My First Year of Life - Check!

Ian turned ONE on July 31st.  Yes, I am operating on about a four week lag.  But, the good news is that I am in operation!  We are EXTREMELY blessed over here.  Two healthy happy (generally speaking) boys full of life, new ideas, humor and love.  The brother-ship between Noah and Ian that is developing is good for a mother's heart to watch.  There are plenty of death squeeze/hugs in the mix, but the 'I love yous' and kisses are also abundant.

It is a brave day for me when I venture out with them for a fun afternoon on the town - we usually play in our fort outside and dig in the mud / crawl in the mulch.  Our days are full of life planning (Noah is going to have five babies, and when he grows up he 'just wants to be a dad', with a shrug of the shoulders; he's going to build his own house with a fireplace in every bedroom).  Ian loves to wave 'HI' to everyone that crosses his path, with a huge line of drooool danging down.  His wave is faced toward his own face and his 'hi' sort of sounds like a very loud 'HHHH' sound.  We get lots of smiles (at least that is what I am interpreting them as).

Recently, I took them to a local used bookstore, the UPS store, Starbucks (I have aVanilla Milk junkie), and then Trader Joes.  By the time I got them all wiped down and loaded up, I sat myself in my seat...and took a deep breath.  Put the car in drive - and almost ran over my two bags of groceries and gallon of milk waiting patiently for me in front of the car.

At any rate, HAPPY BIRTHDAY baby boy!  You are ONE!  He is my eater--has not turned down a food yet.  And, cake, fuggetaboutit!!

 

 

All The Birthday Pics!

My Boys in Big Sur

I know you can't tell this from the pics above, but it was extremely COLD and windy (which is usual there).  Let me assure you that the water was freezing!  Most people were in coats and jackets.

And a few from our wonderful visit from Uncle Cole, Uncle Cole's Pa and Uncle Cole's Nana :)  They drove down from Manitoba back in May.

It's been exhausting!

Cousins (Hugs/Thugs for Life)

From our time in Chapel Hill, meeting Cam.
Grey and Ian (3 weeks apart)

Connor and Ian

One more of Cam

I have one of those picture frames that has words on it: 'Hugs for Life' - it is a 'Mother' picture frame. For whatever reason, my mind sees the 'H' as a 'Th' and the words become 'Thugs for Life'.  Inside my head, I just laugh (the picture is of baby Noah and me). It's a great picture and all, but I love keeping the frame front and center b/c it gives me a smile in all the chaos.

I digress. But, let me try to make a full circle - Grey & Ian - little do they know now, but what they have is a friend for days to come.  To call, have breakfast or beer with, talk or cry with, and otherwise have for all of life - person always on their team.  A thug for life! ;)

Lots more NC pics.

Welcome Cameron Raynor

Dimples, deep green-blue eyes.  Y'all, seriously.  Lock your girls up! :)  I am so honored and thrilled I was able to meet my new nephew this week: Cameron Thomas Raynor, born June 29, 2010 (in about 10 minutes!).