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. . .

Two Weeks. . .

Two weeks ago today, you entered this great big world and forever changed our hearts. We never knew so much love and joy could exist!

It feels so right for you to be here - past pictures of our family of three suddenly look incomplete. We are grateful beyond measure to the Lord for choosing to grant us the gift of your life and feel blessed to watch His purpose unfold over you.

You are perfect in every way and such a content baby. You rarely fuss, and do so only if you need something. You don't like to be swaddled and love to chew on just about anything. . . thus a pacifier was introduced by day 4 :) You sleep for 3-4 hour spurts at night allowing mommy and daddy to get some decent sleep - what a good boy! We could stare into your eyes for hours and love how you follow your big brother's voice when he's in the room. I'm sure you'll be the best of friends!

We treasure you sweet boy!

First Time. . .

at home

with TWO boys

by myself. . .

Yep, that's what today brought. Since Michael is self-employed and his business is out of our home, I've had peace of mind having him nearby (upstairs :) ) if I was to need something these past few days.

Today, however, he had appointments and was gone from early this morning until around 1:30. I must say, I was pretty proud of myself and give thanks to the Lord for two very happy and content little boys. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, boys dressed, dying Easter eggs with Cole, outside play, lunch for everyone, one-on-one board game time with Cole while Cade napped, and then naptime for my big boy himself.

Notice that there's no shower for mommy incorporated into that routine. . .one thing at a time :)

Dying eggs and having conversations about Jesus. . . wouldn't trade these precious moments for anything!

Cade was napping and then realized he was missing all the fun! :)

Big Brother Love

Cole has been an AMAZING big brother thus far. He adores Cade and is so glad he's finally here :) Cole loves to give him kisses, hold his hand, watch diaper changes (he thinks they're hilarious for some reason), give Cade his pacifier when he's crying, read to him, and sing to him.

It's so precious to watch the interaction of my two sons. I can't wait to see how the Lord will bond them together as they grow!

Cade Elias is here!

On Thursday, April 14 at 11:10 a.m. our lives were forever changed. Sweet Cade Elias Johnson left the security of the womb and entered our arms - what joy filled our hearts! The labor and delivery couldn't have gone better. . . the Lord was with us (as were MANY prayers of friends and family). His faithfulness was evident.

Here are some pictures that capture our first moments with this newest blessing. . . more to come soon!

Daddy and Mommy in awe of our precious gift. . .

Proud aunt and uncle

Sweet boy

Big brother Cole taking a peek and capturing Cade with his camera :)