Big shoes to fill

I was just re-reading our last post and thinking how much has changed in only 4 weeks! Ethan's proficiency with walking and talking has grown dramatically. He primarily uses 1 word at a time unless prompted, but will attempt 3 syllibals--words like octapus and chickadee (what Target calls their version of Goldfish crackers.) He never tires of us reading to him, and can often be found "reading" by himself.

Meal time is increasingly interesting as he can now feed himself with a spoon things like yogurt, chowders, and applesauce. There is often much weeping and nashing of teeth, as Mommy insists on holding onto the bowl but to his delight, he can do it by himself. Yes, we have a suction cup bowl, but he can often remove it :0) Eric and I usually pray holding hands before dinner. For the first time recently, Ethan took our hands and said, "pray". He immediately begins eating while we pray, and often says, "amen" mid-prayer, but none-the-less it warms our hearts. We look forward to seeing his heart more and sharing with him the God who has impacted our lives so significantly.

Ethan loves his "special" time with Daddy--my two early birds usually spend time together first thing in the morning, while I am still waking up. I enjoy the laughter and breakfast noises that float up the stairwell each morning. The post-dinner routine often involves wrestling together (see the video below), Ethan taking a bubble bath, jammies and stories by Daddy. Eric has mastered the bedtime routine and is requested by Ethan if not present.



Ethan moved into his new room a few weeks ago to make room for his baby brother. He has adjusted well and enjoys sharing his books with the baby by putting (well, really throwing them) into the cradle as he says, "baby". He continues to be excited about the baby's arrival--lifting my shirt to kiss my belly and say, "baby" many times a day :0) He also frequently requests his "Big brother" book. In just 4 1/2 short weeks, baby Mac will be here! Our c-section is scheduled for Monday, March 21 at 11am. My Mom will arrive a few days ahead of time to care for Ethan while we are in the hospital, and stay for a while following our return home to help ease the transition. We are so grateful for she and my Dad's willingness to support us in this way!

We have great local community too and we felt very loved by our friends hosting a "sprinkle" (a baby shower, smaller scale for a second child) for us yesterday. It was wonderful to anticipate and celebrate the life of our son with the people who will make up his extended community on a daily basis. Last weekend, Eric and I enjoyed an overnight at a B & B in the southern Adirondack's, stopping by a chowder fest on Saturday and a winter carnival on Sunday. We were grateful to have actually made the trip, not to be thwarted by our babysitters son having a fever the night before our departure and 5" of snow on Saturday as we were traveling! It was a good time to connect with each other, rest and have a few moments to ourselves :0) And yes, we have snow here in the Northeast. Not as much as you might think, only 60 inches or so (the record is twice that amount). Eric has had fun being "king of the mountain" knocking down our snow piles so they are low enough to toss more snow upon :0)