2 Year Pictures

In the midst of our very full weekend we managed a few hours to get Nicholas' 2 year pictures taken at Mimi & Grandpa's house. They turned out fantastic and we couldn't be happier with them. They pretty much speak for themselves so here you go:










Kacee also got her 2 year pictures taken at the same time so we were able to catch this priceless moment. Ashlee and I both stood there watching our babies with tears in our eyes.

And Mommy & Daddy were able to get a few shots too.
The pictures were taken by friends of mine from work who are just getting started in the photography business. Hard to believe because they're already so great! Their blog will be up and running soon so check the website at http://www.photosbyfirefly.blogspot.com/.

Let the Fun Begin

Just where would we be without the wonderfully fantastic Aunt JuJu? I don't want to even think about it for a second! She came to town for a visit this weekend and brought loads of sunshine into our world, as usual. She also brought along some pre-birthday presents for the little man which were quite a big hit! He's really getting into the presents thing now. He got a basketball hoop for the bathtub (kid's got an awesome dunk shot!) and a choo-choo train puzzle that he instantly went crazy for. It took him awhile before he'd allow us to dismantle the pieces though. I think he was worried that once we took it apart it would be gone forever. Every time I touched it he would cry "NO"! This was also the first trip that he's really been able to say Julie's name, which was quite a heart-melting feat. He'd run around the house calling "JuJu", or my favorite, "Jewy". I can't believe time flew by so fast and she's already gone but boy do we have some awesome memories. We love you Aunt Jewy!

Mother=Love

I was driving down the road the other day and saw a church sign that read: "Mother is another word for love". It instantly caught my attention because I am certain it could not be more true. No matter what kind of day you're having or what kind of challenges your child may be handing out, you are always a mother and you always love unconditionally. Mother's Day is so special to me because it makes me stop and appreciate all the blessings I receive every single day in the form of a 2 year old boy, and it makes me smile. I'm proud to be a part of this elite club that I was never sure I'd be a part of, or if I even wanted to be a part of. But turns out I did want to and I'm thankful for it every time I hear my little boy call me Mama. Today also brought up the memory of a special conversation I had with my mother shortly after Nicholas was born. He was sleeping in my arms as she and I were speculating on the vast meaning of life and what each of us have been put on earth to accomplish. She asked me what I thought my purpose in life was and, without hesitation, I answered "to have this boy". There is no doubt in my heart that I was meant to meet this wonderful man and that together we would create this amazing boy. He may be stubborn and strong willed, to the point that I want to pull my hair out some days, but it's those same fantastic qualities that ensure he will never be the kind of man who is pressured into doing things he doesn't want to do or to ever accept someone telling him he can't accomplish his tremendous dreams. Yep, our Nicholas is going to do incredible things alright. No doubt about it. And that's why I'm proud to be not just a mother, but his mother. He is, by far, my greatest achievement.

23 Months Old!

This post is rather bittersweet for me. Today is the last official monthly milestone post for Nicholas. Next month, our little baby advances into his plural numbered years and shifts away from the how-many-months-old-am-I variation. I cannot believe we're already at the 2 year mark! Unbelievable.

I took these pictures yesterday while we were playing in the backyard. I couldn't believe all the great smiling shots I got, considering most of what I get lately is of the back of his head. It's hard work keeping up with a curious and energetic almost 2 year old!

Jilly Bean on Vacation!

Little Jillian's mommy & daddy went on a trip this week so she decided to take a little vacation of her own and visit Mimi & Grandpa in Oklahoma. We've all had a lot of fun playing together over the last few days, especially Nicholas. He just loves having someone to pal around with and show all of his cool toys to. He also loves to give her kisses and good advice. We have no idea exactly what he's been telling her, but it seemed very important. Probably something special he wanted to pass onto her about what he's learned of life so far.






But the weekend wasn't all fun and games. There were other important matters to tend to - learning to fish. Well, sort of. Grandpa got out a rod for Nicholas to practice with in the yard and the boy just went to town! It looks like spending endless hours in the boat, patiently waiting to catch that elusive big one, are definitely in his future! Yep, I think he's a natural!

Like Mother, Like Son

Nicholas may look more like his Daddy but there's no denying he's got some of his Momma's genes in him!