{joy} School 2011

Isn't he handsome?

It was a tad bright.  Hands to your eyes like goggles and problem solved.

Me and My Buddy. 
{he got homemade bread from school and couldn't even resist.} 

He loved his first day of Joy School.  They learned about the letter 'A'.  He actually learned something and loved it.  I am so glad we decided to do this.  It is hard to believe we are actually starting to do this {above picture}. 

Time flies.

Hogle ZOO

5.3.2011
Hogle Zoo

Here are some pictures of our adventure to Hogle Zoo.  Farrah and I took the kids up and had a blast.  I just got to see these pictures and had to post them.  My camera has been dead for a long long time. 

Enjoy.

 

I miss those little kiddos... and of course their mother. :)

This was a fun day.  We are so lucky to have amazing family. Lennon is so excited to see his cousins again.

I don't blame him.

labor day

This year labor day was unlike any other.  We enjoyed the sun and beach with a bunch of our good buddies.  I don't know if it gets much better.  Infact... they are such good buddies that they {sheree} took some amazing photos of my kids.  I am waiting on my camera's battery charger.  It should be on its way.  In the mean time enjoy these little guys, cause I sure do.


note: Holdens gap. amazing.

My kids could swim and play at the beach all day.  It is the greatest.  We love Florida and couldn't be more stoked.  B is super busy {except he did come to the beach with us on Labor Day} and learning a ton.  We both feel so blessed to be where we are.  Naples is amazing and so are the people.  Lennon still says he misses "home" {Alpine} and so do I, but we couldn't be happier about where we ended up {I mean look at those photos!}.  Today  he said, "Mom, can we go to the airport?"  translation:  "Mom, can we go HOME now?"  Kind of sad but he soon gets over it.  There is just something so great about living near your families. I am so grateful for my family.  We love and miss you all!! 

-Life is good!-

Happy Labor Day 2011!!

this little nut...

Today I was at a friends house and Lennon and her litte boy were her bedroom and Lennon said...

Lennon: Is that your mom? {pointing at a picture}

Brady:  Ya.

Lennon: She is Bootiful.

Then they giggled and continued to play.

Unreal.  I thought I was going to die.  Love that little grom.

Another funny thing happened today with him.

We were at the dinner table and Lennon was sitting accross from me.

Lennon:  Mom! Pull my finger!

Me: {Pulling his finger}

The rest is history. :)

He is getting too old and is 100% boy. 

Boy oh boy do I love him.

Happy 3rd Birthday Lennon!!

*better late than never*

Before moving to Florida we celebrated Lennon's 3rd birthday with everyone he loves best. 

I made two ghetto cakes... one for Holden, and one for Lennon. Don't judge.

Holden enjoying his cake.  This kid can pound food.  So great.

Lennon and Rohen

Peace.

                          

                    Grandma and Grandpa Nilsson.

Bobert and Dotty.

Lynn, Amber and Milo.

 
Jake and Jamie.

Grayson. Cute little guy.

B and Chad

 
Becs.

Mayci jo.

Lennon's best buddy. Christoph.

Two trouble makers, Ridley and Logan.

Spence and Asher.

Grandma and Grandpa Hofheins

Lennon was so spoiled.  What great family and friends he has.  Really. I think that was the best day of his life.  He still talks about his birthday.

Lennon buddy... You are three!!

I can't even believe it.  You are the funniest little three year old I know.  Once you have warmed up, you love the stage.  You are all boy.  You love sports and you know how to play almost all of them.  You love your brother more than anything in this world.  What a gift that is.  You are so smart.  The things you say crack me up.  I am lucky to have you as my best bud.  I love you and I am excited to watch you in this adventure called LIFE. 

Cheers to three years!!

** more on Florida later... I promise.**

 

we are here...

We made it!

Florida is good.  Things are crazy but good.  B started school, I got us moved in and now trying to settle ourselves.  I will post a lot more later this week, but just so you know, we are here and life is good.

XOXO

Holden is ONE!!!!

Holden is ONE!!!

I know this is a tad late, but better late then never.  We are celebrating Holden and Lennon's birthday tomorrow (tomorrow already come and gone, but I am just going to pretend I am on the ball) but I thought Holden deserves a post of his own.  Honestly I can't believe this guy is already one years old.   He sure threw us for a whirl.  I am so glad things worked out the way they did.  I remember when I was in the hospital not knowing what the outcome was going to be, it was so hard to imagine me being able to bring my baby home.  I didn't want to go there only to let me down in the end.  I do remember one day when I let myself go there...  Farrah was there and I was having a rough rough day.  I remember explaining to her (in complete tears), "what if I have this baby and I can take him home and we get to celebrate his first birthday? If that seriously happens, I want to throw the biggest party ever." Honestly, I wasn't so sure that was going to happen. If I could have seen this post one year ago I would have probably passed out. 

What a miracle.

 

This is Holden's diapers just one year in comparrison.  The one on the right is seriously the size of a cell phone.

I have seen and changed a lot through this experience and the best part about it is I keep seeing and learning things.  Holden has taught me more about myself then I ever thought possible. 

The day after Holden was born.

Just going through pictures of the last year it is hard to believe that it all really happened, and better yet, that we have the outcome we do today.  It is so humbling to look back and realize how blessed we are.

Holden with his monkey (thanks chris and azy!).  I can't believe the comparrison.
** another note: B just buzzed his head. :)

Holden is the sweetest baby around.  Really he is.  He honestly has been sweet since the first day he was born.  I remember being warned by all the NICU staff to watch out cause he will soon get an attitude.  A lot of long term NICU babies become pretty fussy and stay fussy.  Holden is not fussy.  He is just the opposite.  He is so happy and is so mellow.  Sometimes I forget he is even there.  He loves to hear himself talk.  You would never know he had small lungs. The kid has a wide range. :) 

Take one, two and three...

 

Final take.... and STOKED!!

B and I took Holden out for a little dinner and let him polish a cupcake for his birthday.  We knew we would have a party for him sometime but we had to do something on his birthday.  He loved every minute of it and so did I.  This day will forever be remembered.  It was definitely no ordinary birth. 

Lennon and Holden (I think their heads are the same size. Awesome)

This picture above says it all.  Lennon's best bud.  I can't help but get emotional when I see that.  I can't help imagine what life would be like without my little angel.  Holden worships his brother and I think the feeling is mutual.  I know without a doubt that Holden knew Lennon prior to this life.  I think Lennon is probably the reason Holden fought so hard.  Their connection is something I haven't ever seen.  It is REAL.  I am so grateful for that.

Holden buddy, you had a rough start.  You went through the unthinkable and now look at you!  You are a healthy, happy little one year old.  Although this year has been hard, I wouldn't change a thing. You fought some crazy battles and I am so grateful you are as tough as you are.  I think you knew we needed you in our family. 

I truly have seen the Lords hand in my life and I am grateful for that.  I have also seen an amazing miracle and I am so blessed to be the recipient of that miracle.  Holden, you have changed me to the core.  I love you always and forever little guy.  Can't wait to celebrate many many more birthdays.


Holden's One Year Stats:

Weight: 18.4 pounds (3%)
Height:  Can't remember :) (5%)
Head: 98%  Just like his brother. Massive Noggin!