What ARE these things?

Aunt Laura came to visit us and spend some time with baby Abe, who has recently made a BIG discovery. Can you tell what it is?

I hate February

Well, we've just ended the worst. month. ever. It included Ben having multiple colds back to back for WEEKS, Abe having RSV and then pneumonia while Ben was sick, Joel having a 3 week long cold, and me FINALLY getting sick at the end of the month while taking care of 2 sick little boys. I'm glad spring is coming.

Here are some random pictures. We didn't take too many this month because every time we did, at least one person in the picture had bloodshot eyes, dark circles and a runny nose.

Here's Ben chillin' out in his undies, doing some shopping and talking on the phone (calculator.) By the way, neither Joel nor I have EVER EVER held the phone that way while talking. I have no idea where he got that idea. Another thing that happened this month? Potty training! Ben has had a little potty for a few months now, and we would have him go on it before naps and bedtime but he never really took the initiative. And then one day I just woke up and decided I was tired of having two in diapers. I put him in underwear and that was it. He had 4 accidents in the first two days and then he was fine. And we're done! I hate to say it, but it was pretty easy. Maybe because we waited so long?

How cute is Abe? This little half smile is my favorite expression of his. I can't believe he'll be 4 months next week!

My precious little almost 3 yr. old. He's been having a hard time lately. Abe is taking most of his attention and we especially didn't have too much to spare with all of the sickness. Lots of tantrums going on, but we'll get through it.

Abe's eyes are still blue and his hair is getting blonder. It's so much fun seeing him change from day to day.

I'm gearing up for sunny weather and spring projects. Things to do this month include:

paint front door

weed and mulch front beds

plan Ben's 3rd birthday party and send out invites

build back patio--or maybe have someone do that for us?

install new shower fixture, since, um...it actually broke off in my hand yesterday

spring clean the porch and touch up the paint where Ladybird has scratched it off

I re-painted my kitchen cabinets last weekend so that's not on the list anymore. It's pretty exciting to actually get something done!