Update

Well something has happened to our memory stick for the camera - we will have to get another one. So for now I thought I would just give a written update...
Let's see...Mal has been doing some day trips to Knoxville and Nashville with work, he is enjoying his job, he is has discovered the joys of using a smoker and we have had a couple of successful events (I have a feeling we are going to be eating a lot of bbq this summer! :)

Jonas is getting more independent and pushing his limits daily. He is saying more words lately...hot (everything is hot at the moment), mama (finally!:), daddy, sis, bath (although it sounds more like ba), cracker (or his version), juice, shoes, bye, hi...I'm sure there are more but I can't think of any more at the moment. He is starting to climb up on chairs and he finds things to stand on to get where he wants to go. He is opening drawers and unloading the contents in record speed! Overall, he is a very busy and friendly little guy who loves to laugh and have fun.

Emma Grace is blowing bubbles, cooing and talking, kicking her legs, holding her head up without so much bobbing. Last night was the first night we put her in her crib in their room. I was thinking back to the 3 day rule with Jonas to get him to sleep in his room and I am hoping that 3 days is all it will take with our little princess. Last night she woke Jonas up every time she started crying but then this morning when he was hollering for me to come get him - she slept right through it! I guess that is half the battle...:)

As for me, I am enjoying having the summer off to spend time with the babies and get some projects completed. I am learning to adjust to a new schedule, how to be productive (but not discouraged if I don't accomplish all I set out to do), taking walks, and catching up with friends!

Well...I guess that is all for now...hopefully we will have some pictures to share soon!

THIS is what I'M talking about!!!

The many faces of Emma Grace

Long overdue...

Well life has been busy here in the Dean household...nothing new there. Here are some pictures we took at Easter. Jonas kept trying to kiss Emma Grace in the one with both of them. :) He is such a good big brother. When Emma Grace is in her car seat and she starts crying he runs over to her and starts rocking her, he gets diapers for her (usually his own...but, hey, he tries), and when she starts crying he will go find a pacifier for her. He is cutting molars right now so he has been in rare form this week plus all the rain means not enough outside play time...whew!
I guess that is our update for now...stay tuned...

Easter egg hunt

This egg had jelly beans in it - so it was really fun to shake!

Our first family photo! (with Emma Grace)

Mimi and all her 'riches'

Is this an egg hunt or a stick hunt?

Getting the hang of it!

bath and bedtime routine

Look at those lips!

Getting ready for her first bathtub bath!

so brave! she didn't even cry!

Having a second baby has completely thrown off my life routine as of late. In particular, my nightly routine I had established with Jonas has not been the same since our little princess arrived. I am really looking forward to getting a bath and bedtime routine established with both children. One of the problems I am having is ENERGY or lack of energy. When the end of the day comes all I want to do is sit down on the couch. My goal is to begin a nightly routine with Emma Grace soon...and to pick up where I left off with Jonas. I will update our progress! Maybe accountability is the key!

Brotherly love

at first Jonas didn't quite know what to do with emma grace when i set her on his lap. but as you can see he quickly started exploring his boundaries. he likes to say..."hey sissy!" and he always looks for her when he gets up in the morning or after his nap. i am sure he will be a great big brother!