Rosy Cheeks and Independence

On Wednesday morning I bit the bullet and bundled the boys up for a walk around the neighborhood. Sure, the wind was whipping across the frozen snow covered lawns and I had to dodge some icy patches, but the sun was also out and we'd been stuck inside for several days due to our little red car's spending most of the week in the shop. Eli was thrilled to get back into his stroller despite the many layers, and Luke slept through the whole thing. I stuffed Luke into his snowsuit, but him in the sling, and then wore Dave's coat over the outside. I looked like I was about ready to deliver triplets, but Luke didn't even realize we left the house. We arrived back at home with rosy cheeks in less time than it had taken to get everyone prepared. Still, we got "out" and I consider it my big adventure for the week.


I'm enjoying watching Eli begin to exert his independence. He is quite an accomplished walker now and likes to do laps through the kitchen and living room. He scurries up and down the stairs, preferring to do it himself. At mealtimes he mostly feeds himself with a spoon. It's quite messy and he often needs help with the scooping, but he is so cute when he flashes a proud oatmeal-encrusted smile. He's also beginning to use crayons and has scribbled a few "pictures" that I have quickly proclaimed masterpieces and then passed along for others to admire. Not to be outdone, Luke also insists on becoming more and more the individual. He's holding his own head up more and more and looks around the room to keep track of what his older brother is doing. He's quite the talker, too. He'll scrunch his whole face up in concentration to get the funniest coos and squeals out. They are so much fun, and they are growing up so quickly.

Long overdue...

Here are some quick pictures of our Luke. He is growing so quickly!