white&gray&a phone conversation

I love when the perfect moment for taking pictures of J presents itself--this time being a long phone conversation with a long lost friend? Or maybe aunt Bekah? (he can say her name by the way--for all my siblings that have fought "cyber babysitting" him--Bekah got the reward). Taking pictures today made me really excited to have a newborn to take pictures of--one who won't run away laughing as I try to catch him. 9 more weeks.

Nursery re-decor

I've spent the last few weeks updating the nursery to make it "work" for J and the new babes--it's been a lot of fun. We've had our computer desk in the room since we've moved in, and since moving that to make a play/sleep room only we play back there way more and it's so much easier to keep clean. I have a couple little projects left and a rug I'm waiting for on back order before the grand unveiling. 

mother's day

I love Mother's Day. It gives a reason for reflection on the important role of women in the world, specifically the family,--and especially those in my life. My sister in law Camille taught me an attitude changing lesson a few years ago about Mother's Day--she doesn't view it as a day for her husband and kids to serve her without fail, but for her it's a day to celebrate the opportunity she has to be a mother. I've been thinking about that a lot today--how much I love my little boy and how I celebrate the small triumphs in his life that I get to be apart of. And I'm looking forward to meeting this new little one in a few months. How blessed I am to get to be a mother. 

kisses

This little boy gives kisses now. Sometimes they might be a little wet, or he might smack before he hits your cheek, but they are pretty awesome. He also knows how to color without eating all the crayons. Its a big milestone.

Phoenix Recap

Me and J made our way down to Phoenix with 3 of my brothers for my grandma's funeral, and then we got to stay for a week after to play and see friends and family. Just so all my pics are in one spot, here's a little recap of the week in pictures.

John was shockingly good the entire drive down. We even had 45 minutes off roading in the back of a truck cab to circumvent an accident and he was still an angel. By the time we got to my parents house a lot of extended family had already gathered (like 50+ people) so we walked into a little bit of mayhem but had a fun time seeing lots of family.

J is finally big enough for the playground closest to the house. He loved the stairs, the tramp, the slides, the dirt. Because we were always up so early we had a lot of time to play in the backyard in the mornings. 

 The sprinklers were on at the cemetery when we got there for the graveside service. I couldn't get him away from it! He was dripping wet by the time we left--but oh so happy. I decided that this wasn't a battle I wanted to pick.

 Reading books in the aisle at church--this really doesn't happen very often (or ever).

 Playground time. check out that bottom lip.

 blueberries on the tramp

 coloring in the gameroom. What I don't have here is a pic of J on the kids slide my dad built in the gameroom. We spent hours playing there. John is just the right size to walk up the little steps holding on to the rail.

 lots of water time.

 lots of sleeping

 The last night there we left Bex babysitting so the "adults" could go to the temple. On the way home, Michael and I (at my dad's recommendation) stopped of at a street side hot dog stand near his office for dinner. Really really good. If your ever at 20th st and Indian School be sure to stop by.

I planned the flight home for first thing in the morning and J was a dream--and he was so excited to get home and see Mike after being gone for so long! Some other notables from the trip--We went out to lunch with my grandma, got to see Rachel, have breakfast with Carlyn, and froyo with Emily. Spent some time at Last Chance (how could you not) and loved getting to hang out with homeschool Bekah every day. We're looking forward to our trip home at the end of this month for Michael's missionary farewell!!!

Every Morning

Every morning is pretty much the same thing around here. cuddles, bottle, look out the window and spot buses, trucks, people, dogs. I love it. And I love the green leaves budding on the trees and the warmer weather. And since Mike has Mondays off, its never a bad day to start the week! I've been redoing the nursery to make room for baby #2 and  I have been loving the process of choosing colors, making posters, ordering fabric, and making a cozy place to sleep and play for our 2 little boys.

A picture from the Easter egg hunt Mike planned. 

first trip to the zoo

I'm happy to report we had a fun and successful trip to the zoo. Animals of interest: elephants, monkeys, and tigers. J loved just walking around and exploring on his own. There probably won't be another trip there this summer, but I'm grateful we went today while the weather was beautiful and the crowds light. 

 {we're not allowed to help push the stoller, or grocery carts for that matter}

 {a very rare hand holding experience}

 {dada spotting}