a fall weekend

One of the perks of living in Maine is the natural beauty that surrounds us on all sides.  We've had some pretty spectacular weather (hello, days in the 70s) which has meant taking full advantage of being outside.  Cool, rainy weather is upon us now, and I think the glory days are behind us.

Two weekends ago we filled our tank to the fullest: apple picking, pumpkin fest, and a visit to friends on the ocean.  Foliage and sea, what could be better?

On our way to apple picking with Gayle and Lucas, Kyalo said, 'The last time we went apple picking was with Rua in New Jersey.'  He was absolutely right - we went apple picking in New Jersey with part of our 'fab four' group of friends from school.  He was just under 18 months.  His memory never fails to amaze me!

The orchard we went to was not that far away.  But the stunning views were astonishing after driving through tree-lined roads.

I mean, seriously

could this apple be any more perfect?

Here's our happy apple-pickin' guy with the beautiful view behind him. (Thanks to Gayle for grabbing this shot - I was in the car with Malaikah at this point, I think).

After apple picking we headed down to the farm stand for apple cider and donuts, and their amazing play structures.  I think the boys would have happily played all day.  

that smile. . . 

The next day was c-o-l-d but we headed out to a nearby Pumpkin Patch for the usual activities of bounce houses, corn mazes (my first one! fun), hay rides and pumpkin picking.  

Then on Sunday we dashed over to Owl's Head for a visit with Judy and Neil.  I'll get those pictures up another day, but wanted to share a few more fall-ish pictures...

Last week we had glorious weather, and so Gayle called me one afternoon to tell me that they were at the park across from our house.  Since Kyalo was in bed for nap, but not sleeping, we ditched the nap and headed over there.  The boys had so much fun playing in the leaves.  

happy boys

Let me just say, leaves and Kyalo's hair do not mix.  It was quite the ordeal (for Dexter) to get all the leaf crumbs and twigs out of his hair...and the bathroom looked like a tree died in there.  Well worth it though, for those smiles.

visitors

Having a new born, a new job, and a new house mean that there are plenty of reasons to come visit. Since Malaikah was born, we've been fortunate to have a few visitors - and more are coming in the next ten days.  I think everyone's trying to get their visiting in before the snow comes.  Then we're on our own - or we'll do our own visiting. . .if you live in warmer climes, of course.

Francis was able to squeeze a visit in to us after a couple of weeks in the US for conferences and other medical stuff.  Of course, he started in San Diego, so a trip to RURAL Maine after that was a bit of a let down.  Good thing we had a baby to entice him!  The visit was short, and sweet, and fairly slow-paced since I was 10 days from my C-Section.   But we did the usual things - lots of cups of chai, he got a hike in to see the beautiful Maine views, a nice dinner with the families of the dental clinic, and of course, a bit of baseball with Kyalo.  And of course, we didn't get any pictures until they were loading up the car to head to the airport.

One of these days, I hope, we will be all together again.  If only flying to Kenya as a family of four wasn't such an ordeal!

The next visitors are a couple I've known my whole life. My mom was pregnant with me the same time Lynn was pregnant with their daughter, Alisa.  They have a son the same age as my brother.  We only lived in the same city for a few years, but the friendships have remained strong despite the years and the distance. Bas and Lynn are retired now, and are traveling across the country in a little camper, seeing the sites and reconnecting with friends and family from their past.  After their visit, Dexter started researching campers.  Maybe some day we'll do a similar cross-country trek.  Having visitors in town who knew me as a toddler makes for some interesting story-telling...and of course, only the horror stories were told.  (Unless, there are ONLY horror stories?)

 Kyalo wasn't in a picture-taking mood, clearly

Malaikah was actually awake!

The nice thing about visitors is that you can get whole-family photos.

It is fun having visitors pop in on us.  We are on a main road that cuts through Maine, so it is easy for people to be passing by (on their way to NH or the mountains).  Next to come are friends Judy and Neil, and my aunt Ellen from Baltimore comes next week.

Any one else?

One month

Here we go again, with the monthly photo updates.  Except that life is a little busier these days, and I'm finding it hard to get out the 'real' camera much.  So, poor Malaikah, she's stuck with fly by iPhone photos.  I'll try to get better about getting more regular photos and posts up.

Last Friday, Malaikah turned one month which is truly hard to believe.  Already the newness of having her around is wearing off, and it just feels normal to have another baby in the house.  She's growing rapidly, and already phasing out of that squishy newborn stage.  It is a little heartbreaking, these fleeting moments of motherhood.  I'm trying to treasure them as best I can, but even still, it is zipping right on by.

I took her for her one month check up yesterday.  Can I just say how wonderful it feels to finally have a *real* pediatrician?  One who (gasp) takes appointments, who sits and talks with me about any concerns I have, and who weighs and measures without my having to ask?  After struggling for three years with Kyalo, this feels like a major step forward.  Can't wait to get Kyalo an appointment for his 4 year check up.  It is a whole new world we've entered! One more thing to be grateful for.

I digress.

As I look at these pictures, I realize I didn't get full-body shots on her one month.  I'll try again next month.

 October 10, 2014

October 14, 2014

Length: 20 1/2 inches (15th %)

Weight: 10 pounds 1 ounce (60th %)  

She's chunked right up, gaining close to two pounds in a little over two weeks.  Good work, little girl.

So, she eats A LOT, obviously.  She sleeps great in the day, but we're struggling right now at night.  Many nights I'll wake up and realize I feel asleep nursing her, or she's wide awake for an hour at a time, or I just give up and keep her in bed with us.  None of this is ideal, but I'm exhausted, so do what I can.

She is a good, easy, contented baby so far as I can tell in these five (today!) weeks she's been with us.  It is a bit surprising since she was non-stop movement in utero. I was sure it would be the same once the baby was born.  Not so much (yet, anyway) it turns out.

10 days after she was born, we had the joy of hosting our friend, Francis, again.  He flew in to Boston so we had a night in Essex with my folks.   He was eager to meet Malaikah!

9.20.2014

Why do you insist on living SO FAR AWAY?

It was great to see him.  I have a few more shots to share another time.

People have asked how Kyalo's adjusted to having a sister.  He's really doing great! In fact, after so much transition this summer, I think he's settling down and taking life easier.  Mostly he can ignore Malaikah because she still sleeps so much.  Every now and then he'll show interest in her, and want to hold her.

October 3, 2014

(Kyal turned 3 1/2!)

So maybe I should have propped her head up?  His smile was so radiant, I couldn't resist.

All in all, life is good! We feel richly blessed.