July in snapshots

As I am so far behind in our blog I am afraid it is turning into more of a photo scrapbook, which was never the intent. We wanted to keep up this space so that the random stories would be documented to look back on for  putting the words down is much more reliable than our long term memories for the details. And while photos are certainly part of that it is the words that go missing when you six+ months behind. I hope that I can get this space updated soon so that I am able to spend my very few minutes of quiet to write on more current happenings. But as it is, I am writing about July in January. Here goes a photo dump along with a few snippets about our life in July 2014.

Jaime's birthday kicks of the month. I can't believe my baby is two. July is also when Ellie turned six months. Again, can't believe my baby is already six months. It is so cliche but holy crap does time fly with kids.

On Jaime's birthday we had breakfast at Taralucchi and played in the sprinklers.

For Jaime's birthday celebration we put up streamers (Dan hung them if you can't tell by the photos) and balloons. We made a chocolate cake and lit two candles. The George balloon was a huge hit. His eyes were so huge and smile so wide by these simple little things.

The big-deal-present was the scooter. I knew he would want one and sure enough, he had been trying to swipe semi-abandoned scooters at the playground. But I held out so it could be part of his birthday.

We went out for a scoot and stroll and you have never seen a cuter sight than a two year old on a scooter. That little tiny foot pushing along is unbelievably adorable. He was so excited to have his own scooter.

Jaime wanted to scoot all the time. And he would wear his helmet to be prepared for when we would say it was time to head out.

Ellie was getting started with solids. We mashed up some purees for the first little bit. But like Jaime she just wanted to take control of the situation. So itty bitty finger foods soon followed. Getting her own highchair made her day... almost as discovering that she could barrel roll to get to Jaime's toys.

Big mornings out in the park lead to big naptimes! We were able to get a little overlap of the two kids' afternoon naps after Ellie had a little playtime.

July is hot and humid and strolling along through the park is often all we could muster on Saturday mornings after a long work week.

I took off a random Tuesday and took the kids to Bryant Park in the morning. I was proud of myself for navigating the subway with the stroller just me and the two kids! :) It poured during naptime so we jumped in puddles and listened for the commuter train at Riverside Park in the afternoon.

Another morning I worked from home so that I could take Jaime out for a little one on one time. He had a difficult transition when I went back to work after maternity leave. And with two so young mornings are a challenge to give everyone what they need before I run to the train. The after work sprint to bedtime is even worse as we balanced getting dinner ready, mealtime, baby feedings, two bathtimes, and bedtimes along side two kids that were demanding attention/playtime... all between 6:00-7:00pm. So anyways, I thought Jaime could use a little undivided attention. We did a scooter date to the Resevoir on a beautiful morning.

What else happened in July? Soccer, naps in the carrier, sweet corn, sidewalk chalk, well visits for both kids, climbing the rocks in the park, watching ants...

Also, Shelby came back to live with us. But I think that should be a post of its own.

July was filled with just being a family of four, doing our thing.