Happy Thanksgiving!

Neacel and I are sitting here eating dry Honey Nut Cheerios, cuddled with a blanket watching the parade. You can hear Nick in the room still snoring, and I'm waiting on the baby to cry. The weather is rainy and yucky, but in about 2 hours we are heading to my parents house to stuff our faces with all the yummy food. I can't wait. We are staying at my parents tonight and around midnight my mom and I will head out to brave the crowds of other insane shoppers dying to get those special deals!

I thought about listing things that we are thankful for in our home, but then I realized, we would be here all day. Can you imagine the things Neacel would say he is thankful for? So instead we want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone! Simple and to the point. Of course we are thankful for the gospel, our family and friends, our health, a roof over our head, and so much more. We hope everyone has a wonderful turkey day, eats a ton, gets wonderful after turkey naps...followed by eating some more. Enjoy the family and friends, the football, the smells of everything, the conversations and of course the crazy crowds (if you brave them).

3 years...and 2 kids later

I can't believe its been 3 years for Nick and I. Its been a fun and fast paced 3 years to say the least! So much has changed with moving, jobs, kids, school...I don't think this is exactly how we had planned things a few years ago, but I do know that I love the life we live together. I love our little family! We have been blessed with 2 healthy boys, and they were blessed with an amazing father. Nick is the type of dad that you see on tv, the one running around with the kids, sneaking sweet snacks here and there, on the floor just spending quality time with them. Although Broden doesn't do much, Nick will just hold him and talk to him forever, or have him watch football with him. Neacel requires more attention so Nick is constantly playing choo choo's, blocks or something. Neacel and him are currently planning on going to an Akron basketball game and eating nachos....they both are very excited! Nick is an amazing husband, and helps so much around the house, and always makes sure that he puts us first before himself. He is doing so well in school so that he can provide more for our family. He is such a great guy and I'm so happy that 3 years ago we were able to be sealed together for time and all eternity. Since having Brody, Nick has made more meals then me, cleaned more then I have, and taken care of nap time/bedtime with Neacel more then me, while still taking care of things for school and attending classes! Now tell me that isn't the best husband ever! Oh and I won't mention how he tells me to nap and he will take care of things!!!!


We didn't do anything this year for our anniversary because its been just completely crazy in our house. With family and friends visiting, my recovery, Nick in school, Neacel's birthday, and of course a new baby...we just threw it off to the side. I love having Nick by my side, and I know the boys love having him around too :-)

*don't forget Neacel's birthday post below*

Happy 2nd Birthday Neacel!

Neacel turned 2 on the 13th but we celebrated on the 10th with Nick's parents and mine. Nick and I debated alot on what kind of cake to get Neacel...Choo Choo's (his new love), sports, Elmo, or Caillou. We ended up finding a Caillou cake so we went with that, we figured everything else we could do later years. Neacel was thrilled about the cake...he kept yelling "Caillou Cake!" We were so happy to see him happy and excited. Neacel's new love is his Thomas train set...it started a while ago when I was at Target with my mom. She asked Neacel what toy he wanted and he said "choo choo" since then he has quite the collection. Mom got him a track for his birthday, and there are 3 smaller ones that we plan on getting him for Christmas. He got blocks, clothes, cars, books, puzzles and tons more. He is so spoiled. Daily we have to play with blocks, and choo choo's...I think its time for a little variety.




On a little side note, Neacel went in for his 2 year check up and he is doing great. He is 30lbs and Nick doesn't remember how tall he is but I'm thinking about 35inches...guess I should get the tape measure out and find out for sure. Nick had to fill out a little questionnaire about Neacel and his development, according to what Nick put Neacel is developmentally 2 years and 9 months. Neacel is so good at remembering things, counting and catches on very quickly with everything. He talks so well, which I am so thankful for. He got a flu shot while he was there, and wasn't happy about his "boo boo" but got over it quickly with a choo choo sticker. When Nick and Neacel got home, I asked Neacel about the dr appointment, he simply says "Boo boo" and then gives Nick a dirty look.

Neacel is a wonderful big brother, the only problem is he usually causes the problem that he wants to help fix. Example: Neacel has never wanted binki's but he suddenly wants them, and by them I mean Brody's. So when we aren't looking Neacel will grab the binki out of Brody's mouth and put it in his own and run! But as soon as we say that Brody wants it back he is willing to give it back, and usually wants to be the one to shove (literally) it in his mouth. He will take his blankets too. While he loves taking things from his little brother, he doesn't hesitate to share toys, give hugs and kisses and talk to him. I'm excited to watch them grow up together and become good friends!

Broden Christopher is Here!

Broden was born Monday at 8:59am. He was 8lbs 4oz and 21inches long. He is such a calm content baby and sleeps like a dream. We came home on Wednesday and everything is going great. Surgery went well and I'm recovering quickly. Broden is a spitting image of Neacel as a baby, just a little smaller, and not as much energy! We can see that Broden has blue eyes, and tons of dark hair but we are excited to see if his hair stays dark or goes blonde like Neacel's did. Broden is such a perfect addition to our family.

Neacel has done well with the new baby but the word soft means nothing...its something we need to work on big time, but he is always wanting to help the baby and loves to talk to him. He loves to give his baby brother kisses and tries to hug him but its more of a shove with his head. My mom and Neacel came to visit us in the hospital on Monday and I was interested to see how Neacel would do. Neacel walked in the room and went over to Broden, pointed and said "Baby Broden". I was shocked that he knew who he was without anyone saying anything to him. The only thing we have had a hard time with is Neacel not understanding that I can't hold him or let him sit on my lap...I try to explain that I have a ouchie on my tummy and he still doesn't care, he just wants to sit with me. Luckily, Nick and my mom have been a huge help this first week. Mom took care of Neacel and Nick took care of everyone. He has been super-dad for sure!

Even though its nothing but sleepless nights and energy filled days with Neacel, things are just perfect...with or without naps! I think at this point I'm running on adrenaline I just don't know where its coming from. Anytime I get to comfy on the couch I doze off. Nick is exhausted and Neacel has all the energy in the world so things in our home are a little crazy! As for now, my house is a mess, Broden is sleeping, Nick is still passed out and Neacel is watching his favorite Caillou show.....I'm loving the simple silence. Nick's parents are going to be here later today and will be staying till Friday. We are so excited to see them and for them to see the boys! Its going to be a fun week for sure! Wednesday we are having a combined birthday party for Nick and Neacel while Nick's parents are here. Neacel's birthday is this Saturday and Nick's isn't until the 26th but we wanted to do something while they are here! We also have our 3rd anniversary this week! Talk about a busy month.....