Bros

The brotherly relationship between son A and son B is still (very literally) in it's infant stages.  Given that though, it's been interesting to watch over these initial months how the first essential brotherly bonds have already begun to form.

Aiden is pretty into Brady.  He likes to look at him, talk to him, pat and/or poke him, and above all- keep a watchful older-brother eye on him at all times.  Brady typically spends his waking hours in one of the many baby specific devices that we have scattered about the house.  These include (but are not limited to) a bassinet, swing, highchair, and more often than not- the arms of Mom & Dad.

So, when recentley we started letting Brady spend some time daily laying loose and free on the living room floor (he loves this) Aiden has taken full advantage of this new opportunity for brother snuggle time.

Aiden clearly thinks that this is the best thing that has ever happened in the world.  Brady, while not easily convinced, certainly tolerates Aiden's antics.  As far as Jen and I are concerned, we think it's pretty darn cute.

Pre-School Parade

It's that time again!  Another year, another Halloween costume.  This year Aiden opted for a somewhat generic (but still super-cool) superhero costume.  Very dark and mysterious...

Even Superheros need a little motherly attention now and then.

Ready for action!

Showing off that million dollar smile.

Parading!

Quite a menagerie of costumes. Sharks, cowgirls, princessess, puppies and superheroes (of course)- you name it and we saw it!

All warmed up for the real deal on Monday night.  He can't wait!

1 Month

Perfect

While we were at the hospital there was a professional photographer that came around to take pictures of the babies and their families.  We just got the pictures back and they look great!  Here are a couple of my favorites...

Settling In

I (almost) wish there was more excitement to report after our first weekend at home.  Brady has been living up to the reputation set by ultra-mellow second childen gone before, sleeping well each night with almost no excessive crying or fussiness to speak of.  No complaints here!

Aiden has spent the last few days firmly establishing his role as a doting older brother.  Between taking pictures of Brady, holding Brady, looking at Brady, and telling us what Brady is doing he certainly seems to have a big heart for his little bro.

Overall it has been a good couple of days, and a good transition back to life at home.  We were thankful to have Mom Weidner come stay for a few nights with Jen while I went back to work. And now we looking ahead towards our first week at home as a family of four!

It's Brady Time

Well, the Jones Abode has officially entered the two child era! We departed from the hospital this morning with new-baby Brady in tow, and have thus far enjoyed a quiet and (dare I say) relaxing return to the home front.

The generally peaceful vibe owes much to the fact that Aiden has been napping all afternoon, and Brady (similarly sleepy) has only opened his eyes for a total of 15 minutes all day. So far so good, but we are keeping our expectations realistic. There will likely be a long night in our near future, but we are enjoying the calm before the storm.

As for pictures, we've got lots. I sifted through our suddenly bloated iPhoto folders and found some of my favorites from the last few days to share here on the blog. The best of the best. The ones I picked won't provide a complete representation of the experience of the last four days (obviously), but they are pretty darn cute. So that's good.

Enjoy the pictures, and believe me there is lots (LOTS) more where that came from...

School Days

We'll readily admit that most of the hooplah around here is pretty focused on our soon-to-arrive son #2. Lest we forget however that son #1 is having quite a week of his own as he heads back for his second year of pre-school!

It's been a great summer, but Aiden (and us) are eagerly anticipating his return to the world of 3 year old academia. It took some coaxing, but we did manage to snap a few pictures before he headed out for his first day.

The Final Countown!

For those who hadn't heard, we are having a baby. Soon actually, in less then one week! Jen has a scheduled C-Section date for next Tuesday, so we even know the day that the newest Jones will be making his arrival. It's nice, but a little odd to know the exact date that your child will be born. It certainly allows for an extra dose of preparation. Jen is pretty on top of things- she has the week's activities meticulously mapped out, her hospital bag is packed and ready, and she is in full house cleaning mode (right now actually- should I be helping with that?) We are very excited to be entering the final stretch of this pregnancy, and even more excited to meet the babe.

Cue awesome 80's music, and let the countdown begin!

Europe - Final Countdown by