Lucky 13th

Thirteen years ago, Michael and I were married in the Atlanta temple. In some ways it seems like yesterday, but in others it seem like, "Wow, that's a long time. Thirteen years!" I am truly learning how fundamental love and sacrifice and teamwork are to happiness. He pretty much rocks in every way.

To celebrate, we went to a Japanese steakhouse and then sat and chatted at the JMU Arboretum. Nothing glamorous, but that was fine with me.

 Of course, our little buddy accompanied us.

xoxoxoxo

More of baby Henry (or Hankie-poo, as Clara calls him)

Had to post a few more pics of Henry, here at nearly ten weeks old.

 Big yawn!

 Hey . . . how you doin'?

 Okay, fine. I'll give you one of my killer smiles. Just because I love you.

 Clara wanted to use my camera. She did a good job!

 We sure love this guy.

Henry at eight weeks

Henry is growing so much! At his two-week check-up he already weighed ten pounds, and he definitely weighs much more now. I love that his thighs are starting to fill out and he has a little double chin. He has started smiling in the past week and just gives the best smiles. He even tries to talk back and coo when you talk to him. His dark blue eyes (which I predict will turn brown but Daddy thinks will be blue) are absolutely gorgeous, framed by long lashes. Some people say that long eyelashes are wasted on boys, but I disagree--he will be a heartthrob for all the girls when he is older, I am sure. I have heard him chuckle a little a couple of times in his sleep, which makes me so excited for when he laughs on purpose when he's awake. Henry has started to lift his head up better during tummy time (which he hates) instead of grinding it on the ground as much. He is even standing up (well, putting pressure on his legs). I think he's going to be a busy boy like his older brother. He has had a few nights where he's nursed once in the night, but during the day he often nurses every two hours, which is pretty tiring, but we're making it.

 Henry gives Clara great smiles--she spends a lot of time by him and loves to hold him and talk to him. Robbie loves holding him as well but for less than a minute at a time.

We just are loving this guy so much and pray that he'll be valiant and faithful. I am so glad he has joined our family!

Robbie's third birthday

Happy birthday, buddy! Can't believe this guy is three already. Actually, I can. He is just the exact amount of adorable, intelligent, exasperating, willful, hilarious, kind, and interesting that a three-year-old can be.

This was the first year we let Robbie pick his breakfast cereal and brought it up to his room. I wasn't ready to brave "breakfast in bed," so he got "breakfast on rug." He didn't mind.

  Mmmm mmm.

Nana and Bapa sent him a Thomas the Train book with suction cup trains. He was excited!


Robbie got a bubble lawn mower! He was super excited to push the mower behind Daddy.

This is just the beginning of your future lawn chores, kiddo.

Robbie loves trucks, so I thought this kind of cake (thanks to Pinterest) would be perfect.

 He wanted to take the trucks off as soon as possible so he could play with them.

Our happy family.

 Using the dump truck to move the cake is essential.

We were lucky to have David and Char's family come to visit for Robbie's birthday! Here is Robbie with cousin Abby.

Robbie with some of his cousins--Abby, Charlotte, Kate, and Nina.

 After dinner, cousin Lincoln helped Robbie catch fireflies.

Happy birthday, buddy! Thanks for being our favorite three-year-old. 

Michael and His Mom

When Michael's mom came up to help with Henry, Michael took her horseback riding as a thank-you (she loved horses as a girl and still does). They had a great time.

 Her shirt was a gift from her son, David, I believe, from the Okefenokee Swamp--too funny.

We sure love you, Mom!

Henry's blessing and Weiler fun

My parents stayed for one more night while the Weilers drove up so we could bless Henry with both sides of the family here. The Weilers stayed here for the weekend on the way up to a reunion in Pennsylvania, so we hosted lots of folks for a few days (28 people was the max at one time).

 Robbie absolutely adores uncle Joseph. It is so sweet. Joseph is so kind and patient with all the grandkids and they love him!

 Michael's brother, Seth, got married the week before to Marissa Worsham, and they both traveled down from their honeymoon in Maine to be there for the baby blessing and PA reunion. She is stellar.

 Grandma Weiler holding her newest grandbaby!

 Grandpa Weiler with Henry and cousin Hannah.

 Some antics with the cousins and Joseph--playing frisbee while carrying Robbie on his shoulders.

 Love.

 Most of Michael's siblings were there, which was cool--here's Michael with his brother, Caleb.

 That night Henry received a beautiful blessing from his daddy, grandfathers, and uncles.

 Proud parents.

 Henry is wearing the tuxedo that a friend made for Robbie's blessing. Over the top but super cute.

 So grateful for such wonderful men in our family!

 Three generations.

 Father and son.

 We had everyone eat all their meals outside so we could reduce the mess and stress inside. Here's Robbie and his cousin closest in age, Samuel.

 Sunday breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and fruit with cousins--doesn't get much better than that. (I put Michael to work on his own Father's Day to make the pancakes and sausage. Great guy.)

 Clara had a wonderful time with her cousins, Anne and Abigail.

 Grandma and Grandpa Weiler with Henry and William, Henry's closest Weiler cousin.

After everyone left, Grandma stayed to help with Henry and the kids. It was such a blessing and I was so spoiled to have my mom and my mother-in-law to help for so long. They both wore themselves out with cleaning, reading Geronimo Stilton to Clara, holding Henry while I did other things, and letting me sleep and rest. I confess I don't know how we'll manage without them, but I guess we'll make it somehow. I am truly blessed.

To a great dad

We are all Daddy's biggest fans. Happy father's day!

Fun with Bapa

It was so great having my dad come up for a few days at the end of my mom's visit.

 He had brought a little pirate ship kit from Lowes to make with Robbie. Robbie hammered a few times but preferred to have Bapa do it. Note the awesome necklaces Robbie is wearing.

Ta-da! A pirate ship and a green smoothie mustache. Nice.

And of course, they went to the children's museum and enjoyed playing there with Nana and Bapa.

Mother's Day

This year, I didn't mind Mother's Day as much as I have in the past. Not sure why. I am so thankful for my mother and all she did for me as a child and continues to do for me as an adult. I am also very grateful for Michael's mom and the way she raised him and how she helps me now as well, accepting me as a daughter despite my failings. With a third child now, my amazement and appreciation for both of them continue to grow.

 Enjoying breakfast in bed from my sweet husband and kiddos (well, Clara was asleep, I think.)

Robbie enjoyed eating his oatmeal in bed with me.