Pictures!

Here is what Jake has been up to at Mimi and Pop Pops... Having fun - no matter what! Or where!!!
He liked the cooler so much he got a bath in it!
I believe that is is clothes he is chewing on!???? =)

I found Sam some Thomas the Train snow boots on sale at Wal-Mart for $3... he has brought sexy back, huh?
Waiting to get in the water for swim lessons... Oooohhhhh... I just can't wait!

So man... what do ya think? Dunno man! This is Riley with Sam - he is four days older, so we thought they would do good taking swim lessons together. It actually was a good thing, because they look at each other and can copy each other!So they wouldn't pose together - go figure!

Sam's BLISSFUL day of flying! We still get in the car and he says, "Go to airport?"Our little chunk... he smiles so big when you call him that! He's not 75th% in weight for nothing!!!

Man work... (that's BJ's hard hat on his head!)HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, SAM!!!!!!He celebrated all weekend long... at the farm... on the tractor... at the lake... you name it, he did it! And had a blast doing it!!!Jake enjoyed Sam's birthday too!

Sam's new four wheeler!Thank you, Mimi and Pop Pop!"Sam go fast!"
Jake's dedication... it was beautiful... and really nice to have the whole family together!

Swimming Lessons

We had our first swimming lesson today! Sam did so good - he stuck his feet out and kicked and splashed. He even laughed and enjoyed splashing around. He jumped right in the water with me and was even able to pull himself out of the pool all by himself!

Sam was watching Sesame Street this morning, and Elmo's World had penguins on. When I talked to him this afternoon about swimming, he said, "Like the Penguins?" That kid remembers EVERYTHING... he will repeat things off the T.V. or radio when I don't even think he's listening!!!! Yet... he refuses to 'listen' to the simplest of instructions!!!!

My parents have Jake, and I guess Sam has Jake-separation-anxiety or something, because he has been running a fever off and on all day!? What the heck? God really does watch out for us, because the two times Sam has gotten sick are the only two times Jake has been at my parents! He had a fever of 102 when I put him down (well, laid with him) tonight. He really clings and loves his mommy to be close when he doesn't feel good. I like it! Not that he's sick, but that he wants to be close to mommy!

The fever began this morning around 11 or so. We were out and about, so we went home, and I put Sam in bed. He had fallen asleep in the car, but went back to sleep at home.... only to wake up 30 minutes later wired and rearing to go (hence, why we went onto swimming lessons). I MADE him stay in his room for over an hour, and he FINALLY went back to sleep. HOWEVER, he decided he wanted to 'break-out' of his room (I have a baby gate at the door to limit little wandering Sam). He literally ran at the gate and didn't stop - I looked up to see him face-down on the floor on top of his gate... laughing! I had to regain my composure before I could go over to him and 'get mad'!!!!!!!!! He was like a bull - it was hysterical! He just looked up at me with that cute devilish grin of him, like, "What you gonna do now, huh?"

Now the fever's back, and he's not running over gates!!!! Hopefully, he'll be fine in the morning, because we have round two of swimming lessons!!!!

Keeping up with the boys...

I found this link and thought it was really neat!
(And can you tell I finally took some time to customize my blog? I've only had it for three years now!!!)

Doctor Visit

No pictures yet... yes, I am slack! Or just tired!?

Sam had a super birthday... we were at the farm all weekend with my parents, Bo and Jen. Then, Sunday we went to church and dedicated Jake to the Lord. My parents, Bo, Jen, BJ's dad and Inny were there for that - then we went to dinner and celebrated Sam's birthday again. Last night, Sam had more presents to open. I sang happy birthday to him all day. By the end of the day, he was saying, "Happy Birthday, Sam!" He would tell us it's "Sam's birthday," and "Sam's two." Smart, smart little boy!

Speaking of... he hasn't had an accident in his big boy pants in I don't know how long! He now tells me when he needs to tee tee or poopie! He's all grown up now!!!!!!!

We took both boys to the pediatrician today. Sam got one shot and doesn't have to go back until he's three. Jake got three and goes back in two months for more! Both got great reports! Sam is in the 95th% for weight and 75th% for height. Jake is in the 80th% for weight and 75th% for height! BIG BOYS!!!!!!!!!!

I was talking to Sam before the dr. came in and telling him what all the dr. would look at (ears, mouth, tummy, Mr. Winkie, etc), what all she would make him do and all of that. He really understands really well, and I knew this would ease his little mind when she started her examination. So she started her exam, then got him to lay back. As he was laying back, he cried and whined and said, "Look at Mr. Winkie!?" (a few times, actually) OHHH... wonder what that dr. thought!!!!!!????? BJ and I just looked at each other and laughed... what else could we do???? =)

MY FINGER HURTS!!!!!!

So my day went something like this:

Got up at 1 AM, 1:30 AM and 2 AM because Sam was crying, "Mommy" in the sweetest, cutest, sleepiest voice. BJ went in that last time and he finally went back to sleep until 7:30 or so. At around 4:30/5 AM, Jake started his usual fidgeting. He didn't actually wake up until 7:45 or so. This is pretty much a normal thing... he fidgets and moves around starting about 4 or 5... but doesn't wake up until later (thank goodness! I'll take it, however we get it!)

Got up at 7 AM to pump (@#*%! that pump). As I was finishing, Sam woke up (this is a GOOD day when I 'time' it like that). Got him up, pottied and dressed. Jake started crying. Got him up and dressed. Fed them breakfast. Played for a little while. Took my shower (always interesting with both kids awake!).

Went to Wal-Mart. Can't buy much b/c both kids take up a lot of room (that's a good thing!). Jake had a poo in Wal-Mart - changed that when we got back to the truck. Felt WAY TOO adventurous and decided to go to Chick-Fil-A... not the drive thru, oh no, we ate there! Sam ate a VERY HOT nugget and screamed and cried so loud that the whole restaurant was watching. I tried to get him to spit it out and he wouldn't (really likes his food), so I stuck my finger in there to get it... that was the mistake. He bit my finger so hard that the skin was blue and pushed to about half the size of my normal finger. I practically had to pry his mouth open with the other hand to get him to release my finger... I'm sure it was a sight to watch!? I really thought he had drawn blood. I am sure I winced, but I acted as if nothing had happened. All eyes were still on us. Inside, I was in tears and SCREAMING!!!! This whole time, Jake was whining and crying in his seat because he was so tired and fighting sleep. We finally get settled from that episode, and Sam informs me he needs to tee tee. Quite persistently. I spring into action. Grab my purse, grab Jake's car seat (with him in it) and grab Sam (that's 30 lb Sam, 17 lb Jake, 5 lb car seat, and 10 lb purse). Run to the bathroom only to find someone who is obviously NOT handicapped in the big stall. No time... put Jake in front of the stall, leave door open and stand Sam on the potty just in time - Jake's screaming the whole time.

Head back to the table hoping the Chick-Fil-A people didn't just think I had abandoned our lunch and left it for them to clean up. Thank goodness they didn't! We quickly finished our lunch, Jake gave up and went to sleep, and people were still staring... possibly b/c we took out a few of them on the mad dash to the bathroom!?

We made it home in one piece, Sam poopied, and went to sleep... for three hours - once he went to sleep, that is! Jake napped and played, and we had a relatively quiet afternoon - all things considered!

WHEW.... that's an easy day!!!!!!!!! =)

OH - and can you believe it snowed today? Yesterday, it was 75, today snow.... tornadoes last week...... what next?????

And my finger is killing me!!!!!!

Update...

At the tender age of not-quite 29 (hey - I still have a couple of days =), I am cutting teeth!? I have always been a late bloomer, but COME ON!!!! I thought I had avoided the dreaded wisdom teeth, but I guess God decided it would be beneficial (or humorous) for me to cut teeth along with my children!!!!

Sam is a super-mess these days. He 'sings' now, and dances... and amuses himself along the way! He gives the best hugs and has even spontaniously told me, "Love you, Mommy!" OH - my heart melted!!!

Back when Sam had a cold, BJ was saying his prayers with him before he went to bed, and he said, "And bless Sam's nose..." and I busted out laughing! That was, what, two months ago? Well, every now and then, Sam says, "Bless my nose" in the midst of his prayers... then looks at me to see if I laugh!? Sometimes I JUST CAN'T HELP IT!!!!!!!!

Jake has overnight progressed from the 'blob' phase to 'more-active baby' phase!!!! (Except right now, he refuses to sleep, and is in his room with BJ crying). He rolled over for the first time a week ago (back-to-front, which is the 'hardest'... my dad has seen the front-to-back, which I have yet to see), and just yesterday, he sat up by himself! I snapped some pictures before he tumbled on over!!! Of course Sam was right there 'helping'!!!!!!

If one looks, the other doesn't!? Good Jake... This was the 'first attempt' at sitting up... he just started pulling himself to a sitting position... TOTALLY took me off guard!!!! Ran for the camera, though!!!!

Here's the first time he rolled over... I promise, he did... I was keeping Sam off while taking pictures... quite a feat!!!!!

Sam has found a new 'toy' in Jake... I guess he seems more like a person than something he's just not allowed to lay on/love on! It's been a fine line not letting him hurt Jake, but letting him love Jake WITHOUT hurting him! I don't want him to be afraid of Jake, or, more likely, dislike Jake because he gets disciplined for 'loving on' him... it's getting easier and easier, though - mainly because Jake can handle more and more!

Speaking of... we finally let Sam hold Jake! He kept giving him hugs - it was so cute! Definitely a two-man operation, though!!!Sam being Sam... anything to get a laugh!

His Daddy dressed him for church... yes those are STACKS of Krispy Kremes behind him!!!

Jake is eating solids now. Loved his prunes... but today I tried some veggies with his bananas, and he gagged himself to the point of puking! GREAT!!!!! I was hoping he would be my less-picky eater!!!!!!!

The other night, I went up to kiss Sam nite-nite before he went to sleep, and this is what I saw...He looks bored, doesn't he?Racing toilets at Authentic Weekend... what will they think of next???
Turning this picture would have taken way more effort than I could muster up at this point!!!

10 Random things about me...

ALRIGHT... I was tagged quite awhile ago, and I was hoping to escape without notice, but my persistent friend =) won't allow that --- so here we go... 10 random facts about me:


1-I have the most insatiable appetite. Feed me tons of Chinese food (that expands to the point of discomfort in a normal person's stomach), and I can still eat a dozen cookies within an hour!


2-I wear glasses. Well, I SHOULD, but never do... I just squint or ask my passenger to read road signs for me when the need arises.


3-I LOVE Clemson football. Could care less about basketball - any basketball for that matter.


4-Sam looks more like me than he does BJ now (heeheehee). I think that's just a personal victory for any parent.


5- I LOVE springtime - hate winter... and the cold/flu/herpagina season! =)


6-In high school, I wore my brother's hand-me-down polo shirts with shorts that were THREE sizes too big (literally). What was I thinking?


7-I believe I kissed (almost) every guy in BJ's fraternity before we started dating, which was January of my freshman year!


8-I gave birth naturally to my second child... but it was NOT on purpose! And I will ALWAYS use that as leverage as long as I live whenever needed! Unashamedly!


9-As a mom, I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing. I'm just winging it! And before I was married, I never really cared if I had kids or not... but now, I can't imagine life without my precious boys... I am so glad BJ knew that HE wanted kids!


10-I have the best family and friends in the world!!! But I hope you already knew that!!!




There we have it - if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!!!!

The absent blogger...

I have been absent from my blogging because of a self-imposed disciplinary-action! I absolutely HAD to get my taxes ready for the accountant, so I banned myself from blogging until I got it all done... thank goodness - it is done... and I can blog again!!!!

Lots going on these past couple of weeks... and lots of pictures...

We went to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge a couple of weeks ago. Tons of fun. We took the camper - and I'm sure everyone is wondering, "What the heck were they thinking?" Fear not, we took reinforcements... Mama and Daddy went in their motor home, and Bo and Jen went in their camper. Sam stayed with Mama and Daddy and Jake stayed with me and BJ. Sam would climb up our steps and say, "See Mommy and Daddy's camper," then climb back down and say, "Go see Sam's camper!" Yeah, I don't think he'll ever stay in 'his' camper as long as Mimi and Pop Pop are there!!!! He did really good riding there (in the motor home) and went without a nap on Saturday. Jake slept the whole time, just about, that we were in the car - thank goodness. He's really a GREAT baby! Now, though, he's showing some resistance to the car seat... probably because he spent so much time in it that weekend!

We took Sam to one (or two) of the amusement parks in Pigeon Forge. He LOVED it! Everytime he saw one, he would say, "Go play!" He rode the airplanes that went REALLY high first thing. Can you believe he is THREE FEET TALL?????? I took him to the gate and gave the lady his ticket, totally expecting her to let me ride. No, adults can't ride. By that time, there was no turning back with Sam - his little heart was set on riding the airplane. The lady took him, picked him up, put him in the plane and buckled him in. At that point, I expected Sam to reach out for me and cry and say, "Git out." NOPE - not a chance. That little booger never looked back! He grabbed the yoke and was ready for take-off! The planes "took off" and went over eight feet high. Yes, I was FREAKING OUT!!! I hollered at BJ to stand close to the fence to watch Sam... as if he would be able to catch him as he was going in circles... so I was a LITTLE bit delirious!!! I guess I thought he would run under Sam as he went in circles or something, I don't know... but I had to take pictures!!!???? We eventually got Sam to look out at us (he was too busy 'flying' to pay attention to us) and wave. When the ride was over, there was a loud air noise as the shocks let the planes go down and 'land.' Again, I just KNEW that would freak Sam out... not at all. The lady got him out and he was ready to go again!

BJ and I each got to ride the train with him! Everyone else had kids that were 4 or 5 - oh, no! I let my not-yet-two-yr-old go on and ride everything! He's fearless!!!! I just ignored all of the funny looks I was getting from other parents... hey, if Jake had wanted to go, I would have probably let him go too!!!!! =)

Sam also rode go-carts for the first time! He looked frozen and 'scared' while he was riding. He rode with Mimi first, and she just knew he was going to cry and want to stop, but he never did - he just didn't move! He did smile, though, when they bumped Pop Pop! When they got back into the pits, he whined, "Go AGAIIIIINNNNN!" OK, so he liked that too!!!! He rode again with Jen!!

Can you tell how far down he was sitting? He didn't care - just stared ahead and didn't move! You know, I am just jealous of girls who can be out ALL DAY and still look this good after being outside, windblown, etc... Jen - how DO you do it????? =) All-in-all, it was a great trip... although, it needed to at least be a day longer! It felt like we got there, set up, ran around for a day, and packed up and left... well, that's basically what we did!!!!

Last minute (hour) 'man-work' on the car before we left...

The girls (patiently) waiting...

Jake ready for the cold... Ober Gatlinburg... I just can't bring myself to comment any further on that - this is basically what we did while up there!? Potty Break before going in a restaurant... Sam did great with the potty-ing and didn't have a single accident - no nap either!!!! Playing in the snow!BJ went to NY for a day-trip for work this past Tuesday. Had a great time - I was so jealous!!!! Sam, Jake and I went to Mama and Daddy's for the night, b/c BJ didn't get back until close to midnight.

Our alarm went off at 4 AM the other morning... that was SO SCARY! Especially when we looked at the key pad and it said front door. I had to go across the landing to answer the phone for the alarm company calling, and saw the door ajar (of course the phone in our room doesn't work!)... I told the lady, "Someone has tried to break in our front door!" Well, after some evaluation, we saw that BJ had forgotten to deadbolt the door and the wind had blown it open. BJ had put one of those security flip-locks on to keep Sam from walking out without me (thank goodness, he has never tried, but we nipped that before it ever became and issue), and thank the Lord, he had flipped that, so it didn't blow ALL the way open. I can't imagine if I had seen the front door standing wide open in the middle of the night --- FREAKY!!!!!!!! OH! And NEITHER child EVER woke up!!!!!! That alarm was BLARING!!!!!! I don't know how or why, but God watched out for us on all fronts that night!!!!!!

And the biggest news for last... Sam got his first haircut today! It was bittersweet! He was such a champ! He cried before he ever got in the seat, but once he was up there, he never knew she was even cutting! He started playing and before he knew it, she was done. THEN, he started whining that he wanted to play some more!!!!!!!

The lollipop... his first - and he has YET to forget about it!!! Couple of funny stories: the other morning, I was on the phone with my parents, and I held the phone over to Sam and told him to say hi to Mimi and Pop Pop... he held his hand up and said, "Playing..." Like I had interrupted him and he was too busy 'playing' to say hi! What a mess!

And tonight, Sam climbed up on his little step ladder we keep in the kitchen for him to be able to "help" in the kitchen and grabbed the Wheat Thins box and stuck his hand in and helped himself! BJ asked him to come help pick up his blocks, and he said, "Hold on a minute!" MAN - they grow up so fast!!!!! It's like the haircut turned him into a little man overnight (not even overnight!)!!!!

More pictures...

The infamous Elmo shoes...We're up... we're playing...And, we're out!

This is usually how we find Sam when he's napping or sleeping at night... it's sideways, or his head is completely at the other end of his bed!

Sam the tool man... well, his 'tool belt' carries much more important things right now!

Ahhhh... I feel better having blogged!