Valentine 2009

I'd say that Scott and I have had some pretty good Valentines Day's in our 5 years together, but I think this one has been my favorite so far.

We both got to do something very fun Saturday morning: Scott played basketball at 6:45 am and flag football after that. What more could a guy ask for?

Then I put a brave face on and went to get my hair cut! Anyone who has heard me lament every haircut I have ever received will be surprised to hear that I really really love this haircut. Zero mourning and complaining over here. It made the holiday seem even more festive because I had time away from my boys spent getting dolled up.

Front Before

Front After (stay tuned for a better picture of the new side-sweep bangs and layers... a Texas-sized rainstorm got to my newly coiffed hair before the camera could.)


Back Before
Back After

In my absence, Mr. Larson had done laundry, dishes, floors and lots of diapers (He says one can accomplish anything with the help of the baby carrier.) And I came home to find my guys busy making Valentine sugar cookies.

Ian decided he could really get into this holiday tradition.

Though decorating is nothing compared to devouring. "One for the cookie, two for me...."After the boys went to bed we stayed in for a delightful dinner for two. Followed by a luxurious pedicure by Scott. Men don't come any better than this one.

And don't forget the Triple Chocolate Fudge Fantasy Cake. And it was. How (and where!) Scott hid this gigantic cake is a mystery.

Solids! (kind of)

Yesterday Joseph had rice cereal for the first time. And I think he liked it. What stayed in his mouth, anyway.

Supervising the mixing...

The first spoonful...Hmmm... how do you keep it from dripping back out?

A happy tummy

Today I offered it to him again and he seemed to enjoy it even more. He actually started fussing when I stopped half way through the bowl... so I gladly gave him the rest.

4 Months Old!

Our little Joseph is getting so big. He laughs, smiles, grabs things near his hands, kicks his legs when he sees Scott, Ian or me, and cries when I put him down and leave his line of sight. He plucks out his own binkie and can also pop it back in if it is placed in his fingers (still working on releasing it though). He still loves to be swaddled and last night I perfected a two-blanket technique that he couldn't escape from during a 12 hour stretch! His eyes are still clear blue, his new hair growth is blonde, and he seems to be pretty tall.

He had a double ear infection a few weeks ago, and during that visit to the doctor he weighed in at 14 lbs 5 oz. His reflux has (thankfully) subsided in recent weeks and now Joseph eats much, much better. It looks like he is putting some more weight on those cheeks of his, too. Now that he is more comfortable in his little body he is an easy-going, serene, cheerful baby. And forgiving. No matter how many times Ian knocks him on the head or steals his binkie, Joseph still adores his big brother and saves most of his attention and many of his biggest smiles for Ian.

Here is a look back at Joseph's first bath back in October. This was taken this week.
Even the cutest little guy...


...is more adorable with a star on his behind.
Tummy Time is still a favorite activity, and now when he grows tired of it he just rolls over and sucks his fingers.
Doing Tummy Time with his buddy Andrew
Joseph still doesn't get my jokes, but at least Ian thinks I'm funny.
While Ian usually scoots away with a disgusted look when Joseph accidently touches him, Ian thinks that having Joseph lay on his stomach is the coolest thing. This activity routinely lasts for 10 minutes.

Ian patiently awaiting the garbage trucks.

Ian watches for the trucks daily and I frequently remind him that the trucks come only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A few days ago I was explaining this to him again and the conversation went like this:

Me: The garbage trucks won't be coming again until Wednesday.
Ian: And Saturday. A special day. The day we get ready for... church.

Ian brings me his shoes several times a day and asks to go outside. If I tell him we will go outside later on, he brings me another pair of shoes to persuade me to go outside sooner. He loves having snacks outside, especially in his car.

Assorted Cuteness

My Satsuma tree. I am amazed that it survived it's first year. Happy Anniversary, you poor neglected tree!

Joseph doing Tummy Time. He loves looking at toys that have eyes.

My guys in blue polo shirts.

With da Bunny. Not only does he love to stroke da Bunny's ears, but he also likes having the ears in the corner of his eye. It's strange what he finds comforting.

Ian doing puzzles.Butterfly kisses.
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