Monday, July 26, 2010

TWO!

Ebbs isn't a man of many words yet, but ask him how old he is and he will either holler "Five!" and hold out all 5 (he likes to steal Anika's fire) or "Two!" and hold out one or two. Eben turned two on June 18th--what a big guy. He spent the day with Grammy and Gramps (two of his favorite people) at the zoo.


In honor of his zeal for all things loud and dangerous--particularly yard equipment--I attempted a lawnmower cake for his little family celebration a few days later. He at least recognized what it was supposed to be, so I was happy! The candles were so fun for him we did it two times. Post-party, he has been making mega block "cakes" for himself and we are all expected to sing "happy birthday" to the boy with the reward of a mega block piece to pretend to munch.





Eben lumps all yard tools into one category--"broom broom" (add a little growl to it when you say it--makes sense). He longs to go to the garage and just touch various broom brooms. He will pop up from a nap if he hears a broom broom in our yard or a neighbor's, eager to watch. His cup overfloweth when Ed actually lets him hold a running weed whacker (sans the string) or I start the leaf blower for him and pass it to him. With that in mind, Kans made him a very special gift, one which she titled, "Eben's New Broom Broom Book". Thanks to all the advertisements in the News Tribune, she gave him a load of eye candy. He requests it often, and I think that makes sweet Kans pretty happy.


I love this pic. Anika is cracking up (while eating applesauce) at Eben's sound effects while viewing his new book.





Some other facts about this two-year-old fella:

-He can't get enough of snuggling or tickling.
-He likes to show off for Kanners (even if he knows he'll get busted for whatever he's doing).
-He LOVES to cozy up for a good book (at least for a few minutes).
-He is passionate about food, music, animals, and broom brooms, of course.
-He has figured out how to hop out of his crib. (So long, sweet, long naps!)
-He wants to be just like Daddy.
-He is PRECIOUS!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

One (of many) wonderful things about dads...


They think of things to do that Mom would never even imagine trying!
Happy Father's Day, babe--you rock!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Something to chase away those rainy June blues...

You're smiling already, aren't you?:)


Dance party!





Well now, things aren't so bad after all, eh?

Friday, May 28, 2010

After Five Weeks...


We can't believe...

...the miraculous way you came into the world. Your birth made us weep with awe for you, the beauty and intimacy of birth, and for a generous Creator who blessed us with your presence.
...it took us two weeks to decide on a name that fits you. Ahh well, it does, and we are glad.
...what a peaceful, graceful newborn you were from the start. Somehow you seemed to know your mama needed some sleep. Thank you, sweet girl!
...how much you like to eat! I guess there isn't much else for you to do, but we are still amazed.
...how absolutely irresistible you are. You are the first person each of us--even your little big brother--looks for in the morning. We love to stare at you, to talk nonsense to your precious little face, to touch your silky, soft skin and listen to your baby noises. You inspire so much joy and devotion without really even trying.
...how much we love you, Rosalie Mette Nau.

Newborn


One Week


Two Weeks


Three Weeks



Four Weeks
Five Weeks

Rosalie Mette Nau
April 27th, 2010
6lbs 12oz

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Fitting right in

So as you can see from the picture below, this little rosie girl is running out of room. Apparently it's still fairly comfortable in there, though, as it seems she's content to stay for a while. Anika was two weeks early and Eben one, so we've been laughing that #3 is a little rebel--already scheming how to be different from the siblings. On the other hand, other than our kids birthdays, have any of you ever known a member of our family to be early? Ahhh, that explains it all; this little sweetie fits right in already! (We are so ready to love on her, though!)
Anika said it best the other day as I was buckling her into her car seat: "Mom, when is that little rascal going to come out?" :)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The joys of spring...

Spring is here! Besides the excitement of new life for our family (baby sis coming any day now), it is so much fun to see the columbine and hollyhock resurrect (and anticipate their unique and beautiful blossoms), the tightly-wrapped nubs of what will soon be lush hasta leaves peeking out, and the little sprouts of mixed greens emerging in the garden. Almost every morning when Eben wakes, we head outside or just stand at the window for a while and take it all in. (He hoots with excitement each time he sees a bird land on a wire or a cat mosey down a driveway. Each new blossom has to be thoroughly sniffed, whether it has a fragrance or not.)

Of course,some folks are moving right past those joys of spring and are on to the fun of summer. Despite the spring chill, this girl was not going to pass a sprinkler moment--not when the sun was out and Mom was feeling lenient.:) Can't say that I joined her, but it sure gave me a good laugh to watch her have her fun.



Eben was a little more sensible in his attire, but enjoyed the sunshine on his new lil Kawasaki all the same. (Dad picks out the best toys!) Thankfully, he's got his big sis to help steer him away from the rock wall drop-off, and to remind him that he must let go of the gas when speeding into the flower beds.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A good time for a GOOD book

Our good friends, the Morr family, gave Anika a C.S. Lewis classic, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, for her birthday. I wasn't sure if we should wait a bit to start reading it (thought the witch might scare her), but when she got sick a few weeks ago, a good book seemed like the perfect medicine, so out it came.



If you have not read the Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, I hope you do at some point. What a beautiful, poignant allegory. I was not prepared to be reading through teary eyes and a lump in my throat. Anika was so moved, she told me it was the saddest she has ever been in a story (not the end...just the climax). A story to make the true sacrifice, redemption, and freedom that we celebrate on Easter come alive. A story which draws your heart to love and celebrate the true Lion, one who "is not safe, but He is good."

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Back at it in 2010!

Yes, yes, I know that I have been a terrible blogger. If you are still checking this site, you are quite a faithful and devoted follower. Oh my, I will try to update a little more often than every 5 months from here on out! I'm going to blame it all on pregnancy. (I only have a few more weeks to use that excuse, so might as well!:)


Yep, only a few more weeks. Baby sis, whom we've come to refer to in the family as "Rosebud" thanks to Anika's insistence that she have some sort reference to a rose in her name, is due April 23rd. She is already so loved! Anika likes to snuggle up close to my tummy and see if sister will kick her right in the face. She acts a little offended and quite thrilled when it actually happens. Before I leave anywhere, I get a kiss and so does my belly, along with a few tender words from Big Sis. Eben on the other hand, shows his love for his sister by blowing on the biggest, roundest tummy he has ever been in contact with. Many, many times. He feels quite comfortable lifting my shirt up anytime, anywhere to make sure his sis gets a big, loud blow. I think he's going to be quite disappointed when that is deflated in a few weeks, but he'll have a new playmate to make up for it! No silly anecdotes about Ed and my tum (sorry!:), but we are both thinking of this new little life daily, and filled with thankfulness for the blessing of another precious child.

So...other events/news since my last entry in November...

Tap, Toe, and Tumble Performance:


Anika had her first dance performance in December and she did GREAT! I think she was a little shocked (as was I) at how many people were in the audience. I absolutely love the pic below; her expression captures the intensity of this new experience for her. The two other girls are buddies from our church whom she was thrilled to take the class with.

December Fun:
Anika and I got to watch the fantastic Nutcracker ballet with Auntie Malena and cousins Eva and Naomi. The performance filled Kans with so much joy and inspiration she was literally dancing in her seat. We have been watching her lengthy performances to the soundtrack ever since. :)
Ed and his mini me playing in the snow on a trip to the cabin.
Christmas fun with the family...looking a little more fresh on Christmas Eve vs. morning, below.:)


February Happenings:

Birthday Fun: Anika turned 5, and she celebrated with a little family party! Has it really been five years since this little firecracker burst onto the scene? Oh Anika, we treasure each stage of those five sweet years with you.

Blowing out the big 5, surrounded by cousins.


Getting a little nutty as the night wore on...:)


Welcoming Baby: Our dear friends, Mairead and Jason, delivered a beautiful baby boy in February. What a joy to see the Shutts become a family, and to hold this precious new life in his first few days here! Welcome, Truman!



March:

Gym Class: Ebbs and Kans have been hitting the gym lately. Watch out! (Ebbs has to have a tag-along parent for his class, but he does his best to ditch us--as well as the rest of the class--to do his own thing.) He absolutely loves the bars and the foam pit. It makes me laugh just thinking about our Thursday morning adventures.



Anika can do a bridge now, and she enjoys the challenges of gym in general. She is also a super cheerleader for Eben during his class.

So, that's about it for now. Life for us is busy and changing, full of lessons and blessings.