Summer

Fields of green and bumble bees
Afternoon naps under shade trees
Rotating sprinklers, soggy lawns
Sidewalk chalk and sleepy yawns

Trips to water parks and zoos
Family reunions and barbecues
The sound of laughter fills the air
Happiness is everywhere

Citronella and sunscreen
Bowls of homemade ice cream
Charcoal burning on the grill
Fresh baked pies on window sills

Splash pads and water slides
Days spent lounging pool-side
Running around from here to there
Twirling and singing without a care

Slip 'n slides, water balloon fights
Unexpected guests and road trip sights
Carnival rides that cost a buck
Festivals, fireworks, and food trucks

Faces covered in sweat and dirt
Mosquito bites and burns that hurt
Swimsuits, sunglasses, and skinned knees
Wrinkled hands for all to see

Early to rise and late to bed
Messy top knots on our heads
The very best season (except for fall)
New adventures had by all.

   

  

Logan 3 Month Update

At just 3 months old, Logan has found his sweet spot. Although he hates being a baby and can't wait to do big kid things like sit up and roll over, he is really starting to come into his own. He loves to be held facing outward so he can see what's going on (and be part of the conversation) which means we have been using the Baby Bjorn non-stop. Taylor never cared much for baby wearing, but Logan is just the opposite. He loves to be in on the action and absorb everything around him (just like his father).

Along with needing to be seen, little man also wants to be heard! He's constantly cooing, babbling, or crying out in an effort to steal our attention away from big sister. Because let's face it, she requires a lot of attention. The other night we were driving home and Taylor started crying ("because I don't know why") so then Logan started crying (because he's a sympathy crier). Eventually, they both stopped and Logan blabbered something. Taylor stopped what she was doing, looked over at Logan and said, "Uh, I know!" It was the funniest thing ever, and Jake and I couldn't help but laugh. These kids are just too much.

Major milestones this month include reaching, grasping, and rolling onto his side! Logan loves laying on his play mat, gripping anything he can get his hands on, and wiggling around in circles. He's also dangerously close to rolling over.  Not only is he starting to become mobile, but he's also showing signs of teething! My sweet little baby (who was just born like yesterday) is constantly covered in drool and gnawing on everything in sight. It's hard to believe that he's already out of the infant stage and well into baby territory. They say that boys typically reach physical milestones before girls and, so far, it has proven to be entirely true. Taylor didn't exhibit most these traits until she was about 4 months old!

In terms of size, Logan weighs in at 15 lbs 8 oz and measures 25 1/2" long. He's wearing 3-6 (and some 6-9) month clothing and loves, loves, loves to eat! Once I stopped breastfeeding, we started Logan on Gerber Good Start Gentle formula, the same we used with Taylor. He spits up on occasion but overall does very well with it. Plus, it doesn't have that smell that other formulas tend to have. Bleh.

This little guy is such a delight to be around, spreading joy wherever he goes with those chubby cheeks and full face grins. The sounds of his sweet baby giggles can brighten even the darkest day. He is so happy and full of life, and I can't believe I get to call him mine. We love you to the moon and back, little Logi Bear.

Life Lately

I realize that the blog has been rather quiet over the past couple of months, mainly because there has been so much going on that I can hardly keep up with it all, so I thought I'd provide an update to get everyone up to speed. Let's get to it, shall we?

The kids. Plural. It's still surreal to me that we have two children. In a way, it feels as though Logan has been with us forever, but on the other hand it seems like just yesterday we were bringing Taylor home from the hospital. My main goal each day is to make sure we're all clean, fed, and happy (and most most days that's all I get accomplished), but I have tried to make the most of my time away from work by indulging in these two as often as possible. I've enjoyed being able to catch up on my to-do list and spending leisurely afternoons playing with the kids, things that I just don't have time to do while working full time. For the past 11 weeks, my days have been consumed by Logan and Taylor's every want and need, so naturally I am having a hard time preparing myself for my return to work. Yes, being a stay-at-home mom is tough, but it's also incredibly gratifying and unbelievably rewarding. The days are long and the chores are never ending, but no job will ever compare to snuggling my babies in my arms. After all, this is what life is truly about.

Enough about me and my sappy hormones. The rest of the family has a lot going on as well. We are on month 374 (or so it feels like) of potty training the tot, and I swear she is thisclose to finally figuring it out. Keeping her home from daycare lately has really helped as I'm able to keep a close eye on the clock but, as those of you who have been down this road before know, some days are progressive and some days are not. Our girl is a rockstar when it comes to sleeping and eating, but potty training has proven to be her weak spot and frustration city for Jake and I. Jake commented the other day that we may be asking her if she needs to go potty on her wedding day. Long story short, she's getting there, slowly but surely. What else is new in the life of Taylor? Oh, just having a meltdown every 5 seconds because she dropped something or hurt her finger or, my favorite, "I don't know." She is diving head first into the threenager stage, and Jake and I are doing our best to keep our sense of humor about it. We offer lots of hugs and kisses for her boo-boo's (most of which don't even exist), but occasionally her crazy is just too much and we have to send her to her room to cool off. Toddlers.

And then there is Logan. Sweet, smiley, can't walk or talk, Logan. After a day of crazy in toddler town, the baby stage is completely refreshing. I don't mind changing a handful of dirty diapers or being spit up all over when I am rewarded by his happy face at every turn. This kid is an absolute gem, rarely crying (unless he is hungry, in which case watch out!) and snoozing most of the day. After a few tweaks to his nighttime routine, I think we have finally gotten Logan to sleep through the night - and just in time for me to head back to work! This boy loves to eat, sit in his bumbo, and will talk non-stop to anyone who will pay him attention. It's hard work being second fiddle to Taylor who requires every ounce of attention she can get, but Logan holds his own and never lets us forget that he is also in the room. These two are most definitely giving us a run for our money, but I wouldn't trade them (or their strong personalities) for anything!

As for the other man of the house, Jake is doing quite well. In early April, he traded in his Tundra for a newer model which he loves and adapted a much healthier lifestyle which I love. For a guy who used to eat 8 corndogs in one sitting and hadn't ran a mile since high school, he is knocking this weight loss out of the park! Not only has he completely changed his eating habits, but he exercises daily and has even taken up running. I have to brag on him because not only does he dive right into the parenting duties as soon as he steps through the door each night, but he still finds time to squeeze in a workout even if it means blasting through a HIIT routine in the basement at 10 PM. The guy has lost almost 30 pounds in 6 weeks, and I couldn't be more proud of him. His hard work and dedication have had a major influence on me as well. While I could be sitting around eating cookies and mac & cheese all day (Taylor's favorites), instead I am mindful of what I consume as well. Because if he's going to look good at the pool this summer, I want to look good, too. ;c )

So there you have it, a short (but sweet) recap of life in the Eldredge household. I'm sure a lot will change once I return to work in 12 short days, but for now I plan on savoring every last second of maternity leave with my two little loves.