Happy Kai

Poor Kai doesn't get quite as much camera time as Noah did during his first few months. I finally got some pictures taken of him after several people demanded visual updates. What a happy little guy!

Noah Turns Two!

Happy Birthday Noah! It's hard to believe that two years have gone by so quickly - since Kai was born, Noah seems like such a big boy to us - no longer a baby! Noah was excited about his birthday, though he of course doesn't really know what it means. We asked him what he wanted on his birthday cake and he had two requests: candles and strawberries. Phil and Ebba greeted Noah with birthday hugs and kisses in his crib. We had waffles and sausage for breakfast and opened presents - new parts for his wooden train tracks, a parking garage, some puzzles and books. Since the 4th of July falls around a weekend this year, many people have headed "up north" and it is pretty quite and peaceful around here. After nap time, next door neighbors Alexi and Ollie came over for some birthday cake. A couple of days later, Ava, Gavin, Sam and Catherine came for a playdate/birthday party. Noah really enjoyed all the "Happy Birthday" singing, blowing out candles, and of course eating cake. Balloons were also a big hit this year.

Opening presents

Strawberries and Candles

Birthday Party

The Birthday Party Train Cake

Birthday Boy

Check Ups

Today we had Kai's 2 month and Noah's 2 year check ups. Kai was a bit fussy due to growing hungry and Noah was bouncing around like a little rubber ball so it was a bit crazy and my head felt like it was spinning but we got through it. Basically they are developing well and are healthy little boys. Here are their 'stats':

Kai: 25 inches long, 14 pounds 3 ounces, head 16.5 inches
Noah: 36 inches long, 33 pounds 6 ounces, head 21 inches

Noah loves going to the doctors office because of the large fish tank, as well as the toys and books. He is also very friendly with the nurses and the doctor and told them all "hi" and that he is two. However, he was not very interested in sitting still during his check-up. Dr. Cress finally got him to sit completely still when he told Noah that he saw a dump truck in one of his ears and a train in the other. Noah was very impressed!

4th of July

It was a sunny and beautiful 4th of July. We decided to check out the parade in Afton, a picturesque little town along the river. So we packed up a lunch and the two boys, found a spot in the shade and did a lot of people and parade watching. Kai slept and nursed his way through the event. Noah's eyes were glued to all of the cars, fire trucks, ambulances and other vehicles that were part of the parade. People in the parade threw little goodies out to the spectators so Noah got a few tastes of candy and a popsicle, which he quite enjoyed. Older kids came prepared with bags to collect their goodies and some of them came away with quite a collection! The afternoon was perfect for splashing around in the little kiddie pool with a couple of neighbor boys. In the evening, neighbors Mike and Lisa had an informal cook-out with those of us who had not left for cabins "up north". Minnesota summer evenings are fantastic - stays light until late and temperatures can be so pleasant. It was a lovely evening. Noah eventually reached his melt-down point and was quickly wisked away to bed. As the evening sky darkened, some of the older kids provided us with a display of small fireworks. We also were able to see some of the big fireworks from the surrounding communities in the night sky around us. Happy 4th!

Lunch during the parade

Noah liked the parade!

Kai woke up once we were home again