Fall 2012

It was in early Fall of 2012 that we discovered that baby #3 is actually baby boy #3. Both of our boys are excited for a new baby brother (who is, it should be noted, shaping up to be as plump and happy as his older brother, Blake, was). 

This fall has been a busy one for our family--with more teeth being lost (only Ian's, we promise), more confidence being gained (Blake will run at full speed or jump at any time...in any place), more leaves being raked (Joe and the boys), and more gestating accomplished (that leaves Jen, of course). 

We were able to plan lots of family time this fall, which has been really great for the four (soon to be five) of us. We continue to love the Deerfield (NH) Fair, the Museum of Science, camping, and exploring the outdoors around town. Jen finally stopped throwing up on a regular basis (!!) and started quilting again, beginning with a baby quilt for a dear friend who recently had her fourth child (and first daughter). Joe kept the boys busy with all of the chores necessary to prepare our house for the winter--the boys are at that wonderful age where such things are still fun.

In October, we felt some measure of Hurricane Sandy--but were gratefully spared the horrific damage and power loss that others on the Eastern seaboard have experienced. The constant high-speed winds made for a nerve-wracking day or two when it sounded like a constant freight train rattling our windows. 

We spent a wonderfully mild Thanksgiving on Cape Cod--a much-needed respite for the busyness that this season has brought. Ian enjoyed every single second of his fall gymnastics class, and Blake's new favorite destination is a toss-up between Trader Joe's and Costco. (We're asked nearly every morning if we can go to one--or both--of these places.) 

Most recently, we brought the boys to the Boston Pops' holiday concert for children at Symphony Hall in Boston. Blake loved his first adventure on the T and Ian loved the chandeliers. (To be fair, Jen loved the surprise appearance/reading by Jan Brett (!!) and Joe totally geeked out over the harp part in "Waltz of the Flowers.")

We're looking forward to a quiet Christmas at home and will ring in 2013 while watching the cod drop over Oyster Pond (true story). We're looking forward to a bright (and snowy!) winter, and the arrival of our newest son.