Back on the rock

Ahh, the weather was beautiful today. I wonder if we appreciate the spring more here in New England due to our long, often harsh winters. The boys joyfully found their climbing rock, removed their shoes, and got down to the business of enjoying the outdoors. I looked over at one point to find that Henry had climbed up their favorite tree and was standing over my head. Seemingly very secure, but giving his Mama a bit of a scare. When did he get old enough to do this?

These brothers- loving, wild, spirited, and at their best among the trees and rocks. Thank you, Nature, for your gifts.

Henry in snowshoes

Here is a picture from Henry's first snowshoeing adventure last weekend. A special thanks to Liza for the snowshoes, now handed down to another outdoors lover.

Veggie Soup

The boys and I made veggie soup yesterday, along with chocolate cupcakes. You know, to balance out the soup. Both were perfect for our, once again, snow stormy day. I took a picture of the soup at it earliest stages because I liked the colors so much. Hope everyone enjoyed their day--

24 weeks

Here we are, 24 weeks, the time of silent cheer. Viability. I have found myself eagerly awaiting this milestone during this and my last pregnancy, it is a cause for celebration. Of course 24 weeks is still so early, too early, but it offers the slight hope that God forbid something were to go wrong and I had to deliver early, our baby would have a chance. I imagine that it sounds crazy to most people. I am, after all, only a little over half way there. But for those of us who have helplessly watched our little miracles arrive early, this time allows for a slight release of breath.

I pray I will be fat and pregnant at 40 weeks, even "over-due" like I was with Henry. As sick as I get with pregnancy I love it. It is what I have always hoped most for, and I look forward to waddling my way around, for what I imagine will be my last time, for months to come. Good work, sweet baby boy, keep on cookin'. Mama loves you. 24 weeks!!

A wonderful weekend

Here are two pictures from our overnight in North Conway. We went with some very good friends and their three daughters, and had a great time! We stayed at The Red Jacket Inn which is home to an indoor water park, just what the winter blahs ordered. The boys had a blast.

Baby Apple

The boys are so excited about "their baby", it is wonderful to see. They love to hug my belly, and they, especially Noah, talk to the baby throughout the day. Every night before he goes to sleep Noah will hug my belly and say goodnight to the baby. The tenderness of boys that all too often goes overlooked...

Henry has now decided that he is pregnant, as well, and talks a good bit about the baby in his tummy, whom he has named Apple. My sweet and often out of touch husband responded one night that he kind of liked the name Apple, but wondered if it might be a better name for a girl. He had no idea, of course, that a famous couple had already come to the same conclusion and received some backlash because of it. We agreed that we do kind of like the name Apple, but that it is better suited for a girl. I know, we're weird like that. So- no apples. But Henry's.

A Touch of Spring

The weather was beautiful this afternoon. A wonderful reminder of what is to come. No coats, walks around the block, picnics outside...