OK – these guys are too cute. Thomas asked me to take a photo of him with Samuel. It’s a little out of focus but could not be more adorable.

I love spending time outside with Thomas and an easel and some paints. I wish we could do it more. Today’s project – a picture for Nan for her birthday.

This photo is a little sentimental. It marks the last day that Samuel and I had together before he started daycare. I am so grateful for the four months while I was off work and Thomas was in daycare – when we were able enjoy each other’s company and really bond. I am going to miss spending so much time with this little guy. I will just have to make the most of the time we do have together.

A cowboy hat, a cowboy song (thanks Wiggles) and a funky little dance. That’s all it takes to entertain us these days. And Thomas IS very entertaining.

Thomas and his friend Ava “helping” Riley open his birthday presents. Riley is the kid you can barely see peeking out from behind Thomas. I don’t think he minded too much. Thomas and Ava were very sweet about the whole thing when they weren’t ripping open the paper like their lives depended on it. And at least Riley took home the booty.

I’m not sure how Thomas is going to make it to his next birthday. He asks about it every day. Good thing we have Christmas before then and I envision lots of “helping” Samuel in May at his first birthday.

Now that Samuel is older, and able to move his head, he spends a lot of time watching Thomas. I have heard that this happens when younger siblings begin to worship their older siblings. I just didn’t think it would happen this soon. Good thing the feeling is mutual. When I asked Thomas the other day who his best friend is he said “Samuel”. When I asked why he said “because he does funny tricks”. Must be his ability to wake every two hours without any apparent repercussions.

He sucks his thumb and it’s incredibly cute. I’ll worry about potential repercussions later, but right now I want to enjoy this short lived period of cuteness.

Almost back to work, which means almost back to reality. A different kind of reality, that is. One of the best things about having a newborn in Portland is the chance to attend the Mommy Matinee. My weekly infusion of (almost) current movies. The up side? You can take the baby along and no one cares if he cries. You can also eat pizza (or other food) and even grab a beer while you escape for a couple of hours. The down side? You don’t get to choose he movie (let’s not talk about The Happening again – but at least I ate lunch while watching so it wasn’t a total waste of two hours).

September 11 marked my final Mommy Matinee. The Movie (Get Smart) wasn’t great but it was a sentimental farewell from this Mummy.

This is how I experienced the very early morning of September 10th. 2am to be exact. I guess Thomas was still suffering from jetlag so he was up between 11 and 3. What better time to potty train?

Our second day home and time for Thomas to return to daycare. This is how he arrives home most days – covered in dirt. There are some stains on his clothes that I am never going to be able to get out.

But I actually love it that he has the freedom to get dirty at daycare. And he can always wash it off when he gets home and I love the fact that he is exploring with his hands…and sometimes his face I guess.

Of course this means that some of his clothes will never be handed down to Samuel, but I think Samuel might eventually be grateful for some new things. Poor kid is destined to receive hand me downs for many years to come.