Drama at the Park.

I'm the first to admit, my baby is a bit of a drama queen.  His brother takes his park toy, enter tears.  Brother gives back said park toy, everything is just peachy.  Until 2 minutes later when brother again does something undesirable.  More tears.

We've been spoiled with Chad's parents still in town for his graduation from MUSC.  Today the weather poured rain all morning and into the afternoon and there was nothing left to be done but take a trip to Costco, of course.  Costco is always a good back up plan when all other things fail.  Because, they have samples.  And double carts.  That's right, two seat belts for when things really go south.

The rain finally stopped long enough for us to run around the park for a while before dinner.  Thank goodness these boys got outside today, because it darn near killed us being cooped up due to our crazy thunder storms this week.  Joe and Lana sure are good sports to let us hang out with them, again.  Baseball is always a good time.

Love, us.

The Princess and the Sheriff.

Here we have Princess Sophia and Sheriff Woody.  Heaven forbid the sheriff has to wash his uniform.  That gets interesting.  And I'll cherish these days forever.  When Woody jammies and bubbles were enough to make the world seem absolutely perfect.

*Sheriff Woody jammies appear ℅ Aunt Shelby.  Thanks Shib!  Never has he loved anything more.  Except for maybe the Buzz pair.

Growing like Weeds & My Feelings on Mother's Day.

Griff is extremely proud of his yellow and orange birdhouse he and daddy made together.  Every morning at the breakfast table he asks, "any birds move in yet?"  The squirrels get to the bird seed long before the birds even have a chance.  We've planted some flowers in pots and every other day or so I let the boys water our new friends with their little watering can. Avett loves grabbing a handful of dirt as he passes by the plants shaking his head and saying, "no- no."  Every time we leave the house the boys go through the rock pile I've had them leave at the front door.  They want to bring "rock-o" with us wherever we go.  I find rocks hidden all over the house.

I love being a mom to these boys.  They are wild and crazy and so much fun to be around.  They are so loving and so good natured.  I wish I were a better writer, so that I could accurately describe the love I feel for them.  But it's unlike anything I've ever felt before.  It fills every part of my heart to have them near me and literally brings tears to my eyes when I see them light up.  When they run to me, excited to tell me a story.  When the baby brings me a book or a puzzle and plops his little body down on my lap.  When I see them playing together- laughing at one another.  I look at them and I see what life is all about.  They teach me of love and of humility and of patience.  They teach me to be kind and selfless when I'm really really tired and would rather just go back to bed.  They teach me about the world around us, so beautiful and so great.  For me, many things made sense once I first held my child in my arms.  I knew these boys were mine and I knew I must have done something right somewhere along the way to deserve such a privilege.  For they truly are my light and my saving grace.  I am so grateful for the way they continually change me.  For the way I continue to become something better because of these rascals.

I love you, boys.  Don't ever forget it.  Please stop growing like weeds.

Waterfront Park.

It's one of our places we love to go for a good stroll.  The long pier stretches out underneath the Ravenel bridge and into the Charleston Harbor.  Sunsets here are amazing over the water.  The boys love to run wild through the park.  We often meet Chad here after a long day at work for a picnic dinner.  Some weekends if we are really adventurous, we walk the bridge and look for dolphins.  The bridge itself is sort of famous, says my structural-engineer-brother-in-law.  For me, this is the kind of place I can come and just be still.  The kind of place where I can take a minute to breathe and listen.  I remember distinctly a certain day in November, the first year we lived here, Griff and I went for a sunset walk along the pier.  Chad was at home studying for finals and I was about 37 weeks pregnant, about to go into labor any second with Avett.  I remember relishing that walk, thinking about how this would be the last time I would have just one baby with me.  We watched the orange and red sun go down over the harbor as I waddled along half way chasing, half way carrying 18 month old Griff.  We have come here many times since then and every time I feel lucky.  Lucky that this is the place where we get to live, if only for a short time.  Charleston, I really love you.

Boys Room.

I want them to have memories of their first room shared together.  I want them to see where they slept, where they laughed and where they played.  I want Griff to have memories of where he and daddy cuddled in their rocking chair and sang wonderful world every night before bed.  I want them to remember the books we read and they toys we played with.  Their room is simple, humble and full of treasures that hold meaning to us.  I love all of the beautiful warm woods in this room.  Chad handmade the dream catchers that hang over their cribs.  The rocking horse my grandpa made for me when I was a baby.  The rocking chair Chad and I found while living in Ogden at my favorite thrift shop- when griffin was just a few weeks old.  Avett's stuffed bunny was handmade and given to us at his baby shower by a dear friend.  Curious Georgie and froggie have been with Griff since he was 18 months old, given to him by his aunt, uncle and cousins on Christmas eve in Georgia.  He will not sleep without them.  The blankets are handmade by my mom and grandma.  The dresser is a vintage hand me down from Chad's parents.  They used it when Chad was a boy and I love that we now use it for our boys.  When Avett turned 6 months old, we transitioned them to sleep in the same room together.  Now, one will not go to sleep until his brother is laying in the crib beside him.