gigantic

I was going to say that this is a picture of my little Dylan and me. But that wouldn't be the case at all. This is actually a picture of my gigantic baby and me. Am I over-exaggerating (as I often do) by using the word gigantic? You be the judge...

We took Dylan in for his 2 Month checkup. He weighted in at a whopping 15 1/2 pounds which places him in the 97th percentile for his age. He's over two feet tall and in the 93rd percentile for length. The doctor also mentioned he's the average size of a four and a half month old. By the measurements of this latest appointment I'd say he's going to be a big baby just like his older brother. Daddy's happy!

David asked me a few days ago how we're gunna feed two boys (teen boys). Hahaha! I've been wondering that all along. :) I say by the grace of God (not kidding)! Cause I remember how I ate as a teenager. I used to out-eat my dad at the dinner table on numerous occasions (I have my mom to vouch for me). If that's how I ate as a teenage girl... I'm not sure I want to witness our grocery bill when our boys are teens...

Who knows, maybe both of my boys will grow to be smaller kids with little appetites. Then again... I doubt it!

a new playmate

Two boys, two beautiful & blessed boys. I enjoy them each in a different way. Because they're two totally different people, but mainly due to the drastically different stages in which they are currently. Having a baby again is great cause, well, who doesn't love cuddling with a baby (among other reasons). And seeing my baby (Ty) grow to be a toddler has revealed it's own joys.

Although their differences, they bond and enjoy one another. Today was the first time since Dylan's been born that Ty played with him. I don't mean talk to him, kiss him, or pet him either. Don't get me wrong those things are precious and I like seeing Tyler show his brother loves. But there's just something about seeing your children's eyes light up by interacting with one another. Something so simple and natural, yet pleasing for a mother to witness.

When Dylan was born we could tell the transition would be difficult for Tyler to get used to. Although difficult, we knew it would happen eventually. Never would I have expected for him to get comfortable so quickly. I guess I should have seen it coming with what an outgoing, energetic and fun kid he is (MAN - I'm still trying to figure out who he reminds me of - Hehe!) The fact that Ty plays with Dylan isn't as astonishing to me as seeing Dylan respond to Ty. I just love it! I love to see them enjoy each other. I love to see Ty no longer be intimidated and afraid of brother. I love to see Dylan grow and learn to love his brother. I love to see what a blessed life God has provided to me. I'm so thankful!

say cheese...

So Dylan is all smiles these days. It just seems to be a constant thing. He's been doing it for a while now, which is so cute! Tyler smiled a lot in the early days too but it was mostly in his sleep. Well since Dylan's not often sleeping during the day, you can see in this picture his smiles are with eyes open, not while dreaming and VERY deliberate! :)

What a handsome and happy baby. I couldn't have been blessed with anything better. I love this stage (well every stage, really). But hard to believe he's nearing two months old. I remember Ty at two month's old, then all of a sudden he jumped to 11 month's, me being home with him full time and having a first birthday. It flies!

So at this age, at this time... I'll just sit back and enjoy the smiles of this stage.

to share or NOT to share...

Today I watched a friend's son for a little bit while she went to an appointment. I knew it'd be a piece of cake cause her son is very close in age to Ty and he starves for attention lately. My only slight concern was his ability to share and get along. Taking into consideration him only being two years old and not really knowing how to share or what it's all about, I'd say he did really well!

He enjoyed having the company. He was buzzing around the house trying to show off everything. He tends to show off and get more active when he realizes he's the center of attention. He loved having someone else here to talk to, to run around with and to "show the ropes" of our place. I loved seeing him interact and play in such a healthy manner. I don't get to see him play with others on a daily basis and it brought me great joy to see him so happy.

Tyler had a few minor hick-ups with the sharing. But so did Payton. And that's when I reminded myself - it's not that Tyler wont share and he's trying to be mean or act out, it's that two and three year olds haven't learned and don't know how to share...

My baby is growing up and learning to be a kind, tenderhearted, joy of a kid to be around. And may I add he's doing a DARN good job!

love mondays!

Yep! It's true. Mondays have become one of my most favoritest days! I love them cause David has the day off and we usually try and do fun stuff as a family. Sounds pretty normal for most families. But because my husband likes to work, work, work... he often decides to use his Mondays for that purpose as well. The kids and I are usually home all day (only have one car), couped up in the house (part my fault) and get tired of it quick! (as anyone would) By the end of the week (or beginning of most people's) we're ready to be out and about.

Well today was one of the most pleasant and enjoyable Monday's I've had in a while. We were out of the house ALL day. Meaning from 8:00 in the morning till evening when we came home for din-din. We usually never do that and for good reason. We are a pretty structured family and Tyler thrives on routines. So us not being home for his nap time was a big no-no! He did get a nap, just not in the same place and at the same time as normal.

It was adorable though seeing him nap in a place other then his bed. I usually don't get to watch him sleep (or fall asleep). Watching him nod off in his stroller was just too cute! (What is it about them being SO DARN CUTE while sleeping??) :) He was sitting up in his stroller at first & I kept seeing his head bob over to the side. He was doing the "falling asleep head jerk". Hahaha! So we laid his seat back and he was OUT.

Dylan, being the incredibly awesome baby he is, took his first FULL day out as a trooper! He was happy, rarely hungry and just along for the ride (like he had another choice...) And for those who know what an awake alert baby he is... he slept MOST the time. :) I give thanks to the fact he was either in the car or stroller the whole time.

David and I were able to enjoy the day together with two very well mannered children. Tyler was out of the house all day, able to run around and see the town. Dylan just ate, slept and pooped - go figure! What an awesome start to our week!

a simple but great idea takes flight

Yes! We have great Christian friends with positive, fresh views for good reason! In elaborating you'll understand just what I mean...

Bringing home the newest member of our family brought about tense feelings for each one of us. David's tense feelings came from the idea of having a new fragile being (among other things). Tyler was showing signs of confusion, frustration and other issues involved with being two and just not understanding the circumstances. My feelings as a new mom of two were pretty basic (anxious, elated, overwhelmed, etc.). But my feelings continued to evolve into something ugly. Into something I never expected. Feelings of defeat, constant anxiety, and slight depression were starting to choke me. It was at that point I felt God show me what was happening.

It just so happens God has placed some beautiful people in my life. People with great words of encouragement, others to help out physically, and yet another group of people to impart great wisdom. During a time when I felt helpless and alone in a dark ugly place God shown his light. And in this instance he happen to use these people ...

One of which had mentioned to open a blog. A blog about my boys. She mentioned it might help to write a blog about all the positive, fun and enjoyable things in our day. Potentially not having time for the negative (or at least not dwelling on them). Eureka! (translation: DUH!) What a great idea. And now...

...a simple but great idea takes flight!