My Sister's Visit

I can't say how happy I am that we are within a short drive of almost every family member now.  I feel myself getting so much closer with my sister already, and that is something we have both needed.  She came to visit about a week ago and the kids all had so much fun.  Chloe, Caden, and Molly hadn't seen Maddox, so they were pretty smitten with him.  Channing and Jaxson both LOVE my sister, and really, she is a little more laid back and playful than I am.  I could take a lesson, as I am up trying to squeeze housework into every spare second.  Anyway, it was a great day and I am looking forward to getting together again soon.

caden was so excited.  LOVE this picture! 

poor jax.... always hanging with all the girls!  

they loved holding Maddox

he's got the old man hairstyle going on now

Little Maddox is 1 Month Old!!

Time flies... even when you are exhausted!  Our precious little angel man is already over a month old, and of course we all adore him more everyday!  I am including some "official" pictures I took of him on his "b-day", and also just some snapshots that I love.  I like his inquisitive, confused little looks, especially when he's confused as to why we are plopping him in water, taking him out and rubbing him down with lotion, and he is just looking at us like "why???"  (when he's not screaming).  And I love his perfect little sleeping face.  Overall, he is pleasant all day, although lately he is becoming a little grumpy in the PM and not wanting to go to sleep until 11 or later.  We try to wrap him up and put him to bed and he grows VERY ANGRY and yells at us VERY loudly!  Then he yells, grunts, kicks, pulls, pushes, and nurses for about the next 30 minutes until he has finally worn himself, and us, out.  then he will sleep for about 4 hours, and believe me, that is not feeling like a very long time.  But I wake up and see his little face and it is all good.  Channing and Jaxson have been at M&M's for the past few days, and I am so ready to see them both tonight!

got a grin!  

love the way it looks like he is crying

LOVED his feel in this pic!  

bath time

"what are you going to do to me next??"

"now you're taking pictures??"

"okay.... now I am clean and warm!"

sleeping in the early morning

"Gonanas" and "Gomingos"

Before I forget these cute things, had to blog about Jaxson and his "g" words. For the past few months he puts a "go" in front of 1/2 his words, and it is so cute!  Started with eating "go-nanas" for breakfast, having "go-nilla" yogurt for a snack, and yesterday we all (me, Laura, Channing, Jaxson and Maddox) went to see Gnomio and Juliet and jaxson called the flamigo a "gomingo".  Cracks me up!

Maddox at 2 and 3 weeks

As I look through my blog, I am realizing that my thoughts and emotions change so much from one day to the next.  Well, these days, one hour to the next.  I am giddy in love with everyone one minute, and the next I sort of wonder if I can make it through 3 more hours until bedtime.  The one thing that is constant, even through the frustration, is my love for my family and kids, and the realization that each day with them is a gift.  Maddox doesn't sleep quite as well as he did the first week, and getting up is harder every time.  But he is so easy going and adorable... I just stare at him in awe.  Channing and Jaxson are either playing amazingly well together, or fighting like crazy, driving me crazy in the process.  But they make laugh everyday.  Jaxson is in the habit of constantly saying "WELL.... my mom said I could" if Paxton tells him no, and vice versa.  He is sneaking out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, rummaging through the house, climbing on countertops, waking up Channing.... then they are both in our room by 6:30am.... have to say, not loving that!  Channing has made lots of friends at pre-k, and her teacher brags about how good she is doing every time I see her.  I love to hang out with her alone if I ever get the chance.... she's easy and fun, and although we bump heads now and then, she's such an awesome daughter and big sister.  Here are some pics of Maddox at 2 weeks and 3 weeks.  I decided to spare him and myself of full blown photo shoots, but have a feeling another one is coming soon :)

2 Weeks

3 Weeks