Smiles

Just thought I'd post a few more pictures of little Peter. He smiles a lot for such a new little guy. I know that the professionals chalk these smiles up to gas or some such non-emotion, but what do they know :)

Reading with Mommy.

His Loveliness

Back when I had Eliot, I remember hearing some advice that had been given to another new mother. She'd been told to really savor the time with her new little one since with any subsequent newborns there just wouldn't be time to "sit and gaze upon their loveliness."

I am thoroughly enjoying this special time I have to spend with my little Peter. I stroke his soft hair and study his face while he sleeps. We cuddle and snuggle and just sit quietly.

It will be fun to watch as he and Eliot grow into brotherhood together, but in the mean time I'm satisfied to sit and gaze upon the loveliness of my new little boy.

Coming Home

Peter and I came home from the hospital this morning and are getting ourselves settled in. It is just amazing how quickly everything changes when a new little one arrives. He slept all the way home in his car seat and is content to just snuggle and be loved.

A special first moment with Daddy.

News!

Peter Royer Young was born at 11:46pm on March 16, 2011. His birth weight was 8 pounds 1 ounce. Mom and Baby are both doing well. Here are some early photos.

Keeping Busy

Still no sign of Baby No. 2 and the due date is just a day away. I kind of wish my doctor had never said anything about the baby possibly arriving early. It was only a slight suggestion, and even though I knew that there was no way for him to be sure, my subconscious ran away with the idea. I have, however, been getting a lot done to prepare for the baby. Mostly cleaning and catching up with organizing.

Before Eliot left town he also pitched in with the cleaning. There's a clean-up song with which some of you may be familiar (Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere...). I sing it with Eliot as we put toys away and he has come to think that cleaning up is quite a lot of fun. There is a drawer in the kitchen that he is allowed to rummage through and I will often find toys, sippy cups, cars, etc. in amongst the plastic containers.

Eliot also finds the vacuum very interesting. A while ago I got it all set up and went into the other room to plug it in. I returned to find Eliot already hard at work.

Bon Anniversaire!!

March is a pretty busy month for our family. With our wedding anniversary on the 11th, Eliot's birthday on the 12th, my birthday on the 25th, and Little Brother's birthday any day now, there is a lot going on.

Since Eliot is out of town right now, Spencer and I decided to celebrate our anniversary with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) followed by dinner at a little French restaurant a friend had recommended. We have been to the ROM a number of times but always with Eliot in tow which means that we've spent most of our time in the kids' area. These have been delightful outings, don't get me wrong, but it was nice yesterday to loiter through an exhibit and soak it in a bit.

I wished Eliot a Happy Birthday over the phone and got the same silent treatment that many of you have experienced when Eliot is on the other end of the line. We're planning on having a little celebration when he returns at the end of the month. He's too young to know the difference right now and with a new little baby in the home it may help to have a special little party for him.

Changes Ahead

Our little family is quickly headed for a big change in the form of a little bundle. With the count-down in the single digits, preparations have begun. The hospital bag has been packed. The infant car seat has been installed. The bassinet has been assembled and stocked. The 0-3 month clothes have been brought out and hung in the closet. And Eliot has left town. Noni and Grand Dad came up early this week to pick him up and this morning Eliot left with them to spend some quality time with friends and family in Milwaukee so that Mommy and Daddy could spend some quality time preparing for and getting Little Brother settled. It hasn't even been 24 hours and I miss my little guy so much. The apartment is ringing with silence, and even though I have been able to get a bunch of things done today (including some much-needed rest) I miss the little interruptions to read a book, offer a snack, play with cars, etc.

Enjoying a good book.

Watching a hockey game with Daddy.

Helping himself to a raisin oatmeal cookie.

Before heading south of the border, however, Eliot had the opportunity to entertain Grandma and Auntie Ange who came out for a visit at the end of February. He had a great time playing with them, reading to them, and showing them around Toronto. We also had the chance to head out to Burlington (about an hour west of Toronto) to have Sunday dinner with Spencer's Uncle Thom and his family. I think Spencer and Angela really enjoyed being able to catch up with cousins.

So You Think You Can Dance

As many of you have probably seen on an earlier post, Eliot loves to dance. It is one of his favorite things to do with Daddy and when Spencer gets home he (Eliot) often requests a dance. As you can see from his moves he may also have a future as a trainer on "Biggest Loser."