First Sleepover

I don't know how people function with an infant and loud children! Jacob has not gotten a wink of sleep in the presence of these two crazy animals! They're so LOUD! Even when they think they're being quiet they are completely and inappropriately LOUD! All children are like this, of course. I just don't see how it's possible to function with an infant! They're so adorable together, though. Joseph is over the moon about Lizzy. She seems similarly smitten. They're both so goofy and loving and smart and sweet! I love these kiddos but the next time I take temporary custody of more than my own 2, Jacob will have to be a few years older!

Brothers

Joseph told me that he loves his little brother. Isn't it amazing how kids can feel a complex emotion like love at such an early age? He's such a wonderful big brother. I'm utterly stunned by Joseph's selflessness. He also doesn't seem to harbor any resentment toward this loud, smelly, thing that consumes a lot of mom's and grandma's attention! I'm just so grateful and elated that I have such wonderful boys!

Lakeside Party

I must say Washington can be utterly gorgeous when it wants to be! It was a balmy 82 degrees today. Joseph spent a majority of the summer with Nana and Poppy in Southern Oregon. We picked him up this past Saturday. I told my mom in the car how I was going to try my very hardest not to cry because I didn't want to freak Joseph out. Of course my emotions got the best of me and I sobbed as I held him in my arms. I'm tearing up now thinking about it. I just absolutely missed him. He looks so different- so grown up! I'm so grateful that he had this opportunity to be away from me for an extended period of time. It is preparing him for his summers at Interlochen :) Still, it was incredibly difficult for me. Apparently it was more difficult for me than it was for him. He was busy enjoying himself. I am fortunate that his Nana and Poppy are so young and energetic and that they can handle his seemingly endless supply of cheer and chatter. They didn't realize how loquacious he is! It seemed to escape my memory but I soon remembered how much he likes to talk when we were stuck (ahem) I mean spending so much time in the car on our ride back home. In any case, he wanted to have a welcome home party to celebrate his return. I was going to rent a bouncy house but I got an email from Joe pleading that I attempt to restrain myself. After all, there still is back to school shopping to budget for. Joseph had very specific requests. Pizza and popsicles for food and lots and lots of friends. We accomplished both! It was a beautiful day and a great way to celebrate my big boy's homecoming!

Mucho Personality!

This little looker is such a ham! I'm completely SMITTEN by his adorableness (<--a word?)!!! I'm so excited to come home from work just so I can be with him. I can already tell that he is going to be a fun little boy. He loves to sleep, pass gas, eat, and be held... a PERFECT little munchkin! My mom thinks that he looks much more like me than Joey but I think he looks like Joseph. 100% Joseph!

In the background you can see the BEAUTIFUL quilt that Grace made for me from squares created at my baby shower. She's ridiculously talented and beautiful and sweet and wonderful. I'd love to be married to her! I always tell her that her husband, Travis, is SO lucky to have her. Grace being Grace replies, "I'm lucky to have him!" To which I reply, "Bleh (insert vomit sound here)."

Wedding in Hillsboro

Mel, Taryn, me (with my Gummy Bear), and Vera.

Beautiful bride Nicole with Vera, Mel, and I.

On Sunday I drove all the way to Hillsboro (3 hours away) to see a friend from middle school get married. She is an amazing person. Everyone should know someone like Nicole. When I was in the 7th grade and she was an 8th grader, a bully took my camera away from me because I took a picture of her that she thought would be unflattering. Nicole got the camera back for me saving me from having to explain the $100 loss to my mother. Then, when we were in high school, she found out that my dad was sick and made me 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies to make me feel better! She was working as a social worker when she decided to pursue a career in law. With law school and the Bar behind her, she's starting a new life with her husband, Chris, in Portland. She is an incredible friend and I have no doubt she will make an incredible mother.

Taryn flew in from Hawaii because she was a bridesmaid. She extended her trip so she could meet Jacob and hang out with us for a bit. We had Vera, her husband Blayne, and Melissa over for dinner the next night. I busted out the banquet/prom portraits and we all had a good laugh. I dropped Taryn off and miss her already.