So Thankful

 Pop Pop in his glory

 Family resemblance

The shirt says it all...

Happy boy!

Here are a few more photos and a video taken a little over a month ago. I've been going through all of these and just feeling so grateful for:

• two healthy and happy sons
• two good jobs (although I wish I could spend more time with the boys)
• a great family and friends who love and support us
• our 10-year wedding anniversary last week!
• the AC, which is still working through these 100+ days

...and a lot more things.

It might be a little chaotic at times getting used to having two children but I can't deny that it's also a blessing at the same time. It helps to remind myself everyday of the things I'm thankful for and try to take life one day at a time.

Happy Birthday and Father's Day!

 Enjoying cake and ice cream!

 Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Dan finds his gift, the grill

This year we got to celebrate Father's Day and my dad's birthday with him in person! We had a delicious cake with candles, which Micah helped Pop Pop blow out, and opened gifts. Micah and Jacob gave Dan a grill. We just smoked a brisket on there this past weekend and it tasted great! When you live far away from family, it is special to be able to celebrate these occasions together.

And here is another picture of the brothers!

Big Brother

While we've been busy with little brother, big brother has been growing up right before our eyes. Micah's latest new skill is riding a bike with training wheels all by himself! He got the bike last summer and had been practicing, but this summer he mastered the technique and can even turn in circles without falling off now. He also loves storytelling and Curious George, and of course, stories about Curious George. Although he no longer wants to have singing time before bed like we used to, he enjoys singing along to all kinds of songs, the theme to Thomas and Friends, his sing along CDs from Aunt Lyn and Uncle Dick, and songs he makes up about...Curious George :-) Can you sense a theme? He has a wonderful singing voice.

"Do I look like Micah?"

Big Boy

 All my guys

 Gramma Lynn gets some love

 Papa Roger teaches Jacob the fine art of napping

Mama and Jacob and first bath

As you can see we got the have both sets of grandparents come to visit and help out in June and July! We needed the help, especially with entertaining Micah while I was up all night with Jacob and Dan was working out of town. We had a great time and wish everyone was closer!

Well, Jacob had his two-month doctor appointment today. He is now 16 lbs and 12 oz and 24 inches long! I think he is headed for sumo wrestler territory. What a cutie!

Mobile

Here is something new for the grandparents :-) ...a sweet video of Jacob in the cradle swing we borrowed from some friends. He just loves the mobile on it. You can hear him "talking" to the teddy bear and stars as they rotate.

Introducing Jacob!

First photo of many!

Going home from the hospital

Big brother's first visit at the hospital (with Pop Pop)

(Grammy and Jacob)

Sorry to keep everyone waiting on the photos! Here are a few of his first few days. My parents were here to help out and Dan was able to arrange his schedule so that he had 5 days in a row he wasn't working. (Dan's been working a show about 2 hrs from home for the past couple of months, so this was a big deal). The birth went smoothly and we spent two days in the hospital before coming home on Saturday. Jacob was another healthy, big baby like his brother Micah, who was 9 lbs at birth. We have enjoyed every minute! I have had a smooth recovery and today is my first day back at work. I am doing part -time for the next four weeks while Dan is home. Then I will return full-time when classes start up again at the end of the month. Jacob will be attending the daycare where Micah is. So far we are adjusting pretty well. Micah is taking on the big brother role very well. He wants to be helpful and is learning how to play quietly while Jacob is sleeping, which is much of the day! Jacob was almost 13 lbs at his 1 month appointment, so he isn't wasting any time catching up to Micah! We will fine out the latest stats at his 2 month appointment tomorrow. Other than a small cold Micah had, we are all healthy and weathering the sleep deprivation. I will be posting photos and videos soon, including Papa Roger and Gramma Lynn's visit!

Announcing Jacob Martin Inouye!

Jacob was born May 26 at 3:41 p.m. He weighed 9 lbs and 6.5 oz! We are all recovering and adjusting well. Jacob is a joy. Big brother Micah loves him to pieces. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.