Thanks a lot

Dear Elderly Woman at the Grocery Store,
Thank you. Seriously, I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
 I had one child screaming his lungs out wanting Oreos while I tried to soothe a fussy baby. I had a cart full of groceries that I was trying to maneuver to the front of the store through the crowded aisles. I was frustrated, I was on the verge of tears myself, and I was ready to lose it with my kids. All you did was smile at me, pat my babies' hands, and tell me how blessed I am to have such beautiful and healthy boys.
You didn't tell me to treasure these moments. You didn't tell me that these are the best days of my life. You didn't even tell me that the hard times would pass. You didn't ask me their names, or how old they are, or why they were crying. All you did is remind me how blessed I am.
And you know what? I am blessed. I have two beautiful boys. They are both healthy, happy, and strong. Are they perfect? Not by a long shot. But guess what, neither am I. They are mine and that is all I need to know.
So, sweet lady, thank you for reminding me of that. Thank you for reminding me just how blessed I truly am.
Sincerely,
A young-ish mother

Sometimes we play with science

Once upon a time we were all really, really tired of being cooped up inside. But, go figure, it was March in Utah and it was raining. Again. And you can only splash in so many puddles before you need a new activity. Anyway, T-Bone is BUSY. Like, only stops moving for Daniel Tiger busy. "Hm," thought Mommy, "does this kid ever sit still? Probably not, but CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!" So, Mommy got busy thinking of ways to keep T-Bone busy, and then she remembered that science is really cool and really fun. Plus, it's messy, and what little boy doesn't love making messes? Seriously, though, we had so much fun with this activity and it's super easy. Also, you probably already have everything you need on hand. 

First, put a hefty layer of baking soda in a baking sheet. I'm kind of a baking soda junkie, so we had plenty of this.

Next, fill some bowls with plain old white vinegar. I put food coloring in ours, just to add a little spice to life.

Next, use a medicine dropper to make mini-volcanoes all over the baking sheet. 

Sometimes, you need to get your hands all up in it, too. 

Not only does it teach about acid/base reactions, you can practice mixing colors and see what happens.

And then, if you really want to get crazy, put the bowls of vinegar right on top of the baking soda and go to town.

T-Bone loved dropping the "powder" in the "water" and making them bubble over. 

And you know what happened? He was quiet, and happy, and entertained... for a whole hour!  I even heard giggling and squeals of glee instead of "No!" and whining. Amazing!

3 Years Old!

My Dearest T-Bone,
When you were born I never could have imagined how you would be at three years old. You make me feel a range of emotions that I never thought possible on a daily basis.
You are an independent little man and love to try new things, especially if they're dangerous enough to make your mom and dad crazy. You love your little brother... sometimes a little too much. We are always telling you that you need to be softer with him, which usually just makes you hug him harder.
You love to build with Legos, and are pretty much obsessed with all things transportation related. You love trains, fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and especially helicopters. You tell me all the time that when you grow up you want to drive a fire truck, and ambulance, and a helicopter. This is pretty much in keeping with your penchant for high-adrenaline, dangerous activities.
You like movies and tv, especially Justin Time, Toy Story, Nemo, and Cars.  You still like Mickey Mouse, but not nearly as much as Woody and Buzz these days. You still like to go play in nursery and at Shellie's house. You like other kids and love to play with your friends.
You have been going to swimming lessons for quite awhile now.  Some days you like it, but most of the time you cry. I think it's the stubborn in you. You want to do things your way and don't like it when your teacher, Kami, tells you to do it a different way. You are very good at doing scoops, kicks, and floating on your back. You don't like to put your face in the water or dive in.
We have been working on potty training, and you have more good days than bad ones. Right now you are working on earning a Lego Pirate Ship, but have to have a certain number of days with no accidents to get it. It might take us awhile, but you are enjoying putting stickers on your chart everyday.
Your favorite foods are chicken nuggets, meatballs, and especially rice and beans. You also like corn, broccoli, tortillas, yogurt, and ham and cheese.
My sweet little man, Mommy and Daddy love you!  You bring us more joy than we could have possibly imagined. Keep growing and learning everyday!
Love,
Mom

5 Months

My Sweetest Squish,
5 whole months!  What a joy you have been to our family. Everyday you make me smile with your sweet ways.
You are a very patient boys when it comes to pretty much everything... except your food. You like to eat, and you like to eat on time. Period. You definitely start to fuss if you feel like we're late with your bottle. We've started to put rice cereal in your bottle at bedtime every night, just so you'll sleep through. You manage it most of the time, but sometimes we still have to come give you your binky back in the middle of the night.
You started swimming lessons this week and seem to really love it. It always surprises you when we dunk you under, but you seem to recover your smile pretty quickly. You love to watch your brother and try to be a part of whatever he's doing.
You're getting really good at rolling from your tummy to your back, but haven't quite figured out how to go the other way, yet. I think it'll be coming soon, though. I'm kind of afraid for that day, because I think not long after that you'll be on the move. You pretty much just want to keep up with T-Bone.
Your head has rounded out quite nicely, and it's looking more and more like you're not going to end up wearing a helmet after all. Even with your lumpy head, though, I still think you're the cutest baby I know.
I love you, my little Squishy. Keep up the good growing work!
Love,
Mama

4 Months

My Sweetest Little Squish-a-Dish,
Time sure flies when you're having fun. I know I say this every month, but I honestly can't believe that you're already 4 months old.
You have changed so much in the last month. You're starting to find your little personality and I love every second of it. You are still incredibly mellow and content to just hang out and watch what's happening around you. You are super smiley and I often catch you grinning at nothing in particular.
Your neck is getting a lot stronger, too. You're able to hold your head up with a whole lot less wobbling now. It's also rounding out quite nicely, and you may not end up in a helmet after all. About a week ago you learned how to roll over from your tummy to your back and that has made tummy-time all but impossible. I put you down on your belly, you crack a big grin, and immediately roll right to your back.
You are a chow hound and definitely don't like to miss any meals. If we are late on a feeding you are quick to let us know. You sleep through the night most of the time, and that has been lovely.
We are so happy to watch you grow and learn everyday. Keep up the good work, little man!
Love,
Mama

Top 10 Christmas Songs of 2013

For some reason, I've really been loving Christmas music this year. So, I thought I'd share with you my Top 10 Faves of this year (in no particular order):













Katie Thompson's "I Wonder as I Wander"
















Take a few minutes and enjoy some songs of the season!

3

My sweetest Squishy,
Oh my goodness, you are growing so fast!  I can't believe you're 3 months old already.
You are such a sweet and easygoing baby. You pretty much just go with the flow of whatever is going on around you. You like to be where you can see and hear people, though.
You love to sit in your bouncy seat and make the lights and music go. You think it's hilarious when we change your clothes or your diaper. Getting dressed or undressed makes you smile like crazy.
You discovered your voice this month and love to talk and coo. You especially love it when we sing. You'll sing right along with me. You also discovered your hands this month. You spend hours on end playing with your fingers, sucking on your hands, and figuring out what they do.
You're not a fan of being strapped into the car seat, and if you're awake you tend to make a fuss about it. You also don't like to be left alone. You want to be around other people. I went back to work this week, so you've been going to the sitter and to Nanny's house. I don't worry about it, though, because I know you'll be a good boy no matter where you are.
You are a boy that likes to eat, and heaven help us if we're late on a feeding. You are growing so big so fast! I had to start putting you in size 6 month clothes.
You love your brother and like to smile at him and watch what he is doing around you. He's finally gotten used to having you around and doesn't beat up on you quite as much anymore.
We are so happy to have you as a part of your family and to watch you learn and grow everyday!
Love,
Mommy