Brax, Brody and Everleigh

What?!?! Two posts in one week? I know, I've outdone myself this time. I just had to post these adorable pictures of Brax holding his first toad. He could not be more "boy." I haven't seen him this excited over anything in a long time. A few tears were shed when the toad decided to hop down into the water, wisely choosing to leave us while still in possession of all of his body parts. Eager little hands can be dangerous :) I love Brax's curiosity! He is truly one of the funniest children I've ever met. The kid keeps me in stitches. I mean, just look at that face!

Such a precious thing... the innocence of children. I wish that we could all experience such joy in the little things. What a sweet spirit he has!

I captured this sweet moment the other morning after breakfast. They were just sitting like this, enjoying cartoons together, totally unprompted to be loving toward one another. Watching them grow into best buddies has been one of the greatest gifts of motherhood. Brax is such a sweet and protective big brother. A wise woman at church (who happens to be the mama of two grown boys) told me that her greatest joy was seeing her boys as friends and buddies and her greatest heartache was when they didn't get along.

Of course, once they noticed that I had the camera, a little "cheese" had to come out.

And in the interest of my "blog as a scrapbook," I had to document Brody's 18-month stats: Wt- 30lb 5oz (91%), Ht-33.5in (81%), and a head circumference that came back onto the chart at 98% (although I'm pretty sure that the measurement was off by a little :) He is at a very fun age right now. He does everything in his power to keep up with Brax. He's quite a little chatterbox and I can't even begin to estimate how many words he says... maybe 200? He's even started saying phrases. He's generally laid back (unless he's tired) and aside from a 2-3week "mommy phase," is still my little social butterfly. He loves to dance and sing and makes me smile more times a day than I can count.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day with my three guys! I was spoiled rotten, as usual, upholding my position of princess of the house. They sure have a way of making me feel loved. Brax made me a stepping stone for the yard/garden, complete with stones that he chose and placed himself. I loved it! "The boys" (read: Daddy) got me a Kindle. If you don't know what that is, then you should google it. Totally amazing. You can download books, newspapers, magazines, right to the Kindle without having to use a computer or anything. It just takes a few seconds. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE to read. I love that I can take as many books as I want on a trip with me and it's only the size of one thin book! Plus the books are cheaper to buy. What intuitive boys I have! Of course, above all, the greatest gift is just getting to be "Mommy" to these amazing little people. God has blessed me beyond measure. I can't tell you how much my heart swells with pride (and sometimes my eyes with tears) as I watch them learn new things, grow in their love for others, and become more mature with each passing day. Yes, motherhood is hard. Anyone who says that it's not is a huge liar :) But, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices and I couldn't have asked for more precious sons to mother. Thank you, God, for my boys!!! And thank you, of course, for all of the mothers who have shaped my family. From the mothers my age- my friends, sister, sister-in-law, to my grandmothers (and grandmothers-in-law) , my mother-in-law, and of course, my own wonderful, selfless, Christian mother, I have been incredibly blessed! Hope that everyone has had a wonderful week. More to come....