A couple of first's

Well, I feel like I am always blogging about Collins these days, but at the age he is, he is just doing a lot of first's. The past couple of days have been no exception. We dusted off the highchair and brought it up on Monday. Collins looked so cute and little in a big highchair. Although he continually slides down in it, he is enjoying sitting up like a big boy. He is also loving eating puffs, and it buys me a few moments to get dinner ready. He also got his first set of wheels this week and LOVES riding around like his big bro'. Both the boys love being outside, so most days you can find us having a picnic at Overton Park. If I can ever get my act together I am going to plan some playdates so all the kiddos can get together and play!
In other news... I am not losing weight as rapidly as I had hoped... only 1.5 pounds if you were wondering. I feel like I am eating much better most days and I am running frequently. I am hopeful these pounds are going to leave me soon. If anyone has any great tips... other than catch a stomach a virus... let me know!!!
I think a BOB stroller would help... hint, hint, Brendan :)
Courtney

"Now where did I put that puff"?


Does this hair-do look familiar?

"What is this stuff?"

"Not as yummy as it looks"

On our way to a wedding, we do get dressed up on a rare occassion!

Missing...

My body!!!! OK, I am missing the body I once had!! I have taken it till I can take it no longer! I am determined to lose my last 10 pounds of baby weight ( from my pregnancy with Jack ). I am learning that this is going to take a lot longer than I had originally hoped. I have been running again and trying to eat better... except today...I ate really bad today!!! I promised Brendan that by our anniversary I will be alot closer to my old body... that is what he married. I am hoping to wear a two-piece proudly again. I do have one thing that I don't think I will be able to get rid of....stretch marks miracle marks!
Please help me, come run with me, honk at me if you see me in a drive thru!! I want my body back!!
*Reward if found*

Birthday, Beach, and Brotherhood

My Sweet Blessing has turned three!!!! Last week Jack turned 3 and we had a great party to celebrate. Jack loved all of his friends coming over and getting to take cupcakes to school. Seriously, I cannot believe it has been 3 years. We have hardly know anything but life with Jack ( we got preggo with him 1.5 months after we got married ) and I can't imagine it any other way. He is such a gift and we love him so very much!!
His special gift from us was a little Trek bicycle. He has been wanting a bike ever since me and Brendan dusted ours off to start riding again. I'm kinda a bike snob so I couldn't hang with a spiderman bike... although he probably would have gotten more excited about that. Hope he likes riding as much as I do!
After his birthday we headed south for a little vacationing. We spent a couple days at The Grand Point Clear. It was AMAZING!!! I would highly suggest you visit there if you ever get a chance- It reminded me of a sandals resort. I loved it so much that we will be heading back in a month to celebrate our anniversary. Next, we headed for Gulf Shores for the week. Jack LOVED playing in the sand and Collins loved napping, so it worked well. It was such a great vacation and I am feeling refreshed!

In other news... Collins is getting into everything!! Its so funny to see him get after Jack's toys. No matter where you put him, he will find his way to the toys. Jack's not sure what to think about this. One thing is for sure... they are establishing a strong brotherhood. I love it!! We prayed when we were pregnant with Collins that the boys would have a strong bond, so its exciting to see that root being established.
Well, I have a ton of pics to share....
Thanks for looking,
Courtney

Ahhh the questions

OK, so there are a couple of questions that I get asked on a regular basis, so I figured what better place to answer them than on my blog.

1. Are are you through having kids??? Hmmm... I wish I knew the answer to this one. Some days I could say - are you freakin crazy??? I can hardly juggle what I've got, and sleep has become an all but distant memory. However, other days, I look at my boys and think... give up the chance at doing this again - NO WAY. It is hard for me to think that I might not ever experience bringing new life into the world again. To be honest... all of my life experiences have paled in comparison to the moments Jack and Collins were born. I do understand that does not justify having another child. So I guess we will see. I know my heart has room for more, I just don't know if my mental and physical health do! And of course there is Brendan... whom I think would be content with being finished.

2. Do you miss being a nurse? Some days.I did enjoy working and I worked hard to learn what I did. And I was good, real good at what I did. However, my schooling, my job, my paycheck.. It all has little value to those boys lying sweetly in their beds right now. I just couldn't possibly go back to work and leave them. In the whole scope of eternity all that stuff doesn't matter as much as raising them. Don't get me wrong, I do have my days, actually I just had one recently. Believe me when I say... the burn unit has nothing on this place! Maybe one day, If Brendan's schedule allowed for him to be home when I am gone to work. I do miss the adrenalin rush... I would have to go back to the ED or Unit...no doctors office for me...taking a Blood pressure and replacing the tissue on the table would not cut it!
True story... On my second date with Brendan I told him that when I have kids I've got to stay home with them. I told him if that wasn't going to be ok with him than I wasn't the one for him. He looked at me like I was CRAZY.... but he promised then, that if by some wild chance we were to work out... I could stay home. I will have to say he has kept his word. Since then, God has poured out so many blessings on us, that we know we are making the right decision. Next...

3. Are you getting any sleep yet. Umm...NO. I am however going too Sunday night!!! Brendan got me a room at Ross Bridge for the evening. I have every intention on laying out in my swim suit that doesn't fit, getting burned from my lack of sun screen, ordering poolside and room service ( I am pretty sure he put it on his buisness credit card =), and sleeping LATE.. you know.. till like 8... sure bets 4:30!!!! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I'll be sure to blog about it!!!

Ok, well I'm tired, hope this gives anybody who cares clarity.
Courtney

Blog Worthy

Today Jack had his preschool music program at church. Now he has had one of these before, but he just sat there while everyone else performed. That was not the case today, he sang louder than all the other kids and did all of the hand motions!!!! It was so cute and I was so proud of him. It was particularly funny because all the other kids were sitting, doing nothing. I am loving watching his personality blossom... although me and that personality go head-to-head sometimes.
Later today when Jack was in time-out....for the fifteenth time... he fell asleep! He was in the corner and when we told him he was free to come out, we got no response. We laughed so hard because he was OUT and his head kept bobbing and we were sure he was going to tip over. Needless to say we got some awesome video of it.
Well better go and get ready for small group... have I mentioned I love our Sunday night marriage small group?!!!
Courtney

Facebook

You might want to have a seat when you hear this news... I joined facebook!! Yes, after MUCH peer pressure I joined... I know I am the LAST joining member. We will see how long it last, I hardly have time to blog.

We had a wonderful Easter. He has Risen!!! Church was awesome. If you didn't go to Church of the Highlands you missed out... and you were the only one!!! Over 19,000 attended and over 2300 accepted Christ!!!!! How awesome is that!!! Praise God!
Of Course I didn't get pictures, I had my hands way too full! Looking forward to this weekend at the lake for a little rest.
Courtney

Chunky Monkey

Busy, thats what we've been!! I feel like the "tails waggin the dog" these day. I can't imagine having a job... I can hardly manage my family and social life. I am kinda glad for a cold day to stay in and be lazy. The boys are both doing good. Collins is doing much better these days. Between his medicine and formula we have found the keys to happiness. I was sad giving up nursing him, but I realize that is whats best. I only fell 2 weeks shy of my 6 month goal. I will encourage others that breastfeeding is much easier the second go around and I am so glad that I did it! I must say... nothing packs on the pounds like formula! We have a chunky monkey on our hands. Collins looks totally different with rolls on him - its so cute!!
Jack is doing good too!!! He keeps me super busy... if only I had his energy. He is getting so excited about his birthday coming up and reminds me everyday of what he wants. I still have lots of party planning to do.
We are all looking forward to our up-coming beach trip - except getting into a swimsuit... not looking forward to that! I really need some rest, relaxation, and sand between my toes.
Well, enjoy the pics..



Clearly, Collins dosen't like laying out like his mother!