Can't decide

I've done a few posts like this before...I periodically like to find photos of all my kids around the same age to figure out who looks like who?!!?  I often can't decide...what's your opinion?

Seth

Bryce

Jake

Max

Growing Like Weeds

Look who's three months old today...it's Bryce!  Bryce has really transformed into a delightful baby.  It was a little touch and go there those first few weeks, he gave me quite a run for my money.  Now he is so happy and content.  He is 14 lbs and 13 oz.  He loves to smile, talk, take naps, and sit in his bumbo and bouncy seat.  So happy to have my little Bry Guy around.  The boys are really enjoying him and love to help me when he cries...thanks boys!

Bryce isn't the only boy growing like a weed around here.  Jake has grown to love finding and playing with little critters around the yard.  You can see here, Jake has found a worm and in the picture below a three legged frog.  He also enjoys chasing rabbits and birds in the back yard.  He has really become aware of the world around him...everything is new and exciting for him!

Look who's learned how to ride without training wheels...that's right, Seth!  He is such a great bike rider, I knew it wouldn't take long for him to figure it out, thanks to his determination and a great daddy!  He rides that bike everyday.

 And my first little weed, Max.  I was so sad to hear he had a loose tooth.  I think I was more upset about him loosing his first tooth than him going off to kindergarten last year.  Loosing teeth really changes a kids look for good...it's all over after that...in my opinion anyway.  He was thrilled and thrilled that I was sad about it.  He was practicing his piano and suddenly stopped and shouted out that his tooth fell out.  That boy has really grown up this summer!

The good thing about little ones growing up is that you can enjoy spending time and talking with them.  We spent the evening catching fire flies the other night...it was fun watching him catch his own.

 I'm trying to enjoy all these stages in my little boys' lives.  It's so easy to forget how fast it's all going by!  Wish I could put my four boys in a mason jar like those fire flies in Max's hand and keep them small forever.

They Do Look Alike

Everyone that has seen my new little one (Bryce) within that first week of his birth, said something to the effect, "He looks so different from the rest."  I truly think they all look similar from day 1.  I think it throws everyone to see one of my boys with dark hair and a head full....they all started out that way and then grew their golden locks.  Here's a newborn shot of each one....I think it makes it easier to compare, what do you think, can you tell which is which? My goodness they grow so fast!

One Week

I love to have my newborn's pictures taken before they are a week old...their little bodies grow and change so fast.  Luckily I know a great photographer that brings all her stuff right to my house and is extremely patient...it makes it super easy for a new baby and mom.  So here are a few that we had taken of Bryce on the first Saturday of his life.

It kinda looks like Bryce is smiling in the one below with Ben...love this one! 

When we had pictures taken of Jake two years ago, it was like pulling teeth to get Seth to sit in front of the camera.  This time, he was so helpful and even ran upstairs to put on some cute clothes to have her snap one or two of him.

Now don't get confused, the next two pictures are of Jake, I just can't believe how much they change in two years...so much growth and personality! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Max brings home some pretty cool art projects from Kindergarten. Today he hopped off the bus with this great creation, we had fun playing with it and taking pictures of our little leprechauns. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

He's 2!

Today is Jake's 2nd Birthday! We've all been so excited for this day to come. Jake's favorite things right now, are Basketballs and Elmo. Jake has been such a loving and fun child since becoming part of our family! We love you little fella!

I know right?!??!

So here are pictures from the first day of school....yes, school started when your kids school started...I'm way behind on posting...I know right?!?!? So here is big Max going off to Kindergarten. It's everyday, half day. I love having him home for lunch! I wanted to drive him to school, but he didn't want any part of that. "I want to ride the bus because it is really long, it has lots of seats and has its own stop sign!" The swagger wagon can't compete with that.

This was also Seth's first year of Preschool. He was so excited and totally ready. After taking Max the previous two years, Seth has already become aquatinted with the school and the teachers. It was like Cheers! Everyone knew his name!

And of course our little fella, Jake. He doesn't miss a beat! He loves to help me watch for the bus and get those boys off to school. He is my little shadow. I love our time just the two of us!

I guess next school year I'll have two shadows, one to follow and one to carry!

Jake's Summer

We have gone non stop this summer, and poor little Jake has been our mascot! He has gone to every tee ball practice, tee ball game, soccer practice, swim lesson, you name it. I truly think he believes he's just as old and big as his brothers. He is dying to get on every field and looking for ways to get around me or anything else in his way. He's such a good natured little fellow, I had to give him a post before I put all of the big boys summer adventures up. He's Max and Seth's BIGGEST FAN! We love you Baby! (For some reason, who ever is the youngest child we call them Baby Max, or Baby Seth, or now...Baby Jake. We eventually just drop their name and call them Baby.)

Ben took this picture; Jake has conquered climbing onto the counter. He really is a Super Baby!

Here he is drinking Seth's water bottle while at tee ball practice.

Poor guy is watching the boys play with fire crackers.

Jake is watching a little dog out the window at a boat marina.

After all our trips to the Lake this summer, Jake has finally warmed up to swimming and getting into the water...he loves it!

Walkin'

I'm so happy that I was able to catch Jake on video taking his first real steps. He's taken one or two, not realizing what was happening, but nothing like what's in this little clip. I have to be honest, the ending is not the best, but it won't be long till we're running!

Party in the Back!

Before I had kids, a dear friend of mine (I like to call her aunt V) told me it was bad luck to cut a baby's hair before they were one. So, my three little boys sport the baby mullet until then. Yesterday evening, my good friend and neighbor gave my new one year old his first haircut. It's no longer...

Business in the Front

Party in the Back

It's my cute baby boy with his new look!

My cute neighbor/haircutter with Jake...Thanks Dena...he's a doll!

It's fun to be ONE!

Today was the day, our little Jake turned ONE! He has truly been such a joy to have in our family. He is so happy and good natured. He really took it easy on me becoming a mom of three. He's not walking yet, but he stands up on his own and walks along cabinets, walls, furniture, and anything else he can get his hands on. He enjoys nice quiet moments playing in the toilet and helping me unload the dishwasher. Happy Birthday Baby Jake!

Can you see the family resemblance? We always make the birthday cakes at our house with Ben being the mastermind and head baker of all our creations. I asked him nicely to give me a smile while preparing his angel food cake and this is what I get.

We decided to have a big breakfast this morning, since Ben is home every Monday morning. We had fresh fruit, bagels, breakfast casserole, and angel food cake. It was a yummy morning!

Ding Dong

Tonight while eating dinner, our door bell rang...no one was there, but a box of Ding Dongs tied with a bow and tag. The tag said, "You've been Ding Dong Ditched". I don't know who did, but it was sure thoughtful! I think Jake enjoyed himself the most, or either he was in training for his Birthday tomorrow. He tore it up!