My little one year old

It's hard to believe it has already been a year. You turned one on August 26. Nolan you are an amazing sweet little mama's boy. You are happiest in mama's arms and love to be cuddled. You finally sleep through the night and you go down for your naps like a champ. You still love your binky and I am not sure how we will break that habit. You love to nurse and refuse to drink other milk. You take one drink, shake your head, and say "uh-huh". You want everything your brother has and he wants everything you have, even if you both have the same thing. You two communicate in a way only brothers do and I love to watch you guys giggle and play. You are pretty much walking but still think crawling will get you there faster. Nolan Joseph, I love you with all my heart. Happy Birthday sweet boy.

Nolan's birthday party

The next day after lunch, after all of his friends had left. I literally turned around to grab something in the kitchen and came back to find poor little man passed out in his chair. Parties are tough when you're one.

It was the hottest day of the year and we had ourselves quite the pirate party in celebration of our little one, Nolan turning one. All the planning, organizing and preparation for the big party was worth it. I may not have sat down until 10 o'clock that night but there was fun had by all. Thank you everyone for coming, your help and gifts. We feel truly blessed to have spent the day with all of the special people in our lives!

Going to the zoo, zoo, zoo . . .how about you, you, you?

BFF- Haley & I

Rach, Haley, & I and our caravan of children.

Carter wanted more pictures taken, boy loves the camera!

(Sorry Raleigh, your hat was too small, your mama later informed me there was a hat in your bag. We found it so don't worry you didn't wear this one all day long.)

Raleigh woke up to see this big boy smiling down on him!

Carter woke up Friday morning to a baby boy all bundled up in a car seat sitting on our bench. We had the privilege of watching Raleigh on Friday while his mama and papa went to work. Carter was very excited to find out little Raleigh was going to spend the day with us. So Grandma and I ventured out to the zoo with three sweet baby boys to meet up with the girls and their beauties!

We had a great day in the sunshine and all the babes were on their best behavior. Does this mean I am ready for baby number three???!!!!

I didn't do it mama. . . look at this face!

Wild little stinkers emptied out mama's drawers the other day. Too bad it was my underwear drawer. Future girlfriends will love this picture!

Lost without it

So our trip to the ocean was a blast, but I am sad to say I came home with a broken camera. I feel like I have lost a limb. I feel like I am missing priceless moments that will be permanently erased from my memory without the pictures to remind me. Okay dramatic but all is well because a new life line should be on our porch by Wednesday. It leaves my blog post with nothing but words so here we go.

Last year at this time I was patiently waiting for the arrival of our second boy. Not knowing what life would be after two little ones in our household. I can't believe it has almost been a year. I truly believe that having two babies makes you officially part of the parent club (nothing against only children parents). It is a whole new game juggling two of them though but I love it and I can't wait for more. (Only one more and pray it is a girl, because hubby says his is snipping the supply after the next.)

So what have these two stinkers been up to, well. . .

Nolan are a mama's boy for sure, you can't get enough of your mama which I don't always mind. You have taken about 4 steps so far and I am sure you will be walking within the next couple weeks. You can say "mama", occasionally "dada" and your sweet little "uh huh" when you are being naughty. You look up to your brother and everything he does. You always want the toy he has even if you have the same. You love your binky and mama is thankful for it to (although scared to break the habit someday soon) You are still nursing like a champ even with your 9 teeth, poor mama. You eat like no baby I have ever seen, baby food was not for you and you want everything that brother is eating. You have beautiful long eyelashes and a smile that is to die for. You like to scrunch up your nose and giggle, you sound like a little piggy. I love you to pieces.
Carter bug, my little toddler. My little man all grown up, so indepentdent with a heart of gold. You have learned to love your brother and I love to watch you play. Your hugs are sweet and you like to pat and rub my back when you squeeze. You surprise me with your words, saying "I love you" out of the blue but yet to repeat it again. Hearing it one time will keep me smiling for months to come. Your love of music is unbelieveable, you would dance in your sleep if there was music playing. You make your mama and daddy proud everyday in all that you have learned. You love to listen to books and fall asleep on mama's chest when she reads. You love animals and are hilarious when you inmitate their sounds.
My two little men, I love you so much. Thank you for being mine, thanks for making me your mama.
Love, Mama

Grown up time

Anniversary dinner at Umi's sushi

Wedding in Semiahmoo

My summer days are spent being a full time mama, finding things for the babes and I to do (while daddy is at work). And don't get me wrong, I enjoy every moment we spend together but sometimes a mama needs a little break. I would be lying if I said it was easy to spend all day and night taking care of babies. Like tonight for example. . .

I am in the process of trying to teach Carter how to use the potty. I am taking it very slow and he sits on the potty before bath time every night (proud to say he has gone potty a few times on the big boy pot). So tonight Carter is on the potty and Nolan was already in the tub. Then Carter joined him in the bath but he must have not finished his business in the toilet because when he got in the tub he finished going pee on the back of poor Nolan. He then proceeds to do the big job . . . in the freakin tub! So I have everyone evacuate the tub so I can sanitize the entire place. Two soaking wet babies out of the tub and waiting for me to fill it back up again. Meanwhile Carter runs to the play room to wait for me to say the tub is ready again. Oh the surprise he had waiting for me. . . again not finished with his business, he pooped on the floor in the playroom! AHH!!!

So I think from time to time, a little break from poop patrol for mommy would be a good thing.

Seabrooke. . . look out the Becker's/Tharaldson's are here

Uncle Josh & Charlie

Nolan taking in the ocean view

Daddy relaxing on the beach

Grandpa snuggling one tired little man

My little fish, who had just b-lined for the ocean, clothes and all.

Playing at the playground

A big a** stump, Eric thought was very cool

Shuffle board, anyone?

Cheers to Grandpa Nick & Grandma Carol who made this trip to the ocean possible.

Uncle Josh took this lovely picture just for me. Oh brother how do I love thy, let me count the ways. . . you are . . . my brother. Put here to drive me crazy, but I love ya!

Family . . . .

Well we packed up and headed to the ocean. 6 adults, 2 kids, and 3 dogs . . . quite the adventure. Grandpa & Grandma B treated us all to a fabulous week at the beach. We had our own huge house in a cute little town called Seabrooke, about 2 1/2 hours from Seattle.

I am exhausted so I will have to share details later. Goodnight!