Jolly Roger

One detail I have failed to mention during our daily updates is since we welcomed Arlo into our home {5 weeks ago}, he has had a cold. Hugh and Arlo have continued to pass their colds to one another...back and forth...back and forth. I've tried to remain positive that Arlo has only felt "normal" for 2 days {when he was safely tucked away in the hospital} of his tiny life. But after not sleeping {because of sick boys}, mother's guilt...mother's emotional overload...whatever you want to call it...caught up with me. It was time to bring in our miracle worker, Rebekah the Midwife. Thankfully she came straight over to reassure us that Arlo will be okay...but Mummy could do with a good sleep.

As it usually works around these parts...the morning felt dismal {maybe because it began at 4:45 am} but by the afternoon our world opened up...thanks to a dazzling smile by the soon-to-be-the-healthiest-baby-ever, Arlo and thanks to a visit from Miles and especially thanks to one rocking pirate ship built by one cool Daddy!"Ahoy Maties", said by the fiercest pirate of the seven seas....Hugh.

xo

Joyful

Today was JOYFUL...not to be confused with my Mum's imaginary childhood husband named Joyful who, by the way was always sick and oddly never joyful...but that's another story. Why were we all full of joy? Well...1. Arlo made Nana JOYFUL by sharing with her his first smile...3 times! David and I spent the rest of the day trying to coax our little fellow into smiling...but apparently Arlo didn't feel like it. Happy 5 Weeks Little Man!2. Hugh made his Daddy JOYFUL by gearing up for his first skateboarding lesson. He is a natural...and so heartbreaking-ly cute on the skateboard, it makes me ache!3. Hugh had his first run of the season through the sprinkler. He was JOYFUL alright...but would have preferred warmer water. 4. And I was JOYFUL because I got to see it all happen!

xo

The Hunt

The young Dunnem rests in the shade of his mother's umbrella...Blissfully unaware of the elusive Mud Stained Hugh studying his sleepy movements
Suddenly, the Mud Stained Hugh leaps into action, unneccesarily adjusting the umbrella.
By moving the umbrella and exposing the young Dunnem to the sun, he is innocent of "waking your Brother" directly, but is left with the satisfaction of having not left something alone.

With a now awake younger brother the Mud Stained Hugh is clear to exact his instinct fueled desires: kisses.

Smothering his brother in kisses, although still considered smothering is a more loving form of smother-ment.

xo

Wanted: A One Storey House

Have you ever seen a 3 year old fall down the stairs?
Well if you haven't, I hope you never do.
And if you have...you know it's an awful, awful sight.As you may have guessed, Hugh took a tumble down the stairs...head over foot. David was at the top of the stairs and upon hearing the sound of a 30lb body somersaulting down the steps...I ran to the staircase and caught Hugh in my arms {while nursing Arlo...hello, super mom of the year award? anyone...anyone} just before he hit the bottom. How he wasn't hurt...I'll never know.So today we calmed ourselves by spending our time away from anything that resembled a step. And celebrated Queen Victoria's birthday outside in the sun while gazing upon our little stuntman's uninjured self.

xo

Saturday

We {Nana, Mummy & Sons} took a daring trip to the mall...on a Holiday Weekend {really...what were we thinking?}. Using our sense of humour, we made it through successfully. And thankfully our hard work was rewarded with a delicious dinner at Cousin Hank's house... followed by an evening of much needed playtime in the park...
except for Arlo, who passed on playtime and instead opted for a soak in the sun with his eyes shut...peacefully relaxing in his Nana's arms.

xo

Sit and Stare

When Hugh was Arlo's age I spent most {okay, ALL} of my days staring at him. I was fascinated with every twitch and twinkle he made. As I studied him I would often think, "I can't wait until he..." and the thought would be finished with either: smile, crawl, walk, run, dance, talk, laugh...etc. And now I truly miss my "sit and stare" days. Did I hurry away the simple enjoyment of his newborn stillness? Perhaps...so this is why I delight in an unexpected afternoon snooze {even in a wagon} which enables me to...once again...sit and stare.With Arlo, I'm soaking up every luxurious chance I get to study my newest son. I try my hardest to freeze the moment and not wish any time away. Of course, I look forward to his milestones...but for now, I am basking in the present...and that makes me so happy!
xo

Ten Ten

Because we cannot possibly pass up an opportunity to play a fun game, Nana and I took bets on Arlo's weight. So just before our midwives appointment we asked:
"How much do you think Arlo weighs?"
Grandaddy: 9lbs 5oz
Daddy: 10lbs 4oz
Mummy: 9lbs 12oz
Nana: 10lbs 2ozThe Verdict: 10lbs 10oz
OH DELICIOUS!!
I promise you that I'm about one thigh fold away from pouring some gravy on those juicy legs of his and chewing for all eternity!Speaking of delicious...Hugh enjoyed another "nice summer drink" {hot cocoa} on the front porch today...
xo