us build different things with all of these Matchbox cars.

Above: In the middle of our project.

Above: Our completed project!

Above: Johnny and I had some good times together before it was time for his preschool to start.