two brothers in a tub

{Cohen thought it was SO funny that they had to cover their peepers}

 This was Brendon's first tubby in the big tub. We've been PATIENTLY waiting for his cord to fall off. The majority fell off, but it looks like he has an "iney" belly button, and there was a piece still in there.

Cohen thought it was SO COOL that his brother had a tubby with him.

But NOT so cool when Brendon decided to poop.

Cohen was out of there!

Co was a good big brother and helped wash him, or at least drip water on him to keep him warm. He was tempted many times to dump his cup of water on him....

Good thing Dad has cat-like-reflexes to stop him.

I get so excited when my two boys get to do things together!

Can't wait til they are running around chasing each other, getting into trouble.

B R E N D O N

 This little brother is getting more handsome everyday.

We went to the Dr. a few days ago and I have two healthy boys. At 6 weeks Brendon almost weighs 12 lbs. CHUBBS. He's definitely getting enough to eat. He has been acting really uncomfortable after most feedings. So we got him some drops that I give him just before he eats, up to 4 times a day. They seem to be working. Other than for the last feeding of the night - I've heard some babies just have a "fussy time". Cohen never did, but I thing Brendon might. Almost every night he fusses from 10 - 11 pm. I can't wait til he grows out of it, or til something changes. Also, he has a little spot, kinda like a bubble, on the pupil of his right eye. It's very very small and was there when he was born. The Dr. said it would go away but still hasn't. So, we have going to see an eye Dr. soon. It doesn't seen to bug him. He's also had a bit of a heat rash, but is slowly going away.
He has started to smile, which we LOVE. Haven't got a pic of it yet.

 My poor kids - they are attacked with the camera from the start.

They will thank me later one day, right?

What a sweet little brother.

TIRED

 I'm not gonna lie....

We're tired.

REALLY tired.

Two little boys are a load of work.

Medical school just adds to the excitement.

Would I trade a minute of this time in my life for anything?

NO WAY.

Hard days come and go, but the good days and good times out number the bad by a LONG ways. I am lucky to have the family and life I have.

Oh so lucky.

GRAPEVINE LAKE

 {Brock & Co and Andy & Nixon}

Today we ventured out and took a trip to Grapevine, TX to the lake. It's about 40 mins from our house. Beautiful lake, and it would be even more beautiful if we had a boat to drive on it. One day.... The Philipps and us went and beached it for a couple hours and had a picnic. It was HOT HOT HOT so the water felt good. Having two little kids in the heat is not too much fun, nor the best idea I'm sure, but we had fun for a bit, and did our best to keep cool.

{Bren was sleeping during this picture}

Brendon's first lake trip. Successful? Maybe not completely, but he's a good sport. We didn't dip him this time just because we didn't have shade close enough to the water. Next time for sure.
We will have to bring a canopy so we can have shade. Our pavilion was a little far away.

Still had a great time,

with great company.

P.S. Our A/C in our car went out on our way home.
Talk about a sweaty little family.
I just have to laugh at it, so I don't cry. HA!

two boys at the grocery store

 {Mr. Chubbs getting some lovin' from Dad}

I have a funny story for you...

The boys and I made a "quick" trip up the street to the grocery store last night. All was going well. We were about half way done when Brendon woke up and started crying. Not good. I expected him to sleep the whole time, which never goes as planned right?

We pushed on, trying to hurry things up. He started to calm down until he got the hiccups. NOT GOOD. They make him oh so mad. Brendon is now screaming and every person in our view stares. As we are going down our last aisle, an interesting gentleman approached me and said "Can I look at your baby?" I said SURE. He then said "Oh poor little guy, he's probably cold." Probably not, cause he had a blanket on. The man then said "Well did you try his binkie?" {WHO IS THIS GUY?!} I said "Yes, he doesn't suck it when he has the hiccups." The man then gave me a sad I-feel-bad-for-you face and said "Hang in there!" Nice and encouraging YES, but trying to tell me how to make my baby stop crying, not so helpful.

We finished up and rushed in line to check out and I start bouncing Brendon in his carseat as I'm trying to unload my groceries and tell Cohen to please keep the lid on his cup and stop dumping his drink out. Brendon is now crying so hard that he forgets to breathe. The bagger boy is saying random things to me like "It would be so weird saying I was born in 2011!". WERIDO. Just while I was being checked out, I counted 6 people come up to me trying to "help" or just stare at us and say "Ohhh!" in a sorta whimpering voice. I'm wanting to die or cry at this point. I swipe my card and THEN realize it was the wrong card. They couldn't cancel the transaction so I then had to go to customer service to get the charge put back on and charged to the right card. Cohen is now raising his voice at me so I can hear him over Brendon's loud bloody murder cries, and he's saying "It's time to go home Mom!" The WEIRDO bagger boy comes up to me again and asks for the 3rd time if he can help me out to my car.

Nice again, but I just wanted to get away and get home.

Almost two hours later we made it back home.

I wanted to cry, but I chose to laugh and told Brock about our adventure. He then laughed with me.

I only attempted to shop with both boys 
again because the first time was very successful.

I may reconsider next time.

B O Y S  WILL  BE  B O Y S

 {Cohen and his buddy Jonathan Ewell}

 Yesterday our friends Sarah Ewell and her little boy Jonathan came over to play and get a haircut. The Ewell's were in our ward in Provo and we're lucky enough to have them in Fort Worth close to us. Sarah is pregnant with TWINS {boy & girl} and we can't wait to meet them in 3 months. 

The boys went out back to supposedly play in the sandbox. Jonathan didn't know we have a rule to not turn on the hose, and Cohen obviously didn't want to tell him because they were having WAY too much fun. I couldn't help but get some pictures first before the fun was ruined and the hose was put away. We stripped them down, hosed them off then brought them inside. These two buds ran around in their diapers playing baseball, of course, making each other giggle.

The joy little laughter brings is so great.

Thanks Sarah and Jonathan for a fun morning!

Mr. Baseball

 {disclaimer: I did not pose him. This was ALL on his own.}

 {I found this dodgers shirt at a yard sale. 

Maybe at the next one I can find a Rangers or Cowboys one.}

I feel like Cohen has grown up A LOT in the last two weeks.

He is learning that he has free agency.

At times it's a good thing, others not so good.

Lately I feel like when he gets bored, is when he pushes my buttons and he knows what buttons of mine to push - like being too rough with Brendon who is very content laying on a blanket then cries for hours after Co messes with him. He is very anxious for Brendon to get BIG so he can play and not "be soft" all the time.

There is nothing small about his imagination lately. I was in the laundry room and he came up and said "See ya Mom! I'm going to mow." He took his lawn mower around the house and came back and said "Hi Mom! How's your day?" I said "Good how's yours going?" He replied "Oh good. I need to edge now. Thanks Mom. See ya later." He then went and got his sword {pretend edger} and went to "edge" just like Dad does.

He is also very secure with LIFE, and is fearless when it comes to jumping, falling, wrestling...wild little boy stuff I guess.

Last night we had family home evening and it's his job to WELCOME us to FHE. Every time he stands on the ottoman and welcomes us. Last night after he gave his awesome welcome he threw his hands in the air cheering then did a timber dive into the ground as if he was going to land in water. No hesitation whatsoever. He fell right in his face and his head got smashed back and his neck bent. Brock and I about had a heart attack! He cried which rarely happens unless something is real hurt. Good thing we have a DOCTOR in the family {dr. daddy} that took him on the bed and did an examination to make sure nothing was broke or too hurt. He cried for maybe a min then was up and running. MY GOODNESS!

Tough as nails, and fearless.

Bad combination.

I love him.

He is my best friend most days, and keeps me pushing through these long days.

I feel like I could go to him to talk about whatever and have him listen to me, even if he doesn't know what to say back at times. 

He's growing up. Getting smart. And I truly love him.

b a l l p a r k

 Last Friday night we made a trip to the ballpark.

Brock played in our ward softball game, which he randomly does when he is available. It's a city league and all the teams are churches. Kinda cool, and interesting. They do not fool around though. They take it SO serious, it cracks me up at times. They are very strict with rules {like you can't have your hat turned backwards, you can't bat out of order OR ELSE, and if you cheer you'll get kicked out of the game - just kidding} The rules aren't so bad, but some of the guys act as if they are playing for a world championship. That's great though, right? Be passionate about what you do.

Anyways...

Brock did great! I love watching him play and have fun, and Cohen loves it much more than I. The whole game he cheered {on his own, might I add} "Yay Daddy! Go Cougars!" Ha. He's still in BYU mode I guess.

 Staying cool with the juice, of course.

We bought an airhead for 25 cents at the game, 

and Co thought that was just so cool and yummy.

Entertainment well worth a quarter.

And here is MR. CHUBBS.

He slept/sweat the whole game.

Poor boy - when I got him out of his seat his shirt was soaked.

Which then turned into heat rash all over his chest and belly, and in the creases of his arms and neck, a little on his face. Boo! It didn't seem to bug him at all though. And went away by the end of the next day.

The FOSSIL RIDGE team lost by 1, but it was still a great night at the ballpark. Cohen lighting up watching Daddy made the night.

*SIDE NOTE:

On a positive note... I heard Cohen sing every word of I Am a Child of God yesterday for the first time. Wow. Talk about tear jerker. He makes me so happy.

On a not so positive note... Brendon MAY have reflux problems.

NOT like Cohen, not even close. He hardly spits up at all, but something is definitely bugging his stomach/throat after almost every feeding. He'll arch his back, throw his head back and whine in his high pitched SAD/hurting cry. We're going to the Dr. this week, so results we'll be coming soon. Poor little guy. 

He's still a very good 5 week old baby.

three babes in diapers

 {Mia Weinert :: Cohen :: Nixon Philipp} 

Cohen and I are both making new friends!

And it feels so good.

Andy and Beka Philipp are in our ward and they are wonderful. We had them over for dinner last week and we had a great time. They have a VERY HANDSOME little 1 year old boy, Nixon, that won my heart over right away. Him and Co have fun playing, even though he's younger. I think Cohen enjoys being a little bossy with him. We're working on that as of now. "That's MINE" is a phrase I hear several times a day out of Cohen's mouth.

Beka is so great! She is keeping me sane. My boys will thank her later for it. She has been coming and picking me and the boys up and dragging us around to have fun! We've been to the mall, and pools, and the splash pad. I can't tell her enough how much it means to me to have a sweet friend to help make these long days ENJOYABLE. 
{Thank you Beka! I owe you forever}

These cute little babes are darling. We had a date planned to go the a splash pad, but when we got there it was closed. BUMMER. We attempted to play at the park near by, but after about 15 mins we were ROASTING. But that wasn't going to ruin our day. We went back to the Philipp's and swam at their clubhouse.

 {Cohen & Nixon. Cute little buds}

  

an evening at the park

 Playing at our neighborhood park.

We got in just enough playing time before the storm rolled in.

We love the good ol' outdoors.

Especially when it's below 100 degrees outside.

Answer  to  PRAYER

 WE GOT POURED ON!

It rained for about 6 hours.

It is 2:42 p.m. and it is only 81 degrees.

Ahh. Relief.

Cohen played out back for 45 mins with the door opened and he was IN HEAVEN, as was I getting chores done inside while watching/listening to him play out back by himself.

We're are enjoying every minute of this coolness.

Tomorrow's forecast....

HOT. 104 degrees for the high.

Bummer.

 

 {Cohen will LOVE this nose-picking picture when he's older}

things i've been missing about UTAH:

• MOUNTAINS
• running into a familiar face at the store
• the dry heat
• CAFE RIO
• family and friends, of course
• feeling like I'm "home"

[boys  of  mine]

 Brendon Lee

= will be 1 month in 3 days

= is starting to loose plenty of hair, as you can see above.

= as of yesterday we are starting to get him on a routine.

[eat.sleep.wake cycle - worked WONDERS with Cohen] so far so good. He has cried himself to sleep only twice and for less than 10 mins. each time. Keep it up buddy!

= last night he only woke up once to feed him at 3:00 am, then again at 6:30 am. 

I'll count that as ONE feeding in the night.

= loves hearing Cohen's voice.
= his eyes already look very brown.

= starting to be more alert when awake.

= getting some good chub in his cheeks and thighs.

= still grunts A LOT, even in his sleep.

= very content when awake

= after he has eaten, burped and pooped he loves to lay on the ground by 

himself on a blanket. I guess he needs his alone time already.

Cohen Todd

= is quite the tease

= has been on a naughty streak, nothing too bad, just lack of attention I think. He knows what he does is naughty. We sternly tell him not to do that and he'll reply "oK!" [emphasis on the 'K' along with some attitude]

= LOVES to kiss Brendon, especially with food on his face. 

Maybe that's why Brendon has two little zits on each cheek. Hmm...

= loves to watch shows A LOT, due to the way-to-hot weather. 

Some favorites: Barney, Barney & Barney. Hope this passes soon. ;)

= still loves his big boy bed. He will sit in bed after he wakes up until I go to get him. I tell him he can come out when he's up, but he hasn't came out on his own once.

= still obsessed with lawn mowers/blowers/edgers.

= is attempting to pee in his mini potty. has only gone before 

he gets in the tub. not WAY interested right now.

= wants to help with everything - vacuuming, dishes, laundry. Ok by me! 

The sooner he learns, the sooner he can help, right?

Two healthy/happy boys.

Full of personality.

beat  the  heat

Texas is CRAZY HOT.

It's been over 100 degrees {plus humidity} for 40+ days. 
Water and popsicles outside is how we're surviving.

We are in a serious drought.

Kind of scary when I stop and really think about it.

Yesterday, big storm clouds rolled in and got my hopes up.

NO RAIN.

Please rain....come pour down on us!

In the meantime, we will be taking shorter showers.

B r o t h e r l y   B o n d i n g

 I am the mother of TWO boys.

Overwhelming at times, thinking of the responsibility that is on my shoulders to teach, love, nurture these sweet boys. We definitely have our days and moments that don't go as planned, that's for sure. There are mornings I cry with Brendon and yell with/at Cohen, but most days by the afternoon I feel able to make it til bedtime. I will say that I feel spoiled to have two boys that are so well-natured, that naturally LOVE each other, and have giant spirits ready to conquer this crazy life.

These days I think A LOT about my "job" as a mother.

I see it as a privilege.

My boys teach me more about life and about myself DAILY then I teach them in weeks, I'm sure. They teach me patience and how to be more selfless and humble. During this adjustment of bringing Brendon into our home, I feel I have been LACKING in these areas immensely. But, the love I have for my sons and my wonderful supportive husband keeps me going. Keeps me "wanting" to stay positive, although I struggle a lot of days.

In a nutshell....I am privileged to be their MOMMY.

It is definitely MY pleasure.

Cohen has been filling Brendon in on the WONDERFUL WORLD of CARS

SUNDAY with GARZA'S

 Oh how we LOVE the Garza's.

We gladly excepted their invite to come for dinner.

Cohen and Brooklyn are becoming quite the cute little friends.

It's so interesting to see the differences in them being male and female.

Melissa made the YUMMIEST chicken pesto dish over rice {that I'm still craving} and we had fruit pizza for dessert - enough said!

 The kids played "house" and had a blast sweating out back for a bit. 

Sweet little ones...the heat doesn't even phase them at times.

THANKS once again Garza's for another successful SUNDAY with GARZA's.

Many more to come.

Oh, I like the sound of that.

CHALK  for  the SIDEWALK

 We love CHALK.

call me super mama

I did it.

I left the house with myself and my two boys.

I was only brave enough to make it to Home Depot, 1.3 miles from our house. Hey, but that's a start! We went to the Saturday Activity {1st sat. of every month Home Depot has a project for kids to make} and Cohen/Mama made a wooden pencil box. Pretty cool. I will admit only half my nails were hammered in all the way, and one was barely in and bent completely to the side. Oops. Daddy does a much better job. But "A" for effort if you ask me. Cohen still loved it and did a GREAT job putting stickers on it.

We got a ticket for a free hot dog at the stand out front, which we ate as we walked to the car, and of course before leaving we made a pit stop to see the lawn mowers.

Our next outing......Walmart - 4.5 miles away. :) 

Big Boy Bed

 I have not been looking forward to this day.

My BIG BOY no longer sleeps in his BABY crib.

Last night was the first time Cohen slept in his new bed.

He did great! I was very proud of him for being brave.

He walked out once, but Brock and I put him back in bed and didn't hear or see him again. Although, when I was up feeding Brendon at about 1:30 am I went to check Cohen and found him asleep on the floor next to his bed. Nothing was around him, not even his blanket. Hmm... not sure if he fell off or got down and fell asleep on the floor. I lifted him back into bed, and he slept safe and sound til 8:00 am this morning.

At this moment he is taking a nap. He was a little sad when I was leaving his room after putting him down, but we put Mr. Bear next to him and he felt better. :) Also I told him after we take a rest we can go eat a Popsicle outside. {Hey, there is nothing wrong with a little bribe every now and then} He's been sleeping for an hour and he did not make a sound going down. That is NOT normal for Cohen. He usually lays there and chats for at least 20 mins. 

Could this new change REALLY be this easy?

I'll keep you posted...

I love my big boy, Cohen.

Good job for being so big and brave.