And...He's Off

Well, our little guy is now independent of us in the water. We have been waiting on this day for awhile now. We haven't spent as much time as we would have liked at the pool this summer, but Dave has worked hard with him when we did go. Here are a few pics of him:








Daddy and J swimming together



We have watched J, and he is able to think to swim to the side of the pool when we he needs to. Of course, our eyes are always on him. You can never have that confidence that something won't happen even if he is a good swimmer. We are just happy that he has the skills to help himself in a dangerous situation.

Ocean

J wasn't too sure of himself in the ocean where the waves break, but he loved it once he experienced the ocean beyond that point. We are sad that he can't go back anytime soon!! :(

Arcade Fun

J is in love with arcades since we experienced a few birthday parties at Chuckie Cheese. My dad dropped $20 in no time for him to play...thank goodness for grandparents!



Air Hockey...his FAVORITE

Beach, Beach, Beach!!!

We had a couple of weeks between J's MMO and school starting to go to the beach. It was nice to get away, spend some time with Grandpa & Grammie, and let L experience a few firsts...

The boys watching a movie...I would have never put J in front of a TV at 2 mos. so I guess there can be a few advantages to being the second child. Still, he was only there for a few minutes!

Grandpa and Luke



My mom and dad kept L for us so that we could spend a little time with J. There were times when we wanted to go out as a family of four, but L just wasn't up for it :( He is happier in Grammie's arms than in his carseat!

Our first stop was Abuelo's, a YUMMY Mexican restaurant recommended by our music minister. It was awesome...our life is changed!!



Second stop was the boardwalk




He broke out of the swaddler!!!



Pool, ocean, and arcade pics to come...

Birthday Time

I am really behind on my posts for this reason and that reason! Mainly, I have been working on getting some items together to consign before Sept. 1st, and we took a week long vacation to the beach. At the end of July, we visited my hometown to celebrate my grandma's birthday. My mom and all of us along with her sister & her family gathered together for cake and ice cream with my grandparents. They got to meet our little Luke for the first time.



All of the great-grandkids

John and Jack

1st Day of Preschool 2011-2012/Well Check

J started preschool yesterday with a new teacher and assistant. They seem really nice, and he seems to like both of them. His teacher has a very sweet voice and has an undergraduate degree in music. So, J will love that about her. She also seems really sincere and very nurturing. His assistant seems like a mom away from home. He walked in this morning and gave her a "hi", a smile, and then a hug. Sweet boy!



He started MMO at our church at 21 mos. old. Check him out!




L had a big day yesterday, too! He saw Dr. Riley for a 2 month well check! She thought he looked FANTASTIC! He gave her lots of smiles and coos...he had a lot to "tell" her throughout the visit. She loved the sounds and told me many times how great that it is to hear them. I guess they are watching him closely because of J's apraxia. No need for them to worry, I have had my checklist out since Day 1! I remember J not babbling and thinking it was peculiar but didn't know apraxia existed at that time. Also, L's hip ultrasound results looked great...no issues there. So, here are L's stats:

weight: 12 pounds 9 oz. (50th percentile)
height: 23 in. (75th percentile)

Crazy But Typical Day

I was browsing through Facebook status updates earlier today when I stumbled across two really great, encouraging words posted by some friends. One was from a working mom commending us mommies who stay at home. I can only compare staying at home to teaching. When I only had one child, I totally thought teaching was harder. However, having two children at home all day definitely seems harder to me than teaching. Multitasking exists in both jobs, but the choice of what to do or not do is tougher at home. Thankfully, God always provides listening ears who totally "get" what you are going through in either job. Ultimately, we all work for our Lord, and we bring Him honor and praise as we work. I think He is certainly glorified as all of us work hard to raise our children. Another update talked about each new, refreshing day being a gift from God. Our hurts, fears, worries aren't taken away, but God designed a way for us to begin again with a possible new perspective. This was so nice for me to hear after a stressful week. I know I read those words at the exact right moment! I looked around only to see my three year old running around with no pants on, a potty not emptied, spit up going down my shirt, and a throbbing toe from stepping on a toy truck...not to mention, no plans of adult conversation in the near future. But, I suddenly looked down at sweet, baby Luke as I changed his diaper (you know, the one that came right after a new one was put on), and he was totally in love with every word I was saying to him! Wow, this boy will melt your heart!!! I was able to appreciate this crazy but typical day at our house! So thankful for other mommies!!