Growth

This second little one is growing up so fast! She's 8 weeks old today, and really starting to wake up to the world. She's cooing, gurgling, smiling and trying to be upright as much as possible. (And STILL sleeping through the night !!!) What fun!

"Put your feet in the mud -- it feels good"

My little one has to sense everything with his toes, hands, mouth, etc. He's fond of climbing in the bin of birdseed at Grammy's house, sitting in the seeds, sifting them through his hands, and sliding his feet up and down in it. He has so many rituals at her house. Every time I am there to see them wander around together, I am amazed by her endless creativity, vision, patience and beauty. She makes the world anew each day for this little guy. Here he is emptying water from the caladium leaves and, of course, feeling the mud. Thank you Mom for inspiring such a full-bodied love of nature in our boy.

Cousins! Cousins!

This weekend Wilson's second cousins Conor and Nick (and mom Dawn and Great- Uncle Brian) visited from Atlanta. Conor and Wilson were nearly inseparable, with Conor aptly naming Wilson "green" based on his shirt and favorite color. Here they are at Art Sparks, painting side by side and Wilson raising the sail on the pirate ship. Here's to many adventures in the future!

Moments with the first-born

I've realized just how important it is to have alone time with Wilson--no distractions, looking deeply at him when we are talking, saying YES to as much as I can (fingerpaints, Mommy? On my feet?) and letting myself fall in love with him in all new ways. Here are a few beautiful moments from this week...

A Tisket a Tasket

Some of you may recall the photo of Wilson swaddled in a basket. I remember that day well --stealing a rare moment of quiet to play with Mom and nurture creativity. It was too cold to head outside, and cabin fever was getting to me. Somehow creating a beautiful photo made everything seem perfect.


Today, I took advantage of a similar calm (Wilson is at his babysitter's house for some play with the kiddos) to take some shots of Jane. Hers are outside, to celebrate this beautiful summer that she has brought to us. Enjoy!

To My Partner

John returned to work this week, and we are all missing him. (Wilson summed it up by responding to John's explanation that he would have to go back to work by saying: Jane will be really sad.) John's done so much for all of us these four weeks-- soothed our little screamy, had adventures with Wilson, got Wilson to go to sleep in a flash (by himself!!!), and of course comforted and soothed me in all the vulnerable moments of becoming a mother again. We treasure the end of the day when we can jump on him (Wilson), stare at him and be cradled by him (Jane) and just let it all down (me).

Hunt Clan Reunion

Greg and Kendra were home for a wedding, so we squeezed as much time with them as we could. Wilson loved frolicking with Uncle Greg and Kendra in Grammy's backyard, hunting for fireflies, rebuilding fairy houses and just plain being silly. Jane adored her soon to be Tia Kendra and flashed some rarely wide open eyes for her.

Grandpa Young Visits!

Grandpa Young made the trip to Louisville to meet Jane and visit with Wil. Needless to say, Wil loved seeing his grandfather.



Later, Grandpa Young confirms the hereditary link to his granddaughter.

Madison 4th of July

We spent a good old-fashioned fourth of July in Madison with Grammy and Grandpa. Wilson learned to ride a bike, do a thumbs up at the raceboat drivers in the parade, and devour red cupcakes. Jane, Grammy and Mama enjoyed lounging among the hydrangeas in the unseasonably cool temps. You'll also see Wilson playing his new favorite pretend-game: being a baby in Grammy's arms.

Growth

We continue to watch in amazement this little girl's growth, and reflect on our own as a family. Each day is a new adventure, some challenging, some full of ease. Life with two little ones takes all of our energy, but it feels very natural, as if the change was absolutely meant to come, now.