Camping

Last weekend we were very ambitious and went camping!  We have had such fun camping with Mathieu about 4 times this past year, and I did not want to give it up.  So, after Lily was born, I bought myself a birthday present of a six person tent.  Grandma and grandpa came along too.

Mathieu enjoys helping put up the tent.  His job is to push the poles through as I guide them.

Lily didn't mind taking her naps outside in the stroller

Lily's first time in a tent

We camping at Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina.  It is right on the beach!

Of course grandpa had a lot of advice to give Mathieu in campfire cooking

Grandma telling stories to Mathieu in the tent

Leg Warmers

Our friend gave us these darling leg warmers.

Jobs

Mathieu is an industrious little fellow and has found ways to be involved in Lily-care.  For the first 4 or 5 days after Lily came home from the hospital, he'd help Daddy change her diaper by bringing the diaper, the water in a little container, and the washcloth to his father.  He somewhat tired of that, but then thought of a much more fun way to be participate:
His car.
For those who've been following this blog for a few years, you might remember the ride-on blue-yellow-red car.  This is the car he pushed before he could walk, he transported books in his, "trunk," and at 22 months old, he was riding it to YMCA, a half mile up the road.  Well, the car fell out of favored status about a year ago, but he'd still use it every one in awhile.  Now it's back and running. 
Mathieu informs me that, "Car is available." He makes diaper runs and deliveries with it.  He swings by and picks up soiled cloth diaper, places it in the "trunk," drives it over to the diaper pail, drives clean diapers back to me, and restocks our little diaper caddy we keep in the living room.  When his work is complete, he backs up the car into the corner next to our desk where it sits, parked, until the next diaper change.

Parking

 Mathieu likes giving Lily kisses and hugs.  He's a bit more exuberant than I'm comfortable with, and I remind him that Lily's head is quite fragile, but it's also very sweet to see him show so much attention towards her.  He says things like, "Lily, you're my best friend," and, "I love you, Lily," as he's almost smothering her with his body.

Unsnapping Lily's outfit.  He also uses his car to drive over to the dresser where he picks out Lily's clothes for the day.

Memere's Last Day With Us

We were so lucky to have Memere (Sue's mom) visit us for six weeks.  It's been fun, and she was so helpful to us with taking care of our kids and keeping the house in order.   You are probably thinking, wow!  Six weeks is a long time.  But it really went well.  We had a nice routine and we all enjoyed it.

Below are some pictures of her last day on Tybee.  We took a nice 3 mile walk to the big pier and back, along the beach, and ate our supper on the pier.

First Day of Soccer Team Practice

Yesterday was a big day.  Mathieu's first organized team sports event.  It's a soccer team for 3 and 4 year olds.  Each child gets their own ball.  The goals are very basic, like learning how to listen to the coach without the parents right next to you and not touching the ball with your hands.  It was funny, because at the start of the practice, all the kids were crying because they were nervous.  Mathieu had a great time.

This is from the game they played where the coach was the tickle monster.  You had to dribble the ball quickly away from her or she would tickle you.  Mathieu was really fast!

One month old

A little awkward, but at least she's not crying

Lily slept for two hours at the beach.  During that time, ...

... Daddy and Mathieu played in the sand ...

... and Mommy and Memere went swimming.

1 month old!