Two Cousins

This video was recorded in August. Jakob tried everything to protect his pillows but Levi had another plan. Enjoy!

Cloth Diaper Event

So even though Levi is almost 21 months old, I've decided to start using cloth diapers. I've ordered a trial package that should be getting here soon and I can't wait to try them out! Actually, I've been doing a semi version of cloth diapering using training undies, prefolds, wool, fleece and plastic covers. So far I really like it! The smell in Levi's bedroom is virtually gone, we are saving a decent amount of money, AND we aren't filling up landfills with Levi's poo.

Starting on October 14th, I'm going to be trying to win some free diapers at the Cloth Diaper Event at HappilyDomestic so I can build up my stash a bit.

What do you think of my new endeavor of cloth diapering? My sister says I'm becoming a hippie. Perhaps I am...

Being a hippie is fun!

Spring is in the Air

Levi loves being outside. The other day, he brought me all of his shoes and laid them in front of me before I finally got the clue. If I say, "let's go outside" he stands by the door and waits. Its so cute!
Once we're out there, its like he's thinking "FREEDOM!!". He wanders all around the yard, exploring, with his half-running, half-walking toddler waddle.

We share a yard with the 3 other apartments in our building and last summer it was kind of weird for me to spend time out there. I just wasn't sure which space we could use. It didn't feel like our yard. But this spring we bought a porch swing and a little sandbox for Levi, and I put out some planters of flowers and now, somehow, this yard has become a place of our own for our little family to enjoy God's creation.

I love these pictures below that we took at Attila's parents' place.

Happy Birthday Levi!

As unbelievable as it is to me, Levi is 1 year old today. At this time a year ago I was beginning to realize that I really might be in labor. Four and half hours from now, Levi will officially be a year old! What a wonderful adventure this year has been--discovering who he is and enjoying his sweet, sociable personality. He truly brings amazing joy to both Attila and I and we are so thankful for the gift of him in our lives.

Levi a year ago.

Levi now.

We haven't downloaded our pictures from today yet, but here are a couple of pictures from a small birthday party he had on Monday.

For some reason, Levi got scared and started crying when we sang to him.

But he quickly recovered after tasting his first bite of cake.

A very merry first Christmas

Yesterday was such a fun day with Levi. We loved watching him open his presents. He loved playing with the ribbons and wrapping paper. His innocent abandon and joy as he played with his new toys reminded me of my own childhood Christmases.


Levi's special stocking. My mom made it from a pair of old Levi's!

We enjoyed a lovely, relaxing Christmas morning breakfast. I used up the last of my pecans and craisins for our cinnamon rolls and it was totally worth it!

Our delicious cinnamon rolls in process.

Our Christmas breakfast table

Levi helping to open his new ball tent which is his favorite Christmas present

Having fun playing in his tent

Stealing candy from a baby

Here in Hungary, we celebrate Mikulas or St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. The children receive chocolate St. Nicholas figures and other yummy treats. Levi got this HUGE chocolate Mikulas from one of our co-workers.

"Hey, look what I got!"

"What? You mean you aren't going to let me eat it?"

"Alright, but you'd better make up for it next year!"

P.S. Mommy and Daddy say "It sure was tasty!". Thanks Julianna!

Longing

"We may however say to ourselves- one day these souls of ours will blossom into the full sunshine- when all that is desirable in the commonness of daily love, and all we long for of wonder and mystery and the look of Christmas time will be joined in one, and we shall walk as in a wondrous dream yet with more sense of reality than our most waking joy now gives us."
--George MacDonald