Doodle Bug is Growing Up

Jude, our little Doodle Bug, is really growing up on us. He says the sweetest and funniest and silliest things lately. He is putting together some wacky phrases and making up all kinds of stories....just to get a word in on his brother's conversations. Hilarious (...though sometimes a little bit annoying...)

His hand-eye coordination is also improving daily. Jude is writing, drawing, and doing puzzles like a pro.  He especially likes to write his name or draw monsters. He also likes to draw people or faces. He is quite good at puzzles and isn't afraid to tackle a big one...with a little encouragement. 

Eli making the same face HERE

Jude is getting really strong too. He wrapped up another session of gymnastics last week. Originally, the trampoline and climbing the ladder were his favorites, but now he loves the beam and the rings. He loves to do "L" sits on the rings....abs of steel!!! Wow! 

Jude is almost 3 1/2...and definitely not a Baby Dude anymore....a Doodle Bug instead. 

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In other fun and exciting news: Eli is cast free!! Woohoo! A day or two shy of 8 weeks, and his foot finally healed enough to get the cast/boot off. He was definitely excited; feeling footloose and fancy free. 

He still has some residual pain and the muscles in his ankle and leg have been sore after so many weeks of not being used. Matt and I are going to start doing some little PT exercises with him as he still limps pretty badly. But overall, this is a major relief and super exciting. 

Happy Easter

We had a low key and mellow Easter this year. With Eli's foot still healing, we decided to not go to the beach. The weather was wacky....rainy and chilly...so our planned egg hunt on Saturday was cancelled. The boys still had a great weekend. Each night during the Triduum, the boys and I read from the Bible to recount the events that happened each day. Eggs were dyed on Saturday in preparation for Easter Sunday. 

Both boys were super into the idea of the Easter Bunny coming this year. We have never really talked it up, but Eli was super excited which got Jude super excited. Jude was up and out of bed several times checking to see if the bunny had come yet. He did! 

Matt and I decided to go to the earliest service, so once we woke the boys, they were allowed to find their baskets and collect a few of the MANY eggs the Easter Bunny had hidden, but then they were great sports and got all dressed up in their best for mass.

Jude has to make all kinds of crazy faces for me before he will give me a nice smile. Love him!

Once we got home, they hunted for more eggs. Jonah needed a nap, but the big boys helped make the Resurrection rolls for our family brunch later. Eli looks forward to these every year, and Jude was a great helper this year too.

We are so thankful for the gifts God has given us.

 Happy Easter, everyone!

Oh Church, come stand in the light!

Our God is not dead, He's alive! He's alive!!

My Handsome Date

I took Eli on a date. He picked the restaurant (Hurricanes, of course) and then we were off to the theater to see Junie B. Jones.

My very handsome date dressed up for the occasion. We played tic-tac-toe and connect-the-dots while our food took FOREVER!

It was not an easy night as we were already running late, got stuck in traffic, and then it was pouring....and my umbrella was hanging by the door at home. We were drenched after having to walk a ways to the theater from our parking spot. Determined to have a good time, we enjoyed the show. Topped the night off with some fro yo for Eli. Love the one-on-one time with my big boy.

All About Pink

When Lindsey was in town to help shower Kristi and Steve's little baby girl, she surprised us with a little bun in the oven of her own! Woohoo!

Isn't this adorable?? 

Yay for Z and Matt B! 

We are beyond thrilled and excited for your sweet little {growing} family!! 

And, yes, it is a girl. Yippee for another soon-to-be niece. It is all about pink. Love it! Can't wait to spoil all these little baby girls. 

Cuddle Time

Recently, Jude has been requesting cuddle time with any willing participant. Besides Mommy (we have some pretty epic morning cuddle time around here), Grandpa seems to be his favorite cuddle buddy. Jude specifically asks Grandpa for "cuddles" which must include a back scratch. So sweet!

And we were lucky enough to have Aunt Susanna around for an extra week after the shower for Kristi. She was in town for a conference, and we took advantage of the time....and cuddles. 

Who doesn't love a good snuggly cuddle?

Showered with Love

A baby shower for our sister, Kristi and her sweet, baby girl brought all of my sisters and I together for the first time in several years. It takes a big event, and this was definitely worth it!

When the long distance (Florida/Colorado/Oregon) planning began, we decided to use a children's book as the theme for the shower. After looking around for some inspiration, the peachy pink and white color scheme with blue accents from Pat the Bunny won us over. And we ran with it from there...

We even carried the theme over into the foods and served lettuce wraps and bunny and carrot shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 

The guests were invited to play a little game of Guess Who with childhood pictures of all of the sisters, Steve, the nephews, and our parents. The clothesline of pictures turned out really cute and the winners were awarded "It's a girl!" pink OPI nail polish. 

the Grandmas-to-be

She was definitely showered with lots of love, wishes, and gifts. Always so fun to see all the cute little {pink!!} things. 

Each party guest left with a CD of the music played during the shower as well as a sweet treat. 

Such a beautiful day. It is so very special to celebrate such a joyous moment in a sister's life. We can't wait to meet this dearly desired, precious, and prayed for baby girl.

She is already so loved.