Happy Halloween!

Sometimes you have grand plans to be exceptionally creative and it just doesn't work out that way. Since I actually can sew a bit now,  I thought I'd be making Griffin an amazing homemade costume this year. Something clever and adorable. Something that we'd look back on and say--now that was a cool costume. That didn't happen. We did, however, make a trip to the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach and buy the boys t-shirts. So, Griff dressed as a surfer. We made it to Boo at the Zoo and Griff collected some candy. Seriously, he ate one little tiny box of nerds for about an hour. He hasn't learned the goodness of gorging yourself on Halloween candy. And, he got to touch a real snake. It was pretty cool.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Serious Business

Griffin had his first real haircut this week. He was mesmerized by all of the music, colors, videos and other kid stuff in the salon. After nearly poking his eye out as Jose and I attempted to cut his hair, we decided to turn things over to the professionals. These people really know how to distract a 22 month-old. He sat almost entirely still throughout the process--he didn't even crack a smile. Afterwards, he was so proud of himself. And, he looks like such a big boy!

Toes in the Sand

Peace crashed over me like a wave as I sat on the beach with the boys this morning. Griff digging in the sand with his dino claw; Diego strapped to my chest. In that moment, all was as it should be and I was just where I should have been. The sky was so-clear-it-almost-hurts blue and the breeze made us glad to have our sweatshirts. All the worry, exhaustion, and expectation I had been feeling just dropped away. I was present with my boys--chasing Griff up and down the miniature dunes, Diego breathing deeply against me, all of us running away from the chilly surf. I didn't lug my camera along, so no pictures. I didn't have expectations of what we would do or how long we would be there. It felt so good to just be. Of course, I would have loved Jose to have been there at the beach with us, but it is a work day. This morning was a gift, spent with my two little guys. Oh, how I love them.

The Boys Today

So Happy Together

Life truly is an adventure. And, I don't just mean the adventurous parts. Sure, we used to do more skiing and hiking and camping and traveling to foreign countries, but the adventure is really right now. Nowadays, grocery shopping can feel a little daunting. How will I get all three of us and groceries into the house at once? Being responsible for two other lives feels sometimes risky, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes joyful, but always like the right place to be. I know every other parent knows exactly what I mean and that I'm not experiencing something that billions of others before me haven't already. But, for me, the adventure is new and present. So, whether Griff is wailing for his dad in the car (even though Jose just ran inside a restaurant to look at a menu) or Diego is peeing in his own eye while I change his diaper, I'm going to do my best to make the most of each day.

Right now, our days are in Florida...for an unforeseen period of time. The weather is lovely. The beach is our playground. And, oh, we are so thankful to be together.

Our patio mascot.

There have been a few tantrums thrown. Jose thought he might show Griff how he looks mid-tantrum. This one was set off by saying goodbye to the peacocks and not being allowed to run across the parking lot. Imagine!

 Okay, boys...both of you, smile at the camera...

Oh, well...

Eating out has gotten a little trickier. No wonder we mostly ate at home on paper plates as kids!

What a Month!

Happy one month to Diego!

It has been quite a month for our little family. I can truly say that I would not have maintained my sanity without my dear family and friends. When Griffin was born, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Jose was able to take a week off work...and a week after he went back to work, Lockheed closed for Christmas and New Year's. He had two weeks off. Amazing.

Before Diego was born, Jose's boss kept trying to send him out of town on my due date. Not so amazing. We are so blessed that Jose is able to take time off and he did for a week after Diego was born. Then...Jose was sent out of town for an undefined period of time.

In came my family. They called to check on the boys and me every day. And, the women swooped in to help.  Court and Whit spent a lovely weekend with me--snuggling my boys and taking care of us. It is always the best to see my sisters, but this time it was like I had been holding my breath and could finally breathe again. They cleaned and cooked. We laughed and played. It went way too quickly, but I truly cannot express my gratitude for their presence. (Be sure to watch the mowing videos on Whit's blog)

(My cute mom--what a sweet grandma)

(Griff picked out this outfit--not quite as cute as Lily's)

I only had to survive a few more days on my own before my mom arrived. I had to laugh when she said that if we lived closer together, she could visit more often because I have seen her more in the last few months than I have since I moved to Denver. It has been amazing. I have never appreciated the flexibility of her job more. There was never a doubt in my mind that my mom and sisters would do whatever they could to help me when I needed it. This newborn time is so emotional anyway, to be safe and taken care of by my family is all I could ask for.

(#1: Griff is a giant. #2: How adorable is Logan?!)

Above and beyond all of this--so many friends brought us truly delicious meals. It just happened to work out that most of the meals were soup, which is actually my favorite. How did they know?! It made me feel so loved to eat their tasty food and chat with them when they stopped by. Hooray for everyone!

Finally, the four of us are back together. Diego is sleeping like a champ. He is sweet as can be and so mellow. Griff loves his baby and calls him "Day." He says it with a nod of his head, funny boy. Jose is loving being back with all of us--giving both his boys lots of love. I've never appreciated having a husband more. As Jose would say--life is good.

P.S. We're back at the beach. Feeling a little spoiled.

Three Weeks Old...

And, I think he really is as sweet as he looks.