Take me out to the Ballgame!

Last year when we put Joe into baseball it was kind of like herding cats.  The kids were really too young.  Joe could have cared less about playing the game... he was doing pirouettes out on the mound and you want me to run the what?  We had to force him to go to the games.  

So this year...  we put him in again, hoping for a different outcome.  And... we were right.  What a difference a year makes.  

 This year... he was ready and excited.  He played and "got" it.  He hit the ball.  He ran the bases.  He caught balls and tagged kids out. 

 Well, this was almost "baseball ready".  :) 

 There was lots of giggling and fun.  The coach's and asst coach's were fantastic. 

 There were secrets told. 

 And they waited their turn's to bat on our ChemSystems buckets. 

 They had a precious mascot. 

 there might have been a bit of crying in baseball...  but it wasn't long lived. 

 Joe got to play "pitcher". 

 They had a great team. 

And they played their last game on Saturday.  Afterwards we had a great team party where they got trophy's and medals.  They all swam and had a great time.  The parents even had such a nice time we decided to play soccer together in the fall.  

Truly... what a difference a year makes.  :)  

The Birds Got Married! **again** :)

Last week, our friends, the Birds came through town, dropped off their kids and had a romantic two days in Galveston before we descended upon them with their kids and our kids.  :)  

Our kids had such a great time together.  

We went to the children's museum, the train and frozen yogurt.  They went to Nasa and lunch.  They played on a water slide in our backyard.  They swang and played superheroes, fought, squabbled and snuggled.   They tattled on each other and played Wii, read books and had adventures.  These are the days they'll treasure.  

On Saturday morning, we packed up after Joe's baseball game and headed to Galveston.  

 played on the beach, ate sand and lunch.  Jumped in the surf and cried over seaweed (Jocelyn). 

 built sandcastles and ate sand

  made fashion statements.

 

and had family moments

 lounged by the pool (she climbed up here herself)

had a GREAT dinner at Olympia just off the strand.  All of the kids were so good!

and had a stroll

 played for awhile

Then we headed back to the condo, got the kids in bed and sat outside listening to the sound of the ocean for a bit.  

Sunday Morning, Jami and Biggs celebrated their anniversary by renewing their wedding vows.  They are so cute!  

Happy Anniversary Jami and Biggs!

5 years and 1 Year

So my big boy turned 5 yesterday.  We had his five year appointment

Stats:
~~Height :  3 Foot 5 1/4 inches  (18th %)
~~ Weight:  37 lbs  (22nd %)
~~ pulse 117
~~ BP:  104/63

He is the picture of health, according to our pediatrician.  He was impressed that he can ride his bicycle without training wheels and that he can read some sight words.  He was pleased with all of his developmental milestones.   

My big girl turned one earlier this month and had her year appointment yesterday too.  (complete with shots.)  

Stats:  

~~Height:  29 3/4 inches (62 %)

~~ Weight:  22 lbs 8 oz (82nd %)

~~ Head:  18 3/4 in (97th %)

She, too, is the picture of health and he said not to worry about her lack of words.  She exhibited that she knew EXACTLY what we were saying and that she understands it all.  She just has no desire to actually speak.  Go figure.  :)  she even did her dance to "somebody I used to know" JUST for him.  They are too funny.  

Gosh I love my kids.  :)  

Dear Joseph

courtesy of Monkey Tree Photography

Son. Angel. Poodin pop. Poodle toots. Snicker doodle. Sweet potato. My heart. The reason I am a mommy.

All of these are names I have for you. When I say that you're the reason I'm a mommy.... That means you made me a mommy first. This day, five years ago.... You made me a mommy. Your mommy. Fallible.... Absolutely! Insecure.... Sometimes. Silly.... Probably. Angry... It's the nature of the beast. Learning.... Always. And always loving you more than I thought possible. 

Five years ago I awakened suspecting we would share a birthday. I remember the excitement, the anxiety, the wonder and the eagerness. I remember being crushed I couldn't deliver you the way god intended but rather by the way you needed.

Now I look back on that day and think.... Man.... I can't believe how my world turned on its axis in that one moment.

I've done a lot of amazing things in this lifetime. Experienced adventures many dream of. But truly... The best thing I have ever done is create you and your sister.

Seeing you grow into a smart, gentle, precocious, handsome, funny, entertaining young man.... A young man who takes others feelings into account. Who asks questions and seeks answers. Who isn't afraid to try things. Who is quick to hug and say you love. And you do love unabashedly! And those qualities... And the man you will become... Are what I'm most proud of.

I'm proud of YOU! May you continue to grow into an even more amazing man with the tutelage of your mother and your father and your sister and your grandparents and aunt and uncles and cousins. Who's love for you is limitless.

I love you mostest and more my little man!!!

Your Mommy forever and ever!

Dearest Jocelyn,

My dear sweet daughter.... I absolutely cannot fathom how it was a whole year ago that I was in labor with you! Never in a million years could I have known how blessed I would be to be your mother. You came into this world with a sparkle in your eye and a plan.

I remember it as if it were yesterday.... That moment when the nurses showed you to me. You looked like a little gnome. All pudgy and smooshy. Wide eyed with wonder. You reached into my already smitten heart and sealed the deal.

This year has been a challenge for so many reasons.... But you, your brother and your daddy.... You've brought me such joy! Your smile melts the hearts of many. As you've grown, your smiles have gotten bigger and your giggles plentiful. You're curious and somewhat fearless and so loving. Your brother adores you and the feeling is quite mutual.

So far.... You seem to be a very easy going girl.... Although you are prone to the dramatic sometimes. Anytime we tell you "no" or take something away from you.... You plop down with tears in your eyes and throw yourself forward onto the ground crying. If we give it back.... You stop.... Immediately. Such a girl. :-).

You are definitely a daddy's girl. You smile at your daddy and he eats it up. He says he's not wrapped around your finger but I don't believe him.

You've reached all of your milestones.... Mostly early but I truly feel it is all about you experiencing life and all it's quirks and wonders. You got your first teeth at about six-seven months. You started crawling on Christmas eve... So about seven months. And you took your first steps from grandma to Mimi at the office in April.

I had to out you into daycare earlier than I did joe mainly because work was more demanding and you were more curious. You've thrived on it though. They've done art with you and taught you sign language. You continue to be your teachers joy.... They say how independent you are and what a help too.

Baby girl.... I worried that having two would mean that I somehow loved your brother less. And boy was I wrong. Boy was everyone else right. I don't love him less or you more. I love you both so fiercely that many times I feel that my heart is going to explode with it.

I wish this past year would have gone slower... But I am enjoying each and every stage with you and look forward to all of the future smiles and giggles and tears and experiences. I do know that I am 1000% a better person for being your mom.

I love you more! I love you mostest! I love you completely!!!!!!

Mom