Sneak Peek

For months we have been looking for a swing set for our rowdy, soon-to-be-four-year-old Ben. We wanted something durable that will be big enough for his larger-than-life personality...and ever-fascinating imagination.

We wanted something that would last us several years and be fun for Luke to grow into over the next year.

We wanted something with a big clubhouse, but also with swings. We wanted a rock wall and slide, but we didn't want something gigantic that spread in three or four different directions.

I wanted redwood for the strength and durability, and it's fitness for our (somewhat) cold winters, very humid summers, and crazy up and down weather.

We have looked at new and we have looked at used.

A set identical to this came across our radar yesterday morning. Fortunately we were in Little Rock and were able to run out and see it. It is 3 years old and in fantastic shape. Sometime in the next week or so I will be taking a day to take it apart and bring it to Conway.

We're not sure when we will surprise our little guy, but he's going to have the biggest smile on his face. He may just decide to sleep in it.

Today he was blowing dandelions and making wishes. He blew a wish for "Luke to have a birthday party." (Their birthdays are 3 days apart). It was the sweetest, most innocent moment.

When I blew one and he asked me what my wish was, I said "For you to get a big surprise on your birthday."

The fevers and wet beds and temper tantrums and bathtub floods all fade into the distance when something this fun is happening.

Our first swing set.

Oh, what fun it will be.

Ben's Party Preview

Two weeks after we celebrate Luke's 1st birthday, we will celebrate Ben's 4th.

Here's a preview of his "Dumptruck Party." He's been talking about it for over a year.

We have something pretty big planned for his present - and he has no idea.

THANKS FOR sNOwTHING

We are trying very, very hard to not be bitter about the lack of snow this year. But what fell on Monday was an absolute joke.

Still, Ben thought it was fun to see. It would have been more fun if Daddy had been home to throw a snowball...or if there had been enough snow to make a ball...

I can't get over how big he looks in this picture.

He will do anything to get his brother to smile for the camera.

Oh well...it's not spring yet. Maybe the one big snow is still building somewhere out there.

Eleven Months

Luke, you're eleven months. Eleven. As in one month away from being 1! Thank heavens we still refer to babies by the months between 1 and two because adding "month" to anything makes you still seem like a baby.

I think I'll say you're 60 months...instead of 5 years old...or maybe 3 months, times a score.

We can't say it enough...you have brought such joy to our lives. I say every day that I did not think it was possible to love you as much as your brother, but these eleven months have proved me wrong.

Some days you're a little needy and I'll throw you in the Bjorn and carry you around while I clean up the kitchen...or work in the garage. I think I'll keep you in that until you're 100 pounds. It makes you so happy to be that close. But under other circumstances, you hate to be held.

You are very independent and we can already see that you are going to be determined. You're a different energy than your brother, and it's so fun to watch. You figure things out on your own, and you're very quick - it's really amazing how advanced your motor skills are. You pick up finger food with surgeon-like precision, and you're becoming more and more independent. In fact, you remind me of what your Grammy says about me. I was completely agreeable until it was time for bed. Then I didn't want to be coddled or rocked - I just wanted my bed.

You, my son, are the exact same way.

You definitely have your serious side - that comes from the Bunch genes, or maybe your German Weber roots. You've also got your daddy's hair, although mine wasn't curly until I was 12 or 13. But it was blonde. And son...your's is blonde. There's no two ways about it!


I don't know how you managed to equal your brother's cuteness, but you are absolutely beautiful.

We are blessed beyond measure to be the parents of two perfect, healthy boys. We thank God every second that we have you both, and that you are healthy. We just can't thank Him enough for you and your brother, and we can't wait to watch the two of you grow.

Be Still My Heart

Blessed doesn't even begin to describe how I feel on this Valentine's Day.

Whatever Gets You Through the Day

These are the things that get us through the day right now - days that are long and damp and often cold.

Ben's Black and Decker tool bench is actually a favorite for both boys. Luke knows how to make the saw and drill press "work" and he's too cute standing there in front of it.

This is genius. The Battat take-apart airplane. There are also helicopters and other styles, but Ben has the airplane. He can take it completely apart in about 30 seconds and is pretty good at getting it all back together correctly. And once it's complete, he does it all over again.

This is Luke's first raceway from FisherPrice. It's pretty stinking cute. You drop the car on the ramp, it slides down into the bowl, they spin around and around and then shoot out the other side. Ben enjoys it too.

I wish I could take credit for inventing the "Kid-o-Go" car. It helps crawlers build stability and muscle while crawling with one hand and pushing the car with the other. Luke absolutely loves it.

The "My Busy Town" activity center is another must-have for toddlers. Luke loves the bright colors and shapes, and he always finds something to do with this.

And, last but not least...

To keep it all organized, we purchased a similar set of cubbies for Ben's room. We purchased some red and blue bins that fit with the colors of his bedroom. The bins make it easy to throw blocks and other loose items in, and the open cubbies allow for a few items to be displayed - his piggy bank, a few books, a toy or two, etc.

This is just some of what we can't live without in this, our life with two busy, busy boys.

Party Planning

Party planning is in full swing at our house. Both boys have March birthdays, along with my Dad, Brother, Jenny's mom and half of her extended family. Ben was born on Jenny's grandmother's birthday, which was really special because she died just a few days before he was born. It's crazy busy in our families and March definitely comes in like a Lion.

Jenny is having a craft weekend next week, and the boys and I are going to my parents' so that she and her mom and sister can have some party production time.

For now, here's a preview of our invitation for sweet Luke. It fits his little personality so well.