every captive thought

I'm 35 weeks today and found out at my appointment that I am dilated to a 2!  So excited to meet Katy Jane! We had a busy day getting a lot done.  But first thing this morning Nana took the boys to story time at the library.  James loved it.  He was front and center.  Jude...was not impressed.  He spent his time looking the other direction...  Checking out the other kids... And practicing his yoga... After my appointment, Brad, the boys and I ran some errands.  We got Jude's hair cut. Then we got a planter and some plants and Brad and James got it all hung and planted.       I love how it turned out. James was up past his bedtime and I think he was tired. I love his dirty little face. He worked hard and was proud of himself.  I was proud of him too.  My sweet boy.

Today is Brad's REAL birthday!  Happy Birthday Sweetie!  I love you so much! I made Brad a special yummy lunch which made my kitchen look like this... But it was so worth it. Then we had some cupcakes. Later Brad worked with James on his golf swing.   Then he had some work he had to do.  I love how he holds his mouth when he is concentrating on something.  His Daddy does the exact same thing.

Yesterday morning Grandma had all of her grand kids over to play.  We had a great time.  At one point all of the kids started laughing at something that was apparently hysterical to those within the 1.5-3 year old range.  It was precious to hear all of their laughter.  It was also a little shocking to hear how loud 4 kids can be. Addison, James, Lo Lo, and Jude Brad and I keep the babies in our room for the first few months of their lives and we already have the bed set up for Katy Jane.  Last night, the boys realized how comfy her bed is and what a great place it is to watch cartoons from. We have her big crib set up in the kids room, the little crib in our room, the bassinet downstairs, and the swing also downstairs.  The other day James looked around and said, "Why does she have one, two, three, four beds???"  Good question. This morning we got out to run a few errands and afterwards we went to the park.  James is fearless.  ...

When we found out we were having a boy when I was pregnant with James, Brad went and got him his blue puppy.  James was in love with it.  He has literally loved 5 or 6 of them to death.  We have had to buy several replacements. When we found out we were having another boy with Jude, Brad went and got him a brown puppy. Today he got Katy Jane a pink puppy.  So cute!  James got a new red hat today so he could be just like Daddy.  I think he looks super handsome. And little Judie Bug always looks handsome no matter what he's wearing.  Even in cowboy boots and a pajama top.

Today was day 2 of celebrating Brad's birthday.  Brad's favorite dessert is a Zuccotto.  He loves it and I love to make it.  Here is the inside.  So yummy! We went to eat with Brad's mom then came here for dessert. I couldn't get the boys to look at me for a picture...they were too interested in the cake. Yes, Jude is set on wearing these boots everywhere.  Even out to dinner.  I just read an article about saying "yes" to your kids as much as possible and save your "no's" for the things that really matter...bc they hear "no" enough.  So..."YES!  You can wear your boots with your shorts to dinner." This morning James and Jude were watching Curious George and James had a strainer on his head.  Of course, that makes perfect sense.  He was totally oblivious to me taking pictures of him. Jude was not.  He is always camera-ready. We have had a fun two days celebrating Brad and it isn't even his real birthday...

Brad's birthday isn't for a few more days but we like to stretch our celebrations out as long as possible around here so today was celebration #1 at Mom and Dad's.  Mom made one of Brad's favorite meals...hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and grilled corn on the cob.  She also made a special trip to the only store in town that carries his very favorite kind of root beer.  What an amazing mother in law!  I made creme brulee for his dessert. James helped blow out the candle.   After dinner and dessert the boys played outside.  It was a beautiful night.    Then James started a water fight.      After the water fight the boys snuggled up with Nana and Papa to get dry.    My handsome birthday boy. On an un-birthday related note...Jude decided to wear cowboy boots all day today.

The boys like to stand on the coffee table and James calls it "the stage".  He likes to sing or act like a 3 year old and get big laughs from Mommy.  This morning he entertained me with the Bob The Builder song.  The best part was Jude's version of it at the end. Tonight, about an hour after I had put the boys to bed, I heard my door open and two little boys came tip-toeing in.  Jude was dragging both of his blankies behind him and they got up in bed with me.  I'm a sucker for snuggle time so I let them stay. Although it looks like Jude is watching a horror movie...it was actually just a really intense part of Curious George .

The boys have spent the past couple of days working in Nana and Papa's garage.  It is just the kind of little boy fun that they love.  And riding bikes. Judie Bug tries to keep up with his big brother. What a precious blessing my sweet little boys are to me!  I am enjoying these last few weeks with just my guys.