Everyday

This summer has been really relaxed so far. We have spent a lot of time at home enjoying doing nothing until things start getting cranked up again. The boys are getting so big so fast.

Riley is everywhere. He is close to walking but not quite there yet. He loves all the new freedom he has getting around. I'm never sure where I'm gonna find him anymore. He loves exploring and he plays really well by himself which is welcomed. He is getting into all G's stuff and I hear "No! Ry-ee!, mine" ALOT. He is a pig. He eats all the time and I don't know where my little runt puts it all. Maybe in those fat cheeks on his face. He's starting to make more "talking" noises than just squeals (lots of Ba, Ba, Ba, that are fun to listen to) He laughs all the time, especially at his brother. He is so sweet and his little personality is starting to get bigger everyday.

I finally bit the bullet and potty trained Garner. I realized he was a head taller than all his classmates at school all because he wasn't potty trained and couldn't move up to the next class. He has done great and caught on quick. As his vocabulary expands so does my understanding of what goes on in that brain of his and most of it is hilarious. His main goal seems to be make people laugh. Everyday at some point he says "Mama, watch this" followed by a face or some kind of stunt. He has also started swimming lessons this summer. Matthew goes with him and I think he is doing great. When I asked Matthew last week how they were coming he said "He's not an all star but probably a starter." Ha! He really loves his little brother. I think he weighs more pluses over minuses. When they wake up from their afternoon nap you can tell they have missed each other because they have to get a good hug and kiss in.

The pictures are just a typical day at the house. Sometimes it's nice to capture and remember the ordinary.

Dauset Trails

We went to Dauset Trails for the first time last month. We thought Garner would be old enough to enjoy the animals plus we like to go anywhere that's free. It's the perfect trip for Saturday fun with the boys.

There are two owls in the background of this picture. Garner was so excited to these because we have an owl somewhere in our backyard. We can hear it but we have never seen him. Garner always hoots back him so it was nice for him to see what he's been talking to.





Garner wanted to do it too but by himself. He said, "Mama, Garner do it."
This is as close as he got.

Cherry Blossom 2011

Cherry Blossom Festival came and went again this year. It was so much fun this time with Garner because he was tall enough to ride all the kiddie rides. I was so proud of him because he wanted to do everything even without a riding buddy this year.





I was especially proud of him riding this roller coaster below because it was pretty big and intimidating.






The

Brotherly Love

I have to say for the most part this photo expresses how Garner feels about his little brother. As much as a two year old can understand he takes care of Riley. He brings him his toys, rubs his head and kisses him, and puts his paci in for him. Overall, he is very protective and looks out for Riley. He seems to know his role.


(Excuse the chocolate on Garner's face)

On the other hand they are brothers.......

Sweet Faces

An impromptu photo session with Riley...

About a month ago Garner started going to school once a week. I think we were both ready. mommy needed a break and Garner must have been ready because he slammed the classroom door in my face before I could tell him good bye. He loves it. When I pick him up he gives me all his work and says "Mama, look I color." Doesn't he look so big in this picture wearing his back pack? He has to stuff as many of his trains in there as he can to take with him.

Milestones, Piling Up

I’d say it’s with joy, but it’s also with a bit of difficulty, that I make these milestone announcements. It’s a blessing to see your child age well – to plump up, speak up, and eat up…up and up and up – until you take a moment to look at a few old pictures and realize your children are growing right out of your grasp; then it doesn’t always feel like a blessing, on first thought at least.

Garner is trying out a one day a week daycare program today – he had to have a lunchbox, his clothes had to be labeled, and he had to be respectful and not bite. He’s started mimicking everything Kim and I do – including calling his Mama by her real name, Kim. He has a best friend now, which makes him seem 10 years old – they knock on each other’s doors and play together and laugh and wrestle and argue and share and don’t share. He needs frequent haircuts, brushes his teeth, says his prayers, chooses his pajamas, and has opinions. And he likes things, which makes him seem 10 years old – Spongebob, Lightening McQueen, and dinosaurs and monster trucks…and he is even beginning his first moving on stage, as Thomas the Train is becoming cold. I think he’s getting his driver’s license tomorrow, and getting married next week.

And Riley, he’s working through his second size of clothing, his cheeks are like squirrels who are preparing for winter, he slept 10 hours last night, and he’s eating rice cereal twice a day. He rolled over the other day and smiles at everything, and cackles every time he hears his name – I hope Riley isn’t a funny name…hopefully Riley’s just a funny kid. He loves Garner almost as much as Garner loves him, and he’s got a tooth popping through his top gum. I think he’s entering the spelling bee tomorrow, and making a Valentine’s card for this girl that’s just a friend next week.

Everyone tells you to hold each moment and clinch it tightly; all young parents have heard the words, “they’ll be grown before you know it.” I’m conceding to that. Even though Garner is not yet two and a half, and Riley is not yet a half, it’s fleeting. It is, really. I’d tell them both to slow down, but, in the end, it’s a blessing to see your child age well. Kim may say differently – she just called. She dropped Garner off at day care for the first time…he closed the door in her face and ran to a crowd of toys and kids.

It’s fleeting, honest, it is.

Just some things to remember

Well, I had planned to catch up on my blogging the past week however, our computer went to the shop this week. So, I thought I would record a few things that my sweet babies are doing so I won't forget it.

Garner, you are funnier than I could ever imagine. You are starting to talk so well and I love hearing your thoughts. Instead of saying "yes" to questions you say "okay" (pronounced otay). You know all your colors now and most of your letters. You are my mess maker. Nothing can be in buckets or baskets. You have to dump it all out ( I.e. Your color crayons every morning). You love to sing. You love to sing the moon song. You sing "moon,moon,moon shining. Moon, moon, moon night night". If I sing without you asking me to you shake your head and say "mama". I guess it embarasses you. You love shoes. You even sleep in them sometimes. You have a big sweet tooth like me and beg for cookies and m&m's everyday. You like to watch spongebob and call him boppies. You adore your brother and call him ry-ee. You love to rub his head and kiss him. If you want to be held you say "hold you". You have the sweetest most gentle spirit and i pray Matthew and I can nurture that spirit.

Riley, you have been such a sweet baby. So easy going and content. You smile all the time so we nick named you smiley Riley. You are pretty intense and concentrated. I think you are going to be our thinker. You look just like your daddy. You have just started to giggle and laugh. Even though you have only been here four months I can't remember what it was like without you.

Sweet Pictures

BFF's - Eli and Riley

Lane and Garner


Old Man Sleep

I'm a little behind

Ok, so with having Riley and moving into a new house and the holidays and all I have been more than a little behind on my blogging. I am going to dedicate the next week to catching up so keep checking back.