Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bedtime

Helena, 20 months, Sebastian 4 months. Bed time has gotten a little easier to manage. Helena gets a bottle of milk while I go got pajamas, diapers, towels, and wash cloths. Often I return to find my sweet, sweet children cuddling.


Bath time....Sebastian pretty much stays in his bath chair...Helena loves to give him toys and pour water on him. Fortunately for him, he doesn't seem to mind too much.



Helena loves to hold Sebastian, especially at bed time.




Giving 'Bastion some love




While I read to Helena, sing songs, and put her to bed Sebastian hangs out on our bed...I know he looks huge, but he's not rolling over yet; I promise he's safe! When I come back from putting Helena in her bed, I find my thumb-sucker fast asleep.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Bye-Bye 'Neesy and Shawn!

From July of 2008 to May of 2009 we had a fabulous Nanny that became an important part of our family. Denise Peaslee, her husband, Shawn, and their dog, Leah, were very much members of the Tomaszewski household. We found Denise on Craig's List! It was so nerve-wracking looking for qualified childcare and the Lord led us to Denise. After her interview we knew immediately that she would be a great fit for us! Denise and Shawn joined us for holidays and family get-togethers. When they finally decided to move away, we felt a mix of emotions--we were so sad to see them leave, but excited for them to start the next chapter of their lives, post-military.

The weekend before they left we were fortunate enough to have them stay with us. Helena got lots of time with her 'Neesy and Denise and Shawn got plenty of time with Helena and Sebastian.

'Neesy watching "Elmo" with Helena...NO LAMB, NO LAMB!!!




Denise offered to take a picture of all of us...at this point in time I think our kids did pretty well (Helena, 20 months and Sebastian, 4 months)!






We all went to the zoo before they left...Denise had the magic touch on Sebastian. She put him to sleep on the way there.





It was a very rainy day at the zoo, so unfortuantely we didn't take as many pictures as normal. Helena actually stayed in one spot long enough to pose with Denise.






The Peaslees with Helena.





Night-night time at our house was so special when Helena was this age. Denise got the honors of cuddling Helena and reading to her.





Shawn got dog duty...Dalton, as always, in the lap, Savannah begging, and Leah not speaking to him because he's giving Dalton and Savannah attention!






I love you thiiiiis much! We miss you Shawn and Denise. Thank you for your contribution to our family; we are so thankful for the love you showered on our children and the knowledge you gave them!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Helena and Audrey

Audrey and Helena have lots of fun playing together. Most evenings they are sad to say good-bye, so some nights they take baths together and then part ways. This evening was a together bath time...





The instructions were hug Audrey, not attack her, I promise!

Such sweet girls!!!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Being a Big Helper!

Helena has been our big helper, ever since she could understand well enough to follow directions. At this point at bath time, I would put the kids in the bathroom--Helena with her bottle and Sebastian with his thumb--and would go gather diapers, pajamas, towels, and lotion. This particular evening I came back into the bathroom to find something so endearing and sweet!!! This definitely gave new meaning to Helena being a big helper.


I thought this was so hilarious! I had seen a picture of one of my friends' children doing this, on Facebook, and thought it was so precious! I never thought my own children would do this all on their own!






Our sweet babies!

Morning Time at the Tomaszewski House

I love the weekends, when I get to be there in the morning when the kids wake up. It is so heart-warming to see their sweet faces when they first wake up! This morning (Helena is 20 months, Sebastian 3 1/2 months) I decided to take pictures so I could remember how sweet they are and how little they were!


Sebastian was still sleepy...I caught a sweet baby yawn.



Helena was just tolerant of Sebastian at this point. When prompted, she would hug and kiss him, but was not yet interested in him very much.



She appears a little frustrated in this picture...he looks so sweet and cuddly.





We tried again after they were dressed...this time Helena wanted Sebastian to sit in her lap.




Sebastian survived, without scars!