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.

Dress Up: Part Two

Ok, confession, Wilson is not the only one who enjoys dress-up. Here is little butterfly Jane and her new abode. (For fans of the Soule Mama blog, you will see that I shamelessly copied her little girl's room).

The Butterfly and the Ballerina

Let the wild rumpus begin! Wilson has been asking to play with Jane for a while now (can I hold Jane's hands for ring around the rosy? can she crawl around the floor like a lion? can we do tubby (tummy?) time?). We found that dress-up was a good start. Wilson donned his butterfly wings and picked out the tutu for Jane. He's been sorting pink things for her for a while. Ah, gender coding.