Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Bedtime, toys and walks

We have finally established a good bedtime routine for Henry, and he has been consistently sleeping 6 to 8 hours at night. We moved one of our rocking chairs into his room for reading books and I was amazed at how much more he seemed to enjoy the books. He would spend the entire time smiling, cooing and squealing in delight. Then I realized he wasn't actually paying attention to the books, he was looking past the book to his favorite object about 10 feet away: the mobile hanging above his changing table. He apparently loves it from all angles!

Henry also has a new favorite toy, the "winkel," which his cousin Oliver introduced to us. He can hold onto it on all sides, shake the rattle, and put it in his mouth (he even holds onto it when he is sleeping in the carseat)!

We are enjoying an absolutely beautiful spring here in Minnesota. Today we went for a walk with a friend from our mom & baby class up Minnehaha Creek and around Lake Nokomis. W is 1 month older than Henry, but you certainly can't tell from this picture!

Hand discovery

Henry continues to be very active these days. He loves the activity mat where he can bat his arms and legs at the hanging objects. Although I don't believe he actually understands cause and effect, he is very pleased with himself when he gets things to move. He also has discovered his hands much more than before and spends a lot of time sucking on his fingers and sometimes his entire fist, and every once and a while he is able to bring an object up to his mouth to suck on as well (like Julius pictured above or Sophie the giraffe).

Goodbye Oliver & Jessica

We were sad to say goodbye to cousin Oliver and Aunt Jessica today after a very fun visit. The house has certainly seemed quiet since they left. We are already missing Oliver's squeals of joy and grunting (a new form of communication he acquired on this visit) and Jessica's laughter and singing. Tomorrow I will be missing having coffee and breakfast made for me in the morning (and the company of my sister).

Super dad!

We had a great weekend with Matt home from work and we all took advantage of the beautiful weather by taking several walks around our neighborhood. Jessica and I also loved having extra help from Matt with one (or both) of the babies. Matt can get Oliver to smile and giggle by giving him airplane rides, and make Henry smile by just walking in the room in talking.

Exciting week

Henry and Oliver have had a very exciting week together. We have gone on several outings including walks along the Mississippi River and going to the book store. Around the house we have enjoyed watching Oliver chew on everything he gets his hands on and both boys extremely enjoy the activity gym.

Playtime

Spending time with cousin Oliver

Henry gets to spend the next 10 days with his cousin Oliver, whom is 11 weeks older but Henry is quickly catching in size... and I get to spend that time with my sister!

Happy Easter & Welcome Oliver and Jessica!

Henry was so tired from the excitement of waiting for Jessica and Oliver to arrive, that he has been sleeping almost the entire time they have been here so far! But we have been having fun playing with Oliver in the meanwhile.

Mom & baby class

Henry and I had our last "mom & baby" class at the hospital this past Monday. Only 5 of the 7 babies were there as some of the moms have sadly already gone back to work. Our group plans on trying to get together once a month so that we can continue seeing one another. Our next meeting is this coming week already for lunch when my sister and Oliver are visiting, so they will be able to join us!

More talking

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