What we've been up to...

We have had a glorious weekend hanging out as a family, running errands, and winterizing the yard! Jax has been filling our days with smiles and T has been filling our lives with giggles. We are so blessed to be living and enjoying the simple things this weekend.

Xoxo

Hunting Widow

Hunting Widow: the spouse or significant other of a hunter, whom, during hunting season, is typically left alone, "widowed" by their hunter spouse's prolonged absences; includes sleeping alone in the marriage bed, minimal sex life, extra essential babysitting responsibilities (for those with children), refrigerator depleted of beer supplies, bank account depleted of financial supplies, and the itty bitty possibility of said hunter spouse bringing home some fresh meat.

This sounds about right.

Jax 5 months

Dear Baby Boy

Dear Jax,

You are 5 days short of 5 months. It's so cliche, but where has the time gone? You, baby boy, have stolen hearts in a big way.

You usually start your day with a big ol' smile and a high-pitched squeal as soon as you see me reaching in the crib to grab you. This comes after a night of waking around 1am and 5 am, sometimes more, sometimes less. You are so thrilled to see me in the morning - I can't even think about how tired I am when I see that big, beatiful grin.

You proceed to your "gym" after a clean diaper is placed on your bottom, and you proceed to ROLL around (both directions and many directions) there and play with your little toys while Mama gets ready for work. You then start squwakin' when it's time to eat, and Mama picks you up to do that. Then you spend the next 20 minutes or so in Mama's arms getting kisses and hugs until Nana gets here so Mama can go to work.

You usually take a big morning nap and a big afternoon nap (if we're lucky) and you spend your day smiling, laughing, full-belly giggling and just hanging out.

Your new fun things are:
1. Rolling in all directions and quickly rolling around - so quick that we usually wonder how you ended up in that place when we JUST put you in a different place.
2. Grabbing, reaching, trying so hard to get ANYTHING fun that might be in front of you - toys, water bottles, glasses, shiny objects of all sorts.
3. Sitting UP!  Sort of...this is a new thing that you've picked up in just the last couple days and you are getting stronger and stronger each day. It's only a matter of time before you master this.
4. THOSE SMILES. These are not new, but I have to mention them because they are one of the many things I just love about you.

Jax, You have stolen Mama's heart. When I see you, I burst with pride, and I actually grit my teeth when I hold you because I am squeezing you so tight. You LOVE your sister, Tatum, and she loves you just as much. You two lock eyes and the world is gone. :)  And of course, Daddy couldn't be more proud of his big ol' boy. We are so blessed to have you in our lives, and we can't wait to see what other fun things you start to do.

Love,
Mama

Peace

Dear Tatum & Jax,

This weekend we took you to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. This camp is where I went when I was a kid, and I have been dreaming of taking my kids someday. I couldn't wait to get there and show you what it's like to take in the beauty, the serenity, the PEACE of Flathead Lake. And we did just that. You warmed this Mama's heart with your happiness, giggles, and PEACE. I can't wait to go back every year, and someday, maybe you'll take your kids...

Tatum's 4th Birthday!

Dear Jax - 3 months

Dear Jax,

You are 3 months old, as of yesterday. THREE MONTHS!

You started out your life taking your sweet-a time joining us on May 10, 2012. Mama was pretty darn tired of being in labor and pretty annoyed that you wouldn't join us. But you were so worth the wait. There are a few things that are still fresh in my memory from the day you were born:
Your little limp body being laid upon me and waiting OH SO PATIENTLY for you to take a big deep breath. The sense of relief I felt when I heard you cry, and the even greater sense of relief I had hearing you continue to cry. The look on your Daddy's face, tears streaming down his face, as he struggled to find the words "it's a boy." The silence in the house as you were handed to your Daddy and stopped crying, and just gazed into your Daddy's eyes. The excitement of your Big Sister as she looked at your for the first time.

These are the things I'll always remember. And you, little man, have stolen my heart in a big way. This Mama is head over heels for you. My little nugget. You snuggle like every man should, wrapping your arms fully around whoever is holding you and nestling in tight. You smile like every person should, gaping your mouth open as wide as you can and holding back no joy. You talk like every woman does, making sure you are heard above the craziness of our house. You giggle like every child should, with a deep, ultra-boyish giggle. You sleep like a baby - REALLY!  I shouldn't even type those words, but baby you sleep and I am loving it. You play like every althlete should, pulling and tugging and trying to wreck your little "gym." You, Mr. Jax, are amazing in all the ways we could hope.

You have done a few fun things this month, what with all your drooling to bring up those possible teeth and rolling over from your tummy to your back. Mama went back to work this week and you proved to be a rockstar baby being bounced around between Nana and Daddy and not missing a beat.

Thank you, Mr. Jax, for stealing our hearts and showing us what the ultimate unconditional love is, baby-style. We love you so much, and you complete our little family. We can't believe you've already been here three months!

Love you nugget.

Love,
Mama