Hello? Are you still there?

I've become a big fat tugboat while you weren't looking...

More likely than not, you've been asking yourself that very question about us. We are, in fact, still here growing and going strong, but several things have conspired to keep me from blogging much. First, we had a second kid. I'm not sure how much you know about kids, but let me tell you, they take up A LOT of your time. One took up most of my time and the additional kid now takes up just about all the rest, in a blissful, happy sort of way. Second, we went on vacation for 3 weeks to Loon Lake in upstate NY. We all had a grand old time in the woods, but didn't get a chance to write about our adventures. Finally, we moved! We bought a new house and sold our old house and now live a sweet new place in northwest Austin. We love our new home, but there are still loads and loads of boxes to unpack. With all this nonsense going on, there hasn't been much time for blogging. Sorry about that. Here's a rundown of our comings and goings of late.

Win, or WinnieWin as Martin has christened him, is almost 4 months old already! At first we thought he was going to be a magnificent ball of chubbles, but his growth has slowed down a little bit and he now seems just right. His legs and arms have extra folds in all the right places, and his budding belly hangs out just far enough. He's a jolly little guy who's quick with a smile or giggle. He was a stellar sleeper for the first three months, but has lately become much more demanding in his preferences for how to be put to sleep. This means I've been getting much less sleep and more cuddle time with my littlest boy. Enter Dr. Ferber and his tried and true sleep training. Win is on day 3 of Sleep Boot Camp, which pretty much entails lots of crying and a little sleeping. Fortunately, results should come quickly, and we should all be happy and sleeping well again soon. Other than that, Win is a happy little boy who relishes all the attention we give him, which, considering he's Martin's little brother, isn't always as much as he deserves. Win's just the best.

Martin is 2 1/2 and all boy. He's slimmed down and is now a wiggling, giggling mass of muscle and determination. His favorite game is "Chase Me!" where one of us is supposed to fly around the house after him. Martin has become a big fan of our oft-neglected dog, Abita, and loves to chase her around the yard. That's by far my favorite version of chase me. Martin's quite the talker, and has recently started using his words to play mind games with us. While Grandma was visiting last week and we were all sitting outside, the following conversation occurred:
Martin: "Hey Grammie, want to come inside and play with my toys?"
Grandma, who is happily sitting outside with a glass of wine and Win on her lap: "Um, not right now Martin. I have to hold Winnie." (and I've already built 6 car warshes out of blocks for you, played with the train 8 times, not to mention I got up with you at 6:45.)
Martin: "Why don't you give Winnie to Mommy and come inside."
Grandma, looking a bit fidgety, but still sticking to her guns: "No thanks, I think I'll stay out here and talk to Mommy and Daddy."
Martin, in his best singsongy voice: "Grammie, we've got fans inside. And air conditioning. It's so COOL in my house. Don't you want to come inside?"
With that, Grandma can no longer resist Martin's charms and she heads inside to build another car wash out of blocks.

Martin's doing great. He still truly loves vacuums, but has graduated to become a true connoisseur of lawn equipment. As we drive through our neighborhood, he narrates for me. "Look, Mommy! A riding lawn mower!" or "Mommy, did you see that! It was a backpack leafblower! With a cord, Mommy. A cord!" I think his little heart skips a beat each time we see a wood chipper parked in front of someone's house. Nothing pleases him like a trip to Lowe's to try out every grass trimmer, chainsaw, leaf blower, or lawn mower not tied down. Here's a little tip from me - NEVER buy the floor models in the garden section of Lowe's. Martin and every other small engine loving toddler has broken it in for you, and probably broken it as well.

Here are some pictures of our little family for you to enjoy. Till next time, peace out!

Win up at Loon Lake and asleep (7 weeks old). We'd stack cushions on top of him to trick him into thinking he was still being cuddled. He'd sleep for minutes!

We enjoyed several delicious happy hours up at Loon Lake. We decided it was time to teach Martin the most important happy hour manner, namely no double dipping. This is what we got for our efforts - a whole bunch of half-eaten snacks. Clever little monster.

Martin, the happy hiker, about to ascend Stewart Mtn, elev. 200 ft. He actually did an amazing amount of the hiking himself, lured with power vitamins (jelly beans).

After the hike, a rare moment at rest.

Winnie gets acquainted with Chestertown's most famous roadside attraction, the enormous cock. Ride 'em, cowboy!

Not the best picture, but a decent comparison of the size difference between the boys.

Remember this? We planted a tree for Martin just three weeks after he was born in our old back yard.

Here's Martin and the tree, 2 1/2 years later. How they've both grown!

Winnie's learning to master the play mat. You should see him throw punches at the poor little animals who dangle helplessly from the arches. He's merciless!

This Ferbering is fun, you say? I'm intrigued.

Martin, in a classic big brother move, helps give Win a bottle.

We all headed to Zilker Park one lovely afternoon to feed the ducks and enjoy one of Austin's finest attractions, Lady Bird (formerly Town) Lake. Here, Martin and Dad head down to the water. Talk to you soon!