Check Out My New Pool Boys

I love this picture because it reminds me of one of my dad in our baby pool when we were little.  

Seth is still trying to rub out the cramps in his legs - ha!

Water Babies!

We had such a great Memorial Day weekend! I love long weekends...an extra day of Daddy and an extra day of being lazy. A win win!

We spent all 3 days in the pool and had a blast.  Unfortunately I only have iPhone pictures to share but hey, my kids look cute with or without a good camera.  On Friday, we spent time with my good friends Paula and Susan and Jake had a blast playing with his little buddy, Noah.  Then on Saturday we celebrated Blake & Jack's 3rd birthday with a pool party (how are these kids turning 3??) and this evening we had a BBQ with some good friends and, you guessed it, another pool party!

We are so proud of Jake because he started out Friday being very nervous about the water and then this evening we couldn't get him out of the pool! He was floating and kicking all by himself (with his floaties) and loved being in the "big water" (deep end). Drew is also a little fish. He doesn't love his float so we mostly carried him around as he attempted to drink the pool water and jump out of our arms when we least expected it.  Talk about some busy boys!

The pool we were at this evening had a really neat bridge and the brave kids took a turn jumping off.  Jake decided to test it out with Daddy...

SO proud of that kid!

Jake and all his friends.  I love that we get to see most of these kiddos every week!

(Beckett, Skylan, Jack, Blake, Jack, Paige, and Jake)

Daddy and Drew.  He was happy as a clam this weekend!

Look how well he is "swimming" by himself...he could've stayed in there all day!

Me and my sweet boys!

It sure is exhausting to take both kids swimming but definitely worth it.  I think we wore their little booties out this weekend and am hoping at least one of them will sleep past 7 in the morning.

And because I just jinxed it, they will be up at 6 I'm sure! :)

Uh Oh

Drew loves saying one of his first words..."Uh Oh"!

He may have been talking about his spilled milk but I think we really know he was talking about the state of Mommy's blog.

 Uh oh!

Being a Mom

Nobody ever told me that being a mother would be the most rewarding, most difficult, most blessed, most challenging, most comical, most honored job I would ever have.

Nobody ever told me that I would love my kids so much it hurts.  

Nobody ever told me I would spend my days playing trucks, wiping bottoms, sucking boogers, and playing pretend...and still want to do it again the next day.

Never could I have imagined my heart had the capacity to love more than one child.  Now I realize that even if I had 10, I would love them all the same.

(Number 10 just might not get as much attention - sorry!)

Nobody ever told me they would be this dang cute.

I lost control of my life 2.5 years ago and will never be the same again!  I've said it so many times, but my greatest joy will be seeing these boys grow and become Godly men.

What a blessing to be a mom!

I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

Happy Mother's Day to our wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and friends!  What a great example of love for our children.

11 Months Old

Let's just take a moment to stop time. Please. I am begging you.

The past month has probably not been my favorite age BUT it's only because we are at the awkward "still crawling but please walk soon" stage that makes it so hard to go anywhere!

Drew, you are over the carseat and strollers!  Right now you are the epitome of a wiggle worm.  It's impossible to carry you anywhere in public without multiple attempts to escape our grips.  And you try your darndest to wiggle out of the stroller straps.  As much as I'd like to let you crawl across Target, I just don't think we're ready for that yet.

As always, you're the cutest and sweetest 11 month old we know! 

You're almost 19 lbs and are wearing 9 month clothes (can pull off some 12 month outfits).  You wear size 3 diapers and size 2 shoes.

You are also a good sport because big brother crashed your photo shoot.  Notice he didn't want to smile.  He just wanted to be included.  :)  

You are always smiling and waving.  You have started waving and saying "hi" at the same time.  You have said "mamamama" a couple times and Daddy swears he's heard "dada".  

You are a bottomless pit and eat all day.  We just have a problem with you drinking anything.  You still won't take a bottle and have turned your nose up at sippy cups.  I am embarrassed to say I gave you milk in a syringe tonight.  But you are losing interest in nursing and won't drink from a cup so what are the other options?? :)  We also mix a lot of breastmilk in your food so that you're at least getting liquid there.  I suppose you're allowed to be difficult with just one thing!

You are starting to get some curls in the back which are just the cutest.  Daddy wants them cut and I told him NO WAY.  Anything to keep you looking like a baby.

You sleep from about 7pm - 7:30am and take 2 naps a day.  I have a feeling we'll be moving down to one nap sooner than later.

You aren't that interested in playing with toys.  Instead you just like to crawl around, explore, drag things around, and follow Jake.  Low maintenance...I like it!

You have 6 teeth (4 on top, 2 on bottom).  You got the 5th and 6th within the past couple of weeks.

You still aren't interested in walking although you've accidentally stood for a couple seconds on your own.  I have a feeling when you figure the walking thing out, I will have to move a little faster!

Drewbie, we love you and I can't believe I'm about to mail out your FIRST birthday invitations!  We are so so proud of you and cannot wait to see you grow!

A Bunch of Crazy

That's what I feel like the past few weeks have been like.

I always thought the terrible two's was a light-hearted joke.

IT'S NO JOKE PEOPLE, RUN FOR THE HILLS!!! :)

I mean, talk about crazy eyes! :)  It continues to amaze me how a child can go from over the moon happy to THE WORLD IS ENDING, I SHALL KICK AND SCREAM UNTIL IT IS PUT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.

And then they make a face like this which makes you forget all about it!  I love this kid more than words.

I have resigned myself to the fact that pictures will never be perfect.  Thank you Drew for exerting some effort here.  Love their cute brother matching shirts!

At first glance this looks sweet.  But Jake was actually pinching Drew's neck from behind.  He really reminds me of someone I used to know...

A couple weeks ago we went to a local "sprayground" for a birthday party.  We are actually having Drew's party here next month so we were glad to check it out!  Drew tolerated the spraying water and Jake just wanted us to run through it with him.  Last I checked, moms in two pieces weren't typical scenery at a sprayground.

(Well, neither were moms in one pieces...just saying)

So fun...we definitely didn't have a place like this when we were little!

I thought this picture was so funny.  Seth took Jake fishing a couple weekends ago and he apparently did not like the fish!  He was very excited to use his Cars fishing pole though.  They didn't even bring home their perch for dinner.  So much for my hunters.

And who can resist swinging with Daddy?  (Who swings too high, might I add)

Here's to a great weekend with more good memories than bad! 

Yes, We're Still Here

I know I am behind. This is borderline atrocious. The good news is that I turned in grades for my spring classes yesterday. The bad news is that I have another one that starts Monday and I haven't prepared yet.

So in true Mary fashion, I have put on my procrastination belt and am sharing some pictures. This was a really challenging week with the boys...lots of crying (always at the same time - funny how that happens!)...lots of tantrums...lots of time out (for both Jake and Mommy! Ha).  Also ironic that this is happening around Mother's Day.

But I'll talk about that later.

Last weekend my dad and sister Emily came to visit us.  The boys especially enjoyed their visit and the extra attention!

It was rare that both boys were sitting still so I had to take a picture.  They loved playing with Grandpa!

Both boys want to be held constantly lately.  Drew's separation anxiety has gotten worse and I think Jake gets jealous because Drew is getting more attention.  So it was a welcome surprise that Drew let his Aunt Emily get lots of cuddles with him and gave my arms a little break. :)

Would've been cute if Jake's finger had left his nose.  Any ideas on how to discourage a strong-willed child from nose picking?? :)

We had a great time and were sad to see them go.  Unfortunately Uncle Kyle couldn't join them this time but I know the boys will love to see him in a few weeks for Drew's birthday!

Drew's birthday.  Sniff.

First Words

Before I forget, I think Drew said his first words yesterday! He does a lot of babbling and shrieking but started saying "Uh oh" (emphasis on the "oh") and "Num Num!" (while eating dinner). He also makes a strange throaty noise whenever he sees the dogs so he's definitely trying to communicate something about them! It's hard to believe that he'll go from this to a nonstop talking machine (if Jake lets him get a word in) in just 1-2 years.

I've been bad at taking pictures lately (who am I??) so I found this on my phone from a couple weeks ago at the grocery store. Don't you just love how easy it is to push around the big car carts? HEB should be thanking their lucky stars that I didn't plow through the entire produce display.

 

And here's a video of Drew pushing around his lion toy. He would rather crawl but will humor us if we stand him up against the toy to walk. He has stood on his own for a split second a couple of times but for the time being, prefers all fours.

Life hasn't been super eventful lately.  I have lots of papers to grade between now and May 11th (dang technical writing class) so that's what I'll be doing in my spare time.  Anyone care to join?

Big Boy Bed

Let me begin by saying that this post will be brief. In true Anderle fashion, the fun factor of our morning playgroup has outweighed the fun factor of naptime.   Does this happen to anyone else?

I don't think so.

Most kids go wear themselves out and sleep all afternoon.  Not mine.  The more fun we have in the morning, the less likely they will sleep afterward.  Then, they spend the rest of the day miserable because they finally realize they are tired.  So hey, at least we'll have early bedtimes tonight!!

Moving on.  Because I did say this would be brief.

A couple weeks ago we converted Jake's crib into a big bed.  He had been talking about it a lot and we finally decided we were brave enough to give it a go.  He had a lot of fun helping Daddy "work" in his room!

Bye bye baby bed!

Both boys were, of course, so helpful to Seth!  Drew especially could not focus on anything else besides being in the middle of things.

So happy to have a bed to jump on...in fact, he's doing it as I type.

I've had his bedding since his birthday so I was glad to get it out of the closet!  The side rail cramps the comforter's style unfortunately.

Now the boys love to play on Jake's bed when they get up in the morning.  It's the highlight of Drew's day!

Jake has done so well in his bed so we've been pleasantly surprised!  He is able to get in and out on his own but won't get out during naptime or until we come get him in the morning.  Thank the good sweet Lord.  One of my fears is waking up in the morning with two little eyes staring at me because you have to admit, it's kind of creepy.  So I think we are safe until Drew gets in his bed.  Kiddo is already starting to hike his leg up to get out of his crib so I think our little monkey will definitely give us a run for our money!

A Teen at Heart

I would have more to say but I'm stuck in the middle of yet another young adult trilogy and need to finish the 3rd book before I can post about our lives.

But just know that we're alive and well.  And still potty trained.  And I'm anxious to finish the spring semester.  And it better not get any hotter outside or I will actually melt.

Honestly.  I can't handle the heat.

I am starting to second guess Drew's outdoor birthday party.  In June.

Outside in June is not something I typically do.

Good Friday & Crawfish Boil

Last week we headed to La Grange for the Anderle's annual crawfish boil. They have been doing this for years and years so we always look forward to catching up with good friends and family!

But first we had to have a little Easter.  Our poor kids never get any gifts around the holidays.

Discovering the fun of a water gun

Drew just goes with the flow.  Grass, presents...all the same!

Look at that chubby face!

(Drew's, not mine...I hope)

Sometimes this is the best I can get when I ask for a smile from Jake!

We always forget to take pictures together...but can't forget my partner in crime :)

As always, Ali was excited to see the boys.  And Drew just wanted to get down and CRAWL.  Such a funny face!

Seth and his cousin Matt peeling some crawdads.

The boys were so excited to see their Uncle Chase!  He moved to Amarillo a few months ago so they hadn't seen him since Christmas.

Again, they just don't get any attention.  Ever.

I'm sure Popo and Nonnie are always so glad when we visit.  Their lawn gets mowed no less than 1,000 times.

And the main attraction...

Jake loves riding Popo's tractor!  (The riding lawn mower is also a big hit but pales in comparison)  We talk about this all the time...and this time Popo even let him steer.  I think all farm equipment must smell the same because it smells just like my Peepaw's old barn.  I'd recognize that smell anywhere!

As Jake would say, "We were workin' real hard!"

We had a great time and were glad to catch up with everyone over Easter!  I love that my children are making memories like this...not every 2 year old gets to drive heavy machinery multiple times a year.

(Which is probably for the best)