Smokin' Hot Summer

Phew, I can't believe we are almost halfway through summer. It feels as though it has been going on forever, and I can't remember what it is like to feel a cool breeze on my face. Despite the sweltering conditions, we are managing to enjoy ourselves this summer. We go outside between the hours of 8 and 9, run a quick trip to the gym or other indoor destination, come home for lunch and naps, and then go to Amma and Papa's for swim lessons. The summer has also been marked by rapid maturation for both boys!


Benjamin has made significant strides toward boyhood in just the past two weeks. It all started when he spilled something on his shirt and, without saying a word, went upstairs and changed his clothes. Lance and I stared at each other, speechless, with our mouths hanging open. Ever since, Benjamin has been dressing himself in the morning and even putting on his socks. He will not accept any help. He has also been placing his clothes, as well as Evan's, in the hamper. Perhaps I have been taking advantage of this new maturity, as I have frequently asked him to get things for me or to throw things in the trash. But you can't really blame me, can you?! As if this weren't too much to even comprehend, Benjamin has also been able to write his full name with some coaching, and to write "Ben" on his own.


Evan is as cute as a button, and keeps getting more and more smiley. He has been at daycare for a while now, and he has adapted beautifully. Today he graduated from the crib to taking his naps on a mat with the "big" boys and girls. He has not cried when I drop him off, but he sure is happy to see me when I get there to pick him up. There is nothing better than the sight of that wide grinning face tottering up to me as soon as I walk in the door, accompanied by squeals and giggles of delight. I have never felt so loved! As always, Evan has dazzled with his verbal skills. He has said countless words and is even starting to use 2-word phrases. He is currently in a phase where his favorite expression is "uh uh", which pretty much applies to any question that you ask him. Of particular noteworthiness was the occasion when Evan stated, "Happy Birthday" to me with crisp clarity. We all stared at each other in disbelief, it was really a Twilight Zone moment.


We have been really blessed to be able to cool down in my parents' pool this summer. We have gone there at least three times per week, often more. The boys are taking private swim lessons from an instructor who comes to my parents' pool twice per week. Her name is Elizabeth, and she is very enthusiastic. Benjamin has learned to put his face in the water and blow bubbles with his nose, float on his back, and go totally underwater. I am convinced that he will be swimming by the end of the summer. Evan is not as excited about swimming, but he is getting more comfortable with each lesson. Despite his lack of motivation to become the next Michael Phelps, Evan does blow bubbles without prompting. It seems to be his specialty.


Of course, through it all, the boys are creating their own special brotherhood. The other day on the way to the library Benjamin said, "mommy, I like having a little brother". I said, "what do you like the most about it?", and he said, "Being brothers". How sweet!

Soccer Star

Benjamin just recently wrapped up his 8-week intro to the sport of Soccer. We had always known that he had a knack for kicking balls, and boy did he enjoy it. There were only two other boys in his class, but they still managed to come up with some good game ideas and Benjamin learned some basic maneuvers. By the end of the class he had improved his dribbling skills, learned a "pull back", shot some mean goals, and learned the art of goal tending. Just like he did in gym class, Benjamin stuck by the teacher like glue and followed her every move and word. He had a big smile on his face the whole time and was such a good sport. He never got upset or had any problems for the entire 8 weeks. At the end our proud boy was awarded a certificate and a medal. This proud momma can say with confidence that he sure earned them!

Look at Us Now

Now Evan is 15 months, and I'm ashamed that it has been so long since I've posted. In fact, I've done a terrible job at taking photos, video taping, and blogging. I suppose its no excuse that I've started work again, but I'll go ahead and use it. For the past few weeks, Evan has been staying with his grandmothers on Tuesdays and Thursdays as I've slowly put my foot back in the private practice waters. Most of my time has been geared toward setting up my new space and slowly putting my therapist hat back on. It really has been hard to give up those two days that I had just with Evan, but it also seemed like it was time. I am blessed to have a job where I can do just a little bit and also stay home with the boys for most days. For sure, the days at my office are easier and more relaxing, but I value more my time with my babies. Its hard to imagine, but Evan is going to "school" in a few weeks.


These days I've gotten more comfortable being a mother of two, even though it is often physically and emotionally tiring. I know the drill, its just a matter of executing it. I try to get out of the house to keep things sane. We often end up at the gym, where Evan practices walking up and down soft steps and Benjamin continues to enjoy exploring his physical world. There is a new play scape in the shopping area across from our neighborhood and we enjoyed hanging out there the other day. Benjamin is getting to be such a big boy that he was able to swing his little brother. He has been helping mommy out with Evan just a little bit here and there. He really loves to look after Evan.


Evan is practically running now. He walks briskly with one arm sticking behind his back and the hand turned up. Its a little hard to describe, and I'm not sure why he does it, but it sure is cute! He says a few words, such as bird, duck, more, stuck, hi, bye, and ball. We were all impressed a couple of weeks ago when he exclaimed "blueberry!" while eating one of his favorite foods. He has always been a sweet, sweet boy. There is just something about his temperament and way of relating. I can't really think of any other word for it besides sweet. He is also persistent, but in a fairly calm and contained way. If he doesn't get what he wants, or isn't able to do something (usually because Benjamin stops him), he just keeps trying. He has been giggling a lot lately and loves to be turned upside down and tickled. He also loves ducks, outdoors, water, water fountains, getting wet, rocks, and especially cupcakes. If you even mention the word "cupcake" without immediately supplying him with one, he becomes uncharacteristically agitated.


Benjamin is really growing like a weed. His grandmother keeps describing him as "tall". Despite his growth spurt and his tallness, he can still fit into a pair of 2T shorts because of his slender build. Benjamin does not stop getting cuter, he is just more and more gorgeous as he gets older. Also persisting is Benjamin's curiosity, athleticism, humor, mad verbal skills, and intensity. We have experienced the terrible 3's. It is not fun, nor is it conducive to tranquility. Once again, however, Benjamin's good looks, charm, and ability to be so very loving, make up for his difficult moments and generally keep him in our good graces. Benjamin loves many, many things including anything sweet, corn dogs, cheese, milk, yogurt, cartoons, any sports, cars, Red Robin, his daddy, and rough housing. He is also becoming a really big fan of his brother Evan. He always wants to come with me when Evan wakes up in the morning or from his nap. He enjoys sitting with Evan in the bean bag while they watch cartoons. They are really starting to play and laugh together. We are so blessed to have them, and they to have each other. Thank you, Lord, for our beautiful boys!

Forward Facing

Its amazing how life just keeps marching on. Today Evan sat in the forward-facing seat for the first time, on our way to the zoo (also for the first time). As I looked back at our two boys, I couldn't help but realize that we are moving forward. Our family is complete and we are leaving babyhood behind. Everything is changing recently and it has exhausted me and Lance. But I feel great about our family and where we are going.

A Lot to Celebrate

So much has been going on around here. It seems since Benjamin's birthday in October, we have had one celebration after another. This time frame has also coincided with my growing interest in baking. This past week we celebrated Valentine's Day and Grandad's birthday. We are also looking forward to Amma's birthday in a couple of days. I have enjoyed baking cupcakes for birthdays, and the bonus of Valentine's made this round especially fun. I merged several recipes and came up with dark chocolate cupcakes with raspberry filling and raspberry chambord buttercream. They were my first stuffed cupcakes and it was much easier than I anticipated. I simply cut out a little hole on top, spooned in the filling, and put the top back on. I envisioned large curls of chocolate on top but was only able to achieve small shavings. That leaves a challenge for another day. I will say that these were the best cupcakes I have made, hands down! Unfortunately, this has all gotten a little out of hand and I will be making a trip to Jenny Craig. Well, just as soon as we finish celebrating Amma's birthday at Hudson's Saturday night.....

The Walker

For the past few weeks Evan has been walking. Since he has started, he has not stopped. I love the way he wobbles to and fro with his little arms held up to help with balance. That 4-tooth (and one coming in) grin when he expresses pride in his walking is also priceless. It is amazing how much older he has seemed since he started really walking. I think Benjamin is also regarding him as more of a playmate now. Just today Benjamin hugged Evan while they were standing, and as he swayed from side to side Benjamin exclaimed, "Look mommy, we are dancing!". Of course, Benjamin doesn't realize that Evan can't balance himself as well as he can and they were soon on the floor with Evan crying. Evan brushes it off so quickly though, because that is just how he is. My little walker.

Snow Day

Today was one of those rare and magical days in central Texas where we got snow and it stayed around long enough to enjoy. It had been below freezing for several days, but we finally got some precipitation to make the cold worth while. We knew it was coming and made the mistake of telling Benjamin that it would snow during the night and we could play in it the next morning. Well, let me tell you, he woke up more times than he did on Christmas Eve. I believe it was 2:00, 4:00, 4:40, 6:00, 6:15 and 6:30am. We will never make that mistake again. Mommy and daddy were not happy. Lucky for Benjamin, mommy enjoys the snow too and it was enough to prevent me from falling into a pit of perpetual sleep-deprived crankiness. As soon as I could get the boys fed and properly dressed (mind you, we are ill equipped for snow), we headed outdoors to explore the world in its new fluffy-white state. It was beautiful. Agave covered with soft snow, swings and slides with a good 1/2 inch layer of marshmallow cloud, and bunny tracks across the entire yard. Before mommy and daddy had even gotten outside, Benjamin immediately made a snow angel. He said he learned it from his cartoon, "Curious George". Evan also had his first snow experience. He wasn't quite as thrilled but I think he found it interesting.

Later that morning, as Evan napped, we headed out for a last hoorah before the snow melted. Benjamin had learned from his first snow experience that you have to seize the opportunity, as snow is precious and its presence is fleeting. We were exited to see that Benjamin's cohort, Pranit, was running around with his mother and screeching with delight. Benjamin and daddy started a snowball fight with Pranit, and they ran around screeching for half an hour. Then the three of us concentrated our efforts toward Benjamin's first snowman. We hope to someday have enough snow to make a bigger one.

A Birthday for the Ages

Again, I am a little behind in the posts. I am a firm believer in "better late than never". Lance had an awesome birthday. After all, how can you beat braces off (a new smile), Steelers in the Superbowl, 3 birthday dinners, AND banana caramel cupcakes with caramel cream cheese frosting and caramel swirl? Now that gardening season is over, my passion has really been channeled into making exciting cupcake creations. This one was one of the best for sure! I think everyone loved them. I found myself asking, "what is better than cream cheese frosting.....CARAMEL cream cheese frosting!".

13 Months

Evan is 13 months today. He is starting to walk and feed himself with a spoon! He already has a sense of humor and loves tackling his big brother. Evan is so proud of himself when he wobbles from place to place, and I adore the look in his eyes when he accomplishes something. We have encouraged him to walk, but he has always been a baby who does things in his own time and does not seem hurried. As I've mentioned before, being laid back does not mean that Evan is not persistent or has no strong will. During our morning spoon-feeding lessons, he is always insistent that I give him the spoon and the bowl to practice on his own. Despite my strong inner urge for cleanliness (an urge that was not present before motherhood), I usually allow Evan free reign with the yogurt and the oatmeal. I know that this is his education, his practice session. By the way, aren't those beautiful eyes?!

First Haircut

Daddy wanted to get Evan's hair cut a few months ago, but he met resistance from the three women in Evan's life (mom, amma, granmom). We compromised and agreed to get it cut shortly after he turned one. The easier thing this time around was that we already knew the where and the who. Benjamin has always gone to Cool Cuts and has always had his hair cut by Colleen. After all, its hard to not choose a place that has cars to sit in, movies to watch, a train table in the waiting area, and is right across the street from our house. Evan took to this thing like a fish to water, and there was never a tear, never even a slight look of fear in his eyes. It may have helped that his big brother went first and showed him how it is done. My boys looked so handsome and I was so proud of them. Before I knew it though, daddy had agreed to a "faux hawk" for Evan. I will say that he wore it well.

Getting Ready

Evan is about ready to walk, and he is on his way to being a big conversationalist. Now that he is standing for longer periods he is launching forward into a half-step. Although as soon as he realizes that he isn't holding on to something, he falls on his butt with a thud. It is too cute. You can tell that he is excited about this new feat, as he always looks at you and smiles as if to say, "did you see that?!". My sweet baby is also mastering more words and advanced forms of babbling. In the past week he spontaneously said "clock" while we were setting the timer on Benjamin's clock. He also mimics many of the words and inflections that we say. For instance, when he falls he says "uh oh". This data is all just further confirmation that Evan is turning in to a little boy.

He's One!

Evan did it, he had his first birthday yesterday. You always hear that it goes by fast, and you can't believe how quickly they grow. It is impossible to understand this until you experience your children having birthdays. It really does seem like yesterday that we brought him home, and yet the year has been plentiful with so many rich and varied memories. The first birthday of my second child seems more poignant. I think it is because we know that we will not experience that first year again, that our family's journey will never again include little blue blankets and baba's. Despite the small amount of sadness, Evan's first birthday is a momentous event. He is developing so quickly and we are within grasp of getting to know him in a deeper way. He will soon begin talking and communicating with us through words, and our relationship will be deeper. Evan will soon experience the excitement and joy of exploring his world on foot. He is still a baby, but not an infant anymore. I will miss the infant but I am so eager to see the little boy coming around the corner.