Happy Mother's Day!

Love my boys!

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day with Grandma Rose

Stephen helped Grandma fix her stool.

Clare's 1st Communion

The boys and I ventured to Nebraska for Clare's 1st Communion at the end of April. Our departure was delayed by a day because of snow. The boys were very good on the trip there. Stephen was very excited to go to "Braska." Our first stop was at Megan's house. The kids were playing outside, and Stephen jumped right in and joined them. Then we headed to my parents' house. On Saturday we went to the 1st Communion Mass which was beautiful. I am so glad we were able to be there for Clare's big day!

The big moment!

With my beautiful goddaughter

We went back to Megan's house for a big party. Stephen and Paul had fun eating and playing. That evening the kids all came to my parents' house. On Sunday we went to Mass and went back to my parents' house for lunch and to play. Jacob had brought a couple Husker jerseys and graciously let Stephen wear one. They had fun playing football outside.

Tackle!

That afternoon my Aunt Dee came to visit. It was nice to see her and introduce her to Paul. The rest of the evening was uneventful...until...Paul threw up around 11:30. I took him upstairs and we spent the night on the couch. He had a couple little spit ups but nothing much the rest of the night, so I thought we were in the clear. Morning came. I heard Stephen cough a little, and when I went in to get him, I discovered he had thrown up a bit. He seemed okay and wanted breakfast. Things went well for about an hour when Stephen threw up again. We were supposed to have a play date at Megan's house with some of my friends and their kids, but that had to be cancelled and we had to stay by ourselves at my parents' house. We also had to postpone visiting my grandparents. Stephen spent the day on the couch watching PBS. Just when I would think he was getting better, he would throw up again. Paul was fully recovered and had fun playing.

Playing nicely before Stephen's sickness hit him

My poor sick boy

At one point he decided he wanted to lay like this on the recliner.

The hardest part was when he was feeling better and wanted to eat and drink, especially when we ate supper and he had to watch. After supper I took Clare on a fun outing to the mall. It was fun wandering around and chatting with her. The boys made it through Monday night with no excitement. We were granted permission to go to Megan's house Tuesday morning. The boys had great fun playing with Jacob, Emily, and Monica.

Paul goes for a ride.

Cowboy cousins

Cute cousins

After eating lunch, the boys and I headed to Weeping Water to pick up Grandma. Then we went to my grandparents' house. The last time we had seen them was last July. After he warmed up, Stephen had fun playing with Great-Grandpa.

Then we went back to Weeping Water to pick up Grandpa and went to meet everyone else at Burger King for supper before a concert at Amy's school. This was my first time getting to see Amy as a music teacher. I enjoyed watching her work. :) Stephen's favorite song was when one class played recorders.

Miss G hard at work

Stephen and his godparents

We said goodbye to Amy, Adam, Clare, and Jacob. We were able to see everyone else before we left for home on Wednesday morning. We had a nice trip back to Colorado. Another wonderful trip!

11 months old!

My little Paul-Paul is 11 months old! He is becoming quite the little boy who loves playing with his big brother. He is pulling himself up to standing which means nothing is safe anymore. One of his favorite things to do is stand at the piano and play music. He can just reach the keys.
Paul also loves to chase after Stephen and do whatever he is doing. Stephen loves his little brother and always wants to "play Paul." I love hearing them giggle together.
Paul still loves any food we put in front of him. He especially loves food he can pick up by himself. His favorites include bananas, Cheerios, peas, and cheese.
Paul is usually a very happy boy and delights those around him with his smile and big blue eyes. However, when he is upset, he lets you know it! He has quite the scream! We were in Nebraska last weekend, and Paul's favorite game was to see how close to the top of the stairs he could get before someone came to get him. I would say, "Paul James," and he would look at me, giggle, and crawl faster. He has quite the personality already. :)

Paul James - 11 months old

Stephen had fun helping Paul ride the bike.

Paul has discovered the joy of books!

Paul loves swinging!

Up, up, up!

Paul conquered his first flight of stairs today! He looked like a pro!

Stephen and Paul's park

Uncle Chris and cousin John put up our swingset in January. Stephen LOVES having his own park. I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time out here. I'm looking forward to picnics under the tree and having fun playing!

Happy Easter!

On Holy Saturday, Stephen and I dyed Easter eggs. He thought this was great fun, and we managed to do it with minimal mess.

When the boys woke up Easter morning, they discovered Easter eggs hiding and Easter baskets on the couch.

We met Grandma Rose and Aunt Anne for Mass. That evening Grandma Rose, Aunt Anne and her boyfriend John, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Grant, and Uncle Chris and Aunt Julie came to our house for an Easter barbecue. We had a beautiful day, so we decided to eat outside. Stephen had great fun playing after dinner.

Opening a gift from Aunt Anne

Opening a gift from Aunt Anne

Opening Grandma's gift

Opening Grandma's gift

From the mouth of Stephen

Three cute Stephen moments...

*I got my first unsolicited "I love you" on Friday. I told Stephen it would be naptime in a couple minutes. He came and gave Paul a hug and kiss, gave me a hug and kiss, and said, "I love you, Mommy" and headed to his bedroom. Almost made me cry!

*I sneezed a few minutes ago and Stephen said "bless you."

*He's started saying "no way." Yesterday he was also saying "no way, Paul."