Brotherly Love

Have I mentioned how much Nile loves Novak?

Novak's Puzzled Face

Nile says this is Novak's "puzzled" face. He thinks it's hilarious.

Two months old!

Today, Novak is two months old. Happy two month birthday little Pipsqueak!

(Still not able to capture a smile.)

Chilly mornings

Now that it's cold out in the mornings, we have been driving up to the bus stop. It feels a little silly to drive a half block up when we are perfectly capable of walking, but it's cold. That, and most mornings we are barely making the bus. If we were to walk we would probably miss the bus. That or I'd actually have to get us moving a little faster. :)

Baby smiles

Novak started smiling last week. His first "recognizable" smiles were on November 16. I have not yet been able to capture a picture, but when I do, I'll post it.

But I promise, they are awfully cute!

There's also this one, that looks like an Elvis sneer. He smiles with only half his mouth. I'd love to capture that one on camera...

Thankful Tree

Nile brought home this project from Sunday School. The 3 and 4 year olds were making a tree and on the back was a list of what they are thankful for.

When I saw this I was sure that number (1) was Novak. Nile has been loving (smothering) Novak since the day he came home. But I asked Nile which brother he was thankful for. His answer?

"N - A - T - E"

How cute is that? You should have seen the look on Nate's face when I told him. He had the biggest grin, turned to Nile and said, "Nile, thank you!" and leaned in for a hug. In true "little brother" fashion, Nile ran the other way.

Tummy Time

"Honestly, Mom? Why do you make me do this?"

Herky the Turkey

Nate has a running joke with his teacher, Mrs. Chaney, and a few of the other staff members (and some of the moms) at his school. All of these ladies are Illini fans. We, obviously, are Hawkeye fans. Nate enjoys wearing his Hawkeye shirts to school, and showing them off to the teachers. So far I've heard from two teachers, a few moms, and one husband - all commenting on what a great sense of humor Nate has, especially when it comes to the Illini and Hawkeyes. He's gone so far now as to refuse the color orange - I have had to remind him that orange is also the color of the Chicago Bears. Otherwise I might not be able to convince him to wear his orange jacket, or use an orange marker. This week he refused to let me buy him an orange shirt.

About a week ago, Nate brought home a big piece of brown paper with a turkey printed on it. Attached was a note. Each student had been asked to disguise his turkey so that it could make it safely through the Thanksgiving season. The note also requested that the turkey be disguised as a member of the family - or in a way that meant something to the family.

So what do you suppose Nate picked?

Introducing...Herky the Turkey!

He can not wait to take Herky the Turkey to school and show him to Mrs. Chaney.

I love that I am able to share my son and his crazy sense of humor with the world.

Self Portrait

Yet another of Nile's pictures. In this one he has figured out how to take a self-portrait (where he can see himself on the screen).

Second Breakfast

Aragorn: Gentlemen! We do not stop 'til nightfall.
Pippin: But what about breakfast?
Aragorn: You've already had it.
Pippin: We've had one, yes. But what about second breakfast?
[Aragorn stares at him, then walks off.]
Merry: Don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.
Pippin: What about elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?
Merry: I wouldn't count on it.

Lately, Nile has taken to eating a second breakfast after Nate leaves for school. I think he's part hobbit.

(actually, it's probably more a result of not eating enough dinner every night...but I'll go with the hobbit explanation.)

Free time for mom!

There really is nothing like brand new Play-Doh! (to give mom a few minutes on the computer...)

Phipps Prairie Park

We took advantage of a perfect fall day to visit a park I had never been to before. The Phipps Prairie Park in Silvis is wonderful! The playground was fabulous, and it has a prairie and nature trails. I can't wait to go back and explore some more, we only had 20 minutes!

Tricks or Treats

This year for Halloween, the boys got to enjoy multiple celebrations. And multiple celebrations means the candy multiplied too. Exponentially.

First, Nile got to wear his costume to preschool on Thursday. Nate didn't have a party at school, but I don't think he missed out any. Nile came home with a small bag of goodies - not too bad.

Then we had a neighborhood party on Saturday evening. It was a lot of fun for all the kids to get together and play games. There was cupcake and cookie decorating (involving lots of frosting and candy), a "duck pond" game with lots of candy and small toy prizes, and a craft table. After the games, the boys ran around in circles while the girls played a toilet paper mummy game. (The boys eventually came back and played too.) Afterwards there was a hot dog cookout - neither of my boys ate much of their hot dogs or fruit. Want to guess why? I'm betting it was the cupcakes and cookies...

At the end of the party the kids went on a "spooky trail" - I wasn't able to go because I had Novak in the stroller. I'll admit I was a bit nervous about them going - I thought Nile might get scared and freak out. But he really wanted to go, so I let them, and I headed home to wait. About 10 minutes later, the doorbell rings. It's Nate.

"Mom, that was the awesomest spooky trail walk EVER! I was a little nervous but it was okay, it wasn't scary really!"

Nile, following closely behind, didn't say a word. So I asked him how the hike went.

"It was great."

Okay, then! Both boys had a great time at the party.

Of course, the next day was Halloween! I think the two boys were literally bouncing off the walls all day with anticipation. Finally, at 3:30 we let them get their costumes on. Nate was a superhero skeleton, and Nile was a baseball player. Below are a few pictures from our neighborhood. After we made the rounds here, we headed to Colona to Papa and Grandma's house, then to Hampton to trick or treat at Gramma's house.

Now, I have a dining room table covered in candy. I think we will be purging some of the candy soon. I've got a theory how I can make the boys do it...we'll see if it works!

Isn't this cape awesome! It looked so cool in the sunshine.

Nate, showing off his loot.

It wouldn't be a true family Halloween post without at least one picture of Novak.