Christmas Morning!

Christmas morning was a very fun time!! The boys were very excited (especially Mr. Maddox). We really enjoyed staying in town (although we did miss the Alford extended family) and not having to rush out the door to get to our next stop! What a great Christmas!!

Cookies for Santa!

For my child that doesn't like sweets, cookies, candy, he really loves to bake and decorate cookies!! Here's a glimpse at our baking that he and I did for Santa. Sugar cookies with LOTS of sprinkles!!!!

Maddox's Letter to Santa

Tis the Season for lots of Christmas Specials...we've been trying to watch them all (or at least record them so that we can watch them later). Maddox is very much into Christmas this year...it's so fun to see everything through his eyes! Cooper, too, is enjoying the season. Although, I'm pretty sure that he thinks Christmas means hearing "no touch" and "hands off" ALL THE TIME! Cooper loves the lights and decorations...he's got lots to say "WOW"! about!

Last night, while watching the Phineas & Ferb Christmas Vacation, Maddox decided we should compose his letter to Santa...here it is, word for word....

Dear Santa,
I've been good boy.
I want a Lightning McQueen Jumping Race Track.
I want another fire truck.
Yes, a Leapster.
A super duper gunno ship (when I asked him what this was he told me he wasn't sure but thought it would be cool)
And a rocket ship, that do's tricks.
And a robot that do's tricks even more!
And yes, that too, a Handy Manny Motorcycle.
And a Handy Manny toolbench.
And a super duper finger. (again, not sure what this one is)
Love,
Maddox

Just like Daddy!

Maddox loves to go to Catch Air because it has the miniature/kid-sized workout equipment. He loves to do some bench press, a little running on the treadmill, some work on the eliptical, and of course, the rowing machine! Man, I wish that I was the smarty pants who thought of this! AND, I wish they had these kind of indoor play places when I was a kid!

Big Boy Cooper!

When I Grow Up

Riding home from Catch Air I overheard an interesting conversation between two wise 4year olds, Maddox and his buddy, Dylan. They were discussing what they would be when they grew up…here’s how it went down.

Maddox: When I grow up, I’m going to fix garage doors.
Dylan: When I grow up, I’m going to be a Storm Trooper. A green one.
Maddox: Wow! That will be great!
Dylan: Yep, I’m going to save the world. Save the world from the droids.
Maddox: Dylan, after you save the world, I will call you and tell you thank you.
Dylan: Thanks.

Coop blows his nose

Our little love bug is definitely monkey see, monkey do! During this cold season he has picked up on a new skill...he now blows his nose (kind of)!! So funny! I'm so blessed to have such entertaining children.

Is Gas Made of Matches?

While pumping gas this evening Maddox tried to open his door (which is on the gas pump side and therefore unable to open since the van is smart enough to lock the door while the gas “door” is open). I shouted through the window for him to stop. When I got back in the car I told him that it was dangerous to try to open the door while I was pumping gas. Of course, he wanted to know why…I told him that if the door had slid open and knocked the gas nozzle out of the tank it could have sprayed and caused a fire (a bit of a stretch, but I was trying to make a point). He asked why again…so, I said well, it’s flammable and makes it dangerous. His response….what, is gas made of matches? Ohhh man!!!! Good grief!!!!

Date Night

Jim and I had a date! Woo hoo! That was one nice thing about turning 31…HIBACHI for dinner! Yumm-o, my favorite! Bebe stayed at home with the boys and we were able to enjoy the evening just the two of us, a rare treat for us. When we got home Cooper was fast asleep and Maddox was awake and waiting for us. Jim had been working his tail off for the past couple of days and not seen much of the boys. When he walked through the door Maddox jumped on him…they were both ready to wrestle! Jim shed his button down shirt and jeans so Maddox felt the need to do the same…he quickly got out of his footie pjs and was ready to wrestle! He got in “fight position” and exclaimed “FIGHT” right before charging into Jim (this comes from the boxing game on the Wii)! In the middle of them rolling around on the floor Maddox yelled, MOMMY, GO GET YOUR CAMERA! It was so funny!! Unfortunately, I didn’t…I was laughing too hard!

A couple of funnies from my boy...

I have been really bad at keeping up with this thing...I found some "notes" I'd made of a couple of funny conversations I've had with Maddox. What a funny little dude (and a such a BOY)!

9-30-09

Me: Did you push Emma today?
Maddox: Yes.
Me: Why?
Maddox: We were playing the Alligator Game. She was going to take me down. So, I just took her down.
Me: Did you say you were sorry?
Maddox: Yes. It was just a game though.

10-12-09

Maddox: Did you just hear something that sounded like pfffffft?
Me: Yes, I think so?
Maddox: Do you think something just blew out of my bottom?
Me: Probably.

A Visit with Santa

We are very much looking forward to Christmas already this year! Maddox and Cooper had a chance to visit with Santa Claus last weekend. He came to Bebe's clubhouse to visit with the kids...what a treat! He was the most gentle, soft spoken, and interactive Santa ever! When we were visiting with him, there were just a few other children present so he really spent a lot of time with Maddox and Cooper (when he could stand being in the same room). Maddox thoroughly enjoyed himself, Cooper, not so much! Maddox told Santa that he would like a Lightning McQueen Jumping Race Track...I sure hope he's a good boy so he can get one! It's the ONLY thing he wants or has asked for!!!! It's so precious to experience the Christmas season through his eyes. Man, I love these little boys!!!

What day is it tomorrow?

Maddox asked last night what day it would be tomorrow...I told him Sunday. He said, "A church day?" I said yes. He said, "Oh no, I can't go to church, I just can't take all of that Rock 'n Roll!!" What a funny guy!!! He's in luck (I guess), we're not going to church...Cooper is napping and I don't have it in me to wake him up. Jim's working FIVE 24 hour shifts this week...today and tomorrow (off Tuesday) and then back again for Wed and Thurs and then back again to the station on Saturday!! Ughhhhh...this is going to be a very long week!!!! I do not like feeling like a single parent. Thank goodness for preschool this week! Hoping everyone stays healthy so that Maddox can go all three days!

Welcome to Therapy

So many of my recent posts have been all about Maddox…he stays in the forefront of the funny stories because he talks…and so much of what comes out of his mouth is hilarious (especially to me). However, this does not mean in any way that Cooper is any less exciting!! He has some news of his own.

Yesterday we had an evaluation at Scottish Rite with a Speech-Language Pathologist to see what steps we could take to help him swallow solid food. He’s so close to perfect!!! Now that we’ve gotten the sleeping thing pretty much under control our next order of business is getting this baby off the boob and on solid foods!!!!!! He loves to lick all kinds of food. He’s also very interested in everything that you are eating…however, if a piece of food gets near the back of his mouth he immediately begins trying to push it out and if it doesn’t get out fast enough he gags until he eventually throws up. Not fun. Since he was 4 months old (and the pediatrician gave me the green light to start baby food) he has not been a fan of baby food. But, who can really blame him…it is pretty nasty stuff!! At each well child check up I would let the doctor know that he STILL wasn’t tolerating baby food. I was continually told to keep trying, it takes a billion times of introducing a food, blah, blah, blah. When I took him for his 12 month check up I went in armed with a plan. I was ready to insist on some intervention and help. I just wasn’t feeling like this was an issue that was going to magically resolve itself on it’s own. Dr. Cox agreed with me totally (especially since Cooper had LOST weight, not a lot, but enough to raise a red flag) and we were referred to Scottish Rite. Of course, we get the referral and then head off on vacation the next week. So, this brings me back to yesterday’s appt. I was extremely anxious about the appointment. I wasn’t exactly sure what would go on. Would Cooper freak out? Would he be uncomfortable? Is there a bigger problem than just his gag reflex? Can he be “healed”? and the big question…How much is this all going to cost? There was a part of me that hoped it would be kind of a crock…not extremely necessary (because all I kept hearing was that insurance rarely covers this type of therapy). We arrived at the office after I parked in the wrong parking deck and went on a tour of another deck before finding the correct building. Scottish Rite is a fantastic place. I am extremely grateful to live in an area where we have access to such a fantastic children’s hospital. But I digress…Cooper was a trooper!!! Heidi, our Speech Therapist, was fantastic! Cooper could not take his eyes off of her!! She was very engaging and he was really hamming it up for her!! He was laughing and clapping and playing with all of the food she was putting in front of him (not swallowing it, mind you, but really doing his thing). She watched his tongue, his mouth, and determined that all appeared to be normal. Her thoughts are that he likely had a bad experience at some point…it may have been a texture that freaked him out, a taste, or a feeling of not being able to control what was in his mouth. Now, he has a negative association and just flat out refuses to swallow food! She gave him dried fruit and veggies and he just munched and munched on them…he accidentally swallowed a few pieces for which we all clapped and praised him!! It was so funny. He was so proud to be receiving all of the praise although we are pretty sure he had no clue as to why we were clapping!!! He even got to eat some ice cream since that is one thing that he seems to enjoy small amounts of. All in all, we walked away with a tentative plan. We will continue to work with him to erase the negative thoughts of eating and eating utensils (spoons make him clamp his mouth shut). It is based a lot on POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT and praise. It is going to take us being consistent and patient and Jim is likely going to play a big role (since Cooper looks as me as his all you can eat buffet). So as the evaluation was coming to an end I had this pit in my stomach…I thought, oh great, I think this is exactly what we BOTH need, I think it may work, and how in the hell are we going to pay for this? Heidi flips the page and says, “OK, you get 30 visits, so…” to which I reply, “WHAT!!! Our insurance is going to cover this????” She said “Yes, oh wait, for feeding therapy you have UNLIMITED visits!!” WHAT!!!!!! I could have burst into tears at that moment…but I kept it together! However, the people in the next room probably heard me exclaim!! I was happy, alright!! What an answered prayer. Praise the Lord! We are hoping that this process will not take too terribly long (whatever that means) and that Cooper will be chomping on something delicious very soon! Will keep you posted!

YOU'RE RIGHT, MOMMY!

Oh my Maddox, he is a smart boy! He is coming to the realization (at least once a day) that I am RIGHT! He will be dancing all around and I’ll politely ask him to go to the potty...he will deny, deny, deny that he has to go…I’ll ask again in a few minutes…nope, still don’t have to go! I’ll then insist that he at least go try…he barely can get his pants down before the floodgates open…hmmm, guess I was right! He will say, “Mommy, I guess you were right! I did have to tee-tee!”

Last night he had another realization of my “right-ness”. Jim just got the Mustang painted so he wanted it in the garage for the night. My van was in “my” side and all of the leftovers from our garage sale was in the other side (the ‘stang side). I told Maddox to come with me to move the van out of the garage. He asked why? My answer was simple (and truthful). “Because, Daddy wants his goofy Mustang parked in the garage.” Maddox went along with my plan to move the van and loved it because he got to sit in the back seat! When we came back inside from all of the car shuffling I saw that Jim had WRITTEN ACROSS my to-do list!!!! WHAT??? You don’t mess with a girl’s to-do list!!!! That’s a big no-no and I expressed myself in a way that let Jim know that he should not do that again. There were no ugly words, there wasn’t a heated conversation, but Maddox KNEW that Daddy had done a bad thing. His reply...”You’re right Mommy (wait for it…), Daddy’s Mustang IS goofy!” Hahahahahaha!!!!! Jim could not believe his ears…and frankly, neither could I! We were both so shocked! Maddox LOVES the Mustang (along with all things boats, trailers, motorcycles, and race cars)! Finally, my boy is sticking with me!!!! He’s no dummy! Of course, about 5 minutes later he had decided he was back on Team Mustang and that maybe it wasn’t that goofy. Oh well, it lasted for a few moments…at least Cooper is on my side (for now)!

Lunch Bears

Today the boys and I went to church. Maddox is really enjoying his “new” class and especially “putting his money in the box.” After church we were going to go to Rudy and Jaynie’s house to take them a little gift. On the way out of the parking lot I suggested we go pick up some lunch on our way to their house. Maddox thought that “Blue Chick-fil-A” (aka Burger King) would be a good place to eat lunch. I agreed and then he said…”You know, I had bears there today. Not real bears, but LUNCH BEARS…and I don’t like lunch bears so I’m really hungry.” I finally figured out that they had teddy grahams for snack in Sunday School and he’s not a fan!!

On a sweet note, when we gave the towels that we had monogrammed to the Bennors Maddox said, "thanks for letting us go to your mountain house!" Without being prompted. He has heard Jim and I talking about getting them a little gift as a token of our appreciation and he picked up on it! So nice to have him pick up on something nice every once in a while!!! He told them that he would be happy to come back and visit at their house anytime...just let him know! So FUNNY!!! He insisted on hugs and kisses before we left and told them goodbye the whole way out of their driveway!

I haaaavvvveeee a grrrreeeeaaat ideaaaaa!!

Since Maddox has given up his paci (for 3 nights) he has discovered that he can use it as a bargaining tool. He has been saying, “you know how I gave up my paci…now I can (fill in the blank)! This afternoon he told Jim that since he doesn’t need a paci anymore he can try to drive the Mustang! I’m sure that Jim threw up in his mouth a little from just the thought (the Mustang was just painted and it just returned home today)! Last night after going through Maddox’s nighttime ritual I was telling him goodnight and that I loved him and would see him in the morning. He got this surprised look on his face and said….”Mooommmyyyy, you know what I can do special tonight because I don’t sleep with my paaaaaccccciiiiii???? I can sleep in your bed!!!!” To which I replied, “nah, I don’t think so.” Well, he gave it a good try! He’s always thinking (scheming)! A lot like Jim…hee hee hee!

Offering

Maddox has been attending Sunday School a bit more regularly here recently…ok, so like, 3 Sundays in a row (which is good for us, sadly). He seems to really enjoy it. After the first week in his “big kid” class (and not the nursery) he announced that he didn’t have “any money to put in the box today”. Well, I wasn’t going to send him without an offering to give the next week. So, Sunday came and I gave him his “monies” (change) for the offering. I told him that he should keep it in his pocket until it was time to “put it in the box”. He said, “I know, I’ll keep this and use it to buy a new boat!!” OH NO! I reminded him that it was for the offering plate so be sure to leave it at church. When I picked him up his teacher told me that he was the first in line to put his money in the offering. She said that it’s not uncommon for the kids this age to have a hard time giving their money up…she also told the story of how her daughter appeared with $23 one day. When they asked her how she had that much money they realized she had been saving her offering money that her parents were giving her each week! Ha ha ha!

Maddox's New 'Do

If you have ever been present for a Maddox haircut, you will appreciate this next post...Maddox did not shed one tear during his last haircut!!!! Woo hoo! We were so very proud! We are not sure exactly what scared him...his first haircut was great! After that, they have almost progressively become more traumatic and he has gotten more hysterical! I tried and tried to get to the root of the problem...was it the buzzing sound? the sharp scissors coming at his head? what?? He finally decided that it was "all the scratchy things" that fell on his back when his hair was cut...SOLUTION: wear the cape! He thought that would be a good idea and then by the time we would enter the hair salon he would be in hysterics and sweating! So, at the beginning of the summer Jim and I decided that maybe we could give him a summer buzz at home. It was a little better, but still a lot of crying (and sweating for all 3 of us). I trimmed around his ears with scissors a few weeks ago and he did fine. We talked about it and he decided that it would be ok (since I told him that if we just did the sides he wouldn't need a haircut all over for a little while longer). He was soooo proud of himself for not crying...and I was too! So, last night Jim told him that the beach condo has a new rule...you have to get a haircut before you go (going on Monday). Maddox said he needed to get a few supplies before we went upstairs for the haircut...he went to the drawer and looked for the fingernail clippers. He said that those clippers would be better than the big ones. We discussed how long that would take and he agreed with us. We went up to do the deed...he was not thrilled, but not freaking out and running away either (a VERY GOOD sign!!). He sat all by himself on the bathroom counter (another huge milestone) and Jim first used the scissors to trim around his ears. He then used the clippers and did the rest of his hair...we had Maddox almost chanting...I'M NOT SCARED! It seemed to be working so we continued. As we were finishing up Jim suggested he get a treat for doing so well. This was such a huge accomplishment I think both of us were thinking that whatever he said (within reason) was an acceptable request. His request...A WHITE ICE CREAM CONE! SOLD, to the boy with the new haircut!!! He and Jim went to McDonald's and got a vanilla ice cream cone (with Maddox in his pjs, which he also thought was hilarious). The only sad thing about the whole experience was when we brushed him off and turned him around to see his new 'do he had this look of SHOCK! He said, "whoa whoa whoa, something's not right...I look DIFFERENT!! Not like Holden! I want my big hair back!" It was so sad...but I can totally relate! You know when you get your hair cut real different than what you are used to and everytime you see your reflection in a window you almost do a double take because you know that that person looking at you is surely not yourself!!! That's exactly what he kept doing! He will learn to love it (as will I, it's a bit shorter than I would have preferred). He's a cutie and we are just so proud of him for conquering his fears and working through it!!!!! WAY TO GO, MADDOX!!!! You are growing up before our very eyes!!!!!!!!!!!

SIX FLAGS!

Maddox and I were determined to go to Six Flags last Friday. He had been asking me for a week to go (and I would in turn ask Jim who decided it was too hot to go...maybe he was right). We found some free passes that were in our season pass booklets that were good through Friday. We started down the list of friends who we thought might be able to go. My goal was to find a friend that had a child about the same age as Maddox to ride with him. I assumed I would take Cooper and that hopefully whoever went with us would understand that if a child had a meltdown (and I assumed it would be one of mine) that it would be time to leave. The search was on! I finally bit the bullet and asked Bebe if it would be possible for her to keep Cooper for the day and I would take Holden and Lucas with me on a field trip!! Cooper is still not eating food and refuses a bottle/cup at this point so he is not an ideal babysitting opportunity…even for a grandmother!! She agreed! I had explained to the boys that if at any point Cooper was unhappy and Bebe called us to come home that we HAD TO LEAVE RIGHT AWAY. They said that the understood and off we went! We arrived at Six Flags at about 11:00…Maddox was beside himself! He LOVES it there and it was almost more than he could handle to have two of his favorite “guys” with him. They were super sweet with him and didn’t complain about riding the “kiddie” rides. Thankfully, they were all a little too short for the bigger roller coasters…although I do believe that each of them would have gone on any of the rides without hesitation! It was blazing hot…I carried water and snacks in a backpack and we stopped at every “mister” to cool off. Even though it was hot and the lines were longer than Maddox had ever experienced we all had a great time! To top it off, Cooper did AWESOME!!! Bebe said that he took his two naps without too much fuss and was a happy little boy! Our sweet friend Alexandra came over and helped out with him so what was there not to be happy about!!!! He was the center of attention and he loved it! What a relief!! We were all exhausted by the end of the day. We didn’t smell very good and our feet were really tired but we had fond memories of the day!!! I told Holden and Lucas that I would take them again any day (that I had a free ticket) because they were so well behaved. And though they probably wouldn’t admit it, I think I may have gained a couple of “cool auntie” points for the trip! Maddox is ready to go again!

Cooper's Birthday Party

We celebrated Cooper’s first birthday family style! The grandparents, aunts, uncles, and 2 cousins all came to celebrate with us. We had a yummy lunch (if I do say myself) and a delicious cake (compliments to Emily on her superb decorating). Cooper, who does not care for food, had a great time with the cake! He squished it, played in it, turned his plate upside down and smashed it all over the tray of his highchair! He was covered in cake from chest to knees…but not a single speck of cake or frosting on his face!!!! His did enjoy a few licks of a vanilla ice cream cone for his birthday treat! This entire experience was so different than Maddox’s first birthday who would not even TOUCH the cupcake on his tray!! To this day, Maddox still doesn’t want to even taste a piece of cake. To me, getting ready for this party was a mixture of emotions. I didn’t feel overly prepared (what else is new in my life these days) and I’m not sure if my lack of preparation was my unwillingness to accept that he’s really turning a year old! This year has gone by so very fast. It really doesn’t seem possible that 12 months has passed since this little man has come into our lives! I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun (or when you are incredibly sleep deprived and functioning in a daze). He’s a great little guy with a fun personality! He’s changing everyday and continues to amaze us. Watching Cooper interact with Maddox is amazing. The first year is such a huge transformation. It’s amazing to see your tiny newborn grow (in what seems to be overnight) into a cruising, babbling, funny little boy!!!

Well, That Was Embarassing!

Monkey Joe’s is a wonderful place (apart from it’s ability to make a perfectly healthy child come down with a fever within 3 days of visiting) to jump, play, and get a lot of 3 yr old energy out!!! Last week we went TWICE! WHOA (which may explain Maddox’s fever and runny nose/eyes today)! We went on a rainy afternoon with some friends from the neighborhood. I had been sitting talking to Heather and Laura for a little while when Cooper started to get restless. We took a little walk around to see what Maddox was up to…we came to the bottom of the slide just as he came barreling down…head over feet!! When he got to the bottom (and I knew that he was ok) I cheered for him and told him good job! He replied, “well, that was embarrassing!” And then as he was climbing off he said, “That wasn’t supposed to happen!” Even tumbling down the tallest slide in the place didn’t stop him from climbing back up as fast as he could go!!! However, he was careful to slide down feet first for the rest of the visit!!

Maddox's New Digs

Maddox and Cooper received an early birthday gift from Bebe, a PLAYHOUSE! We finally got it over to our house yesterday afternoon (after Maddox worrying for several weeks while it sat in Bebe's driveway). We put Cooper down for a nap and Maddox and I went out in the backyard to play. We had a ball! He cooked me many "yummy" things to eat and I was even allowed to use my hands (because he was using the utensils)! He takes his housekeeping very seriously and made sure that everything was running smoothly! The house was in the shade the entire time we were outside so it was an extremely pleasant afternoon. I sat on the tiny seat while he served me food and just listened to his imagination go wild. I played along when I was required to do so, but really enjoyed so much having the one on one time with him to just listen. It is so interesting to hear his interpretation of life and his surroundings. He likes to play "daddy". Yesterday "daddy" took several showers, went to work, rode his motorcycle, and took a rest. Sound familiar???? Just a little more proof that Maddox is listening and watching every move...so, watch what you say!!!

What does chicken do for you?

On the way to the park today to meet some friends we stopped to pick up a quick lunch. Maddox, who always comes up with some great questions, posed this one to me...

Maddox: "Mommy, what does chicken do for you?"
Me: "It gives you strong muscles"
Maddox: "What do french fries do for you?"
(I wanted to say, make you fat, but I thought better of it...that comment would for sure come back to bite me later)
Me: "Well, they just make you happy."
Maddox: "Great, I think I'll eat my french fries first!"

I tell you what...he keeps me entertained and on my toes!!!

It's Working...I Believe, I Believe!!

So, on Tuesday night we decided to let Cooper start "self-soothing" and began our torturous adventure of "crying it out"! Well, what do you know...it worked! By last night, he was crying less than 5 minutes before he would fall asleep...and to top it off, Friday night he was ASLEEP before 7:00! WOO-HOO!! Our next challenge will be keeping him asleep through the entire night...baby steps, right? After we accomplish our sleep goal (or at least are well on our way) we will begin the process of weaning...yowza, that's the one I'm really dreading! If only Cooper would take a bottle/cup or eat some food I would feel much better about the process. We are just going to do our best. Talk to the experts, listen to the advice of friends who have been in similar situations, and go with our gut! Wish us luck (and keep us in your prayers!).

To Sleep or Not to Sleep...

Today was day 1 of Sleep Training...I don't know who it was harder on, me or Cooper! I decided that it was time for him to start figuring out how to put himself to sleep so I jumped in with both feet. It was very difficult and if it weren't for my friends Jennifer and Wendy and Aunt Paige I would have gone nuts! I decided I would give him 3 hours to cry and if at that point he had not stopped I would re-evaluate the situation! He finally went to sleep after 2 hours and 21 mins of crying (but who is counting). It was so cute (and sad), he starting falling asleep hanging onto the crib rail in a squat position...I wanted to take his picture but after all of that time there was no way I was going to risk waking him up! I peeled his hand off the rail (which really made him mad) but was able to keep him laying down and patted his back for a few minutes and he went to sleep...now the question remains, how long will he sleep? And what the heck do I do if he wakes up??? Agh, decisions, decisions...no one ever said it would be easy being a mom. But, there is not a job on this Earth that I would rather be doing! I love being Cooper and Maddox's mom. There is nothing like it! Nothing compares to my two little guys.

Daddy & Cutting Corners

Maddox is forever cracking me up with what he says. He's not trying to be funny (all the time) but I think he's hysterical!

After watching Jim intently as he edged, used the weed eater, and cut the grass Maddox came in to report (and was happy to do so) that "Mommy, Daddy is really great at cutting corners!"...aka edging. We got a great laugh out of that one and decided that we wouldn't be putting that quote on The Garage Door Doctors website!

A few days later we were discussing the need for a skinny screw driver to open the back of a toy to replace some batteries. Maddox said, "Well, we'll wait for Daddy and then he can SCREW IT UP!"

Maddox often tells me that he has a job to do or that he has to work (sounds a lot like Daddy if you ask me!). We will discuss the days plans and he'll often tell me that he can play in the morning but has to be back because he has to work in the afternoon! Oh boy...he's a sponge and repeats so much of what he hears!! I try to encourage him not to work so much...to relax and enjoy life as a 3 year old!

My Two Princes

The boys and I enjoyed a delicious dinner at Chick fil A this evening. Tuesday is "Family Night" and KIDS EAT FREE...woo hoo! Tonight's family night had a theme! PRINCESS NIGHT! Just up our alley...not...at least, I would not have guessed that it would have been! Maddox took off to play in the play area with about 5 little girls...several wearing princess dresses! He picked a favorite, the oldest of the group (probably around 6 or 7) and they ran and played as hard as they could. When they came back to the tables to take a hydration break the little girl introduced Maddox to her mother...she said, "This is my new friend Maddox, he's 5 1/2!" Oh my goodness...he's already fibbing about his age to try to get in with the older ladies! Cinderella showed up while we were still there. Melissa, Maddox's new love interest, ran with her sisters to get in line to talk to the princess. So, Maddox just fell in line behind them! He waited patiently to speak to her and told her his name (without being prompted) and that he lived just around the corner. What, was he trying to pick up Cinderella?? I asked him if he'd like to have his picture with her...he said no and that "That's not cool" until he saw his lady friend Melissa have her picture taken with her sisters...he (a bit reluctantly) stood next to Cinderella for a quick photo. So funny!!!

Water Babies!

Both Cooper & Maddox love the water! Very convenient since we have had record highs the past few days!! Maddox loves to "swim" around with his swim vest and has gotten the nerve up here recently to jump in and go under!! This is a huge deal because before now he would insist that someone catch him so his head did not go under water. We worked very hard last year with trying to teach him to hold his breath...not as easy as I would have thought! It's also tricky to hold your breath when you are grinning from ear to ear while paddling around!!! Cooper loves to float around in his boat and takes in the sights and sounds of the pool. He enjoys the occasional chlorine lick and is happy to splash and squeal until he gets pruney!! I brought home an inflatable pool the other day (green, no less, so I was really the hero to Maddox). I spent 30 minutes blowing the darn thing up, then filled it with water, got the boys in their swimsuits, took towels, toys, and a chair and we set out for some splash time. About the time we got out, the sun went behind the clouds and a very cool pleasant breeze began to blow. Maddox stepped in the pool and decided pretty quickly that it was way too cold to play in. Cooper, on the other hand, did not let the cold get to him (and was very appreciative of all I'd done to make the pool date happen). He sat and splashed (while taking very shallow breaths for the first few minutes) and played and had a ball!!!! Here's a couple of pictures of the cutie patootie!

A Big Boy

Cooper is growing up before our eyes...he's changing so much everyday! In the last week and a half he has figured out how to push himself up to a sitting position from laying down, he's gotten up on his knees to crawl (instead of his commando crawl), and he's pulling up! Just when you think you are safe...

Cooper loves riding the fire trucks around the house. He follows Maddox and tries to keep up with him the best that he can. He hasn't quite figured out how to turn just yet (although I'm sure Maddox will teach him the "spin out" sooner than later). Maddox is a great helper...his "job" is to pull Cooper and the fire truck back across the room so that he can push himself across once again. It works well for everyone! Maddox loves his role as big brother, Cooper enjoys the ride, and I can just watch!!!!

It's so cool to see them playing with each other and interacting with each other...on purpose! One of Cooper's favorite places to go is to the basment with Maddox! He is in awe of all the toys that live down there...he squeals with delight when I open the basement door!! His favorite activity is to crawl up the roller coaster ramp (preferably if Maddox is trying to come down). I see that they genuinely love each other...I know that they may become irritated with each other in the future, but I pray the love sees them through it all!!

A Career Change for Daddy?

Maddox is a constant source of entertainment for me...On Wednesday, Jim was on shift. Maddox, Cooper, & I had gone to a movie that morning and went by the station to take Jim and some of his crew members lunch. We got to the station and both the engine and the med unit (which Jim was on) were out. Jim sent me a text saying that he may be a while because they were transporting their patient to Emory Johns Creek. After Maddox & I finished our lunch I told him that we probably should leave because Daddy might be a while before he got back to the station. I explained that Daddy had taken someone to the hospital where Bebe had been when she was sick. Of course, he immediately asked if Daddy was sick! I explained (again) that Daddy had taken a patient who needed more help to the hospital in the ambulance to which Maddox replied (with a bit of sarcasm/attitude)..."What, is Daddy a doctor now?" I thought I would wet my pants from laughing!!! Where does he come up with this stuff!!

We decided to go visit Miss Jaynie at the office before going home (since we were in the area). Maddox got to experience something new while we were there! The mailman came to deliver the mail and he let Maddox take a look around in the mail truck and sit in the driver's seat! He was most impressed with the horn, which he "bonked" several times!!! When it was time for the mailman to get back to work, Maddox called out to him and said, "Just bonk your horn if you need someone to move, and BE CAREFUL!" What a sweetheart.

About to Flip My Biscuit!

Today has been a tough one...not a lot of sleep last night, a very rainy, yucky day, and Jim has been gone for over 36 hours...all this makes for a very grouchy mommy!!! My patience has been tested today that's for sure. Today I was sending a fax for Jim...it was 25 pages and our fax machine is super slow!! Maddox was helping me by "catching the paper" as it went through the machine. I had gotten about halfway through the transmission when Maddox hit CANCEL!!!! It was incredibly frustrating...I had to start over. But when I think I'm about to lose my mind, my sweet baby boys remind me why life is so darn good....while the boys were playing in the bath tonight, Maddox leaned over and said very quietly to Cooper while looking at him square in the eyes..."Cooper Dooper, I LOVE YOU!" Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for constantly showing me how good I've got it!! I have two healthy, happy children who are so loved....and they love their mom & dad and each other!!!! When I put Maddox to bed tonight (super early, I must admit) we snuggled close while we read his favorite Curious George book. When we were finished with the story we said his prayers. Usually, we just hold hands and I say the prayer and he follows along with me (especially when we start the "blessing of our family"). Tonight, he must have known that I needed a little extra love...right before we started praying, he climbed in my lap and put his head on my shoulder. Such a small little thing, but it meant so much to me. I gave him an extra squeeze and lots of kisses before I told him goodnight. It's these moments that I know that I am definitely living my dream. I have found that in my sleepless, foggy brain I sometimes forget how incredibly blessed I am...but I'm lucky, I've got two wonderful constant reminders.

Brothers

Tonight I put both boys in the bath tub together...that is something that I have been looking forward to since I found out that Cooper was on his way!! It was precious to see my two precious boys "playing" together and having such a fun time TOGETHER!! I LOVED having a sister close in age. We had many moments of fighting like cats and dogs...or sisters, but all the squabbles are a distant memory to me these days. I talk to Emily almost daily...sometimes more than once if I'm lucky! I often call her even if I don't have anything exciting to talk about, I just call to chat...to see how she's doing. I feel extremely close to her and so blessed to have her in my life. Now, if only I could convince CJ to look for a Wesley job in the N. GA area, it would be perfect!!! I hope that Maddox and Cooper will grow up to be close and to love and value each other. To look at them today, I feel like they will...Maddox loves to entertain Cooper and Cooper is always up for a good laugh! I told Jim recently that I pictured them in 20 years hosting a party...Maddox was the one in the center of the crowd saying, "Hey, watch this!" and Cooper was laughing and having a good time and making sure that all the guests were happy. They seem to be so different already but a perfect match!! These two little guys are so special to me in a way that I cannot even describe with words. I love them so deeply and so fiercely that it hurts. I had this overwhelming fear when I was pregnant with Cooper that I would not be able to love him as much as I loved Maddox. I mean, let's face it, Maddox is pretty awesome and Cooper had a lot to live up to!! My heart surprised me though, I had been told that my love would not divide, but grow...and oh my goodnes, it definitely did!! I cannot believe I wasted so much time stressing and worrying about such a silly thing...but I think for me it was a "gotta see it to believe it" event for me. So, as I think of my little roly poly Cooper squealing and splashing in his tub seat and Maddox showing him all the tub toys and telling me, "Mommy, Cooper is so happy!" I can go to bed with a smile on my face and love in my heart. Sweet dreams, my precious boys...Mommy loves you very much!!! Cooper, I'm sure we'll meet again before the sun comes up!!

Maddox the Comedian: Thank you, Pastor

Maddox is really one of the funniest people I know...he's forever cracking me up with his witty comments or his interpretation of life.

A few weeks ago I heard him playing in the family room...he had his cowboy hat and his "mundy" (some change). He was leaning over the sofa with his cowboy hat on the floor beside him. He dropped his change into his hat and then said, "thank you, Pastor, thank you!". I thought I would cry from laughing. I have never heard anyone else say that, where in the world does he come up with this stuff! A few days later, he had some change again (he really likes to have some money in his pocket) and he asked me in a very serious voice, "Mommy, are you the Pastor?" I told him yes, and he said, "Oh good, thank you" and handed me his money!!

My First Shot at a Blog

So, I love to read other people's blogs...I think it's so fun to keep up with people and it feels a bit like mommy therapy!! Jennifer Reynolds' blog has inspired me to give this a shot!! I am terrible at writing things down...I own a baby book for each of my boys, however, they are not filled out...ok, they are new (bought them before Cooper was born) and I haven't written ONE THING in them!!! I know I'm not going to remember all the funny stuff they do forever...maybe this will help! We'll see how it goes!!!!!!