baby smiles

The little man is such a happy baby. I couldn't have been any luckier with this one. He is always smiling and cooing at everything and everyone. I just had to get a few pics to show the blog world.

brothers

Ryan has loved his baby brother from the very beginning. I don't think he realizes what is going to happen when Alex starts walking and playing with his toys, but for now he is very loving. Tonight after dinner he just had to have his picture taken with the little man.

ice cream

One of the highlights of our trip was Ryan getting his ice cream. I think he has pretty much outgrown his egg allergy (we won't know until next month for sure) so every now and again I allow him to have something with egg as an ingredient. This day it happened to be chocolate ice cream. The store had it for 1.00 per scoop. You can't beat that.

"Field trip"

On Wednesday Mike and I decided to take a road trip with the boys to Jeffersonville, OH to do some shopping at the big outlet mall up there. Ryan was excited to be going on a "field trip". He got to watch movies in the back seat and Alex just watched on as he laughed. We had a great time walking around all of the stores and got some really great deals. There was a play yard for the kids and it kept Ryan busy for a good hour. We had lunch and snacks, stopped at McAllisters on the way home, and finally got in the driveway around 8:30pm. It made for a long day, but the family time was well spent.

Death

Not really to scare anyone, but how do you tell a four year old about death and dying? I have said things in the past about if he were to get hit by a car by running away that he would have to go live with Jesus and not see us (mommy and daddy) for a really long time. I thought it pretty much went in one ear and out the other. Then tonight after we said our prayers Ryan started talking about Jesus dying on the cross and the big rock (stone). Then he said something about being blue and grey and dying and going to live with Jesus and not seeing us for a long time, then broke down in to this outright crying fit. I felt so bad. Then Mike came in with Alex and we both tried to explain, but I think it just scared him more. It's almost 11pm, Alex is sound asleep and Ryan is sitting in the recliner next to me as I type. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I want him to understand, but I don't want him to be so scared of the future and death.

music

Ryan loves music---that is no secret around here. He loves to sing and dance around in circles. Lately it's been with my pots and pans. When I saw him with the strainer on his head it just did me in. I laughed uncontrollably. Of course he didn't understand, but 30 years from now when he has his own children doing the same thing he can look back on it for a good laugh

cakes for daddy

cakes for daddy

This evening after Alex went to bed, Ryan and myself made some chocolate cakes. He helped with the mixer (and then licked the batter from the beaters (( no chance of getting sick since we don't use eggs)) just like his momma). Then after they had cooled he helped put sprinkles on. What an enjoyable experience as a mom. These times are just precious.

The list

As blog readers we have been asked to make a list of things we wish for Tricia to experience being a mom, so here goes. Even though I have boys, it all still applies.

1) To teach your daughter her first prayer

2) To have her throw up and poop all over you unexpectedly at 2am

3) To hear her say for the first time ,"I love you mommy" That's really for Nate, too

4) To cuddle in bed and read stories

5) To hear the same Disney songs so much that you sing it in your dreams (how sad is that?)

6) To have her be potty trained and become a potty connoisseur by going to every bathroom in every store and restaurant that
you visit.

These are just a few I thought of this late at night. Maybe you all can help add some more.

new page

I hope everyone likes the new look for the blog. If you look over to the right you'll find the link to it. She's doing it to raise money for a mission trip this summer. For as little as 20 dollars plus the cost of your choice of scrapbook pages, she'll design and post a new look. I'm sure I will change mine often as the boys grow and my tastes change. Love to you all!!!

video

for some reason the video won't load--I'll try again later

Finally outside

So I decided to bundle up the boys and venture out for a while. I needed to clean the driveway anyway so... we all put on a few layers and headed outdoors. I think Ryan really enjoyed himself--Alex fell asleep go figure. Here are a few pics and a video to enjoy.

Snow days

Well the snow came. And although I don't think it was as much as was predicted, we still got plenty. Unfortunately we haven't been able to go out and play yet. It's tough having a baby in the house that you don't want to subject to the wind. Anyway, we decided to go to the mall instead. It wasn't all that busy --imagine that. We had plenty of kids to play with in the play area, but not nearly as many as usual. On the way there and back we stopped at Jacobson Park to take a few pictures. I'm posting just a couple of my favorites. And yes, it was windy enough to fly a kite.

Me

As most of you know I am a big blog reader. I love to see how other people live their lives and survive from day to day. One of my favorites of course is cfhusband. You all should check out this past weeks post of a video where Tricia got to hold her baby girl for the first time in 8 weeks!! Even if none of you have followed until now, you can't help but tear up at the thought of how great it feels to hold your child for the first time after that long. The video was done to the song "My child" by Plumb. I downloaded an album and found my new favorite song. It's called "Me". It talks about not being able to sleep, or eat, or even shower because you need "me". It's all about being a mom and is so touching. I LOVE IT. I hope you all get a chance to find it, download it, and listen to it over and over again. Love you all!!!

Growing up

My little one is 5 months old already and the time just seems to fly. This weekend we got down the exersaucer for him to play in. Although he doesn't do much more than sit in it, it won't be long until he's playing with every piece. Of course, big brother had to be in the middle of it as well. Can't leave well enough alone.