Happy 20 Months, Rhys!!

Our big boy is growing up right before our very eyes!!! I want to slow down the process! I want to slow down TIME!!! He is changing SO much, and I can't keep up! Oh, I praise the Lord for this precious boy, for exactly who he is, and what a blessing to get to be part of his life! "Thank You, Lord!!! Thank You!!!"

Rhys' new FAVORITE is TRACTORS!!! We've had construction going on next to our house for about two months. I was thinking it was going to be a miserable process, interrupting afternoon naps and waking us up early in the mornings, but it's actually not affected naps or mornings at all! Instead, we've had the benefit of ENTERTAINMENT as Rhys stands at the windows, watching the tractors for HOURS!!!! :) {Terrible quality picture below, but you should be able to see Rhys, holding his lovie, of course, and probably saying, "Tractor! Tractor! Tractor!" while watching the bulldozer dig up and pour dirt into the dump truck, just outside our window.}

This is what's going on outside... A boy's DREAM!!!!

More about this month of our sweet Rhys' life...

Time with GOOD friends! Doesn't this guy look SO happy!?!?

Well, he is! In the company of sweet Jocelyn, who kissed Rhys the very first time she EVER met him!

And Jude, the over-protective little brother???? :) Jude's a sweetheart, just doesn't want anyone to know it! ;)

And Rhys is now feeding himself {sometimes :)}!!! Here, he's feeding himself chicken, using a fork!!! Yay!!!

Oh, Mr. Independent!!! And Mommy loves this very much, especially with Caleb here, now!!!

Oh, and last, but certainly NOT least!! :) The highly honored lovies! Rhys was given a package of three matching lovies (basically, small blankies with a stuffed animal's head on one corner) at birth. I had NO idea he'd use ALL THREE!! This child SUCKS on the TAGS like a pacifier!!! :) It's really sweet, but it's also GROSS because the lovies smell spoiled at least every other day. I wash them every two or three days {I have to SNEAK them away from him and into the wash! Sometimes I can't even get them into the dryer before he's looking for them! :)}, and I even soaked them in vinegar this week, in hopes of getting rid of that awful, sour smell!

So, now that I've established the importance of these lovies :), I can share that last week, Rhys absolutely would NOT take a bath one afternoon without ALL THREE of those lovies!!! I tried to explain why they did not need to go into the bath tub with him, but then I realized that it's just a phase, and, truthfully, the lovies DID need a bath! :) So, here is our big boy :) with his lovies, I mean "paci's" :), in his bath!

What a WONDERFUL month this has been!!! And, although I haven't shared any pictures of the Rhys and Caleb together {because I just haven't made any, I guess}, Rhys is so sweet to his brother! He points at Caleb's toes, eyes, nose, etc. and names those body parts. He is learning well how to be gentle with little Caleb, and we are thankful for that.

We love you, Rhys!! Happy 20 months and growing!! Love, Mommy & Daddy. XOXOXOXOXOXO............................. :)

Holiday & Other Fun T-Shirts

I've created some fun T-Shirt appliques and monograms at Sweet Creations!

You can see all the shirts here! Hope you enjoy browsing!!

Introducing, "Sweet Creations by Shireen"

I've finally put together a site to share my sewing and embroidery creations! I call it "Sweet Creations by Shireen" for two reasons: 1-my name means sweet :), and I've always wanted to use that for a 'business' name, and 2-most of what I 'create' I would characterize as 'sweet,' personalized baby gifts and other handmade things.

http://sweetcreationsbyshireen.blogspot.com/

I invite you to visit my new blog periodically as I share new, fun items...both sewing and embroidery! Please include comments!! I am offering a FREEBIE in the month of October! I will have a name drawing from all who comment this month (September), so take me up on it!! :)

Thanks, and I'm excited to share!!!

Happy One Month, Caleb!!

Caleb made a month on Friday! Whew! Time is flying by!! He is doing so great, for which we acknowledge and praise our Lord! He's easy going, eats well and quickly {that makes Mommy happy! :)}, sleeps well for naps and at night {not quite through the night just yet, but we're definitely praying and working toward that direction}, and he's just a pleasurable addition to our family! I look at him and think how marvelous God is...what a beautiful piece of creation this child is! Yes, I'm totally biased...he and his brother are PRECIOUS in their Mommy's eyes! :)

Just look at this little gentleman. :)

Such puppy-dog eyes...oh, I'm a sucker for my children...I will cave in for just about anything! :)

We wish you a happy one month, sweet boy! You are such a pleasure, and your Daddy and Mommy and big brother love you VERY much! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO :)

A FUN Four-Day Weekend

God has blessed us this season - these four months in Missouri - with three four-day weekends, which have been SO needed for our marriage and our family, as Russell stays SOOOOOO busy with training! Oh, I am SO thankful for this long Labor Day weekend!!! We have enjoyed a wonderful COOL break from the HOT weather, so we've spent a LOT of time outside...going for nice, long walks, drives through the countryside, playing on playgrounds, and Rhys' new favorite...scoping out ANY kind of tractor or heavy machinery/equipment.

There is an outdoor museum on post of all kinds of military vehicles and equipment, which we ventured through yesterday, and Rhys kept saying, "Dah-dah," his version of "Tractor." :)

Rhys is intimidated by the SIZE of most of these "beasts," but he let Daddy get him up close and personal with them. I think he'll be ready to start climbing all over them in just weeks! :)

Caleb continues to grow into a handsome little fellow, and we enJOY our time with him!!

Then, we were BLESSED with a visit by this amazing couple! Parker and Emily drove up to MO for the weekend and spent yesterday afternoon and last night with us! We were TREATED to some needed fellowship with them! I was like a live wire, so excited to see them and to get to catch up! The guys went for a drive through the base and through the country to get their guy time, while we girls got to stay in with the kiddos and catch up on the last few months!! Our hearts are INCREDIBLY fulfilled since our time with the soon-to-be Dalton's!! :) "Thank you, guys, so much for coming to see us!!! We love you two with all of our hearts and look forward to celebrating the union of your lives and hearts so soon!!"

Whew! It's just been such a great weekend, and I'm excited that this training week will be a short one because today is a holiday!! Yay!! "Thank YOU, Lord!!!"

A Night Out with My Soldier

Last Friday night, Russell and I attended one of his military formals. A friend kept Rhys for the evening, and we were able to take Caleb with us. It was great to meet so many of Russell's training/class mates. I didn't bring ANY dress clothes to Missouri, but the Lord more than provided in options of dresses and all the needed accessories through girlfriends that I've gotten to know here! It all came together LAST minute, and it was a sweet evening at my husband's side! I am so proud of him and thankful to be his partner in this life.

I must say, he is quite the stud in uniform! :)

We head back to B'ham in less than a month, and we look forward to the changes ahead of us!

Bath Time

Sponge bathing Caleb has gotten easier for Mommy, and what a treat to wrap him up in this cute towel from our sweet friends, Chris, Tara & Crosby. :) Thank you, guys!! :) Doesn't he look so cozy? :)

Our little froggy. :)

Mommy and Caleb time...sweet moments that I know won't last long! I cannot get Rhys to sit still with me for even 30 seconds! :) So, I'm trying to soak up as much cuddle time as possible!

Happy 19 Months, Happy 2 Weeks & Happy 3 Years!!!

Rhys turned 19 months this week! He's growing like a weed, has several more teeth coming in, is as curious as ever (has his daddy's engineer brain, trying to figure out how everything works!), loves his baby brother, giving Caleb kisses and rubbing his head on Caleb's head :), playing hard, learning a lot, saying new words, etc! He is a pleasant boy, and I do enjoy our days together!

Just last Friday, Papa and Grandmom and I took him to play group, and he learned how to ride a scooter! He hasn't quite mastered riding one alone, but shoot, if someone else were willing to balance and push it while I stood on it, I'd let them, too! He's a smart little fellow! ;)

It's been a fun month, and "Daddy and Mommy wish you a happy 19 months, sweet boy!"

Caleb turned two weeks yesterday! I took him to his 2-week pediatrician check-up, and he's above his birth weight at 7lbs 4oz! Hooray! So, he's eating well, sleeping well, and he's just the sweetest little cuddle bug! He has a head FULL of black hair! (Rhys had a head full of hair at birth, too, but it had a red tint to it!) I'm so thankful for this new little man! He is really easy to care for, and I realize this go-around that this infant stage passes so quickly, so I'm really taking advantage of the sweet cuddle moments. Thank you for your prayers for a safe and smooth delivery and recovery. Caleb and I are doing GREAT, and we are all transitioning, praise the Lord, very smoothly!

Finally, Russell and I get to celebrate three wonderful years of marriage today! It's been more and more fun and fulfilling each year that we've gotten to celebrate! I praise the Lord for my wonderful husband, who is amazing to me, and who is SUCH a great father to our children! I thank him for his selfless service to us, always putting us before himself!

We got to celebrate last Friday night by going out for a yummy dinner and sweet time together, while Russell's parents kept the boys for us. It was FUN to get out and EAT without getting stuffed after one bite! Not being pregnant definitely has its perks! :) More room for food in the belly and not having to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes because there's no longer a baby sitting on my bladder! Ha! Anyways, we plan to spend good quality time together with and without the boys this weekend, which will be great for our hearts!

Happy THREE years, my sweet husband!!!

Now, A Family of Four

Caleb was 'scheduled' to come into this world last Friday by c-section. However, he decided to change all of our 'plans' the Tuesday before, August 10th, at 3:30am. Russell was heading out the door, off to his morning physical training, but I was sure to 'warn' him that I was hurting in my belly area...Caleb seemed extra heavy that morning, and I was feeling a lot of pressure. I was not really excited because I was terrified of having to go through labor pains {my memory of labor pains with Rhys is still VERY vivid!!}, and, frankly, we had it all planned out...if only Caleb would stick to the plan! :) See, we have Rhys, and what in the world were we going to do with him if we had to go into the hospital before childcare hours???? {I knew he wasn't supposed to be present if I were admitted, and I KNEW I was about to be admitted!}

Well, I called Russell, maybe 10 minutes after he left for PT. His phone went to voice mail TWICE!! I left him messages, letting him know that I was fairly certain that I was in labor and contracting. He called me back several minutes later {his phone had been on vibrate}, and I told him that my contractions were as close as 5 or 6 minutes apart, I'd already called the hospital to let them know I was coming in, I was packing last minute things into our hospital bags - in between major contractions! - and I was needing him home NOW! I wasn't really that 'firm' with him, but I was speaking as lovingly as possible, considering the pain I was in!!! He was home by 4:30ish. He loaded up everything, including Rhys, then, he found me on the floor on my hands and knees, trying to get through another contraction so that I could get myself into the van. Russell was AWESOME!!! He put on his emergency flashers and made a 10 minute trip in 5 minutes! We got to the hospital, and I won't go into detail, but it was the most painful experience I've ever had...labored for two hours before an anesthesiologist showed up. I went from wanting to punch his lights out for being so LATE to wanting to kiss his feet for giving me that spinal and making the pain go AWAY!!! Hooray!!! It was smooth sailing from there!

One c-section later, Caleb arrived, just as beautiful and healthy as could be, and we've been a family of four ever since! :) And I have to make mention that both Russell and Rhys were SOOOOO good through the whole thing! Russell held Rhys in one arm and offered me his other hand the entire time of laboring! Rhys just watched all that drama and did fine. We had nowhere else to take him, but I remember thinking (while sweating, screaming, breathing and TRYING to NOT push) that God prepared Rhys for this morning, is giving him such a sweet composure through all the drama and will surely protect his sweet mind from remembering anything too terrifying. Rhys did so great, and I know we needed that! "Thank YOU, Lord!!"

Warning: LOTS of pictures, but that's what everyone's been asking for. So, here you go! I'll try to let the pictures tell the story...

A delighted Mommy and Daddy with their new little one!
Finally home! Jenn, Ryan, thank you for Caleb's super-comfy blanket!! :) Soooooooo soft!
And, Ashley, do you recognize the red onesie below? :)The boys...And don't forget Papa!! Russell's parents were here as fast as they could get here! They drove 10 plus hours from Louisiana and were here the next morning to keep Rhys company at home while we were still in the hospital. And they've stayed for 10 days to help ME {and the rest of us :)} adjust to life with two little ones. They leave tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll cry and grieve the loss of HUGE HELP and uplifting fellowship!! I'll save those tears for tomorrow, as I move on...
Look at this cute, little bundle of love and joy!

A proud Papa!! A very loved little man!

And I canNOT get over how BIG Rhys is next to Caleb! He's so LONG and even HEAVY {only at 24 lbs!} compared to Caleb's light-weight 7lbs. This boy is CHUGGING some milk, recently! Just yesterday, he had at least 30 oz throughout the day, and he's eating all of his Grandmom's good, home-cooked meats and veggies! Thankfully, there's enough left over to freeze and serve for several more of his meals! I'm taking notes on how to cook such yummy veggies so that I can get Rhys to eat them! :) "Thank you for the cooking tips, Grandmom!" :)

We are doing great! Russell's been training everyday, even while I was in the hospital. He's ready for a weekend to rest and experience our current family. He's home in the evenings and is amazing with Rhys, Caleb and with helping me, even as tired as I know he has to be!! I've transitioned well in feeding Caleb and taking good care of him, while also spending intentional time with Rhys so that he adjusts to the 'newness.' However, next week will be my first week without help, so I'm already praying toward that transition to be smooth, as easy as possible and that the Lord would give me supernatural energy and motivation. It's going to be difficult in the midst of the transition. I'm sure that each day will be different from the next, but God has allowed us this gift of life at this time of life, and we're all thankful and know full well that HE will carry us through it in such a way that HE is glorified!

We do praise HIS name for this sweet season of life! If you feel led to pray for the coming week(s), I would appreciate it!

A Fun Saturday Evening with Friends...

I am so behind on sharing how we're doing, but my type-A brain is making me go in chronological order! I started this post before we went to the hospital unexpectantly to have Caleb, and I'm just getting back to it. Seems I have to finish it before moving forward! :)

God has blessed our lives RICHLY with the meeting of these new friends since our move to Missouri. I could never have planned such a perfect provision as HE worked out for us through this wonderful family, Joshua, Cristina and their two little ones, Jocelyn and Jude. We got to spend Saturday evening (two weeks ago) with this sweet family, celebrating Jocelyn's 3-year birthday. It was a FUN (HOT :)) evening with yummy grilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken, fun side dishes and yummy yummy vanilla with strawberry icing cupcakes. They went all out to make the party special, and we all had a great time of fellowship!

Jude & Jocelyn...aren't they precious! Yes, Jocelyn is wearing her bathing suit. The kiddos threw water balloons and had a large tub of water to jump in and out of and other fun water toys to keep them cool. Great ideas for an August birthday!!Rhys enjoyed playing in the water...He discovered a water gun for the first time! :) Look at that inquisitive mind at work! :) Hee hee!!!Then, he climbed up and found the food! He started eating anyone's food that was left on the table, starting with left-over cupcake pieces and juice boxes! That child has to be watched at all times! :) I love him, and I'm enJOYing this age! He keeps me going, that's for sure! He would've eaten the paper if I'd not stopped him. Seriously, he already had a chunk of it in his mouth!
Russell and Joshua are in training together and have become buddies very quickly. Joshua did a great job manning the grill!This may be the ONLY pregnancy picture I have this go-around, and, of course, it's when it's HOT, and I was all nice and swollen feeling! :) All in all, this pregnancy was WONDERFUL, and I'm ready to do it again! As God would permit, we would be elated! Maybe round 3 would give us a little girl???? :) Whatever the LORD wills. Amen! Joshua & Cristina. God knew we needed the fellowship and encouragement of this precious couple. They love the Lord, and Cristina quickly became a life-long friend to me! "I love you, girl!!!" My 'battle buddy' :) during our season of growth here. {Caleb was very ready to show face! He came less than 3 days after this picture! :)}

What a sweet season this has been here in Missouri, even sweeter with such great friends in Christ! We are thankful!

Pics of Caleb and Family

Here are some pictures from our hospital stay. I know I said I'd let Shireen post the first pics but we have no public access to the internet at the hospital. (I guess Al Gore hasn't gotten to that part of his internet project...too busy with global warming I'm sure) So, since demand is so high I figured I'd go ahead and steal all the glory.

Here is the new family of four.

Rhys talking with his little brother

A better picture of Caleb


Caleb playing peek-a-boo

Thankfully my parents made it to town yesterday to take care of Rhys during this time. Tomorrow Shireen will be discharged and we will enjoy the weekend together at home.