Birthday Week Day 3: #BrotherlyLove

"Sometimes just being a brother is even better than being a superhero."
- Marc Brown, Arthur the Brave

When we found out that baby Mangiaracina #2 was a boy, we were elated. Of course we would have been happy either way, but we both secretly were hoping for that outcome for a myriad of reasons. Practicality for one. With James being born March 2012 and new baby due March 2015, we had an entire wardrobe in place - one that we continue to dip into as Andrew grows. And we knew boys. We had been raising one for 2+ years at that point!

More importantly, though, we were excited that James was going to have a brother. There is something about siblings of the same sex that creates a unique bond. I have a sister who is truly my best friend. Sure we drive each other crazy at times, but the bond that we share as sisters is one so special that it can't ever be broken. I think the same goes for brothers. 

Since Andrew joined our family, James has proven to be an amazing big brother. The first few days created curiosity in James. Who was this little baby? Why did he cry so much? Can he play blocks with me now? He didn't get too close, but when he did, he was sweet and loving. 

Once we brought Andrew home and started getting into a routine, James got a lot more comfortable around him. Slowly but sure he got closer and closer and then finally, about 2 weeks in he held Andrew for the first time. It was definitely a milestone moment - he was so proud of himself!

The love between these two is undeniable. James is always looking out for Andrew and making sure he is safe. If Andrew falls or bumps his head, James runs to him and tells him "It's okay, it's okay." He brings him toys and books and is the first one to reprimand me when I don't pick up Andrew's sippy cup from the floor fast enough at dinner.

And when it comes to being a helper to Mommy & Daddy - well, James is the best. From diapers to bottles to burp clothes he is on call to run and grab anything we need. He is an expert in finding lost pacifiers and will even rinse it off for us...most of the time. :)

And Andrew...well Andrew only has eyes for James. If Andrew is sad or crying, James can make him smile. Andrew lights up as soon as James looks at him or engages with him. As a Mom, it makes my heart melt and is proof that the bond is already forming.

The two of them are partners in crime and will prove to be double-trouble as they grow up.

I think it was this moment that sealed the deal for me - these two were keepers!!

There is no denying that these two are already best buds and will have a special love all their lives. #BrotherlyLove #LuckyMama 

Birthday Week Day 2: No Pictures Please

As part of Andrew's 1st birthday celebration, I wanted to get some professional photographs to mark this momentous occasion. We did it for James and wanted to keep the tradition alive. It was a beautiful day and he was in a great mood - full of giggles and smiles.

I dressed him up in his special 1st birthday outfit and headed over to the Elevee Photography Studio where our family photographer, Erica, was ready to capture this wonderful milestone.

Or so I thought.

Andrew wasn't having it. AT ALL. The minute we walked in the door the smiles disappeared and his grip on me tightened. When I brought him into the studio and attempted to put him on the floor in front of the gorgeous backdrop, the screaming began. The tears continued until the moment I put him back into his car seat and drove away. Can you say FAIL?!

My plan B was to get him back into his special 1st birthday outfit and snap some photos in our front yard over the weekend. Well, Mother Nature decided to bring on some rainy 30 degree weather so that was not happening.

So, instead, I snapped these shots. They are not professional. They are not perfect. But they are true to the type of kiddo Andrew is. A silly, curious, high-energy little man who is comfortable in his own surroundings with the people he loves most.

I asked Erica if she can send me some of the photos she did take while we were in her studio. Most of them are of him crying, but I need to have a record of it so that I can remind him when he is a Dad and his little boy is not cooperating on picture day. :)

Birthday Week Day 1: New Kicks

In honor of birthday week, we are going to do a post a day to celebrate our little guy.  Enjoy!

Andrew turns one on Friday. In 4 days, an entire year will have gone by since this little nugget entered the world. How is that possible?  I was just pregnant and filled with anticipation on who this person in my belly would be! But here we are and to celebrate, we decided to accomplish another "first" before his 1st birthday.

If you are a Facebook friend, you will remember that Andrew took his first steps last Sunday.  Here is a little video that captured this momentous event:

Since we have a soon-to-be walker on our hands, we decided he should have some proper footwear. 

Enter Stride Rite.

We have been loyal customers to this kiddo chain since James got his first pair of shoes back before his first birthday. We find that the value of the product is great as is the customer service so we head there whenever new shoes are needed. After a slightly traumatic haircut, we thought that getting some new shoes might cheer Andrew up a bit.

We were wrong.

This is what happened when the nice sales lady tried to measure Andrew's foot:

And this is what happened when we tried to get him to walk around a bit in his new shoes:

I guess shoes are just not his thing. Or strangers. But he did pull it together once he got used to everything. 

His foot is slightly smaller than James' at this age measuring in at a size 4 vs. James' 4.5 wide. His new little shoes make him even more adorable than he already was. Time to get movin' and conquer the world...or at least the living room. :)

A Nemo Pool Party

Guess who had a Nemo swim party this weekend??  THIS GUY DID!!!

Armed with is new goggles and his puddle jumper floatie, James and his friends hit the pool for some fish-like birthday fun. There were lots of laughs as the kids enjoyed the Cub Run indoor pool.  From the slides to the fountains to the lazy river, there were lots of ways to stay entertained and James did it all!

Once the kids were sufficiently waterlogged, it was time for lunch and the greatest looking Nemo cake I could find (thank you, Giant!). Everyone seemed to have a great time - especially the birthday boy!

Happy Birthday, Buddy!!

xoxo

Happy 4th Birthday, James!!

It's hard to believe that this little baby...

...is now this big kid!

Today we celebrate our James. He is a kid who has the biggest heart, the biggest smile and the biggest laugh of anyone we know.  This year, he became a big brother and does an AMAZING job with Andrew. He couldn't be more loving and wonderful with his baby brother. We are SO proud of him.

And as part of our tradition, we made a video that highlights the amazing kid that James is.

Happy 4th Birthday, James!  

We love you!!!

Andrew's Monthly Photo Project: Eleven Months Old

It's February 25th which means that we have reached another monthly milestone: 11 MONTHS!  Time has certainly flown by and Andrew is THRIVING!  This kid has SO much energy - it amazes us every day.  He is curious and sweet and just wants to play and have fun.

Andrew had some big milestones this month:

• This kid is ON THE MOVE! And boy is he FAST!  He has mastered crawling and is getting ready for his first steps. As of late, his most favorite mode of movement is on his firetruck with Daddy pushing. And when they are chasing James well...that is the icing on the cake.

• He is eating like a champion these days.  From turkey meatballs and macaroni to bananas and blueberry muffins, there is nothing this kid won't try.  He is full on eating school food and is loving it all.  

• This little man is officially into EVERYTHING!!  He is always on the go which keeps us all on our toes.  His favorites include Lucy's food and water bowls, Mommy's cookbooks in the kitchen island and anything in the bathroom.

Happy 11 Months, Andrew!!

Andrew's Monthly Photo Project: Ten Months

We are buried under 25+ inches of snow, but that doesn't stop this little guy from growing.  Today we celebrate 10 months and Andrew is ready to party!

In honor of the record snow fall we just experienced, we decided to dress him up appropriately for this milestone. And speaking of milestone, here are a few things that Andrew is currently crushing:

• Andrew is ON THE MOVE!  This kid is everywhere and it is never where he is supposed to be.  Not only has he mastered crawling, he is cruising on anything he can reach. The coffee table, the kiddie table, the couch, the dog...it doesn't matter.  First steps are around the corner for sure.

• Nom, Nom.  Andrew is HUNGRY!  And he doesn't want silly purees.  He wants REAL food so we have been experimenting with all kinds of table food.  From macaroni and meatballs, to sweet potatoes and peaches, there is nothing this kid doesn't shovel into his mouth.

• We officially have 2 more teeth bringing the official total to 4 which is very helpful with all the eating I described above.

• Daycare has caught onto his growth and is moving him into the Infant II classroom in a few short weeks.  He has been spending some time each day with the bigger babies and seems to really like it.  I'm sure the little babies in the Infant I class are ready for him to go.  He keeps stealing their pacifiers and tossing them across the room!

Happy 10 Months, Andrew!!