Corbin Moments

Corbin is a high energy kid with so much curiosity about the world around him. I know that all kids around his age go through a "why" stage, but I really hadn't realized how exhausting it could be. And how humbling. Many times a day I find myself saying "I don't know" or "because..." 

He wanted to know why the rain was falling the other day and I had to admit that I really don't know. I tried to talk to him about clouds, but I must have missed that day in science class.  

Here are some pictures from recent adventures. 

At the park. He also went down the big slide you see in the background. He really has no fear as he explores. 

Full speed ahead down the hill. 

He climbed up this rock at another park  with no problems - except for his nervous mama. 

He loves to rake and dig outside. He is only disappointed when it isn't muddy enough. 

I felt the need to introduce him to skee ball and other such games. We would have had more fun but it was hard for mama to keep up when holding Cole, too. We will have to go back with daddy so we can explore more effectively. 

I don't think a caption is truly necessary for this one. 

Corbin is truly so much fun. I really enjoy my adventures with him. Although I always need a nap afterwards. I look forward to the next time I get to see something amazing from his point of view. 

Zoo

I took the boys to the zoo on Tuesday. It was a great day to go. The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot. Most of the animals were willing to show themselves including the new baby lions. 

And it was so NOT crowded. I loved that part. As someone who usually can only go when school is out I have always been there when everyone else is, too. But on Tuesday it was even ok when Corbin ran a bit because I could see him. And we didn't have to wait to peek at the animals behind a mass of people. 

Of course, Corbin was as thrilled with the opportunity to just run as he was with seeing cool animals. He thought monkeys were interesting, but I think he liked the sea lion best. We did get to see it get fed as well as swim. Plus, he told his dad all about the otters swimming on their backs. Interesting that stood out so much. He also loved the spot where the water sprays up. I think we stayed there the longest. 

Cole was pretty content just to hang out in the stroller. I think he enjoyed getting to eat most. 

Both boys were sound asleep in the car by the time we reached the freeway. 

I was a bit nervous going to the zoo. It was one of the last places Chad and I went before he died. He had gone with Corbin and me each of the past two summers so I have a lot of memories of him there. The bench where we just sat and talked when Corbin fell asleep. The place where he took Corbin to get a closer look at the sea lions. The spot on the grass where he ate an elephant ear and acted like he wasn't willing to share with his nephew. The train where he asked me when I was going to have another kid and I lied and told him I didn't know and not that another baby was already on the way. To be fair, I didnt know Cole was as far along as he was so  maybe that wasn't a complete lie. 

I worried that I might get super emotional. And a couple times I did get pretty teary, but these are the good memories. I miss my brother more than words can say. I still cry a lot, but I made it through the zoo. I smiled more than I cried. I think Chad would have had fun with us on Tuesday, too. 

Celebration!

Happy 83rd birthday, Grandma T!

It was Corbin's idea to buy birthday hats and horns. He loves shouting Happy Birthday and was super excited to celebrate a birthday with family. 

Oh -- and he loved cake and ice cream, too!

Baby boy

Getting big!

Milk coma!

Smiling more all the time. 

Park adventures

The boys and I have traveled to California to visit where Tom and the bees are. It is not really a tourist location so I am looking for fun things for us to do. 

We went to the park today and Corbin loved exploring the playground. I can't believe how big he is getting and how much he can do with little to no help from me. So fun to see! (And a little sad...)

Of course he wore himself out. He was definitely ready for a nap by the time we were leaving. Although he would never admit that, there were signs...

It must have taken too long to open the car. 

Posing for pictures

Chocolate covered Twinkie...

...with sprinkles, of course. 

Corbin was admiring them in the bakery case and before I knew it, it was in a bag ready to go. Not sure if the lady behind the counter saw a sucker in me but I know the 2 year old did. 

He ate it all. Ugh!  All in the name of celebrating his grandmas bday. 

And look what else we caught on camera today. Smiley boy!

On leave

I have found that I can almost forget that I have a job I am headed back to next month.  I am enjoying being home with my boys. I do miss feeling productive though. Although I have often complained about my inbox never being empty, it does feel like I get stuff done at work. 

At home, I seem to always have laundry to do, a living room to pick up, and other tasks that I feel like I just did yesterday. Or an hour before. What scares me somewhat is that none of these tasks are going to go away when I return to work. They will just become part of the evening and weekend routine instead of the slower paced day routine. 

Oh well - for now I will enjoy the longer cuddles on the couch with cole or the slower breakfasts with Corbin. 

Check out how fast they have grown--

Cole up close during that dreaded tummy time. 

Corbin was home sick with cole and me for most of last week. He wore these pajamas the entire time. 

Corbin climbed up the counter and into the cooler. He knew he was being funny.  I love watching his sense of humor develop. 

Don't you think the blue tongue brings out the blue in his eyes? Another reason to love lollipops!

Batman and Robin. Ready to help. 

I love this picture even if Robin is getting the short end of things. 

Here is Corbin cheering on cole during tummy time. 

Lots of sweet memories in the making!