After a long, fun day...

Awwww!!!

Fun with Mommy's hat!

We just can't get over the sweetness!

Watching the Space Shuttle launch!

This was taken while the kids were watching a rerun of the Discovery Space Shuttle launch with Steven. Isaac has watched it probably 30+ times since it's original airing. I accidentally stumbled across it one afternoon when Elise was sleeping but Isaac wasn't... and I wasn't feeling well. In an effort to try and find a Curious George or the like on our upstairs non-DVR TV, I found the space shuttle launch being covered on the government channel. Isaac was immediately drawn to it. I ran downstairs and DVR'd it once I saw how mesmerized he was. We watched the prelaunch for 20 minutes (which was impressive because they don't show much during the prelaunch time; it's just a shot of the very still shuttle.) When the launch happened, Isaac was fascinated and wanted to watch it over and over. Since then, we've watched it almost once a day (or more) together. He can even identify when the gaseous oxygen vent hood ("Beanie cap") needs to come off or when it's time for the rocket boosters to come off. Also, he has started "playing" space shuttle with his toys and also asking Steven to "do space shuttle" when he's pushing the jogging stroller (which means Steven does a countdown and then starts running really fast as they "blast off"!) Maybe we have a future astronaut in our home?!!

Cuteness...

Isaac emptied out the Lego box last week, and here is what Elise decided to do:


Lately our little seventeen month old has been imitating her brother in some pretty cute ways! Isaac is in a phase where he often asks us "Why?" Apparently Elise heard it enough that now, when we give her a command, she says, "Why?" For example, just tonight she was splashing lots and lots in the tub. Steven told her, "No Elise! Stop that splashing!" She just looked at him and asked, "Why??"
Sometimes Isaac imitates Elise too! Instead of using his real, big boy words, he will say "meh meh" when he wants more of something. Or he will start babbling (with a huge grin on his face) just like Elise does.

When they play together, it often includes physical pushing. While we usually don't allow pushing, sometimes it is just part of their sibling interaction! Elise likes to back up against our couch, lay her head on the seat and wait for Isaac to come and push her head off! Then she laughs and comes right back for him to do it again!


Speaking of laughing, both our kids are hams. They love to be tickled and they love to laugh throughout the day. Isaac is getting old enough to laugh at some jokes and understand when we are kidding around with him. Elise has started laughing hard when I sing to her at night. I'm not sure if she's laughing at my singing or if she is laughing because she feels such a joyous heavenly presence as I sing. I prefer to believe the latter. ;)

Every day around here is a true adventure!

Washing machines and loveys...

Last week after our hospital visit, I wanted to wash "Mr Snuggles", which is Isaac's bear/blanket that he sleeps with. I told Isaac that Mr Snuggles needed a bath, so Isaac took him to the bathtub. Well, I told him, this wasn't the kind of bath he needed. He needed to go in the washing machine. Isaac seemed hesitant. We walked to the washing machine and I told Isaac to go ahead and put Mr Snuggles in. Isaac said no! He didn't want to. I asked why. Isaac just said he didn't want to. I told him that Snuggs (Mr Snuggles' nickname) would be just fine. Isaac then asked with a true quiver in his voice, "Will he die??" Wow. Our three-year-old actually understands the concept of death and thought that the washing machine might cause his lovey to die! I'm not sure if I'm ready for this growing up thing! I assured him that Mr Snuggles would survive the wash and would be happy to see him once he was finished drying in the dryer. Isaac still hesitated, but he eventually put Snuggs in the washer. Now Snuggs is clean - no more hospital germies - and he is still alive and well as Isaac's snuggle buddy! Whew!

Playing in a box

Isaac and Elise decided to play in a box we got from FedEx last week. I'm not sure why their faces are so dirty, but this is normal for us. ;) It's probably a combination of syrup, juice and sidewalk chalk... or something similar. I do wipe their faces, but getting these pictures was far more important to me! Also, notice the peace sign stamps on their hands - the stamp was included in Isaac's preschool Valentine treat bag. He loved stamping everyone's hand! His sister's especially!

Valentine's cookies!

Isaac decorated these cookies *almost* all by himself! Don't they look great?!

Elise talking on the "phone"

Although her "phone" was her pacifier, this video captures a tiny bit of the conversation she had on her phone while I was on the phone with my Mom. Cute!!