So long, farewell...

Tuesday, we say goodbye to Grandpa Marc and Grammy Mary, who head back to Naperville after spending a productive and fun week with us. Here's a peek at what kept us busy: Grandpa built and installed a custom-made bookcase in Ben's room. It covers a never-used door into the bathroom. Now that Ben can see the book covers, he's spending lots of time selecting and reading books on his own. He even reads to Sidney.

And lets Grandpa read to him.
Then "fix-it" Grandpa and Grammy Mary moved on to building a platform bed for their grandson.
Ben gives his big-boy bed the old tire-kick test -- it passes! Sturdy with great under bed storage (and a railing not shown here). It'll be fun to grow into using over the next few months, so Sidney can move into the crib and share his room.
Grandpa found some time to spend with Sidney, too.And Grammy, who has a little experience with fussy babies, helped us through some long crying spells.
Next, some well earned recreation!

Big or little, the fish are fun to catch.


And the REALLY big fish may take a fighting belt and help from Grandpa......and turn out to be a stingray, which was released in better shape than the worn-out anglers.Snacks are essential to get you through a day on the boat.And the littlest fisherman just likes to catch a nap on the ride home.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Steve will finish guiding in the 3-day IGFA Inshore Championship tournament. He has some impressive anglers, so send good fish thoughts!

As for me and the kids, we're on our own now. We'll miss having all the wonderful support, help and TLC. It's hard to imagine how our days will be anywhere near as smooth as they have been with help. We'll keep you posted!

Manatee, Egrets and Osprey, Oh My!

Team Friedman (fabulous family and friends) continue to entertain Ben while Sidney and I slowly venture into the world.

This week we got some much needed rain, and where there are puddles and a two-year-old boy, there's fun, fun, fun! (Or at least a great big mess.)

He started with the Thomas rain boots on...

...but bare feet make puddles much more fun to walk in...

...or swim in.

Ben dried out in the hammock with daddy.

Singin' in the rain??

Walking in daddy's shoes.

We celebrated Sam's birthday, and Ben helped blow out the candle. Poppy's birthday is Sunday, June 22, so Ben will get another chance to "make a wish" before Greg and Paula head back to Elmhurst.

After all that activity, it's nice to chill with a buddy to an episode of Word World. Cayson, who turns 3 next month, is one of Ben's lifelong friends.

Jen Burns made the trip from San Francisco to meet Sidney and hang with Ben. Here, they spy...
...an osprey in a neighborhood palm tree.
An egret soon made an appearance as well. And a manatee joined the parade.
Knuckles, Jen!


Poppy has been working more than fishing on this trip.
But he always finds a way to spend a little time on the water. Here, fishing the flat with Ivy.

Look closely, and you'll see the rainbow that wrapped up the rainstorm.

Bye Grama Karen, Hello Poppy and P'la!

It was sad to say good bye to Grama Karen today, but luckily we have Poppy and P'la to step in where she left off. Thanks for all your love and hard work, mom!
The Grandparents continue to keep Ben busy so I can tend to Sidney. At her first doctor's appointment, she had gained 8 ounces, bringing her to 8 lbs. 3 oz. The doctor described her as "long and lean," just like her brother.
Ben not only has adjusted and welcomed his sister, he has really blossomed in the past couple of weeks. He's putting little sentences together, is much more confident physically (running, jumping....), and is starting imaginative play (hide and seek, and the couch is a "mountain" he likes to climb.)
Take a peek at our past few days:

Born fishermen.
Boating buddies.
One last snuggle with Grama Karen.
Poppys are as fun as playsets!
Love to watch the grandparents get down and be kids with their grandkids.

Happiness is.... hugs from my babies.
Making music.
Ben thinks it's kind of funny when she makes all that noise.
Poppy gave Ben lots of time before hanging out with Sidney.
Swinging "big high" is still Ben's favorite thing on the playset.

More visitors

The stream of visitors continues.

Our wonderful neighbor, Lois Sargent, meets Sid. She was one of the first to hold Benjamin two years ago.

Sam Kaufman returned from Colorado, bringing Ben a Dora DVD. Thanks to all of you who made an extra effort to remember Ben when meeting his sister.

Who needs a playset when you have daddy?

Our little beauty is waking up a little more each day.

Check out the new YouTube link featuring Sidney.

Week One

This first week at home with Sidney has been a breeze and a joy. Having Grama Karen and daddy around has made the workload easy on mommy. And Sidney has been very content so far. She was born a week before her due date, so she spent most of her days and nights sleeping, with little breaks to eat and peek at the world.

Ben continues to show interest in his new little sister, and I've even overheard little conversations just between the two of them.

Grama Karen leaves on Wednesday, but Ben's fun will continue: Steve's parents Greg and Paula (Poppy and P'la) arrive on Sunday and stay until June 23. Then my dad and stepmom (Grandpa Marc and Grammy Mary) will fill in from June 24 to July 1. We sure hope the list of visitors continues as the kids grow!!!

Here are a few moments from the past week.

"You sure they sent me home with the right family?"

"I guess it's not so bad here after all..."

Ben is sharing his treasured Kitty with Sidney already. A good sign!

After all the shifts and changes, our boy is still smiling :)