Baby Boy

Summer, Summer, Summer Time

It's hard to believe that we're approaching the end of Summer - it seems like this summer has just flown by. We've been lucky to be able to do a lot with both Gabby and Drake. We've enjoyed many nights at the Ankeny Pool with both kids and many afternoons Brandon or I have taken Gabby to the Splash Park.

This past weekend we did what every Iowan does in the middle of the hottest month of the year - we trekked (with our toddler) to spend multiple hours out in the heat, making friends with anything with 4 legs, eating corndogs and counting mullets - we initiated Gabby into the tradition that is The Iowa State Fair. She had a great time! Much to our surprise she tolerated being in her stroller (for awhile!), ate a crescenti (Dad's favorite fair food), had some shaved ice, saw the "coooowwwwss", ran threw the sprinklers, saw the baby animals/tried to climb into the animal pens and last but not least....went down the giant slide (and squealed the entire way!). So, we'd consider it a Success!

Drake turned 4 months old on the 13th and his latest milestone is rolling over. Even though it hasn't been long, both Brandon and I had forgotten how when a baby masters a new skill...it is all. that. they. do. So, as soon as he gets on his back he immediately flips over which I think he learned so fast as he has an eagle eye now on a certain red head who likes to give him "nice touches" when he's not looking! He's still a super, super happy baby and I'm pretty sure he would win any cutest baby contest as he's quite the charmer.

Gabby is my ornery, sassy, smart little diva! It seems as if every day she learns something new - its almost as if you can see her little brain just getting bigger and bigger. She loves anything flash cards, books and Dora the Explorer. Ahhhh, Dora. The love I have for Dora is undescribable as she is the only person on this earth who can get my child to stop, sit and listen. So, while I'm feeding a baby - Dora is my BFF.

Many people ask me what it's like to have "Two under 2" - to which I say: Everyday is an adventure!! It is constant, rewarding, exhausting and amazing - and that's just in 5 minutes!

The countdown to Iowa Football has begun - so I'll leave you with a little taste of what is to become...

3 Months

It's hard to believe that Drake is already 3 months old (plus a few days - but who is counting!). Life is C.R.A.Z.Y. around here with two little ones - but we count our blessings as we know we are very lucky to have such wonderful little monsters :)



Gabby will be 16 months old on the 25th - she loves to move. move. move. We have been taking her to music class and upon leaving the 1st class one dad simply said: "Wow, she doesn't stop moving". Ummm, yeah!! She is starting to talk a little more - knows most of her body parts and can identify over 20 animals (yeah, I'm bragging a little!). She's a smart little cookie - which can sometimes be mistaken for stubborn :)



Drake is the Happiest Baby EVER. I swear the kids does nothing but smile, laugh and EAT. Man, can this kid eat. It's like a buffet 24/7 around here. At 3 months he weighed half of his sister (16 lbs - Drake and 22 lbs - Gabby). I tell Brandon often - "I think we're growing a linebacker". His personality makes up for the fact that he is still getting up at night to eat - but I'll take it if it means a happy, healthy baby.

I've recently had the opportunity to be able to stay at home with the kids. I like to say I'm "retired". I never envisioned being a Stay at Home Diva/Mom - but I can honestly say that I can't imagine one single day without seeing their smiling faces now (even if said faces are covered in grapes, snot and the occasional grean bean.). I'll take it! I learned with Gabby that the 1st year goes by oh. so. fast...so I'm grateful to be able to share in their every day milestones. Plus - it gives me more time to convince them to someday find me a nursing home with an open bar. :)