"Peese" Mommy

We were in the backyard playing today when Braden decided that he was going to go swimming. He pulled his pool off the patio, gathered his toys and the hose and said "Peese Mommy."
How could I say no.........

The Elmwood Zoo

Darren, Braden and I spent some time at the Elmwood Zoo this past weekend. It was Braden's first trip to the zoo. He enjoyed the animals - but had a blast walking through the praire dog tunnel. He also like the "misting" fountain. All he wanted to do was press the button, but I didn't mind - it was really hot and I enjoyed the cool spray.

Like Father Like Son

Need I say more - wonder where Braden learned that.......

Recent photos of the boys

Here are some photos I took this week while hanging out at home. It's amazing how fast they both are growing. Braden received his 2nd haircut this past Tuesday. He seems to be a lot cooler without all that hair - but we miss the curls.......

Logan has starting smiling and responding to our voices. He likes to "Coo" and copy my sounds. I think that he is going to be the vocal one in our family.

Father's Day

Braden and Logan had a card ready for Daddy we he woke up Sunday morning. Braden had painted Daddy a coffee mug - but he had decided to give to him a week early without Mommy knowing. Unfortuntely most of the day was spent either packing or in the car. We headed home from the shore to have Sunday dinner at the Hardel's to celebrate Father's Day and also Jody's birthday. With all the packing and unpacking that took place - Mommy forgot to bring her camera......

Happy Father's Day to all the "Dad's" in our life.

Weekend at the Beach

Our trip to the shore ("Beach" as Braden calls it) started off a little rocky. We headed for Tom's River about 8 pm on Thursday night. I had thought that Braden would enjoy watching a DVD in the car, so Darren hooked up the player on the back of my head rest. Braden was extremely excited to see that his favorite show "Handy Manny" was playing - however about 45 minutes into our trip he got car sick not once, but twice. Two stops and two outfit changes later - the DVD player is no longer in the car.

We had great weather and lots of fun in the sun. Braden enjoyed the water and Mommy showed him how to build a sand castle. Unfortuntely Logan had to spend most of his time indoors - but he didn't seem to mind. He had lots of people to keep him busy. MiMi, Aunt Erin and Uncle Danny also came down for the weekend. Uncle Danny, Daddy and Braden spent some quality time playing Mario Kart (Wii) and Mommy, Aunt Erin and MiMi went to a local quilt shop and bought fabric. Logan also came along for the ride - but missed out - he was sleeping.

Thanks for a great time!!

Uncle Matt's Birthday Dinner

I must apologize for the lack of photos on this post (my camara battery died - and I have yet to get a replacement) We celebrated Matt's 28th birthday today with chicken and ribs at our usual Sunday dinner spot. Braden and I had gone shopping earlier in the day to find that special gift for "Uncle Matty." We came across this great tie-died frog that Braden absolutely fell in love with. So we bought two - one we named Hip and the other Hop. We sure hope that Matt is enjoying his Frog as much as Braden does.

Darren and I also encouraged Braden to go swimming in the pool (which he loved last weekend - but since seeing Mommy go under water he doesn't want to get in) I got him to get in the spa with me, but not for long. I hope this fear subsides soon. Swimming Lessons are in the works!!

Happy Birthday Matt. We love you.

First Swim

Sunday ended up being a beautiful day - and Braden was invited to play in our neighbors pool (the green pool in the first photo) It was shaped like a frog - completed by a fountain. The pool was just big enough for Braden and his friend Ellie. He had a great time and would have gladly skipped his nap time if Mommy would have let him.

As always - we concluded our weekend with dinner at GiGi and Grumpa's house. It happened to be Aunt Dianna's birthday (Jim and Dianna are visiting for the week) The menu consisted of Shish Kabobs and cake for dessert.

We weren't sure the pool was offically "open" for the summer (since receiving a "facelift") but Braden was allowed to try it out. Aunt Jody put his feet in the water - but that wasn't quite enough for him. Within minutes he was down to his diaper and totally submerged. He was having such a great time and didn't want to get out. He spent the rest of the evening trying to find every possible route to the pool.

We just hope the weather is just as nice next weekend so that we may enjoy some more time in the pool.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Weekend started off with some festive photos of the boys in their holiday outfits. Although, I seemed to be the only one excited about it. Braden could have cared less - and kept trying to remove Logan from his lap. (first photo) He was however excited about golfing with Daddy and playing in the sprinkler.

We had dinner at the grandparent's. Sunday afternoon was spent at GiGi's and Grumpa's and Monday was spent at MiMi's. We had the classic summer meal at both houses - burgers and dogs.

Mother's Day

Here are my cards.....

Darcy and Logan napping after brunch

Braden loves musical cards.....

It was a lot of work to get this picture

We had a great Mother's Day. When the kids got up - actually when I got up, (I got to sleep until 8:30am) we had waffles. Later in the morning we went to GiGi's house for brunch. Aunt Darcy and Uncle Matt cooked for all of us. It was wonderful - but the day didn't end there. I took the kids home for a much needed nap - and prepared for our next Mother's Day outing. We took dessert over to MiMi's house (she had to work 12 hours - so dinner would have been too late) We indulged on frosted brownies, vanilla ice cream and hot fudge.

Thanks for a wondeful day! Happy Mother's Day to all the great "mommies" in our life. We love you.

Daddy's Birthday Again

We celebrated Daddy's birthday again - by having dinner at MiMi's house. We had the classic summer meal - hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, etc. She made Daddy a Banana Cream Pie for dessert. I must say that it was not Mommy's favorite dessert - as most of you know she prefers chocolate over anything else. (Peeps are up there on the list as well)

We also took our first "family photo." It didn't turn out half bad - considering it was past my (Braden's) bed time and I was less than pleased to have his picture taken. Logan on the other hand didn't seem to mind one bit.

More photos from Daddy's Birthday

Double the Trouble

The weather was nice today - so I decided to take the boys for a walk. Besides, I wanted to try out the double stroller. I really liked this stroller in the store - and was looking forward to using it. What I didn't calculate in my head was just how much weight I would be adding to the already thrity pound stroller. Let's see - Braden weighs about 27 lbs, then there is an infant seat (and infant) to add in as well. It was almost painful for me to push around our development. I guess Daddy will have to start walking with us.......

Darren's Birthday

Boy - it's true what they say about the second child..... for every fifty pictures I took of Braden - I may have five of Logan. And what is worse - This is the only picture I have from Daddy's Birthday Party. It was simple really - I made tacos for dinner and we had this cake for dessert. Braden and I (really just me) sang Happy Birthday, while Logan slept. After that - we all went to bed.

We will be celebrating Darren's birthday with his family on Sunday night. More photos to follow. (hopefully)

Braden and Logan

"Big Boy" Chair

Recently Braden has showed interest in sitting on furniture like a "Big Boy." Daddy found this chair when we were out shopping one day. (It happens to match our new sectional perfectly) Braden is really enjoying his new seat.

Only one of us is getting sleep.......

You guessed it.....Logan seems to be the only one sleeping these days. Braden is teething and has two molars coming in - because of this he is not sleeping very well. One of us seems to always be up at night. If it's not Darren tending to Braden - I am up changing diapers and feeding Logan.

Despite Braden's new teeth - he seems to be adjusting well to the "Big Brother" role. He likes to give Logan hugs and will pat him on the head when he is crying or upset.

And... Logan makes four

Logan Gene was born on Thursday, April 10th at 8:22am via c-section. He weighed 8lbs 10 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. Logan was unexpectedly put in the Nicu for his four day stay due to some fluid he inhaled at the time of his birth. Initially this was cause for concern - but we quickly learned that he would be okay. Being in the Nicu made it difficult to spend time with him in the beginning.

Mommy got to go home a day early and spend one last night with Braden before Logan's homecoming on Sunday.

Daddy and Mommy came home with Logan in the afternoon and Braden immediately took to him. He even gave Logan a hug (as you can see from the photo above) Daddy and Mommy are thrilled that Braden is enjoying him as much as they are.

More photos to follow.