New Beginnings

Chris will kill me for this some day but who can resist a baby butt!



Aiden splish splashing!



Our first picture of both boys smiling... I won't tell you the goofy things that I had to do to obtain two smiles at the same time! (Chris - Left, Aiden - Right)



Aiden fell asleep on Mommy & Daddy's bed and looked too comfy to move!



Chris relaxing after a long afternoon of entertaining smiles!



Tomorrow is the start of many new things. A new job for Mike, a new routine for the boys and I and a warm sunny week... or so we hope! Mike is officially starting at Northeast Brokerage in Manchester, CT tomorrow morning at 8 am... way to go Mike! He didn't waste any time and we are SO proud of him! Tuesday I start back to work for one long work day a week for a month. Grammie Hopkins will be Aiden & Chris company all day so we hope that she is well rested!

We thoroughly enjoyed our last week together and are sad to be back into a "routine!" We were finally able to actually drive through the street in Suffield to see the final product of the Extreme Home Makeover house in town. Of course, I neglected to bring my camera, mostly assuming that the road would still be blocked off but I do recommend doing a "drive by" if you are ever out and about either visiting us or going to the airport. It is truly amazing to see the final product knowing how much of a team effort it was and how amazing it is that a community can come together to make it all happen in a week.

Thursday night Leeanne came for a visit so it was great to catch up and see her!

On Friday we headed to Belchertown to visit with Grammie & Dziadz Pt Uncle Dan, GG Mimi and Aunt Kathy & Uncle Joe Pt for an early 4th of July celebration. Chris flirted with Aunt Kathy all day long. We had perfect weather, fun company and a great BBQ. The boys went fishing in the morning without a lot to show while the "babes" (ladies and babies)stayed home to visit. We had a great day!

Saturday we had a low key day. Mike and I caught up on chores around the house, went for a long walk and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. Grammie & Grampa Hopkins & Uncle Andrew stopped by for an afternoon visit and although we didn't make it to "official" fireworks, we enjoyed a few "stray" ones from our bedroom window... how romantic, haha... Quite a change of pace from our plans in previous years that's for sure!

Today Auntie Laura "officially" moved out of her place in Worcester and brought several treasures to our house to store. We are redefining the meaning of a full house :)We got to visit briefly with Tommy and then headed to Belchertown for the evening. We had dinner with Grammie & Dziadz Pt, Auntie Laura, Uncle Dan, GG Mimi & our friend Karen. The boys had a bit of a challenging night but we still enjoyed our visit and a delicious meal!

The boys are now rolling over (belly to back) and continue to talk up a storm. They are still sleeping about 4-5 hours for the first stretch at night with a 3 hour stretch following so we feel more and more rested as time goes by. If we are being honest, I continue to spend more time with my breast pump than I do with Mike but that is still going well and the boys are still able to get what they need. We are SUPER excited to try some oatmeal in less than a month. We can't wait to see their reactions and I can't wait to start to get my life back as they transition to depend a little less on mom, adding some variety to their diets. The boys continue to love stories and songs and are very into putting EVERYTHING into their mouths. Our Dr. summed it up well saying "they are discovering the world through their mouths...." We think they may even be learning to play us as they have conveniently learned to cry when they are put down against their will! We are in for it for sure but life is good!!!

Our friends this week included: Grammie/Grandpa Hopkins, Uncle Andrew, Grammie/Dziad Pt., Uncle Dan, Auntie Laura, Leeanne, Karen, Uncle Joe/Aunt Kathy.