Jackisms

Oldie but goodie. Byah (my mom) was talking to Jack and called him 'Sweetie'. His response?

"I'm not a Sweetie. I am Jack Neal." (pause) "And I'm not a honey, either!"

Jack's 1st Day of Preschool!

Even though Jack moved over to preschool in May, August 7 was Jack's first official day of preschool. Why is that? Because that's the official start of the school year at the Child Development Center at Georgia Southern. AND that's when all of Jack's friends came over from Toddler 1 to preschool as well. (Luke's infant class also started on August 7, however, he won't be going until October 1)

It's like pulling teeth to get Jack to take a picture - much less smile or look at the camera. He's definitely better being captured without him knowing. (see sunflower field photograph for example)

It's amazing the leaps and bounds that Jack grew over the last year. He's no longer in diapers, he speaks amazingly, grammatically correct sentences :), he can touch the bottom the pool, pump a swing, help himself to his own snacks and drinks, dish out his own dinner, pass the butter, dress himself, joke, have conversations, use his manners, draw circles, talk about his feelings, tattle tale, load the dishwasher, open yogurt, talk back to me, tell me I'm not his best friend, manipulate me, reason with me, compromise, negotiate, put his laundry away and tell me he loves me without provoking him.

He's no longer my baby. He's my little boy.

Matchy, Matchy!

The Carter's gave Jack and Luke matching octopus pajamas! Jack loves them - and loves that they match his 'best friend' - did I mention Jack LOVES Luke??

Luke (6 weeks old)

August 16 (6 weeks old)

Jackisms

Jack slips off of the couch, slams into the floor immediately and immediately starts to cry.

I ask if he's ok and he tells me he bumped his elbow. I told him he must have hit his funny bone and how it's not so funny when you bump it.

He stares right at me and screams, "it's not a funny bone- its a crying bone!!!"

...

Trying to pack for the beach, I was looking for Jack's water shoes. I asked him which ones he wants to wear - keens or crocs. He told me he just wants to wear his feet.

Jackisms

While getting Jack ready for bed last night, I told him that he needed to get a good nights sleep because we were going to the beach this weekend to see our friends. "Who will be there?" he asked. So I went down the list...

Auntie Lindsay, Uncle Jeb, Auntie Anna, Auntie Maggie, Uncle Dave, Auntie Jill, Auntie Nicole with Jasmine and Jessica, Uncle Drew ...

"Wait, who is Uncle Dave?"
"You know him! He is Auntie Jill's husband."
(perplexed) "Her hump man?"

. . . silence . . .

"Uncle Drew is not my best friend."

Oh, Jack!

My Little Chippendale!! (who would make black toddler skivvies?) 

2 Months Old! (Luke)

Good ole Red is a BIG boy! We had an eventful day at Luke's 2 month check up today by weighing and measuring in at the 95% of other boys his age. But he's healthy - and that's all that matters! However, Luke grew so fast I feel like I barely had a chance to cuddle with the scrunchy, itty bitty baby. He still sports a small dimple in his right cheek that I try to capture daily. He's cooing and smiling all day long. He loves music and his brother. His hair is still red, but he's getting little blond baby hairs around his hairline. His feet are wide, hands are huge, thighs chunky and his eyes blue. Just like his brother, Luke has a stork bite on his forehead and back of his neck. He's getting rolly under his chin Dr. R suggested I put powder in there. . .

2 MONTH STATS
Weight: 14 pounds, .45 ounces (95%)

Length: 24.5 inches (95%)

Head: 16.5 inches (90%)

Jack at 2 months: 12lbs, 5oz & 23" long - 15.75" head

2 WEEK STATS
Weight: 9 pounds, 5 ounces (75%)

Length: 22 inches (95%)

Head: 15 inches (55%)

Luke is eating every 3 hours at 5 ounces a feeding. The same as his 4 month old friends. We're going to start cereal for his bedtime feeding in hopes to trick his appetite. He's gained 5 pounds and grown 2.5 inches. His 0-3 month clothing are super snug and he's into size 2 diapers. He'll be 18 before I know it.

. . . . . 

Sibling Comparison: 

John & Kate Visit Georgia!

Jack, Luke and I had very special guests this weekend! John and Kate came down from Jersey City for the 3 day Labor Day holiday weekend. We went to the Georgia Southern football opener (which was unbearably hot) and spent a lot of quality time with the boys.

Kate was also gracious enough to snap some great pictures of the boys!

See more on her blog at katenealphoto.com

6 Years & Going Strong

6 years ago we said 'I do!' Today we celebrate the good and bad: the hellos and goodbyes of 3 yearlong deployments, 2 homes, 5 jobs, welcoming 2 amazing sons and everything else big and small in between. We've taken each other on a wild ride and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. I love you, Bryan! Happy Anniversary!

A photo from our honeymoon in Fiji. Boy have we aged! It's amazing what a couple of kids, deployments and 6 years of marriage can do to someone!! ;)