It's the Simple Things

I know, I know it's been forever since I've updated my blog. Sorry everyone. If I thought I was busy before, I was thinking crazy. Things have really picked up the last few weeks at our house. My time these days is spent changing diapers, making and giving bottles, fixing Grant's meals, giving snacks, Grant's every-now-and-again meltdowns, putting down for naps, fixing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, constant cleaning (I think the record for how long my house has stayed clean is two hours and that's because we weren't in the house), laundry, laundry, and more laundry. The last few weeks have definitely become somewhat overwhelming I will admit, but don't get me wrong. There have been so many fun times, firsts, smiles, giggles, laughing, and cuddling that I take gladly along with all my other daily tasks. I feel like we have settled comfortably into being a family of four. I couldn't imagine my life without Grant, and now I can't imagine not having Ben.

Ben has had the typical newborn upsets (pooping problems, tummy upsets, gas, etc.), but I think we have finally ironed out most of them and he has become such a sweet baby just like Grant was. Is it possible that lightening could strike twice and we could get lucky with two mellow kids? Ben started smiling last week, and, let me just tell you, it will melt your heart. He wakes up in the mornings smiling and happy. What a great way to start my day. He has been sleeping in his crib for the last week or so and is doing very well with that. I think we both sleep better now. He has been sleeping the last few nights from about 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. Pretty darn good for a seven week old, huh? He seems to be following the same sort of pattern Grant did. Maybe he'll be just as good a sleeper as Grant too. I can only hope!

Grant has been spending his days mostly playing with his cars. On hot days he's gotten to go outside and play in his wading pool, which he absolutely loves. I put Tristen in it with him the other day and he loved it too. Tristen loves watching Grant and even at six months has started walking forward in the walker. It's so funny to watch him because he eyes something he wants and just goes for it. It might take him a little time, but he's usually able to make it over to whatever he has spied. Grant likes to share with Tristen, however, he is quite the Indian giver (is that politically correct nowadays? LOL). It's going to be something to see this time next year when I have three boys toddling around. I'm going to need a referee whistle and cages!

Grant is still the love of my life (besides Chris, of course) and steals my heart in some way every single day. His vocabulary is expanding at a rapid pace and he is still constantly on the go. He loves going outside to play and explore. He loves going "bye bye" too. He's growing up so fast, and as you can tell in the pictures, he is starting to look more like a little boy than a baby. So sad.

Chris has been such a trooper and is very helpful with the boys and things around the house. I've even been able to go to the tanning bed and out walking with friends two or three evenings during the week. Even though I love my boys, it's quite the blessing these days to be able to get out for some "me time" here and there. Heather and Trevor came over and watched the boys a couple of weeks ago so me and Chris could go on a date. I had so much fun. I find myself easily forgetting all the little things that made me fall in love with Chris, and time alone with him is such a great reminder to me. Being a good wife is a daily job in and of itself. I know I'll never be perfect, but I hope I strive everyday to do the best I can. Us women like our men to make us feel special and loved, but I think most women overlook the fact that their husbands like to feel the same way. It's our job to encourage, love, praise, pray for, listen, and just be there for our husbands. Okay, that's my commentary for the day... I know you were waiting in anticipation for my words of wisdom... Yeah right! I have so much to learn still!

Take care everyone!

We love you!

Jen, Chris, Grant and Ben