all smiles

Hannah started smiling a couple of weeks ago and it has taken me that long to capture it!

It is instant heart-melting for mommy and daddy.

Sam, the yellow Lab

Sam, the yellow Labrador Retriever, became a member of the Perry family in 1997. He was a typical farm dog, but a lovable, well-behaved four-legged friend. The boys were mostly teenagers by the time Sam came along, so Sam never really was around little babies. Then, Lucas arrived... and Lucas loved Sam but the feeling wasn't mutual. When Lucas was very little, Sam would not come close to him... in fact, he'd walk the other way, or turn his head and ignore Lucas crawling/toddling toward him. As time went on, Sam warmed up to him.

Lucas has named every stuffed dog he owns "Sam." That includes Sam the yellow lab {the original}, Sam the old-school pound puppy, Big Sam the round-ball from Great Grandma and the most recent edition, Sam the pillow pet.

After some health issues and mostly just old age, Sam died last summer. We were all sad and certainly have missed him this winter when the "outside" dog got to come "inside" and enjoy the warm fireplace.

Hannah's church party

Hannah's baptism was Sunday, February 20th. She had a very pretty white dress to wear and the cutest pink shoes (that were too big for her itty-bitty feet).

It was a very nice mass and lots of people who love her were there to celebrate with us.

Her Godparents are her Aunt Karen and Uncle Dominic.

Cousins picture: Lucas, Nick, Caleb, Abby holding Hannah, Claire, Adele, Will.

Grandma Connie and Papa Steve.

Grandma Mary and Papa Richard.

*Lucas wanted to know what all of the food was for and why we were having visitors, so we explained the special day to him and that he had a church party, too, when he was a baby. So Hannah's baptism day was referred to as her 'church party.'

Lucas says... and Hannah grows...

Holding Hannah last week, Lucas looked at me and said, "Let's keep her." I agreed that we should keep her. "I love her," he said.

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Lucas: I grow big soon.
Me: I don't want you to grow up; I will be sad.
Lucas: Don't be sad.
Me: Do you promise to always give mama hugs and kisses no matter how big you grow?
Lucas: I promise. (followed by a great big hug)

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Hannah started smiling at five weeks - so much fun to see her eyes light up and smile! She started cooing and "talking" at six weeks. Two nights ago she slept from 11p.m. to 7:15a.m. and last night 11:30p.m. to 6:00a.m. Yippee; let's hope it continues!

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Lucas brought home a sheet of paper that had Hannah's name on it for her anticipated arrival at daycare. It made me super sad.

Me: Lucas, who's name is on this?
Lucas: Me and baby.
Me: Why is Hannah's name on it?
Lucas: She's going to school.
Me: Will you check on her?
Lucas: Me take care of her in the baby room.

~~heat wave~~

It's been a heat wave lately... temperatures in the mid-40's... in February... in Iowa! I was anxious to get outside and get some fresh air.

Lucas COULD.NOT.WAIT. for me to get his bike out.

Hannah loved the ride and slept cozy the whole time.

The next day was in the 60's and some of the snow in this picture is gone. We still have a lot of snow in our neighborhood and now a lot more mud, but it is so nice to have had a taste of spring!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lucas made Valentine's at daycare and we received our card in the mail over the weekend. They also sent Valentine's to the local nursing home residents. Each child wrote a special note to their mom & dad...

Lucas' card said "I love you because... you buy me boots. Love, Lucas"

Lucas and I made treats especially for Valentine's, too.

He loves helping in the kitchen.

We made heart-shaped, red-sugar-sprinkle-covered rice krispie treats.

occupied

While adjusting to Hannah's needs, and the fact that mom or dad can't always jump up to meet the demands of a three year-old, Lucas has spent a lot of time coloring in the last month. He has almost life-size coloring books for crayons, Crayola color wonder markers (which only color the special pages - not my carpet) and special things he can color with real markers - at the table only.

I love coloring with him, too; it's relaxing. Although sometimes I'm told I color things the wring color. "That bird is red, not blue, mama." Oops.

Basketball game

It was a beautiful, winter afternoon for us to go to an Iowa State men's basketball game last Saturday.  We lucked out and got offered tickets as we were walking in.  We planned on just buying some seats up high in case the kids didn't want to sit well.  The free tickets we were given were really good seats in the parquet.

Lucas loved watching for Cy and cheered when the crowd cheered.  He really got into it; it was fun to watch.  He'd also repeat what Brent was saying, which at home in front of our television could pose a danger and new vocabulary lesson, but in public he is a much more subdued Cyclone fan.  Anyway, the one time I heard Brent say, "Come on, guys."  Then Lucas repeated with gusto, "Come on, guys!" 

Hannah did this for most of the game. 

I.S.U. and Cyclone sports are important to us because I.S.U. is where Brent and I met and provided the backdrop for so many great memories. It is fun to introduce our kids to the great traditions and hopefully make some great family memories, too.

Hannah

Hannah is one month old. How did that happen so fast?!?!

Hannah is a great baby and makes our hearts grow more and more everyday. She is growing fast - officially out of newborn clothes and into 0-3 months. Hannah is a good eater and is sleeping bigger chunks a little more everyday. On tummy time, she can easily lift her head and move it from side to side.

She is also awake more so we can see her big, beautiful eyes.

We are amazed by her everyday.

We are so, so blessed to have two great, healthy and fun kiddos.

Snow day!

We had a couple of extra-snowy days this past week and Lucas was happy to help Dad shovel the sidewalk.

It started off well with Lucas sweeping the front step.

Then he got a little sidetracked...

and a little snow-covered...

Then he forgot all about helping dad and decided to climb the snow drift.

And that was the best part!

littlest Cy fan

How cute is this Iowa State blanket? I love the old-school Cy.

This was a gift from our friends, the McBeths. They have two little Cy fans at their house, too. Hannah is lucky to have received many ISU and Cy gifts in the last month (and Lucas, too!)... even from friends who don't love Cy as much as we do. Actually, we've received tons of gifts - I think everyone loves to buy for a baby - so thoughtful!!


P.S. Dear Brent, I love the pink. :)