We Still Call Him "B. R."

Yes, at less than 18 lbs., he's still our Baby Raleigh. He took his first official steps (4 of them to be exact) on August 12th. In a few short weeks he's mastered walking. Since he's so little it's just too cute to see him practically running all over the house. And just in the past couple weeks Raleigh loves bringing us books and climbing up on the couch to be read to. His favorite books are "The Very Busy Spider," "Dinosaurs Roar," and "The Very Quiet Cricket." He's also recently learned to point, stack blocks, climb on and off Tennyson's bed, and feed himself with a spoon and fork. And given the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" or "Curious George" themes songs, and he will boogie with the best of them! It's adorable to see our little dude dance!

There are some things that haven't changed much. Raleigh still l-o-v-e-s to be held close and snuggled, something this mommy will never tire of. He brings unimaginable joy and laughter to our home. I could sit for hours and watch him play with cars or trains. He makes the cutest "boy noises," like the sound of cars driving all over the floor. Raleigh loves to give kisses, too, especially to his big brother. It warms my heart to see them loving on each other. I hope that continues as they grow.

Catching Up

Oh my, I just can't seem to find the time to blog anymore. These little men keep me so busy! And when I do find a few minutes to myself I always seem to spend it cleaning....or sleeping. Not that I am complaining, so goes the life of a stay-at-home mommy. Part of me thinks "but I have nothing to blog about. Who wants to read about my 'boring' life?" But truthfully, it's so NOT boring! I mean, it might be to some, but I really need to keep up better with my blog so I can look back and remember these days, when my boys were little and what our day-to-day lives were like. Right now it's my whole existence, raising these boys, but in the not too distant future I will forget all the little things that make up our days like:

~ Tennyson correcting us if we "accidentally" call Raleigh "Sweet Boy." He says, "No, I am Sweet Boy. He is Baby Raleigh."

~ Raleigh waving bye-bye with his whole arm to Tom as he leaves for work. (He used to do a cute little backwards wave with just his fingers.)

~ The boys playing in the tub together and then endlessly kissing and hugging each other good night.

~ Tennyson hiding under the covers during storytime when the other parent comes into the room. Like we don't hear him giggling and see the covers moving.

~ The boys holding hands in the back seat as we run errands and then Tennyson says, "Look, Mommy, we being friends."

~ Raleigh "dancing" during the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song by holding on to the table and rocking from side to side.

~ The sound of Raleigh breathing through the baby monitor.

~ Or the way they smell after a bath.

~ Or the sight of them playing ball together in the backyard.

~ Or how tired we always seem to be yet supremely happy.

I don't want to forget any of these moments. I've waited for them my whole life. To see my children playing together is bliss (when they play nicely, of course).

Obviously some days are better than others. Some days I feel like all I do is carry Raleigh on my hip, discipline Tennyson, and clean up their messes. Getting the laundry done and taking a shower is still cause for rejoicing. But I rest in the knowledge that I am right where I need to be. And that's enough for me....every day.