Pacifier

Dear Jake,

I stayed home with you today because you woke up with one of your eyes almost glued shut with "yuck." After getting it opened, it was very pink. I was all ready for the day and even running a touch ahead of schedule. You changed my plans, and I wasn't too disappointed that I had to miss our staff meeting - it was bound to be a long one today. I took you to the Doctor...and guess what, 2 ear infections! You've had 3 antibiotics since February for those darn ears.

While we were at the Doctor's office she made it very clear that you needed to get rid of paci! So...what better afternoon to spend at home with just Mommy and cry through our nap without paci together. But, you did it! I promised you a lot of things in the process; ice cream (with sprinkles), a movie, disney world, etc. You were almost sleeping and wanted to know if Abbi and Zoe could come too.

You did pretty good tonight without paci, your brother was the one that gave us more of a headache. He probably has ear infections too.

Even though you went to bed without your paci, you didn't go without Mommy laying with you. We are probably starting a new habit in the process of breaking an old one.

I love you buddy,
Mommy

New Home

Dear Jake and Caleb,

You are upstairs sleeping right now in your new house on Lake Forest. I am exhausted, but I think it's going to be worth the back breaking move - you both are going to love it here. I'm pretty sure your big dog Jackson is already acclimated. He has already introduced himself to all the neighbors and their mailboxes. Speaking of neighbors, most of them have already stopped by and introduced themselves. I'm especially appreciative of the VanAppledorns at this very moment, they brought chocolate chip cookies.

Daddy just left because he is working on his Master's degree online through an intense one and a half year program. He has a mid-term exam to complete tonight. He was a little late because you (Jake) wanted to rock just "a couple more minutes" (that's your latest saying). If you hadn't gone to bed at 10:15 last night, he probably would've rocked you longer. You are very tired tonight.

I'm proud of both of you boys, sounds like you were good for Tori today. You even took naps for her!

You guys are surrounded by lots of family and friends that love you. Mommy and Daddy are thankful for them too, especially during the move. Maybe we can have a big "thank-you" party for them once we get settled, you (Jake) can show them all the sharks in the basement - "the big one is coming!"

Love,
Mommy

P.S. There was a woman on the Today Show that wrote letters to her daughters in the form of a journal. It inspired me to maybe blog some letters to you....things that you won't remember, but someday you might read. I want you both to understand how much love I have for you.

Caleb 7 months

Caleb continues to be our strong-willed child. One minute he has us all laughing because he is so easily amused, the next he has me wanting to pull every hair out of my head. He has no schedule. And it's not for lack of trying! As soon as he does something 2 days in a row, such as nap - I think "here we go, he's getting it." And then he is back to his old tricks of getting up every night, napping for 25 minutes (a day), etc. Aaaahhh!

Don't get me wrong, we love Caleb with everything in us! I think God just wanted to remind us that we need Him in all circumstances.

Love you buddy!

Easter

Jake had a good time hunting for easter eggs again this year. Grandma was sick in the hospital the week before, so we didn't do the normal "cousin easter egg hunt." I think my favorite Easter moment was when he was trying to sneak more jelly beans and he told everyone that his hand was "falling into the basket -it's falling, falling falling!" That kid is something else. I'm still waiting on getting pictures from my Dad's camera. He took pics of both the boys together in their Easter outfits.

Caleb 6 months

Caleb is 6 months already! He weighs 19 pounds and is 27.5 inches long. And his head size...huge! Caleb may look EXACTLY like his big brother, but he certainly has his own personality. This boy DOES NOT SLEEP! He loves to take short naps, if any. He is rolling all over the place and gets himself stuck a lot. Sometimes, I need to pin him down to change his diaper. Not long after he started Daycare, I remember Vickie telling me she thinks he's going to be strong-willed. Um, really? Along with the non-sleeping personality, comes his super fun smiling face. He smiles easily, and LOVES to watch his brother. Jake adores Caleb and loves to get him laughing, which happens frequently. I love my boys. They definitely keep me grounded. They teach me a lot about God's love for us, endless and unconditional. I am blessed!

Caleb also wants to give a shout out to Uncle Travis and (soon-to-be) Auntie Morgane for his Jackson Hole moose outfit. CUTE!

Playhouse Disney Live Giveaway

Stacey is giving away tickets to this fun event! You should also enter to win. I know Jake would love to see his pals on ice. Meeska Mooska Mickey Mouse!

Bath Time

Tonight was one of those rare occasions, both boys were both on the same schedule - including bath time. It has been my goal to get a picture of them together in their matching hooded bath towels. Tonight was the night! Of course, I had to hold them because Jake would never sit long enough to hold Caleb, without injury. Usually he holds him for 2 seconds, decides he's done, and shoves him to the side. We were trying to get Jake to say the normal - "cheese, pizza, etc." He came up with his own, "good times!" Where does he come up with this stuff? Must be daycare, that's our answer to everything these days.