Sweet slices of life...

A few moments to remember for the past month for me...Holden is referring to Mosquito bites as "Cheeto Bites". He will also unknowingly refer to the two on his chest that are permanently there as Cheeto bites as well. They just don't itch. Barrett is becoming quite the dare devil at his young age. At 16 mos he is climbing up the ladder to slide down the slide. He climbs on chairs, couches, stools, tables, just about anything. The newest thing that he decided to do around the first week of November is climb out of his bed. Ok...just so you know, Branden nor I are ready to fight this fight. Apparently he learns quickly. Holden climbs in and out of his bed to play with him and Barrett just picked up on that technique so quickly. I remedied part of that today...the GATE. I put a gate in front of his door. When he climbs out and opens the door...shabang, he is trapped...well, kind of. He sits up there rocking the gate trying to get it loose. He will throw every belonging in his room out to get my attention. And scream...mmmmooooommmm! Oh well, at least he is not going to get hurt this way. Holden went to a 'big boy bed' during the summer. We have to lay down with him at night until he falls asleep so we have this wonderful pallet by his bed. It IS quite cozy! I don't know of any of us that have laid with him that hasn't fallen asleep at night. Luckily the lunch nap he will go down on his own. This too shall pass!

Barrett is now speaking more words, though not very clearly. He can say Mommmmmm, Dad-uh, Drace (that would be Grace) & JuJu. His imitations of animals leave a lot to your imagination, but he is consistent in his repeating what the sound should be. He can point out all of the family members, just not say their names. I believe his favorite words are 'uh uh uh' while he rubs his hand on his chest asking for more and please at the same time. Thank God for sign language. At least I have been able to communicate the essentials with the boys while they are learning to speak.

Holden on the other hand is quite the chatter box. Most people look to me for translation, but quickly realize he is making complete sentences and sense with his words if you pay attention to the context of the conversation. He is a smart boy...I have the right to say that since I am the Mom. I am not quite sure I like his use of the word NO...hopefully this phase will pass soon.

Wow...i have blinked and we are closing in on Christmas! I am sure there are many moments for me to remember as this year comes to an end! I continue to count my blessings!!!

Balancing Act

Wow! It has been over a year since I last posted. It has been a tremendous whirlwind of a year! Barrett is now 15 months and just started walking (like frankenstein baby, I might add)! He is such a sweet boy! I cut his beautiful curls off this week. The key word here is beautiful. He got called a girl a couple of times so it was time for them to go. Holden is absolutely adorable and so smart! He is a sponge and it is just awesome to watch him grow. I think I am going to use my blog to help me to remember the moments in life that I forget. It is hard to remember yesterday, much less a year ago when Holden was at this stage that Barrett is entering. I just don't want to forget that in the process of trying to balance everything out...job, kids, running the house, social and personal needs that I have a wonderful, healthy family. These are the blessings in the balance.

Here are the moments this week I want to remember:
Barrett walking like Frankenstein and riding his little car by himself. Holden pushing Barrett or Barrett walking behind Holden on the car and squeeling in pure delight of the fun he is having. I had to get that on video. Barrett climbing up on anything he can...mostly on top of the table. Holden is sleeping in his 'big boy bed' with some comforting from Mom and Dad laying with him till he is sleeping sweetly and soundly. Holden grabbing my purse and bringing it to me because he wants to go shopping (OUCH!). Barrett pouring out an entire box of Cheerios on the den floor so he can play in them. Holden learning/singing from church 'If you are happy and you know it!" It just keeps getting better!!

Bye for now...I will post more here as they arise.