Week 28

Will try to post Christmas pics soon. Here's week 28.

Week 27

This is the first time in a few weeks when I'll actually post the weekly picture on the correct day. Anyway, it's been a good week. We've continued to enjoy the winter weather in addition to getting a kick out of Mr. Hans. He turned six months old this week and had his six month appointment where of course they poked him with three needles. He was 26.2" long and 17lbs 10oz for those who like numbers. This puts him at the same length I (Derek) was a six months but three pounds lighter. Yeah, I was a chunk. Hans is as the doctor described 'hyper-alert' (see here) always following the action and refusing to settle for naps if there is even the hint of something exciting going on. Unless of course you put him in some sort of baby carrier and walk around with him. Anyway, it's amazing that six months have passed and he is already sitting up and 'inch-worming' along on his belly (using his face to grip the floor). Here is his week 27 picture.

This week Henry and I put up a new ceiling fan in our living room. Here Henry and I are attaching the blades to some brackets (the hard hats were his idea).

Also, we decided to let Henry open his Christmas presents early since we're going to be out of town soon and we wanted him to have the opportunity to play with them before we left. So here are some pictures from our 'Christmas morn.'
Before Picture:

After Picture:

Henry scored so far with a couple of nice Playmobile toys (snow plow is pictured) plus some hotwheels track, a light bright and a Leapfrog 'Tag Reader.' With he exception of the last one it was a pleasingly low-tech Christmas. Happy Holidays!

Week 26

So we are still a week behind. Let's see if I can double post today. Winter is here. We've gone sledding, built a snowman and did some ice skating. It's been fun. Here are last weeks pics.

Hans riding in his winter-ready jogger.

If you spend any time around Hans you'll learn that these eyes are....intense.

Here's the week 26 picture. Yep, in pajamas again.

 

To finish up, a couple of pics of Henry playing in his 'dragster.' Complete with steering wheel and opening hood.

Week 25

Ahh winter is here and so are holiday festivities...and we've fallen behind big time with posting stuff. So today, there's little time to write. Below you'll find the Week 25 picture (from last Sat (12/4). You'll also see Hans enjoying his stocking and checking out his and Henry's Christmas tree.

Couldn't pass up photographing Hans all bundled to go outside.

Week 24

We made it home from our holiday travels. It was a lot of fun but an exhausting week (more so for Henry than anyone). We had a lot of fun with family but not so much fun driving the 540+ miles home. Anyway, here are some pics from the last week (once we got home - I hope to post some pics from our time with family later).

Henry and I just got the leaves raked before our first snow. Here he's enjoying the age-old activity of riding through dad's freshly raked pile of leaves.

Below is a sequence I shot for Hans' most 24 week picture. This is a recurring trend.

In my time as a stay at home dad, I've worked on getting Henry to take a more active role in helping with Hans. It only works well 20% of the time.

 In other news about Hans a couple of observations:
1. Tooth pain must really suck
2. Hans does not hide his emotions. Ever.
3. Our boys both like to eat. We're going to need to raise more than chickens soon.

Week 23

It is the beginning of weight-gain season and we're off to a smashing start. The boys have enjoyed our recent travels and did remarkably well in the car after two days and roughly 10 hours of driving. Pics to follow.

First, a couple of pictures from home. Henry 'levitating' with excitement.

Henry remembered the other day that I had a guitar so I got it out and played for the two boys. Then it was his turn. Hans was not impressed.

Henry got to meet my uncle Raymond. He had met him one other time (when he was about 4 months old), but for some reason he LOVED Ray.

Ok, on to Hans. This was the best I could do this week for the weekly shot. Blurry and poor choices of color for outfit and/or background. Oh well.

I can make up for that with the following two shots of Hans.

Week 22

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).