Daddy's weekend away

Max finally got away to the mountains this weekend, leaving Kieran and me (and the camera) home to fend for ourselves. I think we've managed to keep ourselves pretty well occupied...if super cute baby pictures aren't you're thing, you'd better stop here.

For everyone else, prepare yourself for an onslaught of Kieran smiles, poses, and new adorable outfits :) Here K is sporting a brand new suit from Auntie Helen aptly named "Barnyard jumper". We love it! Big thanks Helen!! And look how happy Kieran is with it! Want a closer look?


Here you go. Closer you say?


Is this better? Kieran is starting to really scoot around on his elbows. Now if he could only get those knees to pull their weight he'd be all set!


We were surprised on Thursday with the discovery of something new and exciting...teeth! Kieran has two brand new, shiny teeth breaking through. They've bothered him a bit and last night he woke up more upset than I've ever seen him, fist in mouth and very unhappy to be awake. After some Tylenol and a snuggle he was back to sleep, but his morning nap came a little sooner and rather more abruptly than usual today. I think we were up about 30 minutes before this happened.


But an hour later he was back at it, playing happily with his new favorite toy - a simple little link from Auntie April. Really, this is all you need.


But these days it's pretty hard to stop there! Here is a lineup of Kieran's big (and little) plastic toys that I was sure we wouldn't succumb to...April, you were right. As soon as you see your little one having such a fun time you forget about that vow to avoid the new generation of loud, cheap (yet, ridiculously overpriced), mass-marketed products. Oh well. We'll do our part by sending these on to the next baby in the pipeline. Look out Carry and Duff!


That said, who could shake a finger at good old multi-colored plastic cups. They're a classic! And always a favorite. Watch 'em fly!!!


This little gadget is a hit. Hiding monkey and frog and bubbling fish keep Kieran's attention until he drifts off to hip lullaby music and soft jungle sounds . I'd recommend this to anyone. Even adult insomniacs without babies!


Okay, this one takes the cake. Hard to believe, but the picture doesn't do it justice. The noises this thing makes are about as ridiculous and annoying as they come, but Kieran loves it!


I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the big, loud, obnoxious toys...who could deprive a face like this ;-)

Auntie Helen's birthday

Did I hear it was somebody's birthday??? Happy birthday Auntie Helen!! Can't wait to see you in June...until then I'll be perfecting my rolling skills. I'm sure you've already noticed from my picture that rolling back to belly is a cinch! Belly to back is quite another story - one I'll tell you all about in Westport :) Loads of love to you!! k, m & m.

Big April update

March and April have been busy - it's our excuse for not updating the blog. Since the last update we've added a deck to the house, we've had a couple of spring snows, we've spied on a great horned owl in the yard, little Kieran has started daycare and picked up his first cold, and I've returned to work at half time. See, it HAS been busy! Featured in the first photo is the deck AND the start of the first of two decent snow falls we've had this month. We've had more snow in the past two weeks than we've gotten most of the winter! Too bad everyone is ready to toss the skis and break out the canoes!


We had our final inspection tonight. Looks like we passed without much more than a banister violation and a recommendation for replacing our single-walled stove pipe with a double-walled number. Here's the living room these days. We're enjoying more light in the evenings already. I think this picture was taken around 10:30pm. Pretty soon this room will still be lit up with sunlight at midnight!


The kitchen has had a bit of work done - under cabinet and toe kick lighting is finally installed and the stove hood chimney finally arrived...still waiting on the last of the cabinet door fronts though. Oh, the counter top is in! We chucked the cardboard - oops. It had a long record of shopping lists, phone numbers, and contractor names that we probably should have kept. Oh, we got our plants from the cabin when the temps warmed a bit. Thanks to the Druckenmillers for keeping our old green buddies alive over the past couple of months!


Here's looking from the living room (entryway, actually) to the kitchen. It doesn't look so big anymore with a few pieces of furniture.


Max built some temporary stair railings to get us past inspection for the mortgage. Too bad the stair treads were just a few days late. These nice 2x4 railings will come out in a few days to make way for the finished oak railings. Maybe we can sell these on EBay.


Looking past the stairs in to the back room where Kieran is enjoying some floor time. Little K can occupy himself for long periods of time now just talking and exploring around him. He can roll over from his side to back to side again. We have to keep a close eye on him now!


Max installed the shower surround a couple of weeks ago. The whole upstairs bathroom turned out great. Our inspector had originally suggested we turn our large bathroom area into two smaller ones to give the master bedroom its own bath. Tonight he took back his suggestion and even took a picture of our big, luxurious bathroom.



Kieran tried out the latest in infant foam furniture, the Bumbo. It's pretty nice, allowing even an infant the chance to sit up like a big boy. He loved it.



He's also had a great time lately playing with his cup set from Auntie Heather. He loves pulling the cups apart and stuffing whichever he can grab into his mouth. Speaking of Auntie Heather, Kieran also loves...and I mean LOVES...his mirror in the car! Nearly every time I load him in the car he smiles, laughs, and talks to the mirror. It's made car rides lots more fun! Big thank you!!!


Who's eyes are bigger?


What a cutie pie. Kieran has been growing fast and changing even faster. He seems so grown up these days. Doesn't he look so grown up!?! ;)


Kieran appreciates a nice hot, clean burning fire just as much as his pappa. This is how we spend most mornings these days. There sure are worse ways to start the day.