6 YEARS!

Tomorrow is the actual day (7-2-04), but I know I won't have time to post so I'm doing it tonight!I can't believe it has been 6 years for Chris and I. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't give thanks for this guy! How I got to be the LUCKY ONE, I'm not sure, but I must have done something right, probably before I came to this earth because I can't really put my finger on it! Anyway, this post is for you babe! Thanks for making me the happiest woman in the world. And oh yeah, giving me the absolute cutest little boys in the whole world!
* photo credit Heather D. Photography

I think I'm ready...the question is..IS ZACH?

Well, I think it's that time... time for potty training! Yeah!!!! I'm really excited to not change diapers anymore, at least Zach's that is. It is getting to be so expensive buying diapers for two kids. I'm also really nervous too. I know it will be hard at first, adjusting to the "I've gotta go right now mommy" while we are checking out in the store and other most inconvenient times, but I think I'm ready! I thought Zach was showing all the signs right around the time Wes was born but that was not going to happen. I needed to wait until I knew I could devote a lot of time to this stage. Now I'm wondering if I've missed the boat.

Does anyone have any tried and true techniques or strategies that they know work for potty training?... potty training a little boy that can barely sit still for me to put his shoes on let alone sit on the pot for a few minutes to go pee. I know this is going to be a challenge for me, although Zach surprises me all the time, maybe this will be a breeze. I need to give this cute little face more credit! I love this little boy!

Deja Vu!

I always thought the boys looked alike, but until I saw these pictures side by side I had no idea how much they really resemble each other. Zach has Wes by a few pounds in the cheeks and thighs and a little more hair, but altogether they look so much alike at this age. I had some major deja vu when I took these photos and remembered that I took some of Zach doing the same thing, when I looked at them I was so surprised. See if you can guess who is who? Answer on the bottom. (Both boys 4 months)

1


2



3
4



* Zach #1 and #3
*Wes #2 and #4

"My little brofer!"

Things have definitely changed between Zach and Wes. The love is growing!!! When Wes first came home Zach was in denial, he wanted nothing to do with the new baby, but now we love our little brother to pieces. Zach now wants to, as he says "hold baby" everyday. And he has to give him kisses on the cheeks everyday too. I'm so glad things have turned around. I was getting worried for a second. Although, I'm not getting too excited because I heard things get worse when the baby starts to get mobile, that's when real jealousy kicks in. I'm enjoying this stage while it lasts! I hope they are such good friends for life!



Wes 6 weeks old


Wes 4 1/2 months

Major Update! 4 months worth...

Like I said, Wes has not gotten as much attention in the blog world lately, so I'm catching him up. Here are a few pictures of our little peanut over the last couple months. I wish they were more creative like some of you do with the numbers next to them, but let's be honest I'm lucky to even get these ones taken!

5 months-today!!







4 months



3 months


3 months


2 months


1 month

How sad...

First let me say that I am doing exactly what I said I wouldn't do. Wes is already getting the second child shaft. I am doing better at taking pictures and videos, but I'm still horrible at posting and blogging. I also just realized that I don't have any pictures of me with my boys. And even sadder, we don't have a family photo. Wes is almost 5 months old, how pathetic. We were playing in Zach's room the other day and Chris had his phone and luckily captured his rare moment. I love my boys! Is it just me or does Wes look like he is catching up with Zach already? I am really going to try and stay on top of things. And once I get my pictures back on my computer I will update you all with some photos of Wes!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope all the moms', and even those that aren't moms' in the sense that most people think of a mom, had a wonderful day. All women are mothers! We all have the ability to love, nurture and care deeply for those around us. I saw this woman on Oprah a while back and was deeply moved by her story. She is a member of my church and I found this little message she did. She is so inspiring and it made me cry. She is a great mom! It made me want to go and wake my boys up from their naps and just hold them soooo tight! I'm so happy to be a MOM!!

Click on the picture again after you press play to see it full screen.

San Diego Zoo

Last weekend we went to the San Diego Zoo with our friends, Sean and Bobbi, Mikey and Stephanie and their boys Blake and Bryce and Chris' brother Ryan and Beth. We had a great time looking at all the animals and watching the boys' eyes light up with excitement, I forgot how much walking you have to do, and you gotta love the Baby Bajorn, but my legs and back were killing me. Thank goodness our room at Paradise Point was right next to a fun pool for us to soak in afterward. Thanks Stephanie for planning such a fun little getaway for us!

The whole gang!






I love this chubby face!!!
Blake, Bryce and Zach-precious!
OHHHHH Monkeys!
Jumping on beds makes mommy nervous!
Here is Zach giving Blake a wet willy! Oh boys!

I can't remember the last time I had a picture of just Chris and I and one that he is kissing me too; it was probably our wedding. Steph had her nice, fast camera and caught one of Chris being silly, but I love it and wanted to post it, sorry honey, don't be embarrassed!

We had fun, can't wait to do it again!

Wes 9 days old...

I can't believe Wes is already 2 months old. Looking at these pictures makes me a little sad, he already is getting so big! My dear friend Heather (who took our family Christmas photos) took newborn photos of Wes when he was only 9 days old. She is super talented and captured the most precious images of Wes. How she got Wes to sleep in all these pictures is beyond me. Her patience and willingness to let Wes "soil" her blankets was part of her success. (sorry heather) I cannot thank her enough for all her hard work and time she spent on these pictures. She is absolutely amazing! Anne Geddes watch out!! Check out her work here.












This is the announcement she made for me as well... yes she is that great! Thanks Heather!

My precious little angel...

For so long, Zach could do no wrong! In his mommy's eyes he was "perfect"! Insert new baby brother and things begin to change. The day after his second birthday things began to go very wrong. I never believed in the terrible two's. I always thought it was just something people would say if their kid was out of control. Now I'm being to realize that they are very real. And I am sorry to all those parents I never believed.

These pictures capture a daily occurrence at the Bird house. These seemingly sweet pictures are the making of a little stinker at work. You can see the progression in these photos... Starting out with the innocent sly smile, then a side glance at Wes and he finally moves in for the "kiss" which was followed by a smack to Wes' head when mommy was trying to get him from giving too rough a kiss.


This new side glance means watch out!!!

I am at a loss of what to do...We have tried time outs or giving the attention to the baby when he does that. Nothing is really working. Does it get better with time or is this here to stay? I can not leave them alone for even a second. I feel so bad for both of them. Poor Zach has had is world flipped upside down and Wes really doesn't know what hit him!

Any advice for this mother who is at her wits end?