Boys will be Boys

Babies lack any sort of control and discretion when it comes to...ahem...diaper sounds. It's one of the times in a person's life when they are blissfully unaware of social taboos, have no concept of embarassment, and just do whatever they need to do.

But of course, it's every mom's goal to teach her kids good manners and foster a healthy sense of bodily self-control..especially in public.

But it will not be easy, when Matthew has a big brother, who, everytime Matthew makes one of these....diaper sounds...laughs hysterically and says, "Again!?"

Because my day needs a smile...

I began this post yesterday, but finally got pictures to it today...


Today (Tuesday), I need a smile.


I left behind my best friend and my buddy.



They are sick and the doctor didn't want Baby Matthew to get exposed. Because it is a little hard to keep these two separated.



So, in another act of extreme goodness, my mom came down to get me and Matthew, and Michael's mom came down to take care of the sick ones. Leaving in the night with a baby in my arms, I felt a little like the flight into Egypt.




It is so hard to see two of my most beloved people in the world so sick...



Michael who works himself so much without ever a rest certainly doesn't need this right before his dissertation is due!


He works so hard, he even works during play time with Michael!

and Baby Michael is SOO sad, so lethargic, so docile...so not himself when he was sick. He barely had the strength to lift his raspberries to his mouth. My little buddy...I can't wait for him to get the fight back in him!




Please pray for the Michaels, and for Matthew that he stays healthy. Because as sad as it is to see Michael Sr. and Jr sick...they are older and heartier than this little guy:


(though he is growing each day in the "hearty" department).

In the meantime, here's what's on my mind for the next couple of days....

Three sounds we hear the most...

There are three things that are repeated most often 'round these parts:


1) "ON!"

2) "Buh-ow!" (Which is Michael's way of saying "Beatles." He loves listening to The Beatles during breakfast, lunch and dinner...and anytime in between.


and finally...

3) "MMMMMM" This is what Michael says every day, several times a day every time he sees Matthew.

It means: "Bring my brother closer to me, so I can give him a kiss!"

Another Huge Thank You!

This post is dedicated to Mumma, Michael's mom, who came down to stay and help wrangle baby Michael, clean, do laundry, change diapers, cook, bring special breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and all-in-all be wonderful company!!



Baby Michael was once again spoiled with love from our family.




He laughed....

He teased at the dinner table....

And he rang up her wireless minutes :)

Thank you Mumma! And thank you to the family who shared her with us, especially Papa and also Tracee who shared her with us on her birthday!

I'm a little Teapot

Here is my handle and here is my spout!

I'll give you one guess...

...especially to those who have spent much time with Michael recently...





What caption am I thinking of for this photo?

Grammy and Poppi

Over the past week plus, the Barber home has been blessed with the presence of the Gilmores: Grammy and Poppi. Since even before Matthew's birth, they were here, helping us get ready for the new arrival, taking care of baby Michael helping me rest, cooking, cleaning, baking, laundry etc. They took Michael on lots of walks, allowing me to sleep when Matthew slept, they went grocery shopping and allowed a very big transition for baby Michael to be as smooth as possible.

I can't thank them enough for all their hard work, their sacrifices and their love and attention as we welcomed baby Matthew into the family. We couldn't have done it without them and all their hard work!

Poppi held Michael captive by his cool techno gadgets and fun sound effects, and Grammy's special place in Michael's heart was very clear by how happy he was to see her walk around the corner or coming into the room. Michael loved it when Grammy sang, and was constantly asking for a song.

Matthew got lots of Grammy/Poppi/Ali time too! At the hospital, in Mass, and in the evenings, when Michael was sleeping, Matthew enjoyed lots of cuddle time with them. And he'll hear all about how great his grandparents are from baby Michael.

Grammy was here at the apartment at 6:30 every morning, taking care of all things Michael-related. She worked SO hard...thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Thank you so much, Mom and Dad for everything! We love you!