Changes

When Samuel was born, Adelaide insisted on pushing him around the hospital halls and announced at the nurses' station that "this my baby brother." This was her baby brother. She was now a big sister. And that was that.

What a long way this little girl has come. She is such a sweet and attentive big sister. I am so proud of her and I can't wait to see the person she'll become.

Raspberries

Some of my favorite childhood memories are picking and eating raspberries right off the bushes in our backyard. They were sun-warmed and delicious.

Every morning, Caleb and Adelaide go out and check on the garden and then we all pick and eat my mom's bumper crop of raspberries. We have a hard time getting Addie to stop- no matter that we have eaten all the ripe berries for the day and the only raspberries on the bush are pinkish and tart- she loves them. And I love to watch her and remember being little and doing the very same thing.

(Note the morning hair. This ritual takes place after breakfast and before we get dressed for the day.)

Waking Up (Is Hard to Do)

This little one has been starting to observe the world around him. He especially loves to stare at his big sister.

She obviously likes to look at him too. Incidentally, this kind of proximity is why all of us (including the baby) have been suffering from colds this last week.



He makes an "oo" face when he looks at you- a very thoughtful expression. (Forgive the somewhat awkward angle of this picture- I was trying to catch him before he dozed off again.)

p.s. The title of this post was for you, Daddy.

It runs in the family

Apparently, sleeping with your arms by your head is a thing with our kids...

Samuel- 1 week

Adelaide- 3 Months

Samuel Lee

Samuel Lee Van Bloem

9 pounds 8 ounces
21 inches long
July 2, 2010
3:00 PM

Welcome to the world, baby Samuel. We love you and you were well worth the wait.

p.s. Isn't this the same wallpaper from Elm Lane? It was in my L&D room. I felt right at home.