In one week...

In one week, you grew up. My Big Boy is even bigger now! Hubby and I went to Myrtle Beach for a vacation - alone, without children. We figured it will be the last time in a long time we were able to get away for a week without kids.

Never mind that every child we saw reminded us of you. That everything we did, I was thinking how much fun you'd have doing it. Running on the beach, playing miniature golf, looking at sharks up-close at the aquarium, playing in the waves... I am so excited about our future family vacations. I'm sorry I wasn't ready to take a 19 month old child out of town for a week... I did need a break before the new baby comes. But the vacations for years to come... I am so looking forward to them!

Every day we called for an update. And every day, we got to hear your little-bitty voice on the phone, saying, "Hi, Mommy! Hi, Daddy!" And every day my heart broke a little more - knowing that you had a little life without me. Even if just for a week.

We came to pick you up at Gam and Poppy's house today. You looked so big - definitely not the little boy we left last week. No, you're now a little man. After pulling shy for a nano-second, you gave us both hugs and kisses, then ran to show us your box and your drums and your balloon - everything you accumulated at Gam and Poppy's over the week. And then... you wouldn't let us go. You held our hands and snuggled with us, and cried when we left the room to go to the bathroom. Gam said you were very well-behaved - even better than when we were there. I believe it - you were testing us out again - seeing where your boundaries were again.

But the joy on your face seeing us again made me cry. I am so glad to be at home with you again. It's you and me, Big Boy. My even bigger Big Boy.

I found it!

OK, baby #2! We have decided on your real name - and I've decided on your blog name. Henceforth, Baby #2 will be called "Buddy." Big Boy and Buddy. I think they go well together!

Big Boy is waiting for his Buddy!

To my boys....

My darling boys - to those who are already with me and the one yet to be born,

I started this site last week, when I found out we were having another baby boy. I've wanted to do something special for my boys, and I thought that this might be a more consistent way for me to keep track of all the amazingness that you guys are - all the amazingness that you bring into my life. I hope that this site is a wonderful catch-all of pictures, stories, and memories - and that one day I can print it all out for you to keep forever.

I'm a tomboy at heart, and I knew in my heart of hearts that I would be a mom of boys. A little part of me wanted ribbons and dresses, but the excitement of mud pies and choo-choo trains outweighs that by far! The Lord knew what I needed, and He knew what to surround me with... and I am so excited for the years to come!

To Big Boy: you are going to be a GREAT big brother. You should've seen yourself with your little cousin tonight. You were so gentle with her - wanting to see her and hold her, rock her and give her a pacifier. You laughed at her little faces, all while keeping your hands to yourself! See why you're my Big Boy? and only 18 months old!!!

To our littlest one (I'll think of a good name for you soon!): we are so excited that you are coming into our lives this December. We cannot wait to hold you in our arms and love on you! You are already so active - kicking me, letting me know you are there. You will add a wonderful fullness to our little family!

To my Hubby: thank you for everything. Everything you do, everything you are. The Lord has truly blessed me through you, and I am thankful!

I don't think that all my posts will be this sappy.... I'm not such a sappy person in general. But I wanted to let you, my boys, know about the love overflowing in my heart.