4

My darling Seth turned 4 last week. It has been a crazy time and I meant to get this written last week, but I couldn't go any longer without mentioning my Seth.

My second son, Seth, was born a short 13 months after our first child. He surprised us all!!! But, he has been a wonderful surprise in our life. And after a scary first 24 hours in the NICU, has been a very healthy active boy. Life would certainly not be as fun, loud, or full without him.

Seth lives life fully. He only stops when he literally runs out of energy. He does everything at full speed; he doesn't walk he runs; he would rather be moving than sitting still. His laugh is infectious, and he can make you laugh until you cry. He might run over you in his quest to do something, but he will also be the first to offer you a hug or kiss to feel better.

Seth is always the first to notice people's feelings and the most sensitive to how other people are feeling. And while he is usually the loudest thing in the room, he is very sensitive to being talked to in even a slightly raised voice.

It has been a fast 4 years, in every possible way and I can't wait to see what the rest of his life holds. He is a tremendous blessing in my life and I can not imagine my life without my full of life little boy.

Riley

Riley did not want to go to bed tonight. She cried for quite awhile after we did our normal nighttime routine. Once she was quiet I went to check on her and this is what I found.........



And in case you don't see what's funny about this site, here is a close-up.......


Kids really can sleep anywhere!!!

more pictures

Here are a few more pictures from FL. I haven't downloaded anything from my camera yet, but I hope to get that done today.

Florida

We are home today from an incredible week in Sarasota, FL. We had a great time visiting family, relaxing, and playing at the beach. It was wonderful to have a week of no deadlines, timetables, commitments, household chores, or any requirements except having fun and relaxing as a family.

Here are a few pictures from our week in Sarasota, I might post a few more later when I get the rest downloaded from my camera.


My favorite pictures from the whole week.

Soccer

The boys have started soccer, and while our last 2 games have been rained out, they are really enjoying soccer. Here are a couple of pictures from their first games. And before you ask, no they are not on the same team, they play in two different age groups, but somehow ended up with the same color uniforms. It' s good thing the teams put the kids first names on their uniforms or I would never keep their jersey's or numbers straight.

Noah



Seth

5

I can't believe it is time for this post already. My first baby is 5 today. 5 years ago today, after 20 long hours of labor, I was blessed with the birth of one of the cutest babies in the world. He was quite the surprise, given that they had told us he was going to be a girl. He was a long, skinny beautiful baby and I could not have been happier (you know after the shock wore off.)

He has grown so much in the past 5 years and I still can't believe what a wonderful boy he has become. He loves to dance (I'm not sure he is capable of standing still when he hears music). He has earned a yellow belt in karate and is becoming a good soccer player. Noah makes me smile all the time and he's pretty good with a knock, knock joke.

I love to hear him talk about God and wanting to please him. I love watching him learn something new everyday. I love the wonderful hugs and kisses he gives me daily and watching him smile at something silly. I love how he is quiet and thoughtful and that one of his best friends has Downs Syndrome, but all he sees is his friend and not the differences.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for my first baby. I can't wait to see who he becomes and to help him on that journey. I look forward to all the hugs and kisses of the future; even if I have to force them out of him in the future. I'm looking forward to setting in the blistering sun and pouring down rain of all his sporting events.

The first 5 years have been amazing and I know the future is only going to be more amazing.

First Day of School

Noah's First day of Pre-K



Riley's very first day of preschool


Seth's first day of preschool