Imaginations at work

Liam and Gavin have begun to show us their true imaginations at work. Whether playing together or alone, they both love to create elaborate plots with their toys or engage in make believe play together. We took them to see Toy Story 3 recently, and as I watched the little boy from the movie, Andy, playing with his toys, I couldn't help but think Disney must have been studying our little men during playtime in order to get material for that movie. It is so much fun to watch them grow and become such creative, playful boys. 

Dane and I have started a tradition that the boys simply call "movie night". We let them choose a movie, we spread blankets on the floor, I make popcorn and we usually have some sweet treat (jellybeans or cookies). We all spread out on the living room floor, turn out the lights and enjoy the show. The boys LOVE this. It is cheap fun that I will remember forever. 

Because they have such vivid imaginations, the boys have taken to hosting their own "movie nights" for their toys and stuffed animals. They take our big exercise ball and put in against the dining room wall (usually secured by Dane's push up handles). This becomes the "TV". They spread out a throw from our couch on the floor and gather several stuffed animals, various toy story figures, cars and maybe some balls (that is Gavin of course), "cook" up some delicious snacks in their toy kitchen and sit in front of the pack n play to "watch" their movie. It is quite a production to watch. Although 1 part of me wants to cringe at the mess that ensues from the setup, I can't help but laugh (and get a little excited) when I hear Gavin ask Liam, "E-am, wanna have movie night?" Knowing that Liam will run and grab the blanket and promptly give Gavin orders for what he needs to track down to get things set up. I need to record this one night when they don't know I am watching. 

It may take me 15 minutes to clean it up, but getting to watch their little imaginations at work (or play) is priceless. 

Baby Dane is here!

He is here! Dane Patrick Stangler was welcomed into the world on June 1st, 2010! Weighing in at 8 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long, he had lots of sandy brown/blonde hair and looked very much like Liam did at birth. We couldn't be more excited he is here. Liam and Gavin just love him. They have taken to the transition fairly well.

He is such a sweet baby. Very content most of the time. He is already trying to look around to find his big brothers when he hears them playing. Dane and I feel so lucky to have such cute, lovable children. Let the adventures begin! Here are some pictures from the day of delivery to the first few days at home. Enjoy!

This is my final belly shot taken at 0530 in the morning on June 1st right before we left to go the hospital!

Hello world! Another big boy! Born at 0832.

Big brothers Liam and Gavin getting to meet Dane for the first time in the recovery room.

They couldn't look any happier!

We had to take this picture- it is tradition. We have taken a picture of Dane in his scrubs each delivery.

Sweet (yet yellow) face

So squishy in his boppy.

Looking a bit tired there daddy!

Mommy could use a nap too!

Going home!

Our handmade welcome sign

First family photo.

swinging

All hands on deck for a feeding

Squeaky clean

Blog Resuscitation

Well....There are no excuses. I have just been lazy. But in 6.5 days Baby Dane will be here. I realize it is time to get this thing going again. Three boys 4 and under should provide some entertaining material. Here is to life getting crazier.

Should We Be Concerned For the Future?

Gavin loves to run around naked. This is how I found him after a recent bath. It most certainly needed to be documented for the future. He keeps us on our toes.

Happy 2nd Birthday Gavin!

Today our little boy turns 2! His birthday seems to have come so fast this year. He has grown so much in the last few months. His vocabulary has taken off. There is little he won't say. It isn't always clear to everyone, but he does pretty well for a kid that didn't say mama until 15 months! He is active, loves to climb, can kick and catch a ball, not to mention almost hit one out of the yard. He hasn't even needed a tee since this summer! He loves the moon, tomatoes and can't wait to be a big brother to his soon to come little brother. (even if he insists that we name him apple!)

We have lots of pictures to come of Christmas and birthday festivities. Stay tuned for more, but for now....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU GAVIN! We love you buddy.

Dos Reales

Since I have been pregnant, the boys have taken to pretending that they have babies. They pick some random animal and carry it with them, feed them, put them down for naps and get their babies toys. It is pretty cute. A couple of nights ago, Liam informed us that they were going to take their babies to Dos Reales ("dos ralls"). This is a mexican restaurant that we go to frequently with Lynn and Richard, which is a favorite! They set up an elaborate tablescape in the dining room and took their babies and had a lovely meal (which Dane and I were eventually invited to join).

I love listening to their imaginations at work. Liam leaves no detail out. Not to mention how fun it is to watch the boys playing together. They are best friends and I hope that it stays that way.

And the Tree is Up

Last week Dane had two work trips to Washington and New York. The boys and I decided that we would get the house holiday ready while he was gone. While they ate their standard breakfast waffles, I carried all of the boxes up from downstairs. They were so excited to see all of the things that we had to put out for Christmas.

Luckily, last year (for the first time) Dane and I were smart and bundled and labeled the tree parts so it only took me about 10 minutes to assemble. I laid lots of ornaments out on the floor and the boys had a great time hanging 3-6 on one branch at a time. They were interested in who each ornament belonged to. We listened to some Christmas music while we hung the stockings, finished the tree and spread out the eclectic mix of things that we have to decorate the house.

I thought that this year would be a little easier and require less patrol of the tree. Everyone is a year older and wiser, right? Wrong. Gavin's excitement and curiosity could not be contained and we had 4 ornament mishaps in the first 5 hours of the tree being up. SInce then, his interest has been equally spread between the tree and all of the things that play music. The tree remains intact, my sanity is not. I am hearing the songs in my sleep.

They were excited to show daddy the results of our hard work when he came back home between trips. Just like any other day, it ended with a game of "tackle" in the living room.