Jack and His Ladies

One of the great things about Oak Hill is that there are always lots of playmates around for Jack. This morning our family ventured out to the front orchard and before we knew it there were quite a few other families that had joined us.

Usually the parents are able to stand around and have nice conversations in between interruptions of reminding their kids to share, helping a kid up who has just fallen off his bike, or instructing their kid not to eat the apples that have lots of bad spots on it. Why didn't anyone tell us that after having kids you never have uninterrupted conversations, at least while they are awake? Maybe they did and I wasn't listening!

Anyway, in between those conversations today we noticed that the kids had invented a nice little homemade roller coaster. This is what kids do in a country that doesn't get enough snow to have good sledding. Hope you enjoy the video - we did! Oh, and yes, that is a fairy on the back of the skate board. She is one of Jack's best playmates called Grace.

And lastly, notice the ratio of boys to girls - Jack is one lucky dude!

Brothers

We have been fortunate enough to have some of our closest friends move in next door to us. They have two boys about the same age gap as Jack and Theo only two years ahead. They have just recently bought bunk beds for their boys which has has definitely gotten Jack's attention. He has already started planning that he and Theo can get bunk beds when they get older. He has also already claimed the top bunk for himself!

Although too young for bunk beds, Jack has begun asking for Theo to lay next to him in bed. Today they looked so cute that I grabbed the camera.

I love to hear Jack make plans that involve Theo. We received a congratulations card when Theo was born that ended by stating that they prayed that Theo and Jack would grow to be the closest of brothers. That statement caught both Charles's and my attention. We do indeed pray the same thing.

More Pictures

We have had a couple requests for more pictures. I have to admit my creative juices aren't really flowing so I will indulge you all with pictures for now. I hope to have some stories or thoughts some time soon (God-willing!). Until then, enjoy...

Video of Jack Holding Theo in Hospital

This is a video that we took when Jack first held Theo. You can hear Jack talk about 'Theo not crying', 'Theo wants to be held'. He also refers to 'Theo's Nah'. The background on this is that Jack's favourite snuggle blanket is a little polar bear called 'Nah'. We purchased a similar blanket with a monkey on it for Theo and had Jack bring it to the hospital as a gift for Theo (Theo reciprocated with a tractor present for Jack - very proactive on Theo's part!). My favourite part of this video is when you hear Charles anxiously say 'Whoa, Whoa, Whoa' as Theo flops around in Jack's lap. Not only is Jack a new big brother, but it is obvious that we are inexperienced in some areas as well! Poor Theo - what kind of family have you been born into!

Happy First Week Theo!

We celebrated Theo's one week birthday today. It has been a lot of fun to have Theo at home and to see him and Jack interact (as much is possible at this age). Jack loves to help with Theo which is a real blessing. Jack greeted us the first morning that Theo was at home by excitedly proclaiming that he wanted to 'Go wake up his new brother.' We pray that he continues to love Theo (and of course, help!).

Erin and Jack have loved having Charles home all week as well. It has almost felt like a relaxing holiday, well kind-of. At the least, we have thoroughly enjoyed the week but are very aware that it may have just been the honeymoon phase of parenting two kids! Here are a few picture that give you a glimpse into our week.