Westen's been on a kick for a few months now only wanting to wear tennis shoes and running shorts because then "I can run really fast, Mom".  Well, the other day he realized that Baron now has a pair of Converse Shoes similar to his (thanks Mamaw) and he said, "Mom... I want to wear Chuck Taylors and Baron too."  So they both walked around that day with their matching shoes and drummer tshirts!  I love it!  I thought this picture was kind of precious...

And yes, it was Baron's first time wearing his new kicks, thus the bright white:)
Have a great weekend!

When Austin and I found out we were having a second boy, this is the kind of moment we hoped would happen...

And this is the kind of moment we knew would happen over and over again...

All to end up here...

On a different note - guess who's walking...

Yep... I think we're calling it walking.  Baron's certainly still crawling too, but where last week he was just taking 4 or 5 steps to get somewhere, this week he's taking a shot at 10 or 12 steps to get somewhere.  He's increasing his distance daily!  I imagine the dynamics in our house are about to change again:)  Maybe I'll lose some weight;)

And while we're on milestones...my Westen finally got the tricycle down...

I don't know if he's just stronger now or just gets it now, but we went out for a practice last week me pulling Baron on my bike and Westen on his and something just clicked!  He's been lovin' it!  And it's too cute!  I'll leave you with one last picture...

This is one of Barons' favorite spots.  We can't clean up the kitchen at night without continually pulling him off the dishwasher. He's so light that the door can totally hold him, but just not good habit to practice, you know!  A constant battle with this little guy - he just loves to climb!
Have a great week!

Every Tuesday and Friday morning, you can find Westen here...

And now Baron has started to follow.  My boys can't get enough of the garbage truck:)
Have a great weekend!

Yep... seven years...married to him...

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 11 years ago that Austin and I started dating and 7 that we said our vowels. And though our wedding day seems like it was just yesterday, we've been through a lot in seven years - 4 moves, 1 dog, and a boat just to name a few.  But the most important gift was this...

And I don't just mean the boys, but more our family.  

Austin and I got to go out Saturday night while Nana stayed with the boys.  As much as we would never trade the way our lives have changed having kids, it was nice to have some time together that felt like those good old days of just enjoying each other's company with no distractions:)  Thanks, Nana.  

Anyway, I love you, Babe.  Here's to seven more glorious years!!!

I'm aware that my lack of posts continues.  I have no excuses.  We've still been having fun and I just haven't been sharing it due to just being lazy. Oh well.  Anyway, Sunday, Baron turned 11 months old. I can't believe it... again. That picture above was taken Tuesday night and I just had to include it because it's so cute.  You think he likes spaghetti?

At 11 months, Baron is showing more and more of his personality.  I'd say he's a little aggressive... maybe a little adventurous... maybe a little stubborn... and maybe shows signs of a bad temper:)  Yeah, he likes to throw anything he can get his hands on when things don't go his way.  He's been waving and saying "hi" to everyone lately (but only when he feels like it and usually never when we want him to).  He had one more tooth come in and three that are on the verge.  I love his toothy grins like the spaghetti one.

Did I mention he's adventurous??  He loves to climb.  Case in point - Sunday, Austin and I were working in the church nursery and they had combined a couple classes that day.  Baron was one of two that could not yet walk.  All the others could, but my little tiny Baron was the only one of our eight kids that managed to climb on top of the kiddy picnic tables that day.  No fear, I tell ya!  He's rotten.  But like I said, he's not walking.  He can stand alone and get to standing by himself like nobody's business.  And he's just in the past week mustarded up the courage to take about 2 to 4 steps to me before falling in a full-out lunge.  I think he'll be there soon, but I'm certainly not rushing it.  Who knows how the dynamics in our house will change then??  Two boys completely on the loose!  Chaos, I'm sure.

And just so he's not left out, my little Hot Rod, Westen.  We took these pictures at the park today in between potty breaks (how many false alarms can one kid have?).  And to think... there's only one more monthly update for Baron's first year (insert big sigh here).  I can't believe it!  To see the rest, click here.  I'll need a tissue for the last one:)

Well, I know I've been slacking a little.  I usually do a couple updates a week and lately, we've been busy...

Mamaw came to town a little over a week ago and we had a ball!  So last weekend began with a birthday party, thus the slip n' slide.  Westen had fun at his buddy's party!  Happy Birthday, Xander!

Just a funny side note - it was really windy out that day and the party was obviously outside.  The picture above is right after the wind blew out the candle and Xander's mom tried to play it off with a "Good Job, Xander!  You did it!"  (Good try Elizabeth).  The picture is of Xander's face right before he said, "I didn't blow out that candle."  Too funny:)  Anyway, home for some pool time and then onto the boat the next day...

We took a little cruise and then stopped for a little fried food for lunch (except Mom who was on good behavior), stopped for a little play time at a beach, and headed home.  Some of us were worn out...

It was so nice to have an extra pair of hands on the boat. Mamaw held, Mamaw entertained, Mamaw took pictures... you get the idea.  Thanks Mamaw.  I think her and Westen sang and played the whole cruise home while she held Baron until he was asleep.  It was an unfamiliar ride for me with Mamaw taking on the boys.  The next day, we let Westen stay home from preschool so we could go to the zoo...

The next morning was spent at the KR park (our favorite) and off to buy some new shoes.

We had so much fun while Mamaw and Ryan were here; we were sad to see them leave. And as much time as Mamaw got to spend with the boys, it was also nice for me to get to spend some time with her.  We took long walks after we put the boys to bed almost every night she was here.  At 29 years old, I think I need my mom more than ever:)  I cherish the time I get to spend with her.  And for those of you up home who maybe didn't believe Mom when she told you (ahemm, Rachel) Mom did in fact ride a bike while she was here. Although it may have been a good 20 or even 30 years since she'd done so, she hopped on as if she rides one everyday of her life:)  She even made the 4.6 mile roundtrip trek to Westen's preschool and back where we dropped him off Wednesday.  You go, Girl!!

It was really such a sweet month having Uncle Ryan here and then Mamaw for a whole week.  I got used to walking in my bedroom to find Uncle Ryan and Westen curled up together watching a movie until supper was ready.  Westen got used to Uncle Ryan taking his plate for him after each meal:)  He also got used to having Uncle Ryan to play with whether it be playing Memory, Legos, coloring, the "ball game", pool time, baseball, you name it!  Uncle Ryan is such a a blessing to us!  And then to have Mamaw here too - our cups overflow with joy!  Mamaw was such a help with the boys, often giving me a break from things I rarely get breaks from.  And my boys love her.  Even little Baron was giving her sugars right away.  Thankfully, the love in our hearts is not measured by geographical distance!  Thanks for all your help Mom and for all the fun you had with the boys.  And here's a few more shots...

We look forward to seeing Mamaw and Ryan again soon.  Until next time... 

Precious.