John

The next few posts are dedicated to my boys and provide a little glimpse into what they've been up to lately.

LOVE YOU, BOYS!!!

Let's start with John. Lately John has been super busy. He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree as well as working full time. Most of his course work has been done online by viewing the lectures either on DVD a few days after the class or via the Internet. However, this semester his professor is requiring class attendance, so that means one night each week John drives in to Dallas for his three hour evening class. Couple that with study time and class assignments and he is one busy guy.

This week is National Engineering Week (bet you missed that one on your calendar). Due to John's involvement with a particular program at work, he is one of the lucky ones who gets to do some outreach education in a few of the local middle schools. Fun, huh? I'm proud of him for thinking of some creative ways to get the kids thinking and involved. He's done a good job.

And of course, I love my guy for all the little things he does for our family. He still makes time for each of us. I am so appreciative of the fact that he can see what I need help with and is willing to step in and get it done. Tyler seriously thinks John hung the moon. He absolutely ADORES John and I can see why. Each evening they have a 20 minute "Kung Fu Panda" session. Tyler loves having someone to wrestle with and to kick, punch and karate chop. Once bedtime routines are done and Tyler is settled in bed, he always finishes the night by saying, "Tell me a story, dad." John tells some awesome stories- usually about Batman and Buzz Lightyear.
He is a great dad!

Here is a picture I snapped of him a few weeks ago. No, it wasn't staged. I seriously came home to him vacuuming the house with one hand and bouncing Robby with the other...

EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT LADIES...HE'S MINE ALL MINE!!!

Tyler

Tyler is so much fun and full of energy. Here is how I described him in an email to my sister in law recently: He is really taking to this whole "big brother gig." He is so cute, soft, and sweet. I love watching him interact with Robby. It's very tender. He is also quite helpful- thank heavens! Seriously, he puts things away, helps me find the missing pacifier, and is good at keeping Robby happy. I love when Robby is fussy and Tyler will go over to him and gently say, "It's okay Robby. Tyler is here." Tyler is also THE VERY BEST dishwasher emptier. I can't remember the last time I had to empty that thing by myself. He is so helpful and I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see him standing on a stool in my kitchen, separating silverware. SWEET!
Now if we could just teach Tyler what an inside voice is, we might be in business. He is so gosh darn LOUD, but that's in part due to the fact that he lives his life in a constant state of excitement. EVERYTHING is happy and exciting. He gets excited about everything from trips to Walmart to new underpants (can't say this doesn't excite me a little too). I guess it makes for a fun life with him around.


Last week I heard Tyler rummaging around in the coat closet. A few minutes later he emerged wearing this get up (complete with shoes, backpack, vest, and hat) and said, "now I'm a cool guy." I thought it was cute, but mostly I was proud that he put his shoes on by himself.


My good friend Jen had baby #3 a few weeks ago so we've had the pleasure of having Ava and Nolan over for a few play dates. It has been such a delight. Tyler and Ava go WAY back (see here), but it's been a little while since they last played together. They were adorable. Tyler doesn't usually play make-believe, but having a female influence around really changed that. They played house (so, so, so cute) and then decided to play camping. Tyler got backpacks for them both and pretended to pack up the tent and gear.
Then they "set up camp" and roasted marshmallows and looked at things in their binoculars. It was so fun to just sit back and watch.


During the drive home after one of our play dates, I overheard this conversation:
Ava: "Tyler, sometimes I love you."
Tyler: "Sometimes I love you too, Ava."
Ava: "Let's hold hands."
Tyler: "Okay."

Amazingly enough, I actually had my camera in the car and was able to snap this picture. I even got a little teary-eyed listening to this conversation because they were so completely sincere.
I love my Tyler Bear and can't believe how much joy and life life he brings to our family. He is a true joy!

Robby

My goodness this little guy is so adorable. I seriously can't get enough of him. I can't help but take a moment each time I change his clothes (usually due to a catastrophic blow out or spit up) to cuddle, kiss, and savor each roll and wrinkle. I love watching him pull his naked little legs up to his chest as he wiggles around on the changing table. I can't help but pick up this little ball of chunk and love all over it! I love how he chases after anything that brushes up against his cheek- whether it's my knuckle, his fingers or just a piece of clothing. I love his little grunts and as of late, I love his HUGE toothless, wide grins. It is splendid!!!

Here he is having a little chat with his dad.

And a big, wide grin for you to enjoy!

And now for my favorite...Robby takes his cooing very seriously. I REALLY wish I knew what he is trying to tell us because he's seems so concerned.

He is a sweetie and we love the soft and gently spirit he has brought to our home!

Back in the Saddle Again

Saturday John watched the boys so that I could get out for a ride. This was my first post pregnancy ride. I won't say how fast or how far I went, mostly because I didn't care to know and purposely left my computer at home. Puting on spandex was depressing enough, I didn't need to know how slow I was going to make matters worse. Let's just say I had to wipe a few cobwebs off the old bike and I felt the same about my body. I didn't go as far as I had originally planned, but that's because it was f-f-frrrreezing (that's Texas talk for 50 degrees). I'm a little saddle sore and my legs burn a little when I go up and down the stairs, but I did it.
Thanks to John for watching the boys while I got out...it was great to feel like me again!

To My Sweetheart

Happy Valentine's Day

more deliciousness

This is how Robby feels about all of the recent munching and nibbling I do to his face.

"Oh brother. Here she goes again."

To my defense- just yesterday I was hugging Tyler and he said to me, "You can let go of me now, Mom." Ummmm...Hello?! That is so not allowed! I had to get my sugar from somewhere. Sorry Robby!

Delicious

Yes, he does taste so good!!!