More pictures from our beach trip

I finally had the opportunity to download the rest of the photos from our two beach trips. There are some super cute ones! I took Drake down to the beach one evening for some photos, and the light was fabulous. I also had the chance one night to take some pictures of sweet Eli (inside out of the heat). I was able to get the catch light in his eyes, which I was thrilled about. It's a little photography trick I haven't ever been able to accomplish. In any case, blogger is still doing the stupid annoying thing of only posting text in the preview box, so I'm unable to comment on each photo. Boo! I sure wish I knew how to fix that.

Stay tuned this week for some posts, and lots of pictures of our recent trip to see our family in Buffalo. We had a blast, and I can't wait to share the pictures with you all.

Father's Day

So, I know I'm a bit late, but I've been out of town. (I was away for three weeks of June). I wanted to quickly say that my husband is an AMAZING father, better than I could've ever asked for. He is so involved in the boy's daily lives, and they love him to pieces. Well, at least Drake does. Eli doesn't like anybody whose boobs don't make milk like his mommy's. You should see how unbelievably excited Drake gets when Eric's car pulls in the drive. Soooo sweet!

I was lucky enough to not only hit jackpot in the husband lottery, but also the Daddy lottery. I am blessed beyond belief to have a Daddy that would do absolutely anything for me. But more importantly, there is something I've had the honor to witness in the last 17 months. My Daddy LOVES my boys. Like, loves on them beyond comprehension. He plans zoo trips, baseball game trips, and beach trips. All for his grandbabies. He even wanted to go to Atlanta this summer to check out the aquarium so he can take the grandkids next summer. He may have been an amazing Dad, but he's topping that with his Grandpa skills!

Drake's 18 Months Portraits

I was so excited about Drake's 18 month portraits! Being a January baby, his yearly portraits will be in winter clothes, and probably inside. So, this was a rare opportunity to catch my cutie on the beach!!! We of course had to take the opportunity to also get a family shot, which is quite difficult with a toddler and infant. I was shocked and thrilled to find a family photo I liked out of all the ones we took. I really didn't know if we'd capture one, but Collin didn't disappoint. (Collin Smith Portrait Photography). I love how he captured Drake's fun personality, and all his smiles. I love the one of him splashing through the water. Of course, the picture I've deemed Drake's "Chippendale" pose is absolutely hilarious. What was he thinking? I've totally got my work cut out for me.

I'm sure you are all wondering where on earth I got Drake's outfits, since they are the most adorable things ever. Well.....I happened to have the most talented Mom on EARTH!!! She hand smocked and then sewed both of his outfits. And, she made and monogrammed both Drake's and Eli's outfits in our family shot. I am so lucky and blessed to have such a talented Mom, and really lucky that she takes the time to make such gorgeous clothes for my family. You can only imagine how much those type of outfits would cost in a store!

I'm really ticked off with blogger. When I upload photos, it's only showing me a bunch of text in the screen where I type. So, I can't go below each pic and add commentary like I used to, b/c I don't know which picture is which. It's driving me CRAZY. SO, without making you wait any longer....


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The Boys

I wish I had time to tell you all just how amazing my boys are. However, I have less than 24 hours to unpack, do laundry, clean up, and repack. Oh yeah, and get to the airport and fly to Buffalo. So, in short...

Eli is smiling, cooing, and laughing. I can't tell you how much those three things warm my heart. He is so strong, and loves to hold his head up to look all around. He's such a social little thing now. He also rolls up onto his side. That darn arm his stopping him from making it over to his tummy.

Drake does something new every single day. I am in utter amazement what a sponge his little mind is. He gives you five, and knows all the motions to patty cake. You should see him "roll them up" and "throw them in the pan". Absolute cuteness like you'd never believe. His kisses have changed from a big sloppy open mouthed atrocity to cute little pecks with the "smooch" sound. Again, pure love. I can't even begin to tell you all the things/words he says, b/c he truly is saying something new each day. Such a little chatterbox we have on our hands.

Sorry I don't have time for more! I've been at the beach all week for a conference, with the boys and my Mom. I am beyond fortunate to have a Mom who selflessly gives of her time, to me and my kiddos. She really is the best. If there is anyone on this planet who can't see that, then it's their loss.

Stream of consciousness.....

My first week back to work was great! The boys did fine; Eli is figuring out this whole bottle thing just like Dr. Dorsey told us he would. I LOVE our nannies. We have a mother/daughter team through our agency, (same as before Eli was born), and we've had the mom Sherylee all this week. She is beyond amazing, and I have no qualms at all leaving my boys with her. Plus, she is one cleaning machine! I didn't even ask her yesterday, but she unloaded/reloaded the dishwasher and washed diapers. That sure was nice to come home to.

I really do enjoy my job. It is refreshing to be out of the house three days a week, and use my brain. Gotta put that hard earned (and expensive) Masters degree to work! We had big news at work this week regarding how we are paid, and the reviews have been mixed according to who you ask. But for me and my family, the change was a fabulous thing. Plus, I'm 4 months into a project at work, and after I complete six months of it, I can apply for advancement. Which, comes with a pay raise. Another big yahoo!!!

We are going to get our car paid off by the end of the year, so that goal for 2010 will be met. Plus, we've quadrupled what we were paying each month on my student loan. I love me some Dave Ramsey, and I feel like Eric are making very smart decisions regarding our budget and debt. When I get frustrated, I just remind myself to look at our student loans as an investment, rather than just a debt.

I am attending a conference next week at the beach, staying once again at my Aunt's beach house. My Mom is coming to help with the boys, and my Dad will even make it a couple of days b/t his working. More SUN! And Drake of course loves the ocean and beach. I can't wait for more time playing in the waves with him. Unfortunately Daddy has to stay behind to work.

We are taking Drake to the waterpark at the Y today, so we've gotta get going...

Beach trip #1, June 2010

Not much time to write a post, so enjoy these photos in the meantime...

So busy!

The beach was BEYOND a blast last week, but there was no internet~hence no updates or photos. I got home with the boys late Thursday night, and yesterday Eric's cousins were in town for the night. We don't get to see them but every few years, so it was great to spend time with them! Today one of my best friends from grad school is going to be in town, and us along with our other two best girlfriends (all from anesthesia school) are spending the day and night together. (Can't wait for my pedi!)
Monday, I go back to work~~BOO!!! So, with all that said, I'm not sure when I'll have time to do a good blog post with photos and updates on my sweet boys. Eli is great, but still not liking bottles. Drake is his normal cool kid self, but tantrums are on the rise. He also has now said okay, dog, all done, bird, and he signs all done as well. They are so much fun, despite being so much work. We leave for the beach again next weekend, but this time minus Daddy. :-( After that, it's off to Buffalo for a few days. We get back to normal the end of June, with Mommy and Daddy both working full time. We are fortunate enough to work out our schedules so that we only need our nanny on Wednesdays, so that's good for the boys. Lots of time with the parental units!
That's all I have time for now...