the Tulip Festival

We drove to the tulip festival today. It takes place each year during the month of April. I have wanted to see the tulips since I saw Melinda's photos several years ago. Today was our last chance to go this year so Matthew loaded up the car with strollers and a picnic lunch while I got ready this morning. We got a late start and sat in a lot of traffic but really enjoyed our day outside once we got to the tulip farms. The flowers were beautiful!

After visiting the tulip farm, we drove to the water (not sure if it was the sound or the ocean) and had a picnic lunch at Seafarers' Memorial Park in Anacortes. By that time, the sun went behind the clouds, but we still enjoyed spending the day outside. We saw boats, saw some kids having model sailboat races, had a view of the mountains, and Matthew taught Canaan how to throw rocks into the water.

Walking on Sunshine

Today was a beautiful day! The sun was out and the temperature was around 60. It was fabulous! We made our way to a park for fresh air and sunshine. We had a picnic, Max enjoyed playing fetch, and Canaan enjoyed the playground.

I tried to get a picture of Canaan holding Jude...this was the best I got. She wasn't too sure about holding him so he's just laying on her.

8 weeks

Jude is already 8 weeks old! His two month appointment is next week. I am very curious how much he weighs as it seems he has grown a lot. He is definitely a good eater and doesn't appear to have the food issues Canaan had early on. I hope that continues.

• still an easy-going, happy baby - he only gets upset when he has a dirty diaper or is hungry
• will take a pacifier and enjoys sucking on it but cannot hold onto it for long - I am hoping he either figures it out or will start sucking his thumb soon (I can't remember when Canaan finally discovered her thumb.)
• wearing 0 to 3 month clothing
• wearing size 1 Huggies Little Snugglers diapers
• goes through several outfits each day - I don't remember this happening with Canaan
• has started smiling which melts our hearts
• enjoys laying flat to stretch out
• enjoys the bouncy seat and swing
• has been sleeping anywhere from 4 to 7 hours at night - I generally only get up with him once during the night.
• makes a lot of noise, seems to always be grunting or squeaking
• doesn't stand a chance staying awake in his car seat so far

Canaan at 8 weeks in 2009

Canaan is very sweet to Jude. She makes sure we know when he's crying. She will try to give him the pacifier and gets in his face to say hello. She is not as curious these days when we change his diaper. And generally she leaves him alone and does her own thing.

Weekend in review

This guy is still doing a lot of sleeping. I can't remember when this stage ends so I'm trying to enjoy being able to get some things done while he's sleeping. I am also enjoying watching him sleep and holding him a lot. I know the day will come when he's too busy to cuddle with me so I'm especially enjoying holding him.

When we ventured out this weekend, we bought Canaan her first board game...Chutes and Ladders. I have to say it was a bit frustrating trying to play with her. She was excited about the game, but she was not able to sit still to play it. She was running around and wanting to move the board pieces all over the place. She did enjoy spinning when it was her turn and she remembered whose turn it was each time. I think she'll figure it all out as we continue to play with her.

Snow Days

Last week we had a pretty big snow storm. Around here it was called Snowmageddon since we don't get much snow. Daycare was only open 1/2 of one day so we were "stuck" at home for much of the week. We played in the snow some, but Canaan lost interest pretty quickly each time. Every time we went outside, Canaan wanted to eat the snow. We made sure she knew to only eat the really white snow. When we asked her if she understood, she told us not to eat the red, blue, or yellow snow. At least she remembered the part about the yellow snow. There were parts of our yard/deck that had around 8 inches of snow. Unlike many in the Seattle area, we never lost power. We were thankful for that but did get a little cabin fever before the week was over.

Jude Elias

Jude Elias was born December 7, 2011. I left work at 4:30 that afternoon thinking that I may be experiencing labor pain. When Matthew got home around 6 pm, I told him we needed to call the Bells to pick up Canaan and get to the hospital. We made it to the hospital a little after 7 pm and Jude was born at 9:05 pm. He definitely came faster than I expected, but it was nice to have such short labor. He was 6 pounds 8 ounces, 19.2 inches, and his head was around 13 centimeters. We had not yet picked a name but decided on one right before we left the hospital the following day.

Canaan has adjusted pretty well to being a big sister. She doesn't pay a lot of attention to Jude unless he's getting his diaper changed. She always wants to see his poopy diapers. She definitely notices the change in the attention shes getting so we're working through that.

my 39 week photo

It felt like a rushed Christmas season with a new baby and moving into our new house. But it has been a sweet time for our family. I look forward to a slower paced holiday season next year!

36 weeks family pictures

Melinda was gracious to take some pregnancy pictures of us last weekend. It was cold outside so we made it quick. I love the orange leaves that were still around. Fortunately we were able to get some pictures before any meltdown on Canaan's part. We had spent the morning looking at flooring for the house, had a late lunch, and it was way past nap time. These are some of my favorites. Thank you Melinda!