noah lately

The Brute is going on 5 months and 18 lbs.

He giggles, chatters, rolls, and wiggles all the time.

And one of these days, he is going to be big enough to retaliate when Ian sits on his face...

mom is just going to look the other way.

snow, snow, ice, and more snow

The best thing to do in when it is that cold outside...

sip hot chocolate by the fire!

a new year...

We have been to the library during Wee Read time for other reasons and Ian stands at the door with his nose pressed against the glass. So today, we got up early (for us anyway), washed, dressed, and arrived early. As the other children came in greeting each other and pulling out the toys, Ian suddenly got very shy and wouldn't budge from my leg. Then as the librarian started to read, Noah filled his diaper, quite loudly. Long story short--I had to clean poo out of Noah's hair. In the end, we returned to the reading room with Noah in just his diaper and Ian warmed up enough to share his truck with another little boy. Luckily I keep an extra, extra outfit in my purse. Same time next week.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Let It Snow...

Granny, you may have the sunshine, but try building a snowman with it!

Ian loves his Papaw!

Giving Thanks

Thankfully the colic seems to come and go and is mostly gone.

Usually, this is what we enjoy.

We love Aunt Lilon's cranberry sauce!

...and dressing up for the camera.

Colic?...or maybe it was the sauerkraut...

Last Friday night Derick's parents were visiting and his Mom made yummy nefla--a traditional German dish she learned from his great-grandmother. Of course everything German is better with sauerkraut, so mommy didn't even think twice, that is, until Noah would not feed for the next three hours.

It was a long night.

However, when he repeated the same incessant-crying/not-feeding/no-consolation-in-sight routine on Monday night, and Tuesday night, and Wednesday night, I decided the consult "the book." It said that one in five babies suffers from colic, so it's like winning the lottery--

IN HELL!

Needless to say, I will be calling in for reinforcement in the ensuing months, or just asking for a pardon when I am not exactly my easy-going self. Let's hope he outgrows it fast.

Ian is a good helper...

most of the time.

the Bub and the Brute

Introducing...

"The Brute"

Noah Arthur Graf

October 14, 2010

9lbs. 8oz. (just like his mom)

looks like he's been in a fight...

you should see the other guy!

maybe a smile...or just gas.

the Bub in daddy's "new" truck...

used to be great-grandpa's.

We dressed up for Trunk-or-Treat

a farmer, a pumpkin, a cheetah, and daddy

I know you all have been waiting too long for these and they are few. Despite my best efforts, it seems the second baby really does get the shaft. Grannies are definitely needed the second time around--if not to just take pictures.