Look at those eyes!

He sure does sleep a lot, but when he's awake I can't get enough of those dark green eyes and spiky hair! What a cool kid!

Graduation Day

Last weekend Brandon graduated with his Masters and we had a little shindig at the house afterwards. Many, many thanks to everyone that helped with the party. I most definitely could not have done it without all of the help. I hope everyone had a really great time and ate till they wanted to explode. Or was that just me?

Since the little man had not had his shots yet our doctor advised against him going to the graduation ceremony. So unfortunately I stayed home with him and had to miss the big event. It was a litttle sad for me but at least I got to hear all about it and my Mom even called me right before they called his name so I could still "be there". Thanks, Mom.

I am one of those weirdos that loves graduations, weddings (ceremonies not just receptions) and don't even get me started on school programs. Love. It's just really fun to celebrate the special moments in the lives of the people that I love and care so much about. It kind of broke my heart that I couldn't be there but seeing Brandon enjoy himself with his friends at his party really made up for it. We don't really "get out there" much anymore because life has been a little nuts these past couple of years but we are really hoping to change that. Unless we get pregnant with twins and we actually disappear off the face of the Earth - never to be seen again...

Brandon's graduation and Austin's arrival marked a very important time for our family and we feel so empowered to start living out so many of the plans we have been dreaming of for the last three years. I couldn't be more proud of my two boys and can't wait to see what new adventures and opportunities come our way.

And Brandon, if you think you are getting away with not putting that robe back on to take a picture with me, Austin and Emma in front of the house you are mistaking. Don't think I forgot.

Austin

Tomorrow the little man will be 3 weeks. Yup, the time flies way too fast. He is still so tiny and precious that it brings me to tears every single day. I think my favorite parts of him today are his chin and jawline. They look so adorable as they move up and down while he is eating. His little face is just so cute that I have to kiss it 1,000 times a day. I am so crazy in love with this little boy.

Below are a few of my favorite pictures from the hospital. He has already changed so much!

Dozing Off

This video just completely melts my heart.

Please excuse SVU on in the background.

First Stroll

This evening we set out on Austin's first stroll through the neighborhood. It felt really nice to get out, stretch our legs and let Emma spend some time at her baby park.

With so much to be thankful for I think this is going to be my favorite summer yet.

Books and Bedtime

There is nothing better than two sleeping babies. Brandon and I have been enjoying a cartoon-free afternoon with a Law and Order marathon.

Life is good.

Bits and pieces

Trying to bundle the wiggle worm.

Cat nap.
(I think we need some new night shirts up in here)

Dreaming.

I got this book from Mandy for Mother's Day and it has been a much needed little escape this week.
It was a light and easy read that helped me to keep those lingering post-partum blues at bay. I have even opened it back up a couple of times for little pick-me-ups here and there. I like to think that Tina Fey and I could be best friends as long as we never talk about politics or that fact that she is wildly successful. You can only be so proud of your bestie before it starts getting sickening.

If you can find the time, pick up a copy and get to laughing!

Disclaimer: After reading this book you might feel slightly inclined to start cursing to sound cool and convincing yourself that you, too, could be and probably should be a comedian.

Noni and me.

Emma's Chair

Lately, Emma and her chair have been pretty inseparable. She has figured out that it gives her the extra boost she needs to access the whole of the adult world. It seems like all day I hear her pushing her chair from one room to the next to either brush her teeth, get a snack or wash her hands for no less than 20 minutes at a time.

One time she climbed onto the counter and I flipped. All I could think about was her falling and ... yeah, can't think about how that one will end. So I pretended to cry hysterically and I think I scared her enough to keep those toes firmly attached to the seat of the chair. For now, at least.

The whole "crying" thing doesn't really work, by the way. Mainly because she has also mastered the insincerest, weepiest, "I'm soowweeee, I didn't mean to do it...pwease be happy Mommy!" that ever existed. I just wish that it wasn't so funny. It really undermines your authority when you break character to laugh.

As much as I have to get after her for spraying water all over the bathroom (from the previously mentioned hand-washing marathons) and reaching for the potato chips on the third shelf of the pantry at 7:30 am, I think she is pretty funny and love that she came up with this little idea all on her own.

School Pictures

I dare you to try and find anything cuter than my girl's big beautiful smile in her class picture. I was worried that she might be "that kid" that starts screaming bloody murder the second the photographer says "cheeeeeese", but she totally came through. What a doll! (And I'm just kidding about being worried. She is such a ham that I'm suprised she didn't whip out a top hat and start tap dancing in front of the camera.)

In case you were wondering, the infamous Gideon is right next to her. You can see partners in crime written all over those two. Emma told me, "I want to be next to Oweee (Allie). It's supposed to be me, Oweee and Gideon!" And yes, she says "supposed" all the time. Such a nut. Allie is the cutie on the top row in purple with the pig-tails. I can't wait to see these three musketeers in action one day!

good morning

Happy Mother's Day! Waking up to these little faces makes for a great start to my favorite weekend of the year. Enjoy!

smarty pants

No, we have definitely not forgotten about our first little bundle of joy.

She is completely in love with her baby brother and even though there have definitely been moments where she has acted out for attention, we are all trying our best to work through this transition the best we can. I would be lying if I said that we haven't struggled with having patience through all of her tantrums and SCREAMING that seemed to have started overnight.  However, it's not hard to stop and remember that she is still figuring life out. She wants to be independent, question and challenge me, explore and have as much fun as she can every single day. And let's face it - what Emma wants, Emma gets. I can't really blame her, can I? When I think of it that way, I actually end up pretty proud of her and even a little jealous.

I think when I grow up I want to be just like my silly little two-year-old.

Sleepy head

silly faces

best friends

.

My Austin

He is so perfect that I have to actually pinch myself to make sure that this isn't a dream. We were so worried for so long and now he is here, even more handsome and healthy than I could have ever imagined. I love him, I love him, I love him so much that my heart can't even handle it.

I am still working on balancing life and school, but I am finding it impossible to be anything but completely devoted to my babies. Last night Austin was asleep on my chest and Emma fell asleep next to me on the couch and it was perfect. I had my babies so close, breathing slow and deep, and I tried my best to soak it all in. I already know that I am going to miss these moments so much as they continue to grow so I am trying my best to make as many memories as I can. I can't bear the thought of forgetting a second.

Thank you to everyone for all of the sweet messages, visits and calls that we have received. We are so in love with our new family of four and so blessed.

Back to snuggling...

little man