One (and 31) and SO Frustrated

My Soren, he's so handsome.

Soren manifests his frustration by crying and storming to the front door as if he were going to dramatically exit the situation. His emotional breadth is stunning and watching him get frustrated (see post below) makes me ache for him. I just think, already? You are ONE! Poor, sweet, little Soren.

We found out this evening that Jamie's name has been submitted, ONCE again, for deployment, compliments of the Navy. The only mercy in this potential separation is that the deployment would be to Augusta, Georgia and not Iraq or Afghanistan.

Seriously though? He would have two months of training and then would be gone for 200+ days. Basically he would be gone for a year. I hate it so much. I don't want to be separated from my hubs and I don't want to be a single mom and I don't want A&S to miss a year of bonding and good times with their father.

Soren, you expressed it best when you cried and stormed to the door. I want to do the same! I am frustrated and sad but also hopeful that he wont have to go and our family wont be torn apart by the agony of military separation.

Asher Protects His Property

Soren and Asher have been taking one another's toys from a surprisingly early age--a very early introduction to sib-hood. Once Soren started to crawl and then walk, Asher was suddenly forced to find creative ways to protect whatever object of amusement he occupied. Well, his strategy is an effective one.

When Soren approaches Asher and it's obvious he wants Asher's toy or book, Asher will hold his arm out as far from Soren as he can place it. This initiaties Soren's frustration. THEN, Asher will turn quickly until his back is to Soren and will turn as much as it takes to keep his back to Soren. It's pretty stinking cute and Soren gets really aggravated.

The above video is a good example of Asher's strategy for keeping his toys.

Favorite Pose

Asher man assuming my favorite pose.


I love it when my babies burrow into that soft space between my neck and shoulder--it's really the perfect meeting place for baby and mom. I get to rest my cheek against Asher or Soren's sweet baby face and that tender proximity is one of the easiest ways to experience perfection.

These Guys

I love these guys. My baby love (baby babes and hubs) pretty much consumes my thoughts--especially during the day when we are separated. I think about many things: are A&S laughing right now? Do they even know I'm missing? Will this chronic separation damage them? Will this chronic separation damage me?

Mostly I think about how cute they are and how lucky I am to be their mom. Yesterday while Jamie and I were having lunch A&S were playing in the living room. They were making the cutest sounds, so cute that Jamie and I stopped eating and peeked around the fireplace to observe them. Asher and Soren were looking at a book together! Be still my heart. Just the cutest. Asher would turn a page and Soren would point to a baby animal on the page then kiss the page and then Soren would turn a page and Asher would point at an animal. Folks, it was a simple scene, but the scope of it's sweetness was outstanding. They are one and yet they are content to play by themselves and best of all, together. I honestly did not know that so much cuteness was possible.

Jamie and I went back to our lunch, both a little misty eyed at our luck to have such healthy and happy children. A few minutes later...Asher was crying his frustrated cry and we again peeked around the fireplace to find them fighting over a small box. You know, the natural progression of things. Still cute.

There is so much love in the details, don't you think? When Soren folds his hands after taking a bite of food, I love that detail about him. When Asher gets excited about something he has a VERY specific smile--mouth wide open, two bottom teeth exposed, and the widest expression of happiness known to a baby face. I love that detail about him.

It is the details that keep me company during the day and the long hours that we are separated. I think of their chubby hands and their confident but unsteady modes of transportation: Soren's big footed walk and Asher's straight one-legged crawl. Ahhh, it's great to be so in love.

Meet Us at the Cemetery Gates

A&S did not want to cooperate for a photo--daddy, please, we want to MOVE, not stop for a stinking photo.


I thought it would be a fun family activity to take Asher, Soren, and Chon to the Alexandria civil war cemetery. I think cemeteries are marvelous places and full of wonder, reverence, and contemplation. The DC area, not surprisingly, has many beautiful cemeteries, the most famous being Arlington National Cemetery.

Asher and Soren loved the cemetery, mostly because it was a quiet place with soft grass that was easy to explore. Chon was horrified that we would let children 'play' in a cemetery and told us that was not allowed in Thailand. I explained that they weren't 'playing' and that it was not so uncommon to visit a cemetery.

I like looking at the names and dates on headstones--the patina of age and mystery always makes me want to learn more about local history. The oldest headstone we saw was 1835.

Furniture Walks

Asher, a busy bee at the doctor's office!

Asher is quite gentle. He likes to 'play' with my earrings. Instead of grabbing them and violently tearing them from my ear, he likes to tap them and watch them move. How cute!


Asher can pull himself up to stand and every time it happens he seems surprised and pleased by his new skill. He is most satisfied when he stands at the window sill and then effortlessly transitions to the bed and cruises from there. I love to cheer him on and clap with encouragement. Their little developmental milestone are just the most tender delights to witness.

Asher is tremendously happy and loves to laugh and smile. He is fond of clapping and waving and sharing his happiness with everyone. He is charming and sweet and still cuddly.

Asher and Soren have made walking, clapping, and waving the most agreeable actions in the world. Every time they do one of said actions, I think that they are the most extraordinary little achievers and I marvel at their cuteness.

Jamie predicts that Asher will be walking by November and I think mid-October...and yet, I am in no hurry for him to walk or for Soren to run. I want their babyness to linger and stay suspended in time.

Happy Birthday Margaret!

Margaret has the most glorious and beautiful smile!


Finally, sharing brunch at The Earl Girl Eatery.

Margaret sharing a moment with Asher in August and on New Year's Eve!


Margaret is the best! She is a loyal, thoughtful, creative, talented, and loving friend. Her laugh makes you want to laugh and her sense of humor does make you laugh.

I can't wait to see you in the ATL!

My Kind of Biker

Baby Biking has never been cuter!

Occoquan

We took a Sunday drive to the cute town of Occoquan a few weeks ago. We didn't stroll or sit long because it was *hot*! The boys were sure cute, as usual, and curious and agreeable. Hubs was cute too.

Bedtime Sweetness

I bought this book for A&S and we love reading it! The story is really sweet and the images are lovely. If you don't have it, I recommend getting it. We bought the over-sized edition from the big C.

I particularly love the image of the mommy shaped as a tree with her arms open to catch her precious baby bunny/bird.

Really, Really, Really, Kind Words

Last night while we were dining at Faccia Luna an older couple stopped by our table on their way out and exclaimed,

"We want to buy your babies! They are absolutely adorable." The older man then pointed to Jamie and said, "You, my friend, do not need to go on Maury Povich because it is obvious the babies are yours!"

Lastly the kind gentleman said, "Your children are really well-behaved and happy. You are doing a good job with them, thank you."

What a nice exchange. I am so grateful for people who take the time for kindness and are willing to share compliments.

*They did ask if Asher was a girl...no honeys, he's not a girl!

Permission for Photos

Anyone else have to get their husband's permission in order to post a photo of him?

Am I alone here?????


Anyone else have a blog critic named hubs?

Am I alone here?????????????

Asher and Autumn

You can see the fading bruise from the time when Asher fell on the corner of a wooden block...ouch!




Welcome fall, we love you!

Party Photos!

My happy birthday sign for Asher and Soren!

Proud papa with his adorable birthday boys!

Busting out with birthday boys!



Playing with their new puzzle, fun!



Soren and Asher showing off their shirts made by grandma. Each party guest got one, compliments of my mom. Couture baby party anyone?

In addition to shirts, my mom also made swallow mobiles for each guest. How cute!

Sam and Soren engaging in their favorite activity...pushing the big rig. Usually Asher is on the truck.




Cake, they loved it!


Soren's crusty frosting head!



Ahh, yeah! That's what I'm talking about!



Arm flapping awesome!




What a fun party. I can't wait to do it again.

I'm so grateful to Asher and Soren for making me a mom and for being such happy, enjoyable babies.