Cousin Bean's First Birthday

We knew we had to head to Columbus for Bean's first birthday so the boys and I hopped in the car for a short trip. Since Benjamin was born Jacob has called him Bean, unable to say Ben. He just loves his cousin and was so looking forward to the party and the cake! Jacob was a little too vigorous "helping" Bean unwrap his presents but Ben can hold his own!!  Here are some of the photos of the big day! Click the picture below to see more.

Easter

Well we are busy unpacking and getting settled but we took some time today to enjoy the Easter holiday. Jacob searched for his Easter Basket helped Joey find his as well. They played with their baskets and with each other for a while then we dyed some eggs. After nap we had to have an Easter Egg hunt! Jacob really enjoyed the hunt! Later that afternoon Jacob and Josh mowed the lawn! What a fun filled Easter! Check out our pictures.

20 Questions

Big Boy Now

Well, Jacob has done it! He is a big boy now, he goes potty!!

This has been an ordeal getting started! We tried in June, then again in November but he was not ready until February! And then it just took one day and we have not looked back! He is doing great! No pee-pee accidents since the first time he sat on the potty and peed! He is even going on public restroom potties! Yay Jake!

Johnna and Brad's Wedding

We went to Ohio to share Johnna and Brad's wedding day with them! It was absolutely beautiful and oh so much fun! Aunt Johnna asked Jacob to be the ring bearer, he was very excited! She had the brilliant idea that he could be a "worker" so he toted his hardhat, boots and toolbox- with the rings safely inside! Jacob did his job superbly! (Ok, he was a little early with the rings. After walking down the isle and sitting for a few minutes he looked over at me and said, "Jake ready to eat!" I told him he needed to wait until he gave them the rings. He promptly jumped up and walked over and handed Johnna the rings!) :)

After the ceremony Jacob was so good! He worked the room like a celebrity talking with the guests. Then he sat in a corner and played legos while he waited for dinner! He sat at the table for dinner and ate like a true gentleman and then the party started!! He danced like a champ all night!

It was a gem of an evening!

Joseph is 4 Months!

Joseph is 4 months old now! It is hard to believe that he has only been with us four short months! It feels like he has always been here! Jacob and Joey have become fast friends! Jake loves to read to Joey and to kiss him! Joey's first smiles were given to Jacob solely. There is nothing more magical than watching your boys love each other.
Joey is a whopping 17.5 pounds and 27 inches long! At his age Jacob was 18 pounds but only 25 inches long. Joey was sleeping well at night but not so much anymore. I think he is going through a growth spurt, he has been eating every two hours for the last 3 weeks. We are trying to get on a schedule now. It is hard for him to nap long with all the playful sounds coming out of Jake all day. We have him napping in his crib in Jake's room upstairs and sleeping at night with us downstairs. Not ideal, but working.
Joey is a joy! He has the cutest little laugh, it sounds like one loud burst. Josh and Jake can make him really get going. He likes to put EVERYTHING in his mouth and chew all day, no teeth yet. Sophie the Giraffe is his favorite toy right now. He doesn't love being on his tummy for tummy time but he will really push up onto is arms. His legs are ever busy kick, kick, kicking! He is so busy that he needs to be swaddled to sleep otherwise his hands are so flailing and he can't fall asleep. He is going through a stage where he really needs to be rocked vigorously to get to sleep. I can lay him down awake to fall asleep if the conditions are 'just right!'  Joey loves his bath time. He is very patient and just the most lovable little guy around, you cannot find a happier boy!

Joey Blowing Raspberries

Year in Review- 2011

2011 was an amazing year! We welcomed a cousin and a new brother! We went to the beach and to Ohio, Jacob started school and we did a lot of playing!

Jacob's personality has really come out this year. Plus he has an amazing work ethic! He spent most of the year mowing and building- we enjoy watching every minute of it!

Joey entered our family making us a family of four and we could't love him more! Jacob loves his little brother and they have already started playing together. Joey is the sweetest baby!

Christmas 2011

What a whirlwind Christmas! We headed to Columbus and Zanesville for the festivities. It was particularly special seeing Joey meet so many of his family members for the first time. We were able to visit with family and friends and although it was crazy, Christmas would not be the same without family!

Merry Christmas!