A little update on the babe...

Our precious little baby is growing up WAY too quickly. He is pretty much the sweetest baby ever, and I just want to eat him up because he's that scrumptious. However, we've been really busy and I haven't had much time for blogging about his sweetness or changes, and a few major events have occurred that need to be documented (mostly because this blog is kind of my version of the boys' baby books). Our little guy has officially changed from infant to baby. As of two weeks ago (when we were at the beach), he has two teeth...teeth whose arrivals have caused quite a stink. Also, he is officially sitting up. Like, I actually put him in a sitting position to play and walk away. And finally, HE NOW TAKES A BOTTLE (with a little bit of coaxing)!!!!!!!! After 6 months of essentially zero alone time for Mama, the sweet little guy has finally given in to his "I refuse bottles" stage. And, oh has it has made a difference! When you're a breastfeading mom (particularly with a baby who won't take a bottle), I think you kind of just shove aside your identity as a woman and individual for a while. Your body, time, sleep, hormones, and energy belong to someone else. And that's a good and wonderful blessing because that's the way God designed it and it is a sweet period of life. But there comes a point where you need a break. And I was definitely at that point. But, after 4 hours away on Friday evening and 3 hours away on Saturday, I feel like a new woman. Seriously. I feel like I have a whole new energy and enthusiasm for motherhood. And I needed it. I don't mean to sound selfish or self centered...we had just reached a point where we could all benefit from me getting away for a while. So I did, and it was WONDERFUL! Thank you to my awesome husband for being so supportive of me getting some alone time. I really love that man...and this little boy:







P.S. Regarding the other little boy that I love, he is now officially potty trained, and we are very proud of him!

P.P.S. I didn't alter the color of the photos above. That's just how blue his eyes are.

Kylene...

We have the privilege of having this beautiful girl with us for a week:

C.J.'s little sister, Kylene, is here for a few days and we are super excited to have her. It is really nice for me to have another female around. We're hoping to scrapbook, bake, see a movie...who knows? But we're glad she's here and hope she doesn't get too bored for a week in a house with little boys! So until later...

Dan the Man...

My dad is an amazing man. Seriously. For those of you who know him, this goes without saying. But for those of you who don't, you're missing out. I have in incredible respect and admiration for my dad, and here are a few reasons why:

...He's incredibly smart. If you've ever spent more than 5 minutes with him you know that he could tell you how many basketballs it would take to circle the Earth, how many Earths fit into the sun, how many steps are in a mile, etc. The man has a thing for random stats and he knows a lot of them.

...He truly was the spiritual leader of our family while I was growing up, and seeing his dedication to serving our Lord made a HUGE impact on me.

...He has loved, committed to, and faithfully been married to my mom for 40 years. These days, men who you can say that about are few and far between.

...He came to nearly every single sporting event or school activity my siblings or I were involved in (excepting a few that occurred during his spring business trip.)

...He is extremely generous.

...He has worked incredibly hard and dealt with a lot of stress and headaches in order to provide for his family and build the company into what it is today.

...He offers to watch our boys on a week night nearly every week that he is home so we can get some time away. And he probably went on about 72 bike rides with Owen at the beach.

...He's funny. This may come as a surprise to those who only know him in a business setting, but as his youngest daughter I happen to know that he is, indeed, really funny.

...He (and my mom) taught us the value of being frugal and saving money, and I have greatly appreciated that in my adult life.

Dad, I love you. And I want you to know that your dedication to us, to mom, and to God has not gone unnoticed. You will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. Happy Father's Day!


P.S. My sister wrote a really special post for my mom on mother's day. I thought it was a neat way to honor her and wished I had thought of doing it, so I stole the idea and wanted to publicly honor my dad on father's day. He deserves it!

Kalaloch...

We're back, we had a blast, and I finally found a few spare minutes to go through my pictures. If I didn't have a million other things I need to do right now, I'd write a whole bunch about the trip. But today, the pics get to speak for themselves. Enjoy!








































P.S. In case that wasn't enough for ya, there are more in Picasa!

A visit to the beach house...

So my in-laws have a beach house on the Olympic Peninsula, and this weekend we had the wonderful privilege of staying with them in it for a few days. And let me just say, it has been the most relaxing couple of days we have had in a LONG time! We have been spoiled rotten by Bob and Sherrie...playing on the beach, bowling, pizza by the bonfire, naps, a cozy/darling house, and a ton of help with the kiddos. Honestly, it has been a wonderful, relaxing (and much needed) weekend. Bob and Sherrie, thank you SO much!







"Grandpa, wanna play football with me?"














Owen's first time bowling! (these were all pretty blurry as a result of the poor lighting in the bowling alley, so I messed with them a bit)...




Ummm...yeah. I did wear these with no socks. Probably won't be doing that again any time soon.




It was rather drizzly on the walk back from the bowling alley:




And finally, a (rare) picture of the whole family (with a really washed out Silas):


P.S. Tomorrow we are headed to Kalaloch Beach for a week of camping! Pics of that when we get home...