Where's Waldo???

walking around our house.



Yep, we didn't waste any time in the walking department. He turned one and took off...I absolutely LOVE the baby wobbly walk!

1 year Stats

Weight: 22.14 51%
Height: 30" 58%
Head: 47 cm 68%

OK, I totally double booked dr appointments today. I must not have written Jayce's one year appt. down because I made an appointment for me too. Meeting a new doctor that is really good at getting blood pressure under control (Julie actually recommended him to me). I couldn't reschedule either of them because that would push them both out. My appointment was at 9:45 and Jayce's was at 10:30. I was praying that I'd be done with mine and run over to meet them at Jayce's. Cool thing was they were both in the same area just different offices. I know my BP was high because I was really worried about missing Jayce's appt.
I ended up making it before the dr. was done and for his shots (which I hate but my mom was glad she didn't have to deal with that part). Kind of a crazy morning and besides 4 shots (OUCH) Jayce is doing really well!!!

The ParTAY

The Invite (made by daddy)

The Birthday boy and his GrandmaSome of the decor (by my awesome mama)

"Are these for me?"
Present time
Birthday boy with mama and dada

He actually tried to blow out the candles. It was SO cute

LOVE these pictures!!!!
Some of the monkey's at the party

Daddy's pooped

It was a great party! SPECIAL thanks to my AMAZING mama who always puts on FABULOUS parties, My sisters and all of the family for helping make the day special, daddy for staying up late drawing the AWESOME banner and to everyone who came and celebrated with us!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to our little Monkey!!!

One

Look who turned ONE today....


I can't believe last year at this time I was absolutely DYING of anticipation waiting for this little arrival. I was anxious and hoping with all my heart to meet this little guy and hold him in my arms as soon as possible. Little did we know how much joy this little dude would bring into our lives.
A few flashbacks:
Before

After




First times Gabe wanted to hold Jayce. Can't even explain how much I love these boys!!!

"The bond of a brother is stronger than any one could know with you in my life and with me by your side there's one thing that i know we will never have to fight one single battle alone."

I'm scared at how fast it's all going and really thankful for this sweet babe. He is a jolly little boy. I'd be lost without his scrunchy happy-face and his caveman laugh and grunts especially? especially.... his open mouth kisses and his OOOOOOOH faces and noises and how he looks up at me and hits my face while he drifts off ... I could go on forever. We all LOVE him and needed him in our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONKEY MAN!!!!!

Things I never want to forget #35-#40

ALL JAYCE

35. Gabe and I were gone all day, May 2nd. Bryan was home with Jayce. He worked with him on turning around to go down the stairs. It's too cute for words how he crawls to the top of the stairs, goes flat on his belly and scoots around to slide down on his belly. NOW even though he does this, I by no means leave him alone...just saying. ;)

36. Jayce loves these rings. When we get down to play they are one of the first things he goes for. I never want to forget how he crawls around the house with them in his hands.



37. Bittersweet feeling. We're done nursing. He's pretty much weaned himself. He's more interested in what we eat. I had a love/hate relationship with nursing. I really disliked it at first and then I actually ended up really liking it. I'm a little sad, but feel ok about it at the same time.

38. Jayce wasn't feeling well for Janell's birthday party on June 16th. He had a slight fever and just looked awful. At dinner I noticed a little white tooth poking out on the upper left and it all made sense. Jayce beat Gabe by two months and it's funny to me because they both got the upper front teeth before the bottom.
Poor little man is popping them out quick now too because Bryan noticed the top right cut this last Monday and I see a little white one peaking on the bottom left.

39. He's been cruising for a while now and he'll stand not holding onto anything for a good amount of time. He took his first two steps for Aunt Julie on Tuesday the 21st and took four for me the next day. I was SO excited I scared the poor fellow.

40. Jayce gets really excited when daddy gets home. He smiles really big, screams, throws is head down and charges for him. He looks like a bull dog with his big paws kinda turned in. It's the cutest thing ever!

happy mother's day.

I love being a mother and am grateful that I have been entrusted with their lives. They are teaching me patience, sacrifice and a glimpse of what the pure love of Christ is all about. I still have a whole lot to learn. I am realizing that this is not an event, this is a process! A long one. Lifelong. There is nothing harder but yet, nothing more rewarding. I love my job and am thankful for a very forgiving husband and children.

I owe so much to my own mom for the unconditional love she has given to me through out my life. She is a great example of one who always serves and would give the shirt off her back if needed. I am grateful for her acceptance and love she has for me and my children. I don't know a person who is as accepting as her.

We had a wonderful baby dedication at church where we had Jayce dedicated along with a bunch of other amazing parents and their babies.

Jayce with his buddy Raegan only 15 days apart.

I read this quote recently. It reminded me to remember that the every day things are the best things, and to treasure them up because they won't last.

"The biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while [mothering]. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."--Anna Quindlen

To my babies:

Make You Feel My Love
When the rain

Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows
And the stars appear
And there is no one there
To dry your tears
I could hold you
For a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you
Haven't made
Your mind up yet
But I would never
Do you wrong
I've known it
From the moment
That we met
No doubt in my mind
Where you belong

I'd go hungry
I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling
Down the avenue
No, there's nothing
That I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging
On the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
Though winds of change
Are throwing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing
Like me yet

I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love

Boys' Stats

Gabe's 4 year stats:

Weight: 39lbs 75%
Height: 42.25" 90%

Gabe has an excessive amount of ear wax. At his 3 year appointment the doc had to use one of those tool things to clean out his ears. I thought maybe it was a one time thing so I didn't really think anything of it. She had to do it again at this appointment so I'm thinking we may have an issue...not a horrible one obviously...but an issue. He sobbed both when she cleaned his ears out and when he got his shots. It broke my heart. I'm thinking things like this are actually easier with babies than with older kids. They actually know what's going on and why they're all of the sudden in pain. :(
I had a lot of questions concerning Gabe. We talked about his comprehension that it seems like there are times that he really isn't comprehending what we are saying/asking him. About how he's been hiding in the corner in Sunday school etc. I really think this boy is one who needs preschool. We are praying and seeking out a few options. Hopefully the right one will pan out.

Jayce's 9 month stats:

Weight: 19.5 lbs 25%
Height: 29" 75%

-He has a total of...ZERO teeth.
-He waves "hi" not all the time, but sometimes. It's cute too. He holds out his hand and wiggles his fingers in a fan like motion.
-He claps whenever he hears "yay".
-He gives "five" sort of.
-Gives good kisses, you know the sloppy open mouthed ones that you have to wipe your mouth off afterwards. BUT only to mama AH YEAH :)
-He LOVES being held - especially by his daddy and Grandma
-He LOVES to eat and stares us down when we eat.
-He's Crawling like a pro. Getting into EVERYTHING
-He's pulling himself up onto everything and cruising around all of the furniture. He full on got on top of the coffee table the other day. I didn't have my camera otherwise I would have taken a picture before removing him.
-He crawled up my parents stairs today. Little stinker moves FAST. It was so incredibly cute and scary at the same time. I remember when Bryan caught Gabe crawling up the stairs for the first time. In February 08' so they were pretty much the same age.


I love this age. He is so fun to interact with - he's so animated and laughs at everything, he loves his brother and is such a mamma's boy - until dad walks in the door :) He still smells so yummy and occasionally will just lay his head on you - I love it!
It's all going by too fast. With Gabe, I remember being so excited for each upcoming phase, I didn't really have room to miss the past. Now I wish I could just pause him, and eat up every phase a little longer. Especially, IF he's my last baby????

Gabe and Jayce at 9 months wearing my Favorite Pj's (If I'm not happy nobodys happy)
Kind of look alike???

"Brothers don't shake hands. Brothers gotta hug."

Things I love about this picture:

1. I love that I caught this on camera
2. I love that Gabe is kissing Jayce, because Gabe is in a kissing is gross phase
   
3. I love that Gabe LOVES his little brother
4. I love how squishy Jayce's face is
5. I love that Jayce is dressed and Gabe is still in his pj's

Man I love these boys!!!!!

Blessed above and beyond

Monkey Man is 8 months old today! Can't hardly believe how fast it's going. Only 4 short months and he'll be ONE?!

Jayce is pretty much crawling. His little scoot is too cute for words and he is STRONG. Time to batten down the hatches as my friend Teresa said. We never had to move anything with Gabe. I'm actually a little scared. I think he's going to get into EVERYTHING! WATCH OUT MAMA!!



He is SO funny...his faces, his noises.
He totally cracks us up.

He NEVER stops moving and it's like wrestling a greased pig when trying to change his diaper or clothes. I pretty much have to put his diaper on when he's on his stomach.

His scream is ear piercing. How did I end up with two very loud kids?

He's sleeping through the night (Thank you Jesus) unless he's sick and doesn't feel well.

He's been getting shy around other people even family. He hides his face and grins. It's the cutiest thing ever.

OH My Gabey
He is very challenging these days, testing his boundaries. He is independent and doesn't like anyone in his space. He is VERY loving, but only on his terms.

He says that he loves me all day long and whispers that I'm pretty. Melts my mommy heart.

He loves to torment our poor Calie girl. They have a love/hate relationship. He is constantly getting into trouble for "beating her up".
Bryan and I have always called Calie, Babae gurl. I love that Gabe calls for her by that name. "Come here babae gurl, come here!"

A couple funnies I don't want to forget"
We were on our way to Target and Jayce always pulls his sock off and scrapes his toes on the seat. Gabe always tells me when he's pulling it off. This time he said "Mama, we've got a Pew Pew" and then he sighed.

After getting the Little colds honey elixir to hopefully help Gabe with his cough. I gave him some and he asked what it was for. I told him it was to help his cough go away. A few seconds later he coughed and said "It didn't work"

I stumbled across a blog tonight about a women who lost her 2 1/2 month old to Pertussis. I sobbed like a baby. Even though these kinds of things make me anxious, I kept reading and weeping. Bryan asked me why are you doing this to yourself? I didn't really have an answer. It was encouraging to read her words, her rawness, her FAITH, her heart. My heart ached for her as I read it.
I prayed for her and her family and counted my blessings. Went upstairs and gave my babies one more kiss before going to bed.

NOTHING in my life makes me feel more blessed than the fact that I have two WONDERFUL BOYS that were entrusted to ME.

I LOVE THEM!

“A year from now you wish you had started today.” Karen Lamb

6 month stats a month late

Weight: 18lbs 13 ounces 54%
Height: 28.5inches 90%
Heed: 75-90%

Had Jayce's appointment today. We got there early which never happens. We got the stats, saw his doctor and got shots. He did awesome. Didn't even cry when they gave him the shots. I have always HATED shots. It just breaks my mama heart every time. The first two went in and he didn't even flinch. When the third one went in, he got the look, like he was going to scream and cry. He didn't though. Found out that he had double ear infections. Poor baby gave me NO signs. He had been eating and sleeping well and wasn't fussy any more than normal. I felt bad. I had chronic ear infections and I remember them being very painful.
I thought for sure that Jayce was going to be a lot bigger than Gabe since he was a preemie. I was wrong they were about the same.

We started solids at the end of Dec. I can't shovel in the food fast enough. He screams at me if I'm not. He is a little piggy and a CUTE piggy at that. He talks while taking every bite. Sticking out his tongue and saying "hmmmm"

Time flies

He's:

- Smiling like crazy... with his mouth, his eyes, his nose, his forehead (he has this indent in the shape of a V at his hairline). EVERYTHING on Jayce smiles when he smiles... I love it.
- Always making noise: humming, giggling, gasping, screaming, bababaing, doing that funny sucking in thing while he smiles... like a form of laugh.
- Spending a lot of time in the Jumperoo. LOVES to jump just like his brother.
- Always trying to get something in his mouth.
- Loving his big brother. Gabe can make him smile and laugh doing just about anything silly or hugging him. They really are "playing" (if you can call it that when it involves a 6 month old) now, at least interacting and keeping each other company. Especially in the car. Gabe does silly things and Jayce laughs. I'm LOVING it.
- Still spitting up and drooling like crazy.
- Still sleeping pretty good at night. He'll go down about 8pm but he's up early between 3 and 4am, but then goes back down until 8ish. He takes 2 pretty good naps.
- Legs shaking at all times. This little guy doesn't ever stop moving.
- Can pretty much sit up on his own. He'll be sitting playing with his toys and then start tumbling over in slow motion.
- Lights up when Bryan comes home and tries to jump out of my arms to get to him...gets in his arms and then immediately turns around for me again
- No teeth yet
- Distracted while nursing. we'll be nursing along and then one noise in the background, and bam. he's pulled off and staring around the room frantically. Especially if big brother is talking and or is near.
- Thinks Calie girl is hilarious.
- Rolls and scoots everywhere. set him down in one spot and find him 10 feet away a few minutes later.
- He's brought so much joy into our family. It's amazing how babies can do that. Almost daily, Gabe says, "I love Jayce."




Six months really is SO fun. You just can't find much to be bummed out over when you've got a chubby, little, blue-eyed, cutie grinning at you most the day. We all LOVE him!

I LOVE THESE BOYS!

Has it really been 4 months already???

4 month stats:

Weight: 15.1 (50%)
Height: 25.5 (75%)
Heed: 75%


He is getting so big and fun to interact with, he loves to coo and smile, he is rolling over (from tummy to back only) grabbing/batting his toys constantly and giggling when you tickle him. He is at such a fun stage right now - I love it!
The only thing is I feel like it's going TOO fast...it went way slower with Gabe...seemed like he was small forever...maybe because he was a preemie...I don't know, but it's making me want another one. lol

*EDITED*

I think that we've made it...made it past "the stage". You know the stage where all he does is scream, only mommy can sooth, both Bryan and my mom are scared out of their wits to be alone with him stage.
I feel so painfully aware, this time around, of how quickly he's passing through each magical stage. If only we could bottle them all and pull them out when we've got two raging toddlers and are in desperate need of some newborn nuzzles and noises. "Yes, today I'd prefer a little bit of the sweet smelling poopoo and spit-up, (I know I'm weird but when they're little, I like it all) yes, maybe a little spray of some of that bubble blowing discovery (you know where their tongue is out and they learn to spit at you and they're amazed at themselves), or a little peek at that determined shaky face trying to get fist to mouth to suck and drool, maybe even a bottle of the drool. I'd like a little bit of baby-neck scent, some of kissing-the-chubbiest-cheeks-you've ever kissed, and a bottle of that look. The one where he stares at me with such intensity and then grins the happiest smile you've ever seen. As if to say he's perfectly and completely happy to be my baby boy. And I feel like he's in LOVE with me. Like he doesn't see a single flaw yet. YET. The feeling's mutual."

He stopped sleeping through the night. He'll give me a 6 hour or 7 hour night every few weeks and that feels like heaven on earth. SO different from Gabe...Gabe slept through the night and never stopped. This too shall pass...I HOPE! :)

BROTHERS

2 months

stats:

-weight 11lbs 2oz 25%

-height 23" 40%

-heed 50%

he's:
-smiling
-cooing/"talking"
-gurgling/bubbles
-spitting up like nobody's business
-doing cute lizard moves with his tongue
-taking frustrating short naps but...
-usually sleeping 8 hours at night

-eating his chocolate nummy's (hands)
-kicking when he's excited
-making the Arsenio Hall "whoo whoo" hand motion

-lots of good tummy time

-rolling from side to side.