Unseasonably Warm

Like most of the country, Memphis has had record high temperatures over the past few days. Although record temps would be very uncomfortable during the summer months, they are more than welcome in the last few weeks running up to Spring. Add to this the extra hour of daylight we get in the evening now, and we have a formula for some serious outside time.

Agnes started the fun by taking the boys to the zoo. For this visit, they spent the majority of the time at the "Once Upon a Farm" area that showcases farm animals such as cows and chickens. Andrew likes looking at all the animals, but Noah is content to watch all the people and basically just chill out in his stroller.

 

The warm weather also motivated us to try out both kids in the double stroller that also can be pulled by a bicycle. Andrew was enthusiastic, Noah...not so much.

Although it looks like he is being severely traumatized, he was just a little tired after a very long, eventful day.  This pain was nothing that putting on jammies and playing with Legos couldn't assuage. Andrew planned on putting together his new Lego fire truck set he got for his birthday and Noah, apparently wanted to help. Although Noah is perfectly wonderful, he does not make for a very good Lego wing man at this age. Andrew brilliantly set him up with some decoy Legos on the other side of the room. Also, yes those are Noah's Christmas pajama bottoms. They fit and they're clean...so don't judge.

Saturday we had work to do, and what better way to fortify your children, than with delicious, sugary, deep fried dough. So, after carbing up at the doughnut store, we set out to achieve our two main goals for the day. Clean Agnes's car, which Noah supervised, and get a load of dirt to fill in some problem areas in the yard. I have to say, I am very proud of Andrew. He worked until every shovel full of dirt was out of the truck. Which is saying something, considering he was using an Andrew sized shovel.

Since we had all worked so hard, we decided to load up the double stroller and go for a walk that would end at the park. The doughnuts from that morning, however, weren't enough. The boys didn't make it to the park.

After a very restful nights sleep, we decided to see what effect all this warm weather had on our botanical garden. We were not disappointed. Flowers were already blooming and koi in the Japanese garden were so excited by their warming waters, they even obliged to being petted. Notice my bid for Father of the Year, with the strategic placement of my foot to keep Andrew from falling in.

Although it is a huge offense to remove flowers from the botanic garden, Andrew's Nana has led him to believe that all daffodils are grown for his pleasure. So, Andrew did the unthinkable...he picked a flower; right out of the ground; in front of a couple taking wedding photos.

It will now hold a place of honor for the next couple of days in a drinking glass on the counter. Because nothing smells sweeter than contraband daffodils.

Andrew's Birthday

Four years ago today Andrew made his debut. Agnes woke up early the morning before with contractions and after laboring most of the day at home we headed to the hospital as night began to fall because, in preparation for Andrew's arrival, the heavens had opened up and brought forth 7 inches of snow. Which is fairly unique for Memphis in March. We arrived at the hospital around 7:00 pm and although it seems like it didn't take much time at all Andrew was born on March 8th at 2:04 am. He was 7lbs 7oz, I have proof.

Agnes and I thought he was the most wonderful boy born in the past 2000 years. After visiting with all the family who had come  to welcome Andrew into the world in those early morning hours, we quickly drifted off into an exhausted sleep.  We were awakened just over an hour later to the hungry cries of the baby in our room and as I clumsily stumbled  around the room in a half awake stupor, I realized I had just been enlightened to the true "joys" of parenthood.

Time truly is relative because it seems like just yesterday Andrew joined our family, but at the same time, I can barely remember my life without him in it. The four years since have been filled with an endless string of "first" as our little boy has grown before our eyes. First words, first steps, first trips to the ER and the first time to be a big brother.

First Halloween

First Christmas

 

First Hike

First Trip to Poland (Andrew picked the seats)

 First trip to the beach

 First time meeting his little brother

Sometimes, it is our children who do the teaching. When Noah was born, while Agnes and I were coping with all the craziness and confusion surrounding his diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Andrew was feeling only two things... Love and Pride. He was a big brother, and he knew it. Noah was his, and he thought Noah was perfect.

There were also birthday parties along the way. Luckily they only come once a year.

First Birthday...

Second Birthday...

Third Birthday...

These are a few of Andrew's favorite things. Agnes and I plan on asking Andrew these questions each year on his birthday. Also, we have added our comments in parenthesis.

Favorite Food: Birthday Cake and Salad (He does like salad and I think the birthday cake just sneaked in because all the birthday talk of late, but his actual favorite food is baked pasta which will also be his birthday dinner)

Favorite Sport: Chess (We have no idea where he got this. He doesn't play at home or school and I don't know if I would call it a sport anyway. His actual favorite is Baseball and Golf)

Favorite TV Show: Phineas and Ferb (This is possible but we think it's actually Mickey Mouse Club House)

Favorite Person: Aiden (Probably true since he answered so quickly. I wish he had at least considered Agnes or me)

Favorite Thing to Learn at School: Picture (???)

The Thing I Do Best: Coloring (I'd hate to see what he does worst)

If I Could Go Anywhere, It Would Be: Camping (I guess we need to take him camping)

My Favorite Color: Blue

When I Grow Up, I Am Going to Be: Andrew (We revised the question to ask where he is going to work. He said, "work with daddy". We then asked him what he was going to do at work with daddy. He said he was going to color while I checked email)

My Favorite Song Is: Fish in the Toilet (This song does not exist, although maybe it should. I looked everywhere on Google and could find nothing. He was laughing when he answered)

My Favorite Book: The Magic Book (Must be something he reads at school, because we don't have this book at the house)

My Favorite Snack: Fruit Loops (They made something at school with Fruit Loops the other day. On a normal day, he would probably say his favorite snack is Cheetos)

One Food I Really Dislike: Spicy (I know this to be true)

Favorite Place to Eat: Lenny's (I thought this might be Chick-fil-a, but then I realized that he really doesn't eat there. The main draw is the play ground)

Favorite Movie: Prince Caspian (No surprise here)

Favorite Toy: Big Dump Truck (I have never seen this toy)