Father's Day was wonderful this year because I could spend it with Tommy, as well as my Dad who's in town! I am so lucky to have these two in my life. It's so sweet to see Tommy do a lot of the same things with our kids that my Dad would do with us as I was a child. 

My biggest gift I could give Tommy was to wake up at 7am and make Amalatons for breakfast before our early 9am church. Unfortunately, we're not much of an early-rising family, so we didn't have much of an appetite that early. :)

Sydney came home from church with a Father's Day card she made in nursery. The first real creation that's ended on our fridge. The first of many, I hope!

Tommy and his munchkins.

The cute + naughty culprits :)

We have somewhat of a routine in the evenings. While I feed and change Max, Tommy and Sydney spend special time before bed. 

This is one of my favorite things to see. 

Today we took a trip to Tommy's work, one of our favorite little field trips. It reminds me of when I was a kid and tagging along with my dad to his office. I remember playing spies with my younger siblings as we explored the hallways and elevators (not sure what the coworkers thought about that).

But we usually take trips on weekends when there's a quiet, empty space, so we can play without interrupting. :)

Sydney runs into this window almost every single time. We're not used to clean windows in our house.

she's getting a little too cozy in that big chair

When I was trying to take some photos of Max the other day, Sydney quickly put on an assortment of accessories and hopped right in. After nearly 3 years of chasing her with a camera, she's finally warming up to the idea of being my #1 model. 

Sydney is so playful and imaginative. She begs for story after story, and as soon as I say "The End", she chirps "Tell story?!" She's always been a bit of a tomboy, preferring Buzz Lightyear, Elmo, and Thomas the Train. But in the past few months she's suddenly talking about princesses and castles and a prince on a horse. I think the movie Tangled had something to do with that. She is obsessed.

While toddlerhood can be a lot of work, it is definitely the most entertaining experience I've ever had. The things that come out of Sydney's mouth keep me cracking up all day. I just love this little girl so much!

In a few days, this little chubbo will be NINE months old. How did that happen?! I took these last month, but he's still just as roley, since he hasn't been too mobile until recently. Actually, this week he learned to crawl, and I'm afraid all these rolls will begin to disappear. I'd better sneak more butter into his food. :)

I am so smitten by this little man. I've never met a soul so sweet, innocent, loving, forgiving, patient, and happy. He's sensitive and loves to be showered with love. He seems to sense any tension or stress, and just glows when we are excited and happy. So I try to do my best and stay upbeat and smiley whenever he's in my arms. 

He is very much a mama's boy, but he loves to watch his daddy, and will just stare and stare in awe...like he knows he's daddy's little mini-me. He is head-over-heels for Sydney. She can do no wrong in his eyes. She's a sweetheart to him, but even when she forgets and takes away a toy, or ignores him for a while, he continues to gaze at her with an adoring smile and laughs at every little thing she does. 

Ever since the moment Max was placed in my arms for the first time, I knew this was a special little guy. And that I was the luckiest in the world to be his mother.

Tony and Sarah welcomed their fourth little one - baby Caitlin. During some Easter festivities with the family, Sarah and I ducked out for a bit to get some newborn shots. I did these in our master bedroom to get the soft window light. I love natural light. And I love newborns...especially sweet sleepy ones that happen to be related to me. :)