Peter Richard Andrus

My beautiful baby boy! His birth was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I had dreamed of having a natural birth with Gwen -- but things didn't turn out that way. This time, however, I was more informed, and empowered. Everything happened as I imagined - natural, quiet, meditative. I labored at home until my "birthing waves" were only 2-3 minutes a part. Once I reached the hospital I was ready to push him out -- which I did comfortably and safely in 10 minutes (without any tears)! Halleluiah! With the consent of our wonderful pediatrician, we went home that evening.

Playing in the Park

Thanksgiving

Fall Leaves

Gwen's Response to Timeouts

 BROKEN DOORS...

VASELINE IN THE HAIR, which we learned is very hard to get out.  Ryan had put her on timeout in her room, without realizing that the diaper changing materials were left on the floor of her room, including a tub of vaseline.  After a few minutes, we found her wrist-deep in the tub, with gobs of vaseline in her hair.  We tried washing with baking soda, corn starch (it was really funny to see Gwen with white hair), dish soap, and regular shampoos, as suggested by various websites.

Gwendolyn's 2nd Birthday

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE

After two years of no sugar, we splurged and bought her my favorite cake: Papa Haydn's Chocolate Raspberry Gâteau cake (A fallen chocolate soufflé topped with fresh raspberries, brushed with red currant glaze and bordered with a bittersweet chocolate ganache). It was divine

Though we practiced several times, Gwen needed a little help from her cousins to blow out her candles. (Maybe not so thrilled about it at times...=)

WE LOVE OUR JERRAD

OPENING GIFTS

Helping Daddy and Great-Grandpa put together her new tricycle... she often takes it on "trips" around the house with her stuffed animals. Just the other day she filled the seat up with play food and said, "Mommy. I'm going hiking. Bye!" Haha!

Loves her new clothes and number board from Grandma and Grandpa Andrus. Although she already had two outfits on, she still wanted to put on her new dress.

 
She is also enjoying her new book from cousins Pace and Charlie! We often find her looking through it on her own saying, "Push, Push"  

Sharing toys...

Putting new clothes on her baby... though, she still prefers to have it naked... Oh Grandma, we tried.

PORTRAITS