Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's and everything in between!

Well, I knew it had been a while since I last updated this blog, but I didn't realize it was so long that 3 holidays had passed and I even forgot my password to sign in. Here is my feeble attempt at catching up for 3 months in as short of time as possible!

Though things are good here, we are busy! When I think about what we're busy doing- it's really nothing but life. I guess it's just being back to life with a baby in the house. There are lots of messes, lots of meals, lots of laundry, lots of homework and tutoring jobs, and lots of cuddles. I feel like I can get approximately 1.5 things done each day, which is about the equivalent of a shower and shaving one leg!

Christmas first:

My Mom came to visit a week or so before Christmas. We had a great visit and I was grateful for her extra help before Christmas break hit! She did cookies with the boys and spent a lot of time with Littlest Brother. She even gave Kevin and I an evening off for a dinner and movie. So wonderful!

Our Christmas held our traditional activities: cutting down our tree, Christmas books and cookies, visiting Santa, Christmas Eve service, and letters/cookies for Santa. This year, though, we got to include the latest precious gift to our family. 

This little guy started solids (oats) a few days before Christmas. He was a happy camper!

Big Brother took a pottery class and made ornaments for us all. He loved it!

Daddy wrote what Big Brother wanted to say. He also had a warning to Santa that didn't get included: "If you see a chocolate cake in our kitchen, don't eat it because it's not for you!"

The big family surprise the boys found in our basement!!! We've had a few family tournaments for air hockey and ping pong. I see many hours of fun in our future with this!

5 Months Old

I can hardly believe the Little Man is 5 months old! Not much has changed, except that he's found his toes and is loving those toes! It's cold here, so it's rare that his toes are out and accessible. But, when they are out, they are in his mouth!

Besides his toes, he's learning to grab at everything. We pulled out some baby toys and they are a hit.  He also watches every single thing we put in our mouths. It's making us feel rather guilty. I must say it seems like time to have solids soon. Doctor wants us to wait until 6 months, but I have a feeling we won't!

I really am enjoying this phase. He's still stuck wherever we put him, eating and sleeping a bit more on a schedule and is still our sweet, smiley, easy going little guy, but growing up a bit too quickly if you ask me. 

This was my assistant during our little photo shoot!

Happy 5th Birthday

To My Sweet Boy:

I can't believe it was 5 years ago that you first came into our life after a long day of waiting and wondering when you'd come. The process was slow for much of that day, but you surprised us by showing up just as I was ready to give up! We all thought you'd be born on the 26th, but you surprised us by coming just a few minutes past midnight on the 27th. And that has been what life with you has been like.... many surprises along the way!

I love the pictures above because they so encompass who you are. You are a little boy full of laughter and fun. You bring so much joy and life into our home (not to mention noise!) You are growing up in so many ways since becoming a big brother this summer. You get yourself dressed and ready for school every day- even getting your backpack and snack ready. You are so much more brave about saying good-bye and starting new experiences. You love to teach your Little Brother about life and the joys you find in it. You look up to your Biggest Brother and want him to be just like him in so many ways.

But, in some ways you are still my little buddy. Sometimes your Big Brother takes off with his friends and you get left behind with your hurt feelings and all. Other times you are just run down and you always want your back scratched. I can always count on you to help me out and to always be there for a hug. You are sweet, kind and loving. 

You have a great memory and are learning so much, like a little sponge right now. You always ask me silly things, like "Why are they called sandwiches is there is no sand in them?" You wear me down at times begging for sugar, tv shows and "screen time", but there is no one else who reminds me to laugh and see the joy each day quite like you can.

I love you and am so happy you are my little 5 year old! Happy Birthday Buddy!

Love, Mommy!

A Bowling Avengers 5th Birthday Party

Tomorrow my guy turns 5! We had his party a few weeks back since that is what worked best with our schedules. Sometimes having a birthday right next to Thanksgiving gets messy- so we just roll with the punches! It took some thought and many mind changes, but he finally settled on an Avenger's Theme for his 5 year old party. The party took place at the bowling alley with 6 of his buddies from school. They bowled for an hour, ate cupcakes, and opened gifts. He had a blast and was so excited. The only bummer was that it was a long 18 days to wait until the real birthday. Talk about stretching this one out!

He "helped" me with the cupcakes and was all set for the day with his new Avenger shirt.

Big Brother even got to skip the afternoon at school to celebrate his big day!

Here he is with his "best friend". And, even the Littlest Brother was sporting his super hero gear!

I'm expecting him to be up early and all ready to get the party started tomorrow. Off to rest before he wakes up the family to start celebrating!

Guess Who?

Guess who....

• is 4 months old?
• can roll over (both ways)?
• loves his feet and grabs them any chance he gets?
• laughs and smiles all the time?
• grabs at everything to put it in his mouth?
• sucks his thumb until it is chapped and raw?
• is 26 inches long (85th %) and 14lb 13 oz (50th %)?
• is still sleeping like a champ?

Did you guess this sweet little one?

Moments Between Brothers

In my day to day life, I see the clutter- paper, toys, half eaten tomatoes and avacadoes on the counter, but when I slow down to see how our family has transformed that all fades to the background of what is truly important. There really is nothing sweeter than the moments shared between these brothers. 

The Longest Halloween Post Ever In November...

 Due to the overload of photos, I'll keep it short on words! Halloween is a favorite around here and it didn't disappoint this year. Fun was had carving pumpkins, at school parties and parades, and trick-or-treating with our neighbor friends. Even the littlest brother had a fun night. (If you call being carried around the neighborhood by mom to stay asleep while your big brothers trick or treat for 2 hours!)