Fun Eating

We've had some fun times eating lately. Caleb worked really hard at using chop sticks to eat his sushi (Just a California Roll without the "abacabo" or avocado as we call it.) and Luke is getting the hang of his mesh teether with apples slices in it. Yummy!

167

Tonight I've been making lunches, getting Luke's bottles, food, and diaper bag ready, and realizing that the last 5 and 1/2 months have absolutely FLOWN by. I've been home with my boys for the past 167 days (yes, I counted) and I feel so, so blessed to have had that time with them. Tomorrow is my first day back to work, and to be completely honest, I am so excited. While I really don't enjoy getting everything ready to actually leave them, I am so ready for this school year to begin. I'm not at all worried about my boys- they will be at home with Creed and with my Mom at her house. (Thanks, Mom!!!) While I've worked 3 days a week for the past 3 years, I am actually going down to 2 days a week this year. I feel SO incredibly lucky to have my position and to have been able to keep it for so long. I love doing interventions with small groups of students, especially because I get to be the one to see their "ah ha" moment, the moment they actually get it.

I thought this was cute...

Caleb, are you going to be sad that I have to work tomorrow?

No. pause. You are going to come back?

Yes, I'll pick you up after work.

I won't be sad. But I will miss you!

UNswaddled (almost)

Last week we took the plunge and started to unswaddle Luke. First, let me say that Luke is an awesome sleeper and absolutely loved to be swaddled. Tightly. Because he was swaddled in his Miracle Blanket for all naps and during the night since he was about one week old, it was part of his bedtime routine. He associated his swaddle with sleep, and sometimes would even start to fall asleep while I was in the process of swaddling him. So needless to say, I was nervous about this transition, probably much like I'll be when we take away the passie. The first night he woke up around 10 and I totally chickened out and quickly swaddled him. A few nights later I tried again and magically he slept until 4 am, his normal wake to eat time. Since then he has done great unswaddled during the night and during his morning nap. He likes to roll over and sleep on his tummy, although I still creep in and carefully roll him back over. Because he and Caleb both take 2 hour afternoon naps at the same time, I am still using the Miracle Blanket during that time. Those 2 hours are like gold to me, and I don't want to take a chance of it being cut short! Maybe I'll work up the nerve over the next week or so to completely give up the swaddle... We'll see.

But for now, Luke is (almost) unswaddled and loves his new found freedom in his crib.

Away in a Manger...

I mentioned before that Caleb has been playing with his "baby Jesus" and manger set these days. The other day he dumped Luke's toys out of the basket and told me that he wanted to put Luke in the "manger" like baby Jesus was. This kid cracks me up!

Poor Luke!

Uncle Matt

Well, we had to say goodbye to Uncle Matt this past week. :( I cannot begin to describe how great it has been having him around this summer. While he worked a lot, he still made time for us. I love the fact that he got to know Caleb and Luke so well this summer and how excited they were to spend time with him. He built Lego towers, cuddled, read books, wrestled, and even babysat one evening. The reality is that he will soon be graduating college, starting a job, getting married, and having kids of his own, so I know this will probably be the last time we get to spend a big chunk of time with him. Even so, I am so thankful for this summer.

I'm addicted...

to this face

to these big eyes

to this smile to those legs

and that belly.

Caleb's Wishes...

Mommy, I sure wish I was a mermaid.

and a few minutes later...

I sure wish I could fly. Me too, but people can't fly. God can! That's how he got to Heaven.

Bum Chin

According to Urban Dictionary...

"A chin that has a cleft in it giving it the characteristics of a bum..

Most people will find the bum chin to be very attractive as it has a certain heir to it. Often associated with power and sophistication. The bum chin is a sign of a distinguished gentleman. People who have bum chins are more likely to be successful and chosen by the opposite sex, for mating.

John Travolta has an incredible bum chin.

Steve must be successful, just look at that bum chin."

A Night Out (and a surprise!)

Last night Creed and I had a fun and relaxing evening out! Mr. Bachman was honored as one of the top 50 dealers in the nation and we celebrated with a wonderful dinner at the Ali Center. The view was simply amazing...

There was also great music, wonderful food, and lots of (adult!) conversations and catching up. We are so thankful that Creed works at such a great place! And, a special thanks to Grandmom and Paige for keeping the boys!

*****

I also had a very special surprise this afternoon! Imagine my excitement when I answered the door as these were being delivered...

From my loving & thoughtful husband! He's the best!

Thumbsucker

Always during bath time!