Is this even the same baby?

 Milo's physical therapist commented to me during his last visit that he doesn't even look like the same baby anymore. I see him changing everyday but it is still much more gradual. Looking back on just the last 3 months it is absolutely incredible how much he has grown. Not only in size but in development as well. To me Milo is nothing short of a miracle and continues to amaze and teach me new things all the time. His little spirit is felt in our home as he works everyday to grow and move. I have been told since Milo's birth by nurses, doctors and his physical therapist that he'll need to take the next two years to "catch up". In my eyes his determination and strength far exceeds any catching up that needs to be done. I am sincerely humbled to be the mother of such a person. It is excited to see where this baby takes us.

Milo was at his smallest here 3lbs 10oz I think.

He was a week old at this point and this picture was the best I had at the time. It still is sitting on our mantle. I keep meaning to take it down but it now kind of serves as a reminder of how far we have come.

3 months old and can already hold his head up! Sam couldn't even do that at 3 months! (though Sam didn't really do much at the right time...so maybe I shouldn't compare :))

You can't tell me this boy doesn't have a special spirit!

 I think I just stared at him for ten minutes before I took this picture. I blame Milo for my messy house.

It looks like Sam is smashing Milo's head but he's not, well maybe he is, but poor Milo is used to aggressive love by now. I tell you these boys are just fascinated with each other. This picture is not only very tender but it shows how big my baby is! Milo I like that's your growing but don't do it too fast okay.

My cute kids

We have been waiting and it's finally happening...

Milo's smiling!

The other day was really warm so played with water. Here is Sam throwing beans in the tub of water, and I quote "oh! beans, here we go to Sa't Yake (Salt lake). Oh and all the beans are going to Sa't Yake...here we gooo!" He is getting excited about the trip we are taking to Utah in a couple weeks. All his toy trains, buses and cars have made the trip to valley, it only makes sense that the beans need to make the voyage. 

 

"oh Mom, oh mom...Sam's in the water mom. Yeah, Sam's just in the water a little bit. Oh Mom, oh Sam's paint'n. Yeah, Sam just paint'n"

That is pretty much Sam's face anytime he sees Milo. Notice how worried Milo looks...I'll say it again Sam is Lenny from Mice and Men. He has a lot of heart and a lot of aggression. Poor smothered Milo.

He's thinking...I just asked him what his thoughts were on racial prejudices in America. He always gives me the most insightful answers.

We visited the Easter Bunny. It took a second for Sam to warm up (which is unusual in any setting) but as soon as he did, he didn't leave the bunny alone. I love this age, everything is so magical, new and exciting.

I have been taking Sam to story time since he was 17months old and this is the first time he sat down for longer than a minute. I had to get proof so I took a picture. Notice his shoes and socks are off. It's like he's saying "I'll grow up but on my own terms".

More smiles!

we really like each other.

I love how you can Sam in this one. He's just as thrilled as I am to see Milo smile. Isn't this what family is all about? I love these moments.

Oh just some random pictures

Sam is so cool. I brought some playdoh out. Five minutes later I heard Sam say " oh look it's an airplane". He's a genius!

Oh so adorable! 91bs 2oz now!

Lets get a closer look!

Sam needed a turn with the sleepy wrap. He really wanted us to put Milo in the wrap but we thought better of it.

Milo's favorite place...in my shirt.

He is really start to look around more and organize his world. He's responding to sounds and people's voices. His physical therapist said some of his movements are even ahead of babies his age (not adjusted age). I am so proud!

He loves Dad's singing voice, but who doesn't.

A alternative way to get some sucking going.

Sam loves cheese, especially "golden cheese". I need to start chaining the fridge close.

"hey, now that's one cute baby...I think I'll just look a bit longer"

This is Sam's tunnel trike. He came up with this one on his own too. This kid seriously cracks me up.

Chubby Milo and a special visit.

For some reason Hank and I create little dwarf men.

Milo has reached his full gestational age! He turned "full term" on Feb. 5th, my original due date. Of course he could have been born sooner but for all intents and purposes he is approximately 2 weeks old. I never know what to say when people ask me how old my baby is :)

Sam likes to join Milo for his tummy time. Sam is so involved and interested in Milo to the point that if I change Milo's diaper without asking Sam to get a diaper for me first he will literally freak-out. He'll sometimes get concern if Milo isn't in the same room as him and he wakes up early (oh joy) just to see Milo. Sam has such a tender heart...a true Henry Florence.

Look at my chubby baby!!

He loves being wrapped up while taking a bath, just like Sam did. It is not only snuggly but awful cute.

One of the games Sam and I play with Milo if we are in need of a laugh.

My friend gave me a bunch of cute newborn clothes. I love dressing up Milo like a little doll but since its RSV season I can't take him anywhere to show him off...so here we are!

Hank's cousin called Milo a little baby gum drop and I just thought that was a perfect description.

Me and my boys,

Sam is one with his trike...no really he is. He is always riding it all over the house, the back yard, our neighborhood and we get out regularly so he can ride it at parks. He's so funny to us.

My parents came to visit just this last weekend and it was an absolute delight! Milo and my mom really hit it off. He could tell she knew what she was doing when she was with him :)

Milo just thinks my Dad is silly (which he kind of is)

Sam was just a pleasure the whole time they were here. I think he was on his best behavior because he wanted to impress his grandparents. He certainly succeeded.

Having a nice Mom is really great because they just help you with everything. My Mom made a discovery with my niece who was born just two weeks before Milo. Bouncing on an exercise ball makes babies happy. The day they arrived my dad ran out and bought us a ball and it has not only made Milo happier but the whole family. My mom also discovered that Milo likes the fans in the bathrooms. It's so nice to have a mom :)

While they were here we went to the Sutter Fort Historical Museum in Sacramento. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived and it was "hands on history day". One of our favorite stops was the blacksmith shop. The blacksmith let Sam pump the fire which was awesome. Sam was extremely interested and watched intently as the blacksmith made a fork. Maybe he's found his calling and a century too late...sorry Sam.

 

The other attraction for Sam were the musicians. He loves music so much. He just stared at them intently as he sorta bounced in rhythm. The musicians were so tinkled by him that when it was time to leave they followed us out as they played. Sam was just excited and kind of confused as well. All in all it was good time.

Taking a walk, a Sam specialty.

The best part about visiting a newborn baby...wouldn't you agree? Milo and Sam miss their grandparents already.

Another week with Milo

Hank took Sam to a BBQ at a friend's house where there were lots of kids and karaoke. Sam fit right in. Here he is karaoking to "Twinkle Little Star" and yes he sang with perfect pitch right along with the song. We have an American Idol in the making :) He's so gosh darn good looking too!

Our bundle of joy

I love that he takes a bottle (so convenient). Hank loves it too because he gets to stare at that adorable face the whole time.

Looking through the world with the security of the sleepy wrap.

He's great at tummy time...

studying his pictures..

and just being the happiest baby and cutest baby ever!