Our Weekends....

Dan recently came up with the idea that we needed some weekend "traditions". So as simple as it may be, for about two months now we have been trying out new ways to enjoy our time at home with our family. To start of the weekend, on Saturdays we go to the library. Ethan has really taken a liking to going every Saturday. He asks us to read him his "libary book" and screams "there it is" as we approach the library every Saturday afternoon. He really enjoys the puppets, has learned that we live on Earth from the globe they have, and is even getting interested in the puzzles - something he doesn't care so much about at home. Every Saturday, we pick out movies for him to enjoy (currently, his favorite is anything Thomas the Train) and he goes around picking up many books saying "this book, this book" until he finally settles on just a few. The only part that he has found difficult is when we check out. He's not a fan of handing over the books for even a minute, but always says thank you to the librarian upon returning them to his tiny hands.

Sunday's are pancake day. This is Ethan's favorite. For many nights now, he stands at his gate at screaming "hot cakes, eat hot cakes" hoping that the next day is Sunday and he will get one of the few sweet treats we allow him to have. I suppose this is my fault, for two weeks ago I tried to explain to him on a Saturday night that tomorrow was Sunday and he would have pancakes, thinking it would make him excited for our next day together. Well, I was right that he would be excited - just underestimated how excited.

In addition to our pancakes, for the last two weeks we have added a bit of exploring to our Sundays. Last week on the parkway, this week by the river. I suppose this has something to do with our cabin fever in combo with the unusually warm weather we have had so far this winter. This Sunday, Gabrielle was able to join us - Yay! She was a bit hesitant at her ability to do some of the walking and exploring, but with just a little prompting she joined right in the fun. I think we are going to start a scrapbook of some sort with the places that we visit, right here close to the 'Burg.

I realize that this isn't the most extravagant or even time consuming traditions, but that's kinda what I like about it. No real pressure or time table, just a few things to encourage Dan and I to enjoy time with the kiddies, rather than working all weekend long. It seems like every week goes by so fast, that it is more and more important for us to take a few minutes here and there to really enjoy what it is that we are working for.

In Ella news, I am now about seven months along and seem to be doing pretty well! I haven't experienced any of the problems I had with Ethan and hope it continues along that way :) She's a kicker and moving around quite a bit. We are slowly but surely reorganizing the house, trying to make room for everything a new baby will bring into our home. I am set on making sure we are prepared this time and am trying to make sure that when she decides to come (even if it's early like her brother) that we are ready for her so that we can really enjoy the beginning of her life. As much as you can with little to no sleep anyway! We'll see how it goes :)

He can fly!

It's official. He's a boy. Last night, Ethan declared his ability to fly. While reading an art book with Dan, they came across a picture of a cherub. Dan asked Ethan if he had wings like the cherub. Ethan, quite sure of himself, said "there they are" while pointing to his back. Dan then asked Ethan if he used his wings to fly and Ethan responded "Yes, I do". He then proceeded to example his flying skills by backing up, squatting to the floor, quickly popping up, leaping in the air while flapping his "wings" screaming "fly, fly" and jumping over Dan - quickly and forcefully landing on the floor. Dan and I both paused, expecting cries and claims of boo boos, but instead, Ethan resumed his flying position and proceeded to fly over Dan no less than 6 more times. Ethan's only pause was to ask Dan if he was okay when he saw Dan laughing so hard that he was crying. It was too cute.