Cousin love...

These two are cousins. And if you ask me, I think its kind of obvious. They are going to grow up together and love each other. They are going to fight and play together. I just love that they will be so close in age.

Such a cute picture of Presley Mae and her Griffin.

3 year and (almost) 10 month check up...

 I feel kind of bad. I used to write down every number and every word Cash used to say. Every inch and pound he ever gained is right here, on this blog. Their baby book. And in typical second child fashion, Presley Mae hasn't got that same attention.

But I have come to realize something. That it's okay. It's not going to make Presley any difference when she looks back on this blog when she is 30 and wonders, "how much did I weight when I was 9 months old?". She will read my thoughts about her as a wonderful baby. My feelings for her will hopefully jump off the page and into her heart and spirit and stay there for years and years. Yes, I have decided that it is okay.

We did go to the doctor and what I remember is this: Cash is kind of short and fat and Presley Mae is tall and skinny. Both are doing great and the doctor had nothing but praise for my babies. There. See. That wasn't so hard.

What is important isn't numbers and stats. It's how they make us feel as parents and as a family. It's how they make others feel. How they change the world.

Cash, you are such a beam of energy and light. You go and go and go and go. All day. Rarely stopping. Never one for silence or sitting still (unless you are watching Iron Man). You are hilarious when you are not trying. You are very tender hearted and concerned for anyone who may be hurt or any baby that's crying. You have a genuine concern for other people. And that may be one of my favorite qualities you have. You love going to church and learning about Jesus. You love school and still get in trouble for being too handsy and too much of a boy (not my words, but your teachers). You love football and want so desperately to be an OU football player. You are just such a joy to be around and amaze people with your athletic ability. I love you little man.

Presley Mae, you are a little firecracker. I thought you were going to be my quiet child since your brother is quite loud. I may have been wrong. You are such a sweet girl, but have shown me that you possess a little sass. You love being held and to give sugars with some extra slobber behind them. You love your brother and laugh at anything he does to you. Even when he makes you hit yourself in the face, you laugh. You want to be where everyone is and don't really like to be left alone in a room. I like to call that nosey. Your teachers love you and comment about how great of a baby you are and how much you smile. You are trying to cut a few teeth and are doing it like a champ. I can't wait to see you show us that wonderful smile with some little teeth behind it. You are my baby girl, who I just love to dress and shop for. I love you baby girl.

Will we or won't we...

Well... the questions have started. I wondered when they would start up again. The ever-important question about expanding our family. Will we or won't we have another baby? When will you have a third baby? How many kids do you think you want?

The answer is quite simple, really. I HAVE NO IDEA. Noah is seeming a bit more anxious to have a third baby. I, on the other hand, am a bit more reluctant. We have had 2 amazingly easy babies. Great sleepers and eaters. Very few nights of crying and frustration. Blessed is the only word that seems appropriate. So, do I really want to risk having a hard baby? I'm not quite sure yet.

With 2 kids you play a man to man defense. When you throw a third baby in the mix, you have now switched to playing zone defense. A totally different ball game.

Only time will tell, really. Well, that and multiple conversations with Mr. Noah.

For now, we will enjoy our wonderful family of 4 and be content with that.

Dear babies,

These pictures are kind of old. From around Easter time, I think. And the more I look at them, the more I am torn. Torn between happiness and sadness. Torn between pride and fear. Mixed emotions.

I am so happy at the kiddos you guys are turning out to be. How happy you both are. How loving you both are towards each other. How funny you both are. And how happy you both make daddy and me. The pace that you both are growing is scary. Scary because I am not sure what is coming next. Scary because I still have moments of feeling inadequate as your mom. But as scary as it is to watch your babies grow, pride and happiness swarm the feelings of fear. For every ounce of fear I have there are at least 10 ounces devoted to happiness and a deep sense of purpose and pride for you both. 

Cash, you are proving to be a fantastic big brother. You are constantly worried about Presley Mae and want to make sure I pack a bottle wherever we go because you don't want her to "be reaaaalllly hungry". You have walked up to a little boy at the mall who was trying to talk to her and told him, "I don't want you to talk to my sissy"(we can just blame that one on your daddy). You are protective and playful. Loving and sincere. Everything that a little girl could want in a big brother.

Presley Mae, you are such a happy baby. You smile all the time and love to be held. You love to crawl up to anyones leg and just tug and tug on their pants until they pick you up. But you are very independent. You don't want anyone to hold a bottle for you or to spoon food in your mouth. You want to do it all yourself. You are enamored with your reflection in the mirror and will make faces at yourself. You love Cash. And I mean you LOVE him. You want to play with him and be around him all the time. He can push you down and you just love the fact that he is paying attention to you. He is already so protective of you, so you are just going to have to be okay with that as you get older. 

All and all kids, I couldn't be happier being your mom. I love raising you and loving you. I love teaching you and learning from you .

Let's keep this good thing going we have going...

Love,

Mom

First game of the season...

Football season is kind of a big deal around here. Actually, it's a huge deal. And we try to go big. From tailgating and tackling in the dirt. To watching the game on the field and crashing from exhaustion on the way home.

My oh my how we love our football season...

Holding her own...

I know that P has 2 guys looking after her. Watching her every move. Keeping an eye on her and those around her. 

But P is one tough cookie. She can hold her own and I'm beginning to think she may not need her daddy and brother looking out for her as much as they think they should...

Good girl...

Funny things Cash says...

Me: Cash, pick up your toys please.

Cash: I can't right now mommy. 

Me: And why not?

Cash: Because I'm being a football player right now.

Dear Baby girl...

You, my sweet little P, are quickly becoming my favorite daughter. You are more certainly a mama's girl right now. You cry when I leave the room and you watch me every which way I move. That never happened with your brother. He could care less where I went. You just love me. And I love you. 

My love for you is growing just as quickly as you are. You are becoming a big girl and starting to develop a bit of your sassy personality. You are such a sweet gift to our family. You bring a freshness to our family. A lightness. A feeling of a new beginning. You smile at everyone even though your little smile is like a 99 year old woman who has no teeth. You scream and yell at the top of your lungs because you love to hear your voice, which is a sign of things to come no doubt. You give kisses and love to give serbers. 

You are eating all kinds of table food, at least the ones you can "gum" to death. You are the highlight of your brothers day when he wakes up and sees you. 

You are our sunshine. Our second heartbeat. Our growing baby girl.

Love,

Mom

A Sunday...

I love my weekends. And I mean love my weekends. Time off. Time with my kiddos. Time with my husband. Time to catch up on everything that didn't get done during the week. Just time. 

Occasionally, we pack a big day into our weekends. A day full of activities and things. Here is a glimpse into one of our Sundays...together. One of my most favorite times...

Getting ready for church in our "My Church is Kind of a Big Deal" matching shirts...

Love them...

Lunch at The Mont... A must eatery in Norman...

He was so excited that the stadium was open. He felt so special being the only one in there...

Boomer Sooner kiddos...

And of course, a little shopping on campus corner for mommy...

A little backyard baseball with Grandude...

And of course P has to cheer on her bubba...

Nothing in this world makes me happier than spending time with my family. It's funny because anytime I ask my dad what he wants for his birthday or Christmas or any occasion, he always says "I just want the family to be together". I used to think that was so lame. I mean, come on! Who doesn't want presents? 

But I am beginning to think my dad was on to something. Something really special... 

Our newest "home"...

We started building our new home in April of this year and I have been just short of horrible of taking pictures of the progress. Not sure why, because this is something that I really think would have been neat to document. But...nonetheless, I failed. 

Some pictures I have taken are of the scriptures that I wrote on the walls in our home. I love the idea that these will be a part of our family foundation, as well as the literal foundation of our home. 

Hebrews 13:2 (In the entryway)

Do no forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  

Presley's Room

I am the daughter of a King who is not moved by the world, for my God is with me and goes before me. I do not fear because I am His. (Also, written but you can't see it 1 Peter 3:3-4)

Proverbs 22:6 (Cash's Room)

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Matthew 4:4 (The Kitchen)

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God"

Psalm 4:8 (Master Bedroom)

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 91:11 (The second entry to the house)

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

This is how excited Presley is for the new house...

And this is Cash's excitement! He can't wait to be in his new room...

Last swim of the summer...

We has our last "official" swim of the summer and it was a doozie. Grand-dude even swam, which was kind of a big deal. He never swims. Ever. And to prove that is a true statement, I will share a little secret. He swam in her dress cargo shorts. Because he doesn't have a swim suit. Like I said, a big deal!

Shark week 2013...

I don't care what anyone says... Shark Week is a big deal! At least at our house it is. And sometimes rules get broken for occasions such as Shark Week..

Ice cream for dinner.. Only during Shark Week

Staying up past your bedtime... Only during Shark Week

And wrestling with daddy, the "Great White"... Only during Shark Week

A boy and his dog...

At this point in time, Cash and Birdie have a mostly love but some hate relationship. Cash loves to be around her... When he's in the mood for it. He loves to feed her and get her water. He's trying to teach her fetch. And loves to tell her to sit and shake while dangling a carrot in front if her face...

These two are going to be lifelong friends...