Simple Joys

Ethan has a new preference for eating everything whole. No more cut-up food for this toddler - he's a "big kid" now.

And Adam wants to do whatever Ethan does, which can sometimes be a little challenging without teeth.

But he gets the job done eventually.

Kids have a way of reminding you to slow down and enjoy the simple stuff, like sitting together on the kitchen floor, just eating apples and laughing. Often it's these uneventful days that hold the most meaning, and create the best memories.

Boo!

There isn't much that ranks higher on the cuteness scale than wee ones dressed up in costumes. We got a lot of use out of our costumes this year, with parties at school and music class, and an early Halloween party last weekend. But yesterday was the real deal, and Ethan and Adam had their Halloween spirits in full force. We represented the reptile family this year (are dinosaurs reptiles, actually? hmmmmm), with an adorable little turtle and a tiny fierce dinosaur. We spent Halloween morning carving pumpkins, of course.

Can you tell which one is Ethan's?

After naps, Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to see the kids in costume.

And before we headed out trick or treating, our neighbors stopped by with their adorable little puppy.

As you will most likely be able to tell, I made Ethan's costume this year. About two months back, we started talking about Halloween and what he wanted to be. He insisted on being a turtle, even after I had no luck finding a turtle costume in the stores. So with my super-crafty friend Melissa's help, I attempted my very first Halloween costume. I think it turned out halfway cute, and the wearer loved it, so that's all that really matters.

You can also probably tell that Adam's costume was NOT homemade.

The requisite attempt at a family shot.

A dinosaur up to no good.

The little reptiles caught with their hands in the cookie jar (or bread drawer, actually).

Cupcakes

Having celebrated with family and friends last weekend, we had a quiet day on Monday, Adam's true first birthday. Ethan and Adam got to play in the spectacular autumn weather while Mom and Dad raked leaves, and then we all came in for cupcakes and milk.

After practicing at his party, Adam got right down to business this time and knew just what to do with that tasty cupcake.

All done!

I'm pretty certain that Adam had no idea that it was his birthday, but this guy sure did:

We were serenaded with encore after encore of "Happy Birthday to Adam!" ALL DAY LONG. And the "cupcake party" could not come soon enough for Ethan. I can't even imagine what will happen when his birthday rolls around come January...

Happy Birthday to Adam and Jack!

Well, Jack's birthday was actually yesterday, but he was born less than 24 hours ago, so it's still technically his birth-day, right? I was really hoping Jack and Adam would share a birthday, but Melissa didn't want to take one for the team and endure an extra 8ish hours of labor. Geez. Jack and Melissa both appear to be doing very well, and seem way, way too far away right now. Congrats Doyles!

Now for our own little birthday boy... Adam turns the big 1 today! I know saying "time flies" is so cliched, but I'm going to say it anyway. Time flies. I really can't believe that it has been a year since we welcomed Adam into this world. It truly does feel like just yesterday that we were in the hospital with him, introducing him to his big brother, grandparents, and uncle. It truly does feel like just yesterday that we were bringing him home, on a warm October day so much like this one, showing him our house, his room, our crazy kitty. It truly does seem like yesterday that we dressed him in his little pumpkin outfit (that we have now given to Jack so he too can have a Halloween "costume") and took him trick or treating, asleep in his sling against Mommy's chest. Time flies.

But then I also think about how much Adam has changed in this past year, transforming from a tiny newborn to a real toddler (gasp!). He almost walks, climbs up and over everything and anything, sings, "talks", smiles, plays peek-a-boo and patty cake, kisses (big slobbery ones, but still). I'm not sure where he got his dancing genes, but this kid can groove. Put on anything with a beat and Adam will stop what he's doing and start dancing. Adam also adores and is adored by his older brother. I have watched their relationship grow over the past year with intense wonder and joy, as these siblings learn to play, share (most of the time), love each other, and even conspire against Mom and Dad. Adam's a little bit of a "mama's boy", but loves to wrestle with, climb all over, and snuggle with Daddy. He also loves his sleep, and crawls up to rest his head on Mommy's lap when he's ready for bed. He is at times a force to be reckoned with, and reveals his Scorpio spirit when he wants something, or when we are trying to dress or undress him. He has had a quiet determination since before birth, entering the world quickly and in the middle of the night, "flying under the radar", which has since become his modus operandi. Adam is joyful and generous with his (still gummy!) smiles. Despite his lack of teeth, this little hoover loves food. And despite his love of food, this little peanut is still a very little peanut! Adam has seemed at peace with the world from day one - my zen baby, an old soul who seems wise beyond his years. He is observant, generous, cunning, flirtatious, passionate, adorable (I'm biased, I know), determined, and loving. Happy very first birthday to our Adam, our Puppy, our Nugget, our Mini-Munch. We love you!

Cozy Corner

When I was little, one of my favorite rainy-day activities was something my brother and I called "cozy corner". We would grab armfuls of books and blankies, stuffed animals and games, and head to the coziest spot we could find in our house. We'd stay there for hours, reading and playing, feeling snuggly, warm, and safe. I have such strong, positive memories of how I felt in our "cozy corner".

I had "cozy corner" in mind when I set up Adam's new bookshelf, wanting to create a little haven for the boys. So far, my vision has been fulfilled - the boys gravitate to this little book corner, and I often find them there reading together. Recently Adam has taken the idea of the "cozy corner" to a whole new level. I was throwing a load of laundry in the other morning and suddenly lost track of Adam (yes, I know, bad mother, but this kid is fast!). After making sure he hadn't fallen down the stairs or into the toilet, I found him deep in his cozy corner, happily "reading" his new books.

When he finally decided to come out, Adam chose an interesting exit strategy.

With winter around the corner, I am interested to see all the cozy spots the boys find to curl up in - small spaces where only wee ones can fit and Moms are not allowed!

Adam's Firsts

We celebrated a few big "firsts" for Adam this weekend. On Friday, we took him to get his very first haircut. It was difficult for me to part with those gorgeous golden curls, but after a few too many girl comments, I managed to be convinced. I still miss those long locks, but I think his new 'do is pretty cute too:

In fact, all the Stockwell men got their tresses trimmed on Friday. Ethan loved going to Daddy's barber (well, Supercuts...not to be confused with Great Cuts) and getting his hair cut at the same time as Daddy.

On Saturday we celebrated Adam's first birthday (!), about a week early. We had a joint birthday party with baby Helen, born less than two days before Adam. With five kids under three in attendance, it was a boisterous and chaotic party, but I think everyone had fun. Adam was overwhelmed by all his new toys and books, but very much enjoyed his first present-opening experience - crinkly paper and bows galore!

Neither of the kiddos was too sure about the whole cake and singing thing. Look at these faces:

But after a few mouthfuls, they warmed up to the idea.

Adam even kept his party hat on for long enough to take a few pictures.

Adam's Personal Chauffeur

Why bother learning to walk when you have a big brother to push you around?