It's the Simple Things

Chris stays exhausted these days, and we don't get to see him very much. God bless him. He's such a hard worker and does a great job providing for our family. He's such a trooper. Even when he gets home in the evening worn out, he asks what he can help me with knowing that I'm tired from going all day with the boys. "Stay-at-home," I've learned, doesn't by any means mean "bored-at-home." He will never understand how much it means to me that he is willing to help out. Yeah, I'm pretty proud he's my husband!

Grant is officially a big boy! Potty training finally took and he's going #1 and #2 in the potty. He rarely has accidents and stays dry most nights. Going #2 on a big toilet is still iffy, but he's working through it. He's so proud of himself - as he should be! It's soooo nice to not have to change Pull-Ups, or to buy them for that matter. He's the cutest thing ever in his big boy "unawears." He's still as excited as ever to start preschool. He asks about it at least once a week. Kathy (the boys' new babysitter) invited Grant to Vacation Bible School a couple of weeks ago at her church (she was also his teacher), and he had an absolute blast. She wanted to get to know him better, and we both agreed that would be a good opportunity. He had so much fun! He loved painting, making crafts, playing on the playground, and playing with the other kids. It was a good trial for him as to what the structure of preschool will bring. She said he did wonderfully and was the sweetest one in the class. She commented on his good manners and willingness to share and to get along with others. I'm so glad! He seems to really mesh with her and loves playing with her grandkids (we do play dates every now and again).

Bean is still our lovable, huggable, constant-moving, Bean. There are no more traces of babyhood, and I do believe he's trying his best to quickly surpass toddlerhood and move straight into big boy status. He loves his "budda" and mimics everything he does. It amazes me the things that Ben can do at 16 months that Grant didn't do until 20-24 months. He's definitely a motivated little boy. He's not happy unless he has a big boy sippy (no handles on his cup, please) just like Grant, has a fork to eat with just like Grant, and gets a jelly bean like Grant does every time Grant goes potty. He's such a little man! He's the most cuddly little thing. However, I rarely get to cuddle him because he never stops moving. He keeps me on my toes but still is as good natured as ever. He loves making us laugh. If we laugh at something he does, he will do it 50 times again just to keep us laughing at him. He's already a "class clown." I see many parent/teacher conferences in our future.

Ben has yet another ear infection so we are off to see the ENT this week. Yes, they tell me he will need tubes as well. The thought of surgery still scares me, but tubes did wonders for Grant so I'm sure they will save Bean from a lot of antibiotics and pain in the future. Every time I take Ben to the doctor for an ear infection they ask, "does he go to daycare?" When I say "no," they say "well, he must just have short Eustachian tubes." Laughable.

As I said before, I will be starting work on September 8th. I'm so excited about this new job. I will be working for a smaller firm. My interview with them was probably the most laid back, positive interview I've ever been on. I've heard wonderful things about them, and from what I've heard thus far, they are very family oriented and flexible. What a blessing!

I'm still extremely bummed that I can't keep staying at home with the boys because this summer has been absolutely wonderful. I have to say, I'm probably the most content now than I have ever been. They make me laugh everyday, several times a day. There's nothing like taking picnic lunches to the park, going for walks, making crafts, playing in the pool, reading a book, going to story time at the library, or just hanging out at the house with my boys. My cup runneth over!

On a personal note, I'm finally taking some initiative to lose this stinkin' weight. I'm down 17 lbs. and even though I still have a lot to go, I'm motivated to do it and know I can. I don't want to turn 30 years old next year and still be fat and feel miserable about how I look. What a struggle! I know I can do this! Look out! LOL!

I hope everyone is doing well. It was nice to see everyone a couple of weeks ago, and, as always, I found myself wishing we had more time to spend.

We love you!

Jen