Dismantling the Crib

Dee and I would never have even considered dismantling Magnus's crib, had we not put him to bed one night and 45 minutes later watch in awe as he walked out into the living room. The next morning, Dee went off to work before Magnus had woke up. I awoke to the pitter patter of footed pajamas scampering across the hard wood floors. I stayed in bed, listening to what Magnus was doing with his new found freedom. When I heard the back door open I bolted out of bed just in time to witness Magnus heading outside. Being that it was a Saturday, and a crib tent wouldn't arrive for several days, we were left with no choice, but convert Magnus's crib to a toddler bed and possibly endure some sleepless nights putting him back to bed over and over, but hopefully avoiding a visit to the ER with a broken arm.

Magnus enjoys helping dad transform his bed.

Crib conversion was not complete until higher deadbolts were installed to all doors as well.

Happy Birthday Magnus!

"Life with kids; the days are long, but the years are short." I recently heard this quote, which definitely hit home as we celebrated Magnus's second birthday over the weekend. I find myself in disbelief that I have a two year old, and yet it's equally hard to believe that he has only been a part of our family for two years. It's mind boggling how much he's grown (30.2 pounds and 35 inches at his two year check-up) and developed in this last year and I forget how many milestones he overcame just within the last 11 months--walking to running nonstop everywhere he goes, and babbling mama and daddy to reiterating just about anything we say (hence the need for dad's "money jar" on the windowsill for when he slips up now and then! ) He impresses us with his fine and gross motor coordination, is insatiably curious and has a true love for being outside regardless of the weather (which we're thrilled about since there was a time when he used to not like touching the grass with his feet!) He seems to have inherited a firefighting gene, if there is such a thing, and is quite obsessed with "whoo whoos" and visiting dad at the firehouse. He loves playing with water, and seems to carry out his own "investigations" pouring water from one receptacle to another. He enjoys running the length of the soccer and baseball fields as much as playing on the slides and swings at the park, and tempting Sherman with sticks so that he can be chased. With each phase and milestone overturned we feel like it is the best of times, and so we look forward to the future with our magnificent Magnus.

There was no shortage of gifts, and this year Magnus enthusiastically participated in the tearing open of his presents.

I'm not sure who was more excited over Magnus's 'real' bunker gear--he or his dad.

Magnus was not hesitant to dive into his cupcake. We had to hold him back while we sang!

I really should just give him a bowl of frosting in the future, as once that is licked off the cupcake it is on to the next!

Two cupcakes later...

High fructose corn syrup high

Cousin Jackson and Magnus turn to smashing frosting on their noses and erupt into fits of laughter.

Flying High

Since birth it seems, Magnus has loved nothing more than being tossed around and wrestled at every moment. To Ami's terror, he also giggles hysterically when dad launches him into the air, exclaiming, "moooore, mooooore!" when the ride is over.

Alden Three Months!

I remember when Magnus was born, friends with children kept telling Dee and I "wait til three months,...everything gets so much better" in regards to sleeping. I also recall feeling like those three months seemed like an eternity--likely due to our lack of sleeping, so in reality it felt like twice as long. While Alden is still figuring out his nights and days, and we've certainly had some exhausting days and long nights, it seems hard to believe that three months have come and gone. Alden is growing exponentially, barely fitting into many of his three month clothes, and weighing in at nearly 15 pounds! He is such a smiley baby, just lighting up within minutes of being awake and whenever he hears high pitch voices and sees mom and dad. He recently discovered his hand and his favorite pastime as of late is trying to stick his whole fist in his mouth and 'chewing' on it.

Magnus absolutely adores Alden and just wants to kiss him and give him hugs all day long. I love the thoughts of watching these two growing up together.