Ketchup

It's time to catch you up on what else is going on this summer.....


Lots of weddings, time at the park,
sunshine with Nannie and Grandpa,

basketball with Dad at Hinkle Fieldhouse,

basketball camp,

hangin' with Baby Leo

Ray's first hair cut,

and soccer team.

Oh, Ray had no interest in getting his hair cut, so we haven't gone back and it's curling behind his ears. Awesome.

INTERNET!!

Well, we finally have internet. Who knew it would be so hard to live without internet?? I feel so bad for the lady that I made describe to me every swingset they had over the phone because I had NOTHING to access what they looked like and my 3 year old hasn't been sleeping because he misses his "uhder house" and "owd swingsec."

We said good bye and moved into our new home on May 27. We have so many amazing memories at this house. Joey bought it right out of college and lived there with a few guys for several years before I moved there. We lucked out big time when we decided to move and only had it on the market for 2 weeks. We close Friday. We feel so blessed how smooth this transition has been for us. This is how I feel. I am at peace. I have such a good feeling about where I am in my life and things couldn't be better (knock on wood).

The boys are adjusting. Ray hasn't missed a beat, but Joey on the other hand is having some trouble. He misses his toys that are still in boxes, he misses his old room and his swingset that the buyer included with the purchase of our house. I pray the transition continues to get easier.

We got to babysit Leo for the first time, and the boys adored him.

Leo adored the swing, however.

Two of the most amazing women in my life are Emmie and Sadie, who now live walking distance from me. They have helped me with EVERYTHING! There isn't more than 8 hours that go by without us chatting and we totally get each other, which is amazing to have in a friend. This was before Sadie's birthday May 28 (the day after we moved). There wasn't any way they were going to let me miss this, and I am so thankful for that.

We hosted our first bonfire 15 days after moving in to the new house. After several shots and most of us getting about 4-5 hours of sleep (since we all have kids 3 and under), I can say we had a very successful night.

We looooove birthdays! There isn't a candle Joey and Ray miss blowing. Thanks to my family and the Matis fam for making our move so easy and my birthday so special.

Life is good.

Someone tell me....

why my sweet little boy gets sick every time a tooth pops through??

Ready

Totally ready for sports.

You're Caught!

She thinks my tractor's sexy!

SOOOOO BIG!!!

3

Joey,

It's weird to say you are 3 when it actually feels like you are 4 because you have been in my world since the second we found out we were pregnant. You were the first born for a reason. You have changed my world completely.

The bond between us is so unique. Since you have been such a sick little guy I have sheltered you and protected you. Just recently I have let you go-- I let you leave the room with friends, I let you go outside (fenced in back yard) to play by yourself, and I let you go potty by yourself (which is huuuuge for me). With every sickness you get tougher. You used to take medicine like candy, now you'd rather tough it out. Just recently you have started to test the boundaries- as hard as it is for me I love that you are gaining a mind of your own because you used to be such a softie.

I am still trying to keep you as my little boy though. You are 42 lbs and I still carry you when you get too tired to ride your bike. I still have you in a crib and diapers are still my best friend. I let you drink milk like a bottle and I rock you as long as I can. When I look at you, I see me. I love every piece of you and I continue to thank the Lord for letting me keep you as long as I have. Every day I look back on to June 15, 2009 when we almost lost you and I feel so blessed to still have you here on Earth.

I am finally feeling comfortable putting you and Ray Ray above everything else. You are true gifts and I can't wait for my friends to experience the wonderful gifts of children. Today was such a happy day and I can't wait to celebrate again at your party Sunday. You make my life better.

I love you Joey.

Mommu