4/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

When you're a parent, finding a field of friendly, domesticated deer, is rather thrilling. Cody found this herd on one of his runs a couple weeks ago, and took the boys to see them one morning last week. I love when our children get a chance to spend unregulated time in nature. Cody is the best at facilitating this kind of play.

Sebastian | Playing with sticks, and exercising his imagination all day. There is no end to his silliness, and his myriad of facial expressions that keep us laughing.

Bruno | Also playing with sticks, and looking so old. It's amazing to me that as soon as a child is toying with the idea of standing and walking, he picks up a stick, and won't let it go. Found toys bring the most joy, don't they.

3/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

I am getting these photos up a little late due to our deteriorating internet. Our connection has been particularly bad this week. In addition to that, my hard drive is full, and making any sort of computer project very slow going. But I'm here, now! And here are a couple iPhone photos from last week. I have the general goal of using my SLR camera for these weekly photos, but sometimes... iPhone.

Sebastian | This little soul combines so beautifully this strong sensitivity, sense of justice, and desire for order and predictability. He is my matter-of-fact little guy (with a strong flare for the silly as displayed by his shirtless suspender-wearing here!). We learned early in parenting that Sebastian deals best with basically every aspect of life if we take the time to explain the scenarios to him, like, "Sebastian, we are going to try to go to the book store, but it might be closed. And if it's closed, we'll be sad, but we'll try again another day." His current response to information like this is most often, "Yes, we'll go there, but... if it's closed, it's closed. And if it's not, it's not!" He's even learning to prepare himself for possible scenarios, and offers this kind of information to us without prompting. In this photo he's marveling at his play dough camera making skills. "I like this camera..." This is his "not-bad-if-I-do-say-so!" expression that we can't get enough of. 

Bruno | People, animals, stuffed animals—anything with a face. This boy thrives off of interaction.  Bruno is the child that will be begging us to get a dog someday in the very near future. When we are out in the city running errands, Bruno will stare people down until they look at him, and when they do... watch out! He turns on some charm like I have never seen before! His smile spreads over his whole face, and makes us the happiest parents alive. Here Bruno is saying "hi," snuggling, wrestling, and otherwise playing with these stuffed animals at the library. Yesterday he kept trying to sneak out of the grocery store to talk to the little dog that was waiting for it's owner!

2/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Cool evening light at the park. Winter's force is dwindling and we find ourselves layering less, leaving our hats at home, and enjoying the park once again.

Sebastian | Taught himself to whistle this week, and does nothing else. According to him, "I practiced and practiced and practiced, and then I did it!" I overheard his Kindergarten friend, Mia, say to someone, "Er kann schon pfeifen!" (He can already whistle!)

Bruno | He has two speeds. This is the slow one. Also, let it be known that my boys wear tights, and I am not ashamed.

P.S. I neglected to mention last week that I am taking part in this series started by Jodi of Practising Simplicity. I have long admired Jodi's writing, and am thrilled to finally be taking part in her 52 Project.

1/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Sebastian | Making up games all the time.

Bruno | Flexible. Likes to give zerberts.