Ryan Cole

Oh that face. His lips, his big pure blue eyes, his long curly eye lashes, his strawberry blonde hair with the curl in the back....when did my baby get so big!! He is a tank. 

He is 17 months old, going on to terrible twos. He will definitely let you know when he doesn't like something thats for sure. Its nearly impossible to get him to smile in a picture. But he likes to be silly. He loves to put things in his mouth and look at me all sly and mischievous like and laugh and run away. When you ask him a question he always answer uh huh in the cutest sweetest most innocent inflection ever.  He picks up new words quickly and likes to say new words when you tell him to say something. My favorite new thing he says is 'tank you mama' when I give him something and 'aldone mama' and hands me his plate or food instead of throwing it all over the place. He has the cutest voice ever.  Melts my heart. 

He likes to be involved in whatever is happening but he also enjoys quietly playing his own thing by himself. He loves playing with Cade and trying to keep up with his big brother. They love chasing each other around the house. The best is when they are both cracking up at each other. 

He loves cars, books, and playing in water. When he wants some thing...like food...he will come to me and say 'pum pum' for some some. Or 'teet teet' if he knows there is a treat in the house. :) Smart boy. He is a little love bug too. He LOVES baby Levi and is always so happy to see him 'baabyyy' and wants to give him hugs and kisses.  We sure do love you little bug!! A lot has happened since you were born and you have grown up fast. Slow down my little Ry Ry!! Can I just freeze you at this stage forever??

We had Ryan's first birthday here at home (Nov. 25th 2014). We had a fun time eating cake, facetiming grandparents, and opening presents. 

Birthday boy

Happy birthday boy and his partner in crime

Happy birthday Ryan bug! Cant wait to see all you will learn this year!

Cade's 3rd Birthday

Motherhood/parenthood has a way of making you feel not human. I find myself juggling between tasks at an alarming rate trying to keep everyone fed, happy, and safe. Mommy's tired? Too bad. Hungry? It will have to wait.  In desperate need to get a shower, brush your teeth, brush your hair....you know how it goes. If one of these three little munch gins needs something, mom's needs/wants wait. Ive never had to put myself last so much in my life. You give until you have nothing let to give and then you give some more. Sometimes they are the most beautiful happy moments of your life and sometimes they are the toughest, in the same day. It stretches your soul and patience.

Having Levi has reminded me to slow down and be present in the moment.  The baby stage is so short.  Its so easy to wish away the hard times but I want to do better at enjoying and making the most of my time with my kids. 

We had Cade's third birthday party and I have to say seeing his happiness at all the pirate stuff and excitement of opening the treasure box and lego pirate ship was one of those happy moments. It makes everything feel so worth it. 

Happy birthday to the cutest pirate there is! :) 

Baby Levi is Born

Little Levi was born April 15th, 2015.  I was on the tentative list for being induced but since we hadnt heard from the hospital, we decided to get out of the house and show my mom the army post. Well that did it because we went on a walk at 5pm and during the walk and at the park I started having contractions.  We got in the car and went out to eat. They started getting intense and close together.  By 7pm ish we were home and I was very sure I was in labor.  The contractions were every 2 minutes or less and lasting a minute or more. We hurried and finished packing our stuff and hurried in the car.  By the time I got to the hospital it was about 8pm and I was at 7 cm. It wasnt looking like I could get an epidural which I was not prepared for.  I was having a lot of back pain and it was tough. I was getting myself prepared to do it naturally but I was scared. At 8 cm an opportunity became available to get an epidural and I took it.  At 11:40 pm in 2 pushes and in less then 5 minutes Levi Reid Timothy was born! 

We are so happy to have another healthy beautiful boy. The next few days were magical and Brice and I joked that our stay in the hospital was our vacation. Thanks to my mom for watching the boys and helping us out! It was so ncie to not have to worry and just focus on getting well, resting, and taking care of our new baby. 

He is almost 1 month old now and I find myself wanting him to slow down!! I want to just soak up all the time with him as a baby. It really does go so fast. 

We have been trying to get out too to enjoy the weather! Oh my do I feel like I have earned this nice weather. 6 plus months of harsh cold weather is rough. But boy is it pretty here! So it makes it worth it...almost. :)

Hike on the Black River trail in New York

They are such boys and I love it. Dirt, sticks, rocks...what more can you want!

Cade is clearly into guns.  I get shot at multiple times a day...its their favorite game. Ive gotten really good at dying...youd be impressed.