Computer Time

Cole's new favorite thing lately is playing games on the computer. We just recently introduced this new activity and he's learned to man it like a pro :)

Knowing that he LOVES Wheel of Fortune, Nana found a computer version of the game-show which he's played almost every day since the download :) He's getting really good guessing individual words and knowing what letters to choose. It's actually a great tool for teaching phonetic patterns. . . who woulda guessed?!

He also enjoys pbskids.org and sprountonline.com. We've yet to venture out to more sites, with which I'n sure there are a TON. What sites do you recommend for preschool fun and learning?

From 3 to 6

It was such a joy to share the journey of pregnancy with so many of my close friends. We encouraged and prayed for one another while rejoicing in the gifts God had given us. One-by-one, we celebrated as these little blessings made their debuts into the world. . . so amazing to watch the miracle of life revealed again and again.

This week, Jessica, Becky, and I got together for a 'full-circle' playdate. All of our little ones had arrived. . . it was time for these womb buddies to meet one another!

L-R

Kiyah Lael - born March 20

Cade Elias - born April 14

Eve Amelie - born May 11

Cade's lovin' being the only boy in this sea of girls :)

The sweet big brothers. We all kept laughing how our playdates went from three to six in just a matter of months. LOVE it!

So thankful to have shared such a sacred time with godly women. Anxious to walk through this next phase of motherhood together as we rely on the precious grace and strength of Jesus.

Father's Day

I couldn't ask for a better helpmate when parenting our two boys. The Lord knew just what I would need and created Michael specifically for me - I feel so blessed!

This AMAZING Daddy is firm when needed, always loving, and so much fun :) Most of all, he lives out his love for Jesus in front of Cole and Cade daily. Love. that. man.

I'm also blessed to have a dad that set a great example of what an earthly father should be. He supported, provided, encouraged, disciplined, and loved my brother and I while growing up and continues to be an active part of our lives. He's also a great Papa to my sweet boys - love you dad!

Two Months

What a whirlwind these past two months have been :) It's amazing how much you've changed and grown in such a short time. You've given us so much joy and love. . . we can't imagine life with out you!

Uncle Kyle came over to grab some candid photos of you. You were so cooperative and awake most of the time. LOVE how they turned out!

Your 2 month well visit to the doctor went well - you were a pro through your shots and Mommy did ok too :) You are perfect in every way!

Weight - 11 lbs. 1 oz. (35 %)

Height - 22 1/2 in. long (34 %)

Head circumference - 15 1/2 (36 %)

* You love loud noises - they don't phase you a bit. In fact, if you're fussy, we can vacuum, run the hair dryer, etc. and it calms you right down. . . even lulls you to sleep every so often :)

* You've gotten really good at grasping rattles when placed in your hand and are even finding them on your own.

* Mirrors capture your attention now - love staring at that sweet face!

* You're beginning to look at books as I read them to you and to Cole. The brighter the pictures, the better. You've also enjoyed watching a Praise Baby DVD with Cole (and he LOVED watching it with you).

* Tummy time is still no fun, but you are super strong at holding up your head. Hardly any wobbles when you're on our shoulder or in our laps - I see the Bumbo getting some use soon!

* Smiles are an all the time event these days. I just can't get enough of that sweet toothless grin!

* When falling asleep, you've begun to hold a receiving blanket in your hand and have it touching the side of your face. I'm wondering which one you'll choose to be your friend through the coming years. . .

* You've had a few fussy days lately. On Father's Day, you were not your sweet self - tummy problems seemed to be the culprit. Hopefully we won't see that again for a long while.

* You've slept through the night a few times. . . yay! Around 7 hours is the stretch between your last feeding (3-4 oz. around 8:00 p.m.) and when you eat again. Sometimes you'll surprise us and sleep until 4-5 a.m. which is lovely!

We've treasured these last eight weeks and can't wait to see what the next months will bring!

Discovery Museum

Friday, Michael surprised us by taking the day off and whisking us away to Murfreesboro for a family day at the Discovery Museum. We took Cole there last summer and LOVED it. It's an inexpensive day full of fun and learning. . . thanks Daddy for making our day so special!

Delivering the mail in Tiny Town

Enjoying a book in the treehouse

Craft making in the Creation Station

Digging for fossils

Touching a bearded lizard and red corn snake

(this SHOCKED us seeing as Cole screams if a fly comes near :) )

Cade was perfect during our outing. . . such a sweet little boy!

Enjoying lunch in one of their experiment kitchens. A shaded picnic area is available outside, but it was too hot!

Along with all this fun, we enjoyed the water station, fire truck, games/info. about microbes/viruses/germs (their current theme), trains, cars, and much more. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it!

Little Beach

With these crazy hot summer temps, we've once again enjoyed evening visits to the 'little beach' (Lock 3 access) across the street from our home. I'm not a fan of actually swimming in the murky lake water, but it's fun to wade, look for shells, and play in the sand together.

We also love watching the sunset and talking about God's beautiful creation and unfailing mercy towards us.

This was Cade's first visit. . . too bad he missed it all :)

Summer's Begun!

Summertime in Tennessee debuted in full force this year. With temps in the high 90's this past week and in the forecast again, there's no denying spring has gone and summer's here to stay.

Lovin' my new umbrella - so much more festive than our previous one.

Memorial Day, we broke out the pool and sprinkler - what fun!

That evening, we headed to Papa and Gigi's house for a delicious rib dinner and fireworks. A great evening!

Memorial Day also meant that the fountains at The Streets are now on everyday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's a favorite of ours to meet friends/family there in the evenings to chat and let the kiddos play.

We also headed out for the debut of the Thursday evening Summer Concert Series. Cade loved the music and Cole enjoyed playing with sidewalk chalk.

Cheers to summer and all the fun it brings!