New York City

While in Israel last summer, Laura and I met some wonderful people and we have been lucky enough to keep in contact with a few of them. One is an architect who works on the new World Trade Center Buildings and while my parents were in town last week, Nick was gracious enough to give us a tour of the project and the memorial site.

1 World Trade Center (left) is under construction and will be the lead building in the new World Trade Center Complex. It is already the tallest building in New York and upon completion, will be the third tallest building in the world. 7 World Trade Center (right) is the only completed tower and is where our tour began.

 A view from inside 7 World Trade Center of the whole construction site.

 Nana and Caden.

 A beautiful model of what the site will look like after completion.

Caden must have thought the model city needed some cars because he was kind enough to throw his in there!

The reflecting pools at the memorial site.

 My friend and excellent tour guide Nick with the family.

Hudson Valley Fair

After living in Florida during the deployment and growing so close to Das, Nana and Parker, we knew it wouldn't be long before they made their way up North to see us. And we have been so excited to have them here for the past week. During their visit, we spent an afternoon at the Hudson Valley Fair.

Nana and Caden feed the goats

Checking out the Longhorn from his home state.

Das and Parker enjoying the fair food.

Yee-haw!! Caden couldn't wait for his first pony ride!

Juliette - 2 Months

At two months, Juliette is starting to show her personality and it is darling.

Over the last month she has gained 2 pounds and she now weighs a little over 10 pounds. We learned that Juliette is Milk Soy Protein Intolerant and if I eat any food that contains dairy or soy (pretty much everything delicious), it wreaks havoc on her digestive system. She will grow out of it around her first birthday but for now, we are on a strict diet. The good news is that with this discovery, I can eat the right food that will work with her system and she should gain weight better.

We got her ears pierced and although it seems everyone has an opinion on the right age for that, I am sure everyone will agree she looks precious :)

Juliette is becoming much more aware of everything going on around her. She knows Mommy, she gets excited when Daddy comes homes and is mostly just curious of Caden.

She is the sweetest little girl. Her smiles radiate happiness and when she smiles (which is often) it is impossible to do anything but sit there smiling back at her.

Pretty much this little fuzzy headed cutie rocks our world :)

Spring Garden

With the warmer weather here, we are planting a family garden in the backyard. Well, mostly Josh is planting a garden while Caden throws rocks, steps on the new plants and asks for piggyback rides. Two is a fun age :) Juliette is supervising everything from the porch and she is such a happy baby. She smiles all the time now and it is just beautiful. Happy Spring!

My Big Boy

Where has the time gone.....

This seems like yesterday.

But nowadays, this big guy is learning new things at warp speed, becoming fiercely independent and thoroughly testing his limits. He is working on all sorts of new skills from feeding himself with utensils, undressing himself, potty training and climbing out of his crib. Yikes!

 How cute is this guy, getting comfortable on his potty. We are just slowly introducing the concept of potty training and so far he is doing really great with it.

And with the delivery of new sheets from Das, we made up his new big boy bed for him.

He was so excited to check it out!

 He cuddled right in and has done really well staying in bed so far.

And of course, he wanted "Kitty Girl" to come and check it out too. What a big boy!

 Don't grow up too fast my Caden :)

Juliette - 1 month

Sweet Little Juliette

At one month, Miss Juliette is a happy and content baby. She loves to stare at Mommy and Daddy and will even flash a sweet little smile at us. She is starting to lift her head and beginning to explore her voice with tiny coos. She is petite, just hitting 8 pounds on the scale now but strong and lively. She resembles her Daddy, but her hair is starting to lighten up from the dark brown she was born with. Her eyes are a beautiful deep blue, very similar to Cadens.

 Caden is the best big brother, so sweet to her. He seems to have grown up overnight once Juliette arrived and made him look like the big kid. He is doing a great job sharing Mommy with her and hasn't shown any envy, but instead will copy us when we talk sweet to her and strokes her hair.

She loves to cuddle and falls asleep most nights on Daddy's chest.

She enjoys bathtime, getting bright eyed and excited. She will be a little fish, just like her brother.

 She is most content when she gets to sleep curled up with me in bed. She sleeps for most of the night and usually I have to wake her up to feed her.

 

Sweet Juliette, I love what you have done to our family. I love being your Mommy and having another baby. I love watching your Daddy melt over you because you are his daughter. I love watching Caden learning how to become a big brother. You have added so much sweetness and love to our lives!

Siblings

The only thing better than having a child......is having two.

Tiny

 Tiny Fingers

 Tiny Toes

Tiny Juliette



Welcome Juliette Dare