We are SO grateful for our big birthday boy!!!

I have kind of slacked in my gratitude list this past week because we have been so busy with one of our GREATEST blessings. Our little man turned TWO!!! I have always loved birthdays, not just my own but others as well. They are like holidays to me. Anyway, since I have had JJ not only do I LOVE his birthday, but it is an emotional day for me too. I feel like I am celebrating my anniversary to motherhood too in a way. Not outwardly with cake and balloons and presents, but inwardly his birthday is such a special day to me. I am so grateful for my little shadow and BFF. I love everything about him, I told John last night as we were laughing hysterically about something he said that I was addicted to our son. I know that sounds weird, but I seriously have no desire to be apart from him. I am excited for him to wake up from his nap and in the morning and sometimes I put off putting him to bed because he is such a joy to be around. He is learning and growing up so fast. I love watching his development but sometimes feel sad that he won't be my little side kick forever. He is so sweet and thoughtful, whenever he does something naughty he will say after a moment "I sorry mommy," in the cutest little voice. One of my favorite things he says is "What happen" he probably says it 20 times a day. He will take the remote and change the channel and then say with a shocked expression "What happen" it is so cute. He is really into cars and trucks and trains and planes and of course basketball, football, soccer and baseball. He loves to read stories and play and organize little objects. (which I love too because it keeps him entertained while I do the house work) He loves to snuggle and hug and kiss, I hope he never outgrows that. He has started saying prayers, or at least repeating after mommy and daddy and is SOOO good with his baby sister. The other day she started to cry and he ran over and gave her the binky before I could get to her and she stopped crying. It was so cute. I think they will be great friends as she gets older. I just love our JJ so much and am so grateful that we get to be his parents.

JJ's Birthday Bash

When JJ woke up on Sunday we headed into his room with the video camera singing Happy Birthday to him. He was so cute and all excited he started jumping up and down and clapping. Then he said he wanted us to sing it again so of course we did. Then he said "I want Aubrey, I want Anistyn." I had been telling him all week that he was going to have a party on his birthday with cake and presents and balloons and that Aubrey (his cousin) and Anisyn (his girlfriend) were coming. I guess as soon as the song was over he was ready for his party.

First things first we had to have the traditional birthday breakfast; Sweedish pancakes with powdered sugar and nutella with strawberries and bananas and bacon of course.

While John and I were cleaning up we heard JJ saying "Yea horsie ride" we looked over and he had found his cow pinata and was riding it around like a horse. We seriously almost busted a gut it was so funny.

John said even if it broke it was worth it for how funny and cute that was, plus JJ was having a blast.

His sissy wanted to wish him a happy birthday too!


JJ was so cute with his happy birthday wishes. He had a huge smile on his face every time someone called to sing him happy birthday then he would say "Yea and clap when they finished"

He had a farm animal theme party

With a barn cake and pig, chicken, and sheep cupcakes

Calli was such a good girl for mommy, I fed her when I got home from church around 2:00 and she slept all afternoon until about 6:00 so I was able to get everything ready for the party.

Still riding the cow horsie

Mommy and JJ

Daddy and JJ

Uncle Jeff and cousin Aubrey eating some pizza

Uncles Steve and Elliot with Daddy

Aunt Summer with cousin Brooke and JJ's girlfriend Anistyn with her mommy Andrea and baby sister Cambrie

Aunt Heather and Brooke

When it was time to open presents, JJ was so intrigued by the tissue paper that it took us a while to get him excited about the presents.
After we got the first one opened, it didn't take him long to want to open all the rest.

Thanks everyone for all the great stuff, he loves it all and so do I.

Anistyn was a great helper in getting those fun new toys opened

My favorite part was when everyone was singing happy birthday to him, he was seriously glowing and had the biggest grin. It was so cute to see him as the center of attention with all those people. He LOVED it!!

He loves blowing out "fire" too.

Enjoying his sheep cupcake

And ice cream too. He didn't want to waste time with a spoon so he just picked it up and ate it.

Aunt Esther and Calli

JJ having fun after the party with all of his awesome new stuff

Our little family

Today I am grateful that...

... my hubby is HOME!!!

Grateful Day #11

Today I am grateful for what I saw when I woke up. A flag waving in my front yard, that reminded me of all of the brave and selfless men and women who fight for our Country, our Freedom, and for US. I don't have any really personal connections to our soldiers at the moment, but I am so grateful for all of our brothers and sisters who sacrifice each day for all that I enjoy. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

1 Month Old

Today I am grateful for our baby girl who is already 1 Month Old! I can't believe Calli has been a part of our family for a whole month. She is such a sweet spirit and has brought us so much joy and love. As much as I don't want her to get bigger it is fun to watch her learn and develop. She is getting so good at focusing on us and is so much more alert than just a few weeks ago. We love her so much and are excited to continue to get to know our little princess.

Grateful Days #5-#9

So I know what you are thinking. You are thinking I must have run out of things that I was grateful for and that is why I haven't posted for the last few days. The real truth is that I have barely scratched the surface of my gratitude, but I was having some computer difficulties. I think it had something to do with my toddler! Anyway, husband fixed the computer and I am back. I am going to post multiple things today that I am grateful for to make up for lost days.

First, I am grateful for...

... The Talents of Other people. My life has been so blessed by others talents. One talent in particular that I was not given is the ability to cut, fix, style hair. Neither mine nor other people's. Hence I am super grateful for people who do have that talent and can help me and my children. After a nightmare of a haircut that I gave JJ a few months ago I decided it was time to hit up the pro's. A friend told me about this darling place just for kids called Cookie Cutters. I loved it as much as JJ did. He sat still the whole time. They let the kiddo's pick out what movie they want to watch and what special chair they want to sit in. They had an airplane, which is the one JJ chose, along with police car, motorcycle, etc. Then they blow bubbles for them and send them off with a balloon and a treat. We will definitely be back. I am just a little sad about JJ losing his blondies. Oh well, I am sure they will be back next summer.

They had some super fun toys and things to play with while you wait for your turn.

We had to get the classic before shot. His hair cut was long over due.

And the back side

JJ in his Airplane

Watching him giggle always makes me smile and laugh too.

Looking so Handsome and all grown up

The after shot

Totally into his movie

That long hair is off the side of his head

Lovin' his life afterwards

Second, I am grateful for...

... Healthy children and an awesome Pediatrician and staff. Right after I graduated I worked at a Pediatrician's office for about a year before I had JJ. I had a great time and loved the people I worked with, but had no idea it would turn out to be such a blessing. It is SOOO nice and such a comfort to know your kids are in great hands with people you know and trust and have a personal relationship with. Last week we had JJ's 2 year check and Calli's 2 week check. I was afraid JJ was going to have another ear infection since he had a pretty nasty cold, and at JJ's 2 week check was when we found out that he had his first ear infection, which was horrible. I was so nervous to go and have them say that both Calli and JJ had ear infections. But, they both checked out perfect. I was super happy and grateful about that. Here are there stats:

JJ - 2 years on Sunday

Height: 35 1/2 inches (83%)

Weight: 30.8 lbs. (82%)

Calli - 1 month tomorrow

Height: 21 inches (61%)

Weight: 8.5 lbs. (34%)

Head: 14 1/2 inches (57%)

Helping Sissy with Tummy Time

Reading stories together

JJ is so sweet to his baby sis and LOVES to hold and kiss her

Third, I am grateful for...

...modern conveniences like a dish washer, washer and dryer, and computers/internet. I know that I take these things for granted on a daily basis and don't realize it until they are taken from me for a moment. I was driving by a Laundromat the other day and saw a young family going in with 2 small children. My heart hurt for a second for them, and then was filled with gratitude for my blessings. I seriously can't imagine having to go to the laundromat right now to wash and dry our clothes. We wouldn't have any clean clothes for sure. I barely had time to do a few loads this past week with them right next to my room. We really live such a privileged life. I am glad for these reminders about how spoiled we are because it makes all those minor annoyances that can sometimes bring us down disappear and help us feel happy and grateful for all we have.

Fourth, I am grateful that...

... my baby doesn't have an upset tummy at night anymore and is a super sleeper. Whenever people would ask me what the hardest adjustment with JJ was, I ALWAYS say the sleep deprivation. I was really nervous about going through that again but have been pleasantly surprised about how much easier it is this time. It may be that I am used to it more now, and that Calli will go five hours at night between feedings, either way I am so grateful to not feel like a zombie or that I might kill over and die at any moment. :)

Today, I am grateful that...

...my sweet husband fixed our computer so I can keep blogging!

Grateful Day #4

Today I am grateful for...

... The most beautiful weather we are enjoying. When we went outside this morning to play, I thought we had gone back in time to the Summer. It is so nice to be able to take both kids outside for a little longer. I am hoping this weather will stick around for a few more weeks!