Puzzle Mania

Grisham loves puzzles. He devours them. We went to Once Upon A Child to look for a pack n play but came home with six new puzzles. These are just a few that he had time for before bed. I did help him with the states one. He did the outside and then I helped with the states. It will be a whole lot easier once he can read.
Here is a new photo of the kids after bath time.

Friends

My friend Erin and I had our two little girls on the same day. Tessa was born about three hours before Carolyn. Tessa was over 8 lbs when she was born and Carolyn was a little over 7. They are complete opposite in looks but seem to have the same temperament. Tessa has three older sisters and they just adore her. Lila (who is the same age as Genevieve) just loves to hold her baby sister. I think Carolyn and Tessa will become good friends:)

Three Weeks and Some Change

Here you go Mom and Sarah.. Sorry it took so long to post the most recent pictures.

Cosi

Monday morning the kids and I went to Cosi, the science center. There was a new exhibit and it was just an excuse to get out of the house before we got more snow. Yes, more snow!! I will have a post about that later. Anyway, we got to Cosi around 10. We were supposed to meet up with Mary but I was an idiot and did not check my email so we missed each other. We did run into each other at the Grossology exhibit but Mary and the kids were on their way out. The Grossology was pretty gross. Icky yucky body functions. Grisham and Genevieve had fun climbing in the snotty nose and sliding down the intestine slide. There was a gigantic operation table, just like the game. So much information about the gross stuff. After we toured a few more exhibits and a quick round in the play area we had lunch and then home. By this time the snow had really picked up and took us about 45 minutes to get home. I really do love the science center and I kick myself all the time for not getting a family membership. Maybe next year.

Be My Valentine

Before having kids Valentines Day was all about the romance. Don't get me wrong, I still love romance but after having kids the romance takes extra effort. This Valentines Day I decided that it would be just another day. I pretty much lost track of time. Had a baby, first of February arrives and before I know V-Day is here and I find myself totally unprepared. Scott has never made a big deal out of V-Day. We hug and kiss and say I love you everyday so I didn't think much about Sunday. Well, Scott decided to surprise me with flowers and chocolates. Then he fixed dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. Later, Scott surprised me again by giving the kids a bath. Sunday was his last day of vacation so I totally expected him to enjoy one more day of relaxation. After Grisham and Genevieve were in bed he stayed up with me until Carolyn was asleep. It was a perfect Valentines Day for me. I felt so much love by Scott's actions. I wouldn't trade it for 100 romantic dinners.

Build A Bear

My parents headed home on Saturday morning and Scott's parents arrived later that afternoon. We have a tradition in this Hinze household. After each kid is born we go to Easton have lunch at Max and Erma's and then head over to Build A Bear to build a stuffed animal for the new member of the family. The stuffed animal represents daddy and his love for his baby. The animal is dressed in green scrubs just like daddy and named after daddy. The stuffed animal is then put into the kids bed to watch over them as they sleep. Grisham got a bear and is named Daddy Bear. Genevieve has a bunny named Daddy Rabbit and Carolyn just got a doggy, appropriately named Daddy Dog. After the baths tonight we lined the kids up for a few pictures of them and their stuffed daddies.

Grandma Lovin

My mom was able to come out to Ohio and help me out for two weeks. It was so nice having here here before and after Carolyn arrived. I would not have been able to make it if it wasn't for her. She filled in my shoes nicely. While she was here she got quality time with Grisham and Genevieve. She made Grisham a felt board and cut out a whole bunch of animals and zoo characters. Both he and Genevieve adore this new toy. We spent most of our time here at home, allowing me to rest. Mom did all the housework and child care. I love not having to do the dishes. We were all spoiled by her love and care. Thanks for all that you did, Mom!!! I love you so much:)

It A Tough Life!!

I don't know about you but it must be rough being surrounded by all these women. Daddy and Grisham look exhausted!!

Bath Time and More

We gave Carolyn her first bath at home. I let mom do the washing while I took the pictures. After all I will be doing all the bathing when grandparents head back to Iowa. Carolyn really liked the bath. She just didn't like the transfer from the tub to a towel. I love the smell of babies after their bath!!

Both Grisham and Genevieve love to be near Carolyn. Grisham is a tad more enthusiastic about holding her. Genevieve just wants to poke her.