Highlights of Today

Tommy has pointed out to me that my blogs are "picture heavy" and lack witty dialogue. Thus, I feel reason to explain why I blog the way I do, and also to humor him and share some of today's stories...

I will sum it up really fast. No sleep + not that witty to begin with on good day= lame blogs. Lame blog entry's= lose audience. I am banking on the chance you will return to see cute picture of the kids until sleep improves. Got it? Ok- first happening of today...

We were in Bounce USA this morning and Tyler was playing in one of the inflatables for toddlers when we were approached by the manager and told that Tyler was playing in area reserved for ages 2 and under. I smiled and explained to him that Tyler's 3rd birthday was not until this summer. He looked shocked and apologized- then saying that we had a really big 2 year old. Tommy and I think personally think Tyler looks almost 4 years old, especially when he stands beside and dwarfs older kids on the playground. It was funny and a little depressing to hear someone else notice. My first baby is getting so big and is not so baby-like anymore. Tyler is at the stage where he is correcting me now when I ask him if he is my baby- he now insists he is a big boy.

I forgot the other story. I am sitting here typing and had two stories in mind. By the time I typed out the first one, my mind has already gone blank. I would ask Tommy to remind me- because I told him about both, but he is snoring on the couch asleep. See, this is why I do not write much on blogs anymore, I proved my own point.

Picture of Tommy asleep on couch as I write this blog- couldn't resist putting in ONE picture

Nighttime Reading

Tyler pointing out the bees to Carson

The boys enjoying a good book before bed

What Are YOU Looking At?

Carson at 8 weeks

Saturday Morning Laughs

Butterfly Exhibit At The Zoo

We decided on Friday to take advantage of our members-only invitation to the spring Butterfly Exhibit at the Knoxville Zoo. A greenhouse was constructed with hundreds of butterflies- many different species flying around, and you walked through the greenhouse and got an up close look. It was pretty neat- especially when they landed, or "lighted" on you. We were hesitant about going, because we were afraid Tyler would get too excited and try to catch or accidentally crush them- but he did wonderful. I pushed Carson in the stroller (having to gently swat away the butterflies from trying to hitch a ride out of the exhibit) and took pictures.

They love watermellon! Tommy actually suggested we rub some of the juice on Tyler so we could get a good picture with him covered with butterflies(I vetoed the idea).

There were hundreds of butterflies mating all around the greenhouse.

Tyler reaching out to gently pet a wing.

Chunky Monkey

Compliments go to Aunt Becky for the homemade bibs...

stay tuned for penguin and elephant sighting as well.

Carson At 6 Weeks

Earth Day 2008

Oak Ridge hosted their first annual Earth Day Festival this weekend, and with Tommy having to work all day- the boy's and I went in to partake in the festivities. We met up with my G-Ma (my mom), my sister Becky, and her kids Dawson and Sophia. There was food, a petting zoo, environmental booths and displays, a band, and activities for the kids. We were there right after it opened, and enjoyed a fun day with incredible weather.

Poor G-Ma doesn't have enough arms to hold all the small hands demanding her attention. Dawson was left to hold the back of her jacket.

Tyler showing the goat some love in the petting zoo.

Tyler in time-out for not leaving the goats bucket of drinking water alone after being told SEVERAL times.

Cousins

Don't let the innocent faces fool you- Tyler and his cousin Sophia are both characters. They were actually due on the same day! It is so much fun to watch them together- especially since they are now getting more verbal. My sister constantly tells me that Sophia reminds her of me, from the curly hair and green eyes to her loud personality. We used to tease each other that I would have a child just like her- a pleaser by nature, good hearted but a tad sensitive who loves to shop (I hate shopping BTW). I in turn would say that she would get a wild haired, rough around the edges, not-so sensitive child just like me. We thought it would be fun to see how the other would adapt to mothering one just like their sister! Well- Sophia, my wish came true and I could not be happier. You are about the most loving, funniest, sweetest girl I know and I am tickled that you and Tyler are so close in age and cannot wait to watch you grow up and play together!

Spring In All It's Glory

Tommy told me to go into the carport and look what was against the wall. To my surprise and delight, a little bird has decided to make a home for her babies on our ladder. And an even better surprise, if I stand on my tippie toes- I am able to peer in at the nest every day. I checked yesterday and now there are four eggs! What an awesome excuse to let those gutters, limbs, and other out of reach areas go unkempt for a while. I love this time of year!

Kissing Cousins

We went to my sister and brother in laws house last night to visit and had the best time. Tyler LOVED getting to play- especially playing chase and tackle with his cousin Dawson. My neice and nephew could not wait to get Carson in their lap.

One thing Carson will never be short on in our family is love. With 2 amazing first cousins, 13 second cousins & 10 great aunts and uncles- there will be plenty of hugs, kisses, and holding in the years to come. And this is just on my side of the family! Carson, you are pretty lucky to be born into such an affectionate family.

Dawson and Carson

Sophia and Carson

My first cousin Rachel even got in on the action

More Than Words

Last night as we were putting Tyler to bed, we were all piled up and were singing songs as Carson was laying on Tyler's pillow. Tyler lunged at him before we could react and gave him a non-gentle hug. While Carson did not cry, it startled me enough to snatch him up and make sure he was ok(he was). Tyler just stared and we explained that while Carson loved his hugs, he had to be gentle and we put Carson back down for Tyler to say sorry and to try to give him a softer hug. Instead of actually saying the word "sorry", he leaned down and placed the infamous "Blue Bear" on Carson's chest. Now, in our household it is common knowledge that his his the most cherished possession of Tyler's and there is not 30 minutes in the day that the are apart. This was the sweetest, most generous gesture Tyler has ever displayed. He did however make it clear that he wanted him back asap...but that is not the main focus of the story.

He's Got Legs...And He Knows How To Use Them

Carson went for his one month checkup yesterday- YES-ALREADY ONE MONTH!!!! and is proving to be quite the eater. At birth he weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. Four weeks later.... 9 lbs., 14 oz. and 20 3/4 inches! The doctor said he looked excellent was was very healthy. He is taking between 4-6 ounces every feeding and as you can tell by the pictures, has the jowls to prove it. Carson still has his days and nights a little mixed up, but other than that is happy and loving life. Tyler is being the sweetest big brother by bi-hourly giving Carson pats on the head and telling him that he is cute and sweet. I usually ask Tyler if he knows who else is cute and sweet and he smiles and replies, "Ty". He is right- two cute and sweet boys, what more could a mother want?

Little Hands