Face Time

Ethan is starting to enjoy some of his toys but his favorite thing is still when we smile and talk to him. We love to listen to him as he chatters up a storm.

The boys and their babes

Just a year ago we were at Taco Tuesday and none of these guys were dads. Life has changed so much since then and it is so fun to go through this adventure with our friends.

All in the family

Ethan got to meet a big portion of his extended family on his Tita's side last weekend. We were celebrating Dave's (Mike's dad) birthday, and the party at Ruby's on the pier in Huntington had a great turnout. Ethan was amazed at all the excitement and people and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. We got to spend some quality time with Mike's immediate family and some good meals at Spaghetti Factory and Corner Bakery. It was a great weekend topped off by a wonderful 2 hr Sunday nap for the three of us.

I'm gonna get you!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

For those who were interested in my cookie recipe that I brought to the Jones Spring Potluck at the Kennedy's:

1/2 cup butter softened
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup turbinado sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
dash of cinnamon

1 cup choc chips
3 cup old fashioned rolled oats

preheat oven 350. Mix all the wet ingredients (1st paragraph) until fluffy and smooth. Separate bowl mix the dry ingredients (2nd paragraph). On low speed, slowly add the dry to the wet until combined but don't over mix. Add the choc and oats by hand at the end. Cook for 7-9min. Makes about 3 doz.

Coffee Shop Gig

Ethan's first coffee shop gig was at a Starbucks and he played the drums assisted by Dad.

He already has admiring fans!

My boys

George...

From the front you wouldn't know it but our son is sportin' the George Costanza look.

Late for church

Ok, so what else is new with the Cleary's? Yes, we are still chronically late for church but now we have a good excuse! :) Ethan required some unplanned bath time after a diaper explosion this morning and we were going to the first service. We didn't exactly have time for this turn of events, however, he's just so darn cute you have to smile.

Look at those rolls! Can you say well fed?

HAPPY APRIL 15TH!

Grandpa Doug, Ethan had something he wanted to tell you:

Talk to the hand

Ethan's two favorite things as of late have been talking and staring at his hands. His most common words are variants of 'goo.' We have interesting conversations because you might be surprised at the range of meanings for the word 'goo.' :)

In regards to his fascination with his little hands, I believe he continues to be amazed that those things on the ends of his arms belong to him and that he actually has some control over them.

Just enough

It seems there are times when God gives me an abundance of blessings. I usually don't fully appreciate those gifts. It's kinda like when I get all green lights but I'm not in any hurry--I hardly notice. Then there are those other times when God gives me just enough strength, patience, perseverance, etc. to get through a particular trial. He reminds me to rely on Him and it's hard to miss those blessings no matter how small they are.

The past few days have been tough but God has given me just enough to get by. I will admit that given the choice I would prefer the abundance but it is reassuring to know that He will always give me what I need and I will always have the resources to get through each trial.

Here's a shot of my poor congested son who is giving me a melt-your-heart smile while I'm poking a homeopathic pill in his mouth.

Catch up

With being sick and then worrying about Ethan I didn't get a chance to post a picture of Grandma Jeanne and Ethan. My mom came to visit while Mike was out of town. Thanks for making the drive!

A big first

And one I would rather have put off for a few years (or at least months). Ethan caught his first cold and what makes it worse is that he caught it from me! Upon Mike coming home from Orlando I promptly decided to get sick. I slept almost all of Thur which is good because Mike and I were holding Ethan the entire night. He had so much phlegm that he would choke if he weren't upright. Yesterday I took every suggestion our pediatrician gave us and bought half the cold and flu section from RiteAid and Henry's. It is so hard to see our little guy miserable. I'm sure he's trying to figure out what's going on.

Last night was particularly challenging because Mike came down with a very bad stomach ache and I'm still sick. Two things got us through last night. First, the car carrier (thank you Deya for the suggestion) with the Snuzzler (thank you again Carrot) where Ethan slept all night on our bed. Second, Hyland's Homeopathic Sniffles 'N Sneezes 4 Kids (probably the only thing I needed to buy) gave Ethan some relief and helped him relax.

Our pediatrician said that night 3 would probably be the worst...I am going to remain hopeful that today he starts feeling better.

Across the country

Mike flew to Orlando this morning and Ethan and I miss him already.

I'm 2!

Two months that is. :)

I've been working hard at growing this past month, and I am now 12 lbs 7 oz.

Aunty Kim comes for a visit

Aunt Kim came for a visit on Friday. Now anyone who knows Aunt Kim knows that she loves to take pictures. Ethan had several photo shoots and she caught some good ones.

Rise and Shine

Most mornings my little man goes back to sleep after his 5-6am feeding. A little morning snooze is a great way to start the day when you don't get a full nights sleep. Unfortunately, Ethan needed a diaper change after his feeding so he was wide awake. I would prefer a few more ZZZ's but how can I mind when he gives me smiles like this?