non stop snow

So, we have a little snow, perhaps you've heard?  And, I've just heard there are TWO more storms in the pipeline for this week and weekend.  I think Boston is getting hit the hardest, but am sure we'll get some of it.  I take back all my 'if only we would get a little snow' comments from December.

These days have been good, even if we've been home-bound more than any of us like.  At the end of January we went down to Essex because Dexter had a dental conference in Boston.  Worked out perfectly as my parents had just returned from their week-long trip to Kenya so we were able to get the full scoop.  And all the goodies they brought us from there!  No mangos, though.  Shame.

While in MA Kyalo and I met a friend and her daughter for a time running around at the local YMCA.  Running around like crazy and burning energy while I chat?  Yes, please.  Kyalo spent 99% of his time running down a little track and jumping into a pit of foam blocks.  It was really fun to watch him get bolder and more confident as the day wore on.  I really wish there was a YMCA closer to us because something like this in these long winter months would be fab.

After the YMCA, we headed to Nick's, naturally.  I hadn't been there in a while and now I wonder why?  Hot roast beef sandwiches, fries, etc.  Nothing better!

now, I wish this was my lunch!

Other than that trip to the Y we didn't do too much.  Malaikah spent her time looking cute (and serious)

The most exciting thing to me, though, was when Kyalo asked me "How do you spell Mom?"  and then handed me this:

I had no idea he was able to write anything, and the fact that this is basically the first thing he's written warms my heart.

We also spent time looking at all the snow.

This picnic tableis now completely covered - and with a foot or so more of snow on the horizon, I don't think they'll be seeing it for a while

One more picture of Grandma and Malaikah:

Back in Maine, we dug out the Johnny Jump Up for Malaikah.  I don't think she loves it yet the way Kyalo did, but I'm holding out hope!

This is the most common view these days...

I think we'll still see snow on the ground in June at this rate!

blizzard 2015

So we had a little blizzard come our way.  Forecasters were calling it 'the storm of the century' and talking about how we were going to get slammed with snow Monday into Wednesday.  I will admit that when I went to bed at 10 pm or so on Monday and the snow hadn't even started yet, I was a little skeptical.  But still, I ran out and bought milk and diapers (the essentials) so I wouldn't have to go out at all.  Most of Dexter's patients canceled for Tuesday, but he did have one strong woman show up at 8, so he drove to work in a couple inches of snow.

And then it started coming fast and furious.  Kyalo and I went out at 9 to do some shoveling, but the wind was so bitter, and his precious cheeks looked a little too rosy, that after 15 minutes I ushered us back in for hot chocolate. That was better anyway.  Still, I got maybe a quarter of the drive way shoveled in that time.  By the time Dexter got home at 11 there was no evidence of all my hard work. Next time, I'll just stay inside!

After lunch, Dexter and Kyalo headed back outside to attack the driveway again.  It was not a pretty sight.

It was hard work, but they really got it cleared up, more or less.  But the snow just kept coming and coming, so when we woke up this morning, the driveway was completely covered.  Our friend Matthew came for dinner last night, and there was so much snow he had to break out the snow shoes. He was here a couple hours and in that time his tracks disappeared.  It was intense!

I sent most of the above pictures to my family, including Adam and Noelle in Southern California.  They were feeling 'solidarity' because of the 'light rain' in their forecast.  And to add insult to injury, Noelle sent us this picture:

I mean, COME ON.

Here's what we woke up to:

yep, that's the driveway Dexter worked hard to clear yesterday

So, it was a family affair to get it cleaned up (though I didn't do too much since I was inside with Malaikah for a good part of the morning).  Thankfully the wind had gone, and the sun was trying hard to come out, so it was a nice way to spend the morning.  Also, we are SO thankful for this snowblower, which was a gift and a huge blessing!  

 backyard

 entry way steps - that had been cleared multiple times yesterday

Kyalo had a great time 'helping' with his little shovel.  Though really he spent a lot of time digging up the snow and dumping it in his little truck.

 well covered

 at least he wasn't doing this in a blinding storm this morning!

It took a while, but winter has finally arrived in Maine.  And more snow is expected both on Friday & Monday, I think.  If the sun shines, and the skies are blue it will be hard to complain too much.

Although, if it is still snowing in April, then I will complain!

doctor's visit

Malaikah had her four month well visit check up on Tuesday.  I love her pediatrician.  Of course, after Kenya and NJ it doesn't take much to please me: an office that takes appointments?  seeing the same doctor?  the doctor sitting and talking with me?  All amazing things in my book. Once, when I was at the doctor for Kyalo and he was telling me Kyalo needed a nebulizer he was walking out of the office as I was talking to him.  Needless to say, there was a lot of room for improvement.

Malaikah is doing great!  She is eating well, is growing and happy.  I mean, look at her:

This picture was taken on Friday Jan 17 to send to Grandma who was off to Kenya for the week.  She needed a reminder to hurry home!  I think Malaikah had just woken from a 3 hour nap, so was especially smile-y.

At her appointment she weighed in at 14 pounds 9 ounces and 24 inches.  The office gives us cute little stickers to put in the baby book, but I'm (sadly) not doing one, so this is the best I have.  She grew about 2 inches and gained almost 2 1/2 pounds.  And, like her brother, she has a large head!  Lots of room for brains.

She did get a bunch of shots which has made her an unhappy camper. Yesterday she was feverish and kind of spacey. Today has been better, but after a trip to the library has been asleep since 12:00 - almost four hours.  I've been checking on her a lot.

My parents are in Kenya this week, checking up on the schools and projects they support.  Today they got to spend time with Francis and Evelyn:

This picture is a little deceiving since my dad's all bundled up like it's winter. In actuality, it is summer and they've been enjoying 80* + days.  Lucky them.  I'm so excited to hear about their visits.  On Saturday they will see most or all of Dexter's family.  Sad for us to not be in on that fun, but glad we could make the connection through my parents.   And we live in hope that we'll get to Kenya in 2015 ourselves!

four months

I know it is cliche, and totally over done, but seriously: how has it already been four months since Malaikah entered our lives?  And of course, how has it only been four months?  She continues to be a sweet, content, happy little girl and we love her so much.  She is a super sleeper - sometimes napping 3+ hours (!!!) and already giving me long stretches at night.  After the challenges, and sleep deprived months (years) with Kyalo, this feels like a real blessing to me!

Malaikah is happy - smiling and giggling all the time, contrary to what the photos here will tell you.  In fact, I have many friends who have asked me, 'does she ever cry?'.  Yes, yes she does.  When she's very hungry and I can't get to her in time she lets it be known!  But really, she is a joy to have around because I can plop her anywhere and she will generally stay there without fuss for a while.

She does have a pretty good stare down, and sometimes she can't be bothered to smile for your antics, which of course just makes people work harder.  We think she's going to be an intense, intelligent little girl.  And that just means trouble for us when she's older.

 See what I mean about a stare-down?  At least she has good eye contact!

And, of course Kyalo wanted in on the pictures.  And of course he was still in his jammies!  He does wear regular clothes occasionally, I promise.

We head to the doctor for another round of shots and a weigh in next week. I always love seeing how she's grown and learning how she's doing!  I think she's busting out of this 'Kenya' T-Shirt already, so it is a good thing Grandma is going there on Friday and can get me some more (and no, I'm not jealous at all about this, why do you ask??).

My aunt Marg sent me a beautiful hand-knit sweater shortly after Malaikah was born.  She was still so tiny it seemed huge and I was sure she wouldn't wear it for months.  Yet suddenly, when I looked at it yesterday, it didn't look so big, so I tried it on her, and what do you know, it fit perfectly!

proof that she does cry, see?

Isn't it beautiful?  Thanks Marg!

Now, for some fuzzy iPhone photos from the past month.  Sorry for the photo overload!

 big brother kisses.  he loves her so!

 rosy cheeks to kiss!

 another hand-me-down from Kyalo.  Answer: yes.

 Kyalo doesn't even read yet, but he likes to read to Maliakah.  Is there anything better?

this is totally out of focus but gives you a good idea of her big big smile.  Often when I get her in the crib this is the face that greets me.  Makes the day so much brighter!

sitting up in the grocery cart already (with some good propping on either side, of course).  Kyalo wore this sweater when he was a baby, and I'm so happy that I can use it again.  I'm not so happy about below zero degree days, though!

So, are hearts are very full.  The days are going so fast.  (the whole, 'the days are long, the years are short' adage doesn't seem to apply right now, for this stage. I wish it would slow down!).

Hoping to stop by here again soon...