Major news for this week (for the three of you who read this and don't already know) was that I (Derek am now a full-time stay-at-home dad until Jan 24! Whew. It's been an interesting transition to go from dealing with 130 15-18 year olds every day to dealing with two children (in whom you have invested your entire self). I wouldn't say one of these is easier than the other.
They are just very different.
Of course I've been a teacher now for almost 10 years so that particular job comes more automatically to me. The challenges of being a stay-at-home parent seem to pop out of nowhere still as I don't have the wisdom of years to help me out. That and over the last 10 years the ages of my clientele have been the same. So though the faces change I more or less deal with similar behaviors, attitudes, etc... Of course my hope as a teacher is that I help to facilitate some positive growth and maturation during my time with the students.
With Henry and Hans the challenges seem to vary from one day to the next. Like today Henry was beyond Tired from the moment he woke up. Don't know why. Just know that when Henry breaks into tears 5 times before 10:00 am it is going to be a rough day.
Anyway, the boys are napping right now. Whew. So I thought I'd post the weekly pictures.
At the end of this week we'll get the opportunity to spend a week with Tina's family. All of us are excited.
Anyway, here are the pictures. Hans is a happy boy and is always quick with the smile (unless he's hungry, poopy or tired).
Week 20. Hans is very fun. Overall he's a very jolly, smiley kid. Loves to stand with help, sit up with some help and watch Henry play. We're not sleeping so well these days but I'm hoping that is something that changes in the next week or so before I go back to work. I'm optimistic at this point.
The weather was wonderful this weekend. We spent one morning hiking at a county park. Henry did a great job hiking and Hans was a trooper and slept the whole time in the carrier. Derek showed Henry how to roll down a hill. Later Henry asked him to do it again but Derek said he was still somewhat dizzy from earlier. I don't think adults are meant to spin around that fast. 
Back up the hill after rolling.
At the top of our hike. As you see, we missed the leaves changing. It was still a beautiful day and it was fun to get out and enjoy it all together. Too bad Hans is looking the other way at the valley otherwise it would be a great family picture. 
Week 19
Henry's halloween costume (he actually helped me sew it)
One night Hans was a mess so one of us had him and the other was making dinner. Henry was quietly playing in the living room and made this all by himself. Wow. 
I vaguely remember a picture of me about this age with the same expression. I normally think Hans looks more like Derek.
Derek and Henry already have the coop ready for Christmas. Actually we have it lit so that the birds keep laying since there isn't enough daylight. First Derek had just put a light up top. The first morning he went out and there was serious bird confusion. They wanted to get up but outside the coop it was still dark. So, there was a line up of birds on the ramp leaving the coop. They are so funny sometimes. Derek and Henry then added the strand of lights down below with their food and water which seems to be enough for them to get out the door of the coop, down the ramp and to the food and water. So far, we're still getting eggs. Hopefully it keeps up.