Super Brother!

This post is a "shout out" to the world's most patient and loving big brother Sam. He has been such a trooper through Lucy's rough couple of weeks of reflux. When it feels like she is crying all day everyday, and we want to pull our hair out, Sam is still smiling and cuddling her. He can play trains, sing, dance, run circles and most importantly sleep through her tantrums. Props to Sam. Oh, and we have rewarded him with some extras Ritas.

Giggling through the cries

Dad's Day (a day late)

We are so incredibly lucky to have such a hard working, loving and fun daddy in our lives. Lucky for us Mother Nature changed her mind and gave us some decent weather for a family hike to celebrate the day. Fathers day takes on a whole new meaning when you have 2 healthy happy kids.

My Pinterest attempts at LOVE picture

Daddy's choice outing to Ridley Creek Park 

Strange Hobbies

So, should I be concerned about my son's unusual obsession with the "statues" around town?
Yes, Sam's new hobby is locating and discussing the various statues in yards, gardens, offices and the courthouse. He is hung up on the fact that "they no talk to me Mommy" and "they no move!". None the less, he visits the soldier, cat, frog, angels and many others on almost  a daily basis. Let's see how long this lasts.

Hello Sneakers!

Long time no see old friends.
I had my post partum visit with the doctor today, and got the OK to resume running and all other pre pregnancy physical activities, Hooray! Time to get back in shape and shed those final Lucy pounds. Long term goal is the Broad Street 10 mile run next May to celebrate Lucy's 1st bday. Wish me luck!

Here we go again...

Our blog has taken on many new titles and formats over the past 2 years. It started as a new mommy and baby on Belt Street in Bmore, later to become a slightly more experienced mom and busy boy exploring the borough of Media. Now we have taken on yet another title as a dangerous brother/sister duo making more memories in Media. We look forward to letting you take part in our upcoming adventure. Stay tuned..

Caution: New Blog Title Ahead!!!

As most of you might have guessed, my absence from blogging was due to the exciting arrival of our newest little Kotras family member: Lucy Anne Kotras. Little Lucy has kept us all pretty busy for the past few weeks (her big brother Sam also plays a role in the chaos I suppose). Consequently the blog has been put on hold temporarily. Check back in the next week for an updated title and post. Thanks!

Single digits...

approaching 9 days and counting until "the BIG day" when our little lady will hopefully arrive. However if she follows in her brother's footsteps, she will take her time and continue to hang out. With each passing day she seems to be running out of room while trying more acrobatic tricks. We are eagerly waiting to see exactly how Sam welcomes his new best friend. Wish us luck...

P.S. If you don't hear from me in a while, draw your own conclusions  ;)

Every Mother Counts

In support of maternal health all over the world I made a pregnancy purchase that also has a practical purpose. Behold the limited edition TOM's "mother bag".

Prepping my "hospital" bag for little sis

This purchase is in conjunction with TOMS and supports Every Mother Counts, in hopes to get more medical attention to mothers in need preventing death/illness during pregnancy and childbirth. We often take for granted all of the resources we have, and this reminds me again to be grateful.

Delinquent blogger reemerges

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." - Epicurus

I know a quote is is good when Patrick compliments/agrees with it. This was one of those quotes.

This quote rings so true in so many aspects of life, and currently with parenting. I always wished and hoped for Sam to do "the next thing"; crawl, walk, talk, sleep more, play independently and so on. Now he has done all those things and more. I need to remind myself to pause and appreciate what an amazing child he has become and what a journey it has been.

Our curious little conductor

The Final Stretch?!

We are closing in on the final month of pregnancy, and awaiting the arrival of Sam's little sister. He is getting in some solid practice by rocking the basinette, reading to his baby chick and practicing lots of soft cuddles. We know something is sinking in when he announced that he had a "big belly" with baby sister in it the other day.Or should we be concerned that he is a bit confused on the whole pregnancy topic??? Either way, excitement is building... April showers bring May babies. ;)

Spring has sprung!?

We are beginning to see signs of the end of winter's dreary cold months.

This also means the end of pregnancy #2, and awaiting the arrival of our little lady.
So much to be excited about around here.
Bring on the sun, bring on a the sister!

Think Spring!

It seems like the majority of our Sammy pics these days look like the image seen below.

1st of many storms back in Jan.

Yes, warm winter coat, mittens(or glubs as he says) and signature knit hat. Alas, it is getting a little monotonous these days. Where is the sun, the warm weather, and the days when it took 1 minute to leave the house instead of 10? I did decide to give up negative winter thoughts for Lent, so this is my passive, subtle way of wishig away winter for good. Let the countdown to spring begin! See ya "glubs"!

"Big belly, big belly."

That is what Sam loves to announce "lovingly" as he taps on my belly these days noticing a change.
I had my obligatory glucose test at the doctor as I approach that much anticipated 3rd trimester. Everything else checked out fine in terms of size, weight, measurement and heartbeat. YAY!3 more months to go!!

acknowledgement of another's existence 

Cars, trucks and trains oh my!

Sam has proven himself to be a true stereotypical "boy" in terms of toy interests (completely unprompted by us). Each day he becomes progressively more consumed with cars, trucks and trains. What started as a few matchbox cars from Poppy's basement has developed into a daily lineup and as Patrick calls it "taking inventory" of his collection. Hmmm, where to draw the line???

The start of it all at B&N in July

The daily lineup on the windowsill in January

Mine, mine, mine!!!

So I guess 2 year olds are pretty selfish when it comes to toys, food, attention or pretty much anything! Sam has gotten into the habit of letting us know if/when things are "mine". This has included, but is not limited to the color blue, liking trolleys, and various furniture in the house. This should make for an interesting dynamic when baby sister comes home...

Hard to believe this cool cat can't share.

It's been forever!

I know, I know, I have been slacking on the blogging situation.
My apologies.
In recent weeks Patrick has been given the opportunity to work from home, thus getting first dibs on the computer. In recent weeks I have also been too busy/lazy/preoccupied to catch up and blog.

Here is a glimpse at the latest scene at our house.

1st official ear infection :(

Happy, Merry, Good Tidings and more...

It was incredibly hard to find just one picture to summarize this holiday season of happiness. 

1. Because we were too busy enjoying the moments to capture them all on film

2. Because we did so many different things in so many different places

3. Because I am simply terrible at narrowing down moments.

In summary, we spent fun time with family and friends, but our best present came early. (see below)

Stockings for 4...

including our new little lady!