Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

So, I am always telling funny Sullivan stories, but I never get the chance to tell you just how wonderful of a kid he is. Last night he and I went to the pool all by ourselves. We had so much fun. I don't know if he will be a doctor or a comedian- he is so funny and yet so smart! He was recently showing off his newfound spelling ability spelling words that we were asking him to spell (things like cat, dog, bed, hat, etc.), and he says, now I will spell Lightning McQueen! I swear! Anyway, we had the longest talks last night while he was "learning to swim without putting my head under." I realized how fast he will be all grown up. I mean, it seems like last week that I was sad he had weaned, and now, I am telling him stories that he understands of Bible characters and adult topics! He loves figuring out relationships right now (his nanny is my mom and his pawpaw's wife). He worries about who is married and who isn't. I just love him to death. He is such a great big brother- he loves Sophie so much! He can't handle hearing her cry, and turns on his loud high pitched "baby voice" to make her quieten down. He is definitely "all boy"- can find anything to climb on, jump off, or get dirty if its around. If its possible to break something, he will figure out just how to do it. But, he is the sweetest boy I know. He loves to kiss and hug, and always tells you how much he loves you. His eyes light up when his daddy walks through that door. No matter how much I deny it, he is definitely a daddy's boy. He has been trying new foods (which is amazing if you know anything about him), and showing us just how big he is getting. I love my little man and am enjoying every second of watching him grow up!

Sweet Baby Girl

My sweet baby girl is now 5 months old. I really don't know where the time has gone. They get big so quickly. I am about to have do get rid of all of her 3-6 month clothes and officially put her into 6-9. I know this seems trivial, but it feels really wierd. We went to the pool yesterday, and she just sat in my lap in the water for about an hour. She loves just watching all of the big kids. She wants to be on the go constantly, making holding her very difficult. When on the floor, she can roll both ways, and scoots- almost like the army crawl. Watching her grow is so bittersweet. Seeing how much fun Sullivan is, and how he can converse so well makes me happy that I will get to know her and her personality, but the tiny, cuddly baby has to leave forever in order to

meet the little lady. My mom sold her house and has been going through everything from 20 something years of memories. She called me crying her eyes out the other morning (before 8 oclock). I just knew someone had died or something. She says "I found your first baby doll." Having little Sophie makes me realize how emotional that had to be. Although its fun to watch them grow, its sad to leave the tiny baby behind.

She is such a happy baby, and I am so thankful. I can't imagine loving her anymore, and I can't imagine how much God must love me to entrust me with this little life. I am having so much fun with every minute I get to spend with her!

Dads

Ok, I have been told by numerous people (Aaron included) that there are no shots of Aaron on our FAMILY blog. Let me first explain why, then I will let you indulge in some of my favorite dad shots ever of he and Sullivan. The reason there are no shots of Aaron on here is because he works around the clock to provide for our family. He has worked his way up in the world and is the CHIEF broadcast engineer at Texas A&M. He has made so much of himself, and has done it all with hard work. He is supersmart and 100% dedicated to his job and family. Because of his commitment, I am able to stay home and raise my kiddos like I have wanted to do since I was probably three and at home with my mommy. Aaron is the best daddy ever to Sullivan- the two of them are hillarious together. Last weekend, they had to share a twin bed, and all night, you could hear them going back and forth- "give me the cover, no you give me the cover, move over, you are in my space!" The two of them are hillarious. Sullivan lights up when he sees his daddy come home. And Sophie? We had a photographer come over this week, and the only true smiling pictures we got were when Aaron made her laugh. Her little eyes get so bright when he walks in the room. He is so funny with her too- always sneaking around so I don't think "he is into babies". I have come out of the shower on multiple occasions to hear him cooing and talking baby talk to her. As soon as I come in the room, of course it stops. Anyway, Aaron is beyond the exceptional father. I am so happy I married him, and I can't wait to watch our kids grow up together. I love you Aaron!

Family & Friends

We just got back from a whirlwind weekend in Baton Rouge where we got to see lots of family and friends. It was very short, but wonderful! Sullivan had a blast, and really enjoyed playing with his cousin. Their Gram totally spoiled them with gadgets, knick nacks, and modeling clay. It was a weekend he won't soon forget. Oh, did I mention that she got him a huge sunflower sugar cookie that he had to lug around showing to everyone before he could eat it? Then, when he did eat it, the large amount of sugar made him throw up!!! Pop and the boys were able to relax in front of the television for while. And of course, Sullivan had to have a picture with Pop when he was all decked out in his police clothes! It was a weekend we won't soon forget- I hope the memories last him forever!

This is Hannah and Sophie's first playdate. Hannah's mommy, Lori, and I went to LSU together and lived together for a while. She was my first true roomie, and we shared many moments together. The girls had lost of fun together, I hope to get them together often as they grow up. Hannah is a true miracle baby, you can read more about her at prayforhannah.org.

This is Kate's second birthday party!! Her mommy, Jamie, and I have been best friends since we met on a mission trip to Mexico during college. We hit it off immediately, and have lived together, talked on the phone almost daily, and been through quite a bit together. Little Reese is in her tummy, and we are anxiously awaiting her arrival any day now!!! Jamie and I will definitely grow old together! Sullivan had a blast at the birthday party! Kate enjoyed holding baby Sophie!

Sullivan, in this picture, informed me that he was a monster and that monsters DON'T take pictures. They do, however, (according to him) eat bread and grated cheese. Who knew? This is Aaron's favorite picture to date of Sophie and I!

This is Aaron's grandma loving on Sophie on the left, and Aaron's mom loving on her on the right. Sophie's personality is definitely coming out. She cracks up laughing at her brother, and smiles all the time now. She is such a sweetheart. Aaron, the man who "doesn't do babies", has now realized what "Daddy's little girl" truly means. He baby talks to her, and eats up the fact taht all he has to do it look at her and she smiles and coos. (Don't tell him I told you that please, or he will get embarrassed).

Culmination of a Long Process

Ok, when we decided to "build" a swingset last year for Sullivan's birthday party, we had no idea what we were getting into. We thought it would cost about $800 (much of which he received for his birthday). We also thought it would take about a week to build. Here we are, almost done, and almost into June! I am so proud of Aaron though. He has built it from scratch, no plans, learning as he goes. The deck has a rock climbing wall that he built on the back side that you can't see from this picture. All that's left to do now is give it a coat of paint, a door and a window!!! Of course, we have far exceeded the $800 budget and the week's long investment, but we have learned so much in the process (that's what life is really about right?). Aaron has spent almost every free second of his time working on this, and all in the hopes that Sullivan would love it. Sullivan is dying to sleep in there now!!! I am sure the playhouse part will get lots of years of use out of it. I can see it becoming a house for Sophie eventually, but now its a fort.

Underneath is a huge sandbox that has already had lots of hours of play! Anyway, we are so excited to be almost done!!!

Little Lady

Well, I painted Sophie's toenails yesterday. I know, I know, I am taking this girl stuff too far, but it's fun!!! This is a picture of her in her Bumbo seat. Now that she is climbing out of everything, we have to put her in it. I am sure its only a matter of time before she figures out how to flip out of this one. Sullivan thought it was too cool that her nails were painted- it only added to him calling her "Princess Sophie". No one can make her laugh like he can, as you can see in this picture.

So, I haven't told any funny Sullivan stories lately. Last week we were at Aaron's party for work. They have about 40 student workers. So, the party was rained out and moved to someone's house. The full timers stood on a balcony and gave awards to the students who were huddled in the living room below. Aaron's turn came, and he was telling a story about his boss and how he always hates needing Aaron's help. He said he always hears him say , "Damnit, call Aaron." Sullivan runs from the room next door and screams, "Daddy we don't say damnit!" Everyone was laughing hysterically. The funny thing is that Sullivan knows exactly which words we aren't allowed to say. He loves "talking about them"- his way of saying them without getting in trouble!

The Anatomy of a Successful Escape

1) While sitting in your favorite swing, smile and use bright eyes to make your mommy think you are innocent. Remember, she still thinks you can't go anywhere, convince her of this so that she does not buckle the seat belt. After all, you are only four months.

2) Use your telepathy to make your brother ask for breakfast just long enough to make your mommy look away. This way, you can plan the next move.

3) As soon as mommy gives in to brother's request for breakfast, put the plan into action. If you flip fast enough, she will never see it coming.

4) As soon as the escape is successful, shoot nevermind, she caught me. Maybe next time!!! Oh well, at least I can get in the jumperoo- my favorite place of all!

Bathing Beauty

Well, summer is almost officially here! We are ALMOST done with the playhouse we were building for Sullivan's birthday (September 29 of LAST year). It's been a big family project. We have definitely learned alot about each other. Despite the lack of picture of Sullivan (he wouldn't cooperate because he was having too much fun), it looks like we are in for a fun summer. Sullivan loves the water and has been living at the splash parks or in his pool in the backyard. We are even going to the big pool in our neighborhood this afternoon. We will see how Sophie does.

Speaking of Sophie, she is at such a fun age. She does the "belly" laugh- you know when it comes from deep within. She is such a cutie!!! We got a double jogging stroller, and Sullivan sits there talking to his "princess Sophie" the whole time we walk. I am down 12 pounds! I am so excited, and definitely on a roll. Well, the princess is calling, I must

go!

If only life would slow down!

This is Thomas, he is Sullivan's best friend. They are actually partners in crime. They just got haircuts here and are showing off the convict look together. They are inseperable, except when big sister Lauren is around. Then, you can't separate the three of them. I hope they can stay friends forever!!!

We have had such a busy two weeks. My mom came to town for a few days last week, then this week we went to Houston and Kemah. Sullivan had so much fun!!! Sophie is in LOVE with her lovie. I need to ask Gram to look for another, because its this or die. Unfortunately, its a snowman, so I am hoping its not just a Christmas item. She WILL NOT sleep without it!

We just got back from her four month checkup. The doctor said she is perfect! She is 14 pounds and 3 ounces and 24 inches long! I can't believe how much she is changing everyday. She brought her brother with her to the appointment to encourage her after her shots. When we were waiting for the doctor to come in, she found the coolest baby ever. She was in love with her, cracking up laughing- here's a picture: (I wonder when she will figure out that its her!!!)

Sullivan, of course, has had a lot of funny things happen the past two weeks, but I thought I would share one. He has been really interested in reading. He can sound out three letter words, and is now working on four letter words! We are so impressed with him, he learns something new everyday. Anyway, he was telling Aaron the other day how one hundred is his favorite number because it has a 1 and two zeros. "Did you know that's three things, like I am three? That's why its my favorite!" So, he was playing around in the bathroom and I heard him jumping on the scale. I said, "Sullivan, stop, what are you doing?" He says, "I am trying my best to be 100, but it won't let me!!!"