special appearance

Normally only seen during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in earnest of keeping warm.

In special appearance, Damian wore his pimp coat to work today; since we were graced with frigid temperatures.

Clients impressed? Talk of the town? No, but Blaise sure did like the collar. Origin of pimp coat: from a friend of Damian's dad (possibly Navy issued).

scrumptious

Eleven months yesterday, oh my how does the time fly.

Your fine soft hair that curls just in the front,

eyes that sparkle and look so innocent even when causing mischief,

the cute button nose a bit red from a cold,

and the smile that lights up your entire face as soon as you see me.

Skin so soft to the touch,

belly that loves to be tickled,

legs that are constantly moving,

thighs that beg to be squeezed,

feet that can reach your mouth,

hands that clap and toes so tiny.

I love the smell of your hair fresh from a bath,

the cuddling during feedings,

the occasional nap together,

and hugs that you are just starting to give.

My baby boy Blaise,

it is hard to believe that soon you will be one.

Please don't grow too fast,

as soon these will be memories

and not everyday indulges . . oh so scrumptious!

tiny hands - feeding

family fun night: ratatouille

During our most recent trip to the library Ambrose asked for some cookbooks to take home. After diligently looking through the kids' cookbook section one of the selections was Ratatouille: What's Cooking? We were lucky enough to find the movie at the library as well, which inspired last night's family fun night.

Chef Ambrose (please note the band aid on his chin is not from a kitchen accident but rather from playing hard at preschool . . . he was outside playing with a bulldozer, slipped on some ice and fell onto the dozer . . the dozer is fine) whipped up a delectable meal right from the cookbook - Faux Escargot, Oven Fries and an Eiffel Tower dessert. Our Sous Chef Blaise made sure that everything was timed for dinner time (after all he is a hungry guy).

While indulging in our fantastic food we enjoyed watching part of the movie Ratatouille and when the chefs got a little restless we had a food relay. What a great evening - Bon Appetite!

tracks

Stepping outside into winter's cold breath
with plans of taxiing to school.
Straying for moments
to indulge in nature's bounty.

Tracks.


Questions.
Where's the bunny? How big?
Did he go here first or here?

Stories.
The bunny went to his house (our pine tree)
and then he went over the moutain (a pile of snow)
and by the fence and . . .

Fresh tracks.

Boot tracks.

Take a moment: http://imaginechildhood.com/blog/?p=409

more handsome

Combing the boys' hair is part of the normal morning routine which occassionally is accompanied with the words 'Mommy I'm handsome'. I'm glad to know that the lesson of modesty is prevalent in Ambrose's mind.

Tonight both the boys' received hair cuts from yours truly. Blaise was treated to a seat on Daddy's lap, music shaken in his face for distraction by Ambrose and a quick snip, snip from Mommy for his first haircut.

Ladies watch out.

first time

Blaise and I dropped off Ambrose to preschool today and headed to the Eastside YMCA. Today was Blaise's first swim lesson. Although he has been in water before he looked at me as if to say 'Mommy what do we do here?'

The instructor was quick to point out that he has 'no fear' at this age and that it is a good time to start him in lessons (he's obviously seen Blaise go right for the stairs at home and not look back).

What a wonderful bonding time for Mommy and Blaise today (just sorry I wasn't available to also take photos; since his smile was contagious)! Front float, back float, scooping and lots of songs later he was one tired bud. One thing I know for sure, Blaise will not require additional lessons in splashing; he is a pro.

ice time

Skates on, helmet tight, a quick peek on the ice and their off! Although we were betting on this New Year's Day activity being a short one; Ambrose lasted two hours (of course this included a snack break and watching Daddy fly around the ice on his own). When asked Ambrose's favorite part was 'Daddy crashing into the boards' (Damian would skate around and then crash into the boards for his delight).



When Blaise wasn't on the ice with Daddy; we watched our skaters, snapped photos and kept warm in the snack bar (how convenient).

I'm not sure who had the bigger smile . . . Blaise being spun around on the ice while checking out the lights. Ambrose with his arms stretched high over his head (so high his tummy showed the whole time) to hold on tight to Daddy's hands. Or, Damian out on the ice skating with one of his boys? Oh wait, it was Mommy watching the whole thing.