Ari Patrick and his male role models

Ari Patrick has some good role models to follow after.
There is Grandpop

and Zaida

We are also letting Ari's uncle hold him. This is not to say we are committing one way or another regarding Dan's role model status, it is just that he is really good at playing the 'favorite uncle' card.*


*Just for the record, that full title is Favorite and Only Uncle.

Content Baby

How do we know when Ari Patrick is content? He makes his happy baby sounds of course. In fact, he is so happy we've got 2 videos to share

or here

Big Sister

There have been some question about how Tovina is taking all of this. I am very happy to report that, when not oblivious to her new brother, T is kind of excited by the whole thing. She especially likes holding Ari Patrick on the special pillow (see: Boppy). Tovina even wanted to take the pillow and Ari with her to PA. This would be the same trip that mom and dad were not coming on. I convinced her that maybe Ari Patrick would be best off staying with me.

First Bath

Yesterday Tovina took off for parts unknown (which are otherwise known as Pennsylvania) with Baba and Zaida. Their trip will last 10 days.

Left to ourselves we decided to do something wild and crazy - bathe the baby!

At first Ari Patrick was a little concerned about this suggestion..

But we have learned many things in the four years since our first child went through this process and actually managed a pretty calm and pleasant experience... until we tried taking him out of the water. Luckily there are no pictures and therefore no photographic evidence of that part of the procedure. Instead I present portrait of relaxed baby in tub.

Introducing Ari Patrick

At 5:27 am on July 6th (practically the only day in July that we don't have another family member's birthday)  Ari Patrick joined our family.

He weighed in at 8 lb 14 oz (a pound and a half bigger than his sister even though he was a week earlier) and came out with round little legs and arms.

Pretty darn exciting.

Blue ice cream

Last month we were on a long car trip home. To give us a boost we stopped for some ice cream. Daddy agreed with Tovina that she should have bright blue ice cream... in the car... in a cone...

Luckily a bib and dish were found in the vehicle.

I was impressed with how well T kept the mess contained. Then, after all the damage was already done, I handed her a mirror and damp paper towel and she actually cleaned herself up. Wow, almost 4 years olds can do anything!

Though not visible in this particular picture, T's tongue stayed a lovely blue shade for quite some time.

Getting Closer

Today we had our home birth run through.

(In case you hadn't heard, apparently I'm pregnant and will give birth in the next month.)

The run through just made sure we had all the stuff we need and that we had time to ask questions and talk through different scenarios.

Its pretty exciting. Or maybe it is just that I am pretty excited. Michael too. So is Tovina for that matter though she is mostly excited about the idea of a baby, not so interested in the birth itself. I feel confident in saying this because her biggest thrill today was showing one of the midwives the bamboo plant that she was watering.

Speaking of her interest in the baby, when I come home from work Tovina gives me a hug and kiss and then my belly a hug and kiss. Might just be my favorite moment of the day. Tonight when I was giving Tovina her final cuddle before sleep, she asked me to move a little closer so she could cuddle me and the ShamrockJew baby at the same time.

Updates

Its been a while since I've posted an update. A few new things.
Got a new car since the old one was hit by deer.
Tovina is taking her first steps towards the fine art of snowball making.
and we are expecting a new family member this July.

So many candies to try... so little time

We've been slowly parsing Tovina's candy out to her. It mostly based on finishing dinner - she eats a good dinner and can have a piece of candy. She's not hungry enough to eat dinner, then no candy. On average it seems to come out to 1 piece every 3 days. Not that T minds. She really enjoys just playing with the candy, organizing it, sorting it, pretending to paint with it, making towers, talking about it. I almost think the candy aspect is just icing (if you'll excuse the expression.)

Not to say icing is not appreciated. In fact, she just tried Nerds. Her reaction?
Tovina: Daddy, what are these called?
Michael: Nerds
Tovina: I love Nerds.

The child takes after my own heart.

Last day at the park?

Today was gorgeous so Michael had everything ready and jumped in the car with T when I got home from work. We had the privilege of spending maybe an hour at the park before the sun went down. Tovina stayed in a swing for all but about 14 minutes of that time - that child sure does love her swing!
She even made, another, new friend.
Going to miss the park this winter.