brotherly love is still happening

Today Sam informed Will that he was going to have to "go to Dr. Durham and get some pokes. They hurt but it ok." Nothing like a big brother to comfort you. They love each other so much. I'm beginning to think that Sam is Will's favorite person.

Will's 1st try with solids

Today was Will's 1st taste of something other than milk, and his reaction was not typical of most babies. He absolutely loved the rice cereal! He ate 2 bowls! After every bite he sucked on his fingers, so by the time he was finished he had cereal all over. He's a much calmer eater than Sam was at this age; hopefully he will stay much cleaner than Sam from here on out. He also loved chewing on the spoon. I think it was a great experience for him. I can't believe my little bitty baby is already eating food!! I guess it's all down hill from here!!

Lots of changes with Will at 6 months

I can't believe Will is already 6 months old!! Time has passed so quickly. He is still such a pleasant baby, and I have loved how small and baby-like he has stayed. He had his 6 month appt. today, and that verified that he's not growing much. He actually has to go back in a month for a weight check; the doctor said he is healthy but that he should be gaining more weight than he is. He is start solids now, so hopefully that will help him gain weight faster. He got an antibiotic for this cold he has had for a month, so hopefully his horrible cough will clear soon. Other than that he is right on track, smiling all the time, reaching for things, and cooing. HIs stats were:
weight: 12 lb. 11 oz. (2% percentile)
height: 25.5 in. (16% percentile)
head: 42.5 (14% percentile)

our Saturday morning breakfast favorite

Here's a healthy yet heavy recipe that we enjoy around here every Saturday morning. Sam loves for me to make his pancakes in the shape of cats and dogs. He's pretty creative to think that my attempt actually looks like cats and dogs. Anyways, try it; they are delicious and a great way to use up food storage wheat.

1 c. milk (we use soy milk)
1 c. whole wheat
2 eggs (we use a ripe banana as a substitute)
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tbsp honey or sugar (I prefer honey; it has more of a flavor)
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp oil

1. In a blender, blend wheat and milk until it is a smooth consistency.
2. Add other ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. Cook over hot skillet. Serve hot with syrup. We actually prefer fresh raspberry topping; it goes better with the hint of banana.

ENJOY!!

sweet little Will

These precious moments are starting to be too many to count! The doll in this picture was my favorite doll as a child; my mom recently returned it to me, and Will loves it! I have it in the corner of his bed, and during naps and nighttime he pulls it down and snuggles it next to him. It touches my heart every time I see this beautiful image. Gosh, I love my baby!!

Vanderlinden Christmas

our Christmas

I can't believe how quickly Christmas is becoming a memory! We had a wonderful holiday full of food, family, presents, and fun.Sam was thrilled about opening as many presents as he could, and that included my presents, Will's presents, Pete's presents, and anyone else who would let him. As most kids are he didn't care as much for the gift as he did for the unwrapping. We kept presents to a minimum; however, Pete did build Sam a beautiful rocking horse, and Sam was thrilled for his "horsey!". Will got some books and a toy "horsey" from Sam. Pete gave me the long coveted square dishes, and I couldn't be happier!! He came away with some new motorcycle pants. On Christmas day we went sledding, a fun new Christmas tradition for our family. We spent alot of time with family; it's great to have Pete's sister here.

We love the spirit of the holiday, all the time off, ad all the food, but we are ready to get back to real life. We look forward to the adventures that 2008 will bring. Best wishes to you all for a happy new year!!