firetrucks and visitors

If you were to come visit us you'd definitely here some little fire truck siren noises coming from Odin.  He is pretty in love with them as well as trucks, cars, tractors, back hoes, police cars (for their siren and lights, of course).  He is a total boy, that is for sure.

We couldn't pass up the opportunity to take him to a free pancake breakfast and fire truck tour at the the fire station.  Odin loved it all!  And yes, we were those parents that dressed him in a matching firetruck shirt.  Ha!  I never thought I'd be that parent but it happened.  AND it was pretty cute and best of all, he loved it.  It was a pretty great family outing before our visitors came to town later that day.

  Baby sister even came to enjoy the day.  She wasn't as amused as he.  

She just stayed snuggled in tightly with Mama.  

Like I mentioned above, our family came to visit.  

It was short and sweet but we loved having them and introducing our newest family member.  

sleep cap

The magic in a hat.

When Odin was a newborn, we used the cap they gave him at the hospital long after we brought him home.  It became his 'sleep cap'.  We'd put it on him anytime he fell asleep (those first couple of weeks) and then after to help sleep train him - like help him learn night and day sleeping.  This cap was like magic as the moment we put him on his eyes would close, if not covered by the sleep cap, and he'd soon he out like a light.  We only stopped using it when the temperatures in NYC reached their uncomfortable humid height.  But for the 2 months we did use it we were very pleased with the results.

Now little girl gets to use her own too.  

The SLEEP CAP.  

Its how the magic of sleep happens in our house.

little family picnic

Summer is here in Seattle and we are taking full advantage.  This was our first outing as a family of four.  We went to Grasslawn park in Bellevue.  It was fun but different as the baby wasn't to enthusiastic about playing in the splash area at the park.  She and I relaxed in the shade while the boys went and played in the water.  It was a perfect little sunny, picnic-perfect day.  (Odin got so worn out.  He stole his baby sister's seat and pretended to be sleeping...  such a little character, our boy!)

remembering that feeling

 There is something so special about being pregnant.  The images above are all from this 2nd journey into motherhood.  These last pictures were from the night my sweet Haven was born.  In the far right picture I am actually having a contraction... weird.   I never want to forget the gift and experience of being pregnant!

...these photos taken 6 hours before Haven's arrival.  

looking back at the 4th of July

 We had a lovely 4th of July this year.  We brought a picnic to a near by park and enjoyed the day in the sun with our family.  It was one of those perfect summer days and we were very happy to celebrate one of our favorite holidays.  We hoped that I wouldn't make it to see the fire works later that night as we secretly wished for a Forth of July baby.  But as you know, that didn't happen.

 We made it through our daytime picnic, a BBQ with friends and lovely firework lights in the sky.  While we were at the fireworks, labor started. Thanks to my friend and Zack for helping me realize I was indeed in labor we made it to the hospital with plenty of time to deliver my Fifth of July baby.  The whole experience was so special.  What a memorable holiday we had!

first week of Haven

Needless to say, we love our baby girl.  She is a lot like when Odin was born.   Sometimes we even think they look a little alike.  But, that hair!  It is so cute.  Odin didn't have much at this age.  We are all doing well and just enjoying Zack being home and Haven being here.  Odin is the cutest big brother and always shares his favorite blanket, reads her books, and wants to pat her belly first thing in the morning.  He always wants to hold her.  My favorite part is when he gets his hands ready (he looks like he's going to bump a volleyball) and then he holds her for about 4 seconds and then hands her over.  He gives her little kisses on her head and it is never just one, usually 2 at least.  We feel so happy and blessed.  We're tired and trying to settle into some sort of routine but for the most part life has just been perfectly slow and peaceful this first week of Haven.

She's here!

We have another child!  

She arrived July 5th in the wee hours of the morning. 

It was a beautiful birth. 

We love her so!

More to come on Facebook, Twitter @lmtblogs and the Baby's Blog.

Happy 4th of July!

We had the best holiday this year!  

I can not wait to tell you why...

gas works park

We spent the afternoon in Seattle and checked out Gas Works Park.  It was pretty rad, complete with an official "kite hill".  This park has the best view of the city (see the space needle in the background?) and it was definitely the best spot to view airplanes and boats going by.  Odin loved that part the very most.

This is definitely a must see spot if you come to Seattle!

Happy Birthdate!

OH!  There are so many things I love about this photo.  His classic "oh" face - this is Odin's version of "blue steal".  I quite like it.  That little thing in his mouth is a "nu" which is a nut or pistachio - he eats these all the time with Zack.  Its sort of their thing.  And, he just looks so happy and excited about absolutely nothing and I love it!

Happy Birthdate to you, my boy!