We're too Tired to Title this Post

Let me get this out the way and show you a picture of the beautiful loaf of egg bread I made a while back for dinner. Did I mention it was a weeknight? Nothing less than a Tuesday night mind you. I had to skedaddle to Mutual AND Tyler had signed us up for the missionaries. I'm expecting my medal in the mail any day now. That bread was good. I think I'll make it again tomorrow.

This is a picture we took of everyone from Tyler's side of the family together for Henry's blessing. My mom has some pictures up on the Porterfield blog of her and my Dad with the boys so I won't post them twice. I always leave these kinds of days wishing we'd taken more pictures. I don't think we got a single one of Tyler, the boys and me with my parents. I guess we were too busy having fun. It was great having my folks here and I really wish they could've stayed longer. We picked them up from the airport Saturday morning and bummed around Seattle. We went to Pike's and explored the shops underneath and across the street, including my Mom's favorite antique store down by the waterfront parking--you know the one I'm talking about. If you've never ventured beneath the main level of the market, you're really missing out. Next time you're there, be sure to check it out. There are a few good shops mixed in with some really odd ones. Once we were done there, we headed over to the Seattle Center to do all the things one does there. AND THEN, we drove up to our neck of the woods and got seafood for dinner. I'm not sure how Mack was able to stay awake for everything. It was Henry's first time out of the house for an entire day, and I think he took it pretty well. The next day was Henry's blessing and after church, everyone crammed into our apartment for Chili and Scones. Given that Ty's family aren't big sweets people, I was worried Scones wouldn't exactly be their cup of tea. But Tyler insisted it would be okay and the Scones actually turned out to be a big hit. Later that evening, after our bellies were full and everyone had gone home, it was time to take my parents back to the airport. Like I said, it was great having them. We loved taking them to do all our favorite things and can't wait for next time.

Here are my two little monsters taking an afternoon nap. Mack moved into the big boy bottom bunk bed a couple of weeks ago and it's been going pretty well. we have a few problems with nap time every once in a while. Mostly on weekends because he knows Daddy is home and he just wants to play so badly! Henry takes two GOOD naps a day, from 9-11am and 1-3pm, in addition to a cat nap or two in the early evening. He is still waking up to eat about 3x a night. Luckily he goes down for the night around 7pm and doesn't get up for good until about 7am the next morning.

We recently became members at the Pacific Science Center. Since Mack and Henry are still free, it's a great bargain for our little family. They have a wonderful toddler area along with a bunch of other great exhibits and my favorite -the Tropical Butterfly House. There is even a private little area for nursing if your little guy (like my little guy) feels like being a tad difficult that day. On our first trip to the PSC, Ty took Mack on one of the rides at the Fun Forest with some tickets leftover from when my parents came. Mack LOVED it, as you can tell from this picture. If you look closely you'll also notice that Tyler and Mack were matching that day. It shouldn't be hard to take advantage of our PSC memberships. I try to take the little men into "town" once a week. I tell Tyler it's my way of fighting the suburban hermit syndrome. I think he thinks I'm a little nuts. All I know is, the boys and I really enjoy getting together with him once a week for our special lunch.

I want to leave you with a little bit of an explanation for pictures Tyler posted on our last update. The ones of Henry with the blanket behind him were rejects from a little photo shoot we did in our living room for Henry's baby announcement. If those were the rejects you can just imagine how cute the announcement is going to be, so if you want one and you're not sure we've got your address, drop us a line. The profile shot of Mack with the ferry in the background is from a picnic we took two weeks ago (last Saturday was Ikea and dinner at Ty's folks' house), at the Edmonds Ferry Dock. We also took the photo shown above. It was Henry's first picnic, and we all had a good time watching the trains, boats and scuba divers and throwing in a few rocks.

Tune in next time for Adventures in Potty Training.

Pictorial Update

UPDATE ME!!

update me NOW!
okay, maybe not now but soon! find some stinkin' time!

This is for my sisters, and my Mom...

Belated

Some of you might be asking yourself, "What's this kid Henry like anyway?" "What does he like to do in his spare time?" Henry enjoys frequent cat naps, long nursing sessions, rides in his swing and kisses from his big brother. He does NOT like being having his clothes or diapers changed, gas, and nighttime. But most of all, he and Mack both love it when I dress them in matching or semi coordinating outfits. They haven't told me this themselves, but I can just tell. Some things, a mother just knows.

Sleeping,

then kisses,

followed by more sleeping.

Topped off with matching pajamas. (You try to pick just one picture of these boys sleeping in matching PJ's in the same crib. It's tough stuff!)


Yesterday, was Henry's one month check up. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and dress the two little men in their "brother" shirts (thanks mom!). After the we got back, we had a photo shoot (Of COURSE!). The appointment went well, Henry's up to a whopping 10lbs 10oz. (That first picture is for you, Danna. Long live air-keyboard!)

I can now make rolls and scones. Rolls and scones like my Mom's. If you don't know or understand what a huge deal this is I feel sorry for you. If you've never had scones at my Mom's house, then you've never had a truly good Sunday afternoon. And a holiday without really good, soft and sweet rolls... it's just not a holiday. Next up: Cinnamon Rolls. Let's try and keep all these carbs between us friends and not mention it to the part of me that's trying to work out 3x a week and loose the extra baby weight. Deal?
Like a lot of people, Tyler and I have mixed emotions concerning the passing of our beloved prophet, President Hinckley. Anything we could write concerning his life's work and the impression he has left on us would be simply inadequate to say the least. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We're certain he's much happier and comfortable now and is surely doing a great deal of good in Heaven just has here on earth.

The First Haircut

We finally worked up the courage to cut Mack's hair.

Henry's Home

We brought Henry home on Friday the 29th. Luckily Fern's mom is here to make the transition from 1 kid to 2 easier (i.e. I don't have to wake up to change diapers). Here are some more pics of the lad:

Henry Allen Thompson

Born on 12/27/07 @ 8:32 AM
7 lbs 9 oz---21 inches




Stay tuned for better pics...this was just a few minutes after birth!

A Merry Christmas Indeed

Santa definitely came for Mack and me this Christmas. Fern gave me a TomTom GPS navigator that I love. I will never get lost again (not that I did before). Mack doubled his toy supply including a total of 14 new cars. I think he is in toy overload. When he came out of his room and saw his presents he said "Santa!" very matter-of-factly We spent 2 and a half hours opening presents, mostly because Mack only wanted to play with the cars he opened first. Fern got some pretty cools gifts too but lets face it full-term pregnant women are hard to shop for. Everything I got her was a hit except the embroidered slippers that she described as "fit for an 80 year old woman" Oh well, I'm a dad now which means I have to buy at least one lame gift. On Christmas Eve, Fern hosted a very successful party with tons of holiday snacks. We did the traditional nativity, ate open-faced sandwiches and performed a talent show.

Today we went in for Fern's amniocentesis to make sure the baby's lungs have developed so that she can be induced a week early (hospital policy). Everything went well and we are just waiting for the results. If the tests come back okay we will be having a baby as soon as they have room for us. So, that is the quick update and final update before Henry Allen is born!!!

We'll keep you posted....

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Guess who we saw today! Santa! After weeks and weeks of walking past the "Big Guy" and talking him up to Mack as much as we could, it was finally time. Mack did great! He walked right up to Santa and even gave him a sheepish "Ho, ho, ho." We're very proud to say the least.

Here are a few shots from earlier today of Mack all dressed up with the tree before we ventured out in search of Jolly ol' Saint Nick.

And here is a little of what I have been up to (besides growing a baby, yada yada yada). Sewing. I've been making all sorts of different things, but these are the only three I can show you. Maybe after Christmas it will be safe to post a few pictures of the other things I've made lately, but I think by then we'll be too busy oohing and ahhing over Henry to care about stuff I made way back in December. The first picture is a Christmas banner and the next two are Christmas slippers. The pair on the left were for a friend of mine who had a baby two weeks ago, and the ones on the right are for Mack and have a layer of fleece between the inner and outer layer. My favorite part is that I made them all from scraps I was going to throw away.

In the way of less documented news, Tyler and I decided to treat ourselves to a night at The Edgewater Hotel last Friday night. It was my first time spending the night away from Mack and I can honestly say that --while I do love him--I didn't miss him at all. Tyler's mom, Karen, was nice enough to take Mack for the night last minute after Ty and I decided to book the room on whim through Priceline (aka: we got a great deal). Our stay coincided with a "carol off" downtown, where a bunch of organizations were attempting to out sing each other. It was very festive and we had an amazing time. I can't WAIT to do it again. Sadly, the next day Tyler and Mack both came down with very sore throats. Both have recovered and are doing well now, and I'm glad to get all the illnesses out of the way before Christmas. This is going to be my last post until at least the new year. Until then, I'm turning over all blogging duties to my (hopefully) competent and able husband, Tyler. If you have any specific requests, or complaints, you'll need to take them up with him. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sankt Nikolaus Tag

Today is Sankt Nikolaus Tag, and luckily, Mack has been a very good boy this year. Last night, after Mack had carefully placed his shoes by the front door, Sankt Nikolaus came and left him some goodies. A banana, kinder chocolate and a dinosaur mask. As you can see he was very excited about the chocolate and insisted on eating the banana right away. Unfortunately, he's not feeling 100% this morning and due to a little cold and hasn't really noticed the mask yet. I can't blame him, I don't like things strapped to my face when I have a stuffy nose either. If your wondering why he's all dressed instead of in his PJ's, it's because last night his diaper just wasn't up to job, as I discovered this morning.

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! Here is Mack starting our homemade advent calender. I made your basic paper ring chain and then stapled some peppermint nougat candy to each link. The links are for Mack, and the candy is for Tyler. For us, Saturday was basically the perfect way to start December. Let me paint you a picture, or at least show you some pictures.
1st: I made blueberry muffins to start of our morning.

2nd: Mack sneaked into our closet, to reemerge wearing a pair of sneakers, a baseball cap and holding two packs of bias tape (for sewing). He was very proud of himself.
3rd: We picked up our Christmas Tree from a nursery about two blocks away.
4th: Mack took a nap while Tyler put the lights on the tree and I made Mexican Hot Chocolate. Yum. Then, Ty and I decorated the tree. This is our first Christmas we'll be spending at our own apartment, so we're VERY excited to have a tree and do all the decorating and preparation for Christmas.

5th: Mack woke up just in time to put a few finishing touches on the tree. He LOVED it! So far he's been very good at not touching the tree or breaking/playing with any of the ornaments. The only things he really goes for are the candy canes, two of which he broke in half this morning. I think the needles on the tree feel a little weird to him so he doesn't like to touch them, but he does seem to enjoy walking around the tree, gently touching each ornament with one little out stretched finger while I say "don't touch." I don't really mind him gently nudging the ornaments, but where do you draw the line with a 19 month old? I can't really explain to him "What you're doing there is fine, but please don't pick up any of them and throw them across the room just because they look like balls. And please don't grab onto the tree and knock the whole thing over." So we stick with "don't touch" and that seems to be working just fine.

6th: While we were finishing up the tree, we noticed it'd started snowing. So we bundled Mack up in his coat, hat, gloves and snow bibs and went out to play. As far as Mack's attitude towards snow, I think the pictures speak for themselves. Let's just say, it makes him a little uncomfortable...In case you haven't heard, we had a good 24hrs of snow and then it rained for the next 24hrs. Washington has had some serious flooding problems, there are a few roads closed around us and some people from the apartment complex came by and lined our patio with sandbags, but that's pretty much been it for us. People around here always assume that since we lived in San Diego, we must hate the rain and snow. Not true! We love the diverse weather here! I mean, I don't love it when people's home are flooded, but it is so nice to live in a place with all FOUR seasons.