Fun Finds

I apologize for the lack of posts lately. We were in Tennessee for Christmas, arrived home Monday and left for Crystal Lake on Tuesday because the hardwood floors in our kitchen are getting repaired and refinished...step two in the mini face lift our kitchen is getting (step 1 occurred almost a year ago with the building of the banquette). More on both of those later!

Anyway, yesterday I ran to Target to pick up some groceries and diapers. Every time I am there I walk past the infant and toddler section, which is bad news because I notoriously end up with a few items that we really don't need, but are just too cute to pass up. This time was no different! Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted some really cute pink and blue striped dresses. I had to go check them out, after all, I do have 2 nieces! After rushing to the rack, I notice the tag says Splendid Littles for Target. Oooh, I love Splendid for me and have found their kids line absolutely adorable, albeit quite pricey. I was thrilled to find that they are now making cute clothes for infant and toddler boys and girls for Target. I might have picked up a few things...shhh, don't tell Matt!

I just checked online and it looks like the Splendid Littles line is available through the Target website. A few of my favorite pieces are below, but you can see the full line here.

The newborn set for a baby girl...isn't the ruffle to die for?

Some baby girl might be getting this for Christmas!

A new outfit for Henry this spring...I love the Kelly green/navy combo!

I love the gray and red too!

The next cute find is something for all us mama's out there who are constantly pulling our hair back into those generic rubber bands or wearing them on our wrist! I can't remember which blog I was perusing when I stumbled upon these adorable rubber bands, but I know I immediately went to visit the Emi-Jay website and added them to my Christmas list!

Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law, I am now sporting these beauties in my hair or on my wrist! So far, I am loving these more than stylish hair ties. My only beef is that they are not quite as "tight" as a regular hair tie, but the cuteness factor overrides that small imperfection.

I opted for the metallic collection and the bronze beaded hair tie.

So, if you know a fellow lady who is constantly wearing hair ties on her wrist, leaving annoying dents, or just want a fun gift for a friend, definitely check out the Emi-Jay website. Such a perfect little accessory. Oh, and a portion of their profits are donated to various charities.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to our beloved family and friends!

We are in Tennessee enjoying a white Christmas! All the babies are napping after a present filled morning. Santa was good; we feel so blessed for all that we have been given. Nothing like a beautiful day with our amazing family! Hope everyone is enjoying this day as much as we are!

**Image and card design courtesy of Carley Kay Photography

Henry's New Talent

Hmmm...

Ethan walked into the kitchen today, carrying Henry. Enough said!

The Boys

Between colds and a short bout with the stomach flu, we have all been feeling under the weather a little bit lately. Because of this, we have spent a lot of time indoors reading books, hanging out and just being a family. I could help but capture some cute pictures of the boys as they were sitting on the couch the other night reading books. Boy, do I love them!
Sweet Henry
Ethan sure loves his little brother...finally!

Two Months

On the 18th, Henry celebrated his 2 month birthday. He didn't have his 2 month check up until today, which is why I waited to do this post. That and I am so far behind on everything these days! Anyway, HRH is doing great and growing like a weed. He tipped the scales at 1o pounds 4 ounces today. While this is still quite small, he has gained 4 pounds since the day he came home from the hospital. I knew he had to have gained some weight because the little guy likes to eat every 2 hours during the day. Yes, I am always feeding him!!! In the height department, he measured 22.5 inches. This puts him in the 30th percentile, along with his weight. While we don't have the biggest baby on our hands, he sure seems like it compared to Ethan at this age. As you can see, Ethan has come quite a long way!

Henry continues to be a great baby! He is starting to get into a little routine, or at least be somewhat predictable. He is consistently sleeping from about 9 until 4:30, wakes up for a quick feeding and then is back down until 8 or so. From there our time mostly consists of feedings and short little cat naps until the afternoon. He takes a nap around 2 and wakes up anywhere between 5 and 5:30 (Ethan is also down at this time, which makes for some nice quiet "me" time). From nap time until bed, there is lots more eating and more cat naps. Henry has started to become quite fussy around this time, not wanting to be put down, etc. I think a lot has to do with him being more and more aware of his surroundings, but not being able to really do much. A pure case of boredom.

He is bright eyed most of the day though giving us a ton of smiles and "talking" quite a bit. I love hearing him coo and his smiles are to die for. We have been working on our neck strength, although tummy time is not his favorite. He loves to look at Ethan and hear him talk about his trucks and tractor or sing The Wheels on the Bus or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!

As we continue to get into our daily routine and adjust to having a newborn in our lives again, we can't help but feel blessed! Life as a family of four is great! Henry is such a sweet baby and like Ethan, continues to amaze me each and everyday. We love him to pieces and can't wait for the next 2 months. Each day brings new milestones and a whole bunch more love!

Halloween 2010

We celebrated Halloween this year on crisp fall Sunday afternoon. Because I am not on top of things these days, we went the easy route with costumes. Henry inherited a cow costume from when Ethan was a baby and what better accompaniment to cow than his farmer. Plus, it didn't require a ton of thought or creativity for that matter. I might be kind of biased, but the farmer was one of the most handsome I have seen and the cow was pretty darn cute, too!

Ethan loved being a farmer and wearing his straw hat. He thought being able to ride his tractor around was pretty cool, too. He was a little hesitant about trick or treating at first, due to a fairly large group of middle school boys, dressed as skeletons, that trick or treated at our house about 3 seconds before we were ready to go ourselves. It also hasn't helped that our neighbors put up a blow up ghost in their front yard. It took Ethan a good 2 weeks to even walk past. After a little pep talk, we finally made it to a couple houses. He was always polite saying "trick or treat" and "thank you" at each house, but loved getting candy most of all. I am pretty sure his dinner consisted of Snickers and M&M's that night. Here is Henry the cow enjoying his "dinner." Henry's costume is a hand-me-down from Ethan, but it was too cute not to use. Especially since Farmer Ethan was already in the works. The weather was a bit cool for Henry to be outside long, but he did enjoy the fresh air and looking around at all the kids!One of my favorite things about our neighborhood at Halloween is that everyone sits outside in their drive way to hand out candy. Many have bon fires, drink beer and just enjoy being able to see their neighbors. And, for those that do have small children and go trick or treating, beers are often times passed out along the way as you get empty. Call it adult trick or treating! Just a fun way to see your neighbors and catch up for a bit before moving on to the next house.

A couple fun costumes of some neighbor kids...The bunch of bananas...our neigbor, Brian, is second from the right.
Our good friends, Lily and Jack, as a mermaid and skunk!

We hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween! We are really looking forward to next year when Henry will be able to enjoy the festivities a little bit more!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAM-MA!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma,

Love Ethan and Henry

Pumpkins

In continuing with the tradition we started last year, we headed to Johansen's Farm in Bolingbrook to enjoy pumpkin picking, animals and apple cider donuts on a beautiful fall day. This year we were lucky enough to have Matt's mom and dad in town to join us for the festivities.

Ethan loved all the animals and being able to feed and pet them. He actually got a little lick from a cow because he got a little too close. I am pretty sure the people that were standing next to us thought did not think we would be getting the Parent's of the Year award anytime soon. Oh well, we all thought it was pretty funny.

Henry, doing what he does best....chillin' out and relaxin' in the crisp fall air and gorgeous sunshine!
Just a little bit taller than last year....
Tractor!!
Hayride with mommy, daddy, and Papa Larry! Dama stayed back with Henry!
Weeeeee!

Trying to find the perfect pumpkin!

Smiles

Henry recently started to smile when you talk to him! Not necessarily on demand, but definitely not by coincidence either. He loves to hear voices and sure doesn't hold smiles back; he is so happy! If that toothy grin doesn't turn a bad day around, I don't know what will. So sweet!

No Friend Left Behind

Look what I found waiting for me at the top of the stairs a few mornings ago. Ethan wanted to make sure none of his stuffed animals were left behind when he came downstairs to start his day.

One Month

Today Henry celebrates his one month birthday. He started it off with a bang by sleeping 9 hours...yes, nine hours! I am not holding my breath that this will happen again any time soon, but it sure was nice to get a full night's sleep. Actually, I can't complain because he is doing wonderfully in the sleep department. While he eats about every 2-3 hours during the day, we have had several 4 and 5 hour stretches at night over the past month. I usually try and put him down around 10 each night and he will wake up one time around 2 or 3 and then goes right back to bed until 7, sometimes 8! He really is a great sleeper and I haven't felt all that much sleep deprived since he was born!

He continues to be awake more and more during the day, which gives us a chance to check out his bright blue eyes. I am hoping they stick around and eventually turn out just like his daddy's baby blues! We have caught a couple of smiles here and there, too! Nothing on cue, of course, but enough to put a smile on your face, especially at 3 in the morning! A lot of people say Henry looks a lot like Ethan, but I just don't see it. His coloring is much lighter....long, very blond eyelashes and light, maybe even red hair. He has chubby cheeks like his brother though and a lot more hair! Yes, the Mohawk is still in full effect!

I will admit the first couple weeks were tough, but every day is getting much better and we are loving life with our 2 boys. Ethan continues to be extremely curious about his little brother, but has definitely warmed up to him...a lot, actually! He loves making sure Henry has his paci and giving him kisses on his head. "Don't cry, Henry" is a favorite line of Ethan's and he loves helping with Henry's "pit stops" (can you tell we have been watching a lot of Cars lately?). Henry is a wonderful baby, very chill and relaxed. He loves to snuggle and loves to be held and talked to. While life is crazy these days, we can't imagine what life would be like without Henry!

Brothers

Fresh from the bathtub, right before bed! Couldn't resist the matching jammies! These boys are so sweet!

10-10-10

Good luck to all those runners participating in the Chicago Marathon this weekend! A big shout out to Heather Glynn, Steve Goldhaber and Jennifer Childe. You will be amazing this weekend! Run hard and stay strong, we will be thinking about you! Best of luck!

Pickin' Apples

One of my favorite fall traditions growing up was picking apples. Every year towards the end of September we would head to a local orchard to pick the best golden delicious apples! I knew this was one of the traditions I would carry on with our children throughout the years. This year, golden delicious apples were ready shortly after we came home from the hospital with Henry, but I knew apple picking was something I didn't want to miss; even 8 days after having a baby. Matt and I thought taking just Ethan would be a fun thing to do, just the 3 of us, so Henry stayed home with my mom and dad. We headed to Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park for a hay ride, apple picking, cider drinking and doughnut eating!
After waiting in line for over an hour (one of the disappointing things about the orchard), we hopped on the tractor trailer (a bit hit with Ethan) for a hayride out to the orchard.

Ethan taste testing one of the few varieties available!
Reaching up high!
Picking an apple for Henry!Driving the tractor before having some apple cider and a doughnut!

I am really looking forward to continuing this tradition as Ethan and Henry get older. I hope they have as fond memories of fall and apple picking as I do. Our years of heading to the orchard are something I will always remember. I can only hope my boys feel the same way someday!

Where's Henry

Peek - A - Boo!

One Week....actually almost Two!

I started this post shortly after Henry turned one week old. Life is a bit hectic right now and I am finally getting around to finishing this post. It is almost a week later and Henry will be two weeks old tomorrow. I can't believe how fast the past 14 days have gone...it hasn't been without lots of emotion and tears, but still filled with tons of support from friends and family. We have been overwhelmed with generosity and love from neighbors, parents, siblings, and dear friends. It is very much appreciated; we couldn't have made it through without each and every one of you that stopped by, dropped off a meal, or just called to say Hi. Life is good!

Here is a picture of our sweet Henry, who is doing wonderfully! He is eating and sleeping like a champ and just the sweetest baby ever. He is still sleeping most of the day, but I have already started to notice he is awake more and more each day; which I love. He is eating every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day, but has been giving me 4 hour stretches at night. Such a good boy to his mama! We can't imagine our life without him: he truly is a blessing! We love him so much!

And the best big brother ever...doing what he loves most; reading books! Such a sweet boy, too! He is slowly, but surely warming up to his little brother. Thank goodness! Ahh, I just love them!

Doing Well

Everything is ok at the Hunt house. Henry seems to be liking his new living arrangements and Ethan is doing well as a big brother. We have had many visitors and we thank everyone for their support.

Henry is actually sleeping very well. In just his third night at home last night, Ali fed him around 11pm, then again around 2:30am - he woke up for good around 7:15am. Definitely nice for Ali. She is trying to fill him up during the day so he sleeps at night and it seems to be working for now.

Ali, her mom, Ethan, and Henry are currently out shopping - or as I say, introducing Henry to mommy's favorite hobby.

Here are some pics from the last few days including Henry meeting his Damn-ma and Papa Larry.