Friday, November 9, 2012

February 2012

February was a crazy month. It took some time to get used to having a newborn again, and to adjust to having two children instead of just one.

We had lots of visitors, though, including family, which was nice. Some brought meals, some brought gifts, and all brought much-needed company and conversation. I don't get out much, as a rule, even now, but I was really pretty shut in for that first month or so, and looked forward to whatever breaks I could get in the usual routine.

At the very beginning of the month, we had a visit from Papa and Uncle James.


On the fifth, Michael donned a new sleeper to show team spirit for the Giants during the Superbowl.


And on the seventh, I made sure to dress him up in one of my favorite of his newborn-sized outfits and snap a picture of him in it before he managed to outgrow it. It was amazing to be able to dress him in such small clothing. Abby skipped that size entirely, as she was born too big to ever fit in it.

 
As the month passed, Abby was up to her usual hijinks. She continued to explore clothing, fashion, and new, creative ways in which to dress herself.


She also continued to develop her new found love of books, taking full advantage of my suddenly much-roomier lap to do so.


New skills acquired included the "facepalm." (Thanks, Tom.)


Mid-month brought us fun with spaghetti...


... and Michael's one-month "birthday." Below is my favorite of his "month" pics.


A few days later, I couldn't resist taking another picture during "tummy time," which he hated almost as much as Abby did, but tolerated for slightly longer periods of time.


And, last, but not least, at the end of the month came Tom's big birthday party, courtesy of his mother's careful planning. She wanted to be a special one, as it was his 30th, but I was pretty caught up in the care of my newborn and toddler.

Nana, Papa, Aunt Ali, and Uncle James all came down the day before the party to help prepare, and to visit with us and the kids.

Tom caught a cute moment between Ali and Abby, in which they engaged in synchronized swaying as Ali tried to soothe Michael to sleep. As you can see in the background, I took advantage of the time, and my blessedly free hands, to wolf down some food.


 And here's another cute moment with Ali and Michael. He looks a bit befuddled for some reason.


 On the day of the party, more family arrived, as well as many friends, and a great day was had by all. Abby feasted on black beans and rice, among other goodies prepared by Nana, and made sure to help her daddy blow out his candle at the end.


I guess it was good practice for her own special moment (many months away at that point), because, on her second birthday, she blew out the candle on the first shot.