Strolling Along

Spring is inching into our neighborhood, and although the snowbanks stand their ground, some pavement is showing through, encouraging Augustus to experience his first ever stroller ride! Too bad I don't have action shots of pivoting through puddles and trying to juggle Bear on a leash. We're warming up to the idea!

Spring in Jackson Hole!

Snug as a bug . . .

Good Mornin'!

Augustus and I often start the day with a little singing. He especially likes "Good Morning" from the musical Singin' in the Rain:



Good mornin', good mornin'!

It's great to stay up late,

Good mornin', good mornin' to you.

 

So, good mornin', good mornin'!

Sunbeams will soon smile through,

Good mornin', good mornin', to you,

Good morning,

Good morning,

We've gabbed the whole night through.

Good morning, good morning to you.

In the morning,

In the morning,

It's great to stay up late!

Good mornin',

Good mornin' to you.

Friends who ________ together . . .

Augustus and I rekindled an old tradition with dear friends at Sidewinders restaurant this week. The ritual involves a lunch date with Diet Coke, a salad, a split order of cheese fries and answers to life's questions.

Darling Louise makes Augustus look like a SOLID young man!

Kjera's (diet-starts-tomorrow) BLT salad

Her first cheese fry! (which she would have happily shared with Augie!)

'Sup Cuz?

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Augustus had a great time getting in touch with his roots and getting to know all six of his cousins during the 2011 "Henrieunion". All the Henrie kids were back in Jackson for one memorable week of swimming at the rec center, skiing at the village, celebrating two birthdays and sending lots of love to Grandma Sharon.

Howie-1, Alanna-4, Ryker-4, Stratton-1, Ila-7, Mason-11, Augustus-7 weeks

#89

This week, we decided to dash out to "the ranch" to introduce Augustus to his Great Grandpa and Grandma Steffler. We figured that A.S.H. is the Steffler's 89th great grandchild. He is honored to be a part of such a legacy of commitment to family and hard work!

All prepped for our biggest journey yet!

Learning about the land from Great Grandpa Steffler

Snuggling with Great Grandma Steffler and cousin Stratton.

Getting nose-to-nose with our boy Jax.

Stratton showing us what real cowboys do.

Cousin-bonding!

BIG DEAL: Adding Augustus to the infamous birthday wall-hanging

Proud Papa

Celebrating St. Patrick's day with some Idaho Fall shopping.

Relaxing with Rio back at home.

Girly Weekend!

What a treat to spend a couple of days basking in the joy of deeply rooted friendships, thoughtful conversations and many shared blessings!

Resting up from his big date with Greta!

Soaking up the sun and some delicious beverages!

Showing off our precious boy!

Lovin' on the baby . . .

Happy memories . . . new & old.

Daddy & son time, too!

Baby Rio loves spending time in the nursery.

And after it all, relaxing while Mami enjoyed a hot shower.

It's Lent, Baby

From the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church Lenten email:
"Lent is about giving up something so that we have space and time to do something for God. What are you giving up for Lent?


Fast from criticism,
and feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity,
and feast on joy.
Fast from ill-temper,
and feast on peace
Fast from resentment,
and feast on contentment.
Fast from jealousy,
and feast on love.
Fast from pride,
and feast on humility.
Fast from selfishness,
and feast on service."

In considering what I would "give up" for Lent this year, I knew it wouldn't be booze or chocolate (having just gone 9 months of dietary restrictions), instead I am "giving up" laziness by choosing to go on a daily walk. Whether or not I make it out every day, my intention is to spend time with Augustus, and often Bear, moving, breathing and watching spring creep into Jackson Hole.

Dear friends, sweet baby and brilliant sunshine

This week sucks!

Don't worry, nothing about this week with little Augustus Strom Henrie has been anything other than wonderful. He's busy making big discovering about sucking! In addition to the fact that he gained 2 ounces a day between his last two appointments with the pediatrician. he's finding other ways to suck and soothe himself. A.S. H. is learning to use a pacifier and . . .

Augustus loves soothing himself by sucking on the nearest (clean!) pinkie.

Augie also just figured out how nice it is when giraffe's ear ends up in his mouth.

Such a good boy to take a bottle when Kjera needs to be gone.

And the blessings just keep coming!
So many friends have helped us to celebrate our little (but quickly growing) blessing.

And then there were four (godparents) . . .

First, Grammy "sweetened" them up by feeding LouLou her first taste of ice cream.

Then Louise checked Augustus over . . .

YIPPEE! Betsy and Josh agree to be godparents to our sweet boy.

HAPPY.

The dessert special: blueberry!

Love at first sight!

Have you ever fallen in love? Watching Grammy and Papa Strom get to know Augustus was a classic love story played out before our very eyes. They kissed all the time (Hello PDA!). Afternoons evaporated with marathon cuddling sessions. They boldly proclaimed one another's perfection. The smallest movements spoke volumes of enduring endearment. They spent hours memorizing each other's faces. They parted tearfully, and the long-distance relationship has already begun. The stage has been set for a lifelong affair!

Papa Strom, Grandma Sharon, Grandpa Joe, Grammy Strom and ASH

But Grammy didn't want to share . . .

Male bonding!

We also celebrated 38 years of their love story.

Augie took his first bottle from Grammy.

Strom family traditions are proudly passed to the next generation!

month 1

At my baby shower in Jackson, attendees were asked to share wisdom with us in sealed envelopes for the first precious months of parenthood. As Augustus turned one month old, we opened the first note from Malanie. It read, "No matter what needs to be done: dishes, house cleaning, laundry . . . if the baby has been up all night and finally fall asleep. TAKE A NAP!" Awesome advice!

Augustus modeling for his 1 month photo with a little help from Papa Strom

1 month of being a family (the baby is the only one not tired!)