summer fun

Blog posting has taken a severe dip! Busy enjoying the summer! Daddy was away for business for TWENTY ONE straight days last month and momma nearly lost her mind! Needless to say there was no time for blogging! We're glad to have him home safe and sound...and glad there will be no more traveling (without all of us in tow!)

We are loving the warm weather and trying to be outside as much as we can. We're preparing for our move mid-month and looking forward to exploring our new neighborhood!
Here are some photos of the kids from last week at the block party.

Isabella most always has a sippy hanging from her teeth these days. Probably not so good for the teeth...but excellent in terms of preventing dehydration. She's a "little girl" now...growing up quickly!

Speaking of growing up....my little Jackie boy is growing up so fast! He will soon pass his sister. He is such an amazing addition to our family. So, so easy to love. He's been wonderful. Who do you think her looks like?

Hope everyone is enjoying summer time!

And PS...Move over Wadey Wade...Isabella has her eye on a new guy: POM MO (Palmer)! She plans to be a fixture at POM MO's soccer games this season!

Who's who?

Sometimes they look so different....and yet, sometimes so similar!

Can you tell who is who?

A

B

C

D

E

A...Jack
B...Ella
C...Jack
D...Jack
E...Ella

I never imagined in a million years that I would love motherhood as much as I do.
Yesterday I paused to reflect on some of my greatest blessings...
...my own mother...for teaching me, by way of example, what it means to love someone unconditionally.
...my husband for loving me and for assuring me two years ago that I would be a great mother despite all my insecurities.
...my baby girl...for being my first precious child...the one who quickly shaped me into a mother overnight!
...my baby boy...for having the sweetest little soul and for fitting so perfectly into our slightly chaotic world. (and for teaching me how to nurse..woo hooo!)
...and most importantly, for God and His grace...for giving me so much more than I deserve.

Isabella & Jack May 09

Thirty years ago today on a clear Spring day, you were born to your parents in much the same way we just welcomed a baby boy. I imagine that your mom sat in her hospital bed and held you and gazed into your baby blues...wondering what this life would hold for you. I wonder if she knew how funny you'd be? Or if she knew that you possessed a drive and an optimism that most people do not. I wonder if she realized that you would be wise beyond your years and too witty for your own good. Did she realize what an incredible father you'd turn out to be? That your very presence would make your daughter squeal with glee. Did she realize that you would make such a wonderful husband? The best partner in life that a girl could ask for?
Happy birthday, my love!
I am so infinitely grateful that you were born. There are no words to describe the ways in which your love has strengthened me. I will always adore you.

PS...I should've met you in the sandbox.

having fun in the bath (photos taken hours before Jack's arrival. Little did we know!)

Isabella...
At a time when the whole world seems to revolve around your baby brother...
I just wanted to say I love you.
And...you'll always be my baby, too.
Love,
Momma

Welcome to the world
Baby Jack!

Jack Thomas
born on April 9th, 2009
at 3:36am
7.8 pounds
20 inches long
...so incredibly sweet and beautiful...
everything we've been waiting for!

we're still here....

...we're just keeping mightily busy while we wait for our new baby. Only a couple more weeks now...though I feel like it may be sooner than later. Little guy is fresh out of room {and my skin is fresh out of stretch.}