Our Mimi

Mom remembers back when Charlotte was born and having mimi come stay.  While the stay was so fabulous, the leaving was horrendous.  So she was prepared for this to happen again with Levi's birth and her extended stay again.  The awesome thing is she now has her own apartment to stay while she is here.  So, she comes over to baby hold and do her chores and then back to Mimi's house she goes for endless TV shows and wine.  What a life though, right?!

We are so happy when she's here.  Mom says it's like having her own wife.  I love it because there is always a little extra food given and extra kisses handed out.

Mom likes it because.....
She always has water
She's always willing to hold a baby
She's always doing laundry
She cooks every night
She cleans every day
She watches kids so mom can get some breaks
She helps load up the kids and the car
She turns on lamps (why this is hard...not sure)
She allows us to play outside longer so mom doesn't have to rush home and get us fed
She always has my and Cindy's dinner ready after a walk
She sets the table
She gets Charlotte's show ready at night (and if not... "mimi where my show!?" bossy little booger)
She gets bath ready for Levi with all the fixings
She makes lunch
She's a companion

To say we are lucky is an understatement.  She is our favorite visitor and we would prefer she just come live with us.   We cherish our days with her and hope she always finds her way back to us every couple of months.

We love you mimi.

First Easter

Happy Easter to two wonderful kiddos, plus Cindy and myself of course!  Easter is a time for celebrating but this day was rather somber for some of us as it is Mimi's last day of her month stay.  Mom gets so sad for the obvious reasons.  Less help, but less time to have another adult to talk with all day.  Kid talk gets a little old and let's face it, I'm a man of few words.  Tears were shed but we knew she would be back in a month (which seemed like an eternity).  

We tried to stay positive by dying eggs, opening overflowing Easter baskets, and eating candy all day.  Because you know mom hates for you to have candy, you would find it and then either go hide and eat it all or open an egg and immediately shove it in your mouth before she could take it from you.  Both methods very effective.  

Levi took the opposite approach and pretty much slept his Easter day away.  Snuggled by every family member, he couldn't complain.  

Happy Easter family!  

Let's Go Fly a Kite

One fun day around the neighborhood is Kite Festival Day.  How does the wind know to always be working on Kite Day??!  With Mimi in town and Charlotte's love for kites, everyone thought it would be fun to attend this event.  This was also your first time of getting to fly a kite!  Although we were a tad worried you may get taken away by the wind!  Kites, cheeseburger, and ice cream...what more could you ask for in a great day!

Girl's Just Want to Have Fun!

Just because we added another boy to the family doesn't mean there isn't still days devoted to girl time.

"Picpics" is a favorite of Charlotte's and will hopefully become one of Levi's favorite too, since he's going on so many these days.  Fresh air and mom snuggles makes being outside the best.  Unless there is any wind at all, then you're just ticked.

One of mom's favorites is getting her toes done.  Not sure what the fun in that would be but Charlotte got her first pedicure on a mommy Charlotte date day!

 

Load 'em Up

Getting out of the house is key for mom's sanity.  However getting out of the house with two kids can also make mom go insane.  It's quite the fine line we walk every day.  But, we don't want Whole Foods to worry about where our family is, so off you guys go, once a week.

Grocery shopping is all fun and games until someone craps their pants.  In the baby carrier.  Right after shopping started.  So, the 5 minutes of getting out of the car are now spent heading back to the car to change some diapers and clothes and nursing a hungry baby.  It's a good thing big sister is so understanding.  Well, it's more a good thing that she can be easily bribed with a sucker.

Changing a poop filled diaper with the majority of it up your back is quiet tricky when its 100 degrees out and there is no back seat space due to two car seats.  Alas, it can be done though.  With all modesty, and expectations, out the window what would be a 20 minute shopping trip now turns into a solid hour of being at the grocery store.

I know we will look back on these days as funny.  I wonder when that day will be??

One Month!

Happy 1 month birthday Little Boy Blue, Levi!  It goes by even faster the second time around.  A stark reminder that this time is such a blip in life and to soak up every moment, even when it's so hard.  

This month you've done a lot yet hardly anything at all.  As far as milestones....you smile.  A hold you head up decent for a fresh baby.  Other than that, not a ton to add to your resume.  

You've experienced your first Easter, planting your first garden, first bonfire, your first photoshoot (where you poop-bombed it), and meeting every grandparent imaginable.  Mom learned that taking two kids is much more of a beating that just taking one, and that three piece outfits are not meant for babies.  

Mom wrote that she never knew she could love a boy so much.  She had her doubts....but boy was she so glad to be wrong.  You are sweet as pie and everyone could kiss you for days.  I know I like to sneak as many licks in as possible.  

You are growing at a rapid pace, making this baby time go by even faster than most of us would like. You are intoxicating and addicting.  We are so thankful you are ours.  

Love you Levi Bradley,

Nelson