Cute Teacher Gift

It's hard to believe that Cole's third year at Treasure Creek has come to an end. What a wonderful year with Mrs. Jayne and Mrs. Tammy. They loved on my sweet boy and taught him so much about Jesus. We're forever grateful for the impact they've had on his life.

I always enjoy making homemade gifts for Cole's teachers - they were my favorite things to receive during my teaching days and I love passing that on to others. With Cade's arrival, I needed something fairly simple, but still creative. Thanks to some inspiration from my friend Jennifer, these cute, inexpensive lemonade jugs were perfect!

Drink containers w/ four matching cups - $4.99 at Kroger

Lemons - 25 cents each

Wooden spoons and kitchen towels - 2 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree

Homemade tag w/ directions - free :)

My Kiddos

Lovin' every moment with these sweet boys!

Cade's first nap in his crib :)

Thinkin' those sweet eyes might just stay blue like Daddy's. Yay!

One Month

It's amazing what one small month can bring.

I went from this. . .

to this. . .

What a joy you've been to us these past 30 days sweet Cade. We can't imagine life without you!

About you. . .

* We were a bit concerned about your weight at your 3 week visit, and had another weigh-in four days later. You had gained 9 ounces! That put you at 8 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long at one month. Almost a full pound heavier than your brother at this age :)

* You have begun sleeping in your 'napper' again by our bed. Yay!! I laid you down the other night and you slept for almost 5 hours. The most glorious 5 hours of sleep this mama's had in awhile!

* You still rarely fuss unless you are tired, hungry, or wet - my how you don't like to have a wet diaper on!

* When fussy, you like for us to walk or pace. Usually up on our shoulder with your pacifier.

* You eat every 2.5-3 hours during the day and usually stay awake for close to an hour after each feeding. At night, you've been eating around 8:30-9 and sleeping until close to 2 a.m. You then wake-up again around 6 a.m. where we enjoy a little one-on-one time before your brother wakes :)

* We've enjoyed neighborhood walks, a couple of outings to Target, and dinner out at Blue Moon. I'm gearing up for our first grocery run :)

* You like to swing, lay under the mobile in your crib, and watch your light-up toys

It Will Change Your Life

Those five little words were spoken to me over and over before Cole made his debut four years ago. When talking with women about my impending motherhood, it was the most common phrase used. I had no idea how true those words would be or how much my precious boys would truly change my life. They've taken me to depths of love, grace, sacrifice, and knowing God that I could've never reached without them. They are gifts from above that I treasure. . . what a blessing that the Lord chose to invite me into such fellowship with Him through these little ones. I pray as they grow, that my boys see a mom that strives to love Jesus and LIVE that love daily.

Cole and Cade, I adore you more than you could ever know. . . you are truly my reward!

This post wouldn't be complete without giving thanks to the best earthly model for motherhood that I've known. . . my mom. I love you so much and feel blessed to have such a wonderful friend in you.

Mother's Day 2011 will be one that I'll forever cherish. Not only were BOTH of my boys in my arms, but it was our first Sunday together at church as a family of four. We made it on time and Cade was a trooper through the service.

Photographers were also taking complimentary photos of families for the mamas to enjoy - love it!

Earlier that morning, I was awakened by Cole entering the bedroom with cards galore and his special gift from school that I had been waiting to open. His handmade tile was precious, but my favorite was the 'My Mom' card he made. I used to do these with my first graders about their mothers - it was funny and wonderful to see one about me!

'My Mom'

My mom is four years old

Her favorite color is pink

Her favorite food is strawberries and chocolate

Her favorite restaurant is Chuy's

Her favorite thing to do is cook (really??)

My mom likes it when I read her stories

My mom doesn't like it when I don't clean up my toys

My mom weighs 15 pounds (woo-hoo!)

The thing my mom does best is read books with me (can you tell we do a lot of reading around here?!)

Michael also surprised me with outdoor furniture and my favorite lunch from Carrabba's (to-go of course. . . no waiting for us!)

After church, we headed to my mom's house for a relaxing afternoon of chatting on the back porch. Couldn't have asked for a better day!

Funny boy loving Gigi's sunglasses

Easter Fun

(post is a few weeks behind, but hey. . . better late than never!)

What a wonderful, memorable Easter we had this year. Our first official holiday as a family four. . . LOVE it!

We spent Saturday at Papa and Gigi's as we enjoyed our annual Easter lunch and egg hunt together with family. The food was delicious, weather was gorgeous, and company was lovely. Such a great day celebrating new life - both here on earth with our precious Cade and the new life Jesus offers to all who believe. So thankful for a godly heritage. . . my boys have no idea how blessed they are!

Cade's position for most of the day :)

My precious boy looking so grown. . .

My grandmother, Mom G, and I

Egg hunt!

First holiday family photo

Cole - 4 1/2 years Cade - 9 days old

Sunday, Cole and Daddy headed to church while Cade and I listened to and watched the sermon online (okay, I watched and Cade slept :) ).

When my big boys returned home, Cole checked out his Easter basket goodies and we then went through the Crucifixion/Resurrection story with our homemade Resurrection eggs and Scripture. I was amazed at how much Cole understood and how well he articulated the story back to me once we were finished. Watching his little mind realize the wonder of our Savior is amazing to behold!

Such a handsome fella

Three Weeks. . .

How can it be that you are almost a month old? Time is truly passing by so quickly. . .

This week brought a few ups and downs our way with you sweet boy.

Favorites:

* You are much more alert and have longer awake periods during the day. I love to stare into your eyes and wonder what your precious mind must be thinking as you take in the world around you.

* You are beginning to focus on objects such as rattles, lights, and toys - your big brother LOVES this about you and runs to play with you when you're awake :)

* You adore music. Jesus Loves Me is a favorite when you're fussy.

* Daddy seems to have a calming effect on you. I think his deep voice and warm embrace make you feel safe and loved.

Downs:

* You had your first sick visit to the doctor - an infection in your left eye. Thankfully, you were otherwise healthy and eyedrops did the trick.

* Nursing is going well, but you are such a lazy eater. I think I spend most of the time rubbing your back, feet, undressing you, etc. to keep you awake :) Your weight gain is good (8 pounds even at your three week check-up - a 13 oz. weight gain since you've been home), but the doctor wants to see you in a week to check again. Hopefully we'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you've grown!

* You suddenly don't want to sleep anywhere but in mommy's arms. I LOVE it, but need a little beauty rest myself :) You've been sleeping on my chest the past few nights. . . I'm sure I need to lay you down and let you 'cry it out', but I'm treasuring these precious moments with you.

Overall, we can't thank God enough for the JOY your presence has added to our home. Everyday is a gift. . .