The G's

Jensen's Special Day

2011-12-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

At Jensen's preschool they do "special" days instead of birthdays, so that everybody gets to have a day, including all the summer birthdays, like Jence. Jensen had been so excited for his day to arrive- he told me he couldn't wait to bring in his snack and to do all the things the special day person gets to do, and (this was my favorite) to have me come to school with him and introduce "Sara" to his class and his teachers. So the day arrived and I got to go join Jensen in his class.

The first duty was that of flag holder- it was serious business. He called me out while taking pictures because I didn't have my hand over my heart.

Next is the responsibility to check the weather to report the conditions back to the class.

According to Jensen it was "cloudy, windy, sunny, and coldy."

This is Jensen's thinking hard face.

And during the days of the week song he got to hold onto the day-

And up it goes!

According to Jensen one of the best things about one's special day is being line leader!

Activity time upstairs.

Here we see kids "firing" Jensen and he is putting up his shield.

Fire deflected again- phew.

Playing on the "clomper- stompers"

I loved watching him interact with all the other kids. His input was much sought after.

Crazy kid show-boating down the slide.

Yay for being line leader- (he and I take turns being line leader at home, per his whims.)

Such a good listener.

I loved seeing him raise his hand and answering questions.
Their names are always in the same place, so he always sits next to Charlotte and Maddie and is a "green triangle".

Coincidentally the letter of the day was J- he is practicing writing the letter on his hand.

He got to put his name up on the felt board.

At first he was a little confused at first about why there was a G in his name. He knows that there is only a J and Es and Ns and and S...

Carefully placing the embellishments.

TA-DA!

Singing "Happy Special Day dear Jensen"

The cash register station was a popular place.

I've peeked in the window before and seen him busy in the play kitchen like this- he is usually daddy, "and Lily is always the kid, and someone else is the mom."

"I'm getting cupcakes for somebody"

"I got the salad for somebody" (Jensen is sitting on my lap while I type. He didn't like all the un-commented upon pictures)

He almost always comes home with a craft that he is very proud of.

"I love making crafts!"

You have to write your name on the back first.

His name is usually the appropriate quantity of letters in an ever-changing order.
Though just in the past few days it has started to resolve itself... sigh.

I have noted- and his various teachers have confirmed that he is always chattering at them.

He carefully pained the stripes on the candy cane...

Then it goes in the tub... (which is genius in my opinion! I have already lifted the idea...)

and then it gets sparkles on it!

Lots of them. Jensen has an afinity for sparkles. He loves them. His teacher told me that she put some glitter in the play-doh the last time she made it for the class and thought to herself, Jensen's going to love this! And sure enough, the very first time she brought it out Jensen was the one who said, "There are sparkles in the play-doh!!"

They were making a hand print wreathe.

Jensen thought it was very funny and tickley that his teacher was painting his hand.

The other favorite part for Jence was bringing his snack of choice and getting to divvy it out for everyone. I love this picture because it's how he usually looks-- talking to the teacher.

The teacher told him to put three oreos on each paper towel, but Jensen said no- that three would be too much for their bellies and they would get a tummy ache and need medicine, so he would only be giving out two each. And so they each got two.

When he finished he rejoined the group for singing time (and practice for the sing-along which I will try to post soon).

I got to join Jensen's table for snack (where I realized my choice of tangerine juicy-juice (which is light colored, therefore not as bad for juice-staches and shirt drips) combined with his choice of Oreos produces a rather interesting cacophony of taste).

He declared his special day a big success- as did I. I can't believe how fast he is growing up.

Duke Is One! ...and fair warning...

2011-11-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

So- this is for Daddy- there are like 130 more pictures of this event here than there should be. And I'm serious. So, feel free to skim...

Without further ado- I give you Duke's first birthday party!

The theme was Over in the Meadow- and we had a grand ole time!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

Jensen said, like forever ago, that he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween- I totally thought that he would come to me at every change of the breeze wanting to be something different. But no. Mine is an elephant- or has the memory of one, and here we are, a day before Halloween at Boo at the Zoo- pirate with his trusty parrot!

Come on! Hysterical!

Flapping his wings. No joke- like I said hysterical.

We went trick or treating in a friend's neighborhood- which was a great choice- we had tons of fun!

Jes and Tony came to stay for a while and brought the newest monkey!!!! Look at the little B!

Jensen is enthralled with his new little Basil and talks about her all the time. " I can't wait for Basil to be big!" He giiiiggled when he walked in to meet her.

Grapes!

2011-10-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Momma was on the prowl for something fun to do- and in my search I stumbled upon a local vineyard which opens it's gates for pickers two weekends in the year, and it happened to be Saturday of weekend #1. So a' pickin' we went!

At this point I really had no idea what we were going to do with those grapes, but it seemed like a good idea...

Monkey...

Showing Jensen how to find the seeds...

and spit them out.

So then Duke (who cannot witness eating without throwing his hat in) needed some as well.

He watched carefully as I de-seeded to make sure I didn't try any funny business...

Loooove it!

Next!

Jence got really good at harvesting!

(We ended up making grape jam- which was delightful!)

Back By Popular Demand...

2011-10-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Alex realized the other day that I had neglected to post anything about his R&R in June (a choice I made in an attempt to not stress about being behind in blogging, but rather to just move forward- the best laid plans...)

So here is June- back by popular demand...

Slip 'n slide in the front yard of Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Jensen's fourth (!) birthday- complete with way too many presents as per the norm with Grandma...

We drove down to Charleston NC to catch a cruise.

Daddy learning the ropes when dealing with Grabby Man...

The fam! I was bound and determined to get a bunch of photos of all of us.

Jensen and the advent of the Pirate Eye...

He was thrilled to have a magic bed that folded out of the wall and required a latter to get up.

Mini golf on the top of the boat- kind of pointless with the wind- but very humorous!

Room service... :)

Love the pea pod...

Towel art. (And three puppies.)

Bermuda!!

(Grabby Man)

The intent of this was to crop out Duke's head, which I have done for prints, but I think it's funny...

Jensen showing you the pink sand...

Beach day 2...

Grabby Man...

Pirate eye...

One of Duke's maaaany fan clubs...

Jensen was upset that we made him come out and sit on the deck- he wanted to stay in the (dark, tiny) room and watch movies. So we brought the movie with us and he chose to sit 5 chairs down and wouldn't look at us the whole afternoon... wow, I thought I had a few more years before that started...

pirate eye....

Super dad...

We figured Jensen would love the Museum of Natural History- and he did. Which, frankly, is a dream come true for me- I think I skipped through the whole outing...

Lizards!

He didn't really understand the bare dino bones, but when we happened upon a "real" stegosaurus he got really excited...

Jensen showed us these "giraffe fossils". He thought they were pretty cool...

Love the pointing.

And daddy's hoisting method.

Eating at Ben's Chili Bowl.

And Georgetown Cupcakes (from TLC's DC Cupcakes).

And after said cupcake...

I dragged everyone to a lavender farm.

There was a bug... :)

A caterpillar- Jence loves play critters, but is oh- so sure that he doesn't much care for real ones...

Me showing him how to cut the lavender.

His turn.

And no trip to Grandma and Grandpa's is complete without taking the marshmallow guns for a spin.

We took a side trip down to King's Dominion with the boys.

And then down to Richmond for some awesome bbq.

(and baby food)

Phone Picture Madness

2011-09-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

The last few "events" in which we have participated I failed to bring a camera- so this is me loading up all sorts of randomness from my phone for your enjoyment...

Tonight we hit up my hometown Homecoming game. It was raining. Of course. This is D in his little friend's stroller... very intrigued by the rain cover- his stroller has one too, but I have never encountered a situation for which it was important enough to actually pull it out- it makes a whole lot more sense in my head to use that energy to put the stroller away and go home....

Jensen loves him an umbrella... and this time there was actually a bit of rain to validate the need for one...

How strange is it to sit in the stands of your high school- which was like, 5 minutes ago, with your kids...

So, we only stayed until after half time, and we were really just wrangling the boys the whole time...

Jensen's number one activity throughout any given day is being annoyed with Duke. He actually follows him around waiting for something to be annoyed at.

Jensen has made the decision that all leaves are boats, and they belong in peddles (puddles) and little things need to put in them to float. I think he's cute.

This is my life.

Duke doing what he does best...

And the other thing he does best. (Smiling)

This is Jensen checking to make sure he doesn't bump the other car with the door.

I believe this is a rite of passage- underwear head. It must be innate behavior because Daddy isn't even around to teach him, and anyone who knows me know that this kind of game is far outside my realm of possibilities...

He asked me if these were daddy's "for when he goes underwater to become a sea creature".

"Sthuck? Sthuck? Sthuuuck!
Someone is getting excited for Halloween! He has decided what he wants to be- and being four I keep expecting him to tell me he has changed his mind with every new movie or whatever- but he hasn't! He is standing strong to his decision. I'm impressed. And we are still a month out ;D

Last weekend we went Downtown to the Ingenuity Fest which is this totally rockin' indie festival about art, engineering, and um, stuff. It was held on the subway level of the Superior Bridge into Cleveland.

We made wind socks out of water bottles. It was such a fun little activity.

Jence was having a grand old time.

These are recycled chairs...

This is Jence playing with a groovy sensor that projected that image of him dancing around on the wall.

There is the final wind sock! (and Jensen's classic pose...)

A little remote control car play...

Scribbling on walls...

Little rhinestone cowboy....

experteseOkay. Here we have my area of expertise.... This is a local printer who was doing individual press prints. Jence picked the features of a face and they inked it up--

And then they put it under the rocking horse--

And he rocked

and then hand pressing

And the reveal--

Yay!!

So fun!

crazy man.

And outside playing by the river.

Rolling down the hill...

This little cray-cray is all over the place.

And a lemonade for the way home...I do believe that was his first ever 44 oz...daddy would be proud....

2011-09-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Mom, Duke, Jensen and I went down to Columbus last weekend to help Becky and Jaimie sell their T-shirts at the ohio Womyn's Fest. We had such a wonderful time- there was such a positive happy vibe all day and the kids were angelic, which is all you can really ask for in a Saturday, if you ask me!

Their T-shirts are a hit wherever they go! It's been really fun to watch the progression!

Jensen....

Jensen was obsessed with this unbrella- we were just sure it was going to be a rainy mess, so I put pants on everyone, and brought two different pairs of of shoes for both of them- changes of pants, two different coats for each (a rain jacket and heavy coat) I was running around looking for hats and gloves, which I couldn't find, and was slightly stressed about, and to top it off an umbrella for myself, grandma, and Jensen...

And then it was stupid hot.

Jensen said he needed to open the umbrella to keep the sun off.

I rolled my jeans to my knees and sweat through my shirt...

But we had a grand old time- Jaimie and Jensen are best of friends so of course he shared his umbrella...

It's actually harder to get him to not smile...

Here are the girls in front of their booth. So proud of them...

Aaaand Jensen with the tongue and pirate eye...

It was that hot... but we couldn't take the shirt off cause he was awesome advertising...

"Whacha readin' Grandma...?"

Grass-feet.

I've decided that we don't spend enough time outside...and now I have poison ivy all over me...

Always...

Perusing the merchandise..

Okay- so there was an arm-wrestling tournament going on. After the first one some girl who happened to be at the booth started talking about it and I mentioned that after carrying Duke around all day that I should enter. She goes,

"If you will, I will!" And before I know that I opened my mouth I say,

"Okay!"

So this is me going over to put my name on the list...(?!)

And this is me thinking, "what the heck am I doing??"

And this is Jensen...being Jensen.

And Duke (and his new best friend who was so cool and I found out that she is a doula who specializes in hypnobirthing, which is the technique that I used having D that is so amazing and I'm really hoping to be able to have her around when I have my next one...someday...) being Duke...

And new friends waiting for my turn...

And then they called, "Sara the Slammer!"

And this is me making a Jensen face when they said "GO!" Still thinking, "What the heck...??"

And this is me winning the match...

(Though not without her not giving up for like five minutes and totally wearing me out...)

And Duke...

And this is me saying, "Oh my gosh, I'm totally spent, I can't do this again!" for round two.

"GO!"

And this,

is me,

winning round two.

And this is the post match pep talk... and Duke.

And this is round three and me looking at her short little arm thinking, "wait a minute, why can't I straighten my wrist? Her arm doesn't stretch!" Which was the preface to a long match which I lost. But then one other girl beat her and it was all over- so I feel like I did pretty well for myself...

Jensen in his tent.

Me.

Duke. Making friends, getting free rainbow bears...

This was while mom and I ate dinner on that hay bale, listening to live music--the boys having a grand ol' time into the evening.

And three seconds after getting buckled in.

It was a great day!

Labor Day Oktoberfest

2011-09-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds ( I wanted me a brat!), so of course the moment we pulled into the parking lot the Duke fell asleep. And that little sight is quasi impossible for me to disturb...

While chilling and waiting for Grandma Chrissie and Duke we convinced Jensen to take a hot dog picture for Daddy (that's how I get him to take almost every picture) and Lizzie told him to stick his tongue out... and apparently he thought it was a good idea as we get to see the look again...

Look how big he is! (And eating! Be still my heart!)

Pigs flying.

We loved having Flimsy (Lizzie) home to play with us all day today!

Look who's awake!

There it is- the tongue... Above us is a life size cuckoo clock that had real people dancing on the roof on the hour.
Me and 2/3 of m' boys in front of a crazy sand sculpture. Jensen was upset that the dragon didn't have wings...

By the way, he was also irritated earlier in the day at Victoria's Secret when he told me, "Girls don't wear underwear and sit on the couch!"

That sign back there says that the place was featured on Man Vs Food- so of course that's where we had to eat- no choice with us being related to Alex...

It started raining and Jensen figured out that he could get under the canopy and it would keep off the rain! (see him peeking through the mesh?) Fortunately Duke was mostly covered by Jensen...mostly...

The Man Vs Food cream puff. And the tongue.

The whole MVF meal. (Bahama Mama. Yum.)

The eater.

Jence has discovered that my phone has an endless feed of movies...oops.

This kid cracks me up! He always smiles for anyone who will look.

monkey...

Jensen loves him some little toy animals. There was a neat train going around this huge diorama and he could have cared less, but the baby pigs however...

On our way out with some spoils and full bellies!

So, as it was cold and slightly rainy today I have made the executive decision that it's time to pull out the socks...if not the shoes...

Grandma Chrissie kept trying to wrap his feet in the diaper bag...

Kisses!

Oh, we're so funny...

Virginia

2011-05-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

We are getting ready to go down to Virginia again in a few weeks, so I had better get this last trip up before they pile up on me...

Grandma Mary Lou and Lynette came out to visit before Ron takes his leave of VA, so we drove down to meet them. Luckily there were still marshmallows available for the marshmallow guns by the time we got there!

It took a lot of practice (and marshmallow fallen casualty to Jensen's mouth) but he got the hang of it and did really well in the end.

Action shot, see that thing heading right for the dog.

And bouncing off the swingset...

Betsy realizing that the dogs have seated themselves in line with the humans...

Loading up- this went on for really quite some time- the shooting, not the loading.

Duke, pondering what joys will be his once he develops the coordination to aim and blow without spitting too much... and sit up...

The shoot it straight up game was a popular one...

The audience getting a little restless...

hehe

Jensen was a big fan of "crack the egg", which coincided perfectly with Easter and the eggs that were found then, as well as the movie Land Before Time (w/ the dinosaurs debuting out of eggs) and the nest outside one of our windows...it has been all about eggs around here recently. I actually found a "nest" on the floor in the living room between the ottoman and the sofa containing for or five eggs pilfered from the refrigerator... explanations were futile, but the object lesson Jensen taught himself when he dropped one on the kitchen floor while traipsing them back to the fridge was worth the mess- that he got to clean up.

Grandma is always a good one to get rowdy with.

Of course we had to roast hot dogs and marshmallows (not the spitty ones...) This is Jensen "cooking" his hotdog.

Wonder of wonders, Jensen (upon threat of no marshmallows) ate a hot dog!

I love this one. Grandma and Jence seemed to do very well together- as you will see more of later.

Duke, bundled up for the chilly day.

Does it count as "Baby's first campfire cookout" when he didn't eat?

Back to Jence actually eating- I'm so proud...

A brief sweet moment between the crazies.

More eating!?

I had a lot of fun getting to catch up with Lynette- I was glad we got the chance.

And finally I got to put down the camera/extension-of-my-arm and roast some marshmallows- a true love of mine....
I love this kid-

D, making the rounds.

And as everyone made their way back to the house I remained. I am dedicated to my craft.

Duke had his first highchair experience...

Grandma's trip was scheduled for the cherry blossom festival, so we went up to see them, which was fun for me because in all the years I've been visiting DC I've never gotten to see it.

My responsible little citizen.

Jence and Ellie could have sat there forever watching the "birds that turn into ducks" as Jensen put it. (Seagulls)

Gpa telling the kids not to get too close to the railingless edge. ("I mean, I'll jump in if I have to, I just really don't want to."

D, in his bottom-dweller seat in the stroller.

We got to take a boat ride up the Potomac to see the sights- it was such a fun, new way to see the city.
Duke, eating my sweater.

Why does the cheeto "cheese" have to be neon orange? And why is it a prerequisite to being a kid that you have to love that day-glow treat? More than anything though, Jensen loved that the planes heading to Reagan International flew right above us.

One more historic nursing location to add to my collection...

Jensen loved the ride- I'm glad because he has been known to fear water- but he did fabulously.

The boys with Grandma.

I'm so gad we got to see her- she made our trip so fun, especially with how great she was with Jensen.

That has always been my favorite thing in DC.

I love my boys. I'm having a nice time these days, just trying to enjoy them where they are now.

Lynette and the squish. He loooves people who love him!

Grandpa and Lynette having an impromptu baby fight...

A good grandpa up there.

I love this sequence- here we have Jence lounging with Grandma, talking her ear off, I'm sure-

Then he becomes a dog and she gets to hold his apple for him while he eats it- dogs don't have hands, you know.

And, so patient, she continues to hold it for him for whenever he's ready to get back to it.

But he needs to talk first...

And playing on the steps.

And rolling down the hill (which would have never happened if he had seen an ant first...)

And D, sleeping it up in his seat.

And finally the blossoms!

Jensen likes Duke, but he's still not all about the touchy stuff- so my insistence that they get a brothers picture was met with indifference.

I'm trying to remember what we bribed him with, but there was obviously quite a bounty on the line, because he arose to the occasion quite well.

Sticks. Doggies play with sticks. Lots of sticks apparently...

Watching the helicopter.

And we returned to find dog "shenanigans" in the works!

2011-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Jensen and Kennedi started a band while we visited them in North Carolina. It was so nice to have time with good friends, Jen and her family have been so good to us over the years!

They cracked me up- Jensen dancing all over with the Hannah Montana guitar and Kenna rocking out on her drums.

Bathing Duke is a bit taxing- here we have both him and Jen wracked out after a particularly poopy episode.

Crossing the street on the way to the park...

Jence chooses random times to get a bit timid- the log bridge was apparently insurmountable on his feet- knees are safer. Now you know....

Lunch and no clean-up, can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!

Man, I like this kid...

And he likes faces- yummy.

hehe. Bumbo kid.

2011-04-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

We threw Jes a little baby shower before they went out of town. We did it in Bucca Di Beppo in the Pope room, as everything must be properly officiated.

I made a diaper cake for her- which is adorable, if I do say so myself. And I do.

This side is Jensen's contribution.

Once Jes arrived Jensen started in on asking for the cake.

Duke!

Kookie was very surprised and very happy about our little get together.

Crisis averted...

Duke puke in the mouth. One of Becky's favorite things...

My boys love their aunts.

And butter... that is a whole individually wrapped pat...

So, I personally think that I am a genius, (don't tell me that you've seen it done before, I don't want to hear it). The diaper cake was decorated with flowers- as you saw- and each of the flowers was a headband. So cute!

Trying on the headbands. Looks good to me... though I don't think Jaimie agrees.

Jensen asked Jes' friend Heather what "that" was. Hilarious. She sputtered for a while before I said that it was an angel. Later he told me that it was in fact a peepee. Stinker.

Jensen's new silly face. Kind of freaky when caught on film...

Jensen got to help Kookie open presents... he is going to be a bit put out when Duke and Jes's little one are big enough to be competition to the only grandchild...

Hiding the Toblerone from little eyes.

RUFFLES from Jensen

And rumba tights from me!

Emily acted as the coat rack

Again, Jence had to help with everything. At least he wasn't upset that the presents weren't for him...

Fiiiinally he got the cake.

Happy now for a moment.

Duke laughing at Gramps.

Deep thoughts.

And finally, the Pope blessed the cake, so we are all good.

2011-04-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

2011-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll just preface this with the fact that it's a kind of a lame post, but I've been feeling the stress of getting "something" up for Al.

SO. Becky's Jaimie is a genius in the kitchen (elsewhere as well, but in the kitchen is where I reap the benefits...). The other day she made us Melt sandwiches. (Melt is a Cleveland gem where everything they make is served on a grilled cheese. Aaaamazing!) The amount of prep work is psychotic. (I'll show you...)

So this was our afternoon bringing Melt to Mom's kitchen.

First you need to buy about 5 grocery bags of ingredients.

Fry maple bacon (the house still smells of it...)

Chop cabbage.

Prepare cabbage in some complex way that I have yet to pay enough attention to replicate.

Not pictured, the caramelized port onions...

Cut cut cut...
Cook perogies

The master herself (she even had a white towel hanging out of her back pocket...)

Flimsy waiting for the joy to begin with D.

Wacko Becky. You'll see- she has a severe condition where a single camera can whip her into a frenzy...

Jes, with the slightest bit of belly bulging.

Tony researching something.

Uh-huh...

This is where the post gets a bit sad... I finally got Jaimie to let me help. I was to cook some eggs over medium. (Al is amazing at that, by the way)

Unfortunately I am not. Amazing. At that. That hardened mess in the bottom left was my two eggs. I was fired. (And those are jalepeno poppers.)

Cabbage on the perogies. Sounds crazy. Tastes fabulous. Really. Everyone feel free to come visit and give them a try! (And we love you Jaimie!!)

We went to go see Flimsy (Liz- who by the way apparently doesn't like going by Liz- she says it sounds like a little girl to her- she goes by Lizzie instead...head scratcher...) in her last Rockette performance. (She was also cheering- she is in the back there.)

Jensen is doing his classic "show the camera what's in my hand" move.

Duke looking like he belongs where the wild things are. He sleeps really well in this kind of environment...

Here is Liz (I'm saying it anyway- I'm allowed. I'm the big sister) being introduced as the Rockette Captain. She's so cute...

I watched this whole dance and only realized they were wearing sneakers when I was picking a picture to post...

Aaaaand here we have Jensen cleaning up a mess he made involving a bag full of crayons and a staple remover...

First Day Of School

2011-02-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

It's a bit unorthodox perhaps, but that's what we are- so, here we are, the first day of school. In February.

Jence now goes to Bay Presbyterian Preschool; and loves it.

He was so excited to go-
And just as excited about wearing his "pack-pack".

Duke. Hehe.

Jence...sigh. What a nut.

We went to Dave and Buster's with mom and her boyfriend.

Duke loved it...

Jence spent almost all of his money on ski-ball- and wouldn't even look at anything else- very Jensen of him.

He started out a bit awkwardly with some quite a few haphazard throws (some behind him...)

But by the end I was impressed with how well he was doing! He even had good form.

Then he found these car racers- and stayed there.

And since no one else played with him he won every time!

Cross Country

2011-02-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

We took a little (not so little) trip to Utah two weeks ago. The drive is supposed to take 2 twelve hour days...if you go the right way. If you decide to go via Mt Rushmore it takes 3...

Here are my boys at one of the hotels...

I slept with Jence for the first time- now I know that kids kick- but I swear I woke up at one point while sleeping on my stomach to find his feet flat on my back. After that he slept with Grandma...

Duke in front of the Corn Palace in South Dakota. This is 15 degrees below zero. Note my hand is on the cover- open click and close.

Al, this is the desert where I stepped down w/ my bare foot into mud...

HA!

Sooo... Mt Rushmore; worth the drive...? Why not.

Jensen opted for the girl happy meal toy this time...

And found a creative way to stow the comb.

Al, do you remember when I said I was taking a picture while I was talking...?

We stayed with Aunt Joan and Uncle Steve. Duke and Jence had so much fun!

We got to go see Grandma Cleo which was so nice- note Jensen's turtle on her foot rest.

I won't tell you how many pictures it took to get all three of them to look at the same time...

This is Nancy giving me cranial sacral. Mom neeeeded to take pictures...

And I'm posting them to show you what it looks like so that then you can see how cute this is...

Hehe! She got both Jensen and Duke all fixed up.

We took a little field trip to BYU- see the two cougars...

One of the goals of this trip was to get pictures of Duke going cross country, but between it being freezing and him being asleep we didn't get too many, so this was me getting creative...

If you look carefully you can see the Y back there somewhere...

This one is for Daddy...

Jensen and I went to see Monster Jam with Sarah (Dunn) Thomas and her son Talmadge and her parents and brother. Now let's recall who my son is. For the first five minutes this is how he sat.

Then we progressed to this, as well as tears. A while later there was some peeking.

Then this...

And finally to "I'm so excited, Mom!"

There is Grave Digger himself!

Trying to get a picture of this kid sometimes...

Look at Sarah covering Talmadge's ears.... It was sooo loud. Earplugs for sure next time!

I think he was saying that the truck "fffflipped" over

I love this- can't get the boys to look away from the action!

Grave Digger fell over! Jence will tell you all about it.

Look at that happy boy!

Ebola

2011-02-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

The boys and I went down to KY for the weekend to play and go to a baby shower of a family friend. We had so much fun at Grandma & Grandpa's. Jensen loooves Grandpa...

Hehe. Milkshake boys. Grandma and Grandpa took us to the fabulous Steak n' Shake. We found out that Grandpa shares Jensen's love of Steak n' Shake- so we had to go!

Who knows what kind of crazy possessed me but I decided to make a sign for the baby shower. But I did and I stayed up waaaay to late doing it and had to wake up waaaay to early to leave. Gag. I hate no sleep.

Obviously her name is June...

Jensen asks me all the time when he gets one... oops...

On Sunday evening we went to visit Nathan & Suzy. Nate is the son of Cindy, who I have always considered an aunt of mine. We had such a nice evening. Jensen and Parker played together so well!

Jensen loooves playing with other people's toys...

How cute is Parker- he's trying to put his arm around Jence for the picture.

Parker is also hoping for a little baby to come to his house sooner than later. He loved "Baby Duke" (who doesn't??) who is as big as he is...

Duke all maxin'- in't he cuute?

Suz and me. I really would have liked to hove been able to spend more time with her- we had fun.

And last but not least....

Oooh our Lola-Ebola.

She is in heat. Ugh! Paaaain in my life!

WARNING- TMI coming up!!

EEEEEEWWW! It's aaaall over the kitchen floor (The only place she is allowed).

Hehe- Have a nice day!

Little Dukling

2011-01-26T09:57:00.001-08:00

Look at my sweet little boy.

This is one of the most "Duke" pictures I've got.

He has started laughing- a lot. It's so funny.

So Long Alabama & Daddy

2011-01-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

And here we begin another year of way ton of pictures on tons of blog posts for Daddy. So feel free to skip all the TMI...

Our new best friend is the swing we found for $40 on craigslist (gotta love craigslist- my next acquisition- a kirby vacuum- oh yes, you will be mine!)

This little guy loves to be held- and luckily he's not picky who's doing the holding, and glory glory hallelujah the swing does the job!

Saying goodbye to our wonderful midwife Melissa.

Our wonderful neighbors came out to wish us the best as we left. It was a wonderful place to live and we will miss having friends so near!

The picture is crooked because we let "Jensen's Honda" take it.

On our way up north we got to stop by the Hamner's house in NC. We only got to stay a little while but we had the most wonderful time! (If you ever get invited to stay at their house be sure to go, it's five star all the way!) It's a blessing to have them in our lives, we love them so much!

We had so much fun- I miss having Jen around. (Doesn't she look great?!) I had this picture further down the post but I wanted to point out the similarity between this picture and the one above it. Can you guess who's kid is who's??

Jence and K showing their jammie feet.

Alex is always a fun jungle gym. (See K wrapped all the way around his leg...)

This is right after a good jumping session.

My little squish at Grandma & Grandpa's house where we went to celebrate Christmas.

Making snow angels in the living room on Christmas morning...

The fun begins.

Oooo! Santa is so cool! He brought Jence a huge Toothless!

Wrapping paper pom-poms...

The anticipation...

Here it comes...

Look at him go!

And another favorite- a little people farm...with lots and lots (and lots) of fun little pieces...

hooray...

This was (obviously) Duke's first time getting a stocking (which I made last year with the rest of the family's but just left blank, not knowing when who would be joining us). These are also his first Christmas Eve jammies.

Duke's first red present from Santa!

I love this little smirk here.

Yay! Socks! You always have to get socks in your stocking! (hmm. ironic.)

Santa also found this fun little toy the Jensen loved playing with at Kennedi's house when they were little- so he got one for Duke!

He looks trilled, doesn't he.

After DC we headed up to Cleveland to get us all settled in (not that I've even gotten around to unpacking yet...)

And here is Jensen, who for the first time asked to hold his baby brother!

Love it.

We took some family pictures the morning that Alex left for Korea.

It was a little chilly...

Passed out with Aunt Flimsy.

Such a cool dude. Takes after his daddy.

My cute little boys.

The Garner's came up and saw lake Erie for the first time. (And it was a perfect day for it- because it usually looks just like this- all white, sky& water- all white).

Hehe- why do I think these crying pictures are so funny.

Aaaand here are the big guns. This was my life for the last few weeks. I bought a space at the bridal show at the I-X center (the big exposition center in Cleveland) and it consumed my life.

This is Lizzie's little friend who came to help.

Liz and Ma & my dude waiting for things to pick up...which they did, big time.

Bringing Duke was a last minute decision, and he was so good!

The whole crew- we were sooo tired by the end! We got a lot accomplished and everyone was crucial to our success- especially dad.

The second day Becky and Jaimie brought Jensen to look around toward the end of the day.

Such a good boy! (With the bride sticker on)

My sweet boy...

Oh how embarrassing!

Waiting for everything to wrap up. He was so good.

Becky is a good entertainer.

The sweet lady in the next booth over gave Jensen her display of balloons when the show closed.

I've already gotten tons of business so all the hard work was worth it... hard work to qualify for more hard work....

2011-01-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Life is oh-so crazy at the moment, but I got in trouble for not posting some of those other pictures of Duke... from a month ago...

I adore him.

2010-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

Jensen realized one evening that you could ask Santa for whatever you want and he's supposed to get it for you! After that he insisted we take him to the mall to speak with the man himself. (Apparently the letter method of the evening before seemed to be too slow.) As the stakes were so high (he wants a whole lot of stuff) he actually sat on his lap, which neither Al nor I were expecting.

Here he is confiding his everlasting list...

Now I'm going to go back in time to stuff I missed posting due to Duke being born... Don't worry Jes, there is more Duke in a sec....

For our annual trip Brittany and I went to Dahlonega GA's Gold Rush Festival. I have literally wanted to go for years, so it was very exciting for me.

We stayed overnight at her dad's house- not quite last years' Paris trip, but fun nonetheless.

We both made impulse purchases; Britt a necklace, me a winter coat... hehe. We did not match on purpose.

A few days before Halloween we went back to the same nursery we went to last year to get our pumpkins. Kennedi Hamner wasn't there to pose in these things with Jence this time, so Al did it.

He found the one that mommy said he could like all by himself...

Lots of big round things around that place.

He had to "take it to the lady" (what we always say in stores) himself.

Here's a play by play of Jensen's first pumpkin carving experience.

(note the contractor was only partially done laying the tile in the kitchen...)

All done and lit up outside. Jence loved that part. He was very upset when we had to take them to the dump a week later. We explained that they had cavities.... he has been less resistant to brushing ever since...

For the last Halloween that we parents get to choose the costumes we and the Gibbs decided that the boys should be Wayne and Garth. They were the hit of the neighborhood.

I have never seen Tristan so goofy- his timing was perfect

Their personalities really made this great because Jensen would go running up to a house and Tristan would follow at a little distance - they were hysterical.

Again I stress that Britt was only three weeks (and three feet) behind me in this pregnancy. She too has since had her baby (Silas) and he weighed over 7 lbs. We still have no clue where he was hiding in there.

I made them pose one last time before they could eat any candy. (They got so much because hardly anyone was out in the neighborhood, so as they were laughing everyone gave them handfuls of candy.)

Alex and Jensen went to Walmart alone and came home with a skateboard (??) for Jensen.

He looked pretty cute the one time he played with it...

A couple weeks before my due date I decided that we had to paint the kitchen...

Grandma Chrissie bought How to Train your Dragon for Jence. Here you can see the paint stirrers stuck through belt loops aka dragon wings.

In a picture of me on Jensen's due date I am wearing this shirt, so mom insisted that I put it on (I haaaaate it because I wore it so much) to take a picture on Duke's Due date.

(She told me my arms were in the way...)

Lola got a new chew- we have found that it is the miracle treat. It keeps her from jumping or chewing, as well as entertained for hours.

Here is another way she entertains herself. Playing with my wind chimes.

This is soon after we brought him home.

I grabbed a couple shots of D a few days after we got home. I didn't like any of them so I did it again about a week and a half later- I'll post some of those tomorrow.

This I loved. That's his binky he's holding in. He did this consistently through the first week- now he just knocks it out like a normal baby.

I think that was an angry face...

Jensen is on a Steak and Shake kick. Unfortunately it is in the Target parking lot and I enjoy Target. Now we have to go through hysterics at every visit if we don't schedule in time to stop and eat. The thing is, it's not the food he wants (though he usually eats better there than anywhere else-) it's the paper car that you fold up and put stickers on. He loves them. We went once when they were out of them and I tell you the world stopped turning. So Grandma Marian and Bapa hit the nail on the head when they sent him a toy car with stickers to put on it. Oh happy day.

This is a bit too close to see, but we set him with his arms up on the Boppy and within about three minutes he was up and over the other side of it on the floor, trying to turn over. Note to self, no unsupervised tummy time...

Knocked out after dinner...

Ditto.

Jensen is pretty chill about having a little attention stealer in the house, but at this particular moment he wanted to be held like Duke.

Here's Duke modeling adorable little outfit Grandma Garner sent him. (And Grandma, I have to say that those socks are the only ones we own that don't fall off- consequently he wares them for days at a time- it's okay right, I figure he's not running in them or anything...)

Becky, Jamie, Liz, and Dad came down for Thanksgiving and to see Duke, though I suspect not in that order.
They came baring gifts- the only way that Jensen allows anyone over the threshold.

Jamie and Jence got right down to business with the remote control car they brought.

Lola's one trick; she gets really calm and holds still when you touch your nose to hers.

Jence assisted us in giving Duke his first bath.

Hehe...

Duke's pants apparently never got put back on after a diaper change...

Eating Cheese-Its, making cookies in my favorite of his outfits... I know I've shown it before, but it cracks me up.

After hitting Ryan's buffet for our Thanksgiving dinner (no dishes!!) we came home and made our traditional Thanksgiving day gingerbread houses.

It was so fun to have dad and the girls there with us- I haven't gotten to make houses with them for a few years. (This was Jensen's first time, so it's been a while.)

Daddy forewent making his own house in order to assist Jensen.

Jensen' s fabulous first gingerbread house. He later insisted I add a walkway and Gramps make a garage...

The whole Ginger Village.

Jensen's secret identity.

We took everybody over to a 1800's living history village that I have been trying to get to since we moved here. (Alex just loves this kind of thing. Especially because he end up staying outside the whole time with Jensen.)

Aunt Flimsy (Liz).

Jensen and Alex watching how a cotton gin works. It was amazing- I've always wondered how they got those seeds out. Though even after seeing it in action I'm still slightly puzzled that it really works.

Becky fighting the kids to get to the sugar cane juice first... go figure...

Jensen is showing you his giant leaf. Made me laugh...

I made Brittany and me nursing covers. The point of it was to each have one more than to match, but the rest of our lives match, so why not?

Jensen and Tritan working together on the computer. One of those shining glimpses of the elusive "sharing" concept.

Welcome Home Duke

2010-11-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

Grandma Chrissie, Jence, and Kiki were waiting in the driveway to welcome Duke to his new home.

I still don't know who put this cute little bow on our mailbox. We have some sweet friends.

Kiki had to be formally introduced to her newest charge.

Duke brought Jensen a present- a tool set!

Which was very wise of Duke because Jence was in seventh heaven all morning and didn't mind all the attention on the little one- not that he has minded since either.

Daddy has been doing some upgrades in the house lately, and Jence has been helping so this was right up their alley.

Grandma Chrissie stayed for about a week and was such a big help! She has such a wonderful ability to anticipate needs. She kept the Mr. with her for the nights she was here and brought him to me when he was hungry, she helped us get the house organized to show, she kept the laundry clean, and she made plenty of treats!

Kiki always finds the lap with the baby on it- she likes to find mine when I'm nursing...

Jence got a little closer to his brother.

He thinks he's cute and he says he is glad to have him, but still no touching...

We got some good footprints...

the hands, not so much... but I adore this picture because of the matching look on of our faces, so intent on our little job. It would seem that married couples do start looking alike...

Completely satisfied after lunch with his little hands crossed. He is always knocked out after a meal- or part of a meal...

And a day or so later we have contact! Jence gave him a kiss-- on the promise of a piece of Halloween candy... we're such good parents... note he is still not touching him with his hands...

"Great Grandma" and Grandpa came over to meet monkey #2, and while they were here we celebrated Grandma's birthday so that Jensen could share birthday cake with her.

Oh, the anticipation...

This was followed promptly by three more rounds of candle blowing, with increasing quantities of spit on each.

We have reached a conclusion- while he is asleep he looks just like Jensen-

But when he is awake he looks like Duke!

We think he is great!

Introducing Duke Danger Garner

2010-11-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Duke was born at 9:31 am on November 6, 2010 at Doctor's Hospital in Columbus, GA. He weighed a tiny (for us) 8 lbs 12oz, and was 21 in long.

And yes, Danger really is his middle name.

Here we are- the first family photo after Duke joined us. Jence was enthralled with his huge apple that morning- so you will note it is prominently featured hereafter.

The proud Daddy.

Jence was excited to meet "Baby Duke" but was an absolute no go on touching/hugging/kissing the new little friend.

I don't think he ever touched him that first day.

Ummm- think they are related?

Grandma Chrissie got to be there for Duke's arrival- which was wonderful.

Later that evening we got our first boy chill time in front of the TV.

This is the next day- the first time that Jensen touched him- with one finger, on the forehead.

See the joy...

And here we have a bunch of little shots of the man of the hour.

Jence brought him a moose to sleep with.

After what felt like a week (and was really only about 50 hours) we got to get ready to come home from the hospital.

I was expecting roughly two more pounds of baby, (he was down to 8 lbs 4 oz here) so everything I have is a bit oversized... hehe...