we're mobile!!!

I was able to escape the house today thanks to the new double stroller. It took some bribing (of Austin) to get into it, but it was worth the effort. I got to breathe some fresh air and get a little exercise ----which I definitely needed after snarfing down a zillion calories of M&M bars last night. (thanks a lot Kristin!)
The double ride was pretty uneventful ---Austin only poked Leo once. Fortunately he slept through it.



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Uncle Chris came over tonight to help move furniture and was brave enough to hold Leo. He's never held an infant before and I think he did a great job. (although I'm not sure who was more nervous---mommy or Chris?)
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And just to pull at my heart strings, here is a picture of Leo and Austin enjoying the baby playmat. Austin thought it was pretty neat and definitely did not remember that it used to be his. ("MINE MOM-EEE!!!")

It's hard for me to believe that Austin is cruising towards two years old.
Here is a old picture of him enjoying this same playmat. Where has this little baby gone? Look at that baldy bean head!
Now, please excuse me while I go take the box of tissues into the closet and sob hysterically.

Visitors!!!

We all cheered when cousin Kristin arrived today. She endured beltway traffic and rude peeps on the road just to come and play with us for a few days. Austin was ecstatic and ran around like a crazy boy showing her every toy that he has. They watched Pooh together and played with trains. And she brought him PRESENTS!!!!
Leo was his usual "chill" self and took it all in from the comfort of his papasan chair. He did enjoy extra snuggle time with Kristin though.

Mommy was happy because we went on an outing off the compound!!! YAY!!! We went to the baby store and bought a double stroller. I know that many of you are curious, so this is what I ended up with. There were many votes for the Sit N Stand but I really don't see Austin going for that. I also really just need something that will allow me to walk around the compound and get some kind of exercise, so I figured this is the best option for now. Hopefully it won't end up collecting dust in the garage.

party boy

We hit the road again---this time to party it up in New Jersey. The ride went very well because Austin had Grandma to entertain him for the entire trip!!! (thank you Grandma!)

Austin was quite the ham at the party and enjoyed dancing with everyone....especially Grandma and Grandpa. He did not appreciate their attempt to dance alone, so he insisted they include him! Good thing Grandpa has a strong arm!

For a kid that didn't sleep a wink, he sure had a lot of energy on the dance floor!

He got to spend time with his second mommy (Aunt Terry) and enjoyed eating lots of snacks with Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Steven and Mikey. (no worries, the soda was not opened!)

Once again we had the joy of sharing a hotel room with Austin, whose screeching could be heard all around. We didn't get much sleep, but we had a great time anyway. It was great to see so many family members and we hope to see everyone again soon.