"Happy Independence Day, Daddy!"

 
 
 
Dennis taught Ethan to say "Happy Independence Day" and it was so adorable. We had a wonderful day in Augusta with family...grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, great-grandparents...the boys got plenty of attention! We even made a trip over to the Woodbridge Pool where I spent many summer days growing up. Mom and Dad's church had a service and bar-b-que. It was touching to see my grandfather honored for his service in WWII and to hear all of the patriotic music--really makes me thankful to live in such an amazing country that is worthy of fighting for.

Happy Retirement, Frances!

 
 
 
Frances started working for my family before I was born, and she has always been part of my life. I am thankful for her presence in my life for many reasons. For starters, she provided love that was different from what I received from my parents (she didn't HAVE to love me, yet she did!), she was the most dependable and reliable person I've ever known (she missed 3 days of work in 32 years!), and she tells it like it is. She is truly a part of our family.
As the four "kids" (Catie, Chad, Matt, and I) pondered this big event, it felt like the end of an era. We are officially grown up if Frances is no longer at 3 Pine Hill Ct. on Thursdays! We had a wonderful time last weekend with all of her kids, plus some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. What a unique opportunity to celebrate Frances! Thank you, Frances, for all the years you spent with us and for making us feel like your own.

Hair Cuts

 
 
 
Isaac needed his first hair cut a bit earlier than Ethan! The two boys had a great time getting trimmed up last week. They look great...always look older to me, which makes me sad...but definitely an improvement!

What do I do all day?

Sometimes I wonder myself. I try to stimulate my boys as much as possible, keep our house mostly clean, and take care of everyone--including Rocky. Some days I don't know what I've done other than feed and diaper everyone...but most of the time we have some fun activities planned! Whether it's music class, time with the cousins, going to the library, walking around the neighborhood, or running errands with mommy...we have a good time! The pool just opened, so we can add that to our summer repertoire.
Isaac has some new tricks (and so does Ethan--he can now do a somersault!) and we call this his push up time. He loves to look at the world by lifting his own head! We also will spend quality time in our new jogger stroller--my wonderful birthday gift!

 
 
 

Mother's Day...good work boys

I tried really hard to get both boys to cooperate for a photo shoot this afternoon. I think the pictures are pretty hilarious, if not framable! Enjoy!!! (notice: no babies were injured during photo shoot!)


 

 

 

 

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

We met up with "Uncle" Phil at the NC Zoo on Saturday for a fun visit! We got to catch up while Ethan was fully absorbed in all the animals. This was such a fun time to go, because Ethan is all into naming animals and he really enjoyed getting up close and personal. He loved the chimp (his name was "Hondo") who literally travelled across the containment area to come say hello to a violently waving Ethan. It was a highlight of the day, along with the polar bear that kept diving into the water. :)

 
 
 
 

Isaac and the Great-Grandparents!

Since Ethan was a bit delayed in the first few months because of his prematurity, it's been fun to watch Isaac meet or beat important milestones! He has been laughing, smiling, and making eye contact for weeks. He also has great head control, and even enjoys sitting in the bumbo for short periods of time!
We had a wonderful family trip to the mountains and got to spend some time with Grandpop (happy 92nd!) and Grandmommy (happy bday to you, too!). The boys loved it! (except Dennis--he goes crazy without TV and internet--haha)

 
 
 
 

Isaac loves the ladies...

Isaac is a very smiley and talkative baby for his age, and it is so much fun! He already makes friends wherever he goes and is a social little man. Auntie Anna was visiting for a few days and Isaac (clearly) enjoyed her company very much!

 
 

Our Budding Basketball Player

Almost every time we get out of the car, Ethan says "play basketball". We used to just play in the driveway with Dennis' basketball, but I knew it was time for a kiddy hoop. Dennis' parents gave Ethan one for his birthday, and even though it's still a bit too tall...he LOVES it. We play outside every day, usually with Mommy helping him dunk. :)

 
 
 

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ethan!

Again, it was fun to have grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins here to celebrate Ethan's 2nd birthday with us! Ethan *loved* singing the birthday song, and really enjoyed all the cake, too. :)

 
 
 
 

Easter

We had a great time with all the cousins here for Easter! We had an Easter egg hunt, and Ethan really loved his dump truck basket.

 
 
 
 

Mother of Two

 

I must say, everyone had prepared me for the worst! I had nightmares about a jealous 2 year old and a constantly crying baby...but I am happy to report that it has been smooth sailing (so far!) for the Chen boys. Ethan is a precious older brother who loves to hang out with Isaac. In fact, at bedtime Ethan gets upset if Isaac can't be there for story time & usually Isaac's name is one of the first words out of Ethan's mouth in the morning. Ethan gives Isaac kisses, shows him toys, and helps me hold his bottle. Isaac smiles as soon as he hears Ethan's voice, and clearly enjoys his brother's antics very much. Looks like a match made in heaven...but I always say, so far, so good. I can be thankful for today. :)