Chris and Jane (plus Haven): Balloons & Babies

It's Balloon Fiesta time in the city. I love this time of year here. Albuquerque is at it's best in the Autumn. The smell of green chile roasting, pinon wood fires, balloons in the sky (if you happen to live on the other side of the mountain you can see them almost every morning for two weeks), I could go on, but I think that's tempting enough. We stayed at my parent's house on Friday night so Haven (okay, so, I) could see the balloons in the morning as we drove to Bernalillo to eat Huevos Rancheros at the Range Cafe (hmm, I slipped another tempter in there without even trying to). It's easiest to see balloons in my mom's convertible, and fortunately for us, this weekend was warm. Usually you need a heavy coat to watch balloons. Here's Haven spotting one in the sky.

And here is Haven and her Mama cuddling. Because her Mama loves her so.

I wish I had a picture of her Daddy on the way to my parent's the night before. It would throw this whole happy scenario off, but it would be funny. Imagine a Toyota Matrix with a Mommy, a Daddy, a Baby, luggage for an overnight stay (if you've got kids you know that even if it's one night, you don't travel light), bikes on the roof, two dogs and a bunny in a cage (we were bunny sitting this weekend). Let's just say that I was like a pig in...poop and Chris was like a person in poop. You can pick which one of us enjoyed that little 35 minute drive into town more.

Tonight we went over to the Taylor's for some super delicious dinner and some Nathan cuddle time. Haven was allowed to hold the baby. This is one of my all time favorite pictures of her. When she's tired she plays with her ear (as well as sucking the two fingers). Lately she's been playing with my ear or Chris's ear when she's tired. And, well, obviously she was a bit sleepy at the Taylor's house and Nathan's ear is as good as any.

She LOVED holding him. She's not much bigger than he is (they wear the same size diapers!), but she could not get close enough to him. I guess she's ready for a little brother. Mommy isn't quite ready though. Maybe if she'd slept through the night before her first birthday I would be more inclined. Who can say?