the little things

IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

It is just so amazing to me how quickly Grayson and Liam are growing!  I looked at Grayson this morning just after he woke up and could not believe how BIG he looked. How grown up. Gah. Slow down, sweet boy!

And Liam is just doing so much, so soon!  Rolling, sitting up on his own for MINUTES at a time, eating so good from a spoon. It's crazy to me!  He's now lifting his body up from the ground in preperation to crawl! Eeeep!

Here's the latest as of today:

Grayson has started making his way to the fridge, pointing (or pounding) at the doors saying, "Mmmm, mama, Mmmm!" And when I open the door this is what happens. 

He climbs in, browses everything at his level and then some and then decides on what he thinks he's hungry for. Sometimes it's cheese or yogurt. Sometimes it's sour cream or an onion (both of which mama has to say no to ;)). And sometimes it's just for a drink. In the blink of an eye he is SO BIG!

And then sweet Liam. All over the place. Chunky, but still so tiny to be doing all that he's doing! Rolling, drooling, grabbing, laughing, smiling, coo'ing, "talking", sitting up, eating pureed foods (apples and pears are his faves so far!)and legit longing to get to play WITH big brother.

He's a blast and a joy!  I love watching him learn and notice new things. So much fun! 

And then mama? Enjoying a nice homemade iced coffee I actually prefer it OVER Starbucks-eeep! ;)) and trying to catch up on a few things before the kiddos wake from their naps!

Life is grand!

A List.

Today, I've decided to focus on the positive stuff going on. Because let's get real here-there's wayyy too much negative junk out there and who wants to focus more on THAT? Not this girl. ;)

Early this morning as I fed Jackson, the little guy I watch Monday-Wednesday, I just felt led to start praying. PRAISING first, then making mention of those I felt on my heart.

This has been something I have really been wanting to get better at-starting my day with Christ. Just having a chat with Him. Starting my day with Him.

My, it was so easy to commit to doing just that on my blog a while back and SAY I was going to. Then life got in the way (you know-two little ones, a husband, another little guy to watch after, keeping the house, making meals, paying bills, chatting with friends and visiting when I could, etc, etc.)

I regret every letting those everyday, yet important things get in the way of what is the most important-my Lord. Blah. But, this morning as I thanked Him for what He has done, given, made possible it felt awesome and I have to say my day has been so good.

I thought more before I rasied my voice or got impatient with Grayson. I encouraged and praised my kiddos more. I took time to have a conversation with Nate. 

It was good.

Life is good.

Today, I am so thankful for SO many things. But here are what come to mind as I take a little bit of time to write this while Liam naps in his swing and Grayson eats his dinner and dessert (his favorite-a popsicle ;))..

+Freedom

+Cool breezes that come in through our open windows

+Nate (especially when I see him with the boys)

+Iced coffees made at home for pennies (they're even more awesome when Nate makes them. Maybe he should have been a barista? ;) hehe)

+All the clothes my kiddos have to wear

+Grayson's BIG hugs and mooches

+Parents and grandparents and siblings who are always there

+A fantastic Pastor (who just celebrated 20 years pastoring our church!) and church family

+Hearing "mama!" allllll day!!  It never gets old!

+Seeing Grayson light up when we praise him for doing a job well done

+The way Liam watches his big brother. Such amazement :)

+A working washer and dryer that allow me to wash BIG loads at a time, many times a week (whoa. kiddos sure do make for a LOT of laundry! ;))

+My iPhone because it allows me to capture life as we live it much easier and quicker

+Nate's job and benefits

+New friendships

+Old friendships

+Funny text messages from my husband

+Cuddling on the couch with our boys

+Unexpected packages from out-of-state family for the boys

+Cuddly blankets

Life is truly so crazy and busy and fast these days. Heck, I don't even get to blog much any more! I want to change that too!  It's a bit unbelievable to me that this time last year I was already pregnant with Liam and had NO IDEA!  And now, I simply wouldn't trade him for the world! 

I am so glad God knows what He is doing! ;)

Liam. Month Four.

Dear Liam,

Once again another month has quickly flown by! My, what fun you are becoming! You are such an observant little guy and are so, so friendly.

You love watching the leaves and cars by and your favorite thing to do is watch and interact with Grayson. You absolutely adore him. :)

This month you attended you first wedding (at Quailcrest for mama's cousin Taylor and his sweet bride, Laura :)).

You got to wear your hair in a mohawk quite often. And oh, yes...always had bubbles happening! 

You tried out the swing for the first time and even though this photo doesn't show it, you really enjoyed it!  You stayed in for quite a while.

You started rolling from your back to belly!  You move ALL over the place!!

You got hang out with your cousins, Roman and Phoenix a few times this past month and really enjoyed the chaos. ;)

A big discovery was made...yourself in the mirror! Whoot!

You're also a good sport when it comes to taking in all of brother's mooches. :)

You started doing this and do it quite well! Holding your own bottle about half the time these days. 

This is you about 99% of the time! Happy, happy guy!

And oh yeah, you do this now!  Also sitting up on your OWN for about 30-60 seconds at a time!!  It's awesome! You're awesome, Liam! :)

You got to go to the fair the other day on your 4 month birthday!  You did so, so good and loved taking everything in!

You are chewing and drooling a lot these days...teeth in the near future maybe? You love to stand up, be outside and are pretty ticklish.

You still wear a size 3 diaper and are now in 3-6 month clothes...but pretty much in 6 month stuff now, chunky boy! ;)

You are so sweet and we often get told how sweet and happy you are. You are the perfect addition to our silly family, Liam and we love you more than you will ever know!

Love,

Mama & Daddy