In Honor of Saint Valentine

Toying With Lighting

I had some busy and adorable subjects to use for toying with my camera lighting this afternoon. I wish I had had more interest in photography when we first were married when I had more time. Learning more about my camera and how to use it is on my bucket list for this year even with all the craziness that awaits me. I will make the time. I will make the time. I will make the time...

I refuse to smile anymore.

Can we be done?

Because I'm suddenly feeling a rumbly in my tumbly.

Six Months Already

Today I am SIX months old. I am a pleasantly content baby. I sleep well at night and like naps. I am held and cuddled so often that I am the first baby at this age that cannot sit up on my own without assistance. I am also the first born Minnesotan in my family. My brothers and sisters say that's okay - they still love me so long as I'm a Packer's fan. I love to be read to and babble along the entire length of the book. I also love to hear opera and classical music. I try to sing along with the soprano every Sunday at Mass and if you listen closely you may be able to hear me over the orchestra. I love my life. Just wait until I'm mobile. Mom will be really busy then:) Happy Fat Tuesday!

Snow Days 2016

Francesca and Nick were voted in by their peers to represent the Junior class during Snow Days.

Snow Days Junior Princess 2016

Snow Gear

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!

Just Punishment

Dem Bones

Augustine awoke in terrible pain and noticeable swelling on his left foot November 2nd. The previous afternoon he had been helping rake leaves and took a detour to play with his younger brothers in the back yard. At some point he came to an abrupt stop in order to avoid landing on Joachim and twisted and landed just right on his foot. He came inside and put his foot up for the remainder of the evening. I thought he had only sprained his ankle. 

Luckily, John had off work that Monday and was able to help carry him in and out of two different doctor offices for me. (Gussy is the second child to have a bone fracture - Maggy being the other.) He's the only one to have to wear a cast. I was SO glad that he got to wear a cam walker. It's basically a removable cast which made showering and getting dressed a cinch. I still had to help him get in the shower to sit on the bench and back out to sit down and put his trousers on, but it would have been MUCH more work with a fixed cast. He was embarrassed with my help at first until I reminded him I was his mother and I changed his diapers for two years. He also realized he needed my assistance.

It was a long day of waiting that Monday until they squeezed him in at Region's Children's for a pediatric orthopedic. He got out of school for the entire day so I don't think HE minded too much. I got to cart him around in a wheelchair.

It is now December, four weeks later. Today we went in for a checkup. It still needs some healing time and he can gradually begin fully walking on it over the course of the next four weeks. I know he's anxious to get back to playing cast free. The only thing he will probably miss is his elevator pass at school.

Leaves on Steroids

They grow 'em big in Minnesota!

ba-by (noun)

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Me - loudly inquiring from another room: Joachim, what are you doing?
 
Jojo: Minding my own business!

Bonding Babies