Spring Cream

 Time to clean off the patio . . . and the things on it.

Moose

Like a moose, Hendrix is the largest of our breed. He's busting out of his 3 month clothes and ready for size 2 diapers. His shoulders are broad and his neck is thicker than the other two. He looks like the other two in many, many ways, yet he is unique in so many ways. It's fun getting to know him.

Rainy Days and Mondays

Don't always get me down, contrary to the Carpenter song. I look forward to Mondays right now. And this particular rainy day was fun, at least this moment. . . :-)

Spectrum

Our life is full of rainbows. And our oldest son is very colorful. We are thankful he can share his very colorful light with this sometimes black and white world . . .

A Hard Day's Work

When you want something bad enough, you work hard for it. Vanessa and Zane really wanted some money. Their dad agreed to pay them $15 each if they cleaned up the entire yard of sticks, pinecones, litter, and toys so he could mow. It was hard, especially with a newly developed connection with a neighbor friend down the street stopping by to play. But they both persevered and got it done.

They then agreed to put their money together to buy Minecraft for the Wii U. Love that they can work together. They make a great team!

Chewie the Lovable Wookiee!

Hendrix became attached quickly. I'm sure he'll love Star Wars as much as his siblings. The kids love learning every detail. Zane spends his days playing out the scenes. His request for us to participate are nonstop. But Mom isn't as fun as Dad, Vanessa and Hendrix cause she messes up all the scenes. At least Hendrix approves for now. 

Soaking

This is the life. Hendrix enjoyed this soaking extra much. (Pics from April 8)

Stationary

Zane has stationary in his desk and will often draw pictures in the cards and seal them in envelopes to give to us. I liked this one extra much -- Hendrix and Zane. A card made special for Hendrix.

Check This Out

Although Zane gets a little disappointed that Hendrix gets bored or tired quickly, Zane finds it fun to introduce fun and stimulating toys to him.

Sharing Minecraft Stories

(Pics from March 27)

There are funny memes on Facebook about parents having to listen to their children share and tell about Minecraft for hours and hours. It's true. Vanessa, not so much Zane (although he plays Minecraft quite a bit too), loves to share every detail of her creations. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to share all she wants to share. But we recently discovered that Hendrix loves to listen to her nonstop explanations. 

Read, Make & Write

Zane is learning to read some new words. He makes them with magnets. And then writes them. We don't expect mastery, just familiarity.

Free Play

A shower makes all the difference in how a day goes. Even if I only get a short and rushed one, it's refreshing to clean off all the day before's craziness. And sometimes I need a free hand for just a second, so not long enough to strap on the carrier but like when throwing together breakfast and lunch.

The fun seats now allow me those extra quick moments.

1 Month Well Visit

Although I realize I've shared the first picture already. I wanted to put it here too since it's neat to see his face from soon after birth to 1-week newborn to 1-month newborn.

Hendrix is growing well. He eats a ton, but even so I was surprised to hear his weight today. The boy is now 10 pounds and 14 ounces . . . no, 11 pounds . . . no, 10 pounds and 14 ounces . . . no, 11 pounds . . . oh now we're back to 10 pounds and 14 ounces. That's kind of how weighing went today. We've been joking that he's actually a little Hercules from the strength and eagerness he shows.

Zane recently asked what my milk taste like. I told him it's whatever-I-eat flavored. :-) We gave examples.

At Zane's and Vanessa's well-visit appointments a couple of months ago, Dr. LaMonte asked the kids their favorite meals. Vanessa answered Mom's beef tacos and Zane answered Mom's meatloaf. I was flattered and Dr. LaMonte was impressed that they chose homecooked meals. I told Zane today we ought to make meatloaf so Hendrix can have meatloaf flavored milk. Zane said "Would he want ketchup with that?"

Hendrix has figured out home life. His nights are becoming shorter and focused. He's beginning to accept lights out. He discovered his hands and feet a week or so ago -- he's getting good at using and working them. He seems to be getting our daily routines.

He has a herniated belly button. Zane had a weird whatever in which tissue poked out looking like a little tongue hanging out of his belly button, until Dr. L put stuff on it to cause it to dry up and fall away. Hendrix is a happy spitter  like Vanessa was. He's a squeaker, grunter and neigher like Zane was. But he's Hendrix and doing quite well.

Worst Nightmare Ever

Zane and Vanessa handle Hendrix's late nights well. And they seem to handle any other bouts of crying well too. Although warned by friends of the possibility, Hendrix doesn't seem to be Vanessa's worst nightmare.

The kids enjoy sharing their dreams in the morning. But I find it funny what each views a nightmare. . . 

Zane's recent example: went to Build A Bear and forgot to order or make something. 

Vanessa's recent example: she was bitten by a bunch of snakes.

NOTE: It's funny how I can go a week or two to catch up on some fun pictures with Vanessa and Zane, but with pictures that include Hendrix, I  now once again feel the need to note date and time that has gone by because Hendrix changes so much from day to day. These pictures were from around 3.13.16 . . . Hendrix no longer wears many outfits but has had fun moving into a new-to-him wardrobe.