Cousin Brian Arrives!

We are almost a week late in announcing that Ethan and Adam have a new cousin! Brian Thomas Sprunger was born on January 23rd (just hours short of his aunt's birthday) at 6:03 Korean time. He weighed in at 7 lbs 14 oz and measured 20.5 inches long. We think he looks a little like his cousin Adam, and can't believe we have to wait until the summer to meet him in person. Congratulations Gwen and Mike!
Gwen and Mike have their own blog in the making. Stay tuned for future updates of their adventures in Korea.

Weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's

Ethan spent this past weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house while Ben, Adam, and I enjoyed a Florida getaway. I would argue that we got the better end of that deal, choosing sunny mid-70s over frigid temperatures, but I think Ethan would disagree. From the stories we've heard and the pictures we've seen, it looks like Ethan had a blast at Grandma and Grandpa's. A few highlights...

Reading with Grandpa:Feeding the birds:Eating Grandma's tasty food:Playing in the bath:
And, last but certainly not least, sledding with Grandpa:


Thanks, Tom and Sue, for babysitting and allowing us to be snowbirds for the weekend!

Ethan Turns Two

We can hardly believe how fast time flies - Ethan turned two years old today! We celebrated with a few family and friends last night, and while I'm not sure Ethan really understood the significance of the occasion, he had a lot of fun. Between Christmas, New Years, and now his birthday, I am worried he is beginning to think every day is a party, filled with presents and attention. Here is the little prince himself, presiding over his birthday feast.
Like most of our parties these days, children nearly outnumbered adults. Adam had his eye on Helen, and tried to smother her with kisses (or licks, actually). Helen wasn't all that interested in his advances.
Ethan especially loved when we all sang "Happy Birthday" and he got to (try to) blow out the candles. And the cake that followed wasn't bad either.
Like any good birthday cake, it put Ethan into an immediate sugar high (inspiring the game of tablecloth peek-a-boo seen below) followed by a sugar coma. Happy Birthday Ethan! We can't believe how much you've grown!

More of the White Stuff

You all are probably getting a little sick of seeing snow shots - heck, we're getting a little sick of the snow ourselves! But more snow shots you are going to get - we do live in Maine, after all, and it is January. Here are some cute ones from Sunday, when we got a fair dumping. Adam and I went snowshoeing, and he looked so adorable and rosey-cheeked when we came back inside. Ethan and Ben took care of the shoveling...and were rewarded with some yummy hot cocoa when they came inside.

Snow Day

With 3-6 inches of snow/ice/freezing rain expected today, Ethan stayed home from 'school' and we're all snug as a bug in our little house. We baked cookies this morning (this is becoming a snow day tradition) and we're all going to take a nap this afternoon. We may play in the snow a little later, but it looks a bit crispy and crunchy out there now, so we may have to wait until the weather improves. In the meantime, here are some snowy pictures from Sunday, when Papi stopped by for a little sledding on his trip back home.

Who do you think had the most fun? ;)

New Years with Noni and Papi

Noni and Papi (or Papa, as Ethan calls him) came to spend New Years with us. It was supposed to be a relaxing getaway for them, but after a 7+ hour trip through the snow, cooking gourmet meals for us every day, and getting up with Ethan every morning, I think they probably need a vacation. But it was a really nice visit, and Ethan got his second or third batch of Christmas presents, which he adored. He especially likes his new stovetop, pots and pans, and utensils - now he can really cook up a storm.
We had a lot of fun playing with our new wii (who knew that Papi was such a great bowler or that we'd have to drag Noni away from wii yoga?), and even got a great picture of the whole family (thanks to Grandpa Tom who came over for New Years dinner).

Happy 2009!