This is Dedicated...

To the one I love. Erik, this blog entry goes out to you. Your boys both missed you today, but not nearly as much as I did. I didn't miss you because I had to do the dishes and laundry without you. I didn't miss you because I had to handle the discipline of our two year old alone. I missed you because you are very much my favorite person in the world and my best friend. We all look forward to your return tomorrow. Here are the pictures, Daddy-Man. Enjoy.

I miss the Daddy-Man. He has a scratchy face and smells good. I hope he comes back soon.


Having Luke "feed and diaper" his own baby was the Daddy-Man's brilliant idea. He's so smart.

I heard the Daddy-Man will be home tomorrow afternoon! Yipee! I hope he brings Mommy some coffee. (hint hint) ;-)

Paul Rocks!

Paul turned six weeks old today and decided to break all previously held Bangsund records by sleeping for eight hours straight from 10pm to 6am. No Bangsund baby (that I know of) has ever accomplished such a feat at such an early age. He is clearly a genius. Or he's so chubby that he doesn't have to wake up at night to eat. You be the judge. Here are the pics from today.

Luke is "peek-a-booing" over the top of Paul's chair. Paul is contemplating the curtains.

Nostalgia

Uh...it turns out that Erik and Matt both grew up playing with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And Erik still has all his action figures. These two are really happy.

Visitors from the North

Jess and Matt came to visit today. Luke and Paul provided entertainment while Papa Murphy's provided the grub. My favorite part of the day was seeing two former students who have grown into really fun people. They were really fun 8th graders, but you can never be sure how they will turn out. These two get an "A" for growing up well. :-) This is NOT their baby. It's our huge Paul. He eats a lot, so he has to grow a lot to catch up with his caloric intake.


In other news, my mom has requested more photos, so here is Luke posing in his often requested "Sand in the City" t-shirt. This shirt is easily two sizes too big, but Luke loves it. Whenever he sees it in the drawer it must be worn. I'm cool with that.

The Good Day

Today was my first day caring for my two dudes without the help of my mom. She headed north and I began my journey into the wilds of mothering two. It was a great day. I am positive this is because both my husband and my mom spent the day praying for me. God is bigger than our most mundane issues. Mothering can be revoltingly mundane at times. The questions you ask yourself all day are just mind-numbing. Where do I put the newborn while I change the toddler's diaper? When do I get a bathroom break? The amazing thing about today was that all the little details fell perfectly into place and I even had dinner on the table by 6pm. And it wasn't pizza! I know that not every day will be like this, but I also know that God gave me the success of today to remind me that my confidence and my strength are in Him.

There is a verse in the Bible that says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." The apostle Paul was referring specifically to experiencing both hunger and a full stomach, having nothing and having everything. This is so about being a mom. I know what it is to have great days where my children are my delight and I know what it is to have days when they are lucky I haven't sold them on craigslist. Amazingly, by the grace of God, I am learning to be content on both days.

The Sprinkler and Other News

Paul understands fashion and he has the dance moves to match. In these photos we see him wearing his "Automatic Sprinkler" t-shirt while performing the retro dance move known as The Sprinkler. So very cool.

In Luke news, our family has sung "Happy Birthday" no less than six nights in a row. Each evening at the end of dinner, Luke very quietly and politely states, "There is some birthday cake." We reply that yes, there is some leftover birthday cake. He then says in a very small voice, "I would like some birthday cake. And everyone will sing Happy Birthday." I love his use of verb tense. I believe that we should all be this assertive. If you are making a request, just go ahead and put it in the future declarative. Why not? There is no opportunity for awkward refusals. This will happen next, people. Get used to it.

No Time

With Daddy gone on business, this post will be short. Here are the pictures!


Paul hangs out in the port-a-crib with his bunny for entertainment. And he's wearing a really cute outfit. Hand-me-down. I love my friends. Thanks, Ginny!



Luke got a slinky from G.G. (my grandma) for his birthday. Loves it, loves it loves it. Why do we shop anywhere other than The Dollar Store?

Birthday Bash!

We celebrated Luke's second birthday with a small get together of mostly family. It was themed with Thomas the Tank Engine and included the coolest cake ever. Thanks, Grandma and Aunt Luann! The birthday boy made his appearance with far less hair than his public was expecting. We buzzed it. He needed a hair cut and couldn't manage to sit in the chair on Mommy's lap. He doesn't seem to mind, although he did admit to Daddy that his head was cold this morning at breakfast. I think he looks more like a little man than ever, which at first seemed very fun and then made me cry. I know all the moms out there understand what I'm talking about. Regardless, he's pretty cute!

Luke and Paul pose for pre-party pictures in matching outfits. So cute!

Seriously fabulous cake! Cheers also go to Aunt Krista for making the train mold part of Grandma's Christmas. Great idea!

Luke wanted to blow out his candles the moment they were lit. Fortunately we were able to sing "Happy Birthday" first. Right after this picture was taken, Luke attempted to eat one of the train cars by leaning over and going straight for it. We were able to convince him to wait for it to be dished. Whew! No cake diving allowed.

Birthday Boys

Luke turned two years old today and Paul turned one month old. I cannot believe how quickly time has flown both since Paul's birth AND since Luke's birth. Weren't we just living in a small red house in a town nobody can pronounce trying to figure out how to care for a newborn who puked all the time? Yep.

We took some pictures today to commemorate the passage of time for the dudes. Paul sat in Mommy's chair first with Sprout, the Bear. Luke was extremely upset and wanted to sit next to Paul. Mommy wanted a few pictures of Luke on his own first. This idea did not go over well. The best pictures of Luke have Paul sitting by his side. Luke smiles more with Paul beside him. Not a bad thing. Without further blabbing...the pictures.

I'm Paul and I'm one month old now. I don't understand what is happening around me.

I'm Luke and I'm two years old and I know exactly what is happening around me. I want Baby Paul to sit next to me in the picture, not this bear!

That's better.

Two happy boys.

Park Play Day

Today we all piled into the car and headed to a park for the Summer Festival MOMS Park Play Day. If you aren't familiar with Summer Festival, it's the craziest two weeks in August and I love it. Anyway...we all went to the park and enjoyed ourselves immensely. My personal favorites were the free Krispy Kremes and coffee with yummy creamer. Luke enjoyed the swings, the big kid variety, with Oma's help. He also kicked around a soccer ball for awhile and sat in line to get his face painted but then declined that activity. Paul made his MOMS debut and wowed everyone. The hair was the most popular feature, followed closely by the super chubby cheeks. I had such a good time sitting and chatting with friends and listening to people adore my newborn. I'm pretty sure this outing is what allowed me to persevere this evening when my nearly two year old son decided to race naked through the house screaming, "NO!" at the top of his voice. When I spend time with other moms, laughing and eating (both are required), I handle crisis better. I am reminded that we all face the same stuff and God gave us each other for support and encouragement. Can I get an Amen?

I promised pictures. Little did you know you would have to endure a little preaching to get them! :-)

Luke and Summer eating snacks. Luke thinks Summer is the greatest.

Look, I have friends! None of these people were paid to be in this picture.

Rachel thinks Paul is adorable and sweet. I agree with her.

Facebook

I guess I've joined the 21st century officially because I'm on Facebook. I'd heard of it and had friends who were into it, but that doesn't really qualify you as hip. So, I got an invite from my friend Jo and signed up thinking, "I'll just check this out." It's more addictive than blogging. This is a bad thing. I've been online for thirty minutes and haven't done anything EXCEPT Facebook. This could be a short-lived fad for me. I just can't fathom spending anymore of my "free" time in front of the computer. I like my blog because it keeps me writing and allows me to share my growing children with my distant relatives. I also like to watch the counter go up. Pathetic, but true. Updating a blog also has a certain time limit. You can only type so much and post so many pictures and then you are done. Facebook is fun, but it just sucks time like a hoover! I seriously had no idea what I was getting into. I can hear my more astute friends saying, "Then just quit." Well, I would, but it's kind of addictive. The Facebook Team emails me whenever one of my Friends writes on my Wall or makes a comment on my photos. I'm in big trouble. Don't worry too much, though. When BSF starts in September, I won't even have time for the blog anymore! :-)
Pictures tomorrow!

Staring Contests and New Books

Paul's eyesight has definitely improved this week. He will track your face if you move it across his field of vision, and he will stare endlessly into your eyes, as Daddy demonstrates in the picture to the right. It is quite endearing. God knew what He was doing. Instead of thinking about how this creature deprived you of sleep between the hours of 4 am and 5 am just this past morning, you marvel at the look of love that already emanates from him. Pretty amazing.

In Luke news, he received a new book in the mail today from his Great Auntie Eileen. It is two classic Winnie the Pooh stories contained in a volume just his size. He promptly removed a cushion from the couch (I have no idea why he does this) and settled himself in for a nice quiet read. Looking at these pictures, one would seriously believe that he can read. I believe he thinks he can read. He often recites the pages he has memorized from other stories when he opens any new book or narrates the pictures he sees. Aah, literacy. :-)

Equally cute, but not as photogenic, Paul has begun to make those sweet little baby sounds that come with the first month of life. We can often be heard prompting him. "Say ah goo again!" Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't.
Last but not least, Luke's cute sayings for the day: "Mommy, you wasting the batteries." Said to Mommy as he begged her to turn the camera back on so that he could spend more time viewing pictures of himself. Logic behind this is currently unknown.
"See this. See this." Said by Luke to anyone who would listen regarding his folded hands for prayer time. Said throughout the entire prayer (presumably to God, who sees all) and said as everyone kissed Luke goodnight, hands still folded, and left his room.

Trains!

Luke's birthday week began with a trip to a local train park. Our good friend Garrett, wise for his five years, decided about two months ago that Luke's birthday required a visit to said destination. Good call, Garrett! We had a blast!

Luke enjoyed watching the trains run and playing with his friends. He didn't quite work up the nerve to ride the train, but Mommy and Daddy might be seen doing so in one of the pictures below. :-) We are pretty sure Luke will give it a go next time.

Engineer Luke reporting for duty!

Trains and chairs our size! Life is good.

Paul enjoyed the train park picnic also.

Hanging out and watching trains is fun for everyone!

Garrett, the man with the plan, waves from the front of the first passenger seat. You might recognize a few other train riders in this picture. ;-)

Brothers Reunited

We all arrived home today and enjoyed some fabulous family time. Luke and I spent some great time in the playroom listening to music, sliding down the slide and reading books. Daddy and Luke enjoyed time in the evening building with the Duplo blocks according to color. Very fun. But my favorite of all was when Luke asked to hold Baby Paul for awhile after nap time. They sat on the couch together for quite some time. I believe that Paul's vision has taken a step forward and he is able to see farther and possibly sharper, thus enabling him to make eye contact with his somewhat erratic older brother. Taking these shots of the boys, I seriously realized what a huge blessing they are to us and to each other.

I don't think there is too much else I can say about these. I just love God and am so very grateful to Him for blessing me with these two little men.

Tour d'Oregon Day 2

It was a good day as we drove back up to Eugene in time for Erik to host a lunch at a clinic. Paul was a big hit and a perfect little man. Erik held Paul for most of the time while doctors, nurses, and office staff admired him. He is such a proud Daddy. :-)
We stayed in and ordered room service tonight. For those of you who don't know, I consider room service to be the absolute height of luxury. I know, I need to get out more. Regardless, food appears on nice plates with nice utensils. It is warm and yummy. When I finish, the dishes disappear and I have only lifted a finger in order to use the phone. Delightful.
Speaking of delightful, there is a spa tub in our hotel room - gotta love the upgrade! I called my doctor's office and the nurse said to enjoy. Wohoo! So, short post tonight! Pictures (OF PAUL AND LUKE!!!) tomorrow. :-)

Tour d'Oregon Day 1

Before beginning our travel narrative, a brief but important shout out to Jenna Malinen! I love that you have the same duckie slippers as Luke, only a few sizes larger. It brings a HUGE smile to my face and puts a spring in my step to think of you wearing them.


Slight tangent: For any of you who think me odd for having loved my position as a junior high teacher, please note that there are fabulous junior highers in the world and they turn into even more fabulous high schoolers, and yes, even adults. Have a little faith in the children, people!


Okay. And now for the travel narrative. How I wish I had the style and charm of John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley. Unfortunately, I am completely mommy-brained and will be lucky if all my sentences are conjugated properly. Oh well.


We began our journey early, loading Paul into his car seat before 7 am. The trip down I-5 through the Willamette Valley always makes me think of two things. What must it have been like for pioneers as they crested those rolling hills and glimpsed their first view of Oregon Country? And what about the Native Americans who were already here watching them take land that couldn't be bought or sold before the appearance of the white folk? Perspective.


Continuing south, we stopped off in Eugene for a diaper change (Paul's) and a bathroom break (mine). Leaving Eugene, we traveled a stretch of road that neither of us had driven for at least nine years. Things hadn't changed much. Towns like Wilbur, Drain, and Talent are still there...looking roughly the same as they did ten years ago...I think. I couldn't really remember what they looked like ten years ago. Small.


We arrived in Ashland to a very warm reception given by one of the doctor's offices that Erik visits. A wonderful lunch had been catered and everyone wanted to give me a hug and hold the baby. They oohed and aahed over him. They fed him while I ate with two hands. It felt like family. Does that sound strange? It wasn't. The family that runs this particular practice loves the Lord and meeting them for the first time, this was evident. God's Holy Spirit really does dwell in the heart of every Believer, making first impressions more like homecomings.


And now for the part of the blog where I post pictures of my adorable son(s). I sadly do not have any picture of Luke to post, but here are the shots of Paul checking our accommodations for the evening.

Paul checks out the hotel's amenities. He really likes the light next to the bed.

King-sized accommodations make Paul look even smaller!

Yes, he's holding his pacifier in his mouth with his hand. This only lasted for a few minutes, but I still say he's brilliant!

Check back tomorrow for Day Two of Tour d'Oregon!

Aunt Krista's Visit

Certain people have acquired celebrity status in our household. Obviously all grandparents are celebrities, but they are the kind of famous folks who can be seen on a regular basis. Tonight we had dinner with a true celebrity - none other than the amazing Aunt Krista. Having flown all the way from San Francisco on an actual airplane only increased her status in Luke's eyes. Paul, although not nearly as impressed, grunted approvingly. We enjoyed a yummy dinner of pizza from California Pizza Kitchen and great salad. Luke finished early (did not chose to partake in the meal at all) and was coaxed back to the table to sit and color instead. Being nearly two can be tough.

And being nearly comatose most of the time is clearly taking its toll on Paul. Could he be more relaxed?

Pre-dinner conversation between Luke and Aunt Krista primarily focused on Luke explaining everything he knows about chairs. She is such a good listener.

A Day at the Farm

Luke had a very special adventure today. Grandma and Grandpa took him down to visit a wonderful friend of the family, Grandpa Jack, and his farm. This farm included machinery, a cow and two horses. The pictures below pretty much tell the whole story. Luke really enjoyed his time on Grandpa Jack's farm and looks forward to a return trip.

Farmer Luke checks out Grandpa Jack's cow. Nice lookin' animal ya got there.

Luke meets the horses.

Luke's first time on a horse. If you ask Luke what he did at Grandpa Jack's farm, he will say, "I rode on Rambo." This is Rambo. As a trusting mother, I can only assume that the name does NOT speak to the nature of this animal. From the pictures, Rambo looks pretty docile.

As much as I wanted to go out to the farm today, I'm really glad I wasn't there, for my son's sake. I'm post-partum crazy enough right now that there's no way I would have let him sit astride a horse. Three cheers for Grandma and Grandpa! Oma's comment on this picture was that Luke looks like a natural. What do you think, Aunt Nikki? :-)

Cutest picture ever.

Luke meets the machines! This is Jack's beast of a machine that can be seen in the background of the horse pictures. None of these shots do this thing justice. It's the largest piece of machinery I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in person. Luke was actually a little overwhelmed. When Grandpa Jack "made it go," Luke actually took a rather large flying leap right into his Grandpa's arms. Good catch, Grandpa!

Luke's favorite machine was the forklift. It was more his size and didn't make any noise at all.

Clearly, it was a very exciting day for the Lukester. Many thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for the field trip. We all need to head out there when my recovery is complete. I'm realizing now how very blessed we are to have amazing grandparents for our children. Luke's adjustment to being a big brother would have been horribly abysmal without the help of these three fabulous folks. Outings to the places like Jack's farm and mornings spent playing in the backyard have abounded for Luke these past three weeks. I am grateful to God for the grandparents.
Paul had a quiet day that involved some napping, some eating and a bath in his new tub. He liked it until he got cold. His favorite part is when we swaddle him afterward and then wash his hair over the sink. Who doesn't like to have their scalp massaged?

I love the way he looks up at me with eyes that memorize every aspect of my face. Or perhaps he's just thinking, "I'm wet, really wet. Am I supposed to be this wet? Are you going to fix this?" :-)

Mother Goose and Other Cuteness

Tonight Luke requested Mother Goose as his bedtime story. We have a wonderful edition with fabulous pictures. I sat down in the rocking chair to read. One of my favorite pages has this rhyme on it:

I'm Dusty Bill from Vinegar Hill

Never had a bath and I never will

Next to these charming lines is a picture of a very dusty bunny wearing a rather sour expression on his face. Luke enjoys the rhyme and always has a few comments about the illustration. Tonight he said, "Dat bunny gardeny." Turning the noun, garden, into an adjective in an effort to describe how one looks after gardening is clearly a sign of higher intelligence. As a former English teacher, I can't really lend my full support to this practice, but as a mom, I think Luke is brilliant. :-)

In other areas of cuteness, I snapped two pictures of Paul asleep in his bassinet today. I bring them to you for your viewing enjoyment.

I just love the way he sleeps with his hands up over his head like this. I know all babies do it, but that doesn't make it any less cute.

A little closer in as he scrubs his face in an effort to wake up from his nap. Paul LOVES to sleep. Wohoo! Go Paul!

Daddy's home!

Erik returned home from a two-day business trip this afternoon. I was SO happy to see him! And not just because I had to do the midnight feeding the night he was gone. I just missed the guy. Luke was pretty ecstatic to have the Daddy-Man home as well. Paul...uh...was asleep. That baby sleeps a lot. I would worry except I'm too busy being overjoyed to have such a peaceful little dude. I know. Give him time.

Luke is doing better and better with his overall attitude and manners. His tantrums have decreased and he continues to simply adore Baby Paul. Today while Paul sat in his chair looking up at the black and white polka dot bar, I attached the happy little sun to the bar. Luke took it down repeatedly and "handed" it to Paul because Paul couldn't reach it for himself. Each time Luke said, "Here you go, Paul." Such a helpful big brother.

And now for the pictures!

Paul contemplates his happy sun while sitting in his chair. Sorry about the scratch on his face, folks. Baby fingernails. Ugh.

Big Brother Luke handing the happy sun to Little Brother Paul. I just love the way Paul is looking at the sunshine like he's actually going to grab it. The best Luke could do was to get Paul to hold still while he placed the sun over his hand. At one point, Luke slid the sun down beside Paul in the chair and said, "He put it in his pocket." Much easier.

At this point, I'm pretty sure Luke is thinking, "What is wrong with my baby brother's hands? He can't seem to grab anything!" I explained to Luke that he was a baby just like Paul and he learned how to use his hands over time. I'm pretty sure he didn't believe me. My guess is that he is going to be keeping a close eye on Paul. Maybe being a first-time big brother is as nerve-wracking as being first-time parents. I'm pretty sure it can't be nearly as bad!

Coming Soon: Look in future posts for the visit of Aunt Krista!