My artistic side

Mandy and I are fast approaching our 10 year anniversary.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone.  This year because of the new house and all the things we need to buy to go along with it we agreed to do something low key near the house as well as one weekend trip in April to check out the new place.  Heather was in town ad watched the boys while we went out Saturday night.  Right next to a great Italian restuarant a few blocks from our house and right next door is a place called "wired and fired".  I pass the place on my runs around the neighborhood and thought it might be a cool date night at some point.  Basically you sit down and paint pottery and bring your favorite beverages for consumption while doing it.  A few days later you can pick up whatever you made.  Long story short we both had a pretty good time painting a family sign to go in the new house and a cereal bowl for Jake over a few hours and bottle of wine.  His favorite helicopter is a chinook so I put one at the bottom of his bowl.  Maybe he will even eat his way through brussell sprouts to get to it?

On our next trip I have to make a bowl for Sam but at this point I'm not sure what his favorite truck/car/plane/train/helicopter is going to be so send me any suggestions.  Keep in mind I am no Meg or Kate and pretty much maxed out my talent with the bowl.

Happy 8 Months, Sam!

Time continues to pass by quickly...Sam is 8 months old already. I was sick last weekend and through this week and, as a result, everything seems to be behind, including this post. But, here we have some good pics of Jake and Sam together in time for his 8 month birthday. He has his single tooth, he is continuing to say "mum mum" and now has added ba ba ba. He is sleeping really well and the two boys are now able to share a room without too much issue waking each other up. He's sitting and just pushing up on to all fours and sort of shifts back and forth as if he's trying to maybe think about crawling. He's eating all sorts of fruits, veggies, and ground up meats. Bananas and avacados seem to be his faves.

Happy Birthday Mandy- Now go to Timeout

When you get older birthdays start to have different meanings.  When I told Jake that it was Mandy's birthday he was very excited.  I thnk that he thought maybe he would get presents just like as if it was his.  I made (bought) this cake for Mandy today as a surprise but Jake sabotaged my plans by quickly telling her that we were going to eat cake after dinner.  I guess I underestimated how exciting birthday cake is to a 3 year-old.  Mandy also had a rough day at work combined with a headache and Sam's teething did not make for a smooth transition to home.  Even though I had dinner pretty much done when she got home she was in a pretty tough mood made worse with Jake demanding her immediate attention.  I think the sight of the big 36 also didn't help.  Jake eventually got upset and told mandy that she was in a "bad mood".  Usually timeout is reserved for toddlers in our house but this time Mandy got up and put herself in the timeout chair.  My only regret is that I didn't get a picture.  After a few minutes Jake went and got her out so we could eat dinner.
I guess I learned that timeouts work for adults too.

We are reminded of how fast the years can fly by on our birthdays.  I can't believe that I met her when I was barely 23 years old.  Even more unbelievable is that our 10 year anniversary is almost here.

Sam has a tooth!

Sam has his first tooth! It's one of the bottom row. He's doing great, sitting up, all things cute! He and I just spent the week together while Daddy was in El Salvador and Jake spent the week with Grammy Kris and Tom Tom and Aunt Heather. I think they were all happy to see some sunshine in Atlanta this weekend!

Happy 7 months, Sam!

Sam is 7 months old, adorable, sitting, and babbling. He mostly says "mum mum mum" which is likely a demand for his current favorite snack of the same name. He's always laughing at Jake and observing closely what his big brother does. We're thankful everyday for both of them. Auntie Heather is visiting this weekend to help us celebrate!

Babies don't like the cold

We are home from work today. We got 6 inches of snow here in Virginia Highlands and according to our neighbor, this constitutes "Snowmageddon" in Atlanta. It is nice to have some more time at home together. We did venture outside with the boys this morning. Jake had new snow pants and we layered him so I knew he'd be ok in the cold. I also layered clothes under the Milo hand me down "bear suit" from the Gap. I figured that if it worked in Minnesota, it would be fine here in Atlanta. We made it to Piedmont Park, though, and Sam had had enough. I guess frozen snot on cold cheeks would make anyone unhappy. He and I walked home and he cried the whole way. It took about 10 minutes for him to calm down but then he took quite a warm winter's nap. We've been enjoying a quiet day and are waiting to see what happens tomorrow. More freezing rain is in the forecast this evening.
Jake sledding in Piedmont Park.

Sam and Mommy before freezing!

Jake ready to go!

Happy New Year and Happy 6 months Sam!

What is it about tools and butt cracks? This sight made me laugh on Christmas morning!

Above is Sam the Baby Gap Model.

Here is Sam for Christmas pic:

Sam 6 months old:

Jake at Christmas:

It was really cold here for a bit...Sam looking chilled after a walk outside. Brrr, Mommy!

Boys together on Christmas Day:

Christmas picture of boys together:

We had a good holiday this year. Spent Christmas just me and the boys, but then went to church and our friends, Jon, Jenn, and Maddie's house for a delicious dinner. New Years found Grammy Kris and Tom Tom visiting just in time for the ChickfilA bowl (USC vs Florida State). Dad and I got tickets and went with friends Jimmy and Jenn from North Augusta. Fun time, but sorry, Gamecock fans!

Sam got his 6 month shots yesterday and spent the night crying with a high fever. Poor little guy but he was fine today. Jake has been sick for about 3 days and has certainly learned how to milk it! He's on the mend, as well. Sam is now eating rice cereal and some green veggies. He is sitting up and rolling back to front and front to back. He sleeps 10 hours and some nights 12 hours straight beginning at about 6:30pm. Amazing how early they go to bed at this age. How tiring life is! They continue to be loved while we are at work by our nanny, Elizabeth. We are grateful for her every day!