Oh, nap time...

Well, naps have been interesting around here. Alaina sleeps like a champ (thank you, Lord!) but Cole has always been a bad sleeper. So, in an attempt to get him to nap, I've been putting him in his room at 1:30. This worked for a while, but lately, things have gotten rocky again. He plays quietly in his room for like an hour to an hour and a half, but then the other day this happened:

Now, ever since we moved him to his big boy bed, he's ALWAYS climbed back into his bed to fall asleep after playing. Well, today, this is how he fell asleep. By the door, screaming "hell-oh! hell-oh! anyone out there? I want to come out! hell-oh!" After about 15 minutes of this, that's how I found him. We couldn't help but take a picture. Good thing I saw him and didn't just open the door to see if he was sleeping like I usually do!

Father's Day

Well, Sunday was Father's Day and it was so nice because Ben took Friday off so we got to celebrate all weekend long. On Friday, we went to the aquarium (which was kind of a bust, next to the Washington, D.C. aquarium, it was probably the worst we had been to) and then we took daddy to get his present. Living Social had a deal on diving certification, which Ben has always wanted to do, so the kids bought him that. He was really surprised and excited about it. On Saturday, we had our usual gymnastics and then Mel and Dax watched Cole for us while we went to Ben's end of the year radiology dinner party. Thanks Mel and Dax! Cole was wondering where you were the next morning :-) It was fun, and, of course Alaina was the hit of the evening. She was very good, but towards the end she just wanted to sleep which was difficult with them doing the program and giving out awards and everyone clapping. We were so exhausted on Sunday, we ended up going to the grocery store. I know, exciting Father's Day, huh? But, it was just nice to have a relaxing day as a family because the next 6-8 weeks are going to be CRAZY!

Day 30
(She's always sleeping)

Day 31
(Lola looking out for her girl)

Day 32
(Smiley 1 month old)

Day 33
(This one's for you Aunt Trudi. Alaina and her lovey)

Day 34
(She fell asleep in her bouncy seat)

Day 35
(I was cooking dinner while Cole read to Alaina -
How sweet is that?)

Day 36
(The Honolulu Aquarium)

Day 37
(Ben at his dinner with his best work buddy, Greg)
*Ben was the MC so that's why he's dressed like an 80 year old man.
**Just kidding love, you looked great!

Day 38 - Father's Day
(Even Lola was smiling in the background!)

Auntie Jo Jo Visits

Auntie Jojo came to visit us and meet Alaina. We all loved having her here, but esp. Cole. I got to do some things around the house, and, of course we did some fun Hawaii things too! The week went by way too quickly. Jojo has most of the pictures on her camera, so if you want to see more, harass her :-)

Day 24
(Snoozin' with Daddy)

Day 25
(Pretty girl in her hat that she was supposed
to wear at the hospital but it was WAY too big)

Day 26
(Foot comparison between Cole and Alaina)

Day 27
(1st Zoo trip. I like to call it "Snooze at the Zoo")

Day 28
(Mmmmm, Shave Ice on the North Shore with Auntie
Not for you yet, little Alaina!)

Day 29
(Getting some snuggles in before Jojo has to leave.
We'll see you soon!)

2 year old Shenanigans

Just thought I'd give everyone a little update on our very active almost 2 1/2 year old...

First off, I just have to say for the record, Cole is an EXCELLENT big brother! He's so concerned about Alaina's well being. He tells her "it's ok, it's ok" when she's crying, he helps me burp her, he gives her "his" teddy bear, he always thinks she needs snacks or something to drink, and right now he's telling me "I think he's crying, will you go and get her? I think he's scared of something!" It's so cute, and I already know they're going to be the best of friends.

Of course, he's a rough and tough 2 year old, so he often needs to be reminded to be gentle around her, but it's been a month and so far, no injuries (knock on wood) so that's good.

Here are a few funny pics of what he's been up to around the house lately. You can't help but laugh at the kid. He has such a great personality and is constantly cracking all of us up with his shenanigans.

Just playing some dinosaurs with his best buddy

His dragon fighting helmet

Where's Cole?

There he is!

Chill-axin' with the "dead lizard" dog

Right after I finished typing the above post, Alaina was crying, so Cole went in and gave her his Baffle and Blankey and was patting her on the tummy. I just hope this sweet brotherly love lasts forever!

Newborn Photo Shoot

My friend, Tonya, is a photographer and she came up to the house to do Alaina's newborn photos. Here they are. Family, and/or friends, if you want any copies just let me know which ones. Thank you, Tonya, for the beautiful pictures!

(I think this is one of my all time favorites!
She was not a fan of the basket)

2 week check-up

On Tuesday, Ben went to work and left me here with both of the kids by myself all. day. long. Of course, we didn't plan it very well and he ended up being on call, so really it was all day Monday (he got home after we were all in bed) and then all day Tuesday. Well, not only did we survive, we did really well. Our friends, Erin and Taylor, came over for a little play date and lunch, which was so nice and really broke up the day. One of the reasons we did so well is that Cole is such a wonderful big brother and he's been so good. (Knock on wood!) But I'll talk about this in the next post if he keeps it up :-)
On Wednesday, Alaina had her two week check-up, though she was 2 days shy of 3 weeks. She now weighs 8lbs even and was just a hair shy of 21 inches long (though if we actually measured her hair, she'd really probably be 23 inches long!). The doctor said she looks perfect and there's really nothing else to report, thank goodness.
In other news, Auntie JoJo is here! She got here Friday night and we're just hanging out, having fun, and taking Cole on some "adventures" to keep him entertained.

Day 23
(Auntie JoJo is here to meet me!)

Day 22
(Such a good girl praying while she eats)

Day 21
(Just chillin' with my big brother)

Day 20
(Alaina's 2 week check up)

Day 19
(Our first day on our own)

Day 18
(Daddy's home for Memorial Day)