Playtime

 Micah cools off in the sprinkler

 Jacob enjoys some tummy-time

 Micah keeps Jacob company while he takes in the wonders of...the ceiling fan

 Mommy and Jacob get ready for a hike to the library

It's hot. Like 100+ degrees hot, everyday. So we have to be creative when it comes to play time around here. Micah's been living it up in the backyard sprinkler and sometimes, the kiddie pool we set up on the porch. Jacob stays indoors for the most part since it's just too hot for him. Luckily, he is easily amused :-) His latest favorite pasttime is the mobile in his crib. He will happily watch the moons and stars go around and listen to the tinkly music for 10 or 15 minutes! We did manage to get out the baby carrier from Aunt Helen one day and walk to the library across the street. Hopefully, we'll be able to do more of that soon when it cools down this fall. Jacob had a great weekend, sleeping for 6 hours on Saturday night! He was having some trouble with fussing while eating so the Dr. recommended we try some Zantac to help with possible reflux. We think it may be working because he ate without any problems yesterday and ate like a horse! Not that he's suffering that department anyway :-) I noticed that not only have I had to let out the straps in his carseat, but I also had to do it on Micah's--looks like the kid is finally starting to grow taller! I know, I should enjoy this phase now before I am forced to buy him new pants every 4 months :-)

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!