Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Here He Is! (subtitled: Ben's 3rd post in as many years)
Pronounced: Sweet Child O’ Mine Running Barefoot
Meaning: Axel “Father is Peace” Selah (family name; my middle name)
Stats: 8 lbs. 6 oz., 20 inches long (but everyone thinks we got short-changed on that one…)
First, let’s address the obvious…both for those of our generation who will make the automatic association with Axl Rose, and those who know me well and make fun are aware of my appreciation for the fine genre of 80’s metal/hard rock. Yes, most of the lyrics are trite, stupid, and/or downright terrible, but listen to the instrumental intro of Mr. Brownstone and tell me you can stop your arm from rising, unbidden, as a horned hand is formed and reaches to the sky. Jenna, you’re just not being honest.
Anyway, this boy was not named for the frenetic front man of Guns N’ Roses, his fine moral character and exemplary lifestyle notwithstanding. For me, it was pretty easy to put that association aside and consider the name for the way it sounded…different, strong, without being overly intentional or pretentious - Spartacus and Maximus were, ah…too Roman. As I was listening yesterday afternoon to the midwife say, “ooh, he has such delicate features!”, I think having a strong name will be a good thing.
It may have taken just *a bit* more time for Shauna to come around…she laughed and rolled her eyes the first time I said…”what about Axel?” Thankfully, it grew on her – or maybe she was just worried that I might suggest Sebastian Bach Runnion-Bareford or Jani Lane Runnion-Bareford as an alternative. In any case, it became his name when Tobi started regularly referring to him as “baby Axel”. So Tobi-doo, you helped to name your little brother…I’m sure it’s just the beginning of all of the “helpful” things you’ll do for him. As I was watching you hold him, hug him, touch his face, and cup his feet in your little hands for the very first time , I can’t imagine he could have a better big sister.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Waiting Game
So, here I sit (mostly because it is so much effort to get up at this point) at 38 1/2 weeks pregnant. Now it's all about waiting. This pregnancy has been remarkably easy as far as how I've felt physically. I had a great pregnancy with Tobi as well, until the last few weeks and the pre-eclampsia scare. The best improvement this time around is that I have been able to wear all my shoes! I was so sure I would at least have some swelling like last time...I had one pair of flip-flops I could wear for the last 2 months of that pregnancy. Sometimes it's the small things that remind me to be thankful :) I am very grateful that I have had very few complications this time and that I've felt good almost the whole time. I do feel like I've hit a bit of a wall here...I seem to have no energy to do all those last minute things I would like to get done. Standing up for any period of time really takes its toll on my back. So today I have spent A LOT of time sitting on the couch after a day of shopping and cooking yesterday. Actually we have been doing a lot of that around these parts lately...with all the snow that has fallen we have found ourselves home-bound quite a bit. So while the weather has been doing this:
and this...
and this...
And while Ben has been doing this....
We've been inside, doing a lot of this...
It may not be the neatest or most time efficient way to bake but it is not dull! I have been learning through trial and error just how long you can stop watching a 2 1/2 year old in front of a table of ingredients...2.5 seconds at best!
and this...
and this...
And while Ben has been doing this....
We've been inside, doing a lot of this...
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Tobi loves to help me bake...so we have been baking up some delicious breads, cookies, and a house favorite, Swedish coffee rolls...
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Some fun for the new year
New Year's Day was so warm we decided to do something outside. Ben suggested the zoo. I never would have thought of going to the zoo in the dead of winter...but as it turned out it was a great idea and a good way to be both in and outside. We went to the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. Of course in the winter a lot of the regular animals are not there, but there still was plenty to see there. More than enough for a two year old to take in.
Lions....
There were a lot more animals, but I spare you all the animal pictures. Tobi is still talking about it a week later, and that is always a good sign of a good time for toddlers.
We officially entered the world of activities this week. This one is just my speed. Tap and ballet for 2-4 year olds at the community center, 30 minutes once a week for 5 weeks, and just 5 little cuties in this class. I hadn't really considered all the ways that this class could have been a waste of a few bucks...like if Tobi had refused to go in to the class, or had no intention of listening or following instructions. I won't say that I see a bright a promising future for her in dance, after this first lesson...but there was no crying, screaming, or defiant behavior. It helped that Sadie was in the class with her, and she's pretty much a pro since she has been watching Kayla for a year or more. So by my standards dance class was a big success.
Practicing stomping in our tap shoes.
After class, practicing some new moves.
(For some reason blogger cuts off the video frame when I embed it from YouTube. If you want to see the full frame just click on the video.)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Christmas Recap 2010
Since there are only a few hours left in 2010 I decided I'd do my best to finish off the year catching up on all the Christmas festivities.
Two weeks ago Sunday we made the trip to Islesboro to celebrate an early R-B Christmas. We spent a few days enjoying the company of family.
Tobi Claus
Story time with Grandpa
The whole crew.
We headed home on Thursday just in time for round 2 of Christmas fun.
Christmas Eve at our church was a special time.
The next day we woke up to the start of a snowstorm...with a warning about the ice.
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