Sad day

Today is a very sad day for my family. Today would have been my mom's 58th birthday. She has been gone now for almost 3 years. I am in shock every time I think of that because it just doesn't seem possible. This sounds crazy, but it still hasn't really hit me that she is gone. I think of her constantly and walk to pick up the phone to call her all the time.

Not only is my life forever changed without her here, but my boys are really missing out on an amazing lady. What a terrific Mimi my mom would have been. She would be here everyday spoiling me and her grandsons. I talk to the boys all the time about my mom and let them know what an amazing lady she was. They know that they have the best guardian angel looking down and watching over them.

Lately, I will do or say something and then I will think to myself, "wow, that was totally mom". I am turning into her more and more every day. This is not a bad thing. I know so many people who hope they will never turn out like their mother, not me. If I was just like her, I would be a very lucky girl.

My mom was an amazing mom, wife, friend, volunteer and all around good person. I know she is in Heaven and I will see her again. I model my life after hers and I just hope I am making her proud.

I love you Mom!

Here we are over 5 years ago and my wedding shower.

Swimming

The pool at my dad's lake house was finally finished last week. So, on Sunday, we took the kids up to Conroe and put them in the pool for the first time. I was a fish as a kid. I loved the water! I hope my kids are the same way. I want to make sure that every experience, especially as young babies, is a pleasant one while in the water. Hopefully that will prevent any fear of the water.

Both boys were grumpy due to lack of sleep, but really got relaxed and enjoyed the water. I was afraid that they wouldn't stay in too long because the water was chilly. But it didn't phase them in the least. They did great and have already asked when they can go back to Pops' pool again! :)

Here are quite a few pictures of the momentous occasion, some are out of order but I'm too tired to fix it.

Check out their adorable flip-flops.


Dressed and ready to go.


Blake, ready to go swimming.


Jack, all ready to go.

Blake's sweet face.

Jack's sweet face.

Daddy and Blake.

Blake in his new raft.

Jack isn't too happy, I didn't realize his hat was covering his face.

Doesn't it look like Jack and I are under water?

Chillin' by the pool after a long swim.

Our family.

Daddy and Jack.

Blake and I.

Blake and I again.

Laughing

How is it that the one day I leave my kids at my in-laws my silent child, Blake, starts to giggle? Blake is just like his daddy, he doesn't talk much. Whereas Jack is talking all the time. Yesterday, my father-in-law Bruce, was playing with Blake and he started to giggle at him!! WHAT?! How is this possible? I spend all day with him and make a fool out of myself to get him to smile and then this...ahhh!!!

Oh well, if he did it once he will do it again. I am glad that his Papa got to witness this wonderful event, I'm just a little jealous.

Pictures

I've been taking a lot of pictures lately and wanted to share them. It amazes me how big my boys have gotten. They don't feel so fragile anymore when I'm holding them. I got on the scale with Blake yesterday and it said 10.5 pounds. Yikes, we'll see if that is accurate when we use the scale at my dad's lake house this weekend.

They boys are now exclusively in size 1 diapers and almost exclusively in 0-3 month clothes. :( They're getting too big. They are both smiling like crazy and Jack is talking up a storm. Blake isn't too interested in talking, he just looks around and takes it all in. He will amaze us one of these days and do or say something way beyond his days. Both boys are holding up their heads so well, it amazes me.

Nothing else to report. We are doing great and this new life of mine is wonderful!! Enjoy my sweet boys.

Practicing head control in our Bumbo seats.


Staring contest.


We are so strong!

I love you brother!

Blake, get off me!


JACK

I'm already teaching them to raise their hand before speaking.

Buster's just cleaning up a little spit up. Gross, I know.

Mommy, my head is really heavy.

He is looking at Buster.

My happy boy.

Smiling at the mobile above his swing.

His shirt says it all!

His long, skinny face is no more.

BLAKE

This is hard work.

I love this one, he is just chillin', it's been a rough day. He looks like he should have a beer in his hand and watching football.

How can you not love this face?

Zonked after a meal.

Buster giving sweet kisses.

He wants to talk so badly.

Is this Garrett with blonde hair or what?

He instantly looks 18 months old.

Hangin' out in his swing.

Four generations

A couple of weekends ago (yes I'm behind) Garrett's grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin all came into town from Enid, Oklahoma. We haven't seen them in over a year so we were excited for their visit.

Garrett's grandma was chomping at the bits to meet her 3 newest great-grandsons. Garrett's sister, Holly, had a little boy named Conner on May 1st. We had a great time catching up and showing off our sweet boys. Unfortunately, they were a bit grumpy that weekend. We were in the process of switching their schedule to feeding every 3 1/2 hours. It didn't dawn on me that it would effect them so much, otherwise I would have waited until after they all left town to switch their schedule. Rookie mistake.

We spent the day at Garrett's brother's house swimming on Saturday and then went to his parents house on Sunday. Sadly, his family had to leave Monday morning, after just arriving the previous Friday.

We really enjoyed their company and can't wait to see them again.


Here is the entire family.

Four generations

Garrett's aunt and uncle.

Nanny looking at her great-grandson.

I love this picture. Blake looking at his sweet great-grandpa.

Our nephew Brandon, who is 9, is so sweet and so great with babies. He kept the boys entertained and happy all weekend.


Here are Jack and Blake with their cousin Conner in the middle. Conner is 4 weeks older than my boys.

I had to throw this one in. This is our nephew Christian. I had him give me a 'thumbs up' or in other words 'gig em'. His dad went to UT. :)