Overflowing Baskets

 My heart basket is not just full but is overflowing with love for these kids.

I'm sure their baskets are overflowing from the love and thoughtfulness of others. Thank you, brave Easter Bunny!

And in no time Hendrix's basket is beginning to overflow too.

Update: Literally.

A Somewhat Domesticated Spring Break

Zane learned to blow up balloons on his own. 

So we mached them. 

And painted them.

And glittered them.

 And displayed them as Easter Eggs.

 We made cupcakes.

 We threw painted filled egg shells at a canvas.

We tissue papered hard boiled eggs and dyed them in a marbling fashion.

 And we were sure to reflect on the true meaning.

When Eyes Are Smiling

It's like a morn in spring. And I hear the angels sing. Yes, they stole my heart away.

Read Aloud

Zane's storytelling is quite inventive. Many of them include dramatic scenes that involve death and injury. He's such a boy.

Vanessa sticks to the written text but feels the need to question all of Pooh's talk.

Hendrix is like Whatever...

Blowout

It's important that each of our kids has their picture taken in the "Poop on Michigan" onesie. Here's Zane's: Zane Wearing Poop on Michigan Onesie. And Vanessa wore it in the hospital for her newborn pics at Riverside. The onesie needs to be framed and placed in the Buckeye hallway of our house. And is it coincidental that Hendrix ALSO had his first official, full-fledged blowout the day of wearing this? I think not. ;-)

I think Hendrix is tired of playing along with Mommy. :-)

First Fully Clean

Hendrix had his first full bath this last week, once his belly button fell off. It was a family affair. Daddy helped get him in there. Zane started the washing. Vanessa took a turn too. When Hendrix got upset, Vanessa was all about calming him rather than finishing the process. Zane tried calming him by sprinkling water over his head.

It was fun to talk about how they had taken baths in the same tub when they were babies. It's so neat how some of their baby things have found the way back to us in time for Hendrix.

 Once everyone was clean, it was nice to just relax.

Sprung Forward

Hendrix went for his first walk in the carrier on Monday. He was a little puzzled at first but seemed to enjoy it. We walked to the splash pad and back. Zane was full of conversation. I really enjoyed a few parts extra much.

While walking by an old dance studio that is being rehabbed and modified to become Starliner Diner, Zane asked me: "What kind of work are they doing, Mom?"
"It will become a place to eat."
"Like a cafeteria or a lunch room?"
"Like a place where you order food and they serve it to you."
"Oh you mean it will be a restaurant . . ."

"What a lovely morning, Mom. Wait, is it still morning or is it afternoon yet?"
"It is about two o'clock, so it is officially afternoon."
"I knew it!"

"Hey Mom, what is that store again?"
"That's where people buy guns."
"Oh yeah! Maybe when I'm a real Power Ranger I can buy a gun there. Or maybe I get a gun with my costume. I wonder which Power Ranger they will make me. What Power Ranger do you think I will be, Mom?"
"Can't you be Power Ranger Zane?"
"I don't know if there is a Power Ranger Zane, but I could be one, and they can call me Zanester."

Ticket to Ride

Some very dear friends were very kind to let us borrow their mamaRoo. These things are neat. I joked with another friend that these things have some incredible settings even though no NSX setting. :-) But even so, Hendrix seems to enjoy, at least for now. And we're very grateful for the sharing.

Zane and Vanessa were excited to share in this experience with Hendrix as well. Vanessa made a post-it note to list the settings Hendrix seems to love the most. And Zane loved adjusting the settings.

Adam and I both feel we got intentional smiles from Hendrix these last few days. He's a pretty content little guy with a hefty cry only when he scratches his face or while changing his diaper at a time when he's still half asleep.

One week ago Hendrix already weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces. He's still eating like a champ and packing on the weight. I think he's near 8 pounds already.

He went to church for his first time yesterday, and just before we left, his umbilical cord fell off. (Vanessa was grossed out by the yucky nubbin, even though both kids have been excited to see what it looks like underneath.) Hendrix handled all the oohing and ahhing and poking at church really well. We were very grateful to share him with everyone. It occurred to both Adam and me at almost the exact same moment, just minutes into the service beginning, that we left the house without the diaper bag. Oops! We'll get back into the swing of things, I'm sure. Good thing we live only seconds away from the church.

I've shared with many that I'm trying to soak up every ounce of this time with this little guy. I believe he's truly a special gift to all of us, to refocus what life is truly about. I know this time will be gone way too soon. And sort of like the Carpenter's song puts it (Yes, I'll always love the Carpenters. Call me cheesy.), one day "I think I'm going to be sad . . . the [kids] . . . driving me mad [are] going away . . ." But in the meantime, I'm thankful to our God for this ticket to ride. . .

Hey Baby, Slow Down

Hendrix is changing so fast! He cooed in an intentional verbal exchange for the first time on 3.10.16. He's staying awake for longer periods and is learning to work his body. He lifts himself from our chests to look around. He lifts himself while on his tummy. He's trying to wiggle into other positions and to flip. Why are they always in such a hurry?!

Vanessa and Zane love to count off and help Hendrix do five sit ups a day. We try not to overwork him. ;-)