Both of the boys had birthdays recently in the last 3 months. Up until now these two precious days have been undocumented.
We will start with Nolan's since it was in April. For his birthday we had a surprise party. It ended up being a sweet gathering of a few very dear friends and family. We played in the backyard, munched on sandwiches and cake and celebrate Nolan's beautiful first year.
And yes, when he woke up from his nap he was completely surprised!
One!
A little help blowing out the candle
At one, Nolan had a few words like Mama, Dada, Bubba, poop and ball. All of which he uses sparingly except ball. He wasn't walking quite yet, but started just a few weeks later on my birthday, May 19th. He had just had tube put in his ears and was just starting to sleep through the night again.
Nolan, I have failed and failed at documenting your first lightning fast year, but I know that you know I love you like crazy. You are my sweet Smush! You are so silly and so set in your ways. You absolutely love your momma best of all and although that presents challenges its perfectly adorable too. You love to give raspberries and have a laugh that fills my soul. When you laugh with your brother I can hardly handle it. You are a great imitator and love to copy movement, including swinging a golf club and sweeping the floor. Pretty funny tasks since you were doing these things before you could walk. You are my physical boy, climbing, diving, dumping with little fear or hesitation. You have kept me awake so many nights, but those hours alone with you in a dark and quiet house have taught me more than I could have imagined. I love you my sweet boy, my light, my Smush!
Have you heard this song by Uncle Kraker? Of course you have.
Since having G, I can hardly hear it without tearing up. If I am singing it to the boys the lump in my throat comes about 3 notes in.
Nolan even has a sign in his room with the lyrics. These boys absolutely make me smile. Hundreds of smiles each day. But this absolutely made my heart explode!
He was supposed to be napping, but was standing on his bed singing Smile instead. I tried to video the monitor, but as soon as I got the video ready he slipped out of his room to come find me and sing. Then I had to ask him to sing it again.
The morning was spent snuggling Nolan for an hour before G would wake. We snacked on Cheerios and enjoyed some sweet time with our little guy.
An hour later G was up and the day took off like most Saturdays. Eggs for breakfast, daddy mowing the lawn while the boys and I played inside and out. When daddy was done, he entertained the boys while I finished this massive project I decided to take on yesterday. I'm blaming it on Jen Hatmaker.
Yes, I went through the boys closets and through all of the storage boxes I had already created in order to purge and reorganize now that a couple of more stages have passed.
Funny thing is that I hold no personal attachment to my clothes or almost all of my things. I LOVE to purge and clean out and reorganize. But when it comes to the boys clothes the attachment is strong. For most every outfit I have a memory.
Bringing them home.
The picture with the sideways smile.
Getting stuck crawling backwards.
Learning to walk.
Easter Sunday.
I know what they were wearing on these occasions and so many more. Just looking at their outfits its like I can push play on those little moments that just flew by. So for me making that pile into those bins was a sweet, sweet walk down memory lane.
Then it was off to church for a convicting sermon and heart stirring praise and worship. Nolan even made it through the entire service in the nursery for only the second time ever. G was fired up when we picked him up telling us all out his heart and that Jesus came to save sinners. He even wanted to listen to this on the way home.
After dinner this happened...
And I couldn't have loved it more. It was a full on concert with booty shaking, screaming into the mic, an encore and all.
Soon after we tucked the boys and settled on the couch to watch the Ranger game. But an hour or so later both boys were up again. This is extremely rare. Neither one typically wakes back up, but I am pretty sure that one woke the other so we had both boys back on the couch watching the game at 9:30. Very shortly after I could tell Nolan was ready to be back in bed, so we snuck off to his room and I rocked him back to sleep. It has been months and months since I rocked him to sleep. He grabbed on to my shirt and fell almost immediately into a deep sleep. I had forgotten how he used to always hold on to my shirt when he feel asleep. It was bliss. After a day full of sweet baby memories he gave me another one.
Thank you Lord for this sweet family and these three boys I get to share it with.
We have official donned our scales for the season. This family has been swimming up to 7 times a week the past two weeks. Most of that is due to G's swim lessons that were 4 days a week.
He absolutely loves to be in the water and has started asking to go to the pool in the morning and again after nap. Some days that is the schedule, it's too hot to play outside otherwise.
This year G moved up to the 3-5 year old class, even though he isn't quite 3 yet. They allowed it and I thought it would be more appropriate for his skill level. On the first day I was a little nervous because all the other kids in his class were at least 4 and there were several 5 year olds. Those kids were a foot taller than G! But as usual, there was nothing to worry about. He held his own and was able to keep up and do everything right along with the class.
He loved his teachers Miss Samantha and Miss Valerie. He really took to Samantha. She is in the pictures with him.
His favorite new skill is blowing bubbles while going completely underwater. This means he can dive for toys, which he could do for hours. He has also learned to put kicking, scooping and blowing bubbles together all at the same time. To say he is swimming is a bit of a reach but he is putting the moves together. I am excited to see where he is by the end of the summer.
I don't have any pictures of the rest of us in the water, since I am in the water where the camera can't go. But here are a couple of Nolan enjoying a break from the water and watching brother swim.
We have also started a summer tradition of swimming at the poor nearby every Tuesday night. Family Fun Night! Picnic dinner and a short and sweet splash before we tuck in pruney babies is the best!
Here I am again.... so very far behind. Amazing day at the zoo - no blog
Nolan turned one - no blog
Nolan walking - no blog
Nolan got his first doctor worthy injury - no blog
Sea World - no blog
Beach trip- no blog
It's bad. I don't even know where to start so I am starting with a sweet simple moment from yesterday that I just don't want to forget.
Every day as I start to prepare dinner I have little feet dancing around mine. G's are usually dangling from the counter, while he helps me chop and mix. Nolan is typically trying to get into the drawers in the refrigerator as soon as it opens.
*G used to do that too. I am constantly finding produce with tiny little bites taken out. *
But yesterday they were playing together in and out of the kitchen, joining me for brief bits then taking off to play again. I was enjoying the sweet sounds of brothers playing nicely when I noticed things had been a little too quiet. Which always means they are into something, right?
I headed down the hallway to find this...
Those little theives had snatched apples from the drawer and were camped out snacking in Nolan's room. They were both just chomping away quietly enjoying their self made afternoon snack. I couldn't stop laughing thinking that this was the first little bit of them getting into stuff together. They are starting out so innocently sneaking apples. Let's hope it stays that way!
And just because here are a few of my favorire pictures from the week...
Our little G is a constant crack up in the quote department...
Sometimes they are super sweet like when talking about Jesus dying on the cross and the spear being dug into his side his first response was "Can we fix Jesus?". So sweet and perfect segway into how Jesus was "fixed" by God.
Or
when describing a friend he couldn't find on the playground to someone helping him find her his description was "she looks like a princess".
or
when sadly leaving a party he told us "I think the house is sad because everyone had to leave it.".
or
when talking about his favorite part of that same party and exhausting all of the people that he could remembers favortie parts he started with "What was the trees favorite part? What was the houses favorite part?"
Sometimes they are boyish like "I was just tooting in my room.".
or
after seeing a motorcycle sped by and talking about the drivers poor choice he put up his fist and proclaimed "I'm going to get him with my hammer."
Sometimes they are just plain silly like when he accidentally put on his brothers pj's and thought it was so funny because "They are making me walk like a penguin."
Sometimes they just crack me up because of his perspective.
Mom to G - "I just love your little booty." (That little undie booty is so cute)
G to Mom - "I love your bigger booty."
or
"Mom, I need to take a bath so I can wash my hands."
or
"Mommy can you sing with your mouth closed."
I am trying to keep up with all of his wise cracks and the things that make us smile or in some cases keeping us rolling just thinking about them for days. There is no doubt he fills my heart with joy!
Here it is... monthly update 8, 9, 10 and 11. Smushed together in honor of our not-so-little-anymore Smush.
At 8 months he took off crawling. One New Years Day morning to be exact. I set him down on the floor to play and he took off like he knew exactly what he was doing and had just been waiting for that moment. He definitely had his own style crawl. Most of the time leaving one leg bent and using the other to push repeatedly. He still does this even 3 months later.
For over a month now Smush has been standing. He gets so busy emptying drawers or playing with a toy that he doesn't even realize that he has completely let go of all supports. He can stand for quite sometime before he decides he better move on to the next thing and plops himself down to crawl away. I am hoping that all of this balance will lead to a steady walker when he learns to take those first steps. Which I am sure are not to far off.
Those thighs are amazing! Built like a tree, this boy!
These months have been full of fun tricks like waving bye-bye, clapping, giving kisses and dancing. Watching him learn and delight in these new abilities is such a joy. Seeing him (and his brother) figure things out and experience new things really sets my heart on fire. Watching him learn to crawl onto the fireplace and constantly redirecting him is quite the opposite.
We have watched new teeth erupt and spent many hours in the doctor's office. Since November we have had RSV, ear infections x 3, sinus infection and a really long stint of intestinal issues. We will be spending even more time in the doctor's office this week when we visit the ENT for an evaluation of those ears. (I wrote this weeks ago. He actually got tubes today and is already at home playing like his normal self.)
Food. Oh! We have come so far with the food. My little Smush who took ages to take a bottle now squeals and grunts in anticipation when he sees a bottle being made. The same little guy who wouldn't take purees for weeks now devours most every meal (unless he's sick). His absolute favorite food is blueberries. When he sees the container it is pure excitement until one hits his lips. I can't get them to him fast enough.
8 Months
9 Months
10 Months
11 Months
(Insert Picture I haven't even take yet here)
One of the best things about these past few months has been watching the relationship between brothers develop. It has been tough since Smush began to crawl. There have been more battles and more lessons about sharing learned (on the older end) but there has also been immeasurable joy. Nolan, you think your brother is hilarious and laugh at him constantly. Good thing is your brother thinks he's a comedian and LOVES to get you laughing. The funny thing is I have had multiple people tell me they think Smush is going to be the family ham. I can't even imagine what we are in for if you are sillier than your brother. Lots of laughs ahead! Here he is putting on his Back Seat Comedy Routine "Smelly Feet".
Since getting new car seats (yes, Nolan already outgrew his first one) the two of you love to hold hands and reach for each other in the car. My heart melts every time!
Sweet Smush your first birthday is just around the corner. This year has flown by in the most crazy, happiest of all times kinda way. You fill my heart with such solid joy.
Oh Blog! We meet again and I am still so far behind. Life keeps going whether I report to you or not. Sickness has taken over our little home again but today the boys seem to be on the mend.
Today we played.
Today brothers were sweet.
I find myself without the energy or drive to blog these days, but I don't want to forget today.
Today, G asked me if he could catch the stars. Not asking if it was possible, but just asking for permission. Of course, sweet boy, the stars are yours for the taking!
Until we meet again, I will be trying to soak up all the todays that seem to come and go so swiftly.
Our big man is now officially 2 and a half. He has reached the point where the changes seem to have slowed down until I look back 6 months and realize that he is still changing at lightening speed.
G,
At 2 and a half you have stopped growing out but just continue growning up. Stacking on what looks to be about 2 inches since your birthday. Those faint baby fat rolls are quickly disappearing. This is hard on mommy's heart. Once that last little knuckle dimple and tiny thigh roll are gone you will officially be a big boy. Although, you sure think you are already.
At 2 and a half you are still constantly shocking me with your smarts. Your new favorite hobby is puzzles. Your very favorite are the 12 piecers, but we will probably break out the 24 piece one that we got you this week. You need no assistance and will do them over and over again. Daddy likes to time you because you are so quick. It only takes you about 3 minutes to snap one together. You soak up information like a sponge and have even started speaking a little spanish.
At 2 and a half you roar almost as much as you talk. You LOVE to roar. You answer the door with roars, greet me from nap with roars and our dinner conversation has turned to almost complete roaring. Most of the time you are a dinosaur but other times you will be a roaring bear or lion. When you are not roaring you are still pretending. Sometimes I hear you call from the other room and rushin only to find that one of your toys is actually calling for their mom.
At 2 and a half you are still a pretty good eater. You can be finicky and will love something one day and won't touch it the next but overall you still love to eat. Lately you are more inclined to skip a meal all together because you would rather be playing than stuck at the table. You are learning to asked to be excused but most often you ask as you are running out of the kitchen already. You have a deep and profound love for chocolate. Daddy has instilled it in you. You also love cheese, but that come from me.
At 2 and a half you are challenging. You are all about testing your limits with mom and dad and trying to find slivers of control. This seems to come in waves too. Most days are lovely, you are cracking me up and being sweet with your brother and on the more rare days you spend lots of time in the corner.
At 2 and a half you are half naked. There is something about you and pants. Not sure why but you would rather be running around in your underwear all day than have clothes on. Most mornings getting dressed is a battle. You would be happy to roam your classroom, the library, grocery store or the neighborhood in your undies. Sometimes you get away with the neighborhood...
At 2 and a half you really love trucks (you can name tons of different kinds), animals (particularly dinosaurs), play dough, and books. You still absolutely love to read. You already have down the phonics for most of the alphabet and make mention of letters every where we go.
At 2 and a half your parents adore you like crazy. We always have. We always will.
We are here. This blog has not been abandoned forever.
Where to start... The holidays? That seems overwhelming. Smush hitting the 8 month mark? Now he's closer to 9. Really, just a few days away. Crawling? Oh, yea. That happened. Maybe that's why I haven't blogged. Nah... G hitting 2 and 1/2. That post is definitely coming.
So just to get the blog rolling... A tiny holiday recap.
It was amazing. It was busy. Really busy. We took naps in the car between stops. We played games, loved on family and ate lots of delicious sweets. Nolan ate wrapping paper. G loved looking at Christmas lights, reading Christmas stories, opening gifts and drinking hot chocolate. G thought Jesus' mom's name was Mary Christmas. So sweet!
New Years Eve. It was low key. We went to church and then had a party of four. We bought a party pack for 75% off at the grocery store on the way home. We made salad, steaks, and mac and cheese. We blew horns, wore silly hats and I sang Auld Lang Syne (which Matt claimed he had never heard). We FaceTimed with friends who were doing the same thing at their houses. I cherish that night.
Life has been moving at a crazy fast pace. We are always jetting from one place to the next between friends and family. Laundry is constantly piled and the dish washer always humming along. The blog sitting dormant for a month... or more. I don't always operate well at this kind of pace. I do know that the reason for this pace is that we have an amazing group of friends and sweet family that we are surrounded by. So much so that even though this pace is fast there are still some that I am sad I don't get to see more.
There are no signs of stopping so hopefully this isn't the only post for another month. I have so much more I want to share but I wouldn't recommend holding your breath.
