Jonas' Baptism 1/1/2023

Today Jonas was baptized.  He has been so excited and watching him prepare over these last few months has been really sweet.  He earnestly desired to follow the Savior and prepare for the covenant he'd be making and the ordinance he'd be receiving.  

You could see his gifts of tenderness, thoughtfulness, ability to be a friend and seek after reverent things. 

A couple of weeks ago we talked about what name/title of Christ is our personal favorite.  Jonas picked the same one as me.  The Prince of Peace.  Jonas said he loves this title because he wants to feel peace.  When you know Jonas, you can see this and feel it.  

Yesterday Jonas and I were able to go on a breakfast date.  It is fun to chat and hear all the funny opinions he has.  We went to Waffle Love.

Before the baptism when the font was filled and before the doors were closed Brooks said, "I want to go in there!  I can swim by myself."

Then during the baptism as they opened the doors to the font he started banging on the glass and saying, "I want to be baptized.  I'm going to break the glass."

During Brooks' sleep he said, "I don't want eggs!  I want candy!" 

4/17/23- Mason and Basketball

 Mason had a basketball game.  He’s a fantastic player.  Great at dribbling, shooting, fast breaks, being part of a team.

But, my favorite thing about watching him play is his desire to help his teammates succeed.  Tonight I noticed that several times during the game he stopped and passed to the same teammate.  I’ve seen him do this before with his good friend when he was trying to help his friend to meet the requirements his dad gave him to win ice cream after the game.
But, this particular kid isn’t one of Mason’s good friends.  After the game I asked Mason if his coach had asked him to pass to this boy.  Mason said no.  He had just noticed this boy didn’t get the ball very often and he just wanted to help the boy make a basket.
Talk about sweet, kind, observant, humble, etc, etc.
I was so proud of him.  He really is one of a kind. 

Brooks- "It's hard being this many." (9/25/2022)

This morning the boys were playing in the basement.  They were frustrated with Brooks because he was taking a toy they were using.  At this point they had barricaded the door so Brooks couldn't get in.  I came down to intervene and see how I could help.  As I sat on the bottom step, Brooks came to me with arms wide open and big crocodile tears.  I embraced him and as he sat down between my legs he said, "It's hard being this many."  (As he said this he held up 3 fingers.). Then he said, "Maybe it'll be better when I'm this many."  (Once again he held up fingers, but this time it was 5 fingers).  I reminded him that Mason is 5 and it's still hard for him sometimes.  

This morning I thought about this.  I love the thought of how we go to our Heavenly Father with arms wide open and big crocodile tears.  He embraces and listens.  But I also thought about how it's important to be "3".  There are things that we learn at each phase of life that prepare us for things in the future.  We develop spiritually, emotionally, etc.  What did I learn when I was spiritually "3" that deepened my spirituality and prepared me to be spiritually "5" and to face the challenges and experiences I would have during that next phase.  Skipping ahead isn't the answer, even though sometimes it's hard.  Often it's hard.  

Brooks is learning so much as a 3 year old.  I will always cherish 3 year old Brooks.  Sometimes it's hard being his mom.  He is independent, curious and bright.  But he is also tender and loving.  His arms outstretched wide for a hug are my favorite.  Him telling me, "I love you too", is the best.  His sideways eye glances and big cheesy grin make me laugh.  I hope I enjoy this phase of "3" with him, that I don't wish it would move along, but I'm present with 3 year old Brooks.  

Spring is Here (3/26/22)

 It is so nice to have warmer temps so we have headed outside a lot more.  I don't have to worry about bundling up Cam as much.  Brooks is finally able to fit on his strider bike and has wanted to bike everyday.  He goes super slow and is just walking with his bike right now, but I anticipate a change the more he does it.  Mason is also out on his bike.  He is such a great biker and loves to be out there. We've taken a few rides around the block.

Jonas has turned into a little runner.  Awhile ago he ran 5 miles on the treadmill. Then he ran 10 miles on the treadmill.  Then David took him on the Pipeline Trail and they ran to Grandeaur Peak which is at least 8 miles out and back.  He ran about 6 miles running our block 20 times.  He love watching him just run and run.  He's tough and persistent.  He said it makes him feel free.

Cam's 2 month check up (3/21/22)

Stats:

Weight: 10 lbs, 12.6 oz (16%)

Height: 23.07"

Head Circumference: 38.8cm (15.28")

We love baby Cam.  He continues to be a sweet, calm baby.  Our calm caboose.  He is smiley and we've even heard him giggle a few times.  When he smiles you see his sweet dimple.  He is a really good sleeper at night and only wakes up two times.  I feed him, change him after one of the feeds and then he goes right back to sleep.  As far as newborns go, he has been so easy.  

During his two month appt Dr Smith had him lying on his stomach for tummy time. Next thing we know he is about to roll over!  There was a med student in the room and she said," Oh my gosh, he's going to roll over.  You are watching a milestone!"  He is strong and if I was better at giving him tummy time, I bet he'd roll over soon.  

It's always amazing how sweet these babies are and how fast they grow!  He is so much bigger than he was and is out of his newborn clothes into 0-3 month clothes.  

Did I tell you about all the things David had me point out to Dr Smith during his 2 week appt on 2/14/2022? Wide set nipples, low hairline, bilateral webbed toes and then to put that together with the sacral dimple and kidney issues.  David said it may be nothing, but would this be something that would need a genetics consult.  Of course to me he is perfect.  He looks healthy and strong.  I told David to stop looking!!!!

Brooks loves him so much and wants to hold him, give him kisses and if I don't watch out he'll pick him up and carry him.  One of my favorite things is that he'll hold him while rocking him and singing Rock a bye baby.  Brooks is a really sweet big brother.

Porter has actually been really sweet with him too.  We've taught Porter how to hold him probably and he does a pretty good job.  He'll carry him and make sure he supports his neck.  I love watching Porter take care of him.  I hope Porter takes this big brother role and recognizes how much his brother's will look up to him and adore him if he will look out for them and take care of them. 

Jonas and Mason are my little helpers with him too.  They are both so good at taking care of him and being careful with him.  

I love this group of boys we have been blessed to parent.