I'm Back....

With two kids at home and one that does not like to sleep I rarely am able to post updates on here.  I also haven't had a chance to delete all the previous posts that are still public even after securing my site to become private, so until I get on that and become more of a frequent blogger I am back for the world to see!  Plus I will admit one of the reasons I liked blogging to begin with was the networking that occurred along the way and when I went private I lost some of that.  So....until I change my mind again, which will likely happen, hello again all of you long lost friends; blog stalkers ;o) !

Chatty Charlie

I never thought that I would have full converstions with my child at 2 years old.  I often find myself stopping and thinking, "Wait did you just say that?  You are 2 right?"  I thought the "what's that?" questions started coming early about a year ago but to be speaking in 5 - 6 words sentences just baffles me.  It's little things that get me.  Probably not that entertaining to others, but to his mama I just smile or bust up laughing most of the time.  The kid does not stop talking....I mean does not stop.  He will tell you everything he sees as you drive down the road.  Mommy tried to teach him the quiet game yesterday as I'm not so sure Olie appreciates Chatty Charlie all the time, but I guess that's what he gets for screaming in our ears most of his life in the car.

Some of my favorite "talks" this past week...

We are driving down I-5 and I'm enjoying the no screaming drive from little bro Oliver and probably chomping on my gum a bit much when Henry says, "Mommy, what's that in your mouth?"  Yes, this simple question made me smile.  He has discovered gum and now says, "Henry wants to chew gum too Mommy."  Hmmmm...choking hazard at 2?  Not sure on this one.

Another driving moment...Henry did something silly and loving to make others laugh he busts out with, "Oh my gosh mommy! Oh my gosh, Henry funny" with his hands up on his cheeks.  I was laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.  Where in the world did he hear this?  I don't say "Oh my gosh,"  at least I don't think I do?

Several times a week Henry gets to go see daddy at work and ride around in big equipment. Every time we leave our house Henry tells me, "Go that a way mommy.  Go see daddy.  Big loader, pick up bark, top soil, dump in big truck."  I now have to tell him the order we are doing things to prevent the melt down from not seeing daddy first.  But, much to my surprise, several hours later the kid still remembers seeing daddy was third on the list.  I've learned to only use this in negotiations when mommy can actually keep up her end of the bargain. ;o)

Almost daily Henry hugs and kisses Oliver while he says, "Henry loves you bubby Olie.  Love you bubby."  These moments are ones that make me want to stop time and just feel that love over and over again.  We are truly so lucky to have two boys that truly love one another so very much.  I know they will have their fights along the way but I also know they will take very good care of one another too.  I can see that unconditional love already and it is just priceless.

Oliver 7 Months

This past Wednesday (23rd) Oliver turned 7 months old!  It's amazing how fast time is moving.  I thought I owed a good update on Olie and his milestones, so here it goes.

- He still does not sleep on his own.  At night he sleeps with us, in the middle of us with his arms stretched out as far as he can get them.  Yes, a 7 month old can take up the whole bed!  He is always reaching out and looking for our faces and patting them. It's like it's his "lovie" or way of pacifying his way to sleep.  During the day for naps he has to be held.  No luck getting him down on his own.  Typically when Henry naps Olie gets his good nap in too. 
- At about 6 months he started to sit up but now he can sit up and rarely falls over.  Which means lots of play time on the mat with big bubby Henry.  He loves to get down and play with his brother.  I have a feeling crawling is coming very fast as he is determined to get whatever toy it is he wants and has already started extending himself out from a sit up to almost all 4's.  He typically just stays on his belly reaching as far as he can.  But if you put him on his knees he will rock back and forth.  I'm loving being able to put him down to play with brother and actually attempt to get a few things done around the house hands free or without a screaming baby.
- A couple weeks ago he started making this new sound with his mouth.  Kind of like the "motor boat" noise and lots of spit or food if he's eating goes everywhere.  He gets pretty serious about his new found form of communication.  Really funny.  (Video coming soon)
- We started solids a little over a month ago and he has had Rice & Oatmeal Cereal, Pears, Prunes, Apples, Bananas, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Carrots and just started Sweet Peas.  I think he will be our eater as you can't eat in front of him without him wanting to have a little something too. 
- He's wearing 12 month clothes!  We have 2 really solid boys!
- His hair continues to get more and more blond and is still so curly!
- The screaming in the car has gotten a bit better.  I would say maybe half the time now we can drive short distances with peace and quiet but the other half is still crazy meltdown city.  I have found if I feed him right before we go and get him nice and full he will relax and fall asleep faster.  All about timing with this one as he is not very patient.  Wonder where he gets that?!? ;o)

Anyway, he is an amazing little boy who continues to bring so much joy to our lives.  His daily kissing sessions are to die for.  I love watching his admiration for his big brother.  I had no idea that at 7 months you would be able to see how much a little brother could look up to his big brother.  Absolutely heart warming to witness this kind of love.  I really cannot imagine our lives without these two little men.  Every day is incredible and I feel so blessed.

Baby Joey

I had the pleasure of taking maternity photos of my SIL who is 34 weeks with their first baby,  little Joey.  Such a fun day!

I Heart Winter

I love winter for a few reasons but mainly because my husband is home a lot more and has every weekend off to spend with us.  Most of you know 75% of the year it's 6 - 7 days a week 10+ hours a day for him.  So naturally we miss him.  But for now we get to do a whole lot of this on the weekends....

And enjoy family dinnner at Grandpa's at a normal time (not farmer hours!):

The Gun Show

Today we celebrated my birthday by spending the day up north with my mom.  Always a lovely time for us all.  One of the highlights for me was spending time out battling the freezing cold at the park with Henry.  He just has a passion for life like no other.  Just look at this smile!  Love him.

Also, we were playing around with the boys taking pics of them just in their diapers and Henry went to pick up Olie.  Nauna stopped him and he looked at us and flexed his "guns" and said "Henry strong!"  We about died.  So funny this little boy is!

Little (BIG) bro Olie

Today we had Oliver's well child check-up and he is growing like a weed!  The ear infections are also cleared up...thank goodness!  Now if these two bottom teeth would just bust through the gums and give him some relief life would be gravy. ;o)  Check these stats out:

Weight: 18.4 lbs (75%)
Height: 28.2" (95%)
Head Circ: 17.9" (90%)