Changes...

Big changes for Miss Bradley... Her hair is now long enough to be in pig tails; she is trying to potty train; and she's now sleeping in her big girl bed!! Can you say, "ALMOST TWO"?!

Just debriefing the day with daddy...

You can't really see her pj's but they have Cinderella on them.  She loves her "princess j's."  They rank right up there with her "Elmo j's." 

So far the big girl bed has been a success.  Thanks Aunt Al and Uncle Jason for the bed rails.  Naps are still a work in progress.

Definitely his own little look.  Sweetest boy I know.

After she uses the potty, she does several victory laps around the dining room and kitchen squealing "I potty, I potty, I potty."  It's hilarious. 

This dress was mine as a little girl... This was the best picture of the three I took before my camera battery died.  You can just take my word for it that she looked precious.

A little bit of this and that...

My people...

No one really warned me about the emotions that come with having a second child... almost a sense of betrayal to the first born.  I guess during my pregnancy with Rhodes I was more concerned with taking care of Bradley, coping with the back pain, and trying to figure out what in the world I was going to do with a boy...that I didn't really spend time rubbing the belly... or "bonding" with him. 

However, as the hormonal fog has lifted and we've spent the summer transitioning to life as a family of four, I've had time to get to know my little boy.  I feel overwhelmed with love for him and grateful for his life.  He's a snuggler, a smiler, a tooter, and a sleeper.  Please don't grow up too fast sweet Rhodes.


 
 
My people are a lot of work, but I hope they know they are loved. 

In the beginning...

Mr. Two Weeks Late...

With impending induction looming, Franklin "Rhodes" finally decided the braised beef and tortelloni from the Olive Garden was the perfect last supper to get him on his way... After a speedy labor and quite the freak show for all who helplessly waited in the lobby of the 2:15am E.R., Rhodes was born at 3:34am weighing in at 8lbs 12ounces and 21 inches long.  Words you don't want to hear the nurses tell you when you arrive to L&D fully dilated..."The doctor hasn't left home yet..."

It was a very special Mother's Day... 13 May 2012

Kitchen Helper...

On really hot days, everyone needs a Wholly Guacamole cold pack on their forehead while making tacos. 

"All Done"...

As we wait...I experiment (poorly) with the settings on my camera.  Cry.  Make lists...from my couch.  Try to find my ankles.  Do ridiculous things to Bradley's slowly growing hair.  Pick cat hairballs off the floor...Constantly.  Groan, Moan, Whine...In no particular order.  Let Bradley watch multiple episodes of Curious George.  Watch my neighbors do their yard work.  Watch my weeds get taller.  Think about all my cute size 8.5 shoes I can no longer wear.  Whine.  And go to Dr. appointments where they tell me there is no progress to report.  Ugh.

I know that it's all worth it... but... COME ON ALREADY!

She's signing.  "All Done."

"Can we go in now?"

Mommy in Waiting...

Let's "Go Dogs, Go"...

Recently Bradley has turned into a 15 year old.  Whenever I tell her we are getting ready to go somewhere, she disappears and returns a few minutes later with all her departure essentials.

When I ask her who she's talking to, she always says, "Daddy."  Of course.

Shoes to fill...

Lord, as she grows, I pray that her feet would learn to walk toward You and that she would have a heart filled with love, compassion, patience, and JOY!