Our week with Maddie

My dear friend Lisa now has 3 kids. Her little girl is a busy 2 year old that we adore. However, when you are trying to get the extra rest needed from recently having a baby, the extra energy of a toddler is suddenly less cute. So we invited her to come play at our house so her mom could get some rest.

Jacob loves Madeline and was so excited when the day finally came for us to head to Napa and pick her up. They spent the next four days playing, playing, playing.

This picture is actually from Parker's party, but it is so Maddie. She came in with only one leg SOAKED. We couldn't figure out what happened until about 20 minutes later when she starts pulling ice out of her pocket. The best was the fact that she had a look like, "yeah I had ice in my pocket, where else would I put it?"

Even though it was rainy and cold, all they needed were raincoats and boots and they were ready for those muddy puddles. (Lis, sorry again for the ruined tights;))

They went to sleep giggling, woke up giggling, and slept peacefully in between.
Could they be cuter? The boys were thrilled to have her stay with us, and so was I. (And Lisa got some well deserved rest.)

Just Because

This is what was waiting for me at the end of a rough few days. Jamie hid them under my pj's so I'd find them as my day was coming to an end, the boys were in bed, and I could just enjoy.

He's a fabulous husband. It was full of all the kinds I like and showed up when I needed it the most -- he knows me so well.

Thanks babe!

The Party

Parker's 1st birthday was a lot of fun. We went with a sports theme and everything came together really well. I kept it pretty low key, especially compared to Jacob's shark party. We had the party in the afternoon and just served some snacks. I had pictures of Parker on the walls along with different kinds of balls. Parker had his own football cake. It turned out cute and was the easiest cake ever!

He enjoyed the cake, although he didn't go to crazy with it.

His guests got a sports cupcake and I made a separate cake for the adults.
Along with the toys in the house, I set up some games in the backyard. There was baby bottle bowling, soccer, and (pictured below) tossing an inflatable football through a ring.

I really appreciated all that came over to help us celebrate. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and I'm pretty sure the birthday boy did too. Not that he will remember it anyway.

Big Brother

So this morning I got the boys all set up with breakfast and then jumped in the shower. When I got out, there they both were in the living room. Jacob doing some "art projects" and Parker in his high chair just hanging out. I asked Jacob what was going on and he said,"I wanted to do some art projects and I pushed Parker in too so he wouldn't be alone and sad in the kitchen."

I love that Jacob is big enough to be helpful and I love that all of my kids get to have Jacob as a big brother!

Happy Birthday Baby Par-par!

A year ago today Parker joined our family. The day started with my water breaking, taking Jacob to Lisa's so she could take him to schoool/watch him while we were in the hospital, driving myself to the hospital with my contractions 3-5 minutes apart, and ending with being exhausted, but so thrilled that Parker James was healthy and perfect.
Jacob was thrilled to have his little brother here and always wanted to be around him. Jacob still loves Parker, just a little less thrilled now that Parker is mobile and has an interest in the toys.

None the less, we all love Parker dearly and are love to have him here. Parker is lots of fun, has a darling laugh, and makes the best faces. He is so patient and has a sweet personality. We know he was meant to be with our famliy.

Happy Birthday Parker! We love you!

Out of the mouth of Jacob

So this converstation actually took place a few weeks ago when we were on our way home from visiting our Napa friends. I was recently reminded of it and needed to share.

We were just about to get on the Carquinus Bridge when he began. This entire exchange happened in about a 2 minute time period. Those that know Jacob, will not be surprised by that.

J: Mom, is this the Bay Bridge?

S:No, it's the Carquinus Bridge.

J:What's under it? Cars?

S: You figure that because the bay is under the Bay Bridge, cars should be under the Carquinus Bridge?

J: Yup

S: No cars, just water.

J:Does Gipetto start with a "G" or a "J"?

S: "G"

J: Where's Heaven?

S:Umm ...

J: What city is it in?

S: It's not really in a city.

J:Why are Trix round?

S: Because if they were pointy, it would hurt to eat them.

J: Ha ha, you're funny mom.

The conversation went on a little from there, but that was all I could remember. I love the kid, but he just doesn't stop talking! (I think he gets it from his father ;) )