3 months.

{of course big sis wanted in on the action}

Hank is such a delight! At three months he loves to smile, flail his arms like a cheerleader (or should I say yell leader), laugh at Ruby, coo and chat, and prefers to be held while sleeping (what baby doesn't?). He is a quick little eater, enjoys baths, and prefers to be held upright, facing outward so he doesn't miss a thing.

Hank's turning three months also means me going back to work. Before Hank's birth I remember looking forward to my 12 weeks off...I can hardly believe it has come and gone! I went back last week and we all are adjusting well. Hank had a rough hour or so my first night back...but he and Hugh survived and the second night went much smoother. I had to fight tears as I waved goodbye to my little fam...but getting to work is half the battle and once I'm there it feels good to be back. I really am lucky to work on a great unit with such wonderful people. And I must say, it makes a world of difference working 12 hours un-pregnant.

{Ruby at 3 months}

Lucky to be their mom.

The addition of little Hank to our family has been very special. I like to think I have always appreciated being a mother...but somehow, Hank has taken that appreciation to a whole new level. More than ever, I am finding myself content with just staying at home and hanging out with these two....which, these days consists of making "eggs and dinner" with Ruby in her kitchen set while holding and adoring the Hankster. Somedays, I wish I could sit on the couch, hold Hank, and just look at him. He's darn cute...even Ruby frequently says, "Hank...you're so cute." She loves him too, and it is fun watching her adapt to being a big sister to her little brother (although, she is still talking about her baby sister who is apparently still in heaven). My favorite is when she comes into our room in the morning, climbs into the bed, and starts talking to Hank in a sweet little voice while placing her cute little hands on Hank's face. Hank usually responds with a flash of his darling grin. Man, I'm lucky to be a mom.

...and on a funny note. While getting ready for bed and reading books, Ruby let out a little toot. Hugh jokingly said, "Excuse me." Ruby got a funny little grin on her face, and turned to Hugh and responded, "That's okay. You can boof in my room." She already has a cute sense of humor.

Look at these two.

{Hank and Gray getting acquainted...or should we say, re-acquainted. I'm sure they've been pals for awhile. So fun!}

And look at Hank's cheeks. I think all the milk he drinks goest straight to them! I just want to eat 'em!

Fall, leaves, and rolling down hills.

I really love autumn. The colors, the smell, and the chilly sunny weather. One evening, the kids and I were outside waiting for Hugh to get home. After walking up the street in hopes of seeing Hugh's car, Ruby and I decided to rake some leaves. Hugh made it home to help and do the hard part of putting the leaves in the trash...and to roll down the "hill" with Ruby (her cousins Nain and Smee taught her how to do this, and she loves it). Moments like these are the snapshots in my life that fill me with joy.

Does she really have to grow-up?

Trick-Or-Treat.

Ruby loves her cousins, and has been gearing up (I can't even count how many times we read "Trick-or-Treat Little Critter" in the past four weeks) the entire month of October to go trick-or-treating with them. And when Halloween finally came, it did not disappoint. She even said to Hugh, "Look, Hugh, it's dark just like in my book!"

Minnie Mouse and Puss in Boots looking too cute!

Gwen, Smee, and Ruby getting their loot

I just love Gwen as Pippi Longstocking

Although this guy didn't make it out trick-or-treating...he still looked cute in his Halloween onesie. Hank and I stayed warm while hanging out with Nain, Marissa, and baby Gray and snacking on yummy scones and delicious curry stew (compliments of the Christopherson crew).

Having fun at our neighborhood carnival

Happy Halloween 2011